Mets Merized Online - A New York Mets Blog With Attitude!

We have all heard about the 2007 Mets and what seems like a wobbly starting pitching rotation to start the season. Yes, I see the glass as half empty, but that is only because I’d rather be astounded than disappointed. But who cares. As long as we score 10 runs a game we could have Chan Ho Park pitch every night and we would still win about 75% of the time. So how do the Metropolitans of New York match up against the Phillies of Philadelphia, Nationals of Washington, Braves of Atlanta, and Marlins of Miami? It will be a most ripping comparison.  Even more triumphant than kicking an oblong ball made of pigskin through a big “H”!

Catcher: Paul Lo Duca Vs. Brian McCann - I love the fact that the Mets have had an Italian catcher since 1998. Although he doesn’t have the offensive capability that his predecessor had, he has exceeded my expectations thus far.  Both LoDuca and McCann are gritty, hardheaded gentleman that generally hit for average. They both enjoyed all-star status in 2006. Lo Duca compares favorably when considering runs, hits, and strikeouts-against. But it ends there as McCann trumps Pauly with 24 homeruns against a meager 5 and a .333 average against a hardly embarrassing .318. McCann also had an on base percentage that is 50 points higher than Dukie. But in my opinion, a catcher’s most important job is to call the game and keep the runners on base honest. Any offensive prowess beyond the mask’s emblematic duties is a plus. Lo Duca’s experience outweighs McCann’s (23 years old) exuberance here. McCann has only thrown out a laughable 22% of runners stealing in his career. Which is especially tough when you play against the likes of Jose R. (your boy), Jimmy Rollins, and Hanley Ramirez close to 60 games a year.

First Base: Carlos Delgado Vs. Ryan Howard - It’s difficult to even attempt to compare Ryan Howard to anyone else. This guy led the major leagues in dingers and ribs in 2006 with 58 and 149. He earned the most valuable player award and you can’t argue that he didn’t deserve it. Carlos D. was no scrub either. Amassing a total of 38 ho’runs and 115 rib eyes. Defensively they are both average at best. Delgado’s age and weight hinders his lateral movement but Howard doesn’t shy away from dessert either.

Second Base: Jose Valentin/Anderson Hernandez Vs. Chase Utley - The reason why I put both Valentin and Hernandez as second baseman is because I firmly believe that Hernandez will finish the season there. I love Valentin, but his time in the major leagues is waning. Anderson has the potential to be an important part of Met teams to come. If Hernandez can show Willie that he can have productive AB’s, then he will be performing 5-4-3 double plays with your boy sooner than later. It is only a matter of time. If you had Hernandez and Valentin jump into each other like the two Stations did in Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, (obscure, maybe, ridiculous, maybe) to morph into ultimate Met second baseman then they still wouldn’t be as good as Utley. Which isn’t too big of deal considering he is the best second baseman in baseball. His stats have increased by at least 15% each year. With an average of .309, homerun total of 32, and over 100 R.B.I.’ s to his name in ’06.  Expect his numbers to increase again in ‘07. Hey, at least he doesn’t have an irritating nickname like “Pat the Bat” or “Chipper”

Shortstop: Jose Reyes Vs. Hanley Ramirez - Reyes is one of the reasons why so many of us are looking forward to this season. Its no mistake that Jose leads this year’s projected fantasy rankings and will most certainly be in the MVP discussions again (Ranked 7^th in last years voting). Putting up such gaudy numbers with league leading 64 five-finger discounts and 122 runs. Face it, if your boy learns to “focus” a little better (Willie’s specific word on how Jose can further improve), then he will realize that every walk is virtually a double. It is possible that he can hone in on 130 SB’s. The single season stolen base record set by Mets coach Ricky Henderson in 1982. Ramirez reminds me of a young Reyes (he is a whopping 6 months younger!) Yes that sounds silly, but Hanley is a 5-tool infielder like Jose. He is coming off a rookie season highlighted by 119 runs, 46 doubles, 59 RBI’s, 51 stolen bases, and a Rookie of Year award. These are impressive numbers but Jose’s glove is better and so are his reggaeton songs.  

Edge - Jose, Jose, Jose…Jooosseeeee……Joooooosseee!

Is there a position player I should have included? Let me know in the comment section!

Check in next week for positions 6-9!