Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad

The Mets had a good weekend as they took two out of three from the Braves. That was a good feeling although I did not get much of a chance to see much of the games. First, it was a busy weekend for me and secondly, my television is on the fritz. It likes to freeze the picture and stop playing the sound. In fact, today, my wife and I are going out to look for a new television.

Whether we end up getting the television from Best Buy, Walmart , a department store like Macys or one of countless other locations, I am not sure. We will look for the best deal, maybe see if we can find an Online Promotion Code, and ultimately pick up a television so I can watch games once again.

One of the things I regret about not being able to see this weekend was yesterday’s game, or at least parts of it. I would have liked to have seen the two homeruns hit by Carlos Delgado (and yes, I think he should have taken the curtain calls even though the fans have been on him of late). I also would have liked to just watch the Mets give it to John Smoltz as he seems to beat them all the time.

Hopefully taking the series from the Braves, having won two straight, will give them the momentum to handle the Pirates and go on that winning streak I have been waiting for, not followed by a losing streak.

Let’s Go Mets!

A Split? Not Good Enough!

The Mets split the two game set with the Washington Nationals. They ended their losing streak in Washington. Still, I say that was not enough. I have a number of thoughts about the series. First, it is good to have a pitcher like Johan Santana. He is the type of pitcher that every time he takes the mound, you think they are going to win. There is a feeling that no losing streak this year should go more than four games since Johan pitches every fifth game. Obviously he will lose games and get no decisions, but he does instill that type of confidence.

My second thought is, a split against the Nationals is NOT GOOD ENOUGH! I realize they took four of the five games they have played against this team so far, but it should have been five of five. After a five game winning streak, followed by a three game losing streak, the Mets had a chance to get things going again. Santana got a win and winning the following day would have sent the Mets back to Shea in much better spirits (at least their fans would have been) to take on the Braves. They were playing the lowly Nats and they needed to sweep. They did not get the job done.

Unlike some of the comments I have read on other blogs and by other fans, I do not fault Willie Randolph for talking Perez out of the game. Perez had a three nothing lead and Randolph showed confidence sticking with him, not even having anyone up in the bullpen, as the Nationals began their comeback. Ultimately, Willie stayed with him and the Nats tied the game. The next inning, runners were getting on base against Perez and after what Willie witnessed the previous inning, I do not blame him for taking Ollie out.

I think it is time for Ollie to step up. He won a ridiculous contract through arbitration this past off-season. He is eligible for free agency at the end of this year. Perez has got to show some grit, guts and determination. Perez has got to show that he can get out of these situations. I am sure there are some who will argue that the only way to do that is to be given the chance and that is why Willie should have left him in. Willie did give him the chance the previous inning. Ollie came back and put himself right back in a jam.

Hopefully, the Mets will finally show some character. They need a strong winning streak NOT followed by a losing streak.

Let’s Go Mets!

Another Met Loss

I did not see any of yesterday’s game. In fact, I went to the web to find out the start of yesterday’s game only to find out that the Mets had already lost. Despite not having seen any of the game, I still have an opinion of what happened (that should not surprise you). From what I read, it sounded as though yesterday was almost a repeat of the night before.

Once again it appeared that the Mets were able to keep it close for a while. Once again it appeared as thought the bullpen let the game get out of hand in the eighth inning. Once again, the Mets came away with a loss. The big difference, now instead of having lost two in a row, they have lost three in a row.

I hope that Mets can stop this mini-slide. Certainly one has to feel comfortable with Johan on the mound tonight. He has to be seen as the pitcher who can stop any losing streak. I certainly think he can although he does already have two losses to go with his two wins. And, if the Mets offense does not come alive, at some point Santana will probably be lifted for a pinch-hitter. I can honestly see Johan going seven scoreless innings and the Mets losing the game.

I hope I am wrong. I hope the Mets turn it on and put the Nationals in their place. Still, I have my doubts.

Let’s Go Mets!

