2007 New York Mets Baseball Preview

Over the last few years, Mets’ GM Omar Minaya has done some great wheeling and dealing, although some of which was gambling, he has put together one of the best teams in the NL. They’ve certainly got the hitters and their pitching is first-class.

LHP Tom Glavine (15- 7, 3.82 ERA) started in the majors in 1987 and has never been on the DL. Look to the iron man to be as strong and consistent as ever. On the other hand, Pedro Martinez (9- 8, 4.48 ERA), who has often occupied the rehab center, will be out for the first few months of the season. Righty Orlando Hernandez (11- 11, 5.10 ERA) has pitched in eight major league seasons and made it to the post-season each time. In the closing position, the Mets anteed up the cash to resign Billy Wagner (3- 2, 2.24 ERA, 40 SV) who proved to be the go-to guy in 2006. Having a great bullpen is often a stat overlooked by the baseball oddsmakers. The Mets pen is very good highlighted by solid middle and late inning relievers include lefties Scott Schoeneweis and Pedro Feliciano.

The team has added San Francisco’s Moises Alou (.301 AVG, 74 RBI, 22 HR) to their batting order and welcomes back power guys first baseman Carlos Delgado (.265 AVG, 114 RBI, 38 HR) and center fielder Carlos Beltran (.275 AVG, 116 RBI, 41 HR). Speedy SS Jose Reyes leads off (.300 AVG, 81 RBI, 19 HR, 64 SB); his play takes the Mets to a whole new level.

At .983, the club was average at fielding, but they had a tough time turning the DP. Behind the plate, Paul Lo Duca (.318 AVG, 49 RBI, 5 HR) is a sound presence.

Last season, manager Willie Randolph was dependable and positive, ably handling numerous crises situations. He’s quickly become part of a well-oiled organization headed by Minaya.

With a dominant pitching staff, one of the best infields in the league and hitting that goes on for days, the New York Mets look like a team that will be tough to beat.

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.