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The Mets play their home games at Shea Stadium. Art Howe is in his 13th year overall, and his second with the Mets. He has a career record hovering right around .500, and would like nothing more than to improve it in the coming years.
On offense, the Mets are led by newcomer second baseman Kazuo (Kaz) Matsui. He’s expected to team with shortstop phenom Jose Reyes in the infield for years to come. Of course, catcher Mike Piazza will be at the heart of the order, although this year, the Mets are expected to work him into a first baseman in order to save his knees for a few additional years. Mike Cameron and Cliff Floyd should help give Piazza the offensive help he has deserved for many years.
Tom Glavine, Steve Trachsel, and Al Leiter are all expected to anchor an older staff. Tyler Yates, a pitcher with little pro-ball experience, and Jae Weong Seo, a surprise starter in 2003, give the Mets a starting rotation with an average age of more than 32 years of age. Mike Stanton and John Franco are expected to work the late innings leading up to Braden Looper, the closer for the Mets in 2004. Looper worked many of the games for the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins last year, but lost his spot on the staff with the acquisition of Armando Benitez, who coincidently pitched for the Mets last year.
Even with their recent lack of success, the Mets own the 4th highest payroll in the majors, so expectations will be very high. In addition to that fact, they’re always competing with their cross town rivals in the Bronx, and no season can be considered a good one if they lose out to the dreaded Yankees.
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