Here are your
2010 New York Mets
Starting Pitchers
Besides the Mets' Ace Johan Santana, the starting rotation for the Mets is average at best. John Maine is the Mets' number 2, and is rated 2.5 out of 5 by the Mets' Scouting Department. Besides looking mad smug, his control is something the Mets worry about. Mike Pelfrey is the former top prospect who is the Mets' number 3. His stuff is mediocre, but his movement and control are top notch when he is in the zone. When he gets a little shaken, he has command issues. Oliver Perez, a nemesis to Mets fans, is the number 4 starter. According to the scouting department, he is best suited for "the bullpen or a spot starter position," but not in the rotation. He lacks control and movement on his balls, leaving meatballs for any decent hitter. Jonathon Niese is the Mets hope for the future. With a 4 star potential, Niese could end up being the Mets #3 by June. He has good control, movement, and stuff, and when he is cranking, he can dominate.
Verdict: The Mets need to improve the rotation behind Santana. Niese is a young pitcher who the Mets hope will become a future #2, but Perez does not belong in a rotation, and Maine is not a #2
Relief Pitchers
Closing for the Mets this year will once again be Francisco Rodriguez. He is one of the best closers in the game today, but he struggles heavily with his control. He is known for getting himself out of jams that he creates in the 9th inning. Besides K-Rod, the Mets have a solid bullpen. Sean Green (not the outfielder), Pedro Feliciano, and newcomer Hisanori Takahashi are the leaders in the bullpen, with each of them capable of holding their own. Nelson Figueroa is back again as the Mets long reliever and spot starter, and could find himself stuck in the rotation in case of injury.
Verdict: Another middle reliver could be in store for the Mets, but at this point, the can survive as they currently are.
Catcher
The catcher position is one of uncertainty with the Mets. Since 2002, there have been 7 different opening day catchers with the Mets (Piazza, Wilson, Phillips, Piazza, LoDuca, LoDuca, Schneider, Santos, and Barajas), and this year is no different. Both start Rod Barajas and backup Henry Blanco are new to the Mets this year. Offensively, Barajas has some power, but after that, don't expect much. Defensively, he is above average, and will call a decent game for the Mets. Blanco has no upside offensively, but is a good defender. Both plays are good clubhouse players, and will add to the chemistry of the team, which could make it hard for the Mets to replace them.
Verdict: Needs upgrading as soon as possible, but the Mets need to pick the right player, as these two are well liked in the clubhouse.
1st Base
Daniel Murphy will become the Mets first baseman by the beginning of May, but while he is on the disabled list, Fernando Tatis will be the starting first baseman. Tatis is an average player. He will get some hits, some home runs, but won't wow you. Mike Jacobs will be his backup, and while he is a deep threat, his defense is below average. A poor man's Ryan Howard. A very poor man.
Verdict: Murphy will come back and help bolster this position. For how long? Who knows.
2nd Base
Luis Castillo is back again as the Mets 2nd baseman. Castillo is one of the better hitters for average on the team, and will be expected to bat around .300 on the year. Don't expect any home runs from him, but expect a lot of stolen bases from the speedy Castillo. His defense is spotty sometimes, but he gets the job done.
Verdict: The Mets have been trying to trade Castillo, but with Eckenrod at the helm, anything is possible. The Mets will have to give up a lot to get a better player.
Shortstop
Usually Jose Reyes place, Russ Adams will be the Mets starting shortstop until May, with Jose Reyes on the disabled list. Adams is a hard worker, but he just doesn't have the offensive or defensive skills to keep up as a starter. Don't expect Adams to stick around long after Reyes is back, as he should be released or demoted.
Verdict: Reyes owns this position for now.
3rd Base
David Wright is the face of the Mets. He is an above-average fielder, and has below-average speed, but can expect him to bat above .300 each season with 20+ home runs, and 100+ RBI's.
Verdict: Wright's until he retires.
Outfield
Right now, the starting CF Carlos Beltran will be out until June. In his place is Angel Pagan. After Beltran comes back, the odd man out will most likely be Francouer, who will split time with Pagan in RF. Bay is completely safe in LF, and hopes to continue to hit home runs even at the pitcher friendly Citi Field. Pagan and Francouer are the better defenders, but Bay can hold his own in the outfield.
Verdict: LF and CF are set. RF is split between two average players. Not a priority.
Manager
Jerry Manual is one of the better managers at handling his players. His other skills are just average. Though usually general managers like to clean house and bring in their own managers, Eckenrod has stated that he will keep the current staff on hand for the season.
Overall, the Mets are looking at weaknesses at SP, C, 1B, and possibly RF. SS and CF are not accounted as they are due to injuries.
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