New York Mets

2009: 70-92 (4th)

So Long: P Lance Broadway, 1B Carlos Delgado, SS Ramon Martinez, P J.J. Putz, P Tim Redding, OF Jeremy Reed, C Brian Schneider, OF Gary Sheffield, OF Cory Sullivan

Welcome: C Rod Barajas, OF Jason Bay, C Hank White, P Kiko Calero, OF Frank Catalanotto, C Chris Coste, P Kelvim Escobar, P Josh Fogg, P Ryota Igarashi, 1B Mike Jacobs, OF Gary Matthews Jr., C Shawn Riggans

Projected Starting Lineup (courtesy of rototimes.com)

1. Jose Reyes*
2. Luis Castillo
3. David Wright
4. Carlos Beltran
5. Jason Bay
6. Daniel Murphy / Fernando Tatis
7. Jeff Francoeur
8. Omir Santos

*Not Anymore

Rotation - Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Jonathon Niese/Fernando Nieve
Setup - Kelvim Escobar, Pedro Feliciano
Closer - Francisco Rodriguez

It's hard to imagine this year being any worse for the Mets than last year was for them. Luckily, we don't have to imagine! Jose Reyes' leg has finally healed but now he has some sort of mysterious thyroid problem and won't be playing for at least the next month. At least this year he was kind enough to fall apart before my fantasy drafts. Fool me once...

Besides Johan (who is coming off of elbow surgery) their pitching staff is a nightmare. Maine has been lit up this spring in just 2 2/3 innings and Fernando Nieve and Jon Niese both allowed two earned runs in three innings Monday versus the Cardinals. They actively scouted Ben Sheets, Joel Pineiro, and Jon Garland but ended up with minor league deals for Hisanori Takahashi and Josh Fogg. That's like walking into a dealership expecting to drive home in a brand new Corvette and ending up with a Festiva and herpes.

Carlos Beltran hasn't yet had the opportunity to start playing after knee surgery but Gary Matthews Jr. and Angel Pagan have had a good spring thus far. David Wright continues to be the only bright spot on the team. My guess is it won't be enough to compete with the Braves and certainly not the Phillies.

PRESEASON AWARDS

If this team were a disease/ailment it would be: Last year the Mets suffered enough injuries to prompt many of the worlds greatest musicians to assemble their collective talents and remake Meet the Mets! in an effort to inspire their replacements and all the troubled fans. So, if I have to pick something it will have to be “earthquake”.

The Brewster's Millions award: The Mets signed Jason Bay to a four year deal with a no-trade clause for $66 million. Without any questions. Those questions could have included, "Will you please undergo an MRI?". I'm sure his knees will be fine given the crack training staff the Mets have on their payroll . Ready the leeches!

The 'What's that smell?' award: This will be the second year the club plays in their new digs. Despite residing next to acres and acres of landfill, it can't possibly smell as bad as the old Shea Stadium. Right?