Straight from the Gate

I know, I know. Willie says this is just the beginning...just like any other game. But the truth of the matter is...it's not (at least not for the fans.) The first game, the first series; this was the first impression & you don't get a second chance at a first impression. The Mets needed to hammer the Cardinals. They needed to come out of the gate strong & make a statement...

The Mets we saw in the first 3 games of a young season looked like they didn't miss a step from last year. This team is as determined to succeed, if not more. Their defense was rock-solid and the bats have been dusted off from the sunny days in South Florida. It was almost as if with every hit, every pitch, every DP, this team was saying, "we deserved it & we'll have it this time." Statement has been sent, first-class mail.

Mets pitching is toying with early season brillance right now. Of course, no one can jump to conclusions until Perez takes the mound & Pelfrey gets his turn in a couple weeks. It is going to be incredible to watch Glavine notch his 300th with this squad and El Duque will be a stopper for us, even if he does turn 74 while doing so. John Maine can be the dark horse of this squad. As the #3 man he's expected to be a fairly solid pitcher, but I've always believed he is the deciding factor of the state of this rotation. He is the middle man who can change the face of the rotation. If Maine has an outstanding year, the rotation is no longer "Glavine, Hernandez & the young guys." Maine has to set the tone for Perez and Pelfrey...and turn heads with the potential of this rotation.

Yes, I know this is only 3 games. There are 159 to go...but these guys look like they mean business. Now the Mets must show this is more than just revenge juice, and take their punches to Atlanta and Philly over the coming week.