Jim Duquette on Astros hate and what could derail the Yankees

SiriusXM analyst and former Mets GM Jim Duquette talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about the Astros hate, Red Sox doubts and the one thing the Yankees cannot afford.

Q: Are you surprised at how outspoken players have been against the Astros?

A: Pleasantly surprised. This is the first time something like his has happened in the social-media era. We didn’t see this in the PED era, players kept their opinions to themselves. If there was outrage, it wasn’t public at all. It has really stood out to me how much anger and vitriol is directed at the players, and deservedly so.

Q: How will this affect the Astros once the season starts?

A: They still don’t know how much anger is going to be directed at them when they start playing actual games in the regular season. Until you have had that experience, it’s hard to deal with. They don’t have any idea how tough that’s going to be. New York is going to be crazy, but it is going to be all over.

Q: Are we underestimating the Red Sox’s potential after the Mookie Betts trade?

A: They have so many question marks. Tampa [Bay] is definitely better than them, and the Yankees are obviously, too. I don’t know if [Chris] Sale is going to be healthy. You don’t know with [Nathan] Eovaldi, either. I actually think their bullpen is going to be a little bit better this year. . . . I don’t know what the heck they are going to be offensively without Betts. The best teams in the American League: Houston, Oakland, Minnesota and the Yankees. Then you throw in Tampa, White Sox and Indians. At best, the Red Sox are behind those teams. I think it’s going to be a tough year for them.

Q: Is there any weakness that worries you about the Yankees?

A: Normally, you’d say injuries, but the Yankees passed that test last year and won over 100 games. I do have some question marks whether [Gio] Urshela can back up what he did last year. If [Aaron] Judge misses another month and a half, can [Mike] Tauchman repeat what he did? But it’s just little things like that. I feel like it’s nitpicking with such a deep and strong roster. . . . Unless the injury is to Gleyber Torres, they can overcome it. He’s the one guy for me who is invaluable to that club.

Q: What will you be following most closely throughout Mets camp?

A: The [Jeurys] Familia-[Edwin] Diaz question is the number one thing I want to see answered. If you throw [Dellin] Betances in there, you need two of those guys to pitch the way they are capable of. If they get that — and I think Betances will be good — then they’ll have a really deep bullpen.

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