C-Brian Schneider will be the starter for as long as he is healthy. Schneider is not an offensive force, but should have a very positive impact on the pitchers, especially Maine and Perez. If he can provide what he did last year, he wil be only a step below Lo Duca offensively, and will be much better defensively. 2008 Projections: 405 AB, .248 AVG, 4 HR, 53 RBI, 2 SB
1B-Carlos Delgado looks to rebound from a year that for many would be more that satisfactory, but for him was terrible. He probably won't reach his numbers from the late 90's again but I look for a better year than last year. 2008 Projections: 521 AB, .264 AVG, 31 HR, 98 RBI, 3 SB
2B-Luis Castillo had a good year in the #2 hole, and should benefit from off season knee surgery. Castillo will allow Reyes to steal quite often, and hopefully will provide a table setter, and a good contact bat at the top of the lineup. 2008 Projections: 529 AB, .297 AVG, 1 HR, 43 RBI, 23 SB
3B-David Wright is just a budding star. He has been excellent in his first 3 seasons in NY, and will only get better. Wright has shown contact, power, speed, and improved defense. He will prove his value, possibly with an MVP award this year(ok, thats wishful thinking, but he will be impressive). 2008 Projections: 598 AB, .318 AVG, 32 HR, 116 RBI, 30 SB
SS-Jose Reyes is The Flash. He had a sluggish September, and had a few problems with hustle last year, but when he is playing, he brings an energy and excitement that few others do. He will prove that September was a fluke, proving his value to this team again. 2008 Projections: 662 AB, .291 AVG, 13 HR, 53 RBI, 72 SB
LF-Angel Pagan will fill in for Moises Alou. Alou proved last year that age is just a number. With his 30 game hitting streak, Alou (The Ageless Wonder), hit over .300 in limited time and hit 13 HR. Look for slightly more at bats this year as an effect of coming in to camp in even better shape. 2008 Projections: 357 AB, .328 AVG, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 2 SB
CF-Carlos Beltran performed well again, in his attempt to prove that Year 1 in NY was a fluke. Beltran has adjusted to NY and has really taken to the fans. With his comments at the start of the season, he has taken a leadership role, and his baby girl will likely be a calming source of relief for him. I predict good things for Carlos. 2008 Projections: 562 AB, .279 AVG, 36 HR, 119 RBI, 28 SB
RF-Ryan Church came over in the same trade as Schneider and should continue his good hitting against righties. In the cavernous RFK Stadium, he managed to hit very effectively, and coming to Shea should actually help him. I think Church will be a positive acquisition for this team, as his defense is pretty good, and he has a bit more pop than Milledge showed so far. Milledge may end up better than Church, but Church seems a better fit in this clubhouse. 2008 Projections: 481 AB, .273 AVG, 19 HR, 79 RBI, 7 SB