Mets 2012: Likes and dislikes

4. METS MANAGER: Terry Collins, second season, 77-85, .475 (overall... — **4. METS**
MANAGER: Terry Collins, second season, 77-85, .475 (overall 521-519, .501).
GM: Sandy Alderson
STADIUM: Citi Field (41,800)
OUTLOOK: Good news off the field, with the Wilpons and Saul Katz settling the lawsuit by Madoff trustee Irving Picard, has been tempered by a slew of injuries on the field. But LHP Johan Santana has looked good.
CONCERN: The lack of roster depth makes the whole operation a house of cards.
BOTTOM LINE: Like last year, they’ll probably get the most of what they have. They don’t have much, though.

Credit: Getty Images

By David LennonApril 3, 2012

3 reasons to be OPTIMISTIC about the 2012 Mets

1. The return of Johan Santana

A two-time Cy Young winner, Santana knows what he’s doing regardless of his post-surgery velocity. Despite his knee and shoulder issues, Santana is 40-25 with a 2.85 ERA in 88 career starts for the Mets.

2. The Killer Ds

Ike Davis and Lucas Duda may not have the pop of Sandy Alderson’s Bash Brothers (wink, wink), but the two lefty sluggers possess dangerous long-ball potential that could be unleashed this season. Citi Field’s cozier confines will help.

3. No more Madoff mischief

Now that the Wilpons have taken care of all the family business — settling with Irving Picard, paying off the most immediate loans — the Mets should be able to focus more on baseball. One fewer distraction is always a good thing for this group.

3 reasons to be CONCERNED about the 2012 Mets

1. Kiddie-pool roster depth

Partially because of financial constraints, GM Sandy Alderson left himself zero margin for error. The starting rotation has potential but no insurance against injury. Same goes for a woefully thin bench, as the Mets’ best prospects are not yet major league-ready.

2. Second thoughts?

The double-play combination of Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy will be scrutinized all season — if Murphy makes it that far. Tejada could be a Gold Glover someday. But Murphy still is not completely comfortable at second base, and that might be a problem.

3. Wrong Frankie

So Francisco Rodriguez wasn’t perfect. Given the track record of Frank Francisco, who has saved 70 percent of his chances (49-for-70) in his much shorter closing career, fans could find themselves missing the volatile K-Rod.