I'm still not ready to give anything to the Mets yet. Look at the Phillies. Each of the last 2 years, their off season moves were to have put them over the top, and each time, they fall flat as the Braves win yet another championship. I can easily see the same thing happening to the Mets this year.
Sure, on paper, Pedro and Beltran look great, but lets take a look at each of their numbers from last year. Pedro had a career high in ERA, hits allowed and walked the most guys he has since '98. Perhaps he is on the downside of his career, or maybe arm problems. Either way, it's not the best of signs heading into this year. And sure, he won 16 games last year, but last time I checked, the Mets offense was not the Sox offense. He'll miss all those runs they scored. I'm sure he'll love having the 3rd worse defense in the majors last year playing behind him too.
On to Beltran. He's a solid player but not an elite kind of offensive player. Not someone who hit .267 last year and only .258 since coming to the NL. Also, last year was the first year his hit more than 30 homers. He's never had more than 108 rbis in year. I don't don't why Beltran, who is basically a 30hr, 100rbi, below .300 hitter, is all the sudden worth 17 mil a year. Those types of hitters are a dime a dozen. I'll also be interested in seeing how he handles the pressure of a huge contract to play up to and playing in a big market, as opposed to small market teams such as Houston and KC. He better hope he gets off to a hot start or he'll probably get eaten alive by the media there.
So basically what I'm saying is, don't be surprised if the Mets finish in 3rd and around .500 again this year. Behind my Braves.
