Shoud the Mets Try To Trade for Nick Franklin?

The Mets have been trying to figure out how to upgrade the shortstop position. It appears that signing Stephen Drew is unlikely. They are now talking to the Mariners about trading for infielder Nick Franklin. Last year, Franklin hit. 225 with 12 homers and 45 RBI's in 369 AB's. He drew only 42 walks and struck out 113 times. The Mets will probably have to trade one of their young pitchers like Rafael Montero in order to acquire Franklin. As much as Ruben Tejada is a major liability at shortstop, I don't think trading away young pitching for a guy who hit .225 last year is the best way to go. I think the Mets should try to find other teams to trade for at shortstop.

The Latest: Ruben Tejada and the spring pitching rotation (week one)

Two days before the Mets kick off their spring training schedule on Friday February 28th at 1:00 PM, questions are still to be answered. So far this has been a calm, quiet, laid back camp. I think this is the best case scenario for an organization that has gone through so much turmoil since 2006. We've welcomed the new faces like Chris Young, Curtis Granderson, and Bartolo Colon, but we've kept a closer eye on young studs Noaah Syndergard and Rafael Montero. The Mets' brass is on hand early in camp, as they are every year, and they have their eyes on the following topics:

Ruben Tejada: Apparently the Mets are "not happy" with Tejada's conditioning yet again. The secret is out: Sandy Alderson does not like Ruben Tejada. Before spring game even begin, the impression in Mets' camp is Tejada's conditioning is such a concern, that he may underperform yet again. On the flip side, he does look like he has shed "some" pounds since last year, and has brought with him a new attitude. Will this translate to on the field success? Who knows, and with a Stephen Drew signing nowhere near, I guess we'll have to live with whatever we get.

Pitching Rotation: The Mets have announced that Rafael Montero will start the first spring game in Port St. Lucie this Friday at 1:00 PM. John Lannon, Dice-K, and Syndergard will start the next consecutive games, respectfully.

Will Cory Mazzoni Make the Mets Bullpen?

The Mets have been trying to stockpile their bullpen with young arms. One of those young arms is Cory Mazzoni, a 24 year old right hander. Last season for Binghmton, he posted a 5-3 record with a 4.36 ERA and had 74 strikeouts in 64 innings. His season was cut short after he injured his knee, which resulted in surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Mazzoni is considered a 3 pitch pitcher. He has a plus fastball, good slider, and outstanding splitter. He will definitely be considered in spring training to make the Opening Day roster along with other young pitchers such as Jeff Walters. It'd be great for the Mets if Mazzoni can make the team. They need to add more depth to their pen, primarily with young and powerful pitchers.

What's New: Alderson, Ike, Syndergaard

With Spring Training already four days old, these are the major story lines thus far:

Sandy Alderson: Alderson recently came out and said he would like to remain with the Mets for another "two or three years." There has been speculation that Sandy Alderson would take over for Bud Selig when he retires in 2015, but that may not be the case. Alderson is signed through 2014. I believe Sandy deserves one more season (2014) to prove he deserves to be at the helm for another few years or so. While his trades of Beltran and Dickey are genius, his signing of Francisco and Cowgill have not been. The Granderson, Chris Young, and Bartolo Colon signings are to be tested this upcoming year. Alderson, in my view, has done so-so since taking over in 2011. While the "mess" has been cleaned up, not enough talent has been replaced...yet.

Ike Davis: Ike is in camp ready to go. He will get 90-100 at bats this spring in order to prove to Terry that he should be the team's first baseman when camp breaks. Teams such as the Pirates and Orioles still have an eye on Davis, and things may change by March 31st. Best bet is that he'll remain with the club, beat out Lucas Duda, and start on opening day. At 27, Ike still has upside, and if he can regain his 2012 form (30 HRS), maybe this isn't such a bad idea. Of course they can trade him also if he is showing that home run swing this spring.

Noah Syndergaard: The Mets top pitching phenom is letting it all out this spring. Throwing 97 miles an hour with a "hook from hell" as manager Terry Collins puts it. Syndergaard wants to break camp with the big league team, but that isn't the same philosophy general manager Sandy Alderson shares. Using Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler as examples, it appears Noah will start the season in Triple-A, and expect a call up around June-July.

Pictures from spring

Thanks to Metsblog.com, we provide the following pictures from spring training thus far:

Will Juan Lagares Be The Mets Opening Day Center Fielder?

