Dear 2016 New York Mets,

Not the result we expected but a good one nonetheless. You made the playoffs despite being 60-62 by the time August rolled around. After last year's World Series loss you were looked at as the new favorites after acquiring Neil Walker, James Loney, Asdrubal and keeping Yoenis Cespedes. Once again, plagued by injuries we didn't get as far as we could have, but I'm still very proud of you guys.

Those injured throughout the season: Yoenis Cespedes, David Wright, Neil Walker, Lucas Duda, Juan Lagares, Travis d'Arnaud, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Zach Wheeler (Still), Jacob deGrom and others. They're not no-name players. These are stars who got injured at some point and either came back at some point or not at all. For those still injured, do whatever it takes to fully recover. We don't need you getting re-injured next season. We want you healthy not just for baseball but for your family and loved ones. All of these injuries added up to big games lost, but it set up opportunities for young guns to make their way into the big leagues.

With an injury-plagued lineup, Terry Collins and the rest of the Mets management had to do some searching. Luckily, we were blessed to have young guys come up and fill in for us. Younger players like TJ Rivera, Ty Kelly, Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo, Brandon Nimmo and Matt Reynolds. You guys jumped onto a team where the expectations are high, the city is loud and they WILL let you know if they don't like you. However, the depth of this organization is absolutely incredible and I can't thank you guys enough for stepping up in a big way on a big stage.

To the bullpen. Ups and downs throughout the year, but solid overall. Addison Reed, great job setting up for Familia in the ninth inning. And yes, Familia, we had some bumps in the road. However, we drive over the bumps so we can learn to appreciate the smooth road. The best is yet to come. Jerry Blevins, you were called on a lot especially towards the end of the season so thank you for staying strong. To the rest of the bullpen; Henderson, Edgin, Gilmartin and the rest of the crew did a great job and has improved a lot over the past few years.

To the entire organization as a whole, I have to applaud the way you handled this season. After losing the World Series last year you guys came out this year and said, "We're going to learn from last year and try to improve this year." For those who stayed healthy like Bartolo Colon, James Loney and Kelly Johnson thank you for being there when we needed you (Cue the "Friends" theme song). Unfortunately, with too many injuries a return to the World Series was not in the cards for the Mets this year. 2017 is going to be a great year!! With the return of key players like Wilmer Flores, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and David Wright Major League Baseball has a new sheriff in town!!

Sincerely,

Justin Michel, A Mets Fan For Life