The Mets will have much to prove in 2012. Taking on the underdog role early in spring, the Mets look to prove that they are a good team this season. Much concern is over their pitching, but today offense is the focal point. Below is the projected lineup for the start of the season. After that lists some of the key offensive players the Mets have and their numbers from 2011 and some predictions for 2012.
Projected Mets starting lineup: Andres Torres (CF), Daniel Murphy (2B), David Wright (3B), Ike Davis (1B), Lucas Duda (RF), Jason Bay (LF), Ruben Tejada (SS), Josh Thole (C).
David Wright: In 2011 Wright played in 102 games batting injuries for most of the season. With 14 homeruns and 61 RBI’s Wright may be poised to have a big year this season, but that remains to be seen. During this spring Wright already had issues with an injury to his rib cage. If healthy Wright will definitely help this team. Right now if Wright stays healthy expect him to hit close to 25 homeruns with 72 RBI’s this season.
Jason Bay: It was another underachieving performance for Bay in 2011. His 12 homeruns and 57 RBI’s really weren’t good from a player of Bay’s magnitude. This was his second year in New York and both years have been a struggle for him. This season expect Bay to hit somewhere around 18 homeruns this season. That is still low, but it is much better than nothing at all. His defense is always good, so that is one thing the Mets can really count on this season.
Ike Davis: This is possibly the biggest year for Davis. In just 36 games last season Davis hit 7 homeruns and drove in 25 runs. This year Davis seems to be healthy after his bruised ankle that cost him the majority of the season. In 2012 expect Davis to be the power hitter the Mets haven’t seen since Carlos Delgado. This season Davis should hit anywhere from 30 to 35 homeruns and drive in 90 RBI’s. This will be a very breakout year for the young power hitter and the Mets will likely try to extend him later this year.
Daniel Murphy: Possibly the best base hitter for the Mets will see an increase in playing time this season as the teams second basemen. In 2011 Murphy had a average of .320 with 125 hits. Murphy isn’t a power hitter, but his ability to get on base makes him very important in generating runs. This season Murphy could hit around 11 homeruns, but don’t expect much power out of him.
Lucas Duda: In 2011 Duda hit 10 homeruns in 100 games. Duda came up for the Mets when Ike Davis went down and played most of his time at first base. This season Duda will play all of his time in right field. The power for Duda will be on display this season as he will hit anywhere from 25 to 30 homeruns this season. He could possibly be the biggest factor for the Mets to have success this season. The only concern for Duda will be if he can last out in right field the entire season.
The Mets offense will be one of the best in their division this season. The only team that could be dangerous offensively would be the Atlanta Braves. The power in the middle of the Mets lineup will be dangerous. Not to forget the new dimensions at Citi Field, the Mets are hoping that that change can be more helpful to them this season.
This concludes the first part of the Mets season preview, check back tomorrow for part 2 with the Mets pitchers, starters and relievers.
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