New York Mets May Not Be As Bad As Many Predict

As the 2011 regular season gets underway for the New York Mets today, it’s a season of uncertainty. The uncertainty starts with ownership and comes all the way down to the players on the field. What kind of Mets team will fans see this season?

While many are predicting this to be a bad team that finishes in the lower half of the National League East division, that may be uncalled for. There is plenty of talent on the roster.

Position players like Jose Reyes, David Wright, Angel Pagan, Jason Bay, and Ike Davis give the lineup enough balance to compete.  Josh Thole and Brad Emaus can hold their own as well. If Carlos Beltran can stay healthy in right field, that provides an additional boost.

This is a lineup with speed and power, while also having players that can hit for high averages. The New York Mets will score runs.

The uncertainty is health. Jason Bay is starting the season on the DL and will miss about two weeks. Beltran is a consistent health concern. Reyes has been injury prone as well. The Mets need these players to remain healthy and in the lineup this season.

Pitching is another concern but may not be quiet as bad as some think. Adding Chris Capuano and Chris Young to the starting rotation should help. The two appear to be healthy and had pitched very well in spring training. While Johan Santana begins the season on the DL, the Mets return Mike Pelfrey, Jonathan Niese, and R.A. Dickey. Sure, it’s not the leagues best rotation but one that should be able to win games.

While I expect the lineup and starting rotation to be just fine, the bullpen and bench depth may warrant a concern. Willie Harris and Scott Hairston do provide some outfield help. Hairston could contribute some power off the bench. Harris will likely start in left field while Jason Bay is on the disabled list.

The backups in the infield are not that strong. Daniel Murphy while having a decent bat, leaves a lot to be desired with the glove at second base. Chin-lung Hu also made the team as a backup infielder.  Catching depth is very thing as well as Mike Nickeas mans the backup spot.

The bullpen is once again anchored by closer Francisco Rodriguez. If he can keep his temper in check, Rodriguez is a very good ninth inning guy. After him, names like Bobby Parnell, Blaine Boyer, D.J. Carrasco, and Taylor Buchholz are unlikely to put fear into any opponent. Tim Byrdak is the lone lefty in the bullpen.

Of course, the biggest issue surrounding this team may be the potential distraction of ownership. The Wilpon’s are dealing with some well documented legal issues. You have to hope it does not become to much of a distraction for the team but it may be hard to do while the media is likely to continue asking questions about it. As soon as the team struggles, it will likely be drawn to the uncertainty with ownership. While not fair, that’s how the media works, especially in New York.

Mets fans may just be surprised this season. The team should stay competitive despite being in a tough division with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Florida Marlins. The Washington Nationals are an improving ballclub as well.

The New York Mets do not appear to be a team that will win the division, but this team is still built to compete and may surprise some people this season. It all starts today as they take on the Marlins in Florida at 7:10pm.