Scouting report: New York Mets

Originally Published: October 1, 2006

By Keith Law | Scouts Inc.

The Mets are the best team in the National League this year, and their lineup, their defense, and the front end of their bullpen are all significant strengths. Unlike the other NL playoff clubs, the Mets lack a glaring weakness, although they are a little bit susceptible to left-handed pitching and don't have enough right-handed weapons on their bench.

Strengths

The Mets are the class of the National League for several reasons, but the biggest one is their offense, which is deep, patient, and very dangerous through its first five spots.

The Mets' leadoff hitter, Jose Reyes, is a bona-fide star and one of the most exciting players in the majors. A legitimate switch-hitter with game-changing speed, Reyes is a tough out because he can reach and hit balls out of the strike zone; you can get him out if you change speeds on him, but his bat is quick enough that he can recover from a mistake. He also has good power for a leadoff/speed guy, particularly when hitting from the right side.

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