Mets mathematically eliminated from MLB playoffs

The Mets' season has long been over, but the books officially closed on their 2014 playoff hopes on Friday night.

New York is leading the Braves, but the second Wild Card-leading Pirates (83-70) beat the Brewers on Friday, giving Pittsburgh more win than is possible for the 73-80 Mets.

While the Mets received some pleasant performances, notably from Lucas Duda at the plate, Juan Lagares in the field and Jacob deGrom on the mound, they couldn't overcome their overall lack of talent, as well as some key injuries. Obviously Matt Harvey's absence is impossible to fill, but David Wright's insistence on playing through his shoulder injury resulted in one of his worst seasons in recent memory.

Their $11 million investment in Bartolo Colon wasn't a bad one, as he leads the team in innings pitched, but he hasn't been as good in New York as he was in Oakland, and GM Sandy Alderson wasn't able or willing to deal him at the trade deadline, thanks in part to the money owed to Colon next year. Zack Wheeler was a bright spot in the Mets rotation, though manager Terry Collins was routinely criticized for allowing Wheeler to rack up large pitch counts in games of little-to-no consequence.

Looking toward 2015, the Mets have some promise. Harvey will join a rotation that includes Wheeler, potential Rookie of the Year deGrom, Dillon Gee, Colon and possibly Jon Niese, not to mention prospect arms such as Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard waiting in the wings. There's clearly strength to deal from on the mound if the Mets want to bolster their lineup, though given the attrition rates of starting pitchers, it's understandable if they're reluctant. A healthy Wright, a resurgent Curtis Granderson, and some key offensive additions would go a long way toward a positive Mets season, though that is, in essence, building a brand new lineup, save for Duda.