Most people want to predict what exact moves teams will make this time of year. As we are in the 3rd week of November, it impossible to accurately state exactly which players will be part of a particularly organization. I have been guilty of making similar predictions. Though there is some doubt, at this stage of the offseason, in regards to the New York Mets, it has to be trusted that the team will address some of the numerous needs that they have. Similarly to the way I spoke about the Mets outfield of Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter being on pace for the Mets to start the 2013 season with, I will discuss the Mets roster as it is now. Of course, the Mets would start the 2013 season with Duda, Collin Cowgill and Marlon Byrd as the starting lineup. I am hoping that my analysis will inspire the Mets to make changes to make the team more competitive in 2014.
Obviously, there are plans for the Mets to potentially sign free agents. The Mets are almost certain to make at least a trade or two. But lets say the team stays the same as it was at the end of 2013. The team would consist of the 40 man roster at the end of 2013 minus the team's free agent. I am also assuming all players are tendered 2014 contracts. In addition, I am not adding any of the players that may be added to the 40 man roster before the Rule 5 draft. So, here it is... your 2014 New York Mets. At least fans should understand there will be some better talent on this team coming opening day.
Before you continue to read this piece, please understand this is a parody article promoting the 2014 Mets as their 40 man roster states at the moment. As the roster exists now, I am trimming the 36 players down to 25. This is easier with the expected losses of Matt Harvey and Jeremy Hefner for the season with Tommy John surgery.
Offensively, the Mets will have a log jam at first base, with Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Josh Satin expected to be on the roster. Having the three of them on the roster, I'd start the season with Davis playing against right handers and Satin against left handers. Duda, to me, gives the team more off the bench as a pinch hitter, assuming Davis is better than he was last season. Daniel Murphy returns to play 2B and Ruben Tejada is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2013. Of course, David Wright is back to play 3B and probably batting cleanup as there is little to no other options. The starting outfield consists of Eric Young Jr in left, Matt den dekker in CF and Juan Lagares in RF. Though Lagares has proven himself at the MLB level as a CF, den dekker has the ability to be even better defensively. Travis d'Arnaud will be the starting catcher. The lineup looks like this Young LF, Tejada SS, Murphy 2B, Wright 3B, Davis/ Duda/ Satin 1B, d'Arnaud C, Lagares RF, den dekker CF. Tejada is probably the best option to bat 2nd based on what is here. Lagares will get some time in the 2 hole as well as leadoff.
The bench starts out with Duda and Satin when Davis is playing as two of the three will make up 40 percent of the Mets bench. Justin Turner has the edge over Omar Quintanilla as the backup middle infielder because he doubles as a pinch hitter. The Mets biggest battle will between backup catchers Juan Centeno and Anthony Recker. Centeno has the edge going in. That leaves one more spot which pretty much has to go to an outfielder. Andrew Brown probably has the advantage, with Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Cesar Puello getting an opportunity. Among other possibilities are Wilmer Flores, Wilfredo Tovar, Zach Lutz and Jordany Valdespin.
The Mets starting rotation will be missing Matt Harvey, as well as Jeremy Hefner, this season. The Mets rotation could be the one bright spot as the offense definitely leaves much to be desired. Jonathon Niese leads a young staff which will include Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jenrry Mejia. As Hansel Robles probably will not be ready for the bigs right away, Carlos Torres is a lock for the 5th spot in the team's rotation. Perhaps the Mets may consider former starters Jeurys Familia and Gonzalez Germen. I expect one or both to be stretched out in spring training.
The bullpen brings back its closer, Bobby Parnell as he returns from his back injury. Germen and Familia will give the Mets some youth setting up. Vic Black, obtained in the late season trade with the Pirates, should be the 8th inning guy. Scott Rice and Josh Edgin will be the lefty setup men. Scott Atchison is a lock to be the last pitcher in the pen.
