Coming off yet another regular season collapse in 2008 the New York Mets are looking to bounce back in 2009.  Trying to shake the monkey that is Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard off their backs and finally live up to their potential and hype.  Following their most recent regular season collapse the Mets took action in the offseason and made some key additions to their roster that could finally get them over the hump barring another catastrophe.

Back in October, the Mets first re-signed GM Omar Minaya to a three year contract extension as well as locked in on Jerry Manual for a two year agreement with a club option for 2011.

The biggest concern the Mets faced coming into the offseason was their bullpen or lack thereof. The Mets sat down with the “Wild Thing” Ricky Vaughn from Major League, as well as Chet “Rocket” Steadman and Henry Rowengartner from Rookie of the Year, no contract agreements could be reached. Instead the Mets settled and signed “K-Rod” Francisco Rodriguez to a three year deal as well as acquired J.J. Putz from Seattle. Obviously I jest about Vaughn, Steadman and 12 year old Rowengartner, and although it would have been humorous to watch, K-Rod and Putz are much better additions. With the addition of K-Rod and Putz in the bullpen, the Mets may just have what it takes to prevent another catastrophic meltdown this year.

Other notable offseason moves included the Mets resigning John Maine to a one year deal as well as the always hot and cold Oliver Perez to another three year headache.  The Mets also exercised their 2009 club option on Cronus, father of time, AKA Carlos Delgado.  Delgado got off to a very slow start last year and I would expect the same from him again. I personally do not see him putting up the same kind of hot streak as last year. I see him rounding out at .260 25 HR and 90 RBI.

One other hot topic around New York this offseason involving the Mets was an offseason non move for Manny Ramirez. As you all know Manny is finally a Dodger again, but there were rumors floating around all offseason involving his possible move to the Amazins’.

More from Joe O’Rourke can be found at Bloggle Heads! which he co-founded.