Why the Mets Will NOT Win the National League East

Going into 2009, the National League East looks to be the most-balanced division in baseball, with four teams that have a shot to win the division in the Phillies, Braves, Mets, and Marlins.

Saying this, the New York Mets will not win the National League East and here's why:

1. They have not proven that they can function as a team.  In fact, they have proved the opposite by choking in September and losing the division to the Philadelphia Phillies in each of the last two years. 

This team has a core of great players, including David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and Johan Santana. However, until these players accept their roles and don't worry about improving their own statistics, they cannot succeed.

2. The bullpen leading up to JJ Putz and K-Rod. I don't think Pedro Feliciano, Brian Stokes, Sean Green, and Duaner Sanchez are going to strike fear into the hearts of the Padres, much less the potent offenses of the Phillies and Marlins in their own division. 

Do you need big names in the 'pen? No. However, you do need at least some level of competence that take you to your set-up man and closer. Remember, saves can be blown in the sixth and seventh as well.

3. They went 7-10 last year (I think those weree the official numbers, but I do know it was a losing record, though) against a team that lost 90 games in the Braves. This year, the ace of the Braves is no longer a 22-year-old. Instead, it's a 35-year-old sinker-baller with some established arms behind him.  The Mets couldn't beat the Braves when their staff was crap, and now, I don't see how they can beat a staff without Jo-Jo Reyes and (maybe) Jorge Campillo.

4. Leadership. Maybe Jerry Manuel is better than Willie Randolph, but there really isn't an unselfish player that can keep the youngsters in line on the Metropolitans. The closest thing they have is Carlos Delgado, who stepped it up last year and took the reins in an attempt to save a sinking ship. Outside of him, though, there is no Chipper Jones, Derek Lowe, Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, or Wes Helms on this team.

If you disagree with this article, well, I'm sorry, but at least it's not as rediculous as, say, Chipper Jones: Is He On "The Juice".