9-9, The Audacity Of Hope

Written by Benny B. | 24 April 2010

The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves this afternoon 3-1 to take their 2nd consecutive series.  They are now 5-2 in their last seven games, are back to .500 and are starting to heat up while the standings are getting very tight in the NL East.

• John Neise continues to battle and show he has the stuff to be a quality MLB pitcher.  He loses control sometimes, walks batters and throws too many pitches...but that can be expected from Rookie.
• Jason Bay is breaking out of his slump going 3-4 today.  A couple of those hits were dunkers that should have been caught, but he crushed a ball 400+ feet to center field to score the first run of the game today and tie it up. Jeff "Frenchy" Fracoeur is emerging from his slump hitting a RBI triple as well crushing balls to all parts of the park.  He would have had 3 HR's in the last two games had he been playing in a more hitter friendly park.  On the other hand, David Wright is still mired in his slump.  Soon, D-Wright, Soon.  It'll come...
• The Bullpen continues to be outstanding.
• Henry Blaco AKA Hank White had a stolen base today, his first stolen bast in 9 years!  He also threw out another baserunner making him 4 for 4.  Would-be base-stealers are going to get the message quickly that they can't run on the Mets like in years past.
• Jose Reyes is back.  He is hitting and appears to be taking to hitting 3rd in the lineup, running close to full speed and made a spectacular full extension diving catch to thwart an 8th inning Braves rally.  The game is just more fun with the old Jose...well maybe not for the opposing team.
• Ike Davis appears to be the real deal.  He brings back memories of when David Wright was promoted, and is a legit left handed threat.  Yesterday he had a 450 foot Adam Dunn-esque HR to into the Shea Bridge Terrace.

I believe the Mets should be fine offensively as long as they don't start getting injured like the Phillies J.A. Happ is the latest member of the DL. As I said, the Bullpen should be fine and the catching tandem of Blanco & Barajas has been exactly as billed.  Their biggest need continues to be starting pitching.  Johan is Johan and Pelf has locked down the #2 spot.  But everyone else is a question mark.  Niese is Raw, but serviceable.  If the Mets can make a trade for a legit #3 pitcher and move one of Maine or Ollie to Pen, the Mets will have a respectable and competitive team.

Big win for the Mets today.  Lets keep it rolling with a Sweep tomorrow with Big Pelf on the mound.  I am starting to get excited for the first installment of Mets V. Phillies.