Recently, I was able to get a quick interview with New Orleans Zephyrs’ (Mets Triple-A Team) general manager Mike Schline.

Gary Grund, Hot Foot: Being the general manager of a minor-league team, what exactly does your job entail?

Mike Schline: I oversee the business operation of the team as well as serving as the point person for the players and coaches and being the liaison between the Mets and Zephyrs.

Grund: What is the toughest part about your job?

Schline: Definitely keeping the crowds coming in with new and fun promotions. Also, competing for advertising sponsorship with other local major sports teams like the Saints and Hornets.

Grund: What have the Mets done to help the city of New Orleans rebuild after Hurricane Katrina in 2005?

Schline: Last year, they donated several thousands of dollars to provide equipment for youth baseball in our city. They have also been great in encouraging their players to do all community work we ask them to do.

Grund: How often do you interact with the Mets major league club officials such as general manager Omar Minaya when the Mets are making a transaction?

Schline: I interact with Mets officials several times a week, more so involving the current players and what we need to provide them with. I do not have anything to do with players call ups or movement within the organization. Those decisions are strictly the Mets.

Grund: There were numerous rumors this offseason of the Mets possibly moving their Triple-A team to Syracuse in 2008. Obviously, the Mets will return to New Orleans for at least one more season this year. What is the latest on the Mets and Zephyrs? How long does the current agreement run?

Schline: The agreement runs through the end of 2008. All we can do is provide a great atmosphere which we do. I know for a fact that the players and coaches like it here. They have given nothing but great reports to the Mets on what it is like to be here. We are a warm weather city, which is good when teams in other places are being snowed out in April. We also just put in a brand new state of the art playing surface. We want the Mets back and hope that they return. They are very loved in New Orleans. Ultimately, it is up to them but we provide a great city, great field, and climate and will make it tough for them to find a better place to play. If the guys that are here, the manager, coaches, if they love it here then that is all we can hope for.

Grund: Which of the players on the Zephyrs’ roster right now should be a name that Mets fans should keep a close eye on?

Schline: P Adam Bostick, OF Caleb Stewart, P Willie Collazo, and 2B Argenis Reyes. We have a lot of guys that can help the Mets. I like this team a lot.