The 25 Man Roster

We are less than two weeks away from Opening Day and the Mets are starting to figure out who they want on their roster come March 31st. I have predicted a 24 man team, with a 25th spot still up for grabs. Here it is:

C (2)
Ramon Castro
Brian Schneider

Neither catcher has played too much during the spring due to injury, but I think both will be healthy enough come March 31st. I think this is a position where we really can't expect to get too much offense, but it should be a solid number 7 or 8 position in the lineup when compared to other contenders. Look for spring surprise Robinson Cancel to make the roster if one of the two can't go.

IF (6)

Jose B. Reyes
David Wright
Carlos Delgado
Damion Easley
Marlon Anderson
Luis Castillo

The infield is the strongest part of this team. Reyes and Wright have been hitting this spring (each hitting over .300). Luis Castillo has had only 14 at bats so far, with hits in 4 of those at bats. He's slowly coming along and will look to post similar numbers to what he did last season. Carlos Delgado is another story, as he looks to put away last season's miserable season. After multiple injuries this spring, Delgado finally looks to be healthy enough, however he is batting under .200 and has already shown frustration by throwing a bat after one of his plate appearances. Something like that during the spring is a cause for concern from my view. If Easley and Anderson are healthy, they can be a huge asset off the bench, and can really play anywhere, including the outfield.

OF (4)
Angel Pagan
Ryan Church
Carlos Beltran
Endy Chavez

As it is looking now, the Mets starting outfield will be Pagan, Beltran and Church, from left to right. Pagan's huge spring makes the Moises Alou injury look at least a little less substantial (we all expected an injury anyway), and keeps Endy on the bench, where he can do his best work. Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley are expected to get looks in the outfield, and as veterans I expect them to play adequate enough defense, nothing flashy, just getting the job done.

SP (5)
Johan Santana
John Maine
Oliver Perez
Pedro Martinez
Mike Pelfrey

I put Pelfrey here in the rotation, even though there's a chance the Mets won't use a 5th starter to begin the season. I don't think El Duque will be ready to start the season, perhaps an extended spring training would be best for him. Johan and Maine have been incredible this spring, each recording at least 20 grapefruit sized K's. Perez has been alright, only walking three so far, which is a good sign. Pedro has been great as well, but time will tell if he can keep up the pace.

RP (7)
Jorge Sosa (0.00)
Matt Wise (0.96)
Pedro Feliciano (0.00)
Aaron Heilman(0.00)
Billy Wagner(1.29)
Duaner Sanchez (5.40)
Scott Schoeneweis (1.00)
Look for the Mets to add an 8th arm to the pen if they want to skip the 5th spot in the rotation for the start of the season. Some possible contenders for that spot would be Steven Register (see below), Joe Smith, or possibly shifting Orlando Hernandez to the pen to start the year (or maybe for good). The pen has been very good this spring, and I posted each player's ERA through yesterday. Duaner's era is up to 5.40 and only 5IP, but I think they'll carry him to start the year, and take it slow with him. For all of you Schoenweis haters, I really do expect him to be a major contributor to the pen this year. The Mets should keep at least 7 men in the pen all year, as last year's collapse was due in part to fatigue in the pen at the end.

25th man Race
Ruben Gotay
Brady Clark
Steven Register

The last spot I feel is still up for grabs, and each of the three have their own situation for the future. Ruben Gotay has options remaining and can be sent to the minors. He has been hurt this spring, so it looks as though he will start the year in New Orleans. Steven Register, a Mets Rule V pick, must make the Mets major league squad, or be offered back to the Rockies. I don't think the Mets can keep him in the majors all year (but perhaps they will keep him to start and let Duaner rehab more) as I see 7 pitchers in the pen already. This leaves Brady Clark, who I think will win the 25th spot. Having Clark for late inning pinch hitting will open the door for Endy to come in for defense if say Damion Easley if he is in LF. This team is still lacking that power bat off the bench, but for now, I believe this is the team that will shipped off to Florida once camp breaks.