A couple of weeks back, I dissected the Yankees. This week, I want to take a look at the Mets.

No team, with the possible exception of Toronto, was more active in the off-season than the Mets. New York improved itself dramatically by landing closer Billy Wagner, trading for first baseman Carlos Delgado and catcher Paul LaDuca. These guys will go a long way toward putting the Mets over the top, especially when one considers the fact that New York is playing in a much weaker division this year.

Perennial division champ Atlanta is off to a somewhat sluggish start and, other than one brilliant performance by ace John Smoltz, the starting pitching staff is without a win. Maybe the loss of Leo Mazzone was more critical than expected. Atlanta's woes also increased when Chipper Jones went down with a severe ankle sprain and, to make matters worse, newly-acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria pulled a muscle in his ribcage over the weekend and is day-to-day.

Washington doesn't figure to be as strong as last season. Philadelphia has a great offense but its pitching staff is suspect and the Marlins are in total disarray.

Combine these factors with the fact that the Mets are off to a 9-2 start as of this writing (Monday) and it's easy to see why New York fans are already in a lather. The Mets' offense is in high gear, scoring runs with both power and timely hitting. The pitching staff, perhaps the team's possible downfall, has been performing well so far with Pedro Martinez and the ageless Tom Glavine at the top of the rotation.

On offense, New York is one of the more formidable teams in the National League. Jose Reyes is a good shortstop and gives the Mets speed at the top of the order. The middle of the lineup includes the likes of Carlos Beltran, Delgado, Cliff Floyd and David Wright. All of these guys can pound it.

Wright is perhaps the brightest spot on the horizon for New York. The young third baseman came up last year and began making a name for himself with solid defense and a powerful homerun stroke. I figure this may well be Wright's breakout year and the Mets' third sacker will be a household name by October.

Delgado is a proven commodity and, if he stays healthy, is a lock to drive in close to 100 runs. Beltran had an off-year last season, his first in the fishbowl of New York, but is already showing signs of the talent that made him the most sought after free agent year before last. Floyd is not spectacular, but is consistent. He will most likely hit around 25 homers and knock in 70-80 runs. LaDuca, an outstanding defensive catcher, is no slouch at the plate either.

If the Mets have a weakness, it could be with the pitching staff. Martinez and Glavine are big winners but both are getting a little long of tooth, especially Glavine. Martinez came into the season hampered by a bad toe and it remains to be seen how his shoulder, tender in the spring, will hold up. Glavine seems to be able to avoid the injury but, at age 42, could go down at any time. Beyond the Big Two, things are iffy. Steve Trachsel, a long-time met, is a steady workhorse as a No. 3 starter, but has a tendency to give up the long ball at critical times in the game. Beyond Trachsel, things are pretty foggy.

Still, if the Mets can get the ball to Wagner with a lead, chances are it's lights out for the opposition. For my money, Wagner is the best closer in the National League, if not all of baseball.

Another thing going in New York's favor is Manager Willie Randolph. Randolph is a good skipper, a solid baseball man and, by all reports, a great motivator. If anyone can get this unit hitting on all cylinders and working as a team, it is Randolph.

Yes, I predicted the Mets would make the post-season in 2006 and I stand by that prediction. Whether or not they get past the Cardinals or perhaps the Cubs is another matter entirely.

Further, fans in Gotham should also keep in mind that the Yankees are no lock for the Series either. It may be time to send in your 1040 to Uncle Sam, but it is a little early to buy tickets to the Fall Classic. Stay tuned.