VIDEO VAULT: Fire Sale as Mets Meltdown Begins

The New York Mets appear headed in a deep, downward spiral, and South Shore Press Sports Director Tom Barton believes recent trade rumors suggest the club may be preparing for a major sell-off.

Barton joined South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw to discuss what the reports mean for the franchise and whether the organization has reached rock bottom.

Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, you're doing great. The Mets aren't. What's going on with what looks like a fire sale?

Tom Barton: That's exactly what it looks like. Reports say the Mets are in sell mode. Nobody would be surprised if veteran players are moved, but what caught my attention was the report identifying several young players as untouchable. That suggests Francisco Alvarez could be available, and that's surprising considering the organization once viewed him as a franchise cornerstone.

Mychajliw: Does that really come as a surprise? The team has struggled, and sometimes you have to plan for the future.

Barton: It does because the Mets rarely admit they made a mistake. Trading a player they invested so heavily in signals a major change in direction. They probably won't receive full value, and they may even have to absorb part of a contract. That's unusual for this organization.

Mychajliw: As a Yankees fan, do you feel bad for Mets fans?

Barton: Not really. I feel for fans who understand their team has problems. Too often, Mets fans believed every blockbuster signing meant a championship was coming. The expectations never matched the results, and now reality has caught up.

Mychajliw: Have the Mets hit rock bottom?

Barton: Not yet. There are still talented young players to build around, especially on the pitching side. I like the foundation they have with several of their prospects. But I never liked some of the long-term contracts they've handed out, and I'm not convinced they'll age well. The future isn't hopeless, but there could still be more painful decisions before the Mets are ready to contend again.