Early Morning Madness: Sweeeeeeeeeeeep edition

How great does it feel to sweep a team? I know all my Mets friends have been saying all season "The team really needs to put together a five or six game win streak before I start to believe."

Well, ya gotta believe now!

The Mets are looking hot, with players picking each other up. John Maine only lasted 4 2-3 of an inning, but the bullpen came on and threw 4 1-3 innings of one hit baseball.

The only thing I'm worried about is if this team really gets on a roll, say either sweeping or taking two of three from Colorado, they're going to stall with these three games off for the All Star break. It would be terrible if just when the team starts to get hot, they fizzle out from their extended break.

** * **

Is it F-Mart time?

Fernando Martinez is playing baseball again, so is it time to give the kid a shot at the major leagues with the injury to Moises Alou? I'm not too sure the Mets want to rush another outfielder, a la Carlos Gomez.

It'd be great to get the kid up and see what he can do. I mean, heck, if Nick Evans is "ready" to come up and play, why not Martinez? He's been injured often in the minors, and is recently coming back from a hamstring injury. You don't want to bring up a young kid who is used to playing every day and plop him on the bench to play every few days.

It's plausible, but I doubt it will happen.

** * **

Argenis Reyes is looking good. He's batting .308 in seven games so far, going 4-13, scoring three times and driving in one run.

Under the new "Jerry Manuel play well and you'll get playing time" system, Reyes should continue to see time at second, spelling a 38 year old Damion Easley.

As I said on Mets Lounge: As much, or more, than everyone else here, I want this kid to be great. But let's slow down a bit before we make any rash judgments.

I'm on Team Argenis right now...but he has to keep his play up to par before I'm ready to anoint him the second coming.

(get it...second coming...second base?)

John Maine leaves game with injury to non-pitching arm

Update 8:53 pm: It's been diagnosed simply as a "cramp."

John Maine was forced to leave the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning due to an injury to his non-pitching arm.

Maine was pitching to Ryan Howard when he grabbed his left arm, near the elbow. He's in the dugout now, and seems more frustrated than in pain.

He only allowed one hit, a three run home run in 5 2-3 innings. He was up to 103 pitches, so he was going to be done soon, but hopefully his arm is all right.

I usually get a pain near that area, and I have to simply pop the elbow, just like you would crack your knuckles. It feels tight and hurts like heck, but when you pop it, it feels much better.

Aaron Heilman came on, with a 2-2 count against Howard and needed only one pitch, a change up, to strike him out.

Early Morning Madness: Fatigued arm edition

Each morning, I wake up way too early, sit down in front of my computer, and rattle off the top three (or so) Mets related things that are swimming around in my head. All without coffee:

John Maine may have a dead arm.

Well that's just dandy, ain't it? Maine has struggled mightily for most of this year and while a dead arm can't be the cause of it all, it certainly could be a new wrinkle. Maine has only gone past the seventh inning once this season, and that was when he pitched into the ninth against the Dodgers on May 7.

Hopefully everything is all right. Losing him would be rough.

** * **

I wonder if he'll get paid minimum wage? Luis Castillo has apparently been tabbed as Jose Reyes' babysitter.

For a grown man to have someone around to keep his emotions in check is pretty sad. In the case of Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton, it makes sense, because he's struggled with addictions and it almost cost him his career. With Reyes, it's just that he's still very immature.

As I said before, I like the emotion from him, but instead of him using it to move forward and make the next play, he sulks and mopes around the field.

Castillo is expensive for the caliber of player he is now, but if he can keep Reyes in check and get him to perform at the top of his potential, he'll be worth every penny.

** * **

This article is just bad.

It's attempts at humor and wit are poor, to say the least. It doesn't even read like it was written in New York, for New York.

And for the record, I agree with Jerry Manuel that the Mets are the second team. It's common sense people. Not to get down on my knees and bow to the almighty Yankees, but they're a storied franchise. You can't deny what the Yanks have accomplished. Heck, I've watched them since I was a little kid at my grandma's house.

Some of their fans on the other hand...well, that's a completely different story.

Oliver Perez to pitch in relief

For one game.

Oliver Perez, who is coming off his best performance of the year, a seven inning, three hit performance against the Yankees, is now slated to pitch Wednesday or Thursday against the Cardinals out of the bullpen.

