The Top 5 New York Mets Keepers are all all-star players, and should really make fans of the Mets quite happy during the 2009 season. They under-performed in 2008 due to a terrible bullpen, but could really have that as their biggest strength in 2009. With key additions, the Mets look like one of the top two teams to beat in the National League, and they are led by a group of superstars that include newly acquired K-Rod and J.J. Putz anchoring the pen. The fantasy baseball stars on this team are the cream of the crop, and the Mets could almost field an entire fantasy roster.
#1 New York Mets Keeper — Fantasy Baseball 2009; Jose B. Reyes, Shortstop
Reyes is developing into a 5 tool player, and could single-handedly give a team the stolen base crown if drafting is done correctly. In 2008 Reyes put up a .297 batting average to go along with 16 home runs and 68 RBI, but also stole 56 bases and scored 113 runs. Playing shortstop also makes Reyes more valuable, as their aren't as many great hitting shortstops left in the game, and with his speed on the base-paths, Reyes could even increase his steal totals.
#2 New York Mets Keeper — Fantasy Baseball 2009; Johan Santana, Starting Pitcher
Santana brings a fantasy team strike-outs, wins, a low ERA, and a great WHIP. Because of the four main statistics he can bring, he is an invaluable addition to any keeper fantasy team. As he is still young, he still has a lot of years left to help out any fantasy team, and now that he is with the Mets, there is no telling how many wins he could put up this season. It isn't beyond reason to think that he could win 25 games in 2009.
#3 New York Mets Keeper — Fantasy Baseball 2009; David Wright, Third Baseman
Wright just keeps getting better, and at only 26 years old, he still has a lot of pop left in his bat to display. He gets a slot because of his youth, as well as the wonderful stats he can put up. In 2008 Wright his .302 with 33 home runs and 124 RBI, as well as stealing 15 bases. If he can steal a few bases along the way he will be even more valuable, but expect his power numbers to increase again in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
#4 New York Mets Keeper — Fantasy Baseball 2009; Francisco Rodriguez, Closer
Rodriguez set the single season baseball record for saves in 2008 with 62 for the Angels, but now goes to an even better team in the New York Mets. He is consistently good for saves, strike-outs, ERA, and WHIP, and by going to the Mets he could see his save chances mirror his career. He probably won't come close to 62 saves again, but with the Mets he is certain to get around 45 saves with a 2.20 or so ERA and around 80 strike-outs, making him extremely valuable.
#5 New York Mets Keeper — Fantasy Baseball 2009; Carlos Beltran, Center Fielder
Even as a New York Met, Beltran still fills up the stat sheet to a tune of 25 steals, 27 home runs and 112 RBI in 2008. 2009 should be just as good, if not better for Beltran, and look for him to again pass the 20+ mark in both stolen bases and home runs. He should also easily sail past 100 in both RBI and runs, with a batting average around .280.
Source of Statistics: www.mlb.com
