Last Year: Just one year
removed from a World Series appearance, the Mets took a step backwards,
struggling around the .500 mark all year. The high expectations
that were never met spurred Steve Phillips to produce his biggest offseason
ever, trading for much-needed offense and revamping a struggling staff.Infield:
The terrible Mets offense has some new life. It all starts with Robbie
Alomar at 2nd base, where he will produce his usual 30 steals, 20 homers,
110 runs, and .330 average. With Alomar at the top of the order, look
for a more aggressive approach from these three players in the middle of the
order: Mo Vaughn, Mike Piazza, and Edgardo Alfonzo. Vaughn struggles
in Anaheim with a big injury and unfulfilled expectations led to the deal
that brought him to New York, where he will be expected to hit .280-40-120.
With the addition of Vaughn, the Mike Piazza at first base rumors have been
temporarily squashed. As a result, Piazza remains the best hitting
catcher in baseball, and should see increases in his stats to .310-45-110
this year. Also, Edgardo Alfonzo should benefit from the added
protection as he makes the adjustment to 3rd baseman. He has not fully
recovered from his injury of last year, but has the potential to get hot and
produce big numbers. Lastly, Alomar's double play partner, Rey Ordoņez,
will allow Robbie to turn similar double plays to the gems he turned with
Omar Vizquel in Cleveland.
Outfield: Roger Cedeņo's addition in left field adds more speed
and life to the top of the Mets order. His 66 steal season with the
Mets several years ago could be matched if he excels this year. In
right field is Jeromy Burnitz, the powerful slugger who struggles to reach
base and avoid strikeouts. He provides a great defensive arm, but will
need to raise a low average if he wants to truly benefit from the lineup's
talent. The lone holdover is Jay Payton in center field, where he will
be counted upon to provide the occasional big night and solid, flashy
defense in center.
Bench: Supersub Joe McEwing plays up to 7 positions, and
can be counted upon to spot start. 2000 playoff hero Timo Perez will
be looking for playing time in the outfield, and will get it should Burnitz,
Cedeņo, or Payton struggle. John Valentin will backup at SS and 3B.
Starting 5: Al Leiter slowly ages, but you wouldn't tell that from
his production. It's quite possible that he's the veteran getting much
better as he gets older, although he's suffering from a lack of run support,
as evidenced by only 11 wins despite a 3.31 ERA. Pedro Astacio has
finally escaped Colorado, and has the stuff to excel in the
pitchers-friendly Shea Stadium. Shawn Estes was added from San
Francisco, and the Mets are correct in thinking that Al Leiter will have a
good chance at turning him into the excellent pitcher that his potential
indicates he can achiveve. Steve Trachsel was ugly at the beginning of
last year, but has since found out his errors and looks like a solid #4
starter. Jeff D'Amico is the sleeper of the group, because he's always
been able to put up excellent numbers. However, his fragile physique
have led to many injuries in the elbow, and D'Amico would be unlikely to
make it through the whole year without landing on the DL once.
Bullpen: Armando Benitez's job should be a busy one with all the
additions this year. Benitez's stuff is simply nasty, and he is one of
the most feared closers in the NL. Scott Strickland is a very capable
and respected setup man. David Weathers will get a lot of chances to
keep games close, and lefty Mark Guthrie figures to play a crucial role.
The sleeper of the bullpen could be prospect Grant Roberts, who after being
converted from a starter, has shown a lot of talent at the big league level.
Conclusion: The key to this season will be health, because the
Mets are banking on a lot of older veterans to contribute a whole, good
season. Also, there will be even more pressure placed upon the team
than last year because of the high payroll. On paper, this team can
win the NL pennant and beat the Braves, but it will be difficult for the
Mets to stay healthy for a whole season.
