NY Mets Spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium in Viera Florida. NY Mets manager Terry Collins. (Anthony J. Causi)
MIAMI — Same old Mets, or start of something big?
The latest new chapter in franchise history will begin today when Florida’s Josh Johnson delivers the first pitch to Jose Reyes shortly after 7 p.m. The new Mets architect, general manager Sandy Alderson, will be watching from the stands. His handpicked manager, Terry Collins, will be in the dugout. The kitchen still is spotless from the housecleaning that disposed of GM Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel last offseason.
The slate won’t be completely blank after tonight.
“This is where the competition starts,” Collins said yesterday. “This is why we play this game. This is the real fun part for me. I don’t think it’s pressure, I think it’s a blast.”
After four straight seasons missing the playoffs — two of them with a losing record — the Mets are out to prove they aren’t among the dregs of the National League. Collins, about to manage his first major league game since 1999 with the Angels, planned to hold a short team meeting before a workout yesterday at Sun Life Stadium just to inject one last burst of energy into his players before the opener.
Alderson chose Collins last November in large part to keep the inmates from running the asylum, as had occurred last season under Manuel. But the Mets aren’t expecting to see a different Collins now that Opening Night has arrived.
“I’m not sure how much higher [energy] you can get with Terry,” David Wright said. “It seems like no matter if it’s the week of the Super Bowl, when I first got down to Florida, or Opening Day, I think the energy level is going to be pretty high. I wouldn’t expect it to be too much higher without him having a heart attack.”
It’s a season that will begin with Jason Bay on the disabled list, after the left fielder incurred a strained ribcage muscle earlier in the week. Carlos Beltran’s left knee is strong enough for him to begin the season as the right fielder, but the Mets will monitor his situation closely.
Along the theme of a new start, closer Francisco Rodriguez officially is back — he was placed on the roster yesterday — after the Mets banished him to the disqualified list last August in the aftermath of the right-hander tearing a ligament in his thumb during a brawl with his girlfriend’s father at Citi Field.
“It’s going to be a new chapter, a new season and I’m looking forward to staying healthy and help this ballclub the best that I can to be in a good position,” Rodriguez said.
With Johan Santana on the DL until at least June as he rehabs from shoulder surgery, the Opening Night start belongs to Mike Pelfrey. Jon Niese and R.A. Dickey are scheduled to pitch the following two games in this series.
Maybe the Phillies and Braves — both of whom are expected to compete for the playoffs — can afford a sluggish April. The Mets do not fall into the same category.
“Sometimes the wins in April, they can be ignored, [but] they’re very important,” Collins said. “For us to build up some confidence and get our fans back on board, it’s important for us to get started.”
Alderson, in his first GM role since leaving Oakland in 1997, was asked to define a successful season for the Mets.
“I could say winning the World Series, and anything less would be unsuccessful,” Alderson said. “But, somewhere between where we were last year and winning the World Series.”
Five things that have to go right:
* Jose Reyes (right) needs to revert to 2008 form and give the Mets a threat at the top of the order.
* R.A. Dickey must continue at a high level for the Mets and not revert to career journeyman. The knuckleballer is the glue to the Mets’ rotation.
* Ike Davis needs to take his offensive game to the next level. If he approaches 30 homers this season, the Mets could have a special lineup.
* Bobby Parnell’s 100-mph fastball must get outs consistently, giving the Mets a dependable bridge to Francisco Rodriguez.
* Chris Young (below) and Chris Capuano must stay healthy and give the Mets arms at the back of the rotation.
Five things that could go wrong:
* If Johan Santana can’t return by the All-Star break at close to his normal level, don’t figure on the Mets playing meaningful games beyond the trade deadline.
* Brad Emaus is unproven at second base. The last thing the Mets need is a revolving door at the position.
* Mike Pelfrey as the team ace? Probably not an ideal scenario for a pitcher best suited to be a No. 2.
* If Jason Bay doesn’t produce upon his return from the DL, he will hear plenty of boos and could become the new Luis Castillo.
* The creaky knees of Carlos Beltran might deprive the Mets of their best option in the cleanup spot. If he can’t play 100 games, this season could get ugly.
mpuma@nypost.com