Meet the Mets

To get ready for the first inter-league series of the season against the Mets, Fenway West interviewed Andrew Vazzano from the great Mets blog The 'Ropolitans.

FW: Is Johan Santana going to win the NL Cy Young this year?

The 'Ropolitans: Yes. Despite the best efforts of the bullpen in 2008, Santana had a realistic shot at the award last year. With Francisco Rodriguez around to close out games this time around, there is little doubt in my mind that Santana will need some extra space on his mantle when this season comes to a close.

FW: Can Sheff make up for the loss of Carlos Delgado?

The 'Ropolitans: No, but he's going to get plenty of chances. Sheff has hit two home runs this season and though his bat speed is still there, the power is lacking. He's getting on top of a lot of pitches, chopping them into the ground, and that's really hurt his approach at the plate. Batting fourth in the lineup, he's hitting .351 with six RBIs. Everywhere else in the lineup, he's 5/24.

FW: The Mets have had some PR and on the field disasters this season, is the team focused enough to win the division?

The 'Ropolitans: I think so. The NL East hasn't really surprised me at all this year. All the teams are struggling to find pitchers that can preform at the major league level behind their aces. Though the Mets just lost four in a row and fell out of first place, I think they have a definite shot at taking the pennant in '09.

FW: Do Mets fans like inter-league play?

The 'Ropolitans: I know I don't speak for all of Mets fans, but I do enjoy it. It's fun to see teams they don't normally play. One thing: I hate the DH. Always have, always will. That's the one thing I don't like.

FW: Is Beltran now the player the Mets thought he was when they signed him?

The 'Ropolitans: With respect to Jacoby Ellsbury, I think Carlos Beltran is the best center fielder in the major leagues. He has to deal with a carousel of outfielders filling in on either side of him, which cannot be easy. He's gotten off to a ridiculous start this season, and almost consistently puts up the same numbers. If you expect .280, with 20 home runs and 100 RBIs out of him, that is what you'll get. Anything more and you're kidding yourself. Oh, and a Gold Glove each year too.

FW: How has K-Rod adjusted to National League hitters?

So far, so good. K-Rod hasn't forgotten how to put on a show, either. Runners still reach base and he knows how to make it interesting. At least Mets fans are used to that after Luis Ayala's stint as closer last season. As a fan, I couldn't be happier with Frankie. Everyone was worried about his velocity dropping before the Mets signed him, but it hasn't seemed to bother him one bit on the mound.

FW: What are your predictions for this 3-game series with the Red Sox?

The 'Ropolitans: Hopefully the Mets can win one game. If any, I think the first game is their best shot with Dice K coming off the DL and facing Santana. Beckett and Pelfrey should be quite a show, though. And I don't think the Mets stand a chance against Wakefield. There will be quite a breeze blowing through Fenway from all the over-eager swings on Sunday.