I was able to meet with Matt Harvey on Monday and we had a nice little exchange while he sat in front of his locker thinking about his upcoming start on Wednesday night against the Padres. There is a likable quality to  this young man and it has nothing to do with his pitching.

He speaks with confidence that doesn’t border arrogance. He has a big time arm without the big time attitude. He’s attentive to your questions, and thoughtful and respectful with his answers.

Harvey has a big time future, but does not come across as a big timer. The tip-off is he carries his dirty T-shirt and shorts to the laundry bin instead of leaving them on the floor for the clubhouse attendant.

He’s acutely aware of the expectations, vocalized in the ovation he received Opening Day Monday at Citi Field, second only to David Wright in terms of length and volume.“It was great,’’ Harvey said. “It made me feel very good.’’

Now comes the hard part, living up to the expectations of those in the stands, his teammates behind him in the field, and most of all himself.

“He has a lot going for him,’’ Wright said. “He carries himself well and pitches with confidence. We believe in him.’’

Injuries thrust Harvey into the Mets’ rotation last July and he responded, pitching with guile, poise and command. Other times, not so much. In ten starts, Harvey went 3-5 with a 2.73 ERA, including an 11-strikeout debut at Arizona. He wasn’t impressive in his lone start against the Padres, giving up five runs, but lasting five innings.

Based on last year’s numbers, there is a multitude of scouting reports and statistical projections of him. Harvey wants to hear none of that and cites one number.

“Innings are most important,’’ said Harvey. “I want to pitch over 200 innings. If I can do that, the rest will come.’’

Harvey accomplished much last year, but didn’t win at Citi Field. He gets his chance tonight against the Padres.

“It’s a new season and everybody wants to get that first win out of the way,’’ Harvey said on Opening Day. “Pitching at Citi Field is awesome. … [Tonight] is going to be a lot of fun for me. I’m really excited about it and after watching [Jon] Niese out there [Monday], it was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to my turn.’’

The original scouting report on Harvey was sketchy, but he’s no longer a surprise. Every team has him on film and knows his tendencies. That’s why it is important to tone down your expectations because often a pitcher hits a wall in his second year and realizes what he counted on before might not work now.

Harvey said his sophomore year is about making adjustments. He realizes he can’t get by on just a fastball. He realizes he can’t overpower everybody. He realizes he must bring more to the table.

“You can’t get into a routine and rhythm of doing the same things over and over again,’’ said Harvey, who had a spectacular 2.96 ERA in seven starts this spring.

“I think that kind of carried over into spring training too, facing a couple of teams, the Nationals, things like that. Those guys have seen me before. It’s just going out and attacking the zone and try to mix in different pitches in different counts and hopefully not leading every guy off with a fastball, or something like that.’’

There are nights Harvey can dominate, as he did the Diamondbacks. However, strikeouts cause the pitch count to add up, and with it, the possibility of coming out of a game early.

“I want them to put the ball in play,’’ Harvey said. “I want to keep my pitch count down and that will give me length.’’

Yes, Harvey has a plus fastball, but said it’s important to throw his curveball and change-up for strikes, especially in a fastball count.

“I can’t have them waiting on the fastball,’’ said Harvey, repeating the mantra of every pitcher outside a knuckleballer.

If he does that, those expectations will be met, and with that, come even higher expectations.

If the New York Mets are going to have any chance of finishing over .500 this season, then they are going to need to get a lot of outstanding performances from their starting pitchers.

The Mets’ rotation is set entering the season, but they still have a number of questions about the health and abilities of their starters.

It is very possible that the Mets’ rotation looks a lot different at the end of the year. Pitchers may be dealt and prospects may come up from the minors to replace ineffective starters.

Johan Santana

Projection: 13-6, 3.14 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 167 K (184.2 innings)

The New York Mets are looking forward to having Johan Santana back in their starting rotation. He was missed in 2011 and he has been very consistent when he has been on the mound for the Mets.

If Santana is back on his game this season, then it could mean that he does not end the year with the Mets. Santana may be dealt if the Mets are able to get a good package in return for him.

R.A. Dickey

Projection: 12-9, 3.41 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 120 K (201 innings)

A former first-round pick, R.A. Dickey was never able to get his career on track until he joined the New York Mets’ starting rotation in 2010.

Dickey has been fantastic for the Mets over the past two years and he has gained a cult following. If Johan Santana is traded, Dickey could become the Mets ace for the rest of the season.

Jon Niese

Projection: 10-10, 4.19 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 139 K (168.2 innings)

At 25 years old, the New York Mets are hoping that Jon Niese can continue to develop and become a pitcher that can play a big part in their future.

Niese likely will not take any steps forward or any steps backwards this year. This is not a bad thing, but it will put a little more pressure on him in 2013.

Mike Pelfrey

Projections: 7-11, 4.97 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 68 K (135.2 innings)

The New York Mets considered releasing Mike Pelfrey during spring training, but ultimately decided to keep him and have him in their starting rotation.

If the spring was any indication, this could be a rough year for Pelfrey. He might spend some time in the minor leagues and the Mets may certainly look to deal him.

Dillon Gee

Projections: 10-10, 4.25 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 127 K (122.2 innings)

This season Dillon Gee should see a bit of an improvement in some of his numbers. His win total may drop a bit, but he should pitch better.

Gee is another pitcher that could be a key part of the Mets’ rotation in a few years when Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey reach the majors. He should start to look like a solid number four starter this season.