The Post’s Steve Serby chatted with the Mets’ 25-year-old All-Star third baseman, who last season hit 30 homers, stole 34 bases and won his first Gold Glove.

Q: What were the days immediately following The Collapse like for you?

A: Even though it happened (over) two weeks, it was something where you were still in shock. Even when you turned on the TV to watch the playoffs, I couldn’t believe we weren’t out there on the field. I remember walking on the streets and fans coming up asking, “What happened?” We felt we let each other down, the organization down and the fans down. The toughest part was answering the questions; we really didn’t have answers.

Q: What would you tell the fans?

A: I would tell them, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” We’ve used it as motivation to kind of light a fire under us to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Q: How long did it take you to get over?

A: I don’t think you can completely get over it until the first pitch of the next year. After the last out of the World Series, it was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Q: Could there be any psychological damage?

A: No, not one bit. The makeup of the team has changed, and I think what Johan Santana does on the field and what he brings to the clubhouse also brings that positive energy.

Q: What did you think of the Giants parade?

A: I got excited for those guys. Just seeing the way New York united to back one of their teams was incredibly special. To know as an athlete what it might feel like to accomplish that kind of goal is surreal.

Q: Do you fantasize about a Mets parade?

A: Oh yeah! You watch the replays on SNY of the ’86 team, you just see the craziness.

Q: How would you be acting on one of those floats?

A: I think I’d be the guy with the video camera just soaking it all in. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Q: Is it realistic for you to dream that dream?

A: Extremely. I’m definitely part of the right organization; I think I’m part of an organization (where) the No. 1 goal is to win . . . at all costs.

Q: Ready to take the town from the Yankees?

A: In a perfect world, I’d love to play those guys in a Subway Series. We have to prove we can be perennial favorites to go to the World Series before we can take the town over from them.

Q: Do you feel for Andy Pettitte?

A: I do. You can’t condone cheating; you can’t condone bending the rules. The times I’ve met Andy, he seemed very down-to-earth. I feel for him because, I think, being an athlete, you want to get to that next level obviously you want to do it through hard work and doing it the natural way.

Q: Thoughts on the Roger Clemens Saga?

A: I think it’s gonna be interesting to see exactly what Andy has to say (when he gets to camp). As far as taking sides, I need all the facts. As far as baseball goes, it’ll be better when this is behind us.

Q: No marriage for you until 40?

A: Absolutely (chuckles) – 40 at the earliest.

Q: Because it’s baseball, baseball, baseball for you?

A: That’s right. Everybody I’ve dated in the past has understood that it’s family and then baseball.

Q: How do you deal with the lack of privacy?

A: The fans have welcomed me with open arms. As soon as they stop saying hello on the street or asking for an autograph, that’s when you know it might be time to try something else. I know what it’s like being a fan; I enjoy seeing how much they care.

Q: What’s it like being David Wright?

A: I don’t think I’d trade places with anybody in the world. It’s very humbling to be in the position I am and getting the chance to play every day in New York. I still feel like I have a long way to go before I become the player I want to.

Q: From a competitive standpoint, are you glad Alex Rodriguez re-upped?

A: (Chuckles) I don’t know . . . for the next 10 years, I’m gonna be the second-best third baseman in New York. There’s not much competition there.

Q: You chatted with him several weeks ago?

A: He still has that passion and that drive. We talked a little bit about hitting, about his offseason workout regimen.

Q: Did you change your offseason training routine?

A: I stepped it up a notch. I eliminated all the promotional and endorsement stuff where I had to travel. I wanted to do everything I could to not allow another collapse to happen.

Q: What has it been like living in Manhattan (Flatiron District) for the past year?

A: Amazing. I think I’ve become more cultured. I’ve tried to experience everything New York has to offer. Baseball-wise, there’s no bigger stage and no better fans in the world. Just the energy of the city, I just want to take that in.

Q: Do you cook?

A: I have a nutritionist take care of everything for me.

Q: Best NYC restaurant?

A: BLT Prime.

Q: Best NYC pizza?

A: (Pizza’s) my favorite!

Q: I thought you said you had a nutritionist.

A: I gotta cheat every now and then (chuckles). I like California Pizza Kitchen, and Patsy’s.

Q: Best haircut in the city?

A: Barber Bart’s. It’s right on 21st between Park and Broadway. You get a nice shampoo, some conditioner put in there, a nice cut . . . plus they’re sports fans in there.

Q: What will right-handed hitters learn about Santana?

A: That he’s got three-plus pitches. Everybody looks for that changeup, but his fastball gets on you pretty quickly. He hides it and it explodes into the strike zone.

Q: How’s your bowling?

A: It’s been slacking. Hopefully I’ll use spring training to get back on track.

Q: What’s your average?

A: 150.

Q: What kind of practical joker are you?

A: I don’t want to be the main guy; I like to be kind of a co-pilot in practical jokes. This whole team is full of guys who love to do pranks and joke around.

Q: Best movie you’ve seen in last year?

A: “Fracture.” I’m a big DVD guy.

Q: Most fun thing you’ve done in last year?

A: I really have a good time going home watching my youngest brother (Daniel) play high school football every Friday night. He plays inside linebacker.

Q: Is he any good?

A: He’s intense; he likes to hit. He’s taking up lacrosse now; they told him he could run around and hit people for no reason.