Sunday, September 30, 2007

Enter Words Here

This sucks. The fact that it ever came down to game 162 sucks. This one is painful because this...we took away from ourselves. This is one of the types of collapses that will have repercussions for a while. Heads are going to hang, changes are going to be made, some fans are going to jump ship. It's all going to happen and it's all quite understandable.

Going into next year, the last year at Shea, this organization has some serious regrouping to do. But I can't even think that far ahead. I wish I could say I am surprised today, but you can just feel when you're team has that extra "thing." I haven't felt that in a long time about these Mets, so maybe I was preparing for the worst as other teams all over the place seemed to be pouring killer instinct all over the place. That being said, it doesn't mean I enjoyed these guys any less, or this season any less. I rooted, I cheered, and hoped for the best until another strikeout ended another wasted season. Preparing for the worst didn't make it any easier, it has just made me feel numb.

I'm not sure what to say to anyone reading or to my friends or even to myself. As exciting as the playoffs may be, I may take the week off from baseball. I'm tired, I'm burned out, I'm drained...like I said. Just plain numb. The Phillies did what they had to do and hats off to Jimmy Rollins and his big mouth. It worked, that's all I can say. Besides that, I have no desire to watch the Phillies play in October because the whole idea makes me want to throw up.

Only time will tell how this all will play out and what after shocks the organization will feel, but this could take a while to bounce back from. It's not going to be an easy road ahead...but if it's any consolation, being a Mets fan has never been easy. I don't have eloquent words yet, or any deep insight to the season. I need a day or two to let this sink in. If you're a reader here...which I know there are some, I encourage you guys to post today, tonight, tomorrow. Whenever. It's okay to vent...look ahead...whatever you do to cope with this meltdown. Unfortunately the Mets have packed up until February...and until then, all we have is each other.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

More Blue Than Orange

"I'm embarrassed. It's embarrassing. It's pretty pathetic that we have this division within our grasp with 7 home games and we can't find a way to win one of them. It's a bad feeling. It's a feeling that the fans deserve better. Ownership deserves better. The front office deserves better. Willie, the coaching staff deserves better. This is on the players." D. Wright

It came from David Wright's mouth, but it could have come from any of us. There's anger, frustration, disappointment, sadness, etc. Personally, I'm just very tired and well, a bit broken hearted. The faces of Mets fans sitting in the stands tonight, staring into nothingness after the game was really too much to handle. It really was the epitome of gut-wrenching. End of story.

This is the toughest day to be a Mets fan in recent history. Game 7 last year was tough...but this is something beyond that. It's helplessness, it's confusing...and we have no one to blame but our own team. It does not rest on the shoulders of one guy...this team has lost it as a team. If it's not one thing, it's another; defense, offense, focus, starting pitching, bullpen. I don't need to describe games or mistakes to you, but there is nothing to take the sting out of tonight. To see the Phillies on top made me sick, but I am a realist and they have played like hell to get there. They didn't throw the towel in and boy do they ever have the momentum.

I don't know what to make of anything. Or what to do if the worst-case scenario comes true. Everyone took this team for granted and at the worst possible time reality has set in. But here we are, and the Mets are not mathematically out of it. I was a math major and appreciate the numbers game, so we cannot concede yet. Stranger things have happened in the realm of baseball & the Mets can still make the playoffs. Do I feel optimistic tonight? No. But there is still a glimmer of hope.

I have never heard as eerie a silence as the one at Shea tonight in the 9th. The fans almost personified the lifeless team we have seen the past few weeks & other times throughout the summer. This team is on life support and so are their fans. It's hard to ask any more of each other at this point. The Mets have collapsed. If they can climb above the rubble or fall deeper in the ground will be determined in the next few days. I still believe because I'm a Mets fan and I am doubtful because I am human. I know there is still hope & Carlos Beltran is telling me it's not over yet, but I never had such a "sky has fallen" feeling as tonight. We all will deal with this is our own way...and you may or may not believe. You may broken hearted as I am or still holding on for dear life...but there is one thing you need to be for the next 2 days. You need to be there. Whether it is in front of you TV watching your team, or in the stands willing them with the last sliver of energy you have...but if you are a fan, YOU WILL BE THERE. Hold on Mets fans...we'll get through it together.



Sunday, September 23, 2007

I'm Back to Being Normal...For Now

Magic Number: 7

Although Pedro was pitching last night...I chose happy hour (at a bar with the Mets on TV). That was as close to a night off as I could get. I didn't even turn it on when I got home and the rain had subsided. I couldn't do that to myself.

