The first two editions of #9Innings were a rousing success, as we featured both Adam Rubin and Alan Hahn.
Today, we get another special treat as Kristie Ackert from the New York Daily News answered some questions. See below and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for another special treat.
What do you make of this Mets’ team as currently constituted? Are they ready to contend?
This Mets team will have a fantastically promising rotation and if they can score some runs — a very big if — they could contend for a Wild Card spot.
If they’re missing something, what is that piece? Who would be the guy you’d go out and get and why?
I think another hitter with power, insurance in case David Wright doesn’t bounce back or Lucas Duda regresses or Curtis Granderson remains the same, was crucial for the Mets, whether it was a corner outfielder or middle infielder.
How do the Mets compete with the Nationals with that superstar rotation? Is the NL East title a distant pipe dream?
The Nationals have a solid rotation of good to very good, proven starters. The Mets have a rotation with potentially very, very good starters in Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.
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?
Hard to say. I am taking a wait-and-see approach with his 2015 season. I don’t think anyone can know until he faces big league pitching.
Who’s the guy who needs to step up to put the Mets offense over the top?
A healthy David Wright is the key to the Mets offense now and in the near future.
What are your thoughts on the Yankees? Do you hate them? Do you understand why many Mets fans do?
The Yankees are always interesting, but honestly not something I think about except in the Subway Series. I understand the animosity is there between the Mets and Yankee fans, but I don’t get the hatred.
If you could have one team as currently constituted, farm system and all, would you rather have the Mets or the Yankees? Why?
Mets, because of depth of pitching and because I feel more familiar with their farm system than the Yankees.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink at Citi Field?
I like Shake Shack and Mama’s. (Pat La Frieda’s would be in there if it did not take two innings to get your order!)
Finish this sentence. By the end of the season, the Mets will be…
A surprisingly different team than they will be on April 6, 2015.
