Put Up or Shut Up

The Mets have had their fair share of embarrassments in 2010, and the main culprits are back at it again.

Professional-smiler-turned-benchwarmer Jeff Francoeur and the second baseman who is currently dead last among NL starters at the position in batting average, OPS, extra base hits, and total bases, Luis Castillo, are chatting it up to the New York media about how they deserve to be treated like starting players.

After his walk-off hit Tuesday night, Castillo was visibly bitter with his teammates and manager Jerry Manuel, as he refused to even crack a smile as his team mobbed him in excitement after a win against the Marlins.

"I thought I would be playing tonight but I am not making the lineup. What is going on here? I don't know what he's doing," Castillo told the Daily News prior to Wednesday's game against Florida.

The aging second baseman, a mere shell of his former self, is standing firm in his position of wanting out of New York. "I think we will talk to them about that," Castillo said. "I need to be in a different kind of situation. I don't know what they want to do. I want an opportunity to play, and if it is here, then I am happy. If it is somewhere else, then that's what it is."

It's become obvious that Castillo views himself in a much higher regard than the manager, the entire organization, and the fanbase. As he continues to handcuff the club by simply being on the roster, rookie Ruben Tejada is the one suffering.

At 20 years of age, Tejada clearly isn't ready to face major league pitching. His defense has been stellar, however, and his so called, "rookie mistakes" have been minimal. With time and development, Tejada can very well be the future at the position for the Mets (don't tell that to Reese Havens), but frankly it's too early for Tejada to be an everyday player. But don't blame him or the team, blame Castillo.

In much the same situation as Castillo, outcast rightfielder Jeff Francoeur has also asked to be a starter, or traded.

“We want to play every day,” Francoeur's agent told the Newark Star-Ledger earlier this month. She continued, “We prefer to play in New York. But if we’re not going to play every day in New York, we absolutely welcome the opportunity to play every day somewhere else.”

Francoeur, who has mesmerized fans with his million dollar smile, rifle throwing arm, and spirited grit, is currently second to last in the MLB in batting average and slugging percentage, last in on base percentage and OPS (on base % + slugging %). In addition, no right fielder in the league has played as many games and has fewer total bases or extra base hits then Frenchy.

But through all of this, Francoeur, and some blinded fans, seem convinced that he is the future of the Mets.

This offseason, however, should bring new homes to both Francoeur and Castillo, and in doing so, they'll finally let the young talent and the entire organization function as it's meant to.

Alone on an Island

The New York Jets and their fans enjoyed an improbable run through the postseason last year. Their defense is what made it possible, as they stifled some of the league's best offenses. In the process, NFL fans everywhere took notice of a certain cornerback - Darelle Revis.

Revis, the Jets first round draft choice in 2007, had a solid first few seasons. However, Revis brought it to a whole new level in 2009 under first-year head coach Rex Ryan. Week after week, Revis would frustrate opposing wideouts and shut them down. He held players such as Andre Johnson, Randy Moss (twice), Chad Ochocinco, and Steve Smith of the Panthers to performances under 35 yards during the regular season.

2009 was Darelle's coming out party, and he only continued his dominance in the postseason. He shut down Chad Ochocinco for a second consecutive week in the AFC Wild Card round in Cincinatti, and treated Vincent Jackson to the same fate in the Divisional Round in San Diego. Even in the AFC Championship Game, where the Jets failed, Revis allowed the great Peyton Manning only two completions when throwing his way. Last season prompted the new phrase, "Revis Island", where no receiver comes out alive. Darelle Revis was quickly becoming the best cornerback in the NFL, and was only getting better

Fast forward to training camp 2010. When camp opened at SUNY Cortland in late July, Rex Ryan was chomping at the bit. And why not? Offseason acquisitions such as Ladainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Cromartie were ready to go. HBO's cameras were there ready to film their hit miniseries "Hard Knocks" featuring the Jets. Only one thing was missing from Gang Green - their best player.

Darelle Revis failed to report to camp due to a contract dispute with the organization. Darelle played like the best player in the league last year, and he knew it. Now, he wants to get paid like it.

The holdout of Revis continues to be the biggest story out of Jets camp at Cortland. In the most recent public report regarding figures, the two sides (GM Mike Tannenbaum and Darelle Revis and his agent) were a whopping $40 million dollars apart. Darelle's goal is to be paid more than anyone else who plays his position, because he, along with everyone else, knows he is the best in the business.

