Calling predictions predictions under-emphasizes how inaccurate and subject to random luck they are, even when it’s the so-called experts making them. \u00a0I am not an expert, merely a blogger that likes to think positively. \u00a0So what do I think the Mets do in 2012?<\/p>\n
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I think the highest probability bet is they finish third. \u00a0Right around 82-84 wins. \u00a0I know there are people out there that think that’s crazy, but it’s really not that outlandish. \u00a0The bullpen and rotation are improved over last year, even if you want to argue over how much. \u00a0The offense lost some big pieces, but it’s also got some guys back too. \u00a0Adding in some power to a team that was already going to get on base a lot should score a lot of runs. \u00a0I don’t think the Marlins improved enough to get above .500, and I think one of either the Nationals or Braves will deal with enough problems to fall below that mark.<\/p>\n
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This doesn’t mean the Mets can’t make the playoffs. \u00a0(Nor does it mean they can’t finish last) I’ve watched enough baseball to know anything can happen, and I think the Mets do have enough potential upside in a lot of their players to be able to realize competitiveness if enough things go right. \u00a0Ike Davis<\/a><\/strong>, Lucas Duda<\/a><\/strong>, Ruben Tejada<\/a><\/strong>, even Dillon Gee<\/a><\/strong>, Jon Niese and Josh Thole<\/a><\/strong> all are of an age or stage in their career where improvement is possible, even expected. \u00a0 Mike Pelfrey<\/a><\/strong> keeping the ball down and yielding fewer home runs this season and Johan’s shoulder holding up better than we can reasonably home are other key factors that could lead to a good Mets season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So all in all this season should at least be a lot of fun. \u00a0If you had to pick just one thing to zone in on and believe in, one reason to seriously watch this Mets baseball team, I’d say watch Lucas Duda and Ike Davis. \u00a0The lefty power the Mets have this season is very real and the Pepsi Porch may become the new hot spot to catch a home run ball this season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Calling predictions predictions under-emphasizes how inaccurate and subject to random luck they are, even when it’s the so-called experts making them. \u00a0I am not an expert, merely a blogger that likes to think positively. \u00a0So what do I think the Mets do in 2012? I think the highest probability bet is they finish third. … <\/p>\n