Heading into Spring Training the New York Mets are hoping to turn their recent struggles around and make a push for MLB's 2014 Playoffs.

While the splashes they made this offseason weren't tidal waves, GM Sandy Alderson did make some noise with the additions of Curtis Granderson - albeit, off an injury plagued 2013 - and the seemingly ageless Bartolo Colon, who is coming off an stunning 18-6, 2.65 ERA last season.

According to Mets.com, here is the team's projected lineup as the Mets prepare to report to camp:

Projected batting order
1. LF Eric Young:
.249 BA, .310 OBP, .336 SLG, 2 HR, 32 RBI in 2013
2. 2B Daniel Murphy:
.286 BA, .319 OBP, .415 SLG, 13 HR, 78 RBI in 2013
3. 3B David Wright:
.307 BA, .390 OBP, .514 SLG, 18 HR, 58 RBI in 2013
4. OF Curtis Granderson:
.229 BA, .317 OBP, .407 SLG, 7 HR, 15 RBI in 2013
5. OF Chris Young:
.200 BA, .280 OBP, .379 SLG, 12 HR, 40 RBI in 2013
6. 1B Ike Davis:
.205 BA, .326 OBP, .334 SLG, 9 HR, 33 RBI in 2013
7. C Travis d'Arnaud:
.202 BA, .286 OBP, .263 SLG, 1 HR, 5 RBI in 2013
8. SS Ruben Tejada:
.202 BA, .259 OBP, .260 SLG, 0 HR, 10 RBI in 2013

 

One of the biggest questions in the order is Ike Davis. Heck, who knows what role he could or will play this season. But, by going off this projected lineup, I propose a slight tweak to the order - move Davis up from the six hole into the third spot, then just slide Wright and Granderson to fourth and fifth, respectively.

Here's the reason: If Ike is out there, he can only benefit from having those batters behind him. It will mean more fastballs and, in general, better pitches to hit. Let's not forget his 32 HR's and 90 RBI's despite an awful start that saw him bate just .227 in 2012.

Scott Cunningham, Getty Images Sport
Scott Cunningham, Getty Images Sport
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And, while he's not a speedy guy or that can beat out an infield single, he does have a knack for getting on-base. He's led the team in BB's two of the last three years, and in 2012, he was second only to Wright.

Plus, it spreads the team's offensive ability a bit. After Wright and Granderson, the current projection of hitters 5-thru-8 were all .200 hitters last year - including Davis.

 

(Stats and projected lineup information from Mets.com and MLB.com were used in this post)

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