Pitching coach Dan Warthen and manager Jerry Manuel are trying to split up the lefty/lefty of Johan Santana and Perez. Perez will pitch against St. Louis from the bullpen before being moved back into the rotation next Sunday against the Phillies.

John Maine will slide in between Santana and Perez, stopping the two lefties from throwing on consecutive days.

The Mets rotation for the next two series will be:
6/30: John Maine @ STL
7/1: Tony Armas Jr. @ STL
7/2: Pedro Martinez @ STL
7/3:Mike Pelfrey @ STL
7/4: Johan Santana @ PHI
7/5: John Maine @ PHI
7/6: Oliver Perez @ PHI
7/7: Pedro Martinez @ PHI

Interesting plan for the rotation. I think these two should be split up, and it's interesting the way they're going about it. Good to keep Perez fresh though.

It's interesting that Perez may pitch again on Pedro's day on the bump. Obviously this couldn't have been planned, but with the way Martinez has been throwing of late, it might be a sign of things to come.

Game Recap: Mets 6 -- Nationals 3

Revenge is a dish best served by Ryan Church and Brian Schneider.

The ex-Nationals really handed it to their old team, combining to go 5-8, scoring three and driving in five as the Mets took the second game of the four game set by a score of 6-3.

The Mets got another stellar start from John Maine, as he extended his streak of only allowing two runs or less to eight straight starts, allowing just two runs on two hits through six innings. Maine struck out five and walked only one, needing 109 pitches to get through his night.

In the second inning, the Mets got on the board with a bases loaded fielders choice off the bat of Brian Schneider, driving in Moises Alou.

The Mets had the bases loaded with no one out, and managed to scratch out only one run. Something like that needs to change. To score a run without hitting the ball out of the infield is something special though.

The only runs Maine allowed came on a Ryan Zimmerman two run home run after a Damion Easley error. The error, one of two for Easley on the night, allowed Christian Guzman to reach, and later score on Zimmerman's homer to left field. Maine set down 10 in order after the home run, and only had one runner on base due to Easley's second error with two outs in the sixth. Maine bounced back and got Austin Kearns to strike out looking to end his night.

If it wasn't for Johan Santana, Maine would be the far and away ace of this pitching staff. Dominant, in control, and settled down. Simple beautiful. I think he could have gone another inning, easily, but his turn in the order came up in the bottom of the sixth, and the pinch hitter paid off for the Mets. Well done, John. Keep it up.

Church had an amazing day, starting it off with a solo home run to center field to lead off the third inning. Church's ball just missed nailing the home run apple.

I love this guy. I'm sure you've heard that from me before, but I have to say it again. What a steal.

In the sixth, Church kept his hot day going, bringing in two with a double to right. After Brian Schneider and Fernando Tatis both hit one out singles, Church came to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. Church smoked a ball to right field, a ball that seemed like an easy out for Kearns to end the inning. I'm not sure if Kearns misplayed it or if the ball just hung up in the air, but the ball sailed over the jumping Kearns glove and bounced to the wall, driving in both Schneider and Tatis.

Good? Yes. Lucky? Yes. Will he take it? Yes.
He is getting things done in every way, shape, and form.

Matt Wise made his first appearance in a long while, allowing one run on one hit. Elijah Dukes doubled to left for his first hit of the year. Rob Mackowiack eventually drove him home with a ground ball to second base. Duaner Sanchez walked two batters in the eighth inning, but worked out of a jam without any damage, striking out one.

Strange to bring in a pitcher who hasn't been in the majors in a while and toss him into the fire with a two run lead. This will be questioned by the Willie Randolph haters, for sure. Good stuff from Sanchez, who as Gary Cohen pointed out, has had a few miles per hour knocked off his fastball from the accident. Hopefully he can work back to that over time, but if he's consistently good, it really won't matter.

In the 8th, the Mets tacked on some insurance runs. Jose Reyes broke up his 0-fer night with an RBI single up the middle, driving in Schneider. Church followed that up with a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Marlon Anderson.

Billy Wagner allowed a two out hit, but slammed the door on the Nationals for his eighth save of the year. He still has not allowed an earned run to score.

Keep on truckin'.

Game Ball: Church.

Maine does what's right

Forgot to mention this before...

With the first pitch of the game, John Maine nailed Felipe Lopez in the leg.

