What's the best mindset to go into this season with if you're a Mets fan? Low expectations, and I mean rock-bottom low. Act like you're a Royals fan and watch the Minor League games because that's what your team gets in return for their stars that they can't "afford" anymore. Just a crop of more future stars that you get to watch play in the MLB for Kansas City for about 4 years and then be shipped off so you're club can maintain it's $28M payroll and cash in a nice $30M profit annually of TV revenue alone.
The Mets have a lot of potential, and I use that term loosely. They aren't a team to beat, but on the contrary they are a team that has to beat those who are the team to beat. Yeah, very simple knowledge I guess but you'd be shocked how many people have told me they don't get what I mean by "They are't a team to beat." You have good stars and a $140M payroll. Players like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Jason Bay can all be exceptional and productive as long as they remain healthy. What matters most is how the new rotation guys will pan out and how the spring training competition at 2B will result. The Mets need Daniel Murphy to win that job. They do not need a young player coming from AA making a "splash" and end up spending 3 months starting and batting a .192 average with 0 HRs, 9 RBIs and 74 strikeouts vs 11 walks. They need someone like Murphy who has the potential bat but just needs the experience. He's been unfortunate to be thrown in LF, which was never his strong position, then to platoon at 1B, and now have to learn how to play 2B. And evidently I recall telling people 1 year ago that Daniel would be best suited at 2B due to the lack of talent at that position throughout the entire league and that he fit the body type to play that position.
I read one scout's remarks of Jason Bay's swing in 2010 where he really struggled to hit the long ball, and the Scout basically said that he was bringing his hand more over the top and probably was trying to hit for average while still maintaining most of his power. Look, if my team is paying you $16M I don't care if you bat a .240 average. If you can hit 30+ home runs and drive in 110 RBIs I'm perfectly happy with you as the cleanup hitter.
Similar thing goes for Beltran and Reyes. Both are good leaders and really bring the team together, when they are healthy. Reyes needs to just unleash the beast from within and go on a killing spree out there just stealing every base, stealing home plate, making great defensive plays, etc. If he can get on track during this contract-year, he can really give this club a solid shot of contending for the Wild Card. Beltran has to stay healthy, move to RF so he keeps his legs a bit fresher, and it'll allow him to bat .280 and maybe hit 20-24 HRs, which is all I ask of him.
Now it comes down to pitching, which I will admit I am not worried about at all. You have veterans like Capuano and Young competing for back-end of the rotation spots, and I really hope that young gun Dillon Gee gets the #5 spot, with young getting the #4 spot, and Capuano ending up in the rotation. I mean, with that repaired shoulder who knows how durable his arm is. I'd prefer to see him on a limited basis unless he really proves something in ST. Pelfrey, Dickey and Niese need to just do what they did last year. The Mets actually had a remarkable team ERA last season but lost so many games due to a lack of offense. If they can provide solid innings and a team ERA under 3.80, they can easily make a run for the Wild Card. Also, keep in mind they struggled to find a replacement closer for K-Rod last season, so having him back and healthy will be a major relief. Say what you want about him and how much he scares you, but he was excellent for the most part last season.
Lastly, it comes down to how Terry Collins, the new manager, runs things. Last year players like Francouer busted balls after being traded about how the players on the Mets lack seriousness as they would sit around the clubhouse a few hours before a game and listen to music or play card games. Collins is a tough-nosed guy and will not tolerate that bullshit. He's going to crack down and let them know how good they are and that they are only good if they take shit seriously for a change.
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