Wow. What a difference a week makes.
Last week the Mets had managed splits in their two games series with the Braves and Nationals… after losing four straight to the Marlins. They had lost nine out of eleven and looked to be in a mess of trouble as they fell seven games behind the front running Phillies. A six game homestand with the Mighty Yankees and those hated Phillies loomed. Things looked like they were about to spiral out of control.
Seven days later, the Mets have won five straight and went 5-1 against two of the best teams in the majors. They didn’t just win… they looked GOOD. Contender good. Playing hard, looking solid, being smart, taking advantage of the other team’s mistakes good.
And as a result they have picked up five games in the standings and are just two games back.
More amazingly, the Mets didn’t give up a single run in the three game sweep of Philadelphia. Three straight shutouts of their hated rivals including seven masterful inning by The Big Pelf, Mike Pelfrey, who stands at 7-1 with a 2.54 ERA.
So… who is this team? The incredible contenders who play like winners at home, treating the Braves, Dodgers, Yankees and Phillies like cannon fodder? Or the not-quite-loverable losers on the road who have battled, but lost constantly to the Marlins, Nationals, Rockies and Cardinals as visitors?
In any case, the team seems much better off with R. A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi in the starting rotation in place of Oliver Perez and John Maine. With Jose Reyes and Jason Bay seemingly out of early season slumps and consistant play from the regulars, the Mets have been playing inspired, having won six out of seven and looking to break the losing trend on the road with the Brewers this weekend.
It be a true contender, this team MUST win games on the road. Hopwever, for now, having the best home record in Major League Baseball and sending the defending NL Champs home with their tails between their legs is cause for some celebration and smiles.
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