Examining Character

Yesterday, during the day, I indicated that I felt last night’s Mets game would tell a lot about the character of the team. Unfortunately I still feel that is true. They won five in a row and then lost a close game to the Phillies. The question on my mind was, would they start another winning streak or would the loss to the Phills start a Mets losing streak.

I do not know if you can call two consecutive losses a losing streak but certainly it did not appear that the Mets were hungry. They did not come out of the gate strong. In fairness to the Mets, the were going up against a strong pitcher in Carlos Zambrano. Still, good teams have to beat good pitchers. I thought the Mets looked flat.

John Maine kept his team in the game but the Met hitters did nothing against Zambrano. Arguably the bullpen let the game get away, but I disagree. The bullpen resulted in the Cubs putting the game out of reach for the Mets but the Mets had already blown the game. The hitters were not ready to come out of the gate strong and show that they were angry about losing the previous game and they were going to take out their frustrations on whoever the opponent was, whoever the starting pitcher was.

Two years ago I truly believe this is a game the Mets would have won. Last year, it is one they would have lost. I wanted to believe this year we went back to the mentality of two years ago. It did not happen.

It is early. The Mets can still win. Still the game showed the character, or lack thereof, that this team has. Hopefully they will win today and get back on the winning ways because a loss means they would have lost three in a row (enough to qualify as a losing streak) and it means they would have been swept by the Cubs in this short two game series.

Let’s Go Mets!

A Key Game Tonight

Just like I had feared, yesterday I blogged about the Mets winning streak and later that day it came to an end at five. Rather than discussing the way that game went, I want to focus on the importance of tonight’s game.

My impression is two years ago, when a Met winning streak came to an end, they were good at starting a new winning streak almost every time. Last year, it seemed that every winning streak was followed by a losing streak. It probably was not really that way but that was the way it felt, it is my impression. As a result, tonight’s game is crucial.

When I say crucial, obviously I do not mean that they are in danger of being knocked out of the race or that today’s game in any way, shape or form is a most win game. Still, I think it will give us an early indication of what this team is made of. The won five straight and tonight they are in Chicago, playing the Cubbies.

Will tonight be a second loss in a row and possibly an indication of a losing streak or will they win and show they are ready to start another winning streak? It should be John Maine against Carlos Zambrano and I actually see this game going either way. Hopefully it will break in the Mets Favor.

Let’s Go Mets!

Five Straight!

The Mets are on what appears to be the beginning of a role. They have won five in a row and there are a number of things about which to be encouraged. I like the fact that the Mets took the first three games in this streak by sweeping the Washington Nationals. It shows that they can beat up on some of the weaker teams. I like the fact that the next two came against the Philadelphia Phillies, showing they can beat the tougher teams as well.

It is encouraging that they have been able to beat a couple of quality pitchers during this streak, as well as beat up on lesser pitchers. They have also been scoring some runs against the bullpen. I like the fact that seemingly each day it is someone else who gets the job done.

It is fun to see David Wright in a groove and to watch Jose Reyes come back to the line and do well. It is good to see, for the most part the Mets’ pen coming through. And it is nice to see the starting pitchers doing well. The five game streak means that a game has been started by each of the starters. While I have not seen all of each of these games, it appeared that Santana was on his game and Ollie was on his. Maine had a quality start, Pelfrey looked good and Figueroa pitched another nice game. It is way to early to deem him anything beyond a pitcher who has had a couple of good starts. Still, if this is something he can continue to do, they become a tougher team to beat.

I am superstitious enough to hesitate at writing this (but not enough to keep me from doing it). I do not want to give anyone the idea that I am happy leaving this winning streak at five—I want them to run off some more victories in this string to establish themselves as the dominant team they are (or should be). Still, this is a nice start!

Let’s Go Mets!

Coping During Breaks

As a diehard baseball fan, I know how frustrating it can be during the offseason. I begin to miss the sport, watching the games, looking at the standings, the whole thing. Of course, I can imagine how football fans might feel right now. Some fans probably can’t wait to make their nfl picks.

