In the National League East, the Mets have quickly served notice that they are not only for real, but may well run away with the division. As of this writing (Monday) New York has an impressive 16-8 record and a commanding six-game lead over the Braves, who have started the season at an anemic 10-14. The Mets have gotten off to such a fast start on the heels of timely hitting and solid pitching, particularly from Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. Youngsters like David Wright and Jose Reyes are contributing offensively, as are veterans such as Carlos Delgado and Cliff Floyd.

Meanwhile, Atlanta has left the gate like a turtle pulling an anvil. The Braves’ pitching, other than John Smoltz, has been woefully inconsistent, both the starting rotation and the bullpen. The Atlanta lineup has been equally inconsistent.

No other team figures to compete in this division.

Over in the National League Central, there are a couple of surprises. Cincinnati sits atop the standings, tied with the Cardinals. The fact that St. Louis is in first place is no surprise, but the Reds were not on anyone’s radar scope after finishing in last place in 2005. Loaded with offense, Cincinnati leads the Major Leagues in homeruns and, thus far, has put together a 17-8 record and won 10 of its last 12 games. Whether or not the Reds can keep this up, however, is subject to much debate. In addition to leading the league in homers, the Reds’ pitching staff has also given up more taters than anyone else.

In addition to a trainer, Cincinnati might want to consider putting a chiropractor on staff to deal with chronic whiplash as Reds’ players’ necks must be sore from watching all of those long balls fly out of the Great American Ballpark.

Houston is also hanging tough and is only a half-game out of first. The Cubs, in spite of the loss of Derrek Lee, are 13-10 and still in striking distance, as are the surprising Brewers at 14-11. This may well be the most balanced division in baseball.

In the National League West, no one would have predicted that as May rolled in the Rockies would be in first place. Two years ago, Colorado elected to go with a youth movement and, as the young players gain experience, appear to be heading in the right direction. The Giants are nipping at the Rockies’ heels, but the rest of the West is under .500. Figure San Diego to make a move as the season progresses.

Over in the American League East, the Yankees and Red Sox are tied for first, to the amazement of no one. Both teams, however, have been inconsistent in the early going. Pitching is the big question in the Bronx and, after a fast start, Curt Shilling and Josh Beckett are coming back to earth up in Bean Town. Toronto opened up the vaults in the off season, signing several big-name free agents. The Blue Jays are improved but still have to prove themselves, competing in a division with big spenders like New York and Boston.

In the Central Division, the White Sox are off to a hot start, picking right up where they left off last year. The defending World Champions have by far the best starting pitching in baseball and, with the addition of a red-hot Jim Thome, are odds-on favorites to repeat.

The big surprise so far in the American League is the Detroit Tigers. Just three years ago, this team lost 119 games, one short of the Major League record for losses in a season. New manager Jim Leyland has brought a strong personality and a no-nonsense approach to the game in Detroit. As a result, the Tigers have put together a 16-9 record in April and appear to be for real. The question in Motown is whether or not the Tigers’ pitching, led by 40-plus Kenny Rogers, can keep this up. It may be hard, considering Detroit plays in the same division as Chicago and Cleveland.

From top to bottom, the Indians have the most explosive lineup in baseball. Any player in the Indians’ starting nine can jack one out at the drop of a hat. Cleveland also has a solid pitching rotation and a quality closer. Figure the Indians to be in the race right up until the end.

In the American League West, it seems none of the teams are interested in winning. Texas is in first place with a paltry 13-12 record, Oakland stands at 12-12 and the Angels are at 12-13. Seattle remains solidly entrenched in last place. My pre-season pick for this division was Oakland and I stand by that pick. I think as the season unfolds, the A’s will stage a solid run and, before all is said and done, pull away from the pack.

Yes, April was an interesting month and gives promise for an exciting season. Who will still be playing in October? Stay tuned.