So now, three weeks away from the start of the season, Darelle is yet to show up. The Jets and their fans are now forced to face the reality of life without Revis. While Revis certainly makes them a better team, the defense is still one of the league's best, if not the best. What is more troubling to the Jets and their fans is Darelle's attitude. Jets fans, myself included, would like to think that every player is 100% committed to making a return trip to the playoffs and take home the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in over 40 years. However, Darelle is making it apparent that the green he cares most about is what he keeps in his wallet, not what he wears on Sundays. So worry not, All-Pro receivers. It's looking more and more like Revis Island is a place nobody will have to visit in 2010.

Missing: Mets Offense

24, 7, 17, 16.

Those are the scoreless innings streaks the Mets offense painfully slumped through during their most recent West coast roadie. They finished up the trip 2-9, scoring a grand total of 23 runs over the 11 games.

After falling to the Dodgers Thursday, New York has matched its low-water mark of 2010, standing 7.5 games behind first-place Atlanta. The loss was quite possibly the final straw for General Manager Omar Minaya, who wasn't at all reassuring of his current coaching staff.

When asked specifically if Mets coaches would be returning with identical roles when the team returns home this Tuesday, Minaya responded, "I don't want to talk about that. I feel everybody here is trying hard. I could tell you the staff is trying hard. If you ask me [about] the overall performance that has happened, of course I'm not happy. Nobody is happy."

When a reporter took another hack at prying a quote from the tight-lipped Minaya, the GM responded, "That's all I'm going to say."

A move that can be heavily anticipated is the firing of batting coach Howard Johnson, who can easily be called out as a scapegoat in this offensive dry-spell. But Minaya should not stop there.

A complete overhaul of the coaching staff is needed for the Mets to contend in 2010.

Along with the lack of hitting, the Mets have been victims of hideous starting lineups and putrid in-game managing.

Let's take a look at his ever-so-carefully-pieced-together batting orders before we pick apart his strategic abilities.

In today's loss in Los Angeles, the lineup card in the Mets dugout appeared like this:

1. Reyes SS
2. Castillo 2B
3. Wright 3B
4. Beltran CF
5. Bay LF
6. Davis 1B
7. Francouer RF
8. Thole C
9. Dickey P

Alright, let's organize the claims that can be made arguing this abominable lineup.

• Luis Castillo is batting second. Luis Castillo and his .242 batting average, 15 runs scored, and five extra base hits, batting anywhere in the order besides eighth is an ignominy. His asset to the Mets is making contact with the baseball, which, 70% of the time, he pounds into the ground, according to Fangraphs. His BABIP (or batting average on balls in play, for the non stat-nerds) is .250, the lowest it has ever been in his career, yet he is the second baseman everyday for the New York Mets.His defensive contribution goes as far as knocking down what's in front of him, and not much else. His range is diminished to virtually nothing after dual knee problems. He'll scoop up and execute nearly all routine plays perfectly, though.
• Next, Jeff Francoeur is in the starting lineup while Angel Pagan is on the bench. That sentence in itself is an absolute humiliation. Pagan has proven to be the team's most reliable player both offensively and defensively in 2010. Francoeur has proved to be the team's least reliable player, at the very least on the offensive end. Sporting an OBP of .299 after Sunday's loss, compare that to starter R.A. Dickey's .300 percentage, and you only begin to realize Francoeur's flaws as a baseball player. He swings at 61.4% of the pitches he sees this year. 43.7% of pitches out of the strike zone thrown to him, he hacks at anyway. Add that with the fact that he's batting as un-clutch as he ever has in his career, and it's obvious that he has no business being on this team.
• Josh Thole is not an eighth-spot hitter. In 17 games this year his BABIP is sitting at .478, with a .429 batting average (12-for-28). His OBP is over .500 and the rookie catcher is OPSing (OBP+SLG) a whopping 1.087. The argument could not only be made that Thole should be the everyday catcher, but the number two hitter in the lineup behind Jose Reyes.

But Jerry's lineup-assembly is only half of his managerial handicap. He's seemingly convinced that an out is not the single most valuable thing to the opponent. At the rate he sacrifice bunts, the Mets might as well start each inning with an out, and Manuel will be sure to give a free one away soon enough.

