This team should score a ton of runs, even if no one north of the border is watching. A healthy pitching staff could make this team a dangerous one. Vladimir Guerrero, Dominican Republic, is emerging as one of the best from any country, anywhere. Signed RHP Kevin Appier, RHP Steve Trachsel, OF Darren Bragg, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo. , Traded for RHP Donne Wall. Lost RHP Bobby J. Jones, IF Kurt Abbott, OF Bubba Trammell, LHP Mike Hampton, SS Mike Bordick, OF Derek Bell.
Second place is a real possibility again, but first place seems out of reach with Hampton gone.
He is replaced by Appier, who will have to adjust to a new league. The Mets badly needed to add home runs after getting just 59 total from the outfield a year ago. The Mets have made the postseason in consecutive years for the first time ever, but a three-peat seems a stretch. 2B Edgardo Alfonzo, Venezuela, is one of the relatively few non-U.S. impact players to shine with the Mets. Lost RHP Kent Bottenfield, SS Alex Arias, RHP Jeff Brantley, C Tom Prince.