Categories
MLB

New York Mets Season Predictions | 2014 Season Betting Preview

2014 MLB Team Previews – Mets

The last time the Mets qualified for the postseason was in 2006 when they went all the way to the NLCS after winning 97 games that season.

All that means is that the rebuilding process is now entering its eighth season after posting a distant third-place finish in the NL East in 2013 with a record of 74-88. The team, as a whole, was much more competitive than in some of its previous campaigns, but this franchise appears to be stuck in time with five consecutive sub-.500 performances.

The prospect for any kind of substantial turnaround in 2014 does not look all that promising. However, if a few offseason moves pay off and everything else falls into place, this team could remain competitive right to the bitter end this time around.

Sportsbook’s Odds to Win

  • NL East +2500
  • National League +3000
  • World Series +6500
  • Regular Season Wins 73.5

Key Additions/Departures

The Mets have worked pretty hard at dumping some hefty contracts over the past few seasons, but they brought out the checkbook for a pair of high-profile All-Stars this past offseason. First they signed outfielder Curtis Granderson away from their cross-town rivals.

CappersPicks.com’s In House capper Razor Ray’s 2014 EARLY BIRD MLB Season Package is posted! Top 5 2013 MLB Capper!

Next, New York looked to upgrade its starting rotation with the addition of Bartolo Colon. It also added outfielder Chris Young, who should be able to work his way into the starting lineup.

Some of the faces missing from the Mets’ 2013 roster include pitchers’ Johan Santana and David Aardsma as well as short stop Omar Quintanilla and third baseman Justin Turner.

Projected Starting Lineup

  • Eric Young Jr. (LF)
  • Daniel Murphy (2B)
  • David Wright (3B)
  • Curtis Granderson (RF)
  • Ike Davis (1B)
  • Chris Young (CF)
  • Travis d’Arnaud (C)
  • Ruben Tejada (SS)

David Wright is still the face of this lineup and a bona fide star in this league, but the Mets are counting on some recent upgrades to help take some of the pressure of his shoulders. First, New York needs to improve upon a woeful team batting average of .237 that was ranked 14th in the NL last season. Last year’s lineup was also ranked near the bottom of the list in total runs (619) and RBI (593).

The key to any kind of significant improvement could rest in Granderson’s health after missing over half of last season battling injuries.

Projected Starting Rotation

  • Bartolo Colon
  • Jonathon Niece
  • Dillon Gee
  • Zack Wheeler
  • Daisuke Matsuzaka/Carlos Torres

Colon is coming off one of the best seasons of his career at age 40 with a record of 18-6 and a 2.65 ERA.

[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

The Mets are rolling the dice that lightning can strike twice for a pitcher his age. The rest of the rotation still has some holes and the fifth starting spot still remains up in the air.

Bullpen/Closer

Bobby Parnell is expected to start the season as the Mets’ closer, but that could be the high point for this bunch. The bullpen had its issues last season and without any major upgrades that could very well be the case in 2014.

Overall, New York’s pitching staff was ranked eighth in the NL with a team ERA of 3.77. While there could be some improvement in that area this season, it is doubtful it will be enough to keep pace with teams like Washington and Atlanta in the division race.

2014 New York Mets Prediction:

The NL East is still a two-team race between the Braves and the Nationals for the title, so teams such as New York and Philadelphia will be left to battle it out for another distant third-place finish.

If I had to go with one futures bet on the Mets it would be the OVER on the projected win total of 73.5 as they could approach 80 wins this year if things go their way.

View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2013 – Picks Packages for 2014 are On Sale Today! —–>

By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.