His use of the bullpen also exemplifies his genius, just ask Fernando Nieve. Who would've guessed that after nearly a half-season of being used everyday that his performance would eventually regress? Not Jerry, apparently. Nieve was designated for assignment last week and none other than Oliver Perez has been the go-to guy deep in the ballgame for Manuel.

Jerry's handling of injuries have been phenomenal as well. Especially in the case of Jose Reyes. Reyes injured his oblique taking BP in Puerto Rico against the Marlins. Manuel sat Reyes for the following few games, then proceeded to place him back in the lineup knowing he was not only less than one hundred percent healthy, but could not bat left-handed. After inevitably struggling, Reyes was dropped to second in the order before re-injuring the side on a throw from deep in the hole. Even then, Manuel was clueless. David Wright had to stop play and call out his manager to alert him of his ailing shortstop.

However, when arguably the most consistent starting pitcher this season, resurging knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, tweaks a leg muscle, Jerry's first instinct was to remove the cruising Dickey, who allowed only two hits and walked none through 70 pitches in today's game. Manuel allowed Dickey to stay in for two more batters, until he realized an odd throwing motion on Dickey's throw to first base to get the out. Dickey said he was fine, and knowingly held back because the opposing pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, was the baserunner. Manuel would hear none of it, and pulled out Dickey much to his dismay. The Mets lost the game as the bullpen allowed a run to cross the plate in the bottom of the eighth.

Mets fans can only hope Minaya acts swiftly in replacing the fool at the helm of the team.

As for the three comedically bad baseball players mentioned above, according to reports by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, they could be on their way out of New York. Rosenthal reports that Minaya has explored a trade with the Kansas City Royals, bringing up the names of Castillo, Francoeur, and Perez, in a possible swap for starter Gil Meche, reliever Kyle Farnsworth, and outfielder Jose Guillen. The salaries of the three on each side match up almost perfectly. Obviously we will hear more as we draw nearer to the July 31st trade deadline.

NBA Free Agency: 2010

It's what teams had been waiting for, for years. It's what teams had sacrificed success for. It's hijacked the headlines over championships. It's been a glimmer of hope for the bottom-dwellers of the NBA.

It's come and gone.

The madness that was 2010 NBA free agency has, for the most part, come to a conclusion. Now that the dust has settled, let's take a look at the events that have been so highly anticipated over the past few years, and based on drama, certainly did not disappoint.

As the clock struck midnight on July 1, teams wasted no time convincing free agents that their franchise was the one for them. The instant negotiations could begin, teams like the Knicks, who were desperate for a new beginning of sorts, were already in talks with free agents. For New York, the midnight discussions were with guards Mike Miller, Joe Johnson, and later a conference call with forward Amar'e Stoudemire.

The next day, however, was one of much greater importance for the locals. Both the Nets and Knicks had meetings scheduled in Akron, Ohio with new free agent LeBron James, who couldn't get enough of the spotlight. New Jersey's meeting was at 9 a.m. while the Knicks' followed them with a 1 p.m. gathering. Both teams reported the meetings went well and were encouraged with what they saw from James and his party.

The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat made their pitches to James the next day, and the Clippers and the only team that James has ever known, the Cavs, met with him the next day.

But the Knicks didn't wait on the "King" to decide.

Instead, the reached out to Stoudemire, whom they only spoke with over the phone before reports of a principal agreement emerged. The reports proved to be correct (as was rarely the case over the past few weeks) and the Knicks announced the signing of Stoudemire to a maximum 5-year, $97 million deal on Monday, four days before contracts could be signed.

The commitment was made.

Appallingly, however, LeBron James still managed to grope the headlines when he announced that night that his decision would be made public on July 8th during an hour-long special on ESPN, with a small portion of the proceeds being donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

So until July 8th, the spotlight shone brightly on (you guessed it) James, and only on James.

Reports here, sources there, all pointing in different directions. Chicago outlets had him going to the Bulls. Miami reports had him landing in South Beach. New York sources undoubtedly saw him joining Stoudemire with the Knicks. All while Cleveland people knew he was going to stay.

On July 7th, a key factor to James' ultimate decision was announced. Reports came out that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will team up in Miami and play for the Heat. Miami now had two All-Stars on their team, and one of the best in the game, in Wade. The Heat still had salary cap space to sign more free agents, but not enough to offer a max deal. Enough for one to suspect James wouldn't possibly choose Miami, right? Or if that wasn't enough, it's Dwyane Wade's house. He's said so himself. Could James, in the process of becoming recognized as one of the greatest to ever play, agree to ride in the back seat of Wade's car? The Heat have been his franchise for the past seven years, culminating with a championship ring in 2006.