I do admit that I find things much easier now with the internet. Whatever sport you are interested in watching, in following, if that sport is in the middle of the offseason, you can find websites and discussion boards that deal with it. Certainly the internet has changed the way fans follow the game, think and behave during the offseason.

Pelfrey's Gem

Finally, I watched a Met game that I could really enjoy. Yesterday’s game was a lot of fun to watch. First and foremost it was a pleasure to watch Mike Pelfrey pitch. He was on top of his game. He gave us seven strong innings. That is the longest he has ever gone in a major league game. He is now 2-0 and has looked good in both of his starts.

I know that Pelfrey looked good at the start of spring training this year and by the end he was looking mediocre at best. As a result, I am not yet ready to deem him the young stud pitcher that all of us fans hope he becomes. He still has a lot to prove. Still, right now it is a pleasure to watch him and kudos to him.

I liked the fact that the Mets jumped out to an early lead. It was not a huge lead but Pelfrey made the 2-0 lead stand. While it would have been nice to see the Mets add to it throughout the game, they did take on 2 additional runs in the seventh inning to provide breathing room and two additional runs in the eighth to put the game away.

I realize that this is just the Nationals. Still, the Mets need to win these games and maybe, just maybe, it can start to turn them around and they can get on one hell of a winning streak without turning right back around after it and getting on a losing streak.

Mota Puts Out The Fire

Just when you think it is safe to go back to Shea Stadium, just when you think the Mets are back on track, just when you think it is all systems go, the Mets remind you why fans and critics alike question this team. They were over 500. They have taken three in a row, two straight from the Phillies and had Johan Santana and Oliver Perez set to pitch. Johan did not have his stuff and after giving Ollie a lead, Ollie showed he did not have his stuff either.

After the Brewers took the lead, the Mets had numerous opportunities to score but could not take advantage, they kept hitting into double plays. Then came the eighth inning, which for me was the most frustrating inning of the game. Guillermo Mota, the former Met who kept blowing games last year, was brought in by the Brewers. The Mets managed to load the bases with Mota walking two. Carlos Delgado came up with the bases loaded.

You could feel Mota suffering, you could see he was pressing to show the Met fans he could come through. He was frazzled, he was not pitching well and the Mets had Delgado at the plate. A walk brings them to within one. A single ties it, a double probably clears the bases and gives the Mets the lead. A grand slam would certainly do that. Delgado, another Met who struggled last year, whose numbers were down, had a chance to redeem himself. My friends kept telling me that with some injuries and fatherhood and other things going on in Delgado’s life last year, we did not get an accurate picture of how good he was. They believed he would be a deadly force to be reckoned with this season. Oh how I hoped they were right.

Delgado came to the plate. He did make Mota work, but in the end, he popped out and the Met chances were over for the day. If was a frustrating game. The are back under 500 and making me question, once again, the guts, drive, determination and character of this team. Maybe today being an off day is exactly what they need. Unfortunately, this feels too much like last year. Every time they win a few games, they turn back around and lose a few. Once again guys, I say “WAKE UP!”

Let’s Go Mets!

Why Not Sports Fans?

If you are like me, you have a number of blogs you like to read. In addition to posting entries on this blog I have a few favorites when it comes to blogs about the New York Mets. Wouldn’t it be great if all of the blogs about the Mets were in one master directory, using free web directories, and you could check out the ones you wanted, when you wanted.

I realize that this would be very difficult to accomplish, but there are free web directoriesout there. True most of them are more related to businesses, but hey, we could include businesses that cater to sports in this directory as well.

People should, and do, take advantage of these types of directories, so why not sports fans?

Who Would've Thunk It

Heading into the weekend series with the Brewers, if I were to tell you that the two teams would split the first two games, you probably would not have been surprised. After all, Nelson Figueroa was starting the first game of the series. He did not have a major league win. He had not started a major league game in four years. He was only pitching because both Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez were on the disabled list.