Today, which by the way I can't stand 3:55pm starts, Ollie P needed to be a big shot. With one eye on a presentation for work and the other wandering eye on baseball, I think I saw him be effective & come up huge. I wasn't seeing things...that was the real deal.

So 2 wins later, a bad attitude for all things Philadelphia, and Mets in moderation...the good news is I am starting to return to a normal human being. The Mets were doing bad things to me. They were making me a very angry, annoyed, unpleasant baseball fan. Along with that people were telling me I looked like the dog I don't have died. I was losing my sense of humor & I was convinced the world as I knew it must hate me. Welcome to being a Mets fan, circa 2007. This was not the season I've been waiting for, despite the word from Mets marketing.

The good news is I am going to be okay and so are all of you. The Mets have really tested our loyalty this season; but those who are true fans have earned their stripes in times that were ten times more terrible than this. The Mets may scratch and claw their way to the playoffs and we may have some bumps and bruises from the ride this year, but we need to look alive. They need us more than ever now. So do what you can to freshen up...head to happy hour, take a nap, go to the gym.

It always makes me sad when fall finally arrives. It is as bittersweet a time as I have each year. I love everything about a change in season, yet I dread the end of baseball season. I am usually exhausted at this time of year as I realize I'm far too emotionally invested in this team. Especially after a year of watching your team ride a rollercoaster. So as exciting as playoff baseball can be, I always have a hard time. It's a long season, that goes by too fast. Then before you can blink, October turns your team into the past, despite the glory or heartbreak that comes of it. I hate the uncertainty that October brings; with 162 games a fan knows that it doesn't matter how good or bad their team is, they'll be there 162 times. October does not guarantee tomorrow. There's the part of me that needs 4 months to find sanity and have my nights to myself again, but just like anything you know is good for you, I'd like to avoid the off-season more than asparagus.

8 more days of certainty, 8 more games, 8 more nights of wishing the Phillies would die already...soak it up everyone. Then we have to answer to October.

Friday, September 21, 2007

UGHHHH

Good god. Can they put a solid effort on the field on back to back nights? NO. This is getting a little ridiculous. Okay I'm lying, ridiculous was a month ago. While Wagner is nursing back spasms and feeding his alpacas, I'm tossing my TV out the window because my left toe could be more effective out of the pen.

Don't the Mets understand that it is not easy to function as a normal human being while they continue to roll over for the East to keep running over us? Have they watched a highlight of the Phillies? Do they not see that they are driven to win this thing? They've displayed 15 times the heart this Mets team has...and I hate this Phillies, but it's the truth. Today I was breathing...tonight I need the oxygen mask again. Hell, why don't we just find some absurd way to let the Braves back in the race at this point. Lead's back to 1.5, the magic number will probably stay at 9 for another week, and I've concluded that no Mets blogger can make any coherent sense on their blog right now. I almost dread each game now and believe that the Mets could have a 27 run lead and still find a way to cough it up. Ghajghkjagdkjagkdlih!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Word of the Day is Potential

Magic Number: 9

Deep breath in...and now exhale slowly. Phew. A nice, solid win. You almost forgot what it felt like right? I had to laugh tonight though. The panic we have all been feeling even shook the marketing offices of the Mets. Tonight during the game as Gary Cohen is giving his usual plug to register for your opportunity to get postseason tickets...the promo on the bottom of my screen pops up that used to say "2007 Postseason Tickets." What did it say tonight? "2007 Potential Postseason Tickets." Willie may be all about even-keel but someone out there is shakin' in their boots. Thanks though, it made me chuckle.

This ballclub has so much potential though. That's where the root of our frustrations have come from this year. Watching a team play 75% of its season under the fan's opinion of their potential is enough to drive even the most adamant "Ya Gotta Believe"-ers nuts. But potential is an imaginary concept if you can't stack up the W's. Tonight was a relief, but they have to keep moving in the right direction tomorrow night in Miami.

Speaking of right, David Wright is still a potential MVP in my eyes. If not of the National League, he is this team's MVP. To think that just 3 years ago I saw him play with the Mets in Montreal as a mid-season call up, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed to be a big leaguers, and now he's a veteran on this team is very hard to believe.

