EILANDS OF DREAMS

New pitching coach believes Mets can have best rotation in big leagues

PORT ST. LUCIE — Dave Eiland has been around the pitching block. He’s a straight shooter who tells it like it is, and that’s the way he’s been since the first time we crossed paths 26 years ago.

So when I asked him what his impressions are of the Mets rotation now that he has had time to work with its members and with spring training games beginning Friday at First Data Field, don’t underestimate the importance of his words.

“When healthy, I wouldn’t trade it for any other rotation in baseball,’’ Eiland told The Post of the group headed by Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.

Imagine that. Not the Astros, Nationals, Cubs, Indians, Dodgers, Diamondbacks or anyone else’s rotation. Eiland’s Mets are No. 1.

Of course, it’s up to Eiland and manager Mickey Callaway to keep all these starting pitchers healthy, which has never been done.

That is the challenge. The whole season depends on that. Eiland knows it better than anyone.

“We’ve got to keep them healthy and make sure they can post every five days,’’ Eiland said. “Talent and potential is all well and good, but talent and potential don’t win you baseball games.

“You’ve got to be able to send them out there prepared physically and mentally and let their natural abilities take over. There has to be accountability for themselves and for each other.’’

Consider that the Mets’ 2018 mission statement.

The pitchers are all-in. They need this type of accountable, the “it’s on us,’’ approach. They want this approach.

They know what’s at the end of the pitching rainbow.

“About the only limiting factor for all of us is health,’’ Syndergaard said as Matt Harvey stood to his right, Steven Matz to his left. “In terms of talent, we can beat the best of the best. We just added [Jason] Vargas, that’s veteran leadership that can kind of give us more guidance. I feel like we are doing a pretty good job, holding our own and holding people accountable, I think that is something that will greatly benefit us.’’

Then there is the Eiland factor.

“In the short time it took us to mesh with Dave and adapt to what he is saying, it’s been a piece of cake,’’ Syndergaard said. “He makes things very simple.’’

Said Matz of the changes, “There are some key words I’m taking away. One is accountability, do what you got to do, there is no favoritism. If you have to be on that mound at 11 o’clock, be out there at 11 o’clock. I think little things like that translate to some bigger things.

“The other key word is structure, the organization of this camp is excellent. I am not comparing it to the past. I’m just talking about the way this is now.’’ Structure is good. “They pay attention to very little details,’’ Matz said of Eiland and Callaway. “Like holding runners. Sometimes you get the ball and you want to just get out there and throw it to the plate, but if you can just hold it and kind of use that as a way of holding runners on that is great. Every day is interesting. Their communication has been really good.’’

When told of Eiland’s faith in the Mets starters, Matz agreed.

“If every guy here can maximize their potential, I think we can do some really special things,’’ Matz said. “I like the spot we are in, being underdogs a little bit, we can catch people by surprise.’’

Now come the exhibition games, and getting ready for the season. Eiland noted a sense of pitching purpose.

“They’re loving it,’’ Eiland said. “You see the work, there is a lot of energy and everything is crisp. So far, personally, I don’t think things could have gone any better.’’

The starting pitchers are supporting each other, holding one another accountable in their precise preparation.

“We’re excited,’’ said Zack Wheeler, who will start Friday. “We all want to make this work.’’

If it does and the Mets stay healthy under Eiland, the results will f inally match the hype.