Common sense told everyone that New York would be his choice. The opportunity to join Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010, and the ability for the Knicks to maintain cap space next summer to build an even stronger franchise was something that other teams simply could not offer.

Add that with the fact that the Knicks contingent held a second, "secret" meeting with LeBron's team just days before his decision to discuss New York's salary cap situation, and Knicks fans could see no other option than James joining Stoudemire to form potentially the greatest pick-and-roll combination ever.

Not to mention that James and personal advisors Maverick Carter and Randy Mims made a trip to New York the day before "The Decision," as it was promoted, was made, and the special would be filmed in Greenwhich, Connecticut, mere minutes from the Knicks practice facility.

James was even reportedly seen eating dinner in New York City with Stoudemire and former Knick Allan Houston.

Up to this point, all signs were pointing to Madison Square Garden as James' new home. That is, until slightly past midnight Thursday. That's when Newsday's Alan Hahn dropped the atomic bomb that spread across the country in minutes. Via Twitter, Hahn reported, "Multiple sources are telling Newsday that LeBron James has decided to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The new Big Three is here."

But it can't be. It makes no sense.

James would be taking less money and joining another player's team. He'd be kissing goodbye any chance he had at being compared to the greatest ever. He'd be taking the easy way out, joining two All-Stars. If he's leaving his hometown, why not come to New York, the mecca, where winning just one championship makes you a hero? But there's no way he's leaving in the first place! He's not making Cleveland watch a one-hour special on why he's leaving the city with absolutely nothing!

He couldn't rip his hometown's proverbial heart out on national television, could he?

Yes. He. Did.

In his hour-long "Decision", James announced he would "take his talents to South Beach, " and play for Miami next season.

Gone.

After seven seasons in Cleveland, and zero championships, James chose to move on from the city he's called home, abandoning the Cavaliers, a team that instantly morphed into a bad basketball team.

Seven seasons concluded with one long-drawn-out hour. An hour in which ESPN's Jim Gray was far from eager to get to the only question that the ten million viewers wanted the answer to. With questions such as, "Where's the powder, LeBron?" and "LeBron, are you still a nail-biter?" the presentation was almost laughable.

Did Kobe Bryant need an ESPN Special to announce he will be returning to the Lakers this season? What about Dwyane Wade? Maybe Kevin Durant should've contacted the network with plans of a live airing of a "ceremonial signing of the extension."

This attention-grabbing stunt that LeBron James pulled was bad for everybody involved. It made ESPN look even worse than usual. It made Jim Gray seem like an idiot because of the format that the network likely demanded he asked the questions in. And most importantly, LeBron James made himself the most hated man in the NBA in an hour.

But Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert managed to overtake James on the Stupidity-Scale.

Hours after James made his decision public, Gilbert released a letter to the fans via the Cavs' website. In this letter he described James' actions by using the words, "cowardly betrayal" and referring to James as the "self-entitled former king." Gilbert made a guarantee to the fans, saying (with caps lock on), ""I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE"

Gilbert succeeded at handling this in the only manner worse than James handled it. Congratulations, Dan.

With LeBron James crossed off the Knicks' list of possibilities, Donnie Walsh didn't wait long to pull off "Plan B".

David Lee was sent to Golden State in a sign-and-trade deal for forwards Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf, guard Kelenna Azubuike, and a draft pick. Lee's new contract is worth $80 million over six years.

Saying goodbye to Lee is difficult for Knicks fans to do, but Walsh managed to get three bodies and a draft pick for him, all while not locking the Knicks into any more long-term contracts.

In Randolph, New York gets a potential star. Standing at 6'11" with a slim build, he's been compared to Kevin Durant. He has the ability to score and block shots at a superb rate.

Ronny Turiaf is a defensive monster with scoring ability. He'll contribute on the defensive end by blocking shots and shutting down the opponent's big offensive threat.

Kelenna Azubuike is a fourth-year guard out of Kentucky. He was born in London and has Nigerian and British roots. He's a deadly shooter who plays lock-down defense, and will thrive in Mike D'Antoni's system.