Mike Pelfrey. I know many Mets fan had enough of Mr. Pelfrey after his 0-7 stint, but from Spring Training I really liked this kid. He is tonight's definition of potential. He was in a tough spot tonight. Despite the fact he was facing the Nationals, he had to step up and stop the bleeding. For the most part, he fought hard and answered the bell. If he continues to gain some poise and confidence in his stuff, he's going to make many of you happy in the future.

The bullpen has the potential to be good...if you delete half of the members.

The fact that the Yankees are 1.5 games behind the Red Sox has the potential of making me throw up.

And this picture from Yahoo...well it struck me in an ironic, corny kind of way. In all the struggles the Mets have faced this year, many fans including myself have questioned Willie Randolph's potential as a manager. I think so many people involved with this organization, from the marketers, to the media, to the fans felt a sense of entitlement with this team. That they deserved to be in the postseason because of last season and the names on the roster. But that expectation has set us up for a potential letdown because nothing in baseball is guaranteed. Willie Randolph has faced so much criticism this season; some of it deserved, some of it because our own personal expectations have not been fulfilled. In the face of it all he has remained true to himself and his way, even though he may not have support of the masses. Although I don't always agree with Willie, I respect him for that. So don't lose sight of the big picture everyone. We are still in first place. And it is Willie who has contributed to the turnaround of this organization. I don't know how long this will last, but I personally am going to try to be less critical of him (for now), because without him, we may not have a picture to look at.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another

I'm not as angry tonight. The offensive really gave it a whirl; the defense didn't look like 5 year-old T-ball players; most of the 'pen was better. But thanks John Maine for serving this one up on a silver platter. Seriously, when one thing goes right, the other goes wrong. Story of the season. I feel like the sky is falling and we can't stop it.

I appreciate the players only meeting the team held today, if just to make me feel like they were annoyed by this streak too. I was encouraged by the small signs of life tonight, but it still didn't produce the W. What's even more annoying is that it feels like every force in the universe is fighting against the Mets. As we speak the Phillies & Cards game is in the top of the 12th. The Phillies will not die. Could it be anyone else but Manny Acta's team that is playing the role of spoiler?! I used to like Manny a lot. Even worse, Moises Alou has a tight quad. Wait and get this, El Duque is out 7-10 more days and can't do ANYTHING because his foot is in a boot...for a bunion for christ's sake. And the Mets keep rolling that "Your postseason has come." commercial as some kind of funny joke. I'm a Mets fan and I'm convinced the world hates me. Haha.

I will not preach all this keep believing hoopla right now. Obviously some part of me still believes or else I wouldn't still be tuning in each night and blogging waiting for the turnaround. Right now I'm grumpy. But I'll be back tomorrow and so will each of you. Because we're Mets fans. And misery loves company.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I Can't Even Sleep

When it comes to the Mets I try to see the big picture; not get too high, not get too low. I try to stay optimistic; because I was raised a Mets fan, so when it comes to baseball you are bred to see the optimism. I was even going to hold out until tomorrow morning, when I would be in a much safer state to post. But I'm still angry. And the Mets never make me this kind of angry.

If Willie Randolph was coming to a slow boil tonight, then my pot over-floweth. I am not qualified to be a manager, but is Willie an idiot? Really? To double switch LoDuca out of the game when you're trailing and you're team can't seem to catch or throw the ball...was that the brightest move he could come up with? Is he serious?

This bullpen is terrible. There's really no way to sugar-coat the obvious anymore. Willie has not managed the bullpen effectively all year; now they're being pushed beyond their limits; and the quality out there has really been disheartening. Thanks to Metsblog for making me chuckle tonight...reminding me that today's disaster did not feature Mota. Now that my Met friends is a terrible day. I mean when Brian Lawrence is pitching on Sept. 16th in the heat of a pennant race, I ask myself where all our "pitching depth" went? I know, I know. El Duque has a bunion. And I have a hangnail. It's a tough life.

Earlier this season I said on this blog that I did not think Willie's even-keel attitude would help this team when it came down to do-or-die. They're showing that right now and as I said before, I do not think this team could respond to October pressure. I just don't believe it from the product they have put on the field this season. You can only turn so many pages before the book ends. If they don't pull their heads out of their behinds soon, your postseason will never come. They have been banking on the Phillies to have another letdown, or that they will magically win tomorrow, but the game doesn't happen that way. Passive teams do not win championships. And this team is the top-notch definition of passive.

