Let's Play Lineup

One of the most talked about items going into the season is "what will the Mets lineup look like on Opening day?"

My money's on...

Jose Reyes, SS, SW
Luis Castillo, 2B, SW
David Wright, 3B, RH
Carlos Beltran, CF, SW
Jason Bay, LF, RH
Carlos Delgado, 1B, LH
Jeff Francoeur, RF, RH
Bengie Molina, C, RH
Johan Santana, P, LH

While many Mets fans may be down on that lineup, there is no question it has the potential for greatness, or at least "very goodness", but it also comes with a fair share of questions.

• Will Jose Reyes come back fully healed and capable of playing 150+ games?
• Same question--Carlos Beltran.
• Can David Wright truly return to form, or will 2010 be another frustrating year?
• Will the Mets re-sign Delgado to an incentive laden deal, and if so, what will his production look like?
• Is Jeff Francoeur the .311 BA hitter the Mets had for a few months, or the .282 OBP player that was essentially let go by the Braves.
• Does Bengie Molina get done, and is a little bit of power enough for a guy that struggles to get on base and is fairly average defensively at this point? (threw out 23% of basestealers last year)

Personally, I want Daniel Murphy no where near the Mets starting lineup--too many holes in his game--if the Mets don't think Delgado is worth the risk, then a very difficult decision will have to be made, to include going with Ike Davis now.

Davis turns 23 in March, and the time might be now vice 2011. There's also Chris Carter, who played over half of his minor league games at 1B.

I'll ask you this...are you ready for another year of Daniel Murphy?

Delgado to Play Sunday

According to ESPN, Carlos Delgado will make his return to the diamond on Sunday.

Jorge Arangure reports:

After several delays, free agent first baseman Carlos Delgado will finally be making his winter league debut on Sunday, according to a report out of Puerto Rico. Delgado missed the majority of last season with the New York Mets after undergoing right hip surgery. His delay has been due to complications with that hip.

I hope the Mets take a long hard look at Delgado--the Mets need a power lefty bat, and 120-140 games of Delgado at first with an incentive laden contract is the bridge they need to Ike Davis in 2011.

Good Morning Mets Fans

After our hiatus, NY Sports Dog will be back on 1 January all the way through the 2010 World Series championship for the Mets.

Thanks for the notes and e-mails over the past 3 months--to let you know I just needed a break from blog life after the season.

Like you, I also have a real job, and the demands of that ratcheted up immensely this Summer and into the Fall. Thankfully all is well on that front!

Hope all my friends and reader's are having a great holiday!