METS and YANKEES PREVIEW 2016 DEPTH A huge problem for the Mets entering last season is a solid strength now. Starting with the infield, the Mets traded for Neil Walker to replace fan favorite Daniel Murphy, who went on a miraculous tear during the postseason. Walker is considered a slight upgrade defensively from Murphy and comparable on offense. Murphy was a consistent hitter, however, so this will be interesting to see play out. The team also signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who is no Troy Tulowitzki but is an upgrade from the position last season. This means the team keeps both Ruben Tejada, who can field and Wilmer Flores who can hit and play several positions to fill in for injured players. Hopefully, the team doesn’t underestimate his bat. At catcher, Kevin Plawecki provides much needed insurance for Travis D’Arnaud, who is coming into his own offensively, but who’s injury prone and whose arm continues to be an issue. If one or both of them could play another position, that would address many of those concerns. For many years, the Mets have LINEUP This is as solid a lineup as the Mets have been able to pencil in since 2006. From top to bottom, every hitter has a chance to shine on any given hot streak, from Cespedes to Lucas Duda to D’Arnaud to Curtis. Every hitter knows his role and has shown he can successfully commit to it. Even veterans like David Wright shouldn’t be overlooked if healthy. It’s not quite the lineup the Cubs have on paper, and they don’t have the best hitter on the planet like the Nationals do with Bryce Harper, but as we’ve seen last year, this team is filled with players who can deliver the big hit. had outfield issues. They struggled finding speed, power, and defense in any of the three positions. That’s no longer the case. Thanks to the surprising signing of Cespedes, the pressure subsides for all the hitters, no more than Michael Conforto. Before the signing, Conforto was expected to be an everyday left fielder and carry much of the team’s offense on his back. Although he’s an excellent talent and showed flashes of greatness in his rookie year, his experience last year was limited for such expectations, especially since they rarely put him in the lineup against lefties. Juan Lagares, who is looking to evolve with his bat as well as return to form with his throwing arm, won’t be expected to play center field everyday. Curtis Granderson had an excellent year in 2015, but he’s getting up there with age. With the surplus of outfielders, the Mets can sustain a slight decline. That doesn’t leave much playing time for Alejandro De Aza, a player they overpaid for given that he’s seen as a fourth outfielder. It’s a good problem to have, and they shouldn’t rush to trade him just yet. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR INJURIES This goes for all 30 major league clubs, but when you’re a team that relies heavily on pitching, it couldn’t ring more true for the Mets. Of the team’s starters, three of them have undergone Tommy John surgery (four if you include Wheeler). The success rate for pitchers that need the surgery a second time isn’t pretty. So making sure the starters stay fresh and not overworking them if the bullpen falters early is key. Offensively, Wright will have to deal with his spinal stenosis issues until he calls it a career. But for a guy who had such a severe injury to come back the same season and contribute as much as he did should encourage fans. Still whenever he fields or runs the bases, fans and management will likely hold their collective breaths. He’ll need a healthy amount of days off. D’Arnaud is young but has had his fair share of injuries behind the plate. He fractured his hand last season, which forced him to miss significant time. When on the field, he gives the Mets a much needed lift and turns the lineup into something special. But that’s been a challenge for him. And it doesn’t help that he plays the toughest position on the diamond as a catcher. If he can learn to play some games at first or third base that could help his case. FIELDING Even though the Mets have improved slightly defensively by replacing Murphy with Walker, they're still a team built on great pitching. The Royals exposed those flaws in the World Series. You’d like a defense that can relieve the starters and get them out of potential jams to limit their pitch count. But, again, Lagares is still one of the best outfielders in the game, Cespedes has a cannon for an arm and Conforto proved scouts wrong by showing his range in left field. The pieces are there. If they can work out a few kinks during spring training, they should be fine. Just don’t rely on the starters to bail them out all the time. BULLPEN Always a fickle part of a team and arguably the toughest to build, the Mets need solid outings out of their relievers if they want to rest starters. Familia was one of the best closers the Mets have seen in a long time and a rough World Series showing shouldn’t take any of that away. The guy should’ve been an All-Star. But can he recreate that magic for a second consecutive year? This year, fans find out if he’s their guy for the long haul. He’s one of the most important pieces of all 25 positions. Even if he flourishes again, you worry about the rest of the guys that bridge the Mets from starter to Familia. They have upgraded with signings like Antonio Bastardo. They kept Addison Reed who looked solid at times last season and have potential in Hansel Robles. This will be a position they’ll likely look to upgrade by the trade deadline. Then again, most teams will. BOTTOM LINE It’s tough to assume the Mets will cakewalk through the National League East, but thanks to pitching and key acquisitions, they have as great a chance as any team to repeat their division crown. What happens after that is anyone’s guess. David Wright Yoenis Cespedes Travis D'Arnaud Jeurys Familia Neil Walker
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