New York Mets 2012 Preview

Playing in the toughest division in baseball, NL East, the Mets will have their work cut out for them Terry Collins' second year.  After seeing 2011 Batting Champ Jose Reyes depart to free agency, the Mets seem to be in the rebuilding phase.  Look for them to try to move some of their higher salary guys at the Trade Deadline if they aren't in contention.  They will need to get Johan Santana back healthy if they want to have any success this year.  Another big contract guy they will expect a lot out of is Jason Bay, getting him on the field for a full season will be key.  This team does have some bright stars to continue to look forward to sending out to the diamond everyday, David Wright continues to impress everyone but could be moved this season.  Ike Davis will look to rebound from a season cut short to injury.  Let's take a look at what the Mets will look like come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- If Santana comes out of Spring Training in one piece he will be the ace of a staff searching for someone to win ball games.  Mike Pelfrey will look to get back to his 2010 ways in the number 2 spot of the staff.  Lefty Jon Niese will be sent out every third day and will try to eclipse the .500 mark in wins.  Knuckle baller R.A Dickey and youngster Dillon Gee, who impressed last year, will compete for the final two roster spots.  This staff will be tasked with keeping them in ball games and hopefully handing over the lead to the bullpen.
Bullpen-  Frank Francisco will get the closer job, though his numbers last season were not impressive, the Mets hope they will get the Francisco that pitched after the All Star Break.  Big Jon Rauch will be the 8th inning table setter for Francisco, and if he can keep his jersey on http://youtu.be/nWq8XJKkGMc, will do a solid job.  Ramon Ramirez, Bobby Parnell, Tim Byrdak and Manny Acosta will be some of the other bullpen guys.  Look for D.J Carrasco to be the long relief option, and could even get a rotation shot if needed.
Catcher- Josh Thole will be the Opening Day starter and being that he is in a contract year, hopefully he can have a solid season.  Mike Nickeas will be the back up catcher and may see more starts if Thole struggles at the plate.
Infield- All the attention in the infield will now shift to All Star David Wright, if he can play in a lot of ball games should be very exciting to watch.  First base will go to Ike Davis and hopefully he is fully recovered from his ankle injury, because he is one of the few bright spots here.  Youngsters Daniel Murphy and Ruben Tejeda will be up the middle and will give Mets fans a look at the future.  Look for Justin Turner and veteran Ronny Cedeno to serve as the utility men.
Outfield- Jason Bay will be in left field come Opening Day, but if the Mets are not happy look for them to try move him come Trade Deadline time.  Newly acquired Andres Torres will be in CF and with how spacious Citi Field is will have a lot of ground to cover.  Lucas Duda, one of the bright spots from last year, will be in right field.  If anyone is struggling look for veteran Scott Hairston to fill in nicely.
Lineup-
1. Ruben Tejeda- Can he replace Jose Reyes?
2. Daniel Murphy- Should set the table nicely.
3. Jason Bay- If he hits like he did in Boston, look out.
4. David Wright- If he plays in a lot games, should be very productive.
5. Ike Davis- Hopefully back to his rookie form.
6. Lucas Duda- Can he repeat what he did last year?
7. Andres Torres- Could be lead off but needs to earn it.
8. Josh Thole- Known more for his defense.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

The Mets are clearly in a rebuilding era, and with ownership issues are not capable of making moves to turn this team into a win now one.  Once the ownership issues are figured out look for them to be right back in contention for the NL East, but that will a few years.  Look for them to finish last in the talented East with about 70 wins.  Not the news Mets fans want to see, but unless they can borrow Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning this team will not be playing October baseball.  The bright side of things for Mets fans is that they will get to a good luck at the future of the organization and how much they have to look forward to.  Good luck Mets Fans!!

-Buddy