What can you say about the 2008 Mets? Another promising season derailed in gut-wrenching fashion. However, there are plenty of signs pointing to a playoff run in 2009: Johan Sanatana coming to New York and pitching as advertised, the signing of bullpen help, and the star-studded lineup to name three.
With so much to look forward to as the season approaches-including a new ballpark- there’s no way some national baseball preview magazine can cover all the storylines as a true fan demands. But Maple Street Press Mets Annual 2009 delivers 128 pages of Mets-specific analysis, along with beautiful full color photography to tide you over until Opening Day, and beyond, including:
- New this year: full color, graphical scouting reports on each player in the Mets lineup. Wondering how often K-Rod comes in with a deadly, first pitch slider? What Santana’s go-to pitch is when he needs the K? How often Delgado chases the ball in the dirt? These pages have it all, including a season preview and profiles of each potential contributor.
- The opening of Citi Field is a momentous occasion. Get a sneak peek into how the park will affect the team on the field and the fans watching, from the higher outfield fences, to the new food offerings.
- Of course, despite themselves, Mets fans will also miss Shea. Look back at some of its greatest moments, including its opening year, the numerous second-place teams it has seen, the Magical 1969 team, and the 1984 squad that instigated a revival.
- Omar Minaya has never been afraid to make the bold move, from Beltran and Pedro, to Santana and K-Rod. Famed sports economist Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars, reviews Minaya’s moves to determine if the Mets have gotten the expected value.
- Despite the bitter end, Jerry Manuel has to be deemed a success in his first season at the helm. Find out some of the philosophies and character traits that make him tick.
Of course, that’s not all. The Mets’ minor league system is dissected in great detail to determine the Top 10 pitching and hitting prospects, with an in-depth look at how top prospect Fernando Martinez is hoping to shake the “injury prone” label and contribute to the big league club-as soon as this year.
It’s all packed into 128 pages of information written by Mets fans for Mets fans. At $12.99, the Maple Street Press Mets Annual 2009 is unmatched for the level and amount of information it presents and is an essential guide for the serious Mets fan.