Coutinho: The Mets are an 85-win team
That’s right - you read correctly – the Mets are an 85-win team.
Yes, I know, so many issues and negativity, but I firmly believe that there are many more positive signs for the Mets going into the 2011 season. Like most teams in baseball, they have both question marks and flaws, but they are as healthy as they have been in a long time and, when healthy, this core group has been competitive.
The lineup will be significantly better than last year with Joe Reyes, and, if Carlos Beltran can stay in the lineup, the top of the order will score plenty of runs, even in the spacious Citi Field. In fact, once Jason Bay returns, those six players might be as good a top six as there is in the National League.
The loss of Johan Santana certainly hurts, but Sandy Alderson has quietly put together a back-of-the-rotation that throws strikes. RA Dickey might not be as good as last season, but Mike Pelfrey will repeat what he did last year and 2011 could be a real coming out party for Jonathan Niese. Chris Capuano and Chris Young have both been very sharp in Spring Training and, although the Mets do not possess a true ace, they have capable arms that might surprise the ‘experts.’
In addition, Francisco Rodriguez has been eye-popping all spring. He has looked as good as I have ever seen him in a Mets uniform, even though most of the talk circulates around incentive clauses and anger management. I expect a big year from Rodriguez, who is determined to make things right in the eyes of Mets fans.
And then there is Terry Collins, who has been very impressive in camp in so many ways. He is straight shooter, who lets players know where they stand – something we have not seen in the manager’s office since Willie Randolph sat in the chair.
Sure, you can choose to focus on the negative issues from camp – Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, Bernie Madoff, etc., but, if you do, you might miss watching a pretty good team – and unlike the past few years, the core group of players are mostly healthy. In addition, key players are entering contract years and the clubhouse – from what I can tell – is hell bent on proving people wrong.
After 6 weeks of spring training and watching this team, I really think the baseball world has underrated the Mets. It’s hard to believe that could happen in New York, but that’s why you play the games.
Michael Baron’s view of the coming season will post in an hour or so.
Matthew Cerrone’s will post towards the end of the day.
