Following the lead of Newsday's irrepressible Yankee blogger, Jim Baumbach, I've also chosen to share with you the Mets' three biggest questions heading into spring training. These questions will run with Newsday's spring training package on Sunday, but here's a sneak peek. Let me know what you think and add some of your own.
1.Pelfrey or Humber? The Mets would be ecstatic if both of these first-round picks prove themselves worthy to make the Opening Day rotation. But there may be room for only one, if at all. So who’s the favorite? Pelfrey was 2-1 with a 5.48 ERA in four starts last season; Humber, less than two years removed from Tommy John surgery, has only two scoreless innings on his resume.
2. Is the ring the thing? After finally dethroning the Braves, and sweeping the Dodgers in the NLDS, the Mets were bitterly disappointed after getting eliminated by the Cardinals. Will that hunger be there when the players show up in Port St. Lucie? It will be a good sign if the Mets arrive with a chip on their shoulders.
3. Can Wright do no wrong? David Wright appeared to wear down toward the end of last season, and after another busy winter, it will be crucial for the All-Star third baseman to keep the demands of his fame in check. With his popularity exploding beyond New York, the Mets cover boy – like Derek Jeter – must be able to handle the intensifying spotlight.
Comments (3)
these are all good questions, and ones that worry me (especially numbers two and three).
Personally I think Wright's swing became flawed as much as he was fatigued, but all the extra time he spends on the glamour/Hollywood stuff worries me just the same.
And it's tough to imagine Willie letting this team be complacent, but you never know. If they think everyone is going to lay down for them, they're going to get eaten alive.
Pelfrey ... but Willie has to bring him in slowly.
Wright will be fine ... maybe not quite the '06 numbers, but he's the real deal.
Willie won't let them become complacent, but there will be a real race in '07. Mets still have questions at 2B, LF, RF and half the rotation. Phils have better rotation and Braves won't stay down for long.
The mets will be ready, and highly competitive; this year and for years to come. I'm not worried.