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New York Mets 2015 MLB season preview and predictions

ByJeff Weisinger|
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
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
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Jun 2, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) during batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) during batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Three players to watch

-Matt Harvey: just about everyone will be watching the Mets’ ace when he takes the mound at Nationals Park against the Nats on Opening Day, April 6.  Even more eyes will be on him when he makes his home debut against the Marlins on April 17th (his third projected start).

In short, Matt Harvey is the straw that stirs the Mets’ drink.  The Mets were given the pass to not worry about the playoffs in 2014 while Harvey recovered from Tommy John surgery, but with Harvey returning, the stakes are high again in Flushing, Queens.

-Michael Cuddyer: When the Mets signed Curtis Granderson last year, they were hoping to get a solid power hitter who would add a big-time charge to the Mets lineup.  That didn’t happen, which led the way for Cuddyer to arrive in Flushing.

If the Mets are going to contend this year, they’ll need the lineup to produce, and more importantly hit home runs with the fences brought in closer this year.

-David Wright: the Mets captain will have to have to return to being the player he was in 2012 and 2013 if the lineup is going to be able to fully produce.  Wright had another down year in 2014 (.269, 8 HR, 63 RBI), much like he did in 2009 and 2011 where he only returned to being a stud again for the Mets the year after.

If this team is going to contend, Wright is going to have to be the one to lead the way.

Next: Three keys to success

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