One thing that goes along with any professional sports franchise in New York are lofty expectations, but hopes for the Big Apple's National League baseball franchise New York Mets need to be more realistic in 2011 considering the club is trying to restructure with hopes of becoming play-offs ready a year or two down the road. One thing's for certain, fans will not be making any World Series Predictions for the Mets. Not this year anyway.
Most off shore sportsbooks have the Mets listed on their futures and MLB Lines boards as extreme longshots of winning any championship, including divisional, league or World Series. Sportsbook.com lists the Mets on its 2011 World Series Board at +6000 while odds to win the NL are +3000 and NL East +2500.
Following its disappointing 2010 season, the Mets began overhauling some key management positions, replacing General Manager Omar Minaya with veteran baseball executive Sandy Alderson and hiring Terry Collins to take over as field manager. Alderson is now in the process of rebuilding the team, absent from post-season play the past five years.
Alderson's first act in the Mets restructuring began with getting rid of former key players by saying goodbye John Maine, Sean Green and Chris Carter. Alderson got a steal by picking up second-baseman Brad Emaus in the Rule-5 Draft. Emaus shows some great potential both offensively and defensively and will be a great compliment to infield.
The sky's the limit for first baseman Ike Davis who exploded onto the scene last year and showing his power with 19 home runs. The Mets hope to get a productive 2011 from outfielder Jason Bay, who spent a third of 2010 on the disabled list. Today Bay’s status for opening day is in doubt due to a strained rib cage. Equally, the Mets are hoping for a great bounce back season from outfielder Carlos Beltran, who underwent knee surgery last January. Once a top prospect, Beltran's skills have eroded, especially his great speed. The good news is he can hit consistently in the .300's.
Third baseman David Wright is the offensive star and face of the Mets. Wright enjoyed a quality year in 2010 where he hit for a respectable .283 average and provided power with 29 home runs and 103 RBI. With Bay and Beltran questionable, it’s crucial for Wright to improve on last years good numbers.
The Mets starting pitching rotation is taking a hit by starting without ace Johan Santana. The team will have to rely on Mike Pelfrey to anchor the rotation along with R.A. Dickey who had good seasons in 2010. Chris Young and Chris Capuano will provide solid help.
The MLB Picks favorites in the NL are the Philadelphia Phillies. Actually, the Phillies are favorites to win through the NL Playoffs and the 2011 World Series. It's just not going to be the Mets year.
