5 question for... Mike Lowell
MLB Network analyst and former Red Sox, Marlins and Yankees third baseman Mike Lowell talks David Wright, Troy Tulowitzki and Mets’ young pitching with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Are you starting to lose confidence in the Mets?
A: The Mets need Travis d’Arnaud and David Wright to get back. You can overcome it for a while, but they need to bolster their offense. The Mets need someone to protect Lucas Duda. Guys like Michael Cuddyer and Daniel Murphy, but [with] Wright being healthy it just makes the lineup that much longer, and puts guys like Murphy and Cuddyer in the spots where they’ll be more valuable.
Q: Between the injuries and lack of power — which could go hand in hand — are you still confident Wright can be that guy?
A: I definitely think it’s the injuries. But being at the network now, you still hear everyone speculate and you still hear [Troy] Tulowitzki’s name being thrown around. Looking from the outside in — the young pitchers are there — why not go out and get someone like that because he completely changes the look of your franchise. That’s my two cents: Go get him, Mets.
Q: Have you been impressed with Noah Syndergaard?
A: Very impressive. I think you’re looking at an organization right now where most would want to be. Matt Harvey, Jacob de Grom, Syndergaard, and even [Zack] Wheeler when he gets back. You have guys who are dominating and cheap, which is a big factor.
Q: How much patience should the Yankees have with Stephen Drew and Didi Gregorius?
A: I actually think those two guys are going to get a little bit better, so if everyone else kind of holds the fort they can be OK. But you can’t have guys hitting under .200 with virtually no power taking up two slots in that lineup. It puts way too much pressure on the other guys and it’ll get to the point where they’ll start pitching around the 67 guys in the lineup and make them perform.
Q: What is the most exciting part of the young season?
A: Bryce Harper. He is the best player now and everyone forgets he’s 22. With so much hype, I think everyone was expecting him to be Willie Mays at 19 and I think that was unfair. You’ve seen a guy who now understand his strengths. He gets on base more than anyone and hits the ball out of the park at a ridiculous rate. I think where I was at 22 and that’s in ABall. It’s cool when expectations are
being reached.