2008 New York Mets Baseball Preview

Last season, the New York Mets (88- 74) looked poised to take the NL East, and then they collapsed in the final two weeks, giving up a 7-game lead. So, what will these guys do for an encore?

The pitching staff looked mediocre and then the Johan Santana (15- 13, 3.33 ERA, 235 SO) deal was made. Suddenly, the Mets look like a contender again. Santana, a durable and first-rate starter, is just what the Mets need. Second is the wily vet Pedro Martinez (3- 1, 2.57 ERA, 32 SO), who saw limited action last season but looks ready to resume his duties. Righty John Maine (15- 10, 3.91 ERA, 180 SO) and Lefty Oliver Perez (15- 10, 3.56 ERA, 174 SO) had identical 15- 10 records last season. Maine has a fastball with good movement, while Perez has fine stuff but can have control issues. Lefty Billy Wagner (2- 2, 2.63 ERA, 34 SV, 80 SO, .216 BAA) is a tough as nails, two-pitch closer.

The Mets had strong hitting and a sound on-base percentage. They topped the NL in stolen bases with 200. SS Jose Reyes (.280 BA, 12 HR, 57 RBI) is a superior athlete with fine speed. Homeruns ring off the bats of CF Carlos Beltran (.276 BA, 33 HR, 112 RBI), 3B David Wright (.325 BA, 30 HR, 107 RBI) and 1B Carlos Delgado (.258 BA, 24 HR, 87 RBI). LF Moises Alou (.341 BA, 13 HR, 49 RBI), who was on the DL for two months, is an aggressive, clutch hitter.

New York turned a mere 124 double plays, making them last in that category. They finished tied for eighth in fielding. At first, Delgado’s defensive skills are minimal. The Mets’ outfield is average to below average. Catcher Brian Schneider is a solid, skilled and smart player.

GM Omar Minaya made one of the biggest deals of the off-season by landing Santana. The jury is still out on manager Willie Randolph. Now entering his fourth year, Randolph needs to get this club into the post season again and come up a winner.

Read more on the Mets other NL East division opponents, Philadelphia Phillies, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.

For more info on the Mets check out the MLB official page for New York.