RHP Joe Blanton
RHP Chan Ho Park
BULLPEN
CL Brad Lidge
RHP Ryan Madson
LHP Scott Eyre
NEW YORK METS (89-73, 2nd)
MANAGER: Jerry Manuel (2nd season)
PAYROLL: $141 million
X-FACTOR: Veteran 2B Luis Castillo apologized to Mets officials for his poor season in 2008, but how much is left in those legs?
BEST CASE: The splashy bullpen additions turn a negative into a positive after 29 blown saves a year ago. Carlos Delgado carries over his second-half resurgence as he continues the drive for 500 career homers (31 shy). The back end of the rotation comes together and silences its many critics.
WORST CASE: A return of those spring arm worries puts Johan Santana on the shelf for any length of time. Weak production from the corner outfield spots undercuts a tremendous infield. Brian Schneider struggles again and makes them wish they had signed Pudge Rodriguez.
LINEUP
SS Jose Reyes
LF Daniel Murphy
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
3B David Wright
RF Ryan Church
C Brian Schneider
RHP Chan Ho Park
BULLPEN
CL Brad Lidge
RHP Ryan Madson
LHP Scott Eyre
NEW YORK METS (89-73, 2nd)
MANAGER: Jerry Manuel (2nd season)
PAYROLL: $141 million
X-FACTOR: Veteran 2B Luis Castillo apologized to Mets officials for his poor season in 2008, but how much is left in those legs?
BEST CASE: The splashy bullpen additions turn a negative into a positive after 29 blown saves a year ago. Carlos Delgado carries over his second-half resurgence as he continues the drive for 500 career homers (31 shy). The back end of the rotation comes together and silences its many critics.
WORST CASE: A return of those spring arm worries puts Johan Santana on the shelf for any length of time. Weak production from the corner outfield spots undercuts a tremendous infield. Brian Schneider struggles again and makes them wish they had signed Pudge Rodriguez.
LINEUP
SS Jose Reyes
LF Daniel Murphy
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
3B David Wright
RF Ryan Church
C Brian Schneider
