pmeares17
07-08-2002, 08:00 PM
NEW YORK METS (43-44)
.250 BA (13th in NL), 3.65 ERA (3rd in NL)
Mike Piazza
The Good: Mike Piazza (.285, 18 HRs, 56 RBIs) is still the class of the NL's catchers. And Al Leiter (8-7, 2.90 ERA) is still among the best lefties in the league. Armando Benitez is a steady closer who hasn't had nearly enough chances with this poor-hitting team.
The Bad: Roberto Alomar (.268, 7, 30) has had an off first half, almost as bad as Mo Vaughn's (.248, 10, 34), Roger Cedeno's (.247, 12 stolen bases) and Jeromy Burnitz's (.206, 9, 30), three of the other big offseason acquisitions. When Shawn Estes missed Roger Clemens with that pitch, it said it all.
What's Next: The Mets started off badly last season, too, and their inspired second half fell painfully short. They may do some trading this month, but with all the supposed help they got in the offseason, what's the point? Manager Bobby Valentine will feel some New York heat this summer.
GRADE D
.250 BA (13th in NL), 3.65 ERA (3rd in NL)
Mike Piazza
The Good: Mike Piazza (.285, 18 HRs, 56 RBIs) is still the class of the NL's catchers. And Al Leiter (8-7, 2.90 ERA) is still among the best lefties in the league. Armando Benitez is a steady closer who hasn't had nearly enough chances with this poor-hitting team.
The Bad: Roberto Alomar (.268, 7, 30) has had an off first half, almost as bad as Mo Vaughn's (.248, 10, 34), Roger Cedeno's (.247, 12 stolen bases) and Jeromy Burnitz's (.206, 9, 30), three of the other big offseason acquisitions. When Shawn Estes missed Roger Clemens with that pitch, it said it all.
What's Next: The Mets started off badly last season, too, and their inspired second half fell painfully short. They may do some trading this month, but with all the supposed help they got in the offseason, what's the point? Manager Bobby Valentine will feel some New York heat this summer.
GRADE D