5. New York Mets
-Season story lines: Expectations are low, so anything more than a last-place finish would seem like an accomplishment to fans who are hoping the economic cloud that’s been over the team is dissipating. On the field, the Mets need a continued successful recovery from pitcher Johan Santana, who had surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder and has been on the sidelines for more than a season. Lucas Duda must play well enough in right field to keep his power bat in the lineup. And the biggest question is whether third baseman David Wright will be traded.
-Season stat: $152 million. That’s not the Mets payroll — it’s never been that high. It’s the amount the ownership group will pay to settle its connection to the Bernie Madoff scam. It also ends economic uncertainty around the franchise. Expect this year’s payroll to be about $90 million.
-Sco-ts’ take: I like how Santana is throwing, but he still seems to be searching for his sharpness. His velocity and command have been inconsistent. . . . Ike Davis could give the offense a boost but, like Jason Bay, you just can’t be sure. . . . Ruben Tejada is tough to watch. I don’t know if it’s focus, but he looks like he takes plays off. . . . Some of their young pitchers are impressive. I can’t imagine (manager) Terry Collins will take much of guys like Mike Pelfrey without begging for Matt Harvey to be called up.