Key Battles
SP5: Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez, Jon Niese
- It sounds like the Mets are leaning towards Livan Hernandez. Why? The competition should be between Tim Redding and Jon Niese, but it appears the Mets haven’t seen Livan’s last couple of years. However, I believe the Mets will learn the hard way and probably give up on Livan. Expect Tim Redding to be the next in line.
Key Acquisitions
- Francisco Rodriguez
- J.J. Putz
- Tim Redding
- Livan Hernandez
Summary
The Mets added some really big pieces this offseason in K-Rod and Putz. The Mets had an atrocious pen last year and desperately needed to find solutions and they did this offseason. Their rotation also remains solid with one of the best pitchers in the game Johan Santana anchoring it. As long as Perez, Pelfrey, and Maine can come close to what they did last year they should be fine. The lineup is pretty good too, with a nice middle of the order with Beltran, Wright, and Delgado. The key may be the production of the corner outfielders. Can Ryan Church stay healthy, can Murphy continue producing like he did at the end of last year or can Tatis be the player he was a year ago? I don’t know if all those will hold up, but if they can get a one or two of those working for them I think the Mets could be the team to beat in the NL East.
