15 questions for Joe Castellano

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For anyone, like me, who has been completely unaware that there is another sport in America, I heard a rumor about a big game this weekend, XM Radio has been a fantastic way to get through the off-season. The best show by far is Joe Castellano’s MLB Late Edition. He is impartial but also a Mets Fan. He is very well informed on any Mets topic. For anyone who listens to Joe’s show Dan in Arlington, Texas is yours truly. Joe C. was kind enough to give an interview with Lonestar Met. I asked Joe the Following:

I try not to show too much that I grew up as a Mets fan…Trying to be impartial…to answer your questions.

Lonestar Mets: Joe Castellano is credited in The Natural. Were you in the Movie?
Joe C: No, that is a different Joe C.
Lonestar Mets: Do you think baseball’s popularity is at an all time? If so what do you attribute it to?
Joe C:Yes…people are more into sports than ever and baseball is the best sport
LM: What is the most important issue Major League Baseball has to face today?
Joe C:...The salary structure…some teams can’t afford to compete anymore…also the average fan is getting price out…they can’t afford to buy bleacher seats anymore.
LM: Now that the Steroid issue has had national attention, do you think that there is another potential scandal that will come to the forefront in the foreseeable future?
Joe C: I’m sure there will be…wouldn’t be surprised if a gambling situation happens again.
LM: Do you think a team will ever be "contacted"?
Joe C:do you mean like the 1919 White Sox…I think so.
Lonestar Mets: Will Major League Baseball ever have a commissioner with absolute power?
Joe C:No..the owners will not allow it.
LM: With Latin America producing great prospects and players where do you think the next prospect "hotspot?" will come from?
Joe C:Asia…we’ve already seen Japan…Maybe China is next. LM: Follow-up: Is the World Baseball Classic intended to find it? Joe C: Not really, it’s just a way to show off the game and make money.

Enough about baseball, Lets talk the Mets

LM:I know you are a Mets fan. What made you a fan and why do you still pull for them?
Joe C: My first game in 1969 as a 7 year old was at Shea…I was hooked…I don’t pull for them that hard anymore since I have to follow all teams and living in SF has made me lean more towards the Giants.
LM: Do you see the NL east as the Mets Division to Lose?
Joe C: No…It’s Mets and Braves neck and neck.
LM: What do you see as the Mets major weakness in the Lineup?
Joe C: Possibly Nady and of course Matsui.
LM: Do you see another major move by the organization? If so who?
Joe C: A 2nd baseman …but hopefully Bret Boone has a comeback yr.
LM: With Gary Carter seemingly being groomed as the future Mets manager, how long of a leash does Willie Randolph have this season if the Mets stumble out of the gate?
Joe C: I think he will be there no matter what…UNLESS it is a disaster start.
LM: Did the Mets Overpay for Billy Wagner?
Joe C: No…he is the most intimidating closer in baseball.
LM: Is there any possibility that Barry Zito is a met by opening day?
Joe C: No…the A’s have Series aspirations and they need Zito
LM: Should Dan from Arlington Texas stop calling you with Barry Zito trade speculations?
Joe C: Let’s talk about it again if the A’s get off to another 15-30 start.

Thanks to Joe Castellano of MLB late eddition.