I came away very impressed with the quality of fans who devote their time and affection to the Mets. Someday, some glorious day, Oriole Park will once again be filled with fans wearing Orioles colors who live and die with every pitch.
A thank you goes to my former co-worker Matt Rabinowitz for taking time out of his senior year at Georgetown to talk about the Mets. Much to our employer's dismay, Matt was always willing to discuss the Mets at length with me during our shared work shifts a few years ago.
His writing this article is proof that Oliver Perez hasn't killed him.
At least not yet.
The New York Metropolitans enter the 2009 season with a bitter taste in their mouths. For the second consecutive year, the team squandered an opportunity to make the playoffs, losing out to their newfound rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies. However, it’s a new era for the Mets as they open the year in Citi Field with Manager Jerry Manuel ready for his first full season at the helm. While question marks surface in several areas, this team just might have what it takes to finally claim a National League East title.
On the mound, there is no one better than Johan Santana. Despite the constant rumors you will hear about Johan missing Opening Day, I chalk this up partially to the New York media. In all likelihood, Santana will get his 30+ starts and give the production Mets fans are expecting from their ace. After Santana though, the waters become a bit murky. Newly resigned Oliver Perez continues to show flashes of brilliance in one instance, only to walk the ballpark in the next. With his new contract, he is now the official #2 in the rotation, and will have to be more consistent if the Mets expect to be in it come September. At the 3 and 4 spots, you have to like the combination of Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. Maine was a potential all-star last year, although his production dipped in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Big Pelf seems to be coming into his own in New York, as he is developing secondary pitches to accommodate his devastating fastball. The final starter spot is still open for debate. Currently, Freddy Garcia, Jon Niese, Livan Hernandez, and Tim Redding are all competing for the role. If Redding can get healthy, chances are he will take over, but I would not be surprised to see Livan every 5th day. He is an experienced innings eater who is looking to prove he’s still got it.
What was perhaps the weakest area for the 2008 Mets, may now be the strongest asset in 2009. Free agent acquisitions Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz could provide the greatest 1-2 punch in all of baseball…and by a substantial margin. Sure, we can discuss the rest of the pen, but at this point, all you need to know is, if the opposing team is trailing after 7 innings…fuggedaboutit.
Around the horn, this year’s team features its usual studs, but still some gaping holes. Jose Reyes will be the sparkplug for the offense. Whenever he gets on base, the Mets seem to put at least 1 on the board. Reyes’ unique combination of speed, power, and sheer talent makes him one of the best leadoff men in baseball and a sleeper pick for NL MVP. While some fans were clamoring for some added pop to the lineup (i.e. Manny Ramirez), they will go to the war with David Wright and Carlos Delgado at the corners. Wright is a five tool stud who can carry the team to victory on any given night. However, he has not shown a particular aptitude for clutch hitting, an issue that has plagued this team in the past. Carlos Delgado is quite possibly the biggest question mark of the year. Will we see the Carlos Delgado that struggled to surpass the Mendoza line at the start of the year, or the man that hit .340 over his last 25 games? Unfortunately, my vote goes to the former, and I would expect a huge dip in production, as well as a huge drop in the batting order for Mr. Delgado. At 2B, the Mets will look to either Luis Castillo or Alex Cora to step up. Castillo is a slap hitter who has trouble staying on the field, while Cora is much more intriguing. Expect Cora to be the starter by the all-star break, and perhaps round out the infield nicely.
In the outfield, the discussion starts with Carlos Beltran. You can write him down for .275, 30, and 100 right now, along with some stellar defensive play. However, like Wright, he is notorious for coming up empty when it counts, most noticeably when he left the bat on his shoulders during Game 7 of the NLCS against the Cards. Over in right field, big things are expected from Ryan Church. The former National looked good to start the year, but battled concussion issues all season long. Look for him to come out strong out of the gate. I also expect big things from Daniel “don’t call me Dan” Murphy. Daniel can flat out rake the ball, and while the Mets were hoping he could fill the void at the 2B, he remains in the outfield. Moreover, Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed, and potentially Angel Pagan, will provide some much needed depth on the bench.
Overall, this team is not the one you’ve seen in years passed. While much of their offense is still the same, their bullpen is vastly improved. Putz and K-Rod just might be enough to surpass the favored Phillies, and take home the NL East crown.
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