ShareThisThe Mets are ready to go.
New York wrapped up its 2009 spring training season Thursday with a 9-8 comeback win over Baltimore. The Mets won seven of their last eight games, thriving on timely hitting, solid starting pitching and strong bullpen efforts.
In was a productive spring for New York, despite seeing 16 players competing in the World Baseball Classic. Still, questions remain.
Here is a breakdown of what was settled and what still needs work heading into the Monday's season-opener in Cincinnati.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
-- 1. The bullpen: Settled before spring workouts started with the signing of closer Francisco Rodriguez and setup man J.J. Putz, which bolstered a bullpen that blew 29 saves last season. Only Pedro Feliciano remains from last year's contributors, as Sean Green and up-and-comer Bobby Parnell are promising additions.
-- 2. The fifth-starter: Veteran Livan Hernandez signed in February and ended up with the job. Other contenders were Jon Niese, who the Mets want to get more experience in the minors; Tim Redding, shut down with a sore shoulder; Freddy Garcia, who performed poorly and continues to recover from 2007 shoulder surgery.
-- 3. Santana's health: Ace Johan Santana's arthroscopically repaired knee was a question coming in, but the greater concern became a stiff elbow that shut him down for a few days early in March. He jumped back on track quickly and in his last full start March 27, he threw 75 pitches in a seven-inning gem and is ready for opening day.
QUESTIONS STILL REMAINING
-- 1. The outfield corners: Converted infielder Daniel Murphy earned the left field spot because of his hot bat, but is clearly still learning on defense. Right fielder Ryan Church has been injury prone, so Fernando Tatis may get the nod in right.
-- 2. Can Luis Castillo bounce back: Castillo, 33, is hoping to forget his 2008 injury-plagued season. He arrived at camp 17 pounds lighter and finished up with a .433 on-base percentage. He will bat eighth, as Murphy takes the No. 2 hole. If Castillo doesn't produce, reserve Alex Cora may see more time at second.
-- 3. Will John Maine and Oliver Perez hold up: Maine, coming off shoulder surgery, was ineffective early, but finished up with two strong outings. Perez's spring was shortened by his participation in the WBC and the jury is still out on this pitcher that has a new three-year $36 million contract.
(Laurel Pfhaler is a sportswriter for Scripps Treasure Coast (Fla.) Newspapers, The Stuart News, Fort Pierce Tribune and Vero Beach Press Journal. E-mail laurel.pfahler(at)scripps.com.)
