The Traders Arena Blog

Last year, the Mets choked again down the stretch enabling the Phillies to win the NL East and eventually the World Series. They have addressed their urgent needs of some bullpen help. They signed Francisco Rodriguez to a 3 year deal as well as trading for J.J. Putz. The mastermind part is how they got rid of Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweis. These 2 guys singlehandedly screwed up multiple times. They also received Scott Green in the Putz deal, are interested in signing Will Ohman, and resigned Pedro Feliciano. I think they have done some great things in their pen, but they will still sweat with KRod closing. They did not do much to their offense, but they could have a big splash if they were to sign Manny Ramirez (which they won’t). They recently resigned Oliver Perez after passing on Derek Lowe, and also signed Freddy Garcia and Tim Redding.Here is their projected position players this year:Brian Schnieder: Schnieder isn’t a great option but he worked well with the starters. He provides some decent pop, but he is on a platoon type situation with Robinson Cancel.1B: Carlos Delgado: Delgado had a near MVP season last year hitting for massive power. I have not seen the new CITI Field dimensions to see if it will play to the hitters advantage, but I can not see Delgado repeating his stats from last year.2B: Luis Castillo: The one guy everyone wants gone is still there, and is the starter. If he gets his legs back, I like him to possibly hit near 300.SS: Jose Reyes: The most exciting, yet overrated player in baseball. Sure he is good, but he definitely needs some work. I know I will get heat for it, but there are 2 other SS in his own DIVISION I rather have than Reyes (Rollins, and Hanley Ramirez).David Wright: Mr. “I have huge stats but am not clutch”, Arod of the NL, Wright is a great player but can not hit in the clutch. He will have another great stats season as usual.OF: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, Fernando Tatis / Daniel Murphy: Beltran is still one of the top CF in the game. I am not high on Church but many say he could have a nice season this year if he stays healthy. In LF, who knows what type of production will come out of that weak platoon.Here is their projected rotation and closer:SP: Johan Santana, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Tim Redding: This could potentially be a quite decent rotation. I do think Johan Santana will win the CY Young Award this year with 22 wins because of their new bullpen. Oliver Perez has shown he can pitch in big games and Pelfrey became a dependable #3 last year. Maine, Redding, and Garcia are the wild cards and can make or break the season.CL: Francisco Rodriguez → J.J. Putz: Either of these guys are elite closing options. They should do well to replace Wagner and the pitiful bullpen they had last year.