MLB 2009- Mets Finally Pull Through With the NL East Crown

VFC's 2009 MLB predictions:

The Mets:

After two consecutive years of late-season collapses and with a re-vamped bullpen, the Amazins will finally stave off the Philadelphia Phillies and take first in the NL East.

Johan Santana will fall short of 20 wins (he'll finish with 19), but that will be enough for him to secure the Cy Young award.

Pelfrey and Maine will each take another step forward in their development, but I hesitate to say the same for Ollie Perez.

Carlos Beltran and David Wright will be in contention for the League MVP award at the end of the season, but voters will refuse to award both the Cy Young and the MVP to the Mets.

Carlos Delgado will take a step back from his amazing run last summer and finish with a .240 average, but he'll jack 25 homers as well.

Gary Sheffield will merit enough at bats at the corner outfield positions to smack 14 homers in part-time play and give the Mets a right-handed alternative to a lefty-heavy outfield.

As for the Phillies:

Father time catches up to Jamie Moyer this year. He'll be pulling mop-up duty by years end.

Lidge has another stellar season, but he'll blow five or six saves along the way.

Raul Ibanez proves to be a great signing, but injuries to Cole Hammels and Chase Utley keep the Phillies from repeating.