New York Mets
Record: 94-68, 2nd place, 1 back, beat Giants in Division Series, Cardinals in NLCS, lost to Yankees in World Series Runs scored: 807 (7th in NL) Runs allowed: 738 (3rd in NL) Manager: Bobby Valentine Home: Shea Stadium That was then: New York did nothing to fix its troubles against the Braves, who have won 18 of the past 24 meetings, but it made the postseason for a club-record second straight year and reached the World Series - in part because the Cardinals took out Atlanta. This is now: The honeymoon could be over quickly. The Mets lost the Subway Series to the hated Yankees, couldn't keep Mike Hampton, couldn't trade for David Wells, couldn't lure Alex Rodriguez and now must play six of their first nine games against the Braves. Upside: This is a team built to win now - and willing to deal for missing pieces (i.e., lefty power). ... The rotation this spring: 9-1, ERA under 2.00. ... No team has a deeper bullpen. Downside: The Mets committed 118 errors, compared with their major-league-record 68 in 1999. ... Robin Ventura hit just .232. ... Mike Piazza threw out just 13 percent of base stealers. Don't miss ... : ... the World Series rematch June 15-17 at Shea Stadium. If Roger Clemens pitches, he'll have to bat. Check where Mike Piazza sets up for the inside fastball. Don't be surprised ... : ... if newly acquired Steve Trachsel wins some big games. Last May, he took consecutive 1-0 decisions against Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez. Don't expect ... : ... Edgardo Alfonzo to remain in Piazza's shadows. Despite injuries, he raised his on-base and slugging averages by 40 points each and hit .377 after the sixth inning. He's an MVP candidate. Book it: "Tabloid Dreams"
