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By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 21, 2000
1. Timo Perez, RF
Key stat: 4 leadoff hits in NLCS
2. Edgardo Alfonzo, 2B
Key stat: 9 RBI in 9 playoff games
3. Mike Piazza, DH
Key stat: .373 avg. as DH
4. Todd Zeile, 1B
Key stat: .350 avg. vs. Pettitte
5. Robin Ventura, 3B
Key stat: .179 post-season avg.
6. Benny Agbayani, LF
Key stat: .463 post-season OBP
7. Jay Payton, CF
Key stat: Hit .158 in NLCS
8. Todd Pratt, C
Key stat: Caught 39% of runners
9. Mike Bordick, SS
Key stat: .120 post-season avg.
The Mets have two of the best left-handers in the game in Al Leiter and Mike Hampton, who posted 16 scoreless innings in the NLCS, and it should be an advantage. Plus they have three left-handers in the bullpen. The Yankees were 22-24 vs. left-handed starters, 65-50 vs. right-handers. They hit .291 vs. left-handers, .272 vs. right-handers.
A mystery even to some teammates, Timo Perez has brought a spark to the top of the Mets order. Signed in March after playing in Japan, the 23-year-old Dominican is exciting, aggressive and fearless at the plate, on the bases, in the field. As the Mets' only true base-stealing threat, he needs to be disruptive.
Armando Benitez can be a dominating closer (41 saves, .148 opponents average), and he has plenty of help. Mets have an extremely deep and dependable bullpen, with right-handers Rick White and Turk Wendell and left-handers Glendon Rusch, Dennis Cook and John Franco.
No matter how much they all keep saying it is old news, Mike Piazza has not forgotten about being beaned by Roger Clemens on July 8. Piazza, 7-for-12 with three homers against Clemens, will be looking for revenge, and a big Series would be just fine.
Most teams tend to be intimidated coming into Yankee Stadium in the post-season. But the Mets should be used to the media, the scrutiny and the tough fans. It may be tougher to play at Shea given the noise and energy level of the fans.
MARC TOPKIN'S PICK: Mets in 6.
GARY SHELTON'S PICK: Yankees in 7.