Odds are, the Mets will use many several players I just talked about. As most other fans, I expect to see the Mets try to address needs in the outfield, shortstop, starting rotation and bullpen. I expect the outlook of the team to be better by the spring time. And, look at it this way, even if the team does not look like it could win a championship, it is much better than the team I just profiled. Maybe you should read this article again at the beginning of March so you feel better about the team that is assembled.
Obviously, there are plans for the Mets to potentially sign free agents. The Mets are almost certain to make at least a trade or two. But lets say the team stays the same as it was at the end of 2013. The team would consist of the 40 man roster at the end of 2013 minus the team's free agent. I am also assuming all players are tendered 2014 contracts. In addition, I am not adding any of the players that may be added to the 40 man roster before the Rule 5 draft. So, here it is... your 2014 New York Mets. At least fans should understand there will be some better talent on this team coming opening day.
Before you continue to read this piece, please understand this is a parody article promoting the 2014 Mets as their 40 man roster states at the moment. As the roster exists now, I am trimming the 36 players down to 25. This is easier with the expected losses of Matt Harvey and Jeremy Hefner for the season with Tommy John surgery.
Offensively, the Mets will have a log jam at first base, with Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Josh Satin expected to be on the roster. Having the three of them on the roster, I'd start the season with Davis playing against right handers and Satin against left handers. Duda, to me, gives the team more off the bench as a pinch hitter, assuming Davis is better than he was last season. Daniel Murphy returns to play 2B and Ruben Tejada is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2013. Of course, David Wright is back to play 3B and probably batting cleanup as there is little to no other options. The starting outfield consists of Eric Young Jr in left, Matt den dekker in CF and Juan Lagares in RF. Though Lagares has proven himself at the MLB level as a CF, den dekker has the ability to be even better defensively. Travis d'Arnaud will be the starting catcher. The lineup looks like this Young LF, Tejada SS, Murphy 2B, Wright 3B, Davis/ Duda/ Satin 1B, d'Arnaud C, Lagares RF, den dekker CF. Tejada is probably the best option to bat 2nd based on what is here. Lagares will get some time in the 2 hole as well as leadoff.
The bench starts out with Duda and Satin when Davis is playing as two of the three will make up 40 percent of the Mets bench. Justin Turner has the edge over Omar Quintanilla as the backup middle infielder because he doubles as a pinch hitter. The Mets biggest battle will between backup catchers Juan Centeno and Anthony Recker. Centeno has the edge going in. That leaves one more spot which pretty much has to go to an outfielder. Andrew Brown probably has the advantage, with Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Cesar Puello getting an opportunity. Among other possibilities are Wilmer Flores, Wilfredo Tovar, Zach Lutz and Jordany Valdespin.
The Mets starting rotation will be missing Matt Harvey, as well as Jeremy Hefner, this season. The Mets rotation could be the one bright spot as the offense definitely leaves much to be desired. Jonathon Niese leads a young staff which will include Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jenrry Mejia. As Hansel Robles probably will not be ready for the bigs right away, Carlos Torres is a lock for the 5th spot in the team's rotation. Perhaps the Mets may consider former starters Jeurys Familia and Gonzalez Germen. I expect one or both to be stretched out in spring training.
The bullpen brings back its closer, Bobby Parnell as he returns from his back injury. Germen and Familia will give the Mets some youth setting up. Vic Black, obtained in the late season trade with the Pirates, should be the 8th inning guy. Scott Rice and Josh Edgin will be the lefty setup men. Scott Atchison is a lock to be the last pitcher in the pen.
Odds are, the Mets will use many several players I just talked about. As most other fans, I expect to see the Mets try to address needs in the outfield, shortstop, starting rotation and bullpen. I expect the outlook of the team to be better by the spring time. And, look at it this way, even if the team does not look like it could win a championship, it is much better than the team I just profiled. Maybe you should read this article again at the beginning of March so you feel better about the team that is assembled.
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