Craig Byer:
Only two years removed from a National League Championship Series loss in seven games to the Cardinals, the New York Mets looked promising entering the 2007 campaign. Flash-forward to September 2007, the Mets successfully completed one of the worst collapses in baseball history.
As Mets fans were searching for something to cheer for in 08’, it came in the form of a trade. The Mets acquired arguably the best pitcher in the game when signing Johan Santana this February. He is sure to strengthen the rotation and moreover, help put the 2007 Mets in the past. One might presume receiving the best pitcher in the game would guarantee a lock for a division title, but not for these Metropolitans. Certainly, the addition of Santana helps bolster a strong rotation from front to back, but the Mets are not the clear-cut winners of the National League East. Not yet at least.
I will not disagree they are the favorite in 08’ for the NL East crown, they are. They are young, fast, and can hit for power - A rarity in the National League. But after last year’s debacle, I deserve more evidence from a team lost 13 of their final 21 games giving the NL East title to the Phillies on a silver platter.
Matthew Sadis:
Congratulations to the New York Mets, you have been dubbed as the only team in the National League capable of competing in the American League.
The New York Mets, without a doubt are certainly the favorite to win the National League. I don’t really care about what happened last season. It’s adifferent team, period.
Since acquiring, Johan Santana in a trade with the Minnesota Twins, the Mets roundout a dangerous rotation already stocked with pitchers, John Maine; PedroMartinez; and Oliver Perez. Considering Santana’s success rate in a much more competitive American League, the Mets could have easily gotten themselves 20-25 more wins with their new ace.
Combine that with 10 Jose Reyes inside the park home runs, and around 40 of Beltran’s booming shots over the right field wall, this team is unstoppable.
Consider the amount of strikeouts Santana will record now that he doesn’t need to face a million Ruben Sierra’s (Designated Hitters). Consider the offense Santana has in front of him now. The Mets are primed for a shot at the World Series.
As the great Dennis Green would say, “They are who we thought they were. If you want to crown them, then crown their ass”.
Well you know what Dennis, I think I just might.
Craig Byer:
Before the Mets’ bandwagon starts to hit the 08’ trail and roll to a National League title, let’s take a gander into “How different the Mets really are.” Firstly, I’ll bite my tongue and agree the Mets’ are different. However, they are different in possibly the worst spot for a starting rotation, the catcher. Last time I checked, Brian Schneider does not handle pitchers like the presence of Paul Lo Duca. As Lo Duca takes his defensive gems to the crazy atmosphere of the Washington Nationals, why not send Lastings Milledge as well. Milledge is, better yet, was the best utility outfielder the Mets had.
The Mets will start the same infielders from 2007 with Wright-Reyes-Castillo-Delgado from left to right, respectively. They will still have Beltran controlling center field and the ageing Moises Alou in left. That puts the newly acquired Ryan Church in right…I’m Shaking. TheMets will produce the same lineup except for two players, how different. So, your right Mets nation and Dennis Green, “They are who we thought they were,” literally.
Lastly, I want to believe Santana will lead to the Mets to the pennant. Then I remember he is coming off his worst season, which the numbers demonstrate. Not to mention he has a new catcher. And those Phillies - I think they’ll have something to say about giving crowns away to the Mets
Matthew Sadis:
I find it hilarious, that you decide to bring up Paul Lo Duca as the reason for the Mets demise in 08’. I don’t understand Mets fan’s infatuation with Lo Duca. The guys sits his 5 foot -10 inch, 205 pound frame behind home plate like any other catcher and receives baseballs from the pitcher. It would be one thing if he poses a threat with a bat in his hands, but the guy hasn’t eclipsed double-digit home runs since 04’. Not to mention his “gaudy” RBI production with 54 in 07’.
Then you mention the new acquisition of outfielder, Ryan Church from the Washington Nationals. Sure he’s certainly not an attractive player, but you can’t expect the Mets lineup to have power up and down the order. What kind ofproduction do you want from the No.7 spot? All the Mets runs will be scored at the top of the order, like every other team in Major League Baseball.
You say Santana had his worst season, yet he still had an elite year for a pitcher. 235 strikeouts and 15 wins on a team, which finished 15 games out of the Wild Card with 79-83 record. All Brian Schneider needs to do is put down one finger for a fastball, four fingers for a change up and watch hitters check for holes in their bats. It’s as simple as that.
Lastly you mention the Phillies. While they certainly pose a threat at the plate, their pitching staff is dreadful. It would be great if Cole Hamels could pitch 1,469 innings but unfortunately that’s just not possible. I have a feeling that a staff complete with Adam Eaton, J.D Durbin, Jamie Moyer, and Kyle Kendrick just won’t cut the mustard.
The Mets are a lock for the National League title.
