Jose Reyes

Every year players come closer and closer to breaking new records and feats. This year is no different; a handful of Mets players come closer to breaking franchise records.

Here is a look at what is at stake:

David Wright needs to hit 24 home runs to become No. 3 on the Mets' all-time home run list.

Carlos Beltran needs to hit 21 home runs to become No. 5 on the Mets' all-time home run list.

When Alex Anthopoulos traded Alex Gonzalez to the Atlanta Braves for Yunel Escobar, the majority of Jays’ fans were fine with it. 

Gonzalez on average will give you 16 HR and 70 RBI.  Escobar on the other hand, had a great 2009; 14 HR, 76 RBI, .299 BA, .377 OBP.  Not bad for a third year player in only his second full season commanding the middle infield. 

Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in all of baseball.  His combination of speed and personality makes him one of the most exciting baseball players to watch. 

When healthy, Reyes is exciting to watch.  The problem is that he hasn't been 100 percent in a while.  Whenever a player like Reyes isn't 100 percent healthy, it definitely affects his playing ability.

Entering the 2011 season, the Mets are a team of low expectations and "what ifs." The fans don't think their team is going very far this season, but don't tell Jose Reyes that. Reyes says he has thoughts of MVP in his mind with spring training just 18 days away.

No one said it was easy to get into the Major Leagues.  No one said it was any easier to stay in the Major Leagues.

But it is possible and you are about to see some of the once highly-touted prospects who have made it to the show.  The only problem is that their careers have not exactly blossomed in the fashion that was expected of them when they were first signed.

While basically every player on the 25-man roster will have to play well for the New York Mets to be competitive, five players in particular will hold major keys to the team's success in 2011.

In no particular order, Jose Reyes, Jon Niese, Jason Bay, Ike Davis and Frankie Rodriguez will need to bring their A-game to the ballpark every night.

If the Mets want to retain their shortstop past the 2011 season, they may have to start negotiating soon.

Jose Reyes, who will become a free agent for the first time in his career at the end of this season, addressed the issue at a Citi Field Kids charity event on Wednesday.

"I don't want to talk about my contract during the season," Reyes said. "I want to focus on doing my thing, trying to help this team win a lot of ballgames."

With about six weeks remaining until spring training begins, it's time to start looking at how the 2011 Mets roster will shape up.

The Mets didn't really make any big moves this offseason, however, they brought some veterans in to help out in different places.

Let's take a look at the infield the Mets will have to start the season. Depending on whether or not the team is competing, any of these guys could always be traded at the deadline in somewhat of a rebuilding season.

In 2010, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez had what—by his own lofty standards—could be considered a down year.  Hanley "only" batted .300 after hitting .330 or better two of the previous three years.  He "only" hit 21 HRs, the lowest total since his rookie campaign. 

There’s no question about it; given the team’s underwhelming performance in 2010, coupled with the shake up in the front office and their on-field staff, the New York Mets are in a period of transition. 

With transition comes change, and change brings uncertainty. 

However, here are five predictions that you can be sure will come to fruition for the Mets in 2011.  

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