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So, I was going to begin this article with a nice rendition of Meet the Mets, but then I found this:


But lest we leave off the best showtunes-ish theme song in sports:

New York Mets:

What’s Good: Losing streaks don’t carry over season-to-season, do they? No, but seriously, they still have the best lineup in the National League. And bringing Johan Santana over does two things: 1. Gives them the best pitcher in baseball, always a plus. Almost as important though, it makes Perez and Maine 3^rd and 4^th starters instead of 2^nd and 3^rd. So congratulations Mets, you now have enough pitching to contend in October. Now get there this year.

What Isn’t: Doug Pelfrey going from prospect to possible 5^th starter when El Duque gets hurt. And Billy Wagner is good to blow his share of games this year. The talking heads on WFAN will say that this team has no depth and is screwed if anyone gets hurt, but how many teams are any different?
Prediction: 93-69

Philadelphia Phillies:

What’s Good: If the Mets have the best lineup in the National League, the Phillies, with Howard, Utley, Rollins, are 2^nd. And Cole Hamels is going to compete for the Cy Young award.

The Bad: Other than Cole Hamels, their pitching staff consists of Jamie Moyer, who was old 6 years ago, and crap. And Brad Lidge is their closer. Is it just me or has he been terrible the last few years?
Prediction: 92-70

Atlanta Braves:

What’s Good: The Braves have a surprisingly good, young lineup led by Texiera, Francoeur and McCann. Also, their closer, Rafael Soriano has been on the path to becoming a top flight closer for a while now.

What Isn’t: I know Mets fans hated the Braves before, but how about when they face Hampton and Glavine back-to-back? If there’s a god, Jose Reyes hits a line drive into Glavine’s pitching elbow.
Prediction: 82-80

Washington Nationals:

What’s Good: A new stadium. And Ryan Zimmerman. And Nick Johnson’s healthy today. (but who knows what tomorrow brings) Um, did I mention they have a new stadium?

What Isn’t: Starting Pitching. Their #1 starter from last year, John Patterson was cut recently. And their lineup and bullpen aren’t necessarily bad, but they’re certainly not good enough to compensate for awful starting pitching.
Prediction: 69-93

Florida Marlins

What’s Good: South Florida has a basketball team worse than the Knicks, a football team worse than the Jets, thousands of old Jewish grandparents who voted Pat Buchanan in ’00, and like 80% of my extended family on both sides. All of this is to say that the Marlins aren’t necessarily the most embarrassing thing about South Florida. Congrats to Henley Ramirez & Co.

What Isn’t: Honestly, it’s not even worth mentioning the weaknesses on this abortion of a baseball team.
Prediction: Who cares. The people of South Florida certainly don’t.