General manager: Omar Minaya Manager: Willie Randolph (fourth season, 268-218) 2007: 88-74, second place
Outlook: It's all about Johan Santana, the man who put a smile on the entire borough of Queens. Without the Santana trade, where would the Mets be? Still drowning in questions about last year's collapse, and facing more serious concerns about the age in their lineup and the health of El Duque Hernandez. Instead, Santana alleviates pressure on everyone else -- players, Randolph, coaches, executives and ownership -- with his guaranteed dominance. The Mets will return to the playoffs this year, carried by the sail of Santana's greatness, and Randolph will be eyeing another extension after the World Series title.
Parting shot: There's little reason to think that Jose Reyes' season-ending slump will carry into this year. He seemed his old smiley self in spring training, and he still has those incredible tools.
Projected lineup
C: Brian Schneider
1B: Carlos Delgado
2B: Luis Castillo
SS: Jose Reyes
3B: David Wright
LF: Angel Pagan
CF: Carlos Beltran
RF: Ryan Church
Projected rotation
Johan Santana
Pedro Martinez
John Maine
Oliver Perez
Orlando Hernandez
Mike Pelfrey
CL: Billy Wagner
SU: Aaron Heilman
SU: Pedro Feliciano
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