Even though Juan Lagares played arguably Gold Glove defense for the Mets last year in center field, there are a lot of questions about whether he can hit well enough to become an every day centerfielder. Last year he hit only .242, with 4 homers and 34 RBI's. He struck out 96 times in 392 at-bats. Lagares only drew 20 walks. He has to become a more selective hitter this year. He swung at a lot of bad pitches which caused his strikeouts to go up. I'm hoping that as Lagares gets more at-bats this season, he will become more comfortable at the plate. I think that he will learn to swing at better pitches. With Lagares's speed, I could see him becoming a top of the order hitter. In order to do that, he has to have a better approach. I think Lagares will start to become a much improved offensive player this season.

Spring Training 2014 has begun!

Finally, it is here! Ever since the Boston Red Sox recorded the final out of the 2013 World Series, I have been waiting for baseball to BEGIN, not end. After 3 and a half long months (four and a half since the Mets played), spring training has begun. Below are the notable pitchers and catchers who have reported to camp thus far:

Pitchers                                  Catchers
1. Zack Wheeler                     1. Travis d'Arnaud
2. Jon Neise                            2. Taylor Teegarden
3. Dillon Gee                          3. Anthony Recker
4. Bartolo Colon
5.Jennry Mejia
6. Dice-K
7. John Lannon
8.Bobby Parnell
9. Vic Black
10. Kyle Farnswhorth
11. Jose Valverde

The 2014 Spring Training schedule kicks off on February 28th at Port St. Lucie. The regular season begins March 31st at Citi Field.

When Will the Mets Call Up Noah Syndergarrd this season?

When the Mets traded RA Dickey to the Blue Jays, it was thought that Travis d'Arnaud was going to be the main part of the deal. On the other hand, so far starting pitcher Noah Syndergarrd has appeared to possibly turn out to be the key member of the trade. Last year between St. Lucie and Binghamton, he posted a 3.06 ERA, had a. 1.15 WHIP and a 133:28 K:BB ratio. His fastball tops out between 96-98 mph. He is working on improving his changeup and curveball to go along with his fastball. He has also worked on improving his command. Once Syndergarrd develops secondary pitches and has more command, he has the potential to be a top of the rotation starter. The Mets could have a possible starting rotation in 2015 of Matt Harvey, Zach Wheeler, and Syndergarrd as their top 3 starters. I think that the Mets will follow the same approach that they had with Harvey and Wheeler, and call up Syndgergarrd in either June or July.

Thank You, Derek Jeter

This may seem like a crazy title for a post on a Mets Blog, but, Derek Jeter has played a huge role in my life, and the lives of many baseball fans in this country. For one, Jeter is the greatest shortstop I've ever seen play the game. His instincts are spot on, and in his prime, his glove was purely gold. Jeter was never a 30 HR guy, but he didn't have to be. In a lineup loaded with sluggers, Jeter set the table. If I can just blur out the fact that Derek Jeter is the captain of the "other" New York team I love to hate, I can respect all that Derek has done in the game of baseball. A true class act indeed. March 2014 begins Derek's farewell tour, and like Mariano Rivera's, it will be emotional for Yankees fans. For me, I'll sit back and watch as, hopefully, his teams misses the playoffs....again! So long Jeter.

The Latest On: Jose Valverde; David Wright

Jose Valverde Signing: The Mets have recently signed RHP Jose Valverde to a Minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. This comes one day after Mets' GM Sandy Alderson said the Mets were likely done signing free agents of significance. While Valverde isn't a scrub, he isn't anything of significance either. Once upon a time, Valverde was one of the games' best closers. At 35, Jose provides valuable veteran leadership to an otherwise young bullpen. I'll be rooting for Jose to make the club by March 31st. 

David Wright: David wright spoke with reporters today in Port St. Lucie and said he wants to win again. Since being called up in July of 2004, David has seen just three winning seasons, and one playoff birth. Now at 31, Wright is ready to win again. Perhaps his comments should've been said at next year's Spring Training, when the team realistically will compete in the National League East. In the meantime, let's hope the 2014 Mets have Lady Luck on their side and can help David's wish come true....as well as ours. 

Will Jeff Walters make the Mets Bulpen?

Jeff Walters has been an under the radar pitcher in the Mets Minor League system. Last season for Binghamton, he posted a 2.09 ERA and had a solid ratio of 60 k's to 16 walks. He broke the Binghamton saves record with 38. He posses a fastball of up to 95-96 mph. He needs to work on developing his secondary pitches. His power slider has shown flashes of becoming a potential second pitch. He needs to work on throwing it more consistently and with better command. Hopefully, once Walters has found a nice repertoire of pitches, then he can become a member of the Mets bullpen this season.