This has to be (hopefully) retaliation for the taunting and yelling that went on in the Nationals dugout on Monday night. If that's actually what it is, I must applaud Maine.

This is exactly what you do as a pitcher. Instead of talking about it later, you either peg a guy where it won't hurt the next day to send a message, or knock a guy on his butt with a pitch over his head.

Good stuff.

Photo of the Day: Maine and Randolph

**Smooches**
"Now maybe the fans will stop booing."
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Game Recap: Mets 12 -- Dodgers 1

The offense might garner most of the press after this dominant performance over Brad Penny, but I feel the true hero today was Mets starter John Maine, who fell just two outs short of a complete game shut out. The Mets bats were out in plenty, and from some unlikely sources, as the Mets trounced to salvage the final game of the series by a score of 12-1.

Maine pitched 8 1-3 innings, and only allowed four hits. He walked two and struck out four. Maine allowed two doubles and two singles and fell just short of a complete game shut out.

Maine was helped out by some nice defensive plays, two of which come to mind. David Wright made a nice running swipe on a ball hit by Jeff Kent and then made a nice throw to first for an out. The best play came from Angel Pagan, who started the game in left. In the bottom of the first, Pagan made a catch in foul territory up against the wall, flipped head over heels into the stands and held onto the ball. He stayed down for a few minutes, but stayed in the game. He was later removed with "shoulder tightness."

Sick play by Pagan. He really went all out to get that ball.

Maine was incredibly dominant. There's really nothing I can say to put his performance into perspective. He shut down the hot bats of LA, keeping his pitch count low, throwing 117 pitching into the ninth inning, 76 for strikes.

John Maine, I love thee.

How do I even recap a 12 run outing by the Mets bats, ten of which were charged to Penny? After singles from Church and Pagan in the second, Marlon Anderson hit a ball deep to center field, which hopped over the wall for a ground rule double as Church scored. Raul Casanova then singled to the right side, driving in both Pagan and Anderson. After a sacrifice from Maine and a walk to Jose Reyes, Luis Castillo grounded a ball up the middle, driving in Casanova.

The Mets strung together five hits this inning to drive in four runs, but this wasn't even the team's biggest inning of the day. Good stuff.

The Mets added one in the third as Pagan grounded into a fielders choice, allowing Carlos Beltran to score from third base.

The fifth inning was huge for the Mets and all their runs came with two outs. Church was hit by a pitch with one out, Anderson singled, and Casanova walked to set up Maine with the bases loaded. On an 0-2 pitch, Maine went down and got a slider low and away, blooping the ball to shallow center field, driving home Church and Anderson. A walk to Reyes ended Penny's day, and ex-Yankee Scott Proctor entered the game with the bases loaded and two away.

Proctor promptly walked the first batter he faced, Castillo, driving in a run. Wright, who had been struggling to this point, ripped a ball deep to left field, which hopped over the wall for a ground rule double, allowing two runs to score. With Beltran batting, Proctor threw a ground ball in the dirt, allowing Castillo to trot home with the sixth run of the inning.

Wow. The Mets bats woke up today, and had a lot of production from some reserve players, which is always good to see. Spectacular offensive performance.

Church added to the Mets runs in the top of the sixth, crushing the first pitch of the inning deep to right for his sixth home run of the season.

It's official. I must go buy a Church jersey or shirt. This guy is amazing.

Maine allowed one run in the ninth inning as Andruw Jones dunked a double in between Church and Castillo. Matt Kemp singled to center, breaking up the shut out and ending the day for Maine. Duaner Sanchez threw 2-3 of an inning, striking out James Loney to end the game.

Amazing game. This is how you quiet down the boo-birds and shut up griping fans. Where's the praise for Willie Randolph today? If you're going to blame him for the one run losses like Tuesday's performance, where are the people singing his praises for today's lashing?

Hmm...makes you think, doesn't it?? Please, Mets fans, we're better than this. Don't blame the manager for a two game losing streak. Have some sense. It happens to every team. Forget about 2007, it's a new year, but don't think it's going to be as easy as '06.

Game Ball: John Maine.

Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Diamondbacks 2

Where to begin? The Mets took a welcomed trip out west, and beat up on an unbeaten pitcher. David Wright and Jose Reyes each had career days as the Mets bounced back from their trouncing by Pittsburgh, beating up on the best team in the NL, the Arizona Diamondbacks, by a tune of 7-2.

