Wednesday, September 5, 2007By Mike Steffanos
Apologies again for the infrequent posting. My workload has been crazy, and I haven't been able to put the time into a site that I wish. I caught up on the box score links from the Phillies and Brave series and also the pitching stats earlier today. My work isn't going to let up any time soon, but I'm going to try to make an effort to get a game post up the day after every game -- even if it's just a few thoughts and a link to the box score so there is something there for readers to post comments.
That Phillies series may well have been the low point of a season that's had its share. Then Pedro joined the Mets in Atlanta and seemed to bring a breath of fresh air to a team that's a tad too buttoned down and unemotional. Maybe it's a coincidence that the Mets first 5-game winning streak of the season coincided with the return of their erstwhile ace, but I like to think his clubhouse presence provided a lift at the right time. It's been a long time since Pedro has been around, and I had almost forgotten the aura of winning that seems to attach to him. More than that, though, he brings a sense of fun that reminds me that this is indeed a game, and life and death. I don't think I realized how much I missed him as a Mets fan until I watched him pitch Monday. I hope he can stay healthy enough to pitch effectively and keep going out there.
There were a lot of folks, including many of those in the media, who read a lot more into four games versus the Phillies than they should have. Make no mistake, though, all the pitching matchups heading into the Atlanta series were unfavorable for the Mets, and we all know the history. If the Mets had dropped 2 or 3 this weekend, they might have really started pressing. That's been a fault of theirs during the past three months quite often. Instead, Atlanta has been all but buried in both the division and wild card races and the Phillies, at 5 games out, are only a game better than they were going into their sweep of the Mets.
While this isn't the year to get cocky, the Mets seem to have that air of confidence back with the return to the locker room of their spiritual leader. You may call it coincidence, but I call it Pedro.
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Comments (3)
All I know is that he is back and at the right time. It may be karma, devine intervention, or the baseball Gods. It's all clicking at this moment and I just hope they can keep it going and run off to the World Series!
Posted by L. J. Phipps | September 5, 2007 6:20 AM
My own wish list includes a rest for Reyes, good health for the Carlos's (Delgato felt something click in his hip last night I believe; all he is doing at present is carrying the offense along with Wright and Alou), more of the latest from John Maine and especially from Pelfrey. And I want to see Endy and Milledge get more meaningful job time.
And of course continued improvement from Pedro. And Rev Al! We needs the karma.
Not such a bad wish list, hey? All of it is mostly a wish for more of what we're getting already.
Posted by dd | September 5, 2007 1:16 PM
Pedro made me feel better. I think he makes the team feel better. And you Gals and Guys made me feel " A LOT" better. You made me cry with all your genuine concern. But they were tears of joy from my Met Family...The Mets, this year just made me cry. I will take your advice and not get too involved in 8th and 9th inning ball games for awhile. I had a rough time of it. 3 operations in 3 days. But as soon as I got somewhat stable I asked Selma, "How are the Mets doing?" When we called 911 the Phillies just swept them. But WOW! There is a GOD! They swept Atlanta. Then I heard about Pedro. Wow! All good news and good medicine for a 67 year old Met heart. Thanks again for all your nice words and Thank you Mike for letting my Met Family know. Selma will send this along for me, for I am still in Mercy Hospital in Scranton. Maybe I'll be home by next week. Man, are we getting down to the nitty gritty of the Met Year. This year I have one request. Mr. Beltran, "Swing at the freakin ball!" P.S. I printed out the blog and your comments. The Rev hung up the blog next to his get well cards at the hospital! Thanks from me too, Selma
Posted by REV AL | September 6, 2007 5:29 AM