Where Does Chris Young fit in the Mets Outfield?

When the Mets signed Chris Young as a free agent, it was thought he was going to be a starting outfielder. However, after signing Curtis Granderson and resigning Eric Young Jr, his role in the outfield has come into question. Young has been known hitting for power and stealing bases. He hit 32 home runs in 2007 and had 27 stolen bases.  In 2010, he hit 27 homers and had 28 stolen bases. In 2011, he hit 20 homers and stole 22 bases. Despite those very solid numbers, his biggest weaknesses have been his high strikeout totals and hitting for a very low average. His highest average in a season when he had at least 300 at-bats was only .257. Young has had four seasons of 100 strikeouts or more. Even though Young has shown that he has speed and power, I'm concerned that his tendency to strike out frequently and not hit for a high average will affect him becoming a starting outfield. I think that Chris Young will start the season as a fourth outfielder and have the outfield consist of Eric Young Jr , Juan Lagares, and Curtis Granderson. Young has to cut down on his strikeouts and improve his average in order to have a chance to play every day.

Where should the Mets put Montero?

There has been a debate among the Mets brass whether Rafael Montero should be a starter or a reliever. Some Mets executives feel that his fastball of 93-94 mph and plus changeup and slider translate to a spot in the rotation.  However, other Mets executives feel that he is best suited as a reliever or a set up man in the 8th inning. It's a tough question that many MLB teams including the Mets have had to figure out. Some teams have decided to have their young pitchers start out in the bullpen and then convert them to a starting pitcher. Two of the Cardinals best pitchers, Adam Wainright and Lance Lynn both started out in the pen before becoming starters. The Rays had David Price in the pen as a set-up man when he was called up in September 2008. He was moved into the rotation the following spring. I think the Mets should start Montero out in the bullpen when he is called up. This will allow them to see how well he handles pressure. If Montero can handle pitching in the bullpen, then he should be moved to the rotation the following season.

Who's the most important new Met?

This is a topic Mets fans haven't asked themselves in a long time. The last significant free agent signing was outfielder Jason Bay in 2009, and we all know how that turned out. But, this offseason was different. While Sandy proclaimed he would have "three" new faces in his lineup, we sit here on February 9th with two. Besides Chris Young and Curtis Granderson, the Mets signed free agent SP Bartolo Colon. Heading into 2014, who's the most important. Here is my pick

1. Curtis Granderson-This seems like the logical pick, and for one good reason: The Mets invested $60 million into him. Granderson was probably signed on the "cheap" after his injury riddled 2013 campaign. The Mets need a middle of the order hitter to protect David Wright, and are banking on Curtis being that man. Granderson hit 40+ homers in  back-to-back years in 2011 and 2012 while with the Yankees. Before being traded to New York, Curtis was a legit 30-30 man with the Detroit Tigers. The Mets are hoping that Curtis, at age 33, can be a little of both in his tenure with the team

2. Bartolo Colon-Let me begin by saying I don't think Bartolo will be a Met come 2015. Though he is signed for two years, with the Mets influx of young starting pitching, I don't see a scenario where Bartolo continues as a Met beyond this season. That being said, Colon will be asked to replicate his 2013 season-18 W and a high 2.00 ERA. While this is a lot to ask from a starting pitcher turning 41, I believe Colon will thrive in the national league for one more season. Merely a bridge to Matt Harvey's return in 2015, Bartolo Colon should be able to keep up his pace and help a young Mets' pitching staff round into shape.

Gee deserves more respect

With all the talk about Matt Harvey, Zach Wheeler, and Noah Syndergarrd, Dillon Gee has not gotten enough credit for being one of the Mets best pitchers. Last season he started off 2-6, but then rebounded to go 10-5 the rest of the season. After his 12 k performance against the Yankees, Gee was one of the best pitchers in the NL. The Mets need him to repeat that kind of performance if they want to contend for a wild-card spot. Even though Gee doesn't throw in the upper 90's like Harvey and Wheeler, he is still able to pitch very effectively due to his ability to change speeds and locate all of his pitches. I'm hoping that he can win 10-15 games. I think that he will be able to have a lot of success this year.