The Knicks were also left without a point guard after Chris Duhon signed in Orlando following two sub-par seasons in New York. Ray Felton was signed in his place, accepting a two-year offer from Walsh and the Knicks. Felton ha been the starting point guard on the Bobcats for the majority of the past five seasons. He describes himself as a "warrior" and is excited to get a chance to play under Mike D'Antoni as well.

As the Miami Heat formed their super-team, Donnie Walsh and the Knicks are forming a team built to beat the new powerhouses of the east. With enough cap space to offer a maximum contract in both of the next two offseasons, the possibilities are endless in New York City. As Amar'e Stoudemire put it:

The Knicks are back.

Minaya, Mets Righting the Ship

The open of the 2010 season had many fans of the New York Metropolitans up in arms.

The starting first baseman and clean-up hitter was none other than Mike Jacobs. Gary Matthews, Jr. was the starting center fielder. Sean Green, coming off a career-worst season in many respects, was in the bullpen. Frank Catalanotto was the team's prime pinch hitting option, instead of Chris Carter, who displayed his offensive prowess during Spring Training. Phenom first baseman Ike Davis was in Triple-A, as Atlanta Braves prospect Jason Heyward, held in much the same regard to that organization, was making the Turner Field outfield his new stomping grounds. Manager Jerry Manuel attempted to transform one of the league's best leadoff men into 3-hitter. Angel Pagan was being placed 6th or lower in the lineup on a nightly basis, even after proving that he can be an asset to the top of the order with his high OBP and low strikeout numbers. And finally, top starting pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia, 20, was facing major league competition, but as a reliever. Not only was Mejia's stamina being negatively effected, but Manuel demanded that Mejia only throw his fastball--stunting the development of the secondary pitches he will need as a starting pitcher as his career develops.

Soon, however, GM Omar Minaya and Manuel started to wake up.

As the first week of the season concluded, so did Gary Matthews' career as a starting major league outfielder. Angel Pagan assumed his duties and hasn't relinquished them since.

After appearing in one game for the Mets in April and allowing a home run, Sean Green was placed on the Disabled List with a "right side injury". He is yet to resume baseball activities.

Next, after 7 games, 7 strikeouts, and a .208 clip, Mike Jacobs was designated for assignment. Days later, 23-year-old Ike Davis was called up from Triple-A Buffalo. Davis has been the starting first baseman ever since.

The bench that consisted Frank Catalanotto (batting .160), and Gary Matthews (.190) was eventually broken up. Catalanotto was DFA'd in favor of Chris Carter, who adds a tremendous amount of pop off the bench. Catalanotto retired just days later. Gary Matthews also was DFA'd in June, and career minor leaguer Jesus Feliciano was recalled to take his place.

After 20 games, the "Jose Reyes Batting Third" mission was aborted by Jerry Manuel. Reyes hit just .207 and sported an OBP of just .253 in 82 at bats. Upon returning to the leadoff spot on May 15, he's batted .337 with an OPS of almost .900. The leadoff pep is back in his step.

"I am home." Reyes said.

With Luis Castillo on the Disabled List, the 2-hole was no longer being held hostage, and Angel Pagan was able to grab a hold on it June 2nd, and has remained there since. He has batted .300 since the move.

The most recent, and arguably most important, of the slue of corrections made by the Mets before the halfway point this season is the demotion of pitcher Jenrry Mejia. Mejia appeared in 30 games in relief this season. His lack of control proved to bite him on a few occasions, but Mejia was one of the most reliable arms in the pen during his time in New York.

Omar Minaya made the move after losing 4-0 to the Yankees Sunday. He explained to the media later that night, “We just felt that it was the right time to get him down there and continue his development,” he said. “He’s done very well here. We see him long-term as a starter.”

Mejia was pleased with the move as well.

"It's not like they're sending me down because I didn’t do my job. I want to be a starter.", Mejia commented after learning of the move.

It's no secret the Mets are looking to bolster their rotation with hopes becoming the team to beat in the National League East division. The question now begs to be asked.

Is Mejia being sent down and converted to a starter to showcase him to other teams?

Other teams certainly have interest in Mejia. Will Omar Minaya be willing to part with the 20-year-old top-prospect in order to win in 2010? Will the Mets be able to land a top starter in New York without dealing Mejia?

Minaya and every Mets fan would be elated with a playoff appearance in 2010, it would be the team's first since the magical 2006 season. But trading away the franchise's largest chip at age 20 could prove to be detrimental to the future.

