New York recently got All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes back from injury. Reyes missed over 120 games last year in addition to the first four this year, and the quick-footed leadoff man could be the spark that gets the Mets back on track.

Chicago has been without Ted Lilly – who was the Cubs only All-Star last year – since the beginning of the season due to a shoulder injury. He was scheduled to make his 2010 debut during the series against the Mets, but that was pushed back as he recently had a stiff back that he suffered while making a rehab assignment in Iowa. Lilly will return soon, but it’ll be after the Cubs play the Mets.

The Cubs starting pitchers are expected to be: Randy Wells in Game 1, Carlos Zambrano in Game 2, and Carlos Silva in Game 3. While the Mets counter with Jonathan Niese, Mike Pelfrey, and Oliver Perez. The pitching match-ups are subject to change with an injury.

The entire right side of the diamond contains below-average bats, with a Rod Barajas/Omir Santos combination at catcher that should hit about .240, Daniel Murphy at first base and Jeff Francoeur in right field with some power but no ability to get on base, and Luis Castillo nothing but a singles hitter who plays poor defense. Angel Pagan and Fernando Tatis look to be the best bats on the bench, which is nothing to brag about.

As for pitching, Johan Santana gives the Mets a clear, dominant ace; however, the rest of the rotation is average at best. John Maine and Jon Niese could contribute ERAs in the low-4.00s, but Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey will have a hard time staying under a 5.00 ERA.

Francisco Rodriguez gives the Mets a shutdown closer, although he struggled at times last year. Kelvim Escobar, Pedro Feliciano, and Ryota Igarishi should be capable of limiting damage in the middle innings.

Ultimately, the Mets will rely on a small group of stars to score often and not allow runs, while hoping for overachievers to surface from somewhere else.

Also, don’t forget to check out their odds to win the World Series.