Latest on: Drew, Ike, the NL East

Drew: According to recent twitter posts, Stephen Drew is being "wooed" by his former Red Sox teammates to return to the Red Sox. The Mets, however, continue to be the favorites to land Drew not just because they can go to three years if need be, but because they offer Drew the best situation to start at short stop (and possibly bat leadoff). I assume the Drew rumors will continue, but the upcoming week can be pivotal in the Drew two-team sweepstakes.

Ike Davis: The Mets need to come up from Port St. Loucie with one thing more than anything else (besides health) and thats a first baseman. Ike Davis and Lucas Duda will "battle" for the starting job, with Ike getting upwards of "90 at bats," according to manager Terry Collins. Josh Satin is the capable back up, leaving only one of Ike and Duda to win a job on this team. As recent as today, more reports have surfaced that the Pirates may still trade for Ike Davis. It is still a long ways away from opening day, and anything can happen. During spring training people get hurt, struggle, or both, prompting teams to make panic moves. My guess is Ike will remain the Met and win the starting job.

NL East: When I look at the NL east as a whole, I see it as being very top heavy. Washington and Atlanta appear to be the favorites, with the Nationals heavily favored to bounce back. But the Mets, Phillies, and Marlins all appear to be picking up the rear. Recent predictions claim the Mets will finish third, or fourth. The NL East is in a weird situation. The top teams really aren't that good, but they are strong favorites. The Mets are mediocre at the present time, but have the strongest potential in years to come. The Phillies have refused to hit the panic button and start a rebuilding process, but falling back further in the standings for a third straight year appears likely. This division isn't impossible to win, but it isn't probable either. Assume an order of Washington and Atlanta, followed by the Mets, Marlins, and Phillies finishing 3-4-5, likely in 2014.

Shortshop Dilema

The Mets have been trying to figure out this offseason how they can upgrade the shortstop position. Ruben Tejada does not appear to be the shortstop of the future. They have been trying to sign Stephen Drew, but have had trouble deciding how many years to give him. I think the Mets should give Drew a one-year deal, since Scott Boras suggested that he would have an opt-out clause after this season. Next offseason, there is a much better free agent class of shortstops for the Mets to go after. Some of the free agent shortstops in the 2014 free agent class include Hanley Ramirez, Jed Lowrie, and Astrubral Cabrera.

Latest Stephen Drew Rumors

The Mets have been trying to sign Stephen Drew this offseason, but they have not been able to. Drew's agent Scott Boras said that he wants Drew to have an opt-out clause after this year. The Mets aren't happy with this offer and are trying to sign Drew for 2 or 3 years. I'm hoping there is a resolution soon. I think the Mets have to sign Drew because Ruben Tejada is not the every day shortstop going forward.

RIP Ralph Kiner

MLB Hall of Famer and longtime Mets announcer Ralph Kiner passed away today at the age of 91. Kiner played in the Major Leagues for 10 years and had 369 career home runs. He was a 6 time All-Star and 7 time NL home run champion. He was induced into the Hall of Fame in 1975. After his playing career ended, he went into the broadcast booth and became an announcer for the Mets beginning in 1962. Kiner was a Mets announcer from 1962-2013. He was known for his knowledge of the game and telling amazing stories about his playing career. He also hosted a postgame show called "Kiner's Korner." All Mets fans have so many fond memories of listening to Ralph's broadcasts and on "Kiner's Korner." He will be greatly missed.

5th Starter Spot

There has been a lot of questions about who the Mets 5th starter should be. Dice-k has been considered the leading candidate. John Lannon has also been thought of as another possibility. However, I think Jenry Meija should get the 5th starter's spot. He showed great flashes of his potential last year. He was throwing harder and showing off a really wicked changeup. I'm hoping that he can stay healthy, so he has a chance to win the job. I'm looking forward to watching him in Spring Training.

 

Baseball Prospectus Projections-Mets a 74 win team

Prediction: And here we go again, the annual PECOTA predictions are out. For the third straight year the New York Mets are projected to go 74-88. PECOTA predictions are not opinions, but are calculated statistics (so we're all told.) A 74-88 record will put the Mets in fourth place in the NL East according to PECOTA.

My view: While many can argue the Mets only replaced Marlon Byrd with Curtis Granderson, and Matt Harvey with Bartolo Colon, I believe this team will finish around the 80 win mark and third place in the NL East. What many people leave out is the fact the Mets are banking on increasing production from their catching position, better defense from the Young and Granderson acquisitions, and a bounce back from Ike Davis. All these things may or may not happen, but I will bet on the latter. The starting pitching is intact, not to mention Syndergaard and Montero are on their way. Holes still exist at short stop and first base for the time being. These holes may exist all season. The bullpen is in much better shape heading into 2014 than it was in 2013 after the emergence of Parnell and Vic Black.

