CNN/SI Preview: New York Mets
Posted: Thursday March 04, 1999 03:42 PM
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Alfonzo committed just nine errors last season, tied for third among NL third basemen Al Bello/Allsport |
Even when the Mets signed Robin Ventura
to take over third base, Edgardo Alfonzo knew his future in New York was
not in jeopardy. He was moved to second base, replacing the disappointing
Carlos
Baerga. The Mets signed Alfonzo to a four-year, $18 million contract
extension in February, further showing their commitment. He has a
great glove, which will complement the electric Rey Ordonez to
provide steady defense up the middle. He is also a solid contact hitter and
has some speed, which should set up plenty of RBI opportunities for Mike Piazza,
Robin Ventura and John Olerud.
Over the past two years, Alfonzo has averaged 14 homers and 75
RBIs as well as a .296 average -- good production from a No. 2 hitter - and
the addition of Rickey
Henderson to the top of the lineup can only help. With the outfield a
tad suspect, it will be up to the infielders, including Alfonzo to propel
the Mets back to the playoffs. 1998 Recap Living in the
shadow of the Yankees' spectacular run, the Mets went relatively unnoticed
in 1998, even after suffering one of the worst late-season fades in recent
history. Leading the wild-card race by one game with five left, the
Mets proceeded to lose all five and allowed the Giants and Cubs to duke it
out in the one-game playoff. That choke obscured what was a strange but
productive year. The Mets pulled off a big coup by acquiring Mike
Piazza from the Marlins. They also saw great years by pitchers Al Leiter and Rick Reed as well
as cornermen John Olerud and Alfonzo. However, the rest of the team was
plagued by an inconsistency that caught up with them down the stretch.
1999 Outlook The Mets were one of the busiest teams in the
offseason. First, they signed Leiter and Piazza to huge contracts. After
making the commitment to Piazza, the Mets finally dealt away disgruntled
catcher Todd
Hundley, getting reliever Armando
Benitez and outfielder Roger Cedeno.
The Mets also shipped troubled reliever Mel Rojas to L.A.
and brought back Bronx native Bobby Bonilla.
The Mets also scored a huge free-agent coup luring third baseman Robin
Ventura away from the Windy City to provide more pop to an improving
infield. Future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who led the AL in
stolen bases last season at age 40, should solve the Mets' recent leadoff
woes. He will lead an aging outfield that includes Brian McRae, 31,
and Bonilla, 36, who are definitely on the decline. Piazza should
be good again for 40 homers and 100 RBIs and thrive under the New York
spotlight, even if it is for the Mets. The infield is one of the strongest
in the game, both offensively and defensively. Ventura and Olerud are one
of the best corner combos, both capable of hitting .300 and driving in
80-90 runs to provide some protection for Piazza in the lineup.
| Roster roundup
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Who's new
OF Rickey Henderson,
OF Bobby Bonilla, OF Roger Cedeno, 3B Robin Ventura, P Armando Benitez, P
Allen Watson Who's gone
C Todd Hundley, 2B Carlos Baerga, P
Mel Rojas, C Jorge
Fabregas, OF Butch Huskey, P
Willie Blair
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The pitching
rotation is solid, if not overwhelming. Despite his great 1999, Leiter
still doesn't seem like a staff ace but he will assume the role considering
the money spent on him. Reed has quietly become a dependable pitcher and
goes well with Leiter. On the other hand, former All-Stars Bobby Jones and
Hideo Nomo
have fallen off sharply and hope for a revival in '99. John Franco, the
all-time leader in saves among lefties, anchors the bullpen yet again but
is starting to show his age. Benitez will get his save chances, though, and
could be in position to take over the closer's role should Franco falter or
retire. Despite all the talent now in Shea Stadium, it appears the
Mets might only be in contention for the wild card. Their pitching is far
inferior to the Braves, but it looks like they could score lots of runs.
And for better or for worse, the Mets will be far away from the spotlight
in New York as the Yankees' chase for another World title will dominate
headlines for a while. They can surprise people in anonymity. If Bobby
Valentine can put all these pieces together, there might be an outside shot
at a Subway Series.
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