NY Mets profiles

Mike Piazza is the Mets' biggest offensive threat

This is how the New York Mets line up for the 2000 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Mike Piazza, 32, catcher - Nine innings spent crouching behind 100mph fastballs doesn't lend itself to posting big offensive numbers, but Piazza combines the most demanding fielding position with a powerful bat as well as anyone in baseball history. Though he is not known for showing top form in the postseason, he is still the leader of the Mets and their most revered, not to mention expensive, star.

Todd Zeile, 35, first base - Struggling to keep his place in the team after a shaky postseason, Zeile partially redeemed himself with key RBIs in the Championship-winning game against St Louis. He has never had spectacular numbers, but has been around long enough to hit more than 200 home runs, albeit for eight different teams.

Edgardo Alfonzo, 27, second base - To many one of baseball's most underrated players, Alfonzo is perhaps most likely to trouble the Yankee pitchers. He was excellent down the stretch and has taken his form into the play-offs. Despite his excellent bat, he is even better known for his thrilling defence.

Mike Bordick, 35, shortstop - Bordick was brought in to replace injured Ray Ordonez, but has struggled to match him in the field. He is consistent at the plate, with a personal best 20 home runs this year, but poor in the clutch.

Robin Ventura, 33, third base - A huge disappointment all season, but Ventura has come alive in the play-offs, delivering key hits. He is a good fielder, but at 33 some are wondering if his best form is behind him.

Benny Agbayani, 28, left field - Agbayani has worked his way up to a starting assignment despite his streaky hitting. Some power, and a some good plays in the field make him a useful performer.

Jay Payton, 27, centre field - This prospect spent years on the injured list before finally breaking out this year. Fast and talented, Payton is best against left-handed pitching and has had some key postseason hits.

Timo Perez, 23, right field - The story of the Mets' postseason. Perez began the year playing in the minor leagues, but his electric form saw a call-up to the Majors in September. The lead-off man stepped in when Derek Bell got injured and has given the Mets a huge boost, hitting safely in all eight play-off games he has played. His unorthodox style has quickly made him a fan favourite.

Pitchers

Al Leiter, 34 - The Mets' best starter this season, this dominating pitcher is one of the few on the team with World Series experience. He struck out 200 batters this year and as a left-hander will be crucial in containing the powerful Yankees in the Bronx.

Mike Hampton, 28 - His mixed season is all but forgotten. Left-handed Hampton was the star of the Championship Series against St Louis, pitching 16 scoreless innings and claiming the Most Valuable Player award.

Rick Reed, 35 - On spectacular form since the All-Star break, posting a 7-3 record. He has performed patchily in the postseason, but with free agency looming he will be looking for a grandstand finish.

Bobby J Jones, 30 - Jones made his biggest splash with his fantastic performance in the clinching game of the Division Series, but he fared poorly against the Cardinals and figures to start just one game, even if the World Series goes the distance.

Armando Benitez, 27 - The Yankees may claim to have the game's best closer, but Benitez, complete with 100mph fastball, is not far behind. He had a club record 41 saves this year. If there is a concern, it is his habit of giving up clutch home runs, but more often than not, he is a dominating pitcher.