Will Zack Wheeler get the Opening Day Start?

Zack Wheeler is confident that he will be the Opening Day starter. I think that he definitely has a chance along with Colon, Niese, and Gee. He was able to cut down on his walks as the season progressed. In June, he had 10 walks in 16 innings. In August, he had only 11 walks in 37 innings. Wheeler showed that he can have a fastball topping out at times at 97-98 mph. He also mixed in a sharp curve ball and slider as his secondary pitches. I think that he will continue to develop this year. I look forward to seeing what strides he will make. I'm hoping that he can win 10-15 games.

It's Travid d'Arnaud's time to shine

When the Mets acquired d'Arnaud in the winter of 2012-2013, many scouts projected he could be the Mets' catcher for the next ten to fifteen years. Yes, you read that right, ten to fifteen years. After being traded for two cy young award winners (Roy Hallady in 2009, and R.A. Dickey in 2012) d'Aarnaud has gone from being considered the best catching prospect in the game, to being injured for three months (again), all the way to being the Mets everyday catcher (and not hitting at all.)

The pitchers love d'Arnaud. Triple A battery mate Zack Wheeler has said multiple times he loves Travis behind the plate. The next step is simple: hit. At 24 years old, going on 25, Travis has to show us the gap to gap power he displayed during his prime minor league days. The Mets need one more middle of the order hitter, and Travis d'Aarnaud could be the answer this season. A .285; 15 HR; 60 RBI season is not out of the realm of possibility for Travis. Injuries aside, we should begin to see the promise that the top catching prospect in baseball has.

Other news: Yesterday, WFAN's Mike Francesa said the Mets had made an offer to free agent SS Stephen Drew. As I posted a few days ago, the Red Sox have made a two year offer. The value of both deals is up in the air at the moment. Multile Mets executives denied these reports coming from Francesa Tuesday afternoon.

Also, the Mets, as well as up to three other teams, are serious about free agent reliever Fernando Rodney. Sandy Alderson has said he will most likely only give out minor league deals, Rodney would most certainly command a major league one. Stay tuned...

Mets sign Kyle Farnsworth ; Plus Stephen Drew Rumors

Earlier today the Mets signed veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training (Michael Baron, MetsBlog). The deal will be worth $1.5 million if he makes the club out of spring training.

In 2013, the 37 year old Farnsworth pitched to a 4.70 ERA, splitting time with Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh. Farnsworth gives the Mets a veteran fall back option, should he make the team.

In other news: The Red Sox have finally offered free agent short-stop Stephen Drew a 2 year contract offer. At this time it is not known the value of the two year offer. This all but ends the Mets pursuit of Drew.

It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Baseball!

Who's the 5th Starter?

What we know: For all the talk about first base, shortstop, and the back of the bullpen, people tend to forget the back end of the rotation. Nowadays, teams need to be six or seven deep in the starting pitching department, due to injuries. The Mets currently have ace Bartolo Colon, Jon Neise, Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, and then Jenrry Mejia. Mejia hasn't been healthy for a full season, so why believe this will be the year? With a tremendous upside, Mejia will hopefully win the job out of spring training and hold onto it.

Signings: The Mets have also signed veterans John Lannan, and Dice-K Matsuzaka for insurance purposes. Both will likely begin the season in AAA until there is an injury, or a need for some bullpen help.

From the farm: At some point this season there is going to be a cluster of starting pitching at the major league level. Phenoms Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are major league ready. If history does indeed repeat itself, we should see these two young studs in New York by June/July. My best guess is Bartolo Colon will either be injured or traded to make room for one, if not two,  of the Mets' top prospects. As mentioned above, Mejia is not bet to stay healthy either, which could leave room for one of the two.

The verdict: Mejia will win the job out of camp. He just has more talent and promise than his competitors at this point. The Mets' rotation is the least of their worries, and come July, it could possibly be the strongest in the National League East, if not the National League itself.

