2009 New York Mets Baseball Preview

Ever since Omar Minaya was hired in 2004 as the New York Mets (89- 73) GM the team has been on a serious quest to win the World Series. But in that time, the club has been to the playoffs just once. That was in 2006. They didn't even make an appearance in the big series. Last year, despite winning 89 games, they lost out on the Wild Card to the Brewers by one game.

The starting rotation includes number one Johan Santana (16- 7 W/L, 2.53 ERA, .232 BAA) who utilizes a tailing fastball that turns at 90- 93 mph. Add to the mix the southpaw's changeup and slider and hitters find themselves instantly off balance. Mike Pelfrey (13- 11 W/L, 3.72 ERA, .276 BAA) offers a dominant 91- 96 mph power sinker that elicits ground balls. He also uses a slurvy slider and decent change. Power pitcher John Maine (10- 8 W/L, 4.18 ERA, .234 BAA) is a capable third starter. Look for newcomer Jonathon Niese, a young lefty, to get a chance at starting. The bullpen features workhorse closer Francisco Rodriguez (2.24 ERA, 62 SV, .216 BAA).

Jose Reyes (.297 BA, 68 RBI, 16 HR, 56 SB) leads off with an active bat and quick moves that allow him to steal at will. David Wright (.302 BA, 124 RBI, 33 HR) hits breaking balls and covers the plate nicely. Carlos Delgado (.271 BA, 115 RBI, 38 HR) and Carlos Beltran (.284 BA, 112 RBI, 27 HR, 25 SB) maximize their power, belting homer after homer.

Overall, the team's fielding is spotty. Wright, an astute, top-end defender, mans third base. The other corner features the fielding-challenged Delgado. At short, Reyes has fine range and an accurate and strong arm. At second, Luis Castillo is in decline. Catcher Brian Schneider is skilled and calls a fine game. Beltrane can be a top-notch centerfielder when he decides to play hard and stay focused. In right, Ryan Church is average, and in left, Fernando Tatis is clumsy at best.

GM Omar Minaya has signed a host of expensive, talented free agents and yet he has not been able to get this team over the hump. There's been concern over ownership. The Wilpon family, the owners, lost $300 million in the big Bernie Madoff investment scandal. Still, the family maintains that the team is not for sale. New skipper Jerry Manuel, who replaced Willie Randolph in mid-season last year, can roll with the punches.

This club has earned a reputation for choking. One reason for this is because they have spent so much money on so much talent and then come so close only to finish out of the money. In 2007, they gave up a seven game lead with 17 games left to go. In 2008, they lost the chance to appear in the post-season by going 1- 6 at home. This team has something prove but will they be able to do so?

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.