David Wright was all smiles yesterday.
“If you like grand slams and scoring lots of runs, what’s not to like?’’ Wright said. “Of course, we’re not going to score 11 runs every game.’’
His qualifier continued: “It’s only the first game.’’That it was, and as good as they looked in mauling the Padres, the Mets remain loaded with questions.
When the Mets introduced their team, only nine players were the same time last Opening Day.
One question is not Johan Santana, and in several respects that’s a good thing because the Mets won’t have to deal with the lingering questions of about when, or if, we’ll see him. Or, was he worth the money.
All three can be answered in the negative.
Actually, there was a Santana sighting. He’s on the cover of the media guide. So is Terry Collins with a broad smile. Wonder how long that will last?
It depends on the answers to the following questions, five each on the mound and at the plate:
PITCHING QUESTIONS
Q – Will Jon Niese assume the role of No. 1 with Santana done with the Mets?
A – Niese downplays the ace title, but that doesn’t alter the fact he is No. 1. He showed what he is capable of yesterday. The Mets need 200-plus innings and for him to exceed his career high of 13 victories.
Q – Matt Harvey: Boom or bust?
A – The anticipation for Harvey is intense after just ten starts last year. Fans want him to be another Dwight Gooden or Stephen Strasburg. His teammates expect it of him, too. Not fair, but that’s the way it is.
Q – What will they get from Shaun Marcum?
A – He’s on the DL, but expected to come off and pitch Sunday. He needs to win at least 12 games as the No. 4 starter in the rotation and be an innings eater. The Mets got him on the cheap, but he must outpitch his contract.
Q – Will Bobby Parnell seize the closer opportunity?
A – He’s had chances before and did not. Frank Francisco figures to be out at least a month and Parnell can take this job for good. If he does, and Francisco is healthy and pitches well in whatever role he is in when he returns, he gives the Mets a trade chip.
Q – How good is the bullpen?
A – Parnell is the only one from last year’s Opening Day pen. GM Sandy Alderson has built a pen with the combination of unproven and veteran arms. Basically, it is Parnell and six questions. Come to think of it, Parnell is also a question.
HITTING QUESTIONS
Q – Will David Wright respond to his contract?
A – Wright is not one who will coast. Looking for .300, 25-30 homers and over 100 RBI. That’s the minimum requirements for your best hitter. Wright said he didn’t feel any differently being named captain. That’s because he’s had the role long before it became official.
Q – Can Ike Davis put together two strong halves?
A – Mets got little from him at the start last year, but he rebounded to finish with 32 homers. With his power 40 is reasonable. Unfortunately, so are 160 strikeouts. He had four yesterday.
Q – How will the outfield shake out?
A – Collin Cowgill beat out Kirk Nieuwenhuis, but nothing is etched in stone. Yesterday’s grand slam is a good start, but the key is sustaining. Marlon Byrd and Lucas Duda are in the corners. The Mets desperately need Duda’s power. If he hits 20, he could out-homer the rest of the outfield.
Q – When will we see Travis d’Arnaud?
A – For future free-agent considerations, he shouldn’t be here before May. However, Alderson said if he’s needed that wouldn’t be a barrier. We’ll see.
Q – What will the Mets get from Ruben Tejada?
A – He was solid last season, but hit less than .100 in spring training. He’s good with the glove, but Mets need something from him and his double yesterday was a good sign. He’ll never replace Jose Reyes’ numbers, but if he fields the position and hits around .275 the Mets will be happy.
