Papa Pedro

Last night started out as an amazing comeback performance for El Duque, only to be matched by Sergio Mitre's pitching performance. It was the starting pitchers though who were the only one who could be pleased with their performances. The Mets actually made me a little upset last night, which would have magnified had they not pulled the game out in the 9th. Last night was one of those games where I had to watch with one eye open and the other closed. Both teams at times, particularly the Mets, just looked out to lunch. Willie Randolph will do all he can to redirect any questions regarding lack of effort from last night's performance, but I want my guys to run out every play, whether you're a veteran or a young star. I want my guy to throw a bullet in from the outfield when we're up on in the bottom of the 8th. I don't want my closer throwing 30 pitches with a 6-1 lead. Willie is a fantastic leader of this time, but there are times when his responses are more than frustrating, especially when just 24 hours before he stated "the Braves just looked like they wanted this one more." Fortunately we won this game, or it would have looked even uglier.

One thing I did watch with eyes wide open was Pedro Martinez. Every time I've seen him this season, I think back to that awful image of him when he was visibly upset in the dugout last September. It's like looking at a new person. He's in great shape, confident in himself and his health, and eager to get back out on the field. Seeing Pedro in the dugout makes me excited. He brings that x-factor to your team with his endless energy and obvious talent and he offers endless insight to the young members of this team. His return after the all-star break will be a shot in the arm for this team, one that no other team can acquire through a trade.

Pedro stated last night when speaking with SNY that he had nothing to prove in his return and he's right. Pedro's numbers speak for themselves. He will make an immediate impact and give the Mets the ammunition to head straight to the promised land. Can't wait til you're back Papa Pedro.