To begin, there were some strange hot teams -- the Reds, the Tigers, and yes, the Mets. The last was actually to be expected -- they started off their season vs. weak competition. And, they spent some money for a few key players ... even with some back-end rotation problems given injuries and the questionable moves respecting the slots in the last few years, the post season is actually something the fans should expect. Never count out the Braves (even without a good closer and a new pitching coach with even less to work with behind a few pitching stars) ... and who knows about the Phillies (up ... down). And, that NL West looks a bit better than one expected. We even saw the Brewers give the NL East fits. So, it won't be easy.
Surely not given the Mets continuing propensity to shoot themselves in the foot. They continue as well to do this in any number of ways. For instance, a recent game required the use of Jose Lima, who simply doesn't really have it any more. But, he gave the team 4.2 one run ball before starting to fall apart. For some reason, after the Mets had to bear a 4.5 rain shortened loss (four innings pitched, bullpen rested), the manager left the guy in just long enough for the game to get out of hand. [The Brewers paid the Mets back by sweeping the Phillies.] But, yesterday's game was almost unforgivable.
And, it shouldn't happened. The Mets had eight dominating innings (seven from Pedro, who had to work, but gave up nearly nothing) vs. the Yanks* and against their best pitcher (Mussina) had a nice 4-0 lead. The closer, one of those costly acquisitions, dominated the Yanks in a 9-8 mess of a game (spot starter vs. over the hill ace) on Friday. A great win, especially after it was 4-0 in the top of the first. It was not a save situation. Before then, the Mets only used one reliever. They had a four run lead. What do they do? Use the closer, who totally collapses. Walks and a hit batter, against the bottom of an injured racked line-up at that, did most of the damage.
The guy who shouldn't have been in there was left in too long. When he finally was taken out, there was one out and no margin of error (4-3, bases loaded). And, the Yanks tied it by the skin of their teeth (just missing a double play). The Mets lost it in the 11th, the game being a chance for the Yanks closer to get over the blown hold (the game was tied) the night before. The Mets -- with a fingernail chewing 9th -- won the next game 4-3. Wagner saved it. He and the team needed that.
But, a good team does not give games away. Yesterday was a shot in the heart, today was great given it was one of those "must win" games. Still, success -- especially when your ace is on the mound -- is brought by going for the jugular. This was sweep material (the Yanks are hurt, including their pitching), and the team let one away. This is the road to making the race closer than necessary, which has a tendency to bite you in the ass.
The team is made to win now. Let's act that way.
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* The "Subway Series." I favor the Mets of late for various reasons. The Yanks had their moment. I like the television commentators better. Also, the fun and workmanlike players in their heyday (1996-2001) have aged, been replaced with overpriced talent with issues (steroids, etc.), or simply gotten suspect (including the bullpen). I really don't enjoy the Yanks anymore, though a few Yankees (like Bernie Williams) continue to be root worthy.
The Mets overall are more fun. They too have some pricey talent now, but only in a few positions, and partly because of overpaying people to get up to snuff after years of problems. Key role players and stars of the future are there. And, yes, Pedro. Some character. I didn't mind him on the Red Sox -- after all, his record vs. the Yanks was something like .500. Not too good for an ace (they stretched him too far, the Yanks ace [Cone/Mussina, usually] matched zeroes, loss/no-decision in eighth or so).
Anyway, with the fourth and fifth starters questionable, and so forth, it still is not easy for this bunch. Not quite Yanks in that regard either.