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.
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