New York Mets 2003 Pre-Season Report

-With the NIBA 2003 season upon us, Met management prepares for a new beginning. Learning from their MLB mother club, we are focusing in on using and developing our farm system. Although management wants to rebuild farm and see what a few of the youngsters can do at the major league level. We will continue to try and be completive every year. Management will focus on having a good mix of vets with youngsters to excite the Met fans for years to come...

4. METS - Have decent offense with Piazza and Floyd...Pitching is ok with Leiter, Ponson and Contreras.

The NY Met season could well rest on the bat of Piazza. Judging by the preseason, Piazza is ready for the challenge. Wilson and Phillips (who will play 1B) are more then adequate backups

One of the boys from the farm system that management hopes can make a contribution this year. A great contact hitter who sprays the ball to all fields. Tony Clark, a FA pickup in the off-season will provide veteran experience and knowledge for Phillips.

Acquired in a trade with KC for SP-Traschel this past off-season. Management is excited to see what Abernathy can do for a full season. If Abernathy isn't ready, veteran Sanchez will have no problem stepping in. A slick fielder and a great contact hitter, will put the ball in play. McEwing, mister everything will provide backup in case of injuries.

The pride and joy of the Met farm system. Reyes is being hailed as the "Savior" of the organization. Could be too much pressure and a unfair tag to give to this exciting, talented 19 year old youngster. But he's cocky and believes he can help the Mets turn things around. Vets Sanchez and McEwing, will once again play backups to Reyes should he not produce or get injured.

Another youngster who was is a converted 2ndman. A good defensive player, Wiggington will hope to provide enough offense to stay in the lineup everyday. Management is comparing him to a slower Wally Backman. A player who doesn't mind getting his jersey dirty. McEwing will backup Wiggington in case of anything. But Met management may need to trade for a 3rd baseman if Wiggington falters.

A FA signing this past off-season, Floyd will provide some much needed offensive help. Batting in front of Piazza, Floyd should get his fair share of fastballs. The 1-2 punch of Floyd and Piazza should be entertaining at Shea. Career minor leaguer Raul Gonzalez will get a change in the show as Floyd's backup.

Cedeno has great potential, good contact with blazing speed. He will terrorize visiting pitchers on the base paths. If he can not produce, Timo Perez is more than capable to take over. Shinjo is a nice backup, good contact and great defense.

Perez will get the nod in RF. A good hitter and speed, seems to get big hits all the time. With him in RF, he will compensate for Cedeno's lack of defense. Shinjo again will be a real nice backup in case of injury.

Met Management has overhauled the rotation this off-season wanting to get younger, yet be competitive. Leiter will anchor staff, newly acquired Contreras (yankees) and Ponson (Minnesota) will blend nicely in the rotation. Promising youngsters Heilman and Seo should get great experience this year. They will be the key to the future of the Mets. If they can learn and grow, the future rotation will look a lot more promising.

Here we have a bunch of unproven pitchers except for Lloyd (who possibly could be traded). Mets management is rolling the dice with these unknown players. This is were it could all fall apart for the Mets. Need them to be able to get to setup men Strickland and Franco.

Mets feel very comfortable with Strickland and the old crafty Franco as the main setup men for Benitez. Both have rubber arms and can pitch often. Youngster Wheeler is an unknown pitcher who will be brought along slowly.

The much maligned closer, Benitez will hope to quiet his critics this year. Benitez has great talent, but seems to fall apart in the big game. Coaches have worked hard with Benitez to correct this problem. If Benitez falters or gets injured, Franco and Strickland will share the closing duties.

With so many youngsters in the everyday lineup and playing a very important role. Mets can't expect to make the playoffs this year. But should be very exciting and will be very competitive in a tough NL East division.