Read: Five Issues Facing Mets
Despite filling their biggest need, Steve Popper of the Bergen Record takes a look at five issues facing the Mets, such as having same starting rotation, the left field platoon, and who will be the fan’s favorite new target this season, writing:
“The Mets’ plans this winter included addition by subtraction,
hence the departure of Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis, who were fan targets. But the Mets did not rid themselves of Luis Castillo and know that the target is on his back… If Castillo doesn’t get off to a quick start, the Mets will look to dump him again and the fans will be harsher. Castillo did not respond to the criticism last year. He’d better be ready this time.”
…i agree with popper on all of his issues, but one significant problem still stands out to me the most, the bench…
…omar minaya has seemingly neglected the bench the last few seasons…and, yet again he has done virtually nothing to improve it this offseason…yes, he signed Alex Cora and a few others journeymen to fill roles, but the still have the same old problem, the options are all old and bat from the left side…
…there is no significant threat from the right hand side…i don’t count Ramon Castro, as he never gets opportunities to pinch hit, unless the Mets carry three catchers…
…it may be tough finding that younger, right handed option, and i’m sure minaya has done due diligence, but with the left field platoon being as is and without obtaining a player, such as Nomar Garciaparra, the Mets glaring weakness may shift from the bullpen to the bench…
