The 2009 Wild Cards

Last season, the Mets were blessed with two of them...

Fernando Tatis turned out to be a wonderful addition to the outfield, and Daniel Murphy, who looked like he was going to have a great minor league career, is now the starting left fielder.

So, who are this year's wild cards, and how would they fit in?

1B - Nick Evans - yes, first base... Nick spent last year platooning with Murphy out in left field and may start this year in Buffalo, but I spent a little time with him this week and he's taking most of his practice at first this spring. Trust me, even Nick hopes that Carlos Delgado has a full season like he finished last year, but Evans will be ready, if needed to spell Delgado, in case he slumps or comes up limping.

IF - Shawn Bowman - Yes, Bowman is in camp and looks 100% fit. A lot of press has been written about him from the days he had a ceiling higher than David Wright. Three years, and two broken backs later, Bowman spent the entire 2008 healthy and, though he's basically a third baseman and not as versatile at the other infield positions, a hot start from him in Buffalo could create a situation where he comes up as a pinch hitter, or would be packaged in a mid-season deal.

2B - Luis Castillo - no one has been more critical of Castillo's contract, but I went out my way this week to follow this guy around and watch him work his ass off this week. He looks great, and this could be the NL Comeback Player of the Year.

SP - Jonathan Niese - if his first two innings pitched on Monday is any indication of what his season will be like, Niese is going to be hard to keep out of the Mets rotation sometime this year. As I reported earlier this week, Freddy Garcia does not look to be ready to throw heat, and Livan Hernandez is still getting in shape. Keep an eye on this kid this spring.

Mack