90 Days Until Opening Day

Last year's opening day was the fulfillment of a long winter of hope, and a spring training in which many believed the Mets would fight for a World series title.

I'm sure you remember the Sports Illustrated prediction.

Instead it turned into what many believe was one of the most frustrating seasons in team history.

2009 Opening Day lineup

J Reyes SS

D Murphy LF

D Wright 3B

C Delgado 1B

C Beltran CF

R Church RF

B Schneider C

L Castillo 2B

J Santana P

For 2010, 2/3rds of the outfield is new, with an enormous upgrade in LF, and a pretty good upgrade in right. Francoeur is likely to put up solid offensive numbers, good defense, and play nearly every day while bringing his energy and enthusiasm to the clubhouse.

There will be a new catcher, though it's yet to be determined which combination of players will fill that key role in 2010. I've stated here many times that Josh Thole is the guy, and we should accept some defensive growing pains for the productivity we desperately need at the bottom of the order. Thole is a "rally enabler".

The remaining questions revolve around Delgado and possibly Castillo, but there is certainly a good chance both players have their final Met year this season.

While many are clamoring for Daniel Murphy to continue in a starting role, I'd personally like to see him in the minors for a full season, though he'll likely fill a slot on the bench with a decent amount of games at 1B if Delgado is signed.

Mets Lose Again

Image via WikipediaChurch to the 2 hole, Mets win 5 in a row, the offense hums along, and we look like a pennant contender.

Willie moves Castillo back, does some Bobby Valintinesque day-to-day lineup shuffling, and the Mets handbasket takes a trip south to hell.

I hope Alou provides a shot in the arm, Schneider comes back, and Willie has an epiphany on Church in the 2 hole permanently.

Well, at least we have Keith's mustache to mull over.

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
N.Y. Mets	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	0
Chi. Cubs «	0	0	0	3	0	0	1	4	x	8	14	0

W: T. Lilly (1-3) L: N. Figueroa (1-1) HR: NYM - None CHC - R. Cedeno (1)