Five Games In: Mets Show Positives, Negatives

Five games into the 2010 season, the New York Mets have shown that they will have no problem competing, but at the same time, there is still room for improvement.

The 2-3 Mets have drastically improved their offense from the woeful 2009 lineup. Power is now looking to be an advantage for the Metropolitans, as newcomer Rod Barajas just recently enjoyed a two-home run performance, as did Jeff Francoeur, who looks to excel in his first full season in New York.

Free agent acquisition Jason Bay has also displayed outstanding offensive output. He has already taken advantage of the vast outfield in his new home ballpark; he shot a liner all the way to the left-center field wall on Opening Day for his first triple of the season.

A resurgent David Wright has already shown a new and improved approach offensively. His stance is slightly altered in 2010. He is standing a tad more bent at the knees, and his arms are noticeably lowered. Wright's first at-bat of the season resulted in a home run to right field. He has also put up considerably better at-bat's than he did last season; he has walked six times in the first five games.

The new David Wright now looks to pull the ball with power. Coming off a season in which he hit only ten homers, Wright realized change was needed. He participated in rigorous off-season weight training, and has greatly strengthened his upper body. Look for him to return to form as a vaunted home run threat this season.

Right fielder Jeff Francoeur has performed excellently thus far in 2010. He is hitting the cover off the ball, batting .444, but more importantly sporting an OBP of .500. He has walked three times in the opening two series of the season (Francoeur totaled 23 base-on-balls last season). He has smashed two home runs, and his overall approach appears better than ever.

On April 10, the Mets received some help they desperately will need in order to compete in 2010. Shortstop Jose Reyes returned to the lineup after thyroid issues delayed his season debut by about a week.

In his debut, Reyes went 1-for-4 at the plate, crushing a line drive back up the middle in the 9th inning for a single. He was shaky in the field, as one could expect after an 11-month hiatus from the game, however he did flash some leather in the 8th inning of the game against Washington, barehanding a hopper up the middle and tossing to first to get the out.

More help is on the way for the Mets.

Center fielder Carlos Beltran is recovering from late off-season surgery on his injured knee, and expects to return to the team by May. His bat and glove will be warmly welcomed to the lineup.

The return of the all-star outfielder will likely make the members of the current platoon expendable. Both Gary Matthews, Jr. and Angel Pagan have handled center field duties well so far, but once Beltran returns, only one will be needed, and presumably neither will accept a minor league assignment. It will be intriguing to watch how these circumstances unfold in the coming months.

The Mets' current first base situation is imperfect to say the least. After Daniel Murphy suffered a sprained MCL in the latter portion of Spring Training, the starting job was left to returning Met, Mike Jacobs.

Jacobs, along with aging Fernando Tatis, have combined for not much offense (the two combine for a .182 average so far in '10), and just as little defense. With slugger Ike Davis waiting in the wings, it will be interesting to see how patient the Mets will be with the situation.

The starting rotation for New York has been expectedly unstable thus far. Ace Johan Santana looks to restore his position as baseball's best after an injury-shortened 2009 season.

The rest of the staff has been consistently inconsistent.

John Maine started the second game of the season for the Mets, and did so terribly. In just five innings of work, Maine gave up four runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and walked one.

The following night, rookie Jon Niese, yet another Met returning from injury in '09, pitched well. He also got through six innings and allowed three runs on eight hits, while striking out three. Niese displayed his curveball, which remains his go-to pitch.

Mike Pelfrey took the mound the following night. He went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, and a K:BB of 4:4. Nothing lights-out, but solid.

Then the unpredictable Oliver Perez took the mound.

For the first few innings Perez appeared locked in. But little by little, the wheels started coming loose, and after two 2-RBI hits by Willy Tavares, Perez was rattled. He finished with 101 pitches in just 5.2 innings. He allowed four runs on four hits but walked four. Perez struck out six in a losing effort.

The Mets' bullpen has shown thus far to be the team's strong point. Closer Fransisco Rodriguez (and his goggles that took 2009 off in favor of contact lenses) has saved both of his team's victories this season and has looked outstanding.

Fernando Nieve, who lost out on the final spot in the rotation to Niese, has surprised everyone and is now the Mets best relief asset. "Fred Snow" (English translation) has yet to allow a run this season in four relief innings, while surrendering only two hits. Look for him to jump in the rotation should any problems arise with one of the men that won a starting job over him.

