New York Mets

The Mets organization may not think Ike Davis is Major League ready just yet, but the young first baseman will see plenty of action in spring training.

With the Mets resting most of their regulars in yesterdays spring opener, Davis got the start at first base against the Atlanta Braves.

There were some first day jitters as Davis misjudged a foul territory pop up. The first baseman did admit to feeling a bit uncomfortable in the field yesterday. Let's not pass any judgements just yet, it was after all the first spring game of the season and he wasn't expecting to start.

It was a three-run fifth inning that sparked the New York Mets to a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves today in Grapefruit League action.  Russ Adams hit a solo shot off of Chris Resop in the eighth to put the game away.

Mets also got offense from Jesus Feliciano, who was 2-for-2, and Ike Davis made his name known for the first baseman job with a 2-for-3 day with a double.

Speaking with a co-worker yesterday, we both agree that the Mets lineup is deep and that they will be one of the better hitting teams this year.

We also agree that the difference between winning 83 or 90 games will be determined by who steps up to take the second spot in the rotation.

Getting that second pitcher would make Mike Pelfrey and John Maine a solid three and four, respectively. It would also move Oliver Perez to the fifth spot and easier to replace, if his bad habits appear.

Today, the Mets played their first official spring training game, beating the Braves 4-2.

While the score of the game and the wins and losses are irrelevant, it sure is nice to see the Grapefruit League schedule kicking off and real games against other teams starting up again.

Yes, the offseason is officially over, baseball fans. (Unless you're one of the remaining free agents still looking for a home, like Joe Beimel and Kiko Calero.) And that means we are inching ever closer to Opening Day 2010.

No one bashes the Mets more than I do. That is a fact. My Mets' glass is always half-empty.

Lately, more and more fans and pundits have begun to feel the same way.  The Mets are going nowhere, fast.  All hope is lost. What is point of watching a team that continues to fall flat in every key situation?

Well, that's the reason why I'm picking the Mets for the NL playoffs this year. No one thinks they can win.

Throw open the sashes of your windows and let the spring air in, grab yourself some tin foil wrapped hotdogs, and sit back and enjoy; baseball’s hibernation is officially over.

The first certified spring training game between two MLB clubs will commence today at 1:10 PM EST in Port St. Lucia, Florida, and it will feature the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves.

Would McDonald’s ever toy with their Big Mac?

Would Burger King ever mess around with the taste of their Whopper?

Would Taco Bell ever transform into a vegetarian food chain?

Would the New York Mets ever do anything detrimental to the core of their team?

The answer to the first three questions is an almost laughable “no,” while unfortunately the answer to the final question is “yes.”

Over the next couple of weeks or so, I plan to write up a full report on my all-time favorite Mets team. Pulling from players across generations, I plan to build a 25-man squad that, well, makes me happy. You'll notice the list is light on pre-1985 Mets which is mostly because I haven't been a fan of the team for much longer than that. Even learning the history of the team cannot give me the proper appreciation of those guys that's needed to make them my favorite players.

Much has been made about the lack of potential upgrades to the New York Mets rotation this offseason and, by and large, the reason for concern is legitimate.

Every slot in the rotation has a question mark next to its given name. Even Johan Santana, to a lesser extent, could be cause for concern after suffering season ending surgery last season.

It’s not officially spring training for the Mets until the manager puts himself under the microscope for a questionable decision.

This year’s controversy came rather quickly, and it revolves around the centerpiece of the Mets franchise: Jose Reyes.

The frustrated Mets fanbase has been so accustomed to their star shortstop batting leadoff that they are unwilling to consider him batting in any other spot in the lineup.