A Look At the New York Mets Upcoming Season

Since football is ending tomorrow, its about that time of year again...Baseball is here! It's definitely my favorite time of year when there are only a few months until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Even though as a Mets fan I've had to put up with the roller coaster of emotions that come along with being a Mets fan. After coming off a very disappointing season, I would like to see something big out of the Mets this year. Unfortunately, I don't think this is their year for many reasons. The two main reasons being: 1) They don't have a solid starting rotation and, 2) The Phillies have possibly one of the best rotations of all time.

The Mets have a very uncertain starting rotation going into the 2011 season. With their ace Johan Santana out until June or July after surgery in the off season, Mike Pelfrey is going to have to be the number one guy in the rotation. He had a surprising season last year, going 15-9 with a 3. 66 ERA, but I am not confident that he can be consistent enough to give the Mets a solid performance every week. After Mike, the whole rotation is up in the air. I think second they will go with the knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey, who like Mike, was a HUGE surprise last year. He was an offseason pick-up by the Mets last year and was called up mid-season to help the Mets. He went 11-9 with a 2.84 ERA. Again, I do not have faith that he can perform at the level the Mets will need him to. After Dickey, the Mets have Chris Young and Chris Capuano, two injury prone pitchers that they picked up this offseason who could potentially be good but their past injuries could get in the way. Jonathan Niese, a young up and coming  pitcher, will probably also be thrown into the mix somewhere.

Compare this to the Phillies power house rotation and there seems like there is no hope for the Mets. Cliff Lee, one of the best pitchers in baseball is starting off their rotation, followed by Roy Halladay who tossed a perfect game AND a no hitter last year. Next is Roy Oswalt, who seemed to be in the form he used to be in in his prime in the mid- 2000's. The rotatoin rounds out with Cole Hamels who led the Phillies to a World Series in 2009, and Joe Blanton who is a solid pitcher in the rotation.

Overall, the Mets need to really show something this season. With Johan out till June, the younger players are going to have to step up and be productive players both on offense and defense. Hopefully, we have heard the last of the "New York Mess."