20-year-old phenom Jenrry Mejia has looked sharp aside from his first few minutes in the big leagues. In that first appearance, the young Dominican allowed several liners, as his heaters sat right over the heart of the plate, waiting to be tattooed by Marlins hitters. However, Mejia dug himself out of the hole nicely, escaping that inning with only one run. He is yet to allow a hit since.

Keep in mind that Mejia is a starting pitcher by trade, and the Mets plan on him starting games for them in the future. Some worry that his relief duties of 2010 may stunt his growth as a starter. It is a very valid argument. This situation is shaping up to be eerily similar to that of Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain when he was first fist-pumping the Yankees to victory in the summer of 2007. Time will only tell how this situation will play out.

The Mets have improved greatly, and they couldn't afford not to after the disaster that was 2009. The offense is now a strength, and the bullpen so far appears solid.

But the Mets this season, will live and die by their rotation.

Are their current five enough to keep them afloat? Or will a move need to be made for a starter to keep the team in contention? Again, time will only tell.

2010 MLB Preview: Mets

With Opening Day just a few weeks away, hope springs eternal for the New York Mets and their reccently tortured fans. These last four off-seasons for Mets fans may very well have been the most difficult for any baseball fan to endure. After heartbreak, collapses, and a rash of injuries, Mets fans need something to look forward to in the upcoming 2010 season.

Here's the obvious thing to look forward to- the addition of a perennial All Star left fielder, Jason Bay. Bay brings a power threat to Citi Field, something the Mets sorely lacked in 2009. Their lack of power came at a bad time, when they first moved in to their expansive new home. The size of the stadium can't be an excuse, home runs need to be hit no matter where you're playing. Jason Bay also adds a veteran presence and a fresh outlook to a clubhouse where the past is something that needs to be forgotten.

The Mets problems last year were certainly mainly caused by injuries. However, that is certainly no excuse to play the way they did. The New York Mets can return to their 2007 form (pre- collapse) if they play fundamentally sund baseball, and stay healthy. However, this has already proved a problem with the club this spring. Carlos Beltran will miss at least 3 weeks to start the season, rehabilitating his surgically repaired knee throughout late March and April.

A bigger concern for the Mets, however, is the long-term health of their young All Star shortstop, Jose Reyes. His imbalance in thyroid levels are not only a problem for the Mets' short term success, but Reyes' long term well-being. Hopefully for Reyes and the Mets, he gets back in a short time and is back to normal in a few weeks, as New York will need Jose Reyes' speed at the top of the order if they plan on competing with Philadelphia.

There are a few bright spots in Mets camp this spring that have potential to greatly effect the team as early as this season. First baseman Ike Davis, the team's first round drsaft pick in 2008, has proven to be a dominant offensive force. He has slugged his way onto the radars of many Mets fans and will presumably be a New York Met by the end of 2010. He has shown the ability to hit mammoth home runs, something that could be potentially vital to the Mets in '10.

Another young gun to look out for this season is pitcher Jenrry Mejia. The 20-year-old Dominican has pitched in two minor league seasons and is looking to be a future ace for the Mets. Throughout his career, he has prominantly been a starter, but manager Jerry Manuel is considering using Mejia as the team's set-up man in 2010, an experiment that could potentially stunt his growth as a starting pitcher. There is no doubt that Mejia can successfully pitch out of the 'pen, but his growth as a starter is what is undoubtedly at stake here. Mets fans can only hope that the right decision will untimately be made.

Middle infielder Ruben Tejada may also get a call to the majors this season. He has shown great hitting ability along with remarkable range in the infield. Tejada may expect a call to the Mets if Luis Castillo reverts back to 2008 form.

The New York Mets and their fans no doubt will have an entertaining season to look forward to. The Mets are a talented team full of potential. Their core of returning veterans such as Frankie Rodriguez, Johan Santana and David Wright will provide energy and great play all year. Many question marks remain for the 2010 campaign, however. Will the rotation be able to get it done? Will they have a solid eigth inning reliever to serve as a bridge to K-Rod? And most importantly, can they avoid injuries? Nobody knows the answer to these questions but regardless, Mets fans will undoubtedly have an exciting season to watch.

Predicition 85 wins; 2nd place in the NL East; fight for Wild Card berth.

-Contributions were made by both James Stumper and Jack Dorn.