The Mets have gone through quite a few partners for Howie Rose since Gary Cohen bolted for television on SNY, but Josh Lewin fits nicely.
Lewin, who admitted to my former cohort Matthew Falkenbury and I that he used the Daily Stache and other Mets blogs to get caught up on the team when he first got here, has the sense of humor and banter ability to make for a nice compliment with Rose, and he’s also given us the opportunity to see what he things of the upcoming season in today’s edition of #9innings.
For previous editions of #9innings, click here.
Here are Lewin’s thoughts:
What do you make of this Mets’ team as currently constituted? Are they ready to contend?
Yes. ATL and Philly are down, and the Mets are healthier. Mid to high 80s win total is very realistic.
If they’re missing something, what is that piece? Who would be the guy you’d go out and get and why?
I take a wait and see on that one. Everyone’s knee-jerking that it’s shortstop but I think it’ll take 50 games to get a good read on Flores. Maybe he’s Jhonny Peralta with better spelling… let’s see.
How do the Mets compete with the Nationals with that superstar rotation? Is the NL East title a distant pipe dream?
Washington is the class of the division, but things happen along the way. Ask last year’s Texas Rangers.
David Wright had a career-worst year in 2014. Do you think we should expect a marginalized player moving forward or do you have hope in a resurgence?
If the shoulder is healed, he should be 2013 David Wright which is fine. He doesn’t need to be 2008 David Wright. Just not the guy with a worse OPS than Adeny Hecheverria.
Who’s the guy who needs to step up to put the Mets offense over the top?
I’d love to see a true leadoff hitter emerge, and if it’s Lagares that works for me. Grabbing first inning leads more often with a quick “get em on/get em over/get em in” would be a nice plus that we haven’t seen for some time.
What are your thoughts on the Yankees? Do you hate them?
Growing up in Rochester, I knew a lot of Yankee fans… they don’t bother me per se… just the ones who act all entitled. The Mets were always the “counter culture” the way I saw it. That still appeals to me.
If you could have one team as currently constituted, farm system and all, would you rather have the Mets or the Yankees? Why?
Mets, by far. Yankees farm system can’t compare to that of the Mets, and the current Yankee construct is a bunch of old guys who used to be something and a bunch of young guys who are just okay. No one in the sweet of a career, and in a very tough division. No thanks.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink at Citi Field?
The free sushi Howie’s Japanese friend brings in opening day is one of the Top 5 things in my life, and remember, I have two kids. Shake Shack rocks of course, and I easily average a couple slices of Two Boots pizza per homestand.
Finish this sentence. By the end of the season, the Mets will be…
Better than the previously-hated and now-paranthetical Braves and Phillies. And in a race with the Marlins for “surprise team of the NL.”
