Will 2009 be Amazin' for the Mets?

Mets fans should be thrilled that the team has addressed their ineffective and at times just plain awful bullpen from a year ago. But aside from the aquisitions of K-Rod and J.J. Putz, the Mets haven’t done enough to solidify their place in the NL East. After all, they do have to contend with the defending champion Phillies and the Braves, who have made major upgrades this offseason.

Omar and the Mets organization seem to have figured that their only problem last year was their dreadful bullpen and that two stellar relief pitchers will get the Mets over the hump. There have been other moves, but I don’t see how the signings of Alex Cora, Freddy Garcia, Casey Fossum, and Tim Redding has anyone in the National League having nightmares about facing the Mets this year.

The offense is essentially the same team as a year ago. Although, they scored the second most runs in the NL, you can't bet on Carlos Delgado to match last year's production. Furthermore, the bottom half of the lineup will be a concern considering Luis Castillo only had 15 more RBI’s then the pitching staff of the Mets last season. This year you can put the house on the pitching staff to drive in more runs than Castillo.

As for the starting rotation, the top four starters are the same in Santana, Pelfrey, Maine, and Perez. Tim Redding, Jonathon Niese, and Freddy Garcia will battle it out for the fifth and final spot. Not a bad group at all, however, Mets fans should have have their fingers crossed every time someone other than #57 takes the mound.

The Mets do have some young talent looking to make a splash this year. We may be seeing a lot more of Jonathon Neise who should find a role in the bullpen and as a spot starter. Fan favorite, Daniel Murphy should find himself in the starting lineup at one position or another. He had a solid debut in 2008 and will be looking to build on that. Also, fans should get their first peek at Fernando Martinez around September.

Burning Questions:

Will this be the year David Wright contends for the MVP award?

Will Carlos Delgado and Fernando Tatis find the fountain of youth once again?

Will K-Rod and J.J. restore the bullpen?

Can Mike Pelfrey solidify himself has a number 2 starter?

Will we see another choke job in September?

-Eabad Ali