That's More Like It

Again, that is why the season is 162 games long.  After Friday night, the 'same old Mets' thoughts were creeping through the minds of the fans and some of the media as well.  There was the feeling that 2010 never ended, instead just rolled over into this March.

But 42 hours can change a lot, especially the feeling about the team.  The Mets finished the weekend by taking the last two games against the Marlins and won their first road series of 2011, something that didn't happen until August (I believe) last year.

Starting pitching was the key in both victories as Jon Niese allowed only two runs in 7 innings on Saturday and R.A. Dickey followed that with just one unearned run in 6 innings this afternoon.  The bullpen ended up getting a decent amount of work in while finishing out these two games because no one was particularly solid, but that's a good thing.  It allows all the arms to get some action early on.

Ike Davis, David Wright, Josh Thole and Willie Harris (!!!!!) all contributed with big at bats this weekend and the positive vibes transcended to the rest of the squad.  This is more like the offense that we expected coming out of Spring Training, putting 15 runs on the board while collecting the two Ws.

They now get a well deserved day off on Monday after traveling up north.  Their next stop, Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia.  Tuesday night is the first of 18 against the Phillies, and the Mets will give the ball to Chris Young who will be making his first start in a Mets uniform (he'll be opposed by Cole Hamels).

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Not What Was Envisioned

Well last night didn't turn out to be what Mets fans and myself had hoped for since the end of September last year.  Basically, it seemed as if it were the same team playing the same game from last year.

David Wright kept striking out.  Jose Reyes was jumpy at the plate.  The offense had no pop in its bats.  Mike Pelfrey struggled with his command and channelled his inner John Maine by allowing way to many foul tips.

There were some positives though.  Brad Emaus played well defensively at second base.  Carlos Beltran had a decent game in right field and had the first RBI on the season.  The bullpen, although giving up some hard hits, pitched decently.

That's the great thing about baseball though, there's 161 games left to be played and they Metsies get to do it all over again tonight at 7:10 (Jon Niese vs Ricky Nolasco, SNY/WFAN).  I believe the team will have settled down from their Opening Day nerves and get back to the team who hit the ball pretty well the last week of Spring Training.

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