EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

No. 3 New York Mets

Edgardo Alfonzo hit .304 last season, leading the Mets in hits, runs and doubles. Matthew Stockman/Allsport

1999 Record: 97-66 (2nd in NL East)

The New York Mets came up short in their quest for the National League title last year, but after another busy offseason the Mets look like they have enough to make it to the World Series in 2000.

The Mets traded away young talent to get ace lefty Mike Hampton. At 27, and coming off of a 22-win season, Hampton is just entering his prime. Replacing John Olerud's hitting and defense could be a problem. Todd Zeile gets the call, but he has played only 76 career games at first.

The real question is whether or not second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo can repeat his breakout 1999 season. At age 26, it's not unrealistic to think Alfonzo may be even better this year.

I think the lineup is nearly as good as last year, and the bullpen is excellent. The Mets should contend for a title again, and I rank them as the third best team in baseball.

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