Mike Puma is the Mets beat writer for the New York Post.
Today, he plays the roll of Mets critic as he looks at the Amazins’ and their season ahead and gives us his take on today’s edition of #9innings.
For previous editions of #9innings, click here.
Here are his thoughts:
What do you make of this Mets’ team as currently constituted? Are they ready to contend?
The pitching is talented and deep enough to keep this team in wildcard contention. But the Mets are most likely no better than the seventh or eighth best team in the NL as we head to spring training.
If they’re missing something, what is that piece? Who would be the guy you’d go out and get and why?
If Troy Tulowitzki shows he is healthy in the first two months of the season, you make the deal, even at the expense of Noah Syndergaard. You can then trade Daniel Murphy and move Wilmer Flores to second base.
How do the Mets compete with the Nationals with that superstar rotation? Is the NL East title a distant pipe dream?
Unless the Nationals get crushed by injuries, it’s hard to imagine the Mets competing for the NL East crown, but just staying close would be an accomplishment.
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?
I expect something between what we saw last year from David Wright and the All-Star player he once was. The Mets would certainly take 18 homers and .290 from him – along with a full year on the field.
Who’s the guy who needs to step up to put the Mets offense over the top?
Curtis Granderson has to produce for a full season, not just two months.
What are your thoughts on the Yankees? Do you hate them?
I don’t hate the Yankees, nor do I have any affinity for them. I can certainly understand if the fans despise them.
If you could have one team as currently constituted, farm system and all, would you rather have the Mets or the Yankees? Why?
Tough question. Can I take the Mets’ farm system and the Yankees’ checkbook? I think both teams will win around 83-84 games his year.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink at Citi Field?
I like a good Italian sub at Mama’s.
Finish this sentence. By the end of the season, the Mets will be…
Closer to the playoffs than they have been in seven years, but probably a tad short.
