Baseball in 2012 is Here

Spring Training is here! Pitchers and catchers have reported and Grapefruit League action is just around the corner.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson has said many times is some way or another, there isn't a player on this team who doesn't have something to prove.

So, I thought I'd take a look at some of the key players, and give my "recipe" of what needs to happen to make Mets baseball in 2012 competitive and hopefully end with a return to the postseason.

First, some early points. Making the playoffs IS possible for this team. Terry Collins has bred confidence in his young core of talent. Baring unforeseen injuries and with some luck, this team can defy the odds and silence the critics.

Johan Santana-He's not only the ace of the pitching staff, he is the most important player on this team. He is a leader and a natural competitor. To be realistic, Santana's not the best pitcher in baseball anymore. 2008 is well in the past. But, that doesn't mean he can't put up similar numbers and be a No. 1 starter in the National League. He's coming off surgery after missing 2011 entirely, so it's tough to expect a 20-win Cy Young year. But, if Santana can have a full season of healthy, reliable baseball, this team wins.

With that in mind, I predict 12-15 wins from a healthy Johan Santana in 2012

David Wright-Should be the team's captain. It's been talked about enough. Wright is no longer one of the younger guys, like he was in '06. I understand he wants to respect the veterans in the clubhouse. But he represents the New York Mets more than anybody. He is now the veteran (sorry Tim Byrdak) in a clubhouse full of second and third year players. The fences at Citi Field are coming in, especially in right-center, which should boost Wright's power numbers. It's really no coincidence that Wright, whose power is to the opposite field, loses some spark when the distance to right increases by more than 40 feet. Wright is always solid defensively and towards the end of last year we really saw his mental game improve (check out this play against the Padres).

If Wright matures, takes charge, and finds those power numbers of old, it's safe to expect 20-25 homers.

Jason Bay-Some say trade bait, I disagree. Bay is the player I'm most excited to see play this year. I think Bay got into an unhealthy groove playing with Fenway's Green Monster, and he wasn't able to adjust to Citi Field. This year with the fences moving in, I EXPECT Bay's power to come back. That kind of talent doesn't just disappear. He's shown improvement through his mediocre first two years in Flushing, but this is the year he earns his pay and the fan's respect. Bay is solid defensively. That's a given. His number one priority this offseason was to improve his offensive production and I think that mentally, knowing the walls are closer and lower, we can see serious power displayed.

Very simple, Jason Bay, 20-30 home runs.

Those three guys are key. Obviously there are other factors working here. Sandy Alderson has done an outstanding job solidifying the bullpen, so I'm not worried there. Guys in the rotation like Jon Niese and Mike Pelfrey, especially, need to live up to expectations. Ike Davis MUST be healthy and we need to see a break-out year from either Daniel Murphy of Lucas Duda.

A lot needs to go the Mets way this season. After the last 5 years though, it's about time something does.