NL East Preview: New York Mets

While the Phillies have had a good two years there is a team just north who has been having fits. The New York Mets have blown a lead in the NL East race twice to the Phillies and continue to search for answers that can get them back to the playoffs.

After improving the bullpen there is reason for Mets fans to be optimistic about the 2009 season, which may be viewed as a season of redemption. Here to answer some questions in our series of previews of the NL East teams is Regis Courtemanche, a contributor to the most popular Mets site out there, MetsBlog.com.


Questions about the Mets

The Mets struggled to close out the NL East the past two years. Are the Phillies in their heads or is there something else going on?

The Phillies weren't in their heads, if anything it could have been the Marlins on that last game since it was eerie how they did them in two years in a row. But here's the real reason, 29 blown saves.

If your old friend Billy Wagner didn't get injured, I can guarantee the Mets make the playoffs and most likely win the division. But to give credit where it's due, the Phillies played well when it mattered, and deserved to win the East.

The Mets made noise this offseason by bolstering their bullpen. How much better is the team as a result?

The bullpen was obviously their biggest weakness last year, so they pretty much blew it up and started over. The additions of K-Rod and Putz are tremendous, and if both can stay healthy, many games this season (where the Mets are leading) should be over after the seventh inning.

I also like Darren O’Day and Sean Green who have been impressing this spring. But other than the bullpen, the team is very much the same. I am interested to see if they can finally put the past behind them, and get redemption for their lackluster efforts in ’07 and ’08.

The bullpen may have gotten stronger, so what are the feelings about the starting rotation?

Ask me this a few weeks ago, and my answer might be a little different. Since then, John Maine seems to be over-analyzing his mechanics, and Oliver Perez returned from the WBC “out of shape.”

But I don’t put too much stock into spring training results, so I think with a rotation of Santana, Perez, Pelfrey, Maine, and Livan Hernandez (who I am not thrilled about), again barring health issues, it could be a very strong year for the Mets staff.

Sure there will be inconsistencies, but when each of those first four are on, they are extremely good pitchers.


Jerry Manuel started out as an interim manager to replace Willie Randolph. Is Manuel the guy that can lead the Mets on a postseason run?

I love Jerry Manuel. He thinks outside the box and is very candid and honest. He calls bullshit when he sees it, with his players and the media, and has a positive, humorous attitude. I felt that although Willie was once a good fit, he wore out his welcome, and his attitude had become very defensive.

That being said, I think Jerry can help keep these guys in the moment, keep things light, and do a good job. However, I was not a fan of his “Luis Castillo lead off” experiment this spring.


What is the Mets' strongest asset in 2009? Biggest weakness?

I think their strongest asset will be their offense. This depends on several factors though; Can Carlos Delgado match last season’s numbers? Will Daniel Murphy continue to rake? Can Wright, Reyes, and Beltran bring the rest of the lineup home on a consistent basis?

If the answers to these questions are yes, then this will definitely be their biggest strength. Remember last year they scored as many runs as your Phils. Oh, and they have some guy named Johan pitching for them also.

Biggest weakness? I think that Luis Castillo could be an offensive liability, and he probably gets booed when he takes his garbage out. But for some reason I think he could be serviceable this year if his knees work, and exceed our very low expectations.

I’m a little concerned that Oliver Perez will try too hard to live up to his $36 million contract and wind up underwhelming. If he does, the “we should have signed Derek Lowe” cronies will be up in arms.

The Mets are moving into a new home this year in Citi Field. Any idea how Citi Field will be different from Shea Stadium as far as effects on game play?

Shea Stadium was a pitcher’s ballpark for sure. It’s swirling winds kept many a ball from leaving, and there were no weird angles for the outfielders to worry about. From what I hear, Citi is deeper in most areas, and faces the same general direction that Shea faced, so the winds and the dimensions probably still favor the pitcher.

But the left and right-field lines are a few feet closer, and the outfield wall isn’t symmetrical. There is less foul territory, which the corner spots need to prepare for and the fans are closer to the action which will increase their home-field advantage I would hope.

And hey, there will be a Shake Shack!


What player(s) on the Mets or coming up in the system may be under the radar that baseball fans should be watching?

Easy question, the starting left fielder Daniel Murphy. He joined the Mets on August 2nd and was an immediate hit with the fans. He just seemed to hit, and get on base every game, and after we have gotten to know him better, the kid means business. He is very serious, in his demeanor and in his drive to become a better hitter.

I wonder if he ever shags flies in practice or just takes BP, but if you haven’t heard of him yet, you will. He has quieted the buzz around the Mets’ “No. 1 prospect” Fernando Martinez.


Tell us why the Mets make the playoffs in 2009.

New attitude, new bullpen.


Tell us why the Mets miss the playoffs in 2009.

The NL East is going to be a dogfight this year, even ore than in years past. If the Mets have their same old lazy attitude, it will be another early exit for them.


What is the biggest question mark for the Mets heading into the 2009 season?

I guess it would have to be can they truly let go of the past and finally play to the level they are capable of. No one questioned that they could have won the NL East the last three years, but they fell short. Will they be as good as they can be? That is the question.



Questions about the NL East


Please give me your NL East final standings prediction:

1. Mets 90-72
   
2. Phillies 88-74
   
3. Braves 83-79
   
4. Marlins 78-84
   
5. Nationals 69-93
   

What one player in the NL East would you love to insert into your team's everyday lineup (pitchers excluded)?

Hanley Ramirez


Who is the MVP in the NL East?

David Wright


World Series prediction.

Cubs-Red Sox and the curse of the goat lives on.


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So there you have it. Thank you Regis for your time and for providing some terrific insight into the New York Mets for us. Be sure to stop by Metsblog.com for more Mets coverage throughout the season.

What are your thoughts on the Mets in 2009? Do they come through this year with a playoff appearance? Feel free to debate and discuss the Mets (and the rest of the NL East) in the comments below.

Tomorrow will be the conclusion of this series of previews with a look at your Philadelphia Phillies.