The second game of the series was to be pitched by Johan Santana. He is arguably the best pitcher in the game today. He was making his Shea Stadium debut. Although he entered the game with a 1-1 record, he has looked sharp in both games he has started. Yes, a split would have been fine.

Of course, the surprising thing was how the games ended up being split. In both games the Mets jumped out to an early lead. Figueroa pitched a gem of a game. As the game went on, he appeared not to be as strong and when they took him out I think it was definitely time to do so. Still, he looked sharp and gave the Mets what they needed. I was now thinking we would take the first two from the Brewers and we would have a nice winning streak put together.

Santana, unfortunately, was not sharp at all in his Shea debut. He could not hold a lead and did not look like he was on top of his game. I do not think it was nerves. I do not think it was something wrong with him, I just think it was a game where he did not have it. All pitchers, even the great ones experience such things. Hopefully he bounces back completely come his next start.

I can live with a split of the first two games, it was what I expected. But, the way it occurred, who would have thunk it?

Thoughts On Willie

The season is a little over a week old. We have had the opportunity to watch Willie Randolph manage this year’s team. I realize it is way too early to call for a manager’s head. I am not doing that nor am I suggesting he cannot manage this team. I am curious, however, based on the collapse last year, do we feel Willie learned anything from the pitiful results last year?

I am inclined to say ‘No’. It appears to me that he is making, in the very early part of this season, the same mistakes he made last season. I realize it is a different team and I will even grant the fact that not only does he know the players better than I, he knows the game of baseball better than I. Still, I do wonder about his managerial skills. Does he need some kind of training management? Is it more instinct than training? I am not sure. I just hope that he does what needs to be done to get this team into the post season.

Two Out Of Three

Congratulations to the Mets who were able to take two out of three from the Phillies. After losing three in a row, two to the Braes and the first one to the Phils, I had my concerns. There still were a number of things I did not like about the two victories, but the bottom line is they got those victories.

In the middle game of the set with the Phillies, the scored a number of unearned runs and really were not able to add on to the early lead. I would have liked it if they showed the Phils that the bullpen was not going to hold the Mets. The Mets were unable to do that. Still, good teams have to take advantage of opportunities given to them. The Phillies gave them the opportunity and the Mets took advantage and made it stand up. In addition, Pelfrey got a victory in his first start of the year (and he pitched well); something he was unable to do last year (get his first victory) until the middle of the season.

Yesterday John Maine got back on track. He pitched well and the Mets had a 3-1 lead when he left the game. For awhile it looked like the Mets would make it stand up but again it did not happen. The Mets were unable to add on to the three runs they scored relatively early on. The Phillies chipped away at the lead and ultimately tied it up off the bullpen. This time it was Aaron Heilman who blew the save. It seems like everyday the Mets find a different member of the bullpen to blow the game.

It was also frustrating to see the Mets have opportunities in the late innings to score runs and be unable to do so. Seeing Carlos Beltran throw his bat down in disgust after striking out when he could have driven in the winning run (or go ahead run earlier), I thought he did a nice job of exemplifying how we as fans felt. Still, he has the ability to do something about it, we don’t. He needs to start producing.

It was rewarding to see Pagan drive in the winning run. He has looked fantastic so far this season and it certainly has proved to be a good addition. Certainly moving him into the two hole with Castillo out right now, paid dividends yesterday.

Again, they did not look as sharp as I thought they should have, certainly not as sharp as they could have, but they did take two in a row and two out of three from the Phillies at Shea Stadium, seemingly ending the dominance the Phils had over the Mets at Shea.

Let’s Go Mets!

Another Loss

The Mets are up to their old tricks. After taking two out of three from the Marlins, the Mets had a chance to make a big statement. They had series with the Braves and Phillies. These are the teams they need to beat. These are the teams they need to send a message to. The message is, or should be, last year was a fluke; watch out for us this year.