The Top 5 Free Agents of 2014 With Predictions

The winter of 2014 wasn't supposed to be a raucous, record breaking, earth shattering offseason. The free agent class was far from appealing. After all, the Yankees were predicted to resign Robinson Cano. The Red Sox were predicted to re sign Jacoby Ellsbury. And the Mets? All the doubters said they won't spend close to 100 million this offseason, let alone any offseason in the forceable future. The funny part? Everyone was wrong. Below is a recap of where the top 15 free agents of 2013-2014 wound up and their predictions for the upcoming season (predicted by yours truly):

1. Robinson Cano-Seattle Mariners- The "face" of the Yankee organization. The only Yankee to survive the injury plagued season that was 2013. Sure, teams such as Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Oakland, and Milwaukee aren't capable of resigning their stars. But, the Yankees? This is the same team that gave aging Alex Rodrigues a 10 year deal worth 260 million. Finally they have learned from their mistakes. Robinson Cano accepted a 10 year 250 million dollar contract from the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are in desperate need for an offensive star. Mediocrity has plagued that franchise longer than the length of tonight's Super Bowl (which seemed like eternity.) Cano will join a 70 win team and help them win 75 games. Prediction: .290 AVG; 25 HR; 90 RBI 

2. Jacoby Ellsbury-New York Yankees- Just when you thought the Yankees were wising up about giving aging players long term contracts, they made this move. Apparently Robinson Cano was too expensive at $200 million, but Jacoby Ellsbury and his one all star appearance was fine at $150 million.  Ellsbury, 30, will help stabilize an aging lineup with aspirations for the fall classic once again. Prediction: .300 AVG; 20 HR; 85 RBI 

3. Sin Soo Choo-Texas Rangers-Boy, the Rangers never quit, do they? Texas continues to spend top dollar for top free agents, with a few crafty trades in the middle (see Prince Fielder). After a disappointing 2013, by Rangers' standards, they spend $100 million one the games premier lead off hitter. Though nearing his decline, Choo should help the Rangers overtake the A's in the A.L. West. The game's best lineup is back together. Prediction: .320 AVG; 17 HR; 78 RBI 

4. Brian McCann-New York Yankees-The Yankees most dire need was filled in November 2013 when they acquired Brian McCann for a reasonable $80 million. McCann is an aging back stop who has been through the wars. In Yankee Stadium, McCann, and fellow teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, should see their home run totals rise. But their health? Very questionable. Prediction: .260 AVG; 30 HR; 100 RBI. 

5. Masahiro Tanaka-New York Yankees-There's no doubt the Yankees dominated this years free agency, and that was before they made this signing. A risky one at best for a pitcher who has never pitched outside of Japan, Tanaka will headline a declining Yankee rotation in much need of an ace. Will Tanaka be that ace? Scouts are saying yes, but they also said yes for Dice-K. Prediction- 15-7; 3.99 ERA

Your 2014 New York Mets & how they got here.

It has been one crazy offseason around the MLB. This was the offseason the Mets were to take the next step. 2013 was supposed to be the Mets low-mark in their rebuilding effort that began in October 2011 once Omar Manaya was dismissed, and Sandy Alderson was anointed king of the Mets organization. The 2014 offseason has come and passed, with the Mets in a much better position today than they were three off seasons ago. Will this team win 90 games? No. 80 games? Yes, very much a possibility. Here are our 2014 New York Mets, and how they got here. 

Batting Order:

1. Juan Legaras CF- Drafted by the Mets under Alderson's regime

2. Daniel Murphy 2B- Long time Met, since 2008, drafted my Omar Manaya 

3. David Wright 3B- The captain; rewarded to an 8 year contract by Alderson. 

4. Curtis Granderson LF- The Mets first big 2014 offseason acquisition 

5. Chris Young RF- Still a place holder, the Mets first actual acquisition of 2014

6. Ike Davis/Lucas Duda 1B- Both drafted by Omar Manaya's regime in the latter years

7. Travis d'Arnaud C- Acquired from Toronto in exchange for R.A. Dickey

8. Ruben Tejada SS- The last hitter from the Manaya regime way back when 

Rotation: 

1. Bartolo Colon- The Mets second biggest offseason Acquisition of 2014

2. John Neise- An Omar Manaya draft pick 

3. Zack Wheeler- Alderson's biggest prize, acquired from the Giants for Carlos Beltran. 

4. Dillon Gee- Another Mets draftee by Omar Manaya in the late 2000's. 

5. Jenry Mejia- International free agent signed in 2007. 

1. Matt Harvey (hurt)-The Mets ace, drafted by Manaya in 2010. 

CL: Bobby Parnell- Long time Met, also a Manaya draft pick in 2005.