Much appreciation to Omar Minaya who went to the clubhouse for hugs and encouragement after the game. I'll take one if he wants to come visit me. Also hat tip to Manny Acta for a) the job he's done in his first year in general and b) for not sending his running in the 6th with a 3-2 count and only 1 out. Thanks Manny for trying to minimize the embarrassment.

I do not blame Willie or Omar or any ONE person for this complete meltdown. If the Mets lose this division lead, it will be a collective effort. But in my eyes, Willie has lost control. He can't seem to rally the troops in and what's worse is he's upsetting the apple-cart. Check out LoDuca's post game reaction if you don't know what I mean. I'm sure many of you are as angry and frustrated as I am. I hope the Mets are too. I hope they can't sleep either.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Wright Joins 30-30 Club

Although the past weekend ended with few positives to note, one was Pedro's performance on Saturday afternoon; the other was David Wright joining the 30-30 club Sunday afternoon. Despite an awful April, Wright has provided consistent all-around production since the beginning of May. He becomes only the 3rd Met to reach the plateau, along with Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry. He is also the 30th player in Major League history to accomplish 30-30 and only the fourth to do so before the age of 25.

There's differing opinions regarding wright's MVP candidacy, but I believe he stands as good of a chance as anyone else out there. What he has provided this team at the plate, in the field, and in the clubhouse has not been replicated by any of his teammates. As a Mets fan it's been hard to find players who we have felt privileged to have on our team over the years. Wright is that guy and we are a lucky bunch to have him in our corner for years to come. Congrats to David on the his great season!

Cuidado Con El Martillo!

Check so many quotes from before the start of the Philly series and there was a lot of talk about stepping on their throats; getting some revenge; putting this race away; throwing down the hammer. Friday night ,Ollie Perez stepped in as a substitute for Professor Reyes. As always it was entertaining while expanding my limited spanish, but this night it was a bit ironic the phrase would be "Cuidado con el martillo". Translated...be careful with the hammer. Hmmm interesting.

The Mets played like crap all weekend. Thanks D.Wright for finally hitting a HR in my presence and the diving catch of the bunt was the icing on the cake. The umpires did not help this weekend. Neither did Willie Randolph's lethargic trot to the field to protect his players. Way to leave them hanging out to dry buddy.

I was embarrassed that was my team on the field this weekend. What is Reyes' deal? With the exception of Sunday afternoon, could someone translate clutch hitting for Carlos Beltran? Could Pedro have had more incredible an outing, only to be wasted but this bullpen? Could the fans of Philadelphia be anymore obnoxious? I understand their team was killing the Mets, but seriously. I lost count of all the fist fights in the stands after I gave up on the Mets Saturday afternoon.

I did not have any kind of luck in the first drawing for playoff tickets, but I did have enough luck to pick the exact car on the 7 train Friday night in which a far too serious Met fan was reaching in his pocket to "cut up" a Philly fan. Mr. Met's mustache on Friday night was a cute little touch; so was Chris Coste's kick of Marlon Anderson's helmet on Saturday.

I've seen the Phillies and Mets square off at Shea 6 times this season. This weekend was by far the worst couple games I've attended at Shea. While people have been concerned by the rivalries with the Braves and Yankees, Mets fans and Phillies fans have developed quite the angry rivalry. If the Phillies are sitting home in two weeks none of this will matter, but I am concerned that the Mets just cannot get the umph to the this thing away. That when it comes down to "win today!", they may not have that killer instinct. Forget being careful with the hammer, it's more like "No podemos encontrar el martillo!"

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Cruising Along

Magic Number: 11

The sweep by the Phillies seems so long ago. The Mets have been in cruise control since that bump in the road, but I'm glad it happened. That sweep shook this team and made them wake up. Stop playing like crap! Play the baseball you're capable of. Despite some bullpen issues that I deal with everyday, I'm happy with the way the team's been playing of late. 7 games up, magic number dwindling, and assisting the Braves with their October golf reservations have been the results of the past week. Job well done.

Of course all good work can be erased with a stumble this weekend. I'm hoping this team will be more than all talk and really get some revenge this weekend against Philadelphia. They need to "put the hammer down" this series. Don't let the Phillies back in the race again. Beat them...beat them badly, because we know they're the team to beat.

Apologies to any readers for my lack of daily updates. This grad. school thing is taking up a huge chunk of time. Weird how that has happened. I am taking a break to attend some games this weekend, most notable Friday night which is Keith Hernandez Mustache night. Yes, I am very excited! I hope to get some pictures to post when I get back.

