The Helter Skelter Mets Strike Again

This week has been typical of the Mets' season. They have the Nationals in Shea for a 2 games series that turns into a shootout, then the Braves come to visit, and they can't hardly score a run for Santana.

Last year the Nationals were directly responsible for the Mets sitting home last October and they tried their best to repeat that feat this week. When ever the worst team in the division comes into your house and they are allowed to score 18 runs in 2 games, you know there are ghosts coming to play. Unlike last year, the Mets never gave up and continued to fight for every run needed to win. Delgado had another monster series, David got back on track, Beltran seemed to wake up, and the relief pitchers held the line. Ollie was god awful, and Big Pelf didn't have his head in the game. Thank God for Joe Smith, Brian Stokes, Nelson Figueroa, and Luis Ayala. Smith picked up both wins and Ayala continues to rack up saves. With the News of Billy Wagner's need for surgery, the season now rides on Luis' right arm to close out games. Lets all wish Luis luck and hope his ride to glory continues until November.

After surviving the shootout with Washington, the Mets welcomed Atlanta to Shea for the last time. With a a little help from the Brewers, the Mets were hoping to add another game or two to their 3 game lead in the standings. With Santana pitching the opening game , and Chipper not playing, things were looking good for the Mets. Well the rain came and washed those ideas away and Johan once again fell victim to the Braves. In the 1st game of Saturday's double-header Johan struggled but only gave up 2 runs over 7+ innings. The Mets stranded numerous runners and failed to take advantage of multiple bases loaded situations. The Braves rallied for 3 runs in the 8th inning, and the Mets lose another one to the Braves in September. That certainly does seem to be the trend for the Mets over the years. Santana is now 0-3 with another no decision against the Braves.

With Santana losing the opening game there had to be enormous pressure on Johnathan Niese making his first start in Shea. But the young 21 year old lefty was up to the challenge. He threw 8 innings, struck out 7, walked 2, and only gave up 6 hits while winning his first game in the Major Leagues. He spotted his fastball well and had the Braves baffled by his curve all night long. David continued his resurgence by hitting a deep HR to right center field, Beltran had 3 hits and a HR, and Jose' even got in the HR act. The offense scored a few runs early for John and then he took care of business. With his performance last night, there is no doubt he'll get the ball next week when Jerry needs a win. If Niese continues to pitch like last night, I see little reason to spend $15 Million on Ollie next year. The Mets could have a rotation of Santana, Pelfrey, Maine, Niese, and either Parnell or a free-agent. C.C. Sabathia would be nice, but I doubt if the Wilpon's will drop another $140 Million on another pitcher this winter. I don't have any problems with spending the money needed to get C.C. It's time the Mets stop acting like they're from Florida, and start acting like they're from New York.

Today, the Mets need to finish the Braves and put some more pressure on the Phillies. While the Mets played their double header last night, the Phillies play theirs today. If the Mets can win again today, the Phillies will be feeling the heat as the season flutters away. 15 games to go, and the Mets are holding on. If the Brewers ever decide to put up a fight and show some pride, maybe the Mets can leave NY with a 4 game lead.