The 2007 New York Mets - Season Preview

After a forgettable 2006 NLCS for the Mets, they start the 2007 season by seeking to reclaim the throne in the NL East and hoping to make it 1 inning further. Based on the various moves by other teams in the division, it will not be as easy as last year.

2006 Results
Regular Season Record: 97-65 - 13 Heartbreakers
Playoff Record: 6-4 - 2 Heartbreakers
Overall Record: 103-69

Starting Rotation:

*Pedro Martinez - "Out until at least August." My gut tells me the Mets are bluffing and Pedro will be back sooner than anticipated. Getting him healthy and hopefully as, if not more, effective as before is the equivalent of acquiring a top pitcher at the deadline. Will be as important to Mets succcess as ever.
Tom Glavine - One year older, one year wiser. Ten more for 300.
Orlando Herndandez - Unfortunately, also one year older. At least an average performance is needed out of the Duke for success. Health is critical.
John Maine - Maine will look to build off of an impressive 2006 campaign.
Oliver Perez - The New Victor Zambrano; An experiment for 2007. Has looked good in spring training and success can solidify the Mets rotation.
Mike Pelfrey - Pelfrey earned the 5th starter spot during the spring. Control and stamina will be key to success.

Bullpen:

*Duaner Sanchez: Out once again with nagging injury stemming from last year's car accident.
*Dave Williams: Out due to neck surgery.
*Juan Padilla: Also out because of injury.
*Guillermo Mota: Out for 50 games but will also return for second round of duty.
Aaron Sele: The new Darren Oliver. Came up big with the Dodgers last season.
Ambiorix Burgos: New acquisition from K.C. Can throw 100 but has control problems. Can be a revelation for the Mets if he succeeds.
Joe Smith: Prospect out of the farm system who made the team becaue of his demeanor and unique delivery. May become main component out of the 'pen.
Pedro Feliciano: Back for another year as a lefty out of the bullpen. Killer curve will keep him as one of Willie's favorites.
Scott Schoeneweis: New addition to the bullpen core. Has been brought in as another lefty specialist. Former starting experiences also gives him flexibility vs. righties.
Aaron Heilman: Heilman will once again be the main set-up man for Wags.
Billy Wagner: One of the top closers in the league - he believes he can improve off of last season. He saved 40 games in 2006. Has developed a new pitch.

Starting Lineup

Jose Reyes - Remains games most electrifying player. Will only get better.
Paul Lo Duca - Fundamentals out of the two-hole will be crucial.
Carlos Beltran - Hopefully will repeat or exceed his 2006 production. Last out of 2006 may propel him to great season.
Carlos Delgado - The horse of the Met bats, Delgado will be called upon once again to anchor the offense.
David Wright - Will look to put up great numbers over an entire season.
Moises Alou - New addition means Cliff Floyd is outta' town. Murders left-handed pitching. Health will be crucial.
Shawn Green - After finding a "hitch in his swing," Green will try to find his long lost power. If he doesn't, Lastings Milledge waits in the wings.
Jose Valentin - The Major League's best moustache comes back for a second tour of duty as the Met second basemen. Production and health is crucial at age 36.

Bench
Ramon Castro - Will try to reclaim his past success as Lo Duca's backup.
Endy Chavez - Brings defense and heart to Met bench.
Julio Franco - The ageless wonder will continue to produce and teach.
Dave Newhan - New acquisition adds depth to Met bench. Seems to be on Willie's good side.
Damion Easley - Replaces Chris Wooward off the bench. Adds versatility to middle infield, as well as some power and speed.
Lastings Milledge - Will this be the year he shows what he can do?

Losses:
Cliff Floyd
Darren Oliver
Chad Bradford
Chris Woodward
Roberto Hernandez

Management & Coaches: Willie Randolph returns with a new contract extension and looks to improve the Mets in the win column for the third consecutive year. Manny Acta is now manager of the Nationals which opens up a new coaching spot. That hole will be plugged by former Met great Howard Johnson. Johnson will coach first while Sandy Alomar will move to third base. Jerry Manuel will remain bench coach.

Outlook: The Mets will remain one of the best offensive teams in the NL with their AL-type lineup. However, pitching may be their downfall. Keep in mind, the same was said last year. The bullpen is a tossup at this point and success lies mainly in the starting rotation. The Braves have upgraded their bullpen, the Phils their rotation, and the Dodgers their entire team. It will be fun to see if the Mets can return to the Playoffs as one of the best teams in the league. Let's Go Mets!