Sunday, May 18, 2008

Airing it Out

After a week where the Mets lost 3 out of 4 to the last place Nats and Billy Wagner's comments implied a troubled clubhouse, the Mets held a meeting to air things out. By all accounts, this meeting was vital. And although it is only one game, the early returns looked good.

It wasn't just that they won. The team played with a certain joy and enthusiasm that was not apparent in recent weeks. Carlos Delgado, a fading veteran who has appeared grumpy about his diminishing skills, was flashing smiles. The team was hanging on the top steps of the dugout rooting Billy Wagner, either the igniter or instigator depending on who you ask, on. Even the stoic Manager on the hot seat, Willie Randolph, was jovial and relaxed in the postgame press conference.

Johan Santana came through with a big effort pitching 7 1/3 innings for the win. Although he is allowing too many homeruns, the fact is he is still on pace for 20 wins even though the bullpen blew two wins for him and he is yet to pitch his best baseball.

The three core players on the Mets had big games. David Wright broke out of his slump going 3 for 5 with a homerun. Jose Reyes went 2-5 with a homerun. Carlos Beltran went 3-5 including a triple. All this and the Mets scored a run off Joba Chamberlin the first time they faced him. A good day for the offense.

Now, the subways series has a way of rejuvenating a team. This is only one game. And it was a game against someone who may not have been using his best stuff. They Mets need to parlay this into something more. But this was a game that pleased the monkeys.

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