2010 Mets: We're a Team to Beat in NL East

Merely a week into spring training, the new-look Mets have already served notice on their NL East rivals that they are one of the five teams to beat in their division this season. "There's a lot of confidence on this ball club right now, no question about it," explained Mets third baseman David Wright. "With the personnel we have, we absolutely believe that the road to the NL East crown runs right through Citi Field, Citizens Bank Park, Turner Field, Nationals Park, and Dolphin Stadium." With a healthy Johan Santana anchoring an okay rotation and the mildly exciting acquisition of Jason Bay in the off season, Met's GM Omar Minaya says he expects the 2010 Mets to be "among the top five divisional teams this year," and that anything short of that would have to be considered a major disappointment. "By marginally upgrading our line-up and betting the farm on the surgically-repaired elbow of our only reliable pitcher, we've officially made it a five-team race."