Here is the Opening Day roster for your 1968 New York Mets!
Major upgrades that promote a flicker of offensive promise.
Jim Hickman will assume the primary role at 1B with recently-acquired Joe Morgan at second, Buddy Harrelson at short and Tony Perez spending this season filling the void at third. Hickman and Perez can swing with potential power, Morgan will be a staple in the leadoff spot and Harrelson will hopefully roll the lineup over in the lower third.
Tony Gonzalez, who won the AL batting title last year in Chicago, comes to NY and assumes LF, Reggie Smith takes over in center with Blair going to the Chisox in exchange for Gonzalez and the legend, Roberto Clemente is in right.
The Johnny Bench Era commences behind the plate. He's only 20 but we think he is ready to be the fixture behind the dish and a lynchpin in the middle of the order.
Steve Carlton, Larry Dierker, Lew Krausse, Dick Selma and Tommie Sisk comprise the starting rotation, which will presumably be top heavy.
The bench in the bullpen will tilt heavy to the left with southpaws Jim Brewer, Grant Jackson, David Langrock, Tug McGraw, Jim Rooker and closer Wilbur Wood all slinging from the portside. This may be or point of concern when we get into situations where a righty out of the pen is the only choice and we may have to address this early.