New York Mets 2007 season preview

by Steve

The New York Mets in 2006 were one hit away from reaching the World Series for the first time since losing to the Yankees in 2000. One sick pitch by Wainwright and Carlos Beltran buckled like a mafia target getting shot in the knee. One more starter, one more lucky break, and the Mets were headed closer to another World Series championship. However, the 2007 Mets look poised to take another series crack at another ring. Here is a position by position break down:

Catcher
Paul Lo Duca returns after a magnificent 2006 in which he hit .318 in 512 AB's batting second behind Jose Reyes. Playing solid defensively behind the dish and threw out 27 of 84 trying to swipe a base. The Mets have a valuable back in Ramon Castro who will spell Lo Duca during the dog days of summer as Paul turns 35 in April.

First Base
Carlos Delgado returns to first looking to build on 2006 success mashing 38 dingers and 114 runs batted in. Delgado struggled at times reaching base and had a mediocre .265 batting average. However, his power numbers remained consistent when compared to previous seasons. Delgs is also turning 35 this season but shows little sign of slowing down just yet.

Second Base
A general concern surrounds the four hole on defense. Jose Valentine was brought back by Omar Minaya and his crew for 2007. Valentine played a solid if unspectacular 2b a season ago hitting .270 with 18 round trips and 62 rbi's. Having commited only 6 errors is a major reason the Mets brass likes JV, however turning 38 this year is a concern, further spelled by a lack luster end of the season clearly evident in September and continued through the post season. Young Anderson Hernandez could be a replacement however, the Mets aren't as high on this kid as some. Flashing a wicked glove and tearing up the Dominican Winter League for the second straight year, .387 this season, Anderson has the tools but has failed in opportunities in the Bigs. Look for Valentine to maintain the position until he proves otherwise.

Third Base
We'll keep this short, David Wright is a baller. At 24 D Wright continues to improve, posting career highs in OPS, RBIs, average, stolen bases, hits etc. Only potential concerns are his .160 average in the NLCS and a fat contract he signed late last year. Other than that expect him to continue pounding doubles and going the opposite way with two strikes.

Short Stop
Another young stud, Jose Reyes, could make any drool with his skill set. Running around the base path like few can and jump starting a Mets offense that without him can struggle. Hitting only .300 as a lead off man is of little concern, however his on base percentage is something any Met fan would like to see improved in 2007, look for Reyes to put up MVP like numbers again this season.

Left Field
For some unknown reason, Moises Alou 41, was brought in to replace fan favorite and power lefty, Cliff Floyd, who was oft injured in 2006 to roam in left. Alou, a consistent .300 hitter could add to the present power in the Mets line up if he stays healthy and avoids a mid life crisis. Speedster Endy Chavez remains an option in all three outfield positions if injury strikes.

Center
Carlos Beltran dispelled some beliefs that he could not hack it in a big town in 2006 mashing with 41 hr and 116 rbi. His defense is solid and its tough to blame him too much for the strike out in game seven last year. However, a concern is his .275 average with makes one wonder if he is only a 4 tool instead of 5 tool player.

Right Field
Again, another questionable call stems from a deadline deal in 2006 bring Shawn Green to the Mets and with it his contract paying him huge jack again in 2007. Green is coming off a routine 2006 and at 34, may not be starting every day in right field.

The wild card in all of this outfield talk is that of Lastings Milledge, who seems to be constantly rumored as a starter, as trade bait, and nothing else being jerked around a bit. Being left off the post season roster, messages of "Know your place rook" in his locker and being shipped between Norfolk and New York through out the season make it not very conducive to a productive season. Perhaps another half season of seasoning in the minors will inspire Milledge to live up to his potential, or maybe bring in some much needed pitching. Which leads us to the biggest question mark of them all...

Rotation
The Depth chart currently reads like this: Glavine, El Duque, Maine, Oliver Perez, Chan Ho Park then Pete. Pete aka Pedro Martinez, isn't schedule to pitch until at the earliest July, and the three four five spots in the rotation a literal rotation for much of the upcoming season. Word has it the Mets brass does not want to start the season with Mike Pelfrey in the starting five, leaving the option of AAA wide open. Phillip Humber probably a year away, Chan Ho Park an old 33, and the likes of Jorge Sosa, Schoeneweis Aaron Sele and Heilman likely starting out in the bullpen the Mets are extremely thin at starting pitching and are praying Pete can return 100%. Whatever 100% for Martinez is in 2007 is anybodies guess, but lets all hope Pelfrey continues to dazzle and finds him self in the show by May.

Bully
The NEW sandman of New York, Billy Wagner, is back coming off a solid '06 leaving no question at the closer role. However, a lasting injury to Duaner Sanchez and the a 50 game suspension to Guillermo Mota Randolph will have to rely heavily on the retreads already mentioned along with Feliciano, the lefty specialist, and Heilman to get the ball to Wagner, with Dave Williams filling in for long relief.

Outlook
It is tough to picture the Mets relinquishing their hold on the NL East with their powerful line up, but just like defense in football, pitching wins Championships, and until the Mets fill this hole don't hold your breathe for another ring just yet.