Slim, But Not Impossible: This Season Can Be Successful

While looking at the Mets’ moves this off-season, it’s hard to get really amped up about any of them. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve seen thus far.

Nov. 17, 2011 — Mets re-sign Valentino Pascucci and sign Vinny Rottino
Dec. 7, 2011 — Mets trade Angel Pagan to San Francisco for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres
Dec. 12, 2011 — Mets claim Jeremy Heffner off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates
Dec. 13, 2011 — Mets sign free agents Lucas May and Garret Olsen
Dec. 14, 2011 — Mets sign free agent Jon Rauch
Dec. 15, 2011 — Mets sign free agent Chuck James
Dec. 16, 2011 — Mets re-sign Mike Baxter and sign Jeff Stevens
Dec. 19, 2011 — Mets sign Frank Francisco
Dec. 22, 2011 — Mets sign Rob Johnson
Dec. 30, 2011 — Mets sign Corey Wimberly
Jan. 3, 2012 — Mets sign Omar Quintanilla
Jan 10, 2012 — Mets re-sign Miguel Batista and sign Sean Kazmar and Fernando Cabrera
Jan. 11, 2012 — Mets re-sign Scott Hairston, outright Daniel Herrera to Buffalo, Fernando Martinez claimed off waivers by Houston
Jan. 13, 2012 — Mets sign Ronny Cedeno

Now what does this all mean? In my estimation, the Mets made three substantial moves (as far as substantial moves by the Mets are concerned). Bringing in Rauch and Francisco was the right move, but it could prove to be risky. Francisco has been given the ball in the ninth inning before, and he has tendencies to melt down. Do we possibly have another Armando Benitez in the making? Remember, Armando had some good times before he eventually fell apart.

Cue Jon Rauch. The guy is as big as a giant, but he throws a lot softer than one would think. With a fastball that occasionally strikes 90, this guy is not going to blow people away, but he’s proven in the past that he is capable of being a solid set-up guy, which is something the Mets have been trying to find for several years.

One more underrated addition to the bullpen was Ramon Ramirez. This is a guy who could strike some people out. He was solid in San Francisco, and he will likely fill the seventh inning role, but he could be called upon if Rauch and Francisco struggle.

The addition of Andres Torres? I am not thrilled about it, but I don’t hate it either. He is an above average defender with good leadership abilities. A couple of years ago, he showed some pop, and he seems excited to prove he still has something in the tank. My money is on him starting the year as the Mets’ lead-off hitter as well.

What Needs to Go Right — The Mets need several things to fall into place to be contenders, especially with the Marlins adding Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes and Carlos Zambrano. I have listed them below.

1. Daniel Murphy stays healthy for a full season.
2. Johan Santana contributes with at least 10 wins.
3. Mike Pelfrey settles in as a No. 4 or No. 5 pitcher.
4. Ike Davis proves healthy and pelts 30 homers in the adjusted Citifield.
5. David Wright gets his game back, and pelts 30 homers in a contract year.
6. Lucas Duda keeps improving, provides some pop from the No. 5 or 6 spot in the lineup
7. Jason Bay returns to his old form.

What do you think?