Mets Outlook For 2009 Season

Here is a 2009 Mets outlook from Sports Illustrated's point of view. For a complete team-by-team look at the National League entering spring training, read the full article at SI.com. Coming off their second consecutive September collapse, the Mets were called "choke artists'' by Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels. The only effective response would be a playoff berth. New York spent the offseason in pursuit of pitching and overhauled a horrendous bullpen by signing Rodriguez and trading for Putz. K-Rod, who got a $37 million, three-year contract, set a major league record last season with 62 saves for the Angels. He replaces All-Star closer Billy Wagner, expected to miss the 2009 season following elbow surgery. Putz was an All-Star closer himself with Seattle in 2007 but says he's fine with his setup role in New York. Barring injuries, the back of the bullpen should be a major strength, though the Mets declined to upgrade the offense for their first season in $800 mi...