MLB Playoff

Baseball preview: New York Mets

It’s somewhat fitting that today’s breakdown of the New York Mets follows yesterday’s preview of the Minnesota Twins. The future of the Mets relies heavily on one of the biggest pieces of the Twins’ past – left-handed pitcher Johan Santana. After a monumental collapse last season, the Mets will look to Santana to lead them back to the postseason in 2008. On Sept. 12, New York was 83-62 and led the Philadelphia Phillies by seven games. The Mets went 5-12 in their last 17 games and the Phillies rallied to win the National League East. With a lot to prove this season, the addition of Santana to a team full of superstar players will help the Mets recover from their horrendous finish. The Mets are loaded with players who will have an impact in the fantasy world this season. Along with the obvious choices that are listed below, there are several players who could help you win a championship. Veteran right-handed pitcher Pedro Martinez hasn’t gotten much publicity because of Santana, but he’ll likely bounce back from injury and win 10-15 games with an ERA around 3.50. With a lot of offense behind him, it won’t be hard for Martinez to earn victories. He could still be available in the middle rounds, so keep him in mind. Speaking of offense, outfielder Moises Alou hit .341 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs in 87 games last season. I wouldn’t trust him with a full-time roster spot because he likely won’t play all year, but he provides a nice offensive boost if your other players are in the middle of a slump. Alou can be selected with one of your final picks. New York Mets 2007 record: 88-74 (2nd in NL East) Key additions: LHP Johan Santana, C Brian Schneider, RF Ryan Church Key losses: C Paul Lo Duca, LHP Tom Glavine, OF Lastings Milledge, RF Shawn Green Most valuable fantasy performers: 1. Jose Reyes, SS –...

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