MLB Season Preview: #22 New York Mets

Overview: The New York Mets are a franchise in turmoil. After many of their players were ravished by injuries last season, the Mets are looking to rebound. However, the team finds itself decimated of prospects, still struggling with injuries, and filled with veterans that are creeping past their prime.

Offseason Moves: As expected, the Mets made a splash on offense, bringing in OF Jason Bay. However, after spending most of their money on Bay, New York only made the minor moves of bringing in C Rod Barajas, OF Gary Matthews Jr., and Ps Kelvim Escobar and Ryota Igarashi.

Projected Lineups and Pitching Staff:

1. CF Angel Pagan (.306, 6 HR, 32 RBI) —— starting for injured CF Carlos Beltran (.325, 10 HR, 48 RBI)

2. SS Jose Reyes (.279, 2 HR, 15 RBI)

3. 3B David Wright (.307, 10 HR, 72 RBI)

4. LF Jason Bay (.267, 36 HR, 119 RBI)

5. RF Jeff Francouer (.280, 15 HR, 78 RBI)

6. 1B Daniel Murphy (.266, 12 HR, 63 RBI)

7. C Rod Barajas (.226, 19 HR, 71 RBI)

8. 2B Luis Castillo (.302, 1 HR, 40 RBI)

Backup C: Omir Santos (.260, 7 HR, 40 RBI)

Backup IF: Alex Cora (.251, 1 HR, 18 RBI)

Backup OF: Angel Pagan when Carlos Beltran returns from injury —-(stats above)

Backup OF: Gary Matthews Jr. (.250, 4 HR, 50 RBI)

1. Johan Santana (13-9, 3.13 ERA)

2. Mike Pelfrey (10-12, 5.03 ERA)

3. John Maine (7-6, 4.43 ERA)

4. Oliver Perez (3-4, 6.82 ERA)

5. Fernando Nieve (3-3, 2.95 ERA)

CP: Francisco Rodriguez (3-6, 3.71 ERA, 35 SV)

SU: Kelvim Escobar (0-1, 3.60 ERA)

SU: Pedro Feliciano (6-4, 3.03 ERA)

MR: Sean Green (1-4, 4.52 ERA)

MR: Ryota Igarashi (No stats in ’09)

MR: Tobi Stoner (0-0, 4.00 ERA)

LR: Nelson Figueroa (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

LR: Pat Misch (3-4, 4.48 ERA)

Player to watch: 3B David Wright has to have a rebound year offensively if the Mets have any shot this season. Putting up another 10 HR campaign cannot be done, as New York is already a lineup devoid of power due to both injury and talent.

Prediction: 65-97, 5th place in NL East

The Mets are a team that is already decimated in injury. They simply have zero power, and zero pitching. Even the Nationals will be a better club than the Mets this season. New York is one of two teams that will be experiencing a blow up after the season, meaning that the GM will be fired, and many of the players will be let go as the Mets will have to go back to the drawing board.