New York Mets

In what’s quickly becoming an offseason of highly intellectual signings, the New York Mets have struck again inking Chris Young to a one-year deal, pending a physical.

It's been said over and over from the moment the 2010 baseball season ended: No one expects anything from the New York Mets in 2011.

Many of the so-called "experts" at ESPN have the Mets finishing behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East, which probably means the Mets will win the World Series next season.

At the conclusion of the 2010 season, which saw the Mets finish 79-83 and fourth in their division, the one thing on every Mets fan's mind was change.

There is a lot of potential in the 2011 New York Mets.  The Mets have recently been one of the most talented teams in the MLB, but they haven't been able to put that talent to use and win.

Coming into 2011, many people don't see the Mets as a threat.  I believe that this might actually help the Mets in 2011.

With the signing of Willie Harris to take over as the team's fourth outfielder and the high possibility of a Chris Young signing soon, it seems as though the Mets have addressed all of their needs heading into the season.

Granted, there are still position battles to be won (second base, bullpen and bench spots) as well as a ton of question marks.

Unless the Mets plan on adding another bullpen arm (maybe a loogy), Sandy Alderson has assembled the pieces of this complex puzzle.

The Mets have made yet another small move: They have agreed to a minor league contract with Willie Harris.

In addition to this, he will be invited to spring training for a chance to make the major league team.

Harris has spent the last three years with the Washington Nationals. During that time period, he has made many great defensive plays in games against the Mets.

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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The Mets have decided to do it again. They have signed another pitcher that has missed a full season in the past two years.

This time, the Mets have signed Taylor Tankersley.

He missed all of the 2009 season with an elbow injury. He split the 2010 season between the Triple-A and the majors. He pitched fairly well in the minors with a 3.42 ERA, but he struggled in the majors, posting a 7.50 ERA in 27 games.

“We’re looking for starting pitching, we’re looking for left-handed relief and fourth and fifth outfielder possibilities—I’d say in that order of priority,” said New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson in an interview with ESPN’s Adam Rubin.

The Reds yesterday signed Fred Lewis to a one-year deal worth $900,000. This is a great signing for the Reds, but it will force the Mets to turn their attention elsewhere.

The NL Central defending champion Reds will sport an outfield comprised of the young stud Jay Bruce in right, exciting Drew Stubbs in center and fiery Jonny Gomes in left.

Earlier today, New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson sat down with ESPN's Adam Rubin and addressed several of the issues surrounding the team heading into 2011.

Rubin is an excellent Mets writer and definitely asked the questions fans are most concerned about. Alderson, to his credit, answered all of them fairly well, but left a lot to the interpretation of the fans.