Kings Of Nothing

It's the second week of June. Try telling that to some silly New York writers who already have proclaimed the 2006 Mets as the "Kings Of New York."

Come again? Kings of what exactly. I must not have realize that they handed out trophies this early. Forget playing the rest of the schedule. Let's just skip right to that Mets-Tigers World Series! It still doesn't feel right seeing the Tigers with the best record. How long will that last?

Having baseball's second best record when it's not even three months into the season is a nice accomplishment for a team which last saw October in 2000 when they lost in a real Subway Series to the Yankees in five games.

Truth be told, this year's version of the Mets looks like a bonafide championship contender. They have a pair of aces in Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez to anchor their staff and possess one of the best lineups in the majors. Leadoff hitter Jose Reyes wreaks havoc on the basepaths. New catcher Paul LoDuca has been everything advertised and more. He probably is the most underrated player on the team.

Then there's a lethal 3-4-5 in Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and David Wright.

Beltran and Wright are both legit MVP contenders. Especially with Cards' slugger Albert Pujols sidelined. A year removed from a disappointing 2005 debut campaign, the centerfielder is finally playing like the superstar Mets GM Omar Minaya thought he was getting. After a slow start in April, he has begun hitting home runs in bunches and stealing bases. Much of his new found confidence can be attributed to Delgado, who despite cooling off after a solid start has provided his teammate with the insurance needed out of the cleanup spot. It's definitely allowed him to relax.

Meanwhile, Wright continues to be the most consistent hitter in the Mets lineup. Is there anything this 23 year-old wiz kid can't do? He can hit to all fields and has power. The most clutch player on the Amazins, he truly is Shea's version of Derek Jeter. Only with more pop. He also plays a solid third base and though he still makes the occasional error, he is more polished than Alex Rodriguez. Shhh. Just don't tell A-Rod. We wouldn't want to hurt his feelings.

The Mets have also gotten a solid contribution from new second baseman Jose Valentin. After a horrendous start which had many questioning if he should even be on the roster, the former Brewer has been swinging a hot bat ever since his return to Milwaukee last month. You wonder how long it will be before the free swinger slumps. Second year skipper Willie Randolph should ride the 36 year-old's hot streak until he cools off.

Maybe the organization's most promising player is top prospect Lastings Milledge. Since being recalled from Norfolk, the former 2003 first round pick has showed off the five tool skills which the Mets love. The 21-year-old outfielder can hit for pop, runs well and possesses a strong arm. He definitely looks like a keeper.

If there is one area which might be a concern in Queens, it's Randolph's continued overuse of the bullpen. Particularly setup men Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez. While both have been brilliant at getting out of jams and getting the ball to closer Billy Wagner, they have been relied upon a lot. Such a heavy workload in the first half has taken its toll. Both have shown signs of slowing down. Part of the problem is that the Mets have played a lot of close games, including a slew of extra inning games.

With the departure of Jorge Julio to Arizona for veteran starter Orlando Hernandez, Randolph must find another reliever capable of getting the big outs who can take the pressure off Heilman and Sanchez. This way they can get some much needed days off.

As of right now, these Mets definitely have a chance to win their third World Series. They play in a weak division and should have a bye into the playoffs if they can beat up on the Phillies. It looks safe to say that the Braves' run is over. They don't have enough pitching and are remarkably inconsistent offensively.

So it's basically a two team race. The Mets and Phillies stack up well offensively but the advantage goes to New York's pitching staff. They should win the N.L. East going away.

However, it is premature to say that they're the best team in New York. If you took away two of your top RBI producers out of the lineup, it's safe to say your offensive production might suffer, which also might mean fewer wins.

It is very exciting for New York to see both baseball teams in pennant races. And long overdue for the Mets and their supporters.

But unless this team wins their first World Series in 20 years, they won't be Kings of anything.