It is great to see the Mets got fired up for these two series. It is great to see the Mets were ready to send a message. After the first game against the Braves was rained out, the Mets lost three in a row. They were swept by the Braves and they dropped the first one to the Phillies yesterday.

While the starting pitching has not always been sharp, I believe in every game they have played this year, when the starter was removed, the Mets were still in the game. The bullpen has been failing the team. This is a throwback to the end of last season.

It is not just the Bullpen, however. The hitting should be on fire. They should be telling everyone in the National League to watch out for them. They should be scoring runs early and often. They should be hitting the long ball as well as manufacturing runs. The Mets have that kind of team. They just are not producing.

I know it is early and there is time to turn things around. Still, they were supposed to come charging out of the gate; they were supposed to get off to a good start; they were supposed to look like a team that was hungry, was driven, was capable of winning. Right now, they just look pretty pitiful. It is frustrating.

Message to the Met players, manager, and coaches: WAKE UP!!!!!

Let’s Go Mets!

The Ever Changing Game

It is amazing how technology has changed the way baseball is played today. I think back to the play last week where it was ruled that a ball hit by Jose Reyes was caught when in fact the outfielder trapped the ball. During the play, the announcers pointed out how the runner on third went back to the base but the runner on second ran and passed the runner on third. After the call was reversed and it was ruled a trapped ball, the announcers calling the game pointed out how the counter argument was probably about the runner on second passing the runner on third and how anyone watching the broadcast in the clubhouse would have seen the replay and gotten word to the opposing teams bench that a runner was passed. It may not be video replay, but it comes close. Electronics has certainly changed the game.

Certainly computers have changed the game. Managers now keep every statistic known to the human race (and even some that aren’t) because they can store it and because it is more easily tracked today and more easily available today than in the past. And of course, while teams have the money to spend, the money you can save and being able to find the best deals on desktop computers from Dell.com, Tiger Direct, New Egg, Apple Store and HP Shopping and others make it easier today.

It is amazing how computers and electronics has changed the way we play and watch sports today.

The Last Home Opener At Shea

Today is the last home opener that will ever take place at Shea Stadium. I realize that Shea is older than most other major league baseball fields. Still, it is a little sad for me as a fan, the stadium where I watched my first live baseball game will not be used for baseball after this season.

I guess it is fitting that they are playing the Phillies for the last home opener. It is fitting because last year the Phills were the ones who knocked the Mets out (Technically it was the Marlins, but the Phillies did the damage) and went on to claim first place in the NL East. It is also fitting because, while there may not have been as much of a rivalry in years gone by as there was last year, Philadelphia is the closest city to New York with a Major League, National League, baseball team. It was fairly common for Phills fans to come to Shea to watch a game and for Met fans to go to Philadelphia to watch a game.

Hopefully the Mets will be able to make the statement against the Phillies that they failed to make against the Braves.

Let’s Go Mets!

Shades Of Last Year

I know that it is early in the season and there is A LOT of baseball left to play. I know the Mets will be end their season with more than three losses. I know that it does not matter who is in first place after the first week of the season, it matters who is in first place at the end of the season. And yet, this was a frustrating weekend for Met fans.

With the exception of 2006, the Braves have owned the Mets over the past decade (if not longer). The Mets had a chance to come out of this weekend having made an early statement about themselves, their pride and their expectations for the year. Unfortunately, it was the Braves who made the statement.

I confess, I actually did not get a chance to watch much of the games but I actually am glad that occurred. It appears as though the Mets are right back where they were last season, and the bullpen, once again, is a large culprit.

Saturday, John Maine did not have his stuff. I think Maine is better than any number four pitcher out there but he was hit and hit hard. The Mets got back into the game, cutting the lead to 5-4. In terms of that, lets first give Willie Randolph some credit and praise. When it was ruled that the ball Reyes hit with the bases loaded was actually caught and then turned into a double play, Randolph came charging out of the dugout. I remember thinking to myself that he had to argue the call until he got tossed. Randolph, however, to me, appeared to be calm during the argument, calm but strong and got the umpires to reverse the call, and was not thrown out of the game. I really thought this was the turning point and the Mets would end up winning the game.

The bullpen had other ideas, ended up giving up a grand slam and ultimately lost the game 11-5. Seemingly it does not matter who you are bringing in from the bullpen, they are being hit and hit hard. Sunday we got more of the same. Johan Santana pitched a beautiful game, perhaps better than the first game of the season, giving up just one run in seven innings. Unfortunately the Mets offense went to sleep and he left the game on the short end of the stick, losing one-nothing.

The Mets did ultimately score a run but not before the bullpen allowed two more Braves runs to score. As a result, the Mets lost the game 3-1. As a result, t turned into a rain shortened two game sweep of the Braves over the Mets; not by hope heading into the weekend.

Not getting the timely hitting, the Bullpen not being able to get the job done, starting pitching in question (two of the four Met pitchers have looked good so far in their brief sample this year and two have not looked so good, one of whom is now on the Disabled List), it is reminding me too much of the end of last season. The need to turn it around!

Come on guys! Let’s Go Mets!

An Off Day

Yesterday was an off day for the Mets. I went all off-season long waiting for baseball to start and already they have a day off? I am only kidding although I do find a miss watching a Met game on off days.

Tonight things could heat up as the Mets play the Atlanta Braves. I am actually looking forward to watching them face Tom Glavine. It is not that I am looking for revenge based on his last start, I honestly think he does not have it any longer and I am curious what the Mets can do against him. No mater what, this series could set the tone for things to come.

You know that I will be following the games this weekend. We are able to follow them on the radio, on television and even on the internet. There are a number of different sites where you can check and see what is happening in a game. I check these fairly frequently at times. I have even considered getting my own domain and posting updates about the game.

I guess the main reason I do not do that has to do with not having time and it being easier to let someone else do the work. One thing which makes it easier is the price for doing this is fairly inexpensive. So, if anyone is interested in domain name registration, let me know. Maybe occasionally I will have the time to cover part of a game for your site.

Regardless of how you keep up with the Mets this season, lets hope it is a great season and the tone is set (or at least begins to be set) this weekend for a great year.

Let's Go Mets!

Clicking On All Cylinders!

Yesterday was just a fun game to watch. Everything seemed to go well for the Mets who scored early and often. I liked the fact that all the Mets seemed to be hitting. David Wright looks good as dos Beltran. I was pleased to see that it was Carlos Delgado who drove in the first run for the Mets. I believe it is a lot easier to get a hit or an RBI when you are already up by a large margin. For me, driving in a run in a game when it is close, or still close, says more.

Other positive signs for me, not just yesterday but during the first series in Florida had to do with Church and Pagan. Seeing that these two are hitting and coming through is a great sign. I don’t think Schneider looks quite comfortable hitting yet, but I think that will come and if his defense stays strong, I have little concern there.

What was most impressive to me, however, was Oliver Perez. Following the injury to Pedro Martinez, Ollie seemed to turn it up a notch. He only walked two and struck out eight. He looked strong overall and gave the Mets the pitching performance they needed.

The one thing that bothers me about the game, and this is the fact that I am a throwback to another generation is, the Mets used four pitchers in the game. The scored early and often and there was no reason to use so many pitchers. Okay, maybe you take Perez out after six or seven innings to make sure he does not get injured, but to bring in three additional pitchers just seems like overkill.

Still, overall, it was a great win for the Mets and things seemed to be clicking on all cylinders yesterday.

Let’s Go Mets!

Lose One For The Gipper?

Last night was a painful night all around as a Met fan, at least it was for me. First of all, I was watching Pedro pitch and he clearly was not on top of his game. There are a number of reasons this could be including that he has not fully recovered from last year, the weather may not have been what he wanted and it was only his first start of the year. Still, the bottom line is, Pedro did not look sharp.

Then, Pedro goes down early with an injury. As of the last time I checked, they had not made a decision about him but you have to figure that he is going on the DL. Fortunately they did pick up Johan during the off season but still, what everyone hoped would be a strong one-two punch, something to get them going strong out of the box was not to be. Now there are a lot of questions as to what will happen. Do they go with a four man rotation until El Duque is ready (and can you count on him?) Do they bring up a minor leaguer? Do they move Sosa into the fifth starter slot? Sosa did look good in long relief for the Mets yesterday.

Of course there was the matter of the Met lose as well. After fighting back from a four-nothing deficit to tie the game, the Mets went on to lose in extra innings. Keith Hernandez commented (I think it was Keith) how, while he was not in the dugout, the game seemed to have a feeling of ‘win one for the Gipper’ after Pedro left the game. That would have been great but alas, it was not to be. The Mets could not scratch this one out.

Also, while it is too early to hit the panic button, I am a little concerned about Matt Wise. After getting the first two batters in the tenth, he gave up a homerun on a ball that was right over the plate. After running into trouble the first game of the season, he ends up losing the second game of the season. I hope this does not shatter his confidence and that he can show himself to be a strength in the Met’s Bullpen.

So, as I said before, all around, yesterday was a tough game, a tough loss.

Getting Paid To Blog

I confess, I find blogging about the Mets therapeutic. Having been a fan for so long, been through my ups and downs with the team, I find it helps me get through a season. Of course, it helps even more if most of the entries during the season are discussing Met victories, but either way, it helps.

I also confess I enjoy making money, hey why should I be different. So, if there is a way to combine the two items, I am interested. There are sites that actually pay you to blog, that’s right, you get get paid to blog. It is not surprising that you have to write about things these sites want discussed, but still, it is get paid for blogging.

The nice thing about most of these sites is, you can pick and choose which opportunities you want to write about. There have been times I have declined certain opportunities because I do not agree with the information or approach. And, you can always find topics that fit into your blog.

Some people may not care for it but I think this approach is great.

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

The Mets got off to a good start winning opening day yesterday. Certainly the bottom line is to win the game and the Mets did that, so that is a great sign (as if they keep things going at this rate, they will finish 162-0—lol). Looking at individual aspects, I still think there were a lot of good signs, although not quite everything.

The Mets won 7-2 which means the offense and the defense, the hitting and the pitching, were going well. I was a bit concerned about the bottom of the order heading into the season. When Carlos Beltran led off the fourth inning with a double and that was followed by a walk to Delgado, the Mets had runners on first and second with Pagan, Church and Schneider due up. I was wondering if they would come through or if that would be the end of the threat. I was glad they came through as Pagan and Church both got hits to drive in runs. That was a good sign.

Although it is early and the Mets got runs relatively early in the game, I was hoping to see them jump over Florida in the first or second inning to make a statement, and that did not happen. Also, after the Mets put up a six spot in the fourth inning, they did not score again until the ninth, and that was just one run. So, it was good offense but there are still some things I would like to see click to know they are running on all Cylinders.

I did not see Wise pitch, who obviously did not have it today but Sosa was able to get out of the mini-jam. The pitcher, however, t hat everyone came to see, that everyone wants to talk about is Johan Santana. He was dominant as he went seven innings, gave up two runs, walked two and struck out eight. Those certainly are good numbers and he did look dominant. Still, I confess, I was looking for something more from him (maybe I am greedy).

First of all, Santana gave up the two runs ½ an inning after the Mets scored six. I hate that. When your team gives you a lead, the starting pitcher should be able to follow that up with a 1-2-3 inning the next time he goes out. I would have also felt better if in his first outing he only gave up one runs, or pitched shutout ball. Still, his numbers were impressive as he finished the day with a 2.57 ERA.

Overall, a good day for the Mets. It is a great feeling that after having an opening day win behind them, they still have Pedro Martinez going later today, in game two.

Let’s Go Mets!