On the Mets beat

Those "M-V-P" chants heard at Shea Stadium whenever David Wright delivers – and that's becoming a daily occurrence -- represent not only encouragement and joy. They represent wishful thinking. Most Valuable Players are like no-hitters in the history of the Mets: They don't exist. The next MVP winner for the Mets will be their first.
Could it be Wright, who entered the series against the Reds with a .336 average, 15 homers and 55 RBIs? Not if you ask the Mets' third baseman. "It's still way too early, but I think Carlos [Beltran] is a legit MVP candidate. The position he plays [centerfield], his power, his speed, the defense he plays. He'll put up great numbers." Beltran's numbers are outstanding – 18 homers, 53 RBIs, .286 entering Monday's game – and his defense has been nearly flawless.
Wright's offensive numbers are better, and that's usually what determines the MVP. But forget about a debate for now. Wright is right. It's too early. And if Albert Pujols comes back healthy and leads the Cardinals to the NL Central title, all debates might be moot. But isn't it refreshing that we're talking about not one but two genuine MVP candidates for the Mets?