Reyes led off this game with a bang. The first pitch from Micah Owings, Reyes drilled to deep right, and with the Kentucky Derby coming up tomorrow, showed his speed, legging out a triple. Ryan Church, who had a great night but was overshadowed by #5 and #7, hit a sac fly to center, allowing Reyes to trot home with the first run of the game.

The Mets weren't done in the first, as Wright singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Carlos Beltran walked, bringing up Moises Alou for the first time of the season. Alou smoked a ball to second, which should have been a double play, but Orlando Hudson let is scoot under his glove. Wright scored on the play, while Beltran moved to third. Carlos Delgado followed it up with a single to right field, driving in Beltran to make it 3-0.

John Maine ended up having another solid start, his fifth in a row allowing two runs or less, but struggled through most of the game, battling baserunners and a high pitch count. Maine pitched six innings of six hit baseball. He walked two and struck out six. Maine only allowed two earned runs, both coming in the second inning.

Good, not great. More later.

The Mets jumped right back on Owings in the second, as Reyes hit a one out double to center field, which was followed by a Church double, driving in Reyes.

If this lineup ever changes, I'm not going to be pleased. They showed a graphic on SNY for when Reyes bats first and Church bats second. When that happens, Reyes is batting .500 with Church batting .400. Willie Randolph, take note.

The second inning was rough for Maine, as he allowed a one out double to Justin Upton. With Miguel Montero batting, Maine threw his first wild pitch of the inning, allowing Upton to move to third. Montero then doubled in Upton, and with Owings batting, Maine threw his second wild pitch, allowing Montero to move to third. Maine then settled down nicely, allowing only two hits over the next four innings.

He didn't look overpowering, but he outperformed himself tonight. Limiting damage early and settling into a groove. His pitch count was high, needing 107 to get through his six innings. Just an excellent outing by Maine after not looking like he was going to last through the second.

In the fourth, Mr. Church continued to impress, taking Owings deep to right field for a solo home run.

So far, he is the MVP of the Mets. If anyone is still unhappy with the trade, you need to seek help. In a comment brought up on Mets Lounge, if it was just Lastings Milledge for Church, you still wouldn't have much of an argument.

The Mets weren't happy with the lead, so in the sixth, Reyes singled to left with one out. This left Reyes a home run shy of the cycle. A batter later, Wright took a pitch from Owings deep left, chasing the pitcher and leaving Wright a triple shy of the cycle.

The best left side of the field in baseball, at least in my opinion. The duo cross town might put up a bit of a fight, but I'd still take Reyes and Wright any day. Thoughts?

Joe Smith came on in the seventh and set the side down in order.

Leading off the top of the eighth, Reyes jacked a ball to deep center field, making a bid for his home run to complete the cycle. Arizona center fielder Chris Young made a jumping effort on the ball, but it hit the wall behind him and bounced back out into center. Reyes turned on the jets rounding first, looking to pick up his home run the hard way. Young recovered and made a beautiful throw to second, which was relayed home to beat Reyes by at least five steps.

I though he had it, and I think if it was anyone by Young in center, who needed an absolutely perfect throw to nail him, Reyes was going to get it. So close.

Smith came on to start the eighth, getting two ground outs before walking Stephen Drew and allowing a single to Justin Upton. Pedro Feliciano entered the game and got a ground out to third to end the inning.

Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the ninth with a five run lead, sandwiching strikeouts of Jeff Salazar and Eric Byrnes around a ground ball from Young.

"Dirty" is back in business.

Not only did Wright and Reyes sparkle at bat, each had a spectacular defensive play in the field. In the second, Hudson hit a short pop up into foul territory behind third base. Wright had a strange angle, but tracked the ball and made a beautiful, over the shoulder diving grab onto the warning track in foul ground.

Reyes made a diving stab on a ground ball smoked to his right side, which one hopped into his glove. He got to his feet, and flat-footed, made a strong throw to first to get the runner.

Awesome. Just awesome.

Game Ball: Reyes and Wright.

I'm sorry John Maine

As the Mets get spanked by the Pirates, I bring you some sad news for John Maine.

Jennifer Aniston has been romantically linked to John Mayer.

She's got the wrong John! Mr. Maine loves you more. Never give up though, Maine, you never know what could happen.

Game Recap: Cubs 7 -- Mets 1

In a game that began as a pitching duel, it ended