"Chris Young mostly was a witness to the Padres' surprising run in the NL West last season, making just one start in April and three more in September because of recurring shoulder problems.

But the former All-Star hurler - whose incentive-filled, one-year contract with the Mets was finalized Thursday - spoke encouragingly about being more involved in a similar run in Flushing in 2011.

"Last year being on the Padres served as a great learning experience for me," Young said on a conference call. "You really can't make predictions until you get out on the field to play the games. San Diego was picked to finish last, and maybe lose close to 100 games, by a lot of experts, and the team overachieved. Based on what I've seen here, this team has the same type of chemistry. ... If we all pull together, anything's possible."

In a deal similar to the one signed earlier this month by lefty Chris Capuano, Young will make slightly more than $1 million in guaranteed bucks, with the possibility of reaching around $4.5 million with incentives. With ace Johan Santana (shoulder) slated to start the season on the disabled list, the two ex-All-Stars will be given the chance to earn rotation spots behind Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jonathon Niese.

"I've known Chris since he came to San Diego prior to the 2006 season," GM Sandy Alderson said. "He pitched very well for us, made an All-Star team (in 2007). From my standpoint, (he was) a big-game pitcher when he was available to us. Unfortunately there were some injuries along the way. ... But we really believe Chris can make a major contribution.""