New York Mets Tickets

With Billy Wagner out for the season, the Mets knew finding help in the bullpen would be their No. 1 priority in the offseason.

New York didn't wait long to strike, landing record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets then further solidified the bullpen by swinging a trade with the Seattle Mariners for closer J.J. Putz. Putz will serve as the setup man to Rodriguez and can close now and again to give him rest.

The bullpen blew a lot of games for the Mets last year, so the upgrades could make a huge difference in the standings.

Around the diamond, age and injuries will be a question at some positions. Second baseman Luis Castillo has bad knees and his expensive contract is something New York tried desperately to get rid of in the offseason.

First baseman Carlos Delgado isn't getting any younger either, and he was thought by many to be washed up last year. Delgado responded with a torrid second half that actually resulted in a new contract.

Shortstop Jose Reyes is really the key to the entire offense. When he is patient at the plate, finding ways to get on base and then swiping bags and distracting opposing pitchers, the offense is at its best.

It would also help if third baseman David Wright had a big year. Both Wright and outfielder Carlos Beltran had solid seasons in 2008, but their numbers were generally down from past years.

The starting rotation could be a little shaky but is led by the best pitcher in baseball in Johan Santana. John Maine is a little bit of a question mark after undergoing surgery, but he is a steady performer when healthy.

The team is really counting on Oliver Perez to have a big season. Mike Pelfrey emerged last year as a quality pitcher and could improve further in 2009. The fifth spot in the rotation is somewhat of a question mark, though Tim Redding is expected to be in the mix.

There is no question that the talent exists on this team to win the division, but the question remains whether this group can get over the psychological hump of blowing a huge lead two years ago to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Manager Charlie Manuel's job will be to get this talented team to the postseason, or he will be on his way out the door just like former skipper Willie Randolph.