Hey guys, today I had an interview with Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog.com.  In case anyone was interested, it can be found at PortRadio.org.  Look for my official 2010 Mets Preview some time during the upcoming vacation.

Hey everyone, sorry I haven’t posted in some time.  I have been having major computer problems, and recently got a new one, so i apologize for the “hiatus”.

As it becomes clearer and clearer that the Mets are done acquiring players, and have hit the field for spring training 2010, I have considered the different paths this season could lead to, and will lay them out here.

My next article will be my official 2010 Mets season preview.

Option 1: Everything goes as planned

Of course, when forming a team, every GM must realize the reality that injuries will occur.  This section is more of a “what if” then a real possibility, but if everything goes as planned, and we do not deal with injuries throughout the year, the Mets are in great shape to compete for a playoff spot.  Although it is obvious that the starting rotation has holes, the stacked lineup which includes Carlos Beltran (when returns), Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Jason Bay.  This powerful, speedy, and young core would put the Mets in the top 8 in almost any hitting category.  They would be able to withstand the questionable pitching, and compete for a slot in the National League playoff picture.

Option 2: We withstand the usual speed-bumps that are inevitable

As sad as it is to say, I believe that if the Mets go through an average amount of injuries, and problems, they will not have the personnel to overcome it.  If one of our four core hitters misses a significant amount of time (other than Beltrans initial injury), I do not believe the younger players, and pitching could carry this squad.  The worst case scenario would be if Johan got hurt once again, which would leave us with almost no shot of competing.

Option 3: Last year happens again

The absolute worst possible occurrence would be if the Mets suffered through another season like the one we endured last year.  Every single day a new player was hurt, a new controversy surrounding the team would unfold, or something along those lines.  For a team to look professional, much less have a winning season, the drama must end. We cannot be “that team” that is the laughing stock of the entire league.  If a season such as last year repeats itself, we will start drawing comparisons to the Oakland Raiders, and teams such as those.

At this point, all we (the fans) can do is sit, wait, bite our nails, and hope for Option 1 to come true.

“These are your pre-camp ’10 Mets.”

Those are the words that appeared on Buster Olney’s twitter page at about this time yesterday.  My immediate reaction, and the buzz around all Mets fans was “you gotta be kidding me”.  But, after i really thought about it, it became clear that our pre-camp squad really isn’t too bad.  The fact that we let one free agent after the next fall through our hands was absolutely irritating, and infuriating, but the truth is, we don’t really need to many more players.  Beside from a proven number two starter (and maybe a number three as well), the team looks like they will be able to compete at least for the wild card.  I am not going to say that competing for the wild card is incredibly exciting, especially when your team is from New York, and expectations are sky high, but we are not a bottom feeder.

Last year was an absolute devastation.  From top to bottom, it was a completely lost season in every way imaginable.  But, if you think back to 2008, where we were at least competitive, our roster has not gotten any worse, maybe better.  The addition of Jason Bay will help aid the power outage that the Mets suffered through all of last season, and when Beltran returns, the Mets will field a more than formidable lineup.  While I certainly believe that we might need to pick up an extra bat, for either first base, or catcher at some point, we do have a great starting point.

The pitching is where most Mets fans have their largest concerns.  After Johan, the Mets will trust a combination of Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Jon Niese, and Fernando Nieve to man the 2-5 slots in the rotation.  While their is absolutely some potential in every one of those guys, that is just not enough talent to go any further than the first round.  This point is not meant to contradict my thesis, but to state that although we shall compete, we should not hope for anything more than a playoff birth.

If the Mets are simply able to remain in the race until the trading deadline, I am almost positive they will pull the trigger and acquire another arm for the rotation.  Most likely it will be an expiring contract, but he will still be able to help in the pennant race, and throughout the playoffs.  Although this season will contain many ups, and downs, I sincerely believe that it will not end as bad as last year.

As always, I would be more than happy to field questions in the comment section and respect all disagreements, and debates.

Hey everyone…  I would like to take a few seconds just to briefly remind/tell you about my section.  I will give my opinion on the Mets, from a teens standpoint.  Although you may not agree with everything I say, I am writing these articles to spark debate, and give an opinionated look on how I see it.  I would love everyone to use the message boards to give comments/disagreements/questions etc.