Unfortunately, not counting any luck I may have with this stupid postseason ticket drawing, these will probably be my last games of the season. Where the season went...I'm not really sure. It's a little depressing to think that just yesterday it was February; now there are 17 reg. season games to play. Too often I find myself getting caught up in the numbers, the wins, the losses, the magic number, that I don't appreciate just the game itself as it's happening. Then before we all know it some of us are looking at snow. I think last season with such a huge lead we had the opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy the Mets. With the ups and downs of this year's team, we devoted too much time to worrying and less to enjoying. So as I head to Shea this weekend, I pass along some advice to any readers out there. Take time in the next couple weeks to really soak up this team and everything about it. Don't watch the scoreboard & don't count the days until the Mets clinch. Laugh at their absurd celebrations, appreciate David Wright's presence on this team, recognize the promise of the youth on this team, applaud the old-age excellence, hold your breath for Pedro, and yes, keep booing Guillermo Mota. Before you know it, we'll be baseball-less again.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Homecoming

This weekend was homecoming weekend on the campus that I am attending Graduate School. I wasn't as concerned with that as I was another homecoming of sorts that occurred today at Shea. First off let me apologize for my absence this weekend. I had to get away for the weekend, so unfortunately no updates. We all survived though, meanwhile the Mets continued to prosper.

Pedro Martinez was as good as we can expect from him. It seems as though it's been forever since we've seen signs for Pedro at Shea and it sure was nice to see the energy in the ballpark today. His velocity had improved since his last outing and he showed he was capable of getting guys out with a nasty pitch. He got into some jams, but most importantly, he got out of them. At this stage in his return the majors, that is all you can ask from him. To make his return Pedro-esque, of course he would hit a double.

Pedro's curtain call in the middle of the 5th was more than deserved. For the first time Shea was able to pat him on the back from the tedious work he has done to get back to this team. The way he approached his rehab was phenomenal and he is to be commended for the way he went about this surgery from day 1. Pedro has shown his dedication to this team and to the fans of New York; the reaction today from both Pedro and those in attendance defined the love affair between the two.

It's hard to forget how devastated Pedro was at this point last year when his injuries finally became too much to bear. Losing Pedro down the stretch last year was a huge blow to the team, yet I don't think we've seen how much of an impact is was until now. After Pedro went on the shelf in 2006, the Mets did play the rest of their season a bit flat, much like the majority of this season. But with the return of Pedro last week, this team seems to have found itself. I don't think that's a coincidence. After today it's quite easy to see, Pedro is without a doubt the pulse of this team.

This week is huge for the Mets. With the Braves and Phillies in town, this is the time for this team to finally put this thing away, rather than just talk about it. The Braves must be handled first, but I'm anxious for that series against Philly. Time to take care of business fellas...bring the division home!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

You Know What Off Days Mean...

Is it me or did this roadtrip seem like the Mets were gone for 3 weeks? There were enough ups and downs to fill an entire month of baseball...the Mets packed it into 9 days. Thanks guys.

After the terrible start to this trip to go 5-5 is more than acceptable. You would have hoped for better, but it is what it is. What did we expect from a still fatigued John Maine backed up by the "B" Mets today? A run or two would have been nice, but I didn't anticipate a win this afternoon.

Thankfully these off days have been coming at the right time; right after a stretch when the Mets put us through the ringer. The Mets can't read the calendar as they thought today was the off day, but hey, at least the Phillies lost.

So if you've been reading, you know how I feel about off days. They throw them in there to give players a break..but we need a break too. Use today to turn off the Mets. Don't get worked up and relax. I'll stick to my trend and pay no attention to the Mets today. Rest up Mets fans...we're going to need our energy down the stretch!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Alive at Five

Despite many Mets fans pushing the panic button last Thursday night, just five days later the Mets are alive and well. Was the four game sweep from the Phillies finally the last straw of complacency? Was it Pedro's return to the clubhouse & rotation that bolstered the attitude and confidence level of this team? Everyone has their own theories and opinions; I believe it was a little bit of both. Either way, the Mets have finally won 5 in a row. They may have waited until the last hour of the regular season to find it, but this team has a pulse.

Make no mistake about it, the Mets bats are alive. If this was the lineup everyone raved about in April, then there is reason for excitement. The Mets have been quite balanced in their offensive approach in the past 6 days, with the bottom of the lineup putting up pretty hefty numbers. Since the beginning of the Atlanta series, the Mets have outscored their opponents 36-15. They have outhit the opposition 51-27, with 11 home runs. The opposition has 1 long ball, which came off the bat of Brandon Phillips, courtesy Scott Schoeneweis. The pitching has been strong; the defense has been solid despite a few spotty moments; the offense has been relentless. Put the panic button away.

