2014 NL East Preview And Predictions

That’s the Face of MLB? Mandatory Credit- Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

4) New York Mets: 73-89

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

William DeBoer from Rising Apple: The Mets will exceed expectations because they finally have an offense to match up with their stellar rotation. Offseason imports Curtis Granderson and Chris Young will provide some much-needed pop to the middle of the order.

The Face of MLB, David Wright will continue to build on his stellar career and approach 30 home runs. Daniel Murphy will grow as a hitter and hit 20 homers, Travis d’Arnaud will find his rhythm at the plate in his first full big-league season, and Ike Davis will return to form and become the power threat New York fans expect him to be.

When our blog’s namesake Apple returns to its hat, the Mets will have six players with 15 or more home runs and will fulfill Sandy Alderson’s prophecy of 90 wins in 2014.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

The Mets will fall short of expectations because they will fail to stay healthy. Granderson and Young won’t get back to their pre-injury form. An aging Wright will begin to break down. At least two starting pitchers will need Tommy John surgery. Davis will inevitably tweak something – probably in Colorado. The injury bug will bite New York again, and the Mets will finish closer to 90 losses than wins.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

Look for the Mets to go after Mariners middle infielder Nick Franklin before Opening Day. Ruben Tejada is New York’s presumptive shortstop to start 2014, but Mets brass has been unimpressed in the past and may decide it’s time for an upgrade. Seattle is looking to add young starting pitching, something New York has a surplus of. Look for the Mets to offer prospect Jacob deGrom or mid-rotation starter Dillon Gee for Franklin soon.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect)

Watch out for the emergence of right-handed starter Noah Syndergaard. New York picked up Syndergaard in 2012 in the package that sent R.A. Dickey to Toronto, and he has blown away expectations in the minors. Look for the Mets to debut Noah and his “Hook from Hell” in late June as he becomes their third straight summer blockbuster, following Matt Harvey in 2012 and Zach Wheeler in 2013.