Countdown to Opening Day: #24 New York Mets

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#24 New York Mets: New battery, same results

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Collin Cowgill
SS Ruben Tejeda
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
2B Daniel Murphy
RF Lucas Duda
RF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C Travis d'Arnaud
P Jon Niese

PROJECTED ROTATION

Jon Niese
Shaun Marcum
Matt Harvey
Dillon Gee
Johan Santana

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Frank Francisco

Set-up: Bobby Parnell

Top Prospect: Travis d'Arnaud (C)

The stat that flew around this off-season that really explained the Mets situation was this - the two highest paid outfielders are Jason Bay and Bobby Bonilla. It just shows no matter how high the payroll can be you have to tread carefully when handing out big multi-year bucks. Now, that outfielders that will actually play in 2013 looks like a group you can catch in an Independent League near you.

Matt Harvey

But there is hope. The Mets did what they had to with Carlos Beltran, and R.A. Dickey more recently. Now, the prospects received in return have a chance to shine as early as this April.
The battery of right-handed Zach Wheeler (acquired for Beltran) and catcher Travis d'Arnaud (acquired for Dickey) should help get this pitching staff on track relatively quickly. Add in 2010 first rounder Matt Harvey and the Mets are contenders in the making.
Jon Neise, Shaun Marcum, and even a worn-down Johan Santana really do make a strong five-some, but when you look at the other eight positions, and you look into the bullpen, you have start to worry.
Mets' fan should be excited that they have hit the low point and they are starting to trend upward. However trending upward and being on top on two different things.

Travis d'Arnaud

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE -  Everyone thought David Wright would be only Met selected to the all-star in his own ballpark, but everyone was wrong. Ike Davis proves the pop is real and the batting average improves, Matt Harvey keeps the Ks-per-9 over 10 and gets the selection, and Travis d'Arnaud all makes the team as a reserve backstop. d'Arnaud actually lives up to the Buster Posey comparison and wins Rookie of the Year. The Mets find a closer in Bobby Parnell and are the San Francisco Giants of the East.

REAL TALK - The 70 strikeouts in 59 innings was impressive by Harvey, but becareful to crown him. That  ERA may flirt with five in his sophomore season. Besides Wright, there just is too many strikeouts, a lot of single hitters, and not enough feared bats. And the possible wins Neise and crew to do leave the mound in line for, more times than not end up as no decisions thanks to a struggling bullpen. 

Breakout: Ike Davis

Bust: Shaun Marcum

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Travis d'Arnaud

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 74-88 (4th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 75-87 (4th in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Chicago White Sox**