New York Mets Betting Odds – Healthy Mets Can Contend For Wild Card

The New York Mets start this spring full of hope, and with a lineup that could actually end up delivering. The age-old question, however, remains the same: do they have the pitching?

The loss of Carlos Beltran in the starting lineup seems like it won't hurt the team, especially with Reyes third in the order and the recent acquisition of Rod Barajas, giving the Mets some much needed oomph at the bottom of the order.

Just what the team does with its pitching staff will dictate how far the Mets go this season. While they currently have all the potential in the world, their bullpen still needs work, and the fifth spot in the starting pitching rotation is still up for grabs. Those interested in online betting will note that the Mets are currently 20-1 odds to win the World Series.

Batting Lineup - New York Mets Betting Odds

It is believed the Mets are finished spending money, so we have a pretty solid idea of the lineup on opening day. Chances are, it will look something like this:

1. Angel Pagan CF – A switch-hitter with serious speed, look for Pagan to occupy the lead spot.
2. Luis Castillo 2B – Another switch-hitter, Castillo has proven time and again he can come through in a clinch. His ability on base makes up for his deficiencies in defense.
3. Jose Reyes SS – Many observers do not like the idea of Jose Reyes in the three-spot, however the short stop will make it three switch-hitters in a row for the Mets - the top of the order spells trouble for many team's pitching staff. Reyes also has serious power, something that will help the Mets in getting runs. If Reyes can stay healthy, there's no telling what he can do in 2010. He only played 36 games in 2009 because of injury.
4. David Wright 3B – With those three hitting in front of him, and Bay behind him, Wright can drive in 125 easily in 2010.
5. Jason Bay LF – Fans of sports betting know that Bay is the lynchpin - in this position he gives the Mets the much needed power to replace Delgado.
6. Daniel Murphy 1B – Look for Murphy to turn in another solid, workman-like performance this season.
7. Jeff Francoeur LF – Francoeur's presence shows the depth of this team. If he can continue his strong numbers from the second half of 2009, it will be a big year for Francoeur, who's playing his first full season as a Met.
8. Rod Barajas C - Newly-acquired catcher Rod Barajas is a near certainty for the starting lineup.

Starting Pitching - New York Mets Betting Odds

The Mets' pitching staff is in an interesting position. After the team walked the second most batters in the majors last season, the Mets need a stronger performance out of both their starters, and their men in the bullpen. It will be interesting to see where highly touted prospect Jenrry Mejia figures in. The prospect has been working the role of starter, however, many baseball betting observers feel the young pitcher would be better suited to a role as reliever. The starting pitching rotation for the New York Mets will look something like this:

1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. Oliver Perez
4. John Maine
5. Jon Niese

While the fifth spot is still up for grabs, word from spring training is that if Niese continues to pitch like he did last summer, the fifth spot is his. Only time will tell if he is able to pitch like he did prior to his injury.

Bullpen - New York Mets Betting Odds

Reports indicate that the Mets are looking to add a left-handed pitcher to their bullpen, after the departure of Darren Oliver left the team without a solid second lefty to compliment Pedro Feliciano. Will Ohman and Joe Beimel have been named as possibilities, providing the team could get them to sign to deals similar to the one which netted the team catcher Rod Barajas.

As it stands, the bullpen looks like:

Bobby Parnell, Oliver Perez, Nelson Figueroa, Sean Green, and Jon Niese. It will be interesting to see if the Mets do add another body to the bullpen - and just what role they will occupy.

Outlook - New York Mets Betting Odds

The Mets need to solidify their pitching lineup. With the acquisition of Rod Barajas and the jumbling of the lineup to prevent disaster in the absence of Carlos Beltran, the Mets seem to have most of their ducks in a row. What happens now with the pitching staff will dictate the team's overall level of success. Whether or not the team is able to bring in another effective arm to their bullpen will also be of significant impact. Unless something magical happens, look for the Mets to finish 2nd in their division.

P rojected Finish In Division:: 2nd in NL East