Oliver Perez's stubborn ways are also alive and well. The rollercoaster ride that he is may be a ride we never get off. Despite all that you still have to like the kid and be content with 13 victories to this point. My only concern is that if he continues to walk 127 batters every outing, his hopes of being a part of the postseason rotation may not live much longer.

Many people have spent countless hours trying to compare the 2006 Mets to the 2007 Mets, which I believe is a complete waste of time and energy. Team dynamics, injuries, the competition, etc all vary from year to year. That is the beauty of baseball so to expect a replica of 2006 is absurd. As fun as last year was, I don't want the '06 Mets. The 2006 Mets broke my heart. Would you rather have a team that dominates all year, only to look a little flat in September like last year...or a team that goes up and down all year, only to peak at the right time heading down the stretch? I would take the latter. Only time will tell if that will be the tale of this year's team. One thing is for sure, we can take this team off life support. They look alive. There is a pennant in sight and October is just a calendar page away. This is the stuff baseball fans live for. And over the next 25 days , the 2007 Mets will begin to define their season. We'll see how long they can stay alive...or if they will make this a season that live forever.

(This post was also featured on the Global NYM Fan Blog.)

Monday, September 3, 2007

A Big Win-Win

Nevermind the sweep yesterday of Atlanta. That was big, but we all knew that. I didn't need to remind anyone. In my eyes, today was bigger. Pedro Martinez made his return with all the pomp and circumstance only Pedro would bring. There is no doubt he brings an emotional lift to this ballclub. He brings levity and humor to a team that has walked around like they have wet underwear for quite some time. Besides all that, he is Pedro. It's undeniable this guy is a start. Delgado said it best when he said, "he (Pedro) is showbiz."

Despite all the hoopla, I was nervous how today would go. I don't know if the majority of Mets fans would have been able to cope with Pedro getting shelled. So many fans are counting on him to be the savior that takes the Mets to the promised land this year. Who knows if that will happen, but it's important to keep our expectations of Pedro realistic.

Only Pedro would be the first know pitcher to pitch in less than a year of his rotator cuff surgery. He had good stuff today and he showed great command for his first big league start in a year. He worked out of a jam and kept his team in the game. Pedro notched his first win of 2007, while the Mets continued to prosper in his presence. And for Mets fans that should be enough this year. If Pedro Martinez can go out there every 5-6 days and keep the Mets within striking distance of a W, combined with the aura he brings to the mound, we should be content. Even after today's successful effort, to expect too much from Pedro could only lead to a letdown. In the meantime, count today as 2 wins. A win in the standings and a win on the mound.

Aside from Pedro, I have changed my mind. Earlier this season I would have agreed Jose Reyes is the MVP of this team. He still is a major catalyst for this offense. But ask me today and without a shadow of a doubt, David Wright has become the MVP. After his terrible April, he has been consistent and has stepped up as the leader of this team. He is the will of this team and maybe the real face of the franchise. For the past couple years he has easily been my favorite player and person on this team, but I try not to go bananas and see the big picture. I try to stay focused on the team and not gush too much, but not today. Today, I officially join the Wright for MVP club.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

It Took Long Enough

Finally the Mets won a series in Atlanta. FINALLY! It couldn't have come at a more crucial time. It may have taken five attempts, but that's okay. I'm licking my chops at the thought of a sweep tomorrow. I know you are too.

Finally we may see an offensive outburst from Carlos Delgado. I won't hold my breath though. This could disappear again in a couple days.

Finally Pedro is coming back. Monday is the big day. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I can barely take the buildup.

Finally people may start liking the black jerseys. I know a lot of fans think they are terrible, but if you caught the game on WFAN Friday night you may have heard the story. The Mets have a habit of losing in their grey jerseys (yes that's what they wore in Philly.) Black may become the new road color.

And finally Mike Pelfrey got a win! He was huge today. This outing was reminiscent to his stuff in Spring Training. Patience with Pelfrey is key. This kid has the potential to become a very big part of our rotation. As I said yesterday, the twists of a season gave him the opportunity to get his first win on a huge stage. Hats off to Pelfrey for getting it together and thanks to the Mets for sticking with him.