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2006 New York Mets Preview
By Jack Scrafford
2005 Overview:
Rookie Manager Willie Randolph and General Manager Omar Minaya entered the 2005 season with two new key acquisitions. Both Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran arrived via free agency hoping to improve the New York Mets lineup and rotation. Martinez (15-8 2.82) certainly impressed, posting a 10-3 record prior to the all star break. Beltran (.266 16 78) on the other hand struggled for most the season as the Mets finished the season with an 83-79 record, 7 games behind the Atlanta Braves.
Outfielder Cliff Floyd (.273 34 98) enjoyed a renaissance in 2005 reaching a career high in homeruns. 3rd baseman David Wright (.306 27 102) also came into his own while Mike Piazza (.251 19 62) ended his 8-year career as a NY Met batting only .232 after the all star break. Shortstop Jose Reyes (.273 7 58 60 stolen bases) was able to play a full season and impress but the rest of the Met's offense suffered with injuries and spotty output. Japanese import Kaz Matsui (.255 3 24) Mike Cameron (.273 12 39), and newly acquired 1st baseman Doug Mientkiewicz (.240 11 29) did little to provide the Mets with any stability in the everyday lineup.
Along with Martinez, Tom Glavine (13-13 3.53) was able to finally show a glimpse of the pitcher he once was by compiling a 7-6 record and 2.22 ERA after the all-star break. Starters Kris Benson (10-8 4.13), Víctor Zambrano (7-12 4.17), and Jae Seo (8-2 2.59) were helped by the aging Roberto Hernandez (8-6 2.58) and the emergence of Aaron Heilman (5-3 3.17) in the bullpen. Unfortunately, closer Braden Looper (4-7 3.94 28 saves) struggled for the entire season converting only 28 of 36 save opportunities.
Off Season Moves:
The Mets finally picked up the 1st baseman they wanted by acquiring Carlos Delgado (.301 33 115) from the Marlins. Catcher Paul Lo Duca (.288 6 57) was also netted from the Marlins fire sale while Mets GM Omar Minaya landed the closer free-agent lefthander Billy Wagner (4-3 1.51 38 saves) from the Phillies. Mike Cameron was moved to the Padres for new right fielder Xavier Nady (.261 13 43) and the ageless wonder Julio Franco (.275 9 42) was signed via free agency to a 2-year contract. Starting pitchers Jae Seo and Kris Benson were also dealt while relievers Jorge Julio (3-5 5.90), John Maine (2-3 6.30) and Duaner Sánchez (4-7 3.73) joined the bullpen.
2006 Analysis:
While Minaya failed to land Manny Ramirez after all the rumors, he was able to add a legitimate power hitter in Delgado. Expect Wagner to be a tremendous upgrade over Looper. Lo Duca should perform well alongside backup catcher Ramon Castro (.244 8 41). However, the Mets starting pitching may prove to be a bit thin. Trading both Seo and Benson may have been a mistake. Look for Heilman to join the starting rotation after a strong effort in winter ball and Steve Trachsel (1- 4 4.14) to also return. If the Mets remain healthy and their rotation doesn't fall apart, they will contend with the Phillies and Braves in 2006
About the Author
Jack Scrafford recommends PlatinumTickets to buy New York Mets tickets. See http://www.platinumtickets.com/mlb/new_york_mets_tickets.html for more information.
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