2007 New York Mets
The 2007 New York Mets are a work in progress. Managed by Willie Randolph and shaped by Omar Minaya, the Mets are coming off a solid yet disappointing 2006 season in which they were the best team in the NL during the regular season, but fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS.
|
[edit] The Offseason
During the 2006 post-season, the Mets' rotation was in shambles. Both Pedro Martinez and El Duque were out with injuries. Steve Trachsel pulled himself out of an NLCS game and it was clear to all that the Mets would not retain his services. With Pedro out until the summer, and with the rest of the potential rotation being over-40 (Duque and Tom Glavine) or consisting of prospects/projects (John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey, and Phillip Humber), the Mets turned their attention to the Crown Jewel of the free agency market: Barry Zito. Offering a reported $95 million over 5 years for Zito seemed high to some, but not high enough, as the San Francisco Giants foiled the Mets plans by giving Zito more money over more years. With the Mets now wed to plugging holes, they signed veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa, and Aaron Sele to bargain contracts.
The Mets two biggest strengths in 2006 were their bats and their bullpen. By replacing the typically-injured Cliff Floyd with the old-but-productive Moises Alou, and with Lastings Milledge waiting in the weeds to replace the slowly-deteriorating Shawn Green, the offense appeared to be improving.
The bullpen, however, was hit hard by the loss of Chad Bradford to the Orioles via free agency, Guillermo Mota's steroids suspension, and the slow recouperation of Duaner Sanchez. The Mets traded Brian Bannister to Kansas City for fireballer Ambiorix Burgos and signed LHP Scott Schoenweis. They also invited a motley crew of others to camp.
Even with clear question marks, many believed the Mets to be strong contenders for the NL East; albeit not the class of the league like they were in 2006.
[edit] Spring Training and Pre-Season Predictions
It didn't take long for Mike Pelfrey to lock down the 5th starter spot in the rotation. With prohibitive favorite Chan Ho Park failing to record outs, and the others showing why they were so cheap, Pelfrey was given the opportunity he needed. He induced many ground outs, was efficient on the mound, and kept his poise throughout, and earned the 5th spot in the rotation.
The Mets other MLB-ready prospect, Lastings Milledge, also earned his stripes. He put up fine numbers and was added to the Opening Day roster.
The bad news: Duaner Sanchez. First, he was late to team meetings, and was sent home. Then, he aggravated his injuries, and was sent to the surgeon.
[edit] Regular Season Highlights
[edit] Opening Day
[edit] April
[edit] May
[edit] June
[edit] July
[edit] August
[edit] September/October
[edit] Video Gallery
[edit] Picture Gallery
 |
 |
