Meaner, Leaner, and Ready to go!

David Wright (Courtesy NY Post)

It seems like every player in Mets camp took the lesson of durability to heart last season, and have already shown they have something to prove. According to Kevin Kernan of the NY Post, David Wright “worked out with more passion  and changed his diet, sticking to healthy foods and stopped eating at all hours of the day.” As you can see from the photo on the right, Wright’s body is much more defined (bigger biceps, bigger forearms, and bigger pecs). After hitting only 10 HR last season after hitting 33 HR the season before, Wright said, “It’s hard to admit but I’m getting older and I had to make some changes.” When Jeff Francoeur noticed his body, he said “David’s going to hit 35.”

Luis Castillo (Courtesy Michael G. Baron)

Luis Castillo also dropped some pounds over the offseason according to SNY’s Matt Dunn. Over his pain-free and happy offseason, he heard the trade rumors, but he wants to continue to work hard for the Mets.

I love the confidence and determination shown early by the Mets. From David Wright and Johan Santana saying that they expect to win the NL East to the new-found work ethic that all the players are showing while training. Now for them to back up their words as they start their spring training schedule tomorrow while preparing for the regular season.

Hot Corner Hot Topic: Team Ranking

According to Accuscore (the prediction system used by ESPN) the Mets will finish 2010 with a 78-84 record and finish in 4th place ahead of the Washington Nationals, but 10 games behind the 1st place Phillies. Accuscore also gives the Mets an 8% chance of making the playoffs, less than the Marlins, Braves, Cubs, Brewers, and the entire NL West except the Padres. For some reason Accuscore believes that the returning healthy players, the addition of  Jason Bay mixed with some complimentary players, and David Wright returning to form is only good for 8 more games than last year. In all of the MLB blogs I’ve read and TV shows I’ve watched and baseball analysts I’ve seen, they are all already writing the Mets off for 2010 and saying that they will be fighting the Nats for last place. As Mets fans, of course this makes us angry, because We Believe in Comebacks, but it doesn’t seem to be bothering the Mets at all. We all know that the players are ready for 2010 and confident. Daniel Murphy said today that once the season starts, they won’t be flying under the radar anymore. So, in light of all the low predictions for the Mets this year, where do you think they’ll end up?

Spring Training Invitees: Kirk Nieuwenhuis

Today we’ll take a closer look at Captain Kirk

Kirk Nieuwenhuis

2009 Minor League Stats (A+): 123 G, .274 AVG, 16 HR, 71 RBI, 91 R, 53 BB, 118 K’s, 16 SB

Fun Fact: In 2009, he led the entire Florida State League in  doubles and OPS, and was third in HR.

What he needs to do to make the Team: Kirk Nieuwenhuis won’t make the team this year, but he is one of the Mets hottest prospects. He’s been said to be a 5-tool player and I’ve heard he plays a really good Center Field. He played 8 games in AA at the end of 2009 and had 13 hits in 36 ABs, good enough for a .406 AVG. His biggest problem is his high amounts of strikeouts, that’s been the only thing holding him back . He’s definitely got the potential to be a Major Leaguer and in a few years, I think everyone will know how to pronounce his last name correctly.

Where he’ll most likely end up: The Minors