The outfield may pose a problem for the Mets in 1999, but can hardly be worse than the 1998 incarnation. A lot hinges on the play of two new acquisitions: Rickey Henderson and Bobby Bonilla.
Henderson(.236, 14, 57) earned himself a one-year contract with the Mets and the vacant lead-off position after leading the American League in walks and stolen bases last season. The 40-year old veteran is also closing in on two career records -- most walks and most runs scored -- to compliment his stolen bases mark.
His acquisition may, in fact, prove to be the most valuable this offseason because the Mets sorely need a lead-off hitter. If he stays healthy, Henderson has the ability to work the count, get on base, steal bases, get into scoring position, and score runs. The Mets did not have such a player last season. Brian McRae, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Tony Phillips struggled mightily as the number one hitter.
Center fielder Brian McRae(.261, 21, 79), age 31, began his first full season with the Mets in anemic fashion, before exploding in July and reaching career highs in home runs and doubles. He is an excellent defensive outfielder, and should be more comfortable at the plate now that the burden of leading-off has been removed with the addition of Henderson. He won't get the pitch selection he had last year with Rey Ordonez and the pitcher batting behind him, but McRae is coming off of a career year and will benefit from batting behind the likes of Bobby Bonilla, Robin Ventura, and Mike Piazza.
Bobby Bonilla(.249, 11, 45) suffered an unproductive (for him), injury-plauged 1998 and now returns to the team where he spent the worst three and half years of his career. Now the Mets right fielder, Bonilla will have to overcome his past shortcomings in New York and win the fans over...something he appears more than eager to do. And because he will not be the focal point of the 1999 Mets, like he was 1992-1995, most of the pressure on him has been relieved.
Although he is a bit of a defensive liability, the 36-year old Bonilla is better offensively and defensively than Butch Huskey, who was traded to the Mariners. But whatever happens, remember: he was traded for Mel Rojas.
Coming off the bench, the Mets have the very capable, young duo of 27 year-old Jermaine Allensworth(.272, 5, 31) and Roger Cedeno(.242, 2, 17), only 24 years-old. Last season, Allensworth saw playing time for the Mets at all outfield positions, while Cedeno struggled with the Dodgers. Mets prospect Jay Payton may also crack the 25 man roster.
I don't know about you, but I'd take Henderson,
McRae, and Bonilla over Phillips, McRae, and some dude
any day of the week.
