19. New York Mets

Big Leagues- The New York Mets share some startling comparisons with the Chicago Cubs. Both teams play in big markets in the National League, both teams have the means to be successful and yet, some how, neither team can even make a stand in their division as of late. As far as fantasy is concerned, the Mets have some players that will make noise in any style of league. Jose Reyes is a former top 3 pick, but he has fallen to a mid to late first round shortstop and a five tool player that will give numbers in most categories. David Wright is also a first round pick in most fantasy leagues and will positively contribute to your teams power numbers. Jason Bay is another player who used to be high end draft pick, but his first year in Citi Bank Park brought his power numbers to a screeching halt. Beltran is also a once great outfielder who went to die in New York, but he could produce average numbers this year and is a consideration in the middle rounds of your draft. Johan Santana is a former Cy Young winner and was being discussed as one of the greats before his transfer to New York where he also seemed to have lost his talent. The Mets organization has been a black hole for once great players.

Here is the Mets opening day lineup for 2011:

Catcher- Josh Thole/ Ronny Paulino

1st Base- Ike Davis

2nd Base- Luis Castillo

Shortstop- Jose Reyes

3rd Base- David Wright

Left Field- Jason Bay

Center Field- Carlos Beltran

Right Field- Angel Pagan

Pitching- Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, Johnathan Niese, R.A. Dickey, Jenrry Mejia

Relief- Francisco Rodriguez, Manny Acosta



Top 5 Prospects

RHP Jenrry Mejia- One of the top pitching prospects in the majors is one thing the Mets have to look forward too. Mejia dominated the minor leagues going 2 and 0 in 9 starts with a 1.28 ERA over 42 innings. Mejia flew through 4 minor league levels before getting the call up. He did struggle a bit with a 4.62 ERA, but that is expected from a 20 year old in the big leagues.. The Mets could start him in Triple A for more seasoning, or in the bullpen or starting rotation for the Mets. The Mets have them a pitcher who projects very similar to Neftali Feliz of the Rangers.

RHP Matt Harvey- Harvey was the Mets first round pick in 2010, but it was definitely reach pick. He has a power arm and a nice sinker, but he struggled mightily before his Junior year at North Carolina. He is definitely a hit or miss 1st rounder, but without developing his offspeed pitches he could never develop.

SS Wilmer Flores- The young shortstop had a very solid year in two lower levels. He batted .289 with 11 home runs and 36 doubles. But he shows little speed for a shortstop and made 26 errors last year in 132 games. He's not an elite level prospect but could develop into a solid starter.

OF Cesar Puello- Puello had a great year in Single A last year batting .292 with 45 stolen bases as a 19 year old. He is a true base stealer only getting caught 10, but his potential is limited because he shows little to no power. He could turn into a solid starter or a 4th outfielder and pinch runner off the bench.

OF Fernando Martinez- Martinez use to be the Mets top prospect before being given plenty of opportunities to win a starting job, and failing every time. He is still too young for us to give up on him like other people. He only hit .254 with 12 home runs, but we'll see what how this season treats him.

Payroll and Direction- The Mets payroll is close to 127 million dollars, and their team has missed the playoffs several times in the last few years. They have dug themselves a hole by spending money on players that simply have nothing left in the tank and their new park is too big for producers to produce. The Mets are in a sour situation and it's going to be tough for them to get out of this rut before 2015.