New York Mets: Predictions for the 2012 Season

This season most likely will be yet another tough one for the New York Mets. They are a struggling team on the decline in a division that is just getting better by the second. The Mets will be lucky if they can get anywhere near .500 on the season. While the future is somewhat bright for the Amazin's, this season won't be a success. Now, let's take a look at some of my predictions for what should be a disaster of a season for the New York Mets.

Break Out Position Players

While the Mets won't have much to write home about, I do predict a few players will break out as future stars. Here they are:

• Lucas Duda: During the summer of 2011, Lucas proved worthy of a starting job this upcoming season. He showed potential power that will be put to use under the new dimensions. Look for Duda to prove himself throughout all of 2012.

• Daniel Murphy: Although last season was quite successful for Daniel, it came to a sudden end after a severe injury. Despite batting .320, Daniel wasn't noticed, but I don't think he will stay under the radar too long. Although he is a liability in the field, his offensive production cannot be ignored. Look for Murphy to only improve if his health does not become an issue.

• Ike Davis: While many would argue that Ike has already broken out, I would beg to differ. While his rookie season was quite impressive, he still has room to improve. Last year was seemingly building up to be a huge year for the young first baseman, but he too was cut short due to injury. Look for Ike to come back with vengeance and put up the power numbers the Mets' lineup is longing for.

Breakout Pitchers

The Mets' opening day staff this upcoming year doesn't look so great, but I do think their will be a few guys who can come into their own. Here they are:

• Matt Harvey: Many assumed coming into spring training that Matt would most likely have to wait until this summer for his big league debut. However, Harvey has been impressive so far this spring, showing off both his heater and nasty slider. Look for Harvey to show why he was the sixth overall pick just a few years back.

• Jeurys Familia: Another young prospect for the Mets, Familia may not make the opening day roster but should be called up during the season. There is a chance that he is eventually turned into a reliever, but either way, look for the 2012 season to be successful one for Jeurys.

Disappointments

In a season that should be full of disappointment, there will be a few players who will stand out as key disappointments. Here they are:

• Jason Bay: At one time, Bay was a top player in the entire MLB. However, his career in New York can be described in one word: disappointment. His stats have been down across the board, and while some think the new dimensions will bring change for Bay, I disagree. His career is on a downward spiral, and I just don't see it changing here in 2012.

• Ruben Tejada: Not too long ago, I had a feeling Tejada was going to break out and become a solid replacement after the devastating loss of Reyes. However, after showing up "late" to spring training, he is already causing issues. Ruben's starting job is his to lose, but he may end up blowing the opportunity as quickly as he earned it.

• Mike Pelfrey: Mike's career has been full of inconsistency. In 2010, he started out the season amazing, performing as one of the top pitchers in the first half. However, as the All-Star game approached, his ERA started to rise. It only got worse from there, as he went on a streak of just terrible starts, although he made up for it with a promising finish. Last year was not what many had hoped for from the once promising righty. Most can agree with me when I say this year will be another disappointing one for Pelf.

Call-Ups

With many spots on the Mets roster up for grabs, I predict their will be numerous call-ups from the minor leagues this year. Here are a few possible names:

• Matt Harvey: Although there is a chance that Harvey will make the opening day roster, if he does in fact start out in the minor leagues, he won't have to wait too long to make his debut. With the Mets' staff looking mediocre at best, the is a good chance Harvey will be a nice addition to the starting rotation.

• Kirk Niewenhuis: Kirk is another guy who has a serious shot to make the opening day roster. His skill set has proven that he can be a valuable asset to the Mets in the upcoming years. Look for Kirk to find his way into the Majors this season.

• Reese Havens: Yet another guy who has a shot to make the opening day roster, Reese is fighting for a job in spring training. Even if he misses out on the opportunity, the injury-prone Mets could easily open up a spot for the young second baseman.

• Jeurys Familia: As I said earlier, Familia is yet another young stud that will help bolster the Mets' pitching in the future. He is maturing as planned and should be up this summer, possibly in the bullpen. While there are plans for him to be stay a starter, there is a possibility that he transfers over to the pen as his career continues on.

Guys Who Will Get Traded

• Jason Bay: What a disappointment J-Bay has turned out to be. He was coming off the best year of his career in Boston and was looking stay at that level. However, his career in New York has been a complete and utter failure. Even if he doesn't step it up this season, expect the Mets to ship him out of New York. 

Possible Destinations: CIN, CLE, KC, SD

• David Wright: Since his debut, I have always been a huge fan of David Wright. And as much as it pains me to say it, he could very well be on his way out of New York. While trading him now—when his value is the lowest of his career—wouldn't be smart, a strong first half could put Wright on the trade block. The Mets could easily get some valuable pieces for the future, and Wilmer Flores could end up being tested as the future third baseman. 

Possible Destinations: NYY, COL, LAA

• Johan Santana: After his first year in New York, Johan was seemingly the best ace on either New York team. It was one of his better years and just the first in his long, expensive contract with the Mets. While 2009 and 2010 still seemed pretty successful stat wise, injuries stopped Johan from playing out the entire season. The latest injury put him on the shelf for the entire 2011 season and definitely took a jab at Santana's value. If he can prove that he can stay both consistent and healthy, he can end up on his way to a contending team.

Possible Destinations: PIT, ARI, CLE, KC, TOR 

Overall Record

This year, I'm not putting the Mets anywhere near the .500 mark. Judging by their mediocre rotation and tough competition in the NL East, I think the Mets will end up with a disappointing record of 75-87, fifth in the NL East.

Stats Leaders

AVG: Daniel Murphy

Hits: Daniel Murphy

HR: Lucas Duda

RBI: Ike Davis

Runs: David Wright

Steals: David Wright

ERA: Johan Santana

Inning Pitched: R.A. Dickey

Wins: Johan Santana

Saves: Frank Fransisco

K's: Johan Santana

Conclusion

All in all, it will be another tough year for Mets fans, including myself. There are too many gaping holes to make a serious playoff push, and rebuilding looks to be the direction. Shipping expensive contracts such as Jason Bay and Johan Santana out of NY is the right move, as money is at a premium. Hopefully the Mets can make a push to improve and eventually become a contender in years to come.