Finally! But There Are Still Many Questions

I am thrilled. The Mets took three out of four from the Phillies and are only 2.5 games back. Heading into the series, this is really what the Mets needed to do. So kudos to them for doing it. The Mets are currently in third place but only one game back of the Marlins and they are above 500.

Perhaps this is a measure of retribution for what the Phils did to the Mets at the end of last season. Still, while the overall series was uplifting, I have more questions and concerns about this team now than I did before the Mets got to Philadelphia.

First off, the one game the Phillies one was the one started by Johan Santana. While the Mets did not give Santana much run support. Still Johan gave up four consecutive two out hits allowing the Phills to tie the game and the bullpen could not hold the Phillies. The Phillies proved to the Mets and to themselves that they can beat Santana.

The second game saw questions arise about the health of Maine (appears to be fine) and Church (who knows). That game was the strongest performance the Mets offered as a team as they came from behind. They were down 4-3 after seven and then kept putting up runs. I was waiting for the Mets to blow it but they held on.

Game three was not a confidence builder for me. The Mets had a 2-0 lead. Oliver Perez had pitched a beauty of a game. Wagner needed one more strike to give Ollie the victory (he deserved the win) and instead Wagner gives up a two run homerun to allow the Phills to tie the game and the Mets had to win it in extra innings. Fortunately they did but is any Met fan really feeling confident with Wagner on the mound? On the day he is named to the All-Star game he starts showing why he should not make it into the game.

Game four showed the team as the offensive threat we have been waiting to see. It was 10-1 after six innings. I am glad they won the game but winning it 10-9 with the tying run on second base in the ninth inning is not a confidence booster.

Again, the series was good for morale and good for the fans but if you look at the individual games, you may not come away as optimistic. Sorry to be so pessimistic but that’s the way I feel.

Let’s Go Mets!