RADIO
2014 New York Mets - State of the Team
The New York Mets have been getting used to disappointing seasons over the past seven years and quite frankly the streak will most likely be continued in 2014. Just as every other team in the league the Mets have dealt with injuries to important players as well as dealing with bad free agent signings. There have been a few bright spots over the past few years but none more than the emergence of starting pitcher Matt Harvey and the consistency of David Wright at third base.
Harvey showed the National League that Clayton Kershaw has some competition atop the list of baseball’s best pitchers; that is until the Mets announced that Matt Harvey was feeling elbow discomfort which led to a nightmare when the Met’s fans heard the three most terrifying words in sports… Doctor James Andrews. Harvey had ligament replacement surgery (Tommy John) on October 22, 2013 and is expected to miss the entire 2014 season, but may appear in September of 2014. In my opinion Matt Harvey will not be a fantasy beast again until 2016 because even when he does return there will be the Strasburg-like innings limit.
Going into the offseason following the 2013 season the Met’s fans and critics were skeptical of the Mets opening their wallets to bring in some much needed talent to provide some pop to a dead lineup and another solid starter to replace the injured Harvey. Through Christmas the Mets have brought in two power hitting outfielders who can steal some bases in former Yankee Curtis Granderson who has 112 homeruns over the past four seasons and former Diamondback Chris Young 73 homeruns over the same period of time. As for the pitching staff the Mets made the most under rated move of the offseason signing Bartolo Colon for two years and twenty million dollars. Over the past two seasons Colon has gone 28-15 with a 3.04 ERA while throwing 342.2 innings; walking only 52 batters. He is very overweight and 40 years old but was great last season and is going to a great pitcher’s park in Citi Field.
2014 Team Preview - Fantasy Baseball Studs
David Wright (3B) - Captain America is a perennial all-star each year and a must own.
Daniel Murphy (2B) - Murphy doesn’t hit for power but helps with average, runs, and some stolen bases. Above average at his position.
Curtis Granderson (OF) - He'll certainly lose some homeruns moving to Citi Field, but if he can shorten up on his swing, he can produce more doubles, triples, and less strikeouts. Borderline 2nd/3rd outfielder.
Mets pitchers are pretty close in value going into this season. Wheeler has the highest ceiling and could prove to be an ace as Matt Harvey did last season.
The rest of the starters are similar to each other in fantasy value and will be late middle to late draft picks. Niese, Gee, and Mejia are all capable of break out seasons.
Bobby Parnell is the closer right now and should he build on last year’s success he could be a top 10 closer by season’s end.
2014 Team Preview - Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
Eric Young Jr. - Does not have much power but he plays like Lance Johnson and will be a huge help in stolen bases and runs assuming he beats Juan Lagares out for the job.
Vic Black - A relief pitcher acquired in the John Buck and Marlon Byrd trade with Pittsburgh. He has a live arm and should Bobby Parnell remain injury prone or should he falter Black could be in line for saves.
Be sure to check back here for our 2014 New York Mets season outlook as we will continue to update signings, trades, and position battles that will help you on your mission of winning your fantasy championship.
