NewsInbox: How good are the '09 Mets?
Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
05/28/09 8:21 PM ET
How good a team do you think the Mets are?-- Ben F., Arlington, Va.
Who can say? Once the team I cover passes the quarter post, as the Mets have done, I usually have a sense of what to expect for the last 120 games. No way I can do that with this team. Too many injuries, too many weeks of schizophrenic play. They are a first-place team, but that status only suggests they are the best team in the division. Being the best, particularly in the National League East this year, doesn't connote quality.
The Mets can't be assessed because they can't be explained. Above all, they are confusing, capable of playing as they did Friday and Saturday in Fenway Park and also playing some miserable and mindless baseball. But in their uneven performance lives a level of intrigue. Johan Santana often is a joy to watch, so professional, so resolute. With the Mets in first and Carlos Beltran leading them in so many offensive categories, a vote staged this weekend might make him the National League's Most Valuable Player Award winner. But I don't feel as if I've seen an MVP performance.
I wonder about what Mike Pelfrey and John Maine will provide. They have their moments. The bullpen has its moments. By then end of the season, I expect David Wright and Jose Reyes to have reached their normal levels of production. But an extended absence of Carlos Delgado undermines the offense directly and indirectly. If I were Jerry Manuel or Omar Minaya, the relative lack of power would be troubling.
I'm not sure the Mets have one overriding strength, nor do I see a team in their division equipped to make a strong run. I sense the greatest hope is that the rotation gets on a roll -- with or without Oliver Perez. He can have negative impact, but I doubt he can be a consistent positive presence.
I haven't read a word from you about Citi Field. Do you like it?
-- Mark R., Brooklyn, N.Y.
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Two other things: Howie Rose has advocated naming the bridge beyond the bullpen after Gil Hodges. Terrific idea. And I would like to see the New York skyline that has been a part of the Mets logo above the center field scoreboard, instead of the words "Lets go Mets." That would give the place a greater New York identity. Some folks think the park lacks a Mets presence.
What do you think Manuel should have done when Fernando Martinez watched that pop up fall Wednesday night?
-- Sandy L., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Remove him from the game, remind him that hustle will enhance the skills he has, drop the subject and start him in right field Friday night.
I see Rusty Staub has named his all-time Mets team in his new book. I'd be interested to know yours.
-- Dennis M., Port St. Lucie, Fla.
It seems to me the choices are pretty clear at most positions. Gary Carter as the catcher; Keith Hernandez at first base; Edgardo Alfonzo at second; Kevin McReynolds in left; Darryl Strawberry in right.
The starting pitchers are Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Dwight Gooden, David Cone and Johan Santana; the relievers Tug McGraw, John Franco and Billy Wagner (too soon for K-Rod).
Now for the tougher ones. For three years, no one played shortstop like Rey Ordonez. I don't care how he hit. David Wright will be the Mets all-time third baseman someday. He might be now. But Robin Ventura was a special player. I'll cop out and take both. Center field is difficult because Lenny Dykstra was a tough out who made players around him better. Carlos Beltran is clearly more talented. I'll take Lenny.
The bench has to have Staub, Howard Johnson, Buddy Harrelson, Endy Chavez. And I'd love to have Hubie Brooks, Ron Darling, Doug Flynn, Tom Glavine, Mookie Wilson, Livan Hernandez, Todd Zeile, John Olerud and Tim Teufel around to have a good clubhouse.
Joe Torre and Davey Johnson are my managers.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
