New York Mets 2015 Predictions: Lineups, Pitching, Record
Starting Rotation
Aug 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) and starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (49) and starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) and starting pitcher Dillon Gee (35) sit in the dugout during the eighth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathon Niese
The Mets rotation is nothing to sneeze at, as they are arguably one of the most talented starting pitching stables in all of baseball. If you went even deeper and added in their farm system, you would find little debate from many people. They have a good blend of wily veterans, guys you know what you are going to get from and youngsters with high ceilings. They say that you can never have too much of a good thing, but this Mets team may have an arm or two more than they need.
Currently, they have six players that all make a strong case to start games right now, and that is before you get into the other spring training players such as Rafael Montero, who made starts with the big league club last season.
The most likely to be moved, or used as a swing man, is Gee. Gee pitched admirably for the Mets when they were without some of their bigger names the last two seasons, looking like the ace of the staff while the younger guys came around. He has gotten some attention on the trade market, but currently still resides with the Metropolitans. For how long is another question, but unless the Mets find a trade they like, Gee will not be on the move.
Feb 23, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (49) takes a throw at first base during spring training at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Niese had been floated out as a potential trade target, but the Mets cannot afford to move him at this time. He is the only lefty they currently have slated to start the season in the rotation, and having none would not be a smart idea. Niese has improved steadily as his career has gone on, and presents as good a backend of the rotation starter as there is. His record has not always been in line with his peripheral statistics like ERA and WHIP, but Niese is a valuable piece for the Mets they should hold onto.
Colon is another player the Mets have gauged interest on the trade market about, yet he still remains with the team. Going to be 42 years of age in May, Colon is still a workhorse for the Mets, taking the ball every fifth day and throwing over 200 innings last season. He is the elder statesman of this rotation, and someone that brings valuable experience and leadership to the pitching staff. He has zero chance of moving to the bullpen in a long reliever role, so if the Mets cannot find a landing spot for him via trade, he will play out the final year of his contract in the Mets’ rotation.
Reigning NL Rookie of the Year deGrom came out of nowhere for the Mets last season. Originally called up to help out in the bullpen, deGrom never made it there as he hit the ground running in the rotation and took off. He is now one of the pillars the Mets are building their rotation upon, and believe it or not, at 26-years-old, will soon be one of the oldest members of this Mets’ rotation if they find a landing spot for Gee and Colon’s contract expires. He will be looking to continue his strong performance that earned him ROY honors into 2015.
Wheeler is supposed to be the star of this staff, and has looked like it at times. He has struggled with consistency at times though, and the success of deGrom and Harvey hasn’t helped him since he is expected to be the best of the bunch. That has caused some outrageous expectations for Wheeler that has overshadowed his success thus far. Wheeler’s ERA increased in 2014 from 2013, but he saw his strikeouts per nine innings rise while his walks and home runs per nine innings decreased. If he stays on that track, he will quickly move closer to what expectations the Mets fans have for him.
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Harvey is the guy who everyone will be paying attention to. Harvey is coming off of Tommy John surgery and is chomping at the bit to get back on the mound after sitting out the last 16 months. Prior to his surgery, Harvey was making a bid to be called the best pitcher in baseball. When healthy, he is the unquestioned ace of the Mets’ staff, and has everything you would want out of a guy that is the face of your franchise.
The Mets will attempt to limit Harvey’s innings to around 200, and will more than likely be forced to miss a couple of starts much to his chagrin. There is one of the problems the Mets could have this season though, as Harvey will more than likely be on an innings limit, and they will also monitor deGrom in only his second major league season. Wheeler though should have the reigns taken off and approach, if not surpass, 200 innings for the first time in his career.
Next: Projected Bullpen