The failure happened despite the National League's highest payroll, roughly $140 million. The Mets squandered a 3 1/2-game division lead with 17 to play. Last year they squandered a seven-game division lead with 17 games left.

"I think it was part of my responsibility to not let things like this happen," third baseman David Wright said. "I, along with the other guys in here, failed to make sure we finished strong and get to the playoffs."

Injuries certainly took their toll on the Mets. The loss of closer Billy Wagner, who required Tommy John surgery, sent an unsettled bullpen into complete upheaval. Right fielder Ryan Church didn't perform at his first-half level after finally putting symptoms related to two concussions behind him. The Mets also lost John Maine from the rotation because of a bone spur behind his right shoulder that required surgery two days after the season, requiring starts from rookie Jon Niese down the stretch.

Among the team's looming free agents, Oliver Perez poses the most difficult decision for the Mets. He's likely to command a four- to five-year deal and is represented by agent Scott Boras, but the Mets otherwise have only three established starters -- Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and Maine -- under their control. They'll also look to trade second baseman Luis Castillo, whom they signed to an ill-advised four-year, $25 million contract last winter. Relievers Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis also will be heavily shopped.

GM Omar Minaya, whose contract was extended through 2012 (with team options for the following two years) despite leading the team to just one postseason appearance in his four years at the helm, said he wouldn't rule out anything this winter.

But with only four large contracts coming off the Mets' books -- Pedro Martinez ($11 million), Moises Alou ($7.5 million), Orlando Hernandez ($6.5 million) and Perez ($6.5 million) -- they'll need to be creative to hold the line on payroll.

"You have to start off by saying to yourself, 'Be open to everything,'" Minaya said.