Why are Mets fans so calm?

We haven't even been in spring training for a full month yet, and already 12 players who you figure would make the Major League roster are nursing injuries. Some are going back to New York for MRIs and CT scans, some are hobbling around the clubhouse unsure of when they'll be back on the field, and of course the old guys keep crumbling.

So why is no one panicking? I don't want to say I represent the die-hard Mets fan, but I feel most share my feelings and current optimism about the team, even if injuries are coming left and right. There's a memorable scene in "Seinfeld" from season 3 that explains the feeling of a Mets fan before the season begins.

"Seinfeld" - Season 3, Episode 13, The Subway

Naked Man on Subway: They still have no pitching, Gooden's a question mark. You don't recover from those rotator cuff surgeries so fast.

Jerry Seinfeld: I'm not worried about the pitching, they got enough pitching. They got no hitting.

Naked Man on Subway: No, they got hitting. Bonilla, Murray. They got no defense.

Jerry Seinfeld: Defense, please. They need speed.

Naked Man on Subway: Speed? They've got Coleman.

Jerry Seinfeld: They need a bullpen.

Naked Man on Subway: Franco's no good?

Jerry Seinfeld: They got no team leaders.

Naked Man on Subway: They got Franco. What they need is a front office.

Jerry Seinfeld: But you gotta like their chances.

Naked Man on Subway: I love their chances.

That very attitude which existed before the 1992 seasons, one of the worst Mets teams ever, is always carried. No matter how good or bad the team is, the fans will always love their chances. It's that simple.

So what, am I supposed to be freaking out because Moises Alou is expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks? No. And chances are that turns into 8 weeks. Should I be panicking to get a first baseman because Carlos Delgado has a balky hip? Well I won't be. Not now.

Nothing has gone smoothly since arriving to camp. Nothing. But as Mets fans we will not begin to worry. The fact of the matter is that we will absolutely always believe in this team, whether the stars are Ty Wigginton and Jason Phillips or David Wright and Jose Reyes. There is a certain faith that exists in Mets fans, even at the worst of times.

Delgado, Alou, Marlon Anderson, Ryan Church, Brian Schneider, Duaner Sanchez, Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez, Luis Castillo, Ruben Gotay, Jose Valentin, Orlando Hernandez. There's the list. And that list can be topped by the ongoing questions about Pedro Martinez being able to stay healthy. It doesn't phase me. None of it.

Look at the bright spots. Pedro's happy adjusting as the team's No. 2 starter. Johan Santana is enjoying things at Mets camp. Beltran is speaking up finally. David Wright and Jose Reyes seem more mature than ever. Oliver Perez was kept happy by getting his money. John Maine didn't throw a fit like other young players (ie. Cole Hamels) and did not oppose his contract renewal. Mike Pelfrey looked solid in his first outing. Aaron Heilman finally seems accepting of his bullpen role. Things have been just fine.

So really, I'm not worried, and no Mets fan should be. This team is going to be good. All these little nicks and nacks will work themselves out. 2008 will be a fun year, so don't allow yourself to get caught up with negative reactions swarming from the media due to Mets injuries. It's no big deal. Come see me on March 17.

But for now, just enjoy baseball being back. We're 25 days away from Mets opening day. Everything will be set according to plan.

I want to wish everybody a Happy Pedro Day. Pedro Martinez will be on the mound tonight at 7:05 as the Mets take on the Nationals in spring training action. The game will only be available on MLBtv and MLB.com Gameday Audio.