New York Mets: Jose Reyes and 10 Mets Who Could Lead a Revival with Big Years
With Opening Day just two weeks away, the New York Mets are busy preparing themselves for the 2011 season, in search of a renewed sense of confidence that could lead to a revival.
This offseason has been dominated by a new front office, financial grumblings, injury speculation and the improvement of each of the other four teams in the N.L. East.
However, the Mets are poised to be a surprise team in the N.L. this season. They have the talent and hopefully the leadership to be competitive. The major factor will be whether that talent and leadership can consistently produce while staying healthy.
David Wright, Angel Pagan and Mike Pelfrey have emerged as leaders and will look to continue setting the example by their play on and off the field.
While the Mets expect consistent performances out of their leaders, the keys to this team’s success lies in the hand of the following the 10 players.
10. Josh Thole, C
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Josh Thole did a fine job catching over the second half of 2010. He seemed to work well with the pitchers and worked diligently on improving his defensive skills.
While he has never been known for his power, Thole has shown some pop this spring by already hitting two home runs.
He will provide some stability to the bottom of the Mets’ batting order. Thole is a terrific contact hitter who will battle a pitcher by fouling off tough pitches to stay in an at-bat.
The young back-stop will be expected to do the bulk of the catching, especially since back-up Ronny Paulino just arrived in camp a few days ago following visa issues.
9. Ike Davis, 1B
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Ike Davis has some big-time power that even Citi Field cannot contain.
Davis clubbed 19 home runs his rookie season, while mainly batting fourth in the Mets’ lineup.
This year, Davis should bat further down in the order, which will allow him to see more pitches and provide him with more opportunities to drive in runs.
If he can be more selective at the plate, Davis will be a dangerous force in the middle of the order.
Avoiding the sophomore slump will be key for Davis as he continues to refine his game.
8. R.A. Dickey, SP
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In addition to Angel Pagan, R.A. Dickey was easily one of the brightest spots in an otherwise dismal Mets’ season last year.
The knuckleballer won 11 games and sported a 2.84 ERA.
Dickey is ready to prove that 2010 wasn’t a fluke and that he has finally figured it out on the mound.
He’s off to a slow start in spring training, but he’s gearing more toward refining his craft rather than focusing on results.
This is the first year in his career that Dickey has the luxury of knowing he has a guaranteed roster spot, so it has allowed him to tweak his knuckleball to get it perfect.
Another big year from Dickey could lead to some great things for the Mets.
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7. Jason Isringhausen, RP
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Mets’ star prospects Jason Isringhausen, Bill Pulsipher and Paul Wilson were once known as “Generation K” in the mid 1990s.
While Pulsipher and Wilson had brief Major League careers, Isringhausen became a premier closer for several years, racking up 293 saves in the process.
The Mets brought him back on a minor league deal, and he has done nothing but impress this spring. Izzy has only given up one run in five appearances.
If he sticks with the big club—which is looking very likely—Izzy should provide quality innings out of the bullpen.
He has been the “feel good” story this spring, and the Mets hope he remains consistent throughout the season.
6. Francisco Rodriguez, CP
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Following last year’s off-the-field issues, Francisco Rodriguez needs to reestablish himself as a top closer in the game.
He came into spring training fully healthy and has pitched lights out thus far.
K-Rod looks to have put his demons behind him and is looking forward to just playing baseball once again.
The Mets are likely to be involved in many close games this year, so having a solid closer is a must.
If K-Rod regains his mid-2000s form, he’ll be the dominant force the Mets need.
5. Johan Santana, SP
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Regardless of recent reports that claimed he would miss the whole season, Johan Santana is determined to pitch for the Mets in 2011.
The Mets are hoping he returns near the All-Star break, so the team will have its ace for a possible postseason push.
When healthy, Santana is still one of the best pitchers in the game. More importantly, he is a leader in the clubhouse that motivates his teammates to play hard all the time.
The midseason “acquisition” of a healthy Santana would likely be the best trade deadline acquisition by any team.
Roughly 10 starts by Santana could wind up being the difference for the Mets.
4. Jason Bay, LF
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After signing a lucrative long-term deal with the Mets prior to last season, Jason Bay’s first year in New York was a complete disaster.
Not only did he lose his power stroke, but he also suffered a concussion in late July that ended his season early.
Now, Bay is healthy and swinging a hot bat so far this spring.
Assuming the other players around him are healthy, Bay is a prime candidate for a rebound season. He needs to focus on hitting line drives and driving in runs rather than worrying about his power numbers.
Mets fans will be content if he only hits 10-15 home runs but drives in 90-100 runs, especially if everyone around him produces.
3. Chris Young, SP
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Chris Young has always had the promise of a potential ace, but injuries have slowed his progress.
The Mets opted to take a gamble on Young, who has only made 36 total starts the past three seasons.
However, the rewards outweigh the risks for the 6’10” right hander.
Young has only allowed three runs in 14.1 innings this spring. He uses his long delivery to hide the ball well and challenge opposing hitters up in the zone.
If Young makes 30 or more starts this season, that would be a great sign for the Mets.
2. Carlos Beltran, RF
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One game into his tenure in right field, Carlos Beltran hurt himself again. Granted, he was the DH and injured his knee scoring on a base hit.
Beltran was shut down for a few days but hopes to resume training soon.
He made the right move by shifting to right, but the decision is nullified if he’s not on the field.
A healthy, productive Beltran is a five-tool player who can be a major run producer in the Mets lineup.
It’s important to note that Beltran is in a contract year, so he will not only try to help the Mets win but will also be auditioning for the 29 other teams to prove he’s healthy.
1. Jose Reyes, SS
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“As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets.”
Though this phrase has been much overused in recent years, it is the ultimate truth.
When healthy and producing, Reyes is the most dynamic leader hitter in the game with his combination of speed and power.
However, when injured or unfocused, Reyes leaves a huge void atop the Mets order.
Like Beltran, Reyes will also be a free agent following this season. The Mets hope that Reyes enjoys a breakout year so that signing him to an extension would be a no-brainer.
Reyes and David Wright have become the faces of the franchise, so it would be difficult to see this duo split up.
As the slogan suggests, Reyes will be the ultimate factor in leading the Mets to a revival this season.
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