New York Mets Tickets

2008 New York Mets Playoff Outlook The New York Mets were considered sunk back in the spring, which resulted in the firing of manager Willie Randolph.

It seemed like it was only a matter of time before Randolph was fired considering the way the Mets collapsed in the final month of 2007 and allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to win the division.

Enter new skipper Jerry Manuel, who has rallied the troops and given Mets fans hope of a different result in 2008. The Mets have rebounded to play well throughout the summer and take a slim lead in the National League East.

One of the players leading the charge back into first place is first baseman Carlos Delgado, who was considered washed up and nearing the end of his career just months ago. Delgado, who was having trouble hitting the ball out of the infield, will end the year with over 300 home runs and possibly another contract offer from the Mets.

Third baseman David Wright, Mr. Consistent himself, is having another solid year. Shortstop Jose Reyes and center fielder Carlos Beltran have both been disappointing by their standards, but are still fairly productive.

On the pitching side of things, the trade for former Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana has proven to a great move. While not in consideration for the Cy Young award, Santana has still had an outstanding year despite little run support.

Mike Pelfrey has emerged as a solid starter who can eat up innings and keep his team in the game, which is good news considering the injury issues surrounding John Maine, Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez.

Maine has been dealing with a chronic arm injury all season and hopes some rest will allow him to pitch through it for the final month. Martinez has been dealing with several injuries as age continues to catch up with him, but he has still show flashes of brilliance.

Meanwhile, the bullpen has been a complete and utter disaster. Closer Billy Wagner hasn't been his usual dominant self this year, but injuries may be part of the problem. Still, Wagner's stay on the disabled list has resulted in complete chaos in the bullpen and numerous blown saves. They desperately need him back.

The Mets are an older team than the Phillies and are having major issues in the bullpen, so unless Wagner makes a return in the next week or so, Philadelphia has to be considered the favorite to win the division.