Open Mic: New York Mets All-Time Roster

I figure it's now or never, and three months after joining, it's finally time to write my first piece for Bleacher Report.

This week's "Open Mic" topic, Your All-Time Lineup, got me thinking about the New York Mets that stick out most in my mind. I was born in 1987, a year after the Mets' last World Championship, but just in time for their dreadful run in the early 90's (I suppose those dark days made me immune to the collapse of 2007).

I've been to Shea Stadium some 80+ times in my short life and seen cycles, walkoffs, farewells, brawls, new records, web gems and tape-measure shots. I have seen some of the franchise's all-time best (and worst), and I've learned a great deal about the team's history and those title-winning teams.

With all those experiences and accumulated knowledge, I’ve compiled my New York Mets All-Time Roster. All of these players have played a significant role in my experience as a Mets fan. Some of my picks are based on numbers, some on affinity. I was lucky enough to see many of them play, but a few are before my time. Without further ado...

Starting Lineup

1) SS - Jose Reyes. My all-time favorite Mets player. Not only is he one of the more talented Mets I've ever witnessed, but he plays with a contagious energy and enthusiasm. He has the ability to take over a game with his speed, whether it's taking an extra base or cutting off a ball in the hole. I was lucky enough to see my favorite Met hit for the cycle back in June of 06, one of my best Shea memories.

2) CF – Carlos Beltran. Maybe he hasn’t been totally worth the $100 mil+ contract, but he has always carried himself well, unlike some Mets CF’s of the past (see Coleman, Vince). He can do it all on the field: switch-hitting, stealing bases, power to all fields, not to mention his gold-glove defense. Having never seen Tommy Agee but in films, I have to give the nod to Beltran.

3) 3B – David Wright. It’s tough to pick against a franchise player like Wright, even with Ho-Jo and Dave Magadan competing for the hot corner. In his short career, Wright has put up tremendous numbers that already rank among the Mets’ all-time leaders.

4) C – Mike Piazza

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