Likes and dislikes about the 2010 Mets
Mets pitcher Francisco Rodriguez throws in relief in the ninth inning of a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Mar. 15, 2010) Credit: AP
THREE THINGS WE LIKE
Even coming off surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow, Santana is the one sure thing on the roster, not just the rotation. The two-time Cy Young winner could be poised for a third now that he can extend his elbow and finish his pitches, especially his slider, which he barely used last season.
2. Jose Reyes with a healthy thyroid
The Mets appear to have dodged a bullet with Reyes, who had to be shut down for 20 days because of a hyperactive thyroid but should be ready this week. Reyes, who played only 36 games last year, obviously is a critical piece as the club's shortstop and presumably its leadoff hitter.
3. K-Rod wearing goggles again
A killer case of conjunctivitis forced Francisco Rodriguez into exile early in spring training.But something good may have come of the pinkeye: K-Rod looks intimidating again now that he must wear his old wraparound shades from his Angels days. The layoff didn't hurt him, and the goggles could help restore that mental edge.
THREE THINGS WE DON'T LIKE
1. Getting the ball to K-Rod
The Mets have built a shaky bridge to their closer and it seems the bullpen will be very much in flux for the start of the season. Other than the tireless Pedro Feliciano, who made 88 appearances last season, where does Jerry Manuel go for crucial outs? Japanese rookie Ryota Igarashi? The 20-year-old Jenrry Mejia? It's a minefield.
2. Ike Davis in the minors
With an uninspiring group of first basemen to choose from, the Mets' decision to demote Davis may have to be overturned sooner rather than later. Davis, 23, already is the club's best defensive option, and he showed big-time power in spring training. He shouldn't need much seasoning in the minors.
3. What happens after Santana pitches
After Johan Santana, the rest of the Mets' rotation amounts to a leap of faith. Can Mike Pelfrey stay focused from pitch to pitch? Can Perez? Do they get the good or the bad Ollie? Will John Maine's shoulder hold up for an entire season? Can Jon Niese thrive in the No. 5 spot? Way more questions than answers here.
BEATMAN'S PREDICTION
The Mets won't dethrone the Phillies in the NL East, but they should stay healthy enough to get to 88-74 and a wild-card berth. The euphoria is short-lived, however, as they fall to Rockies in first round.
David Lennon has covered major-league baseball for Newsday since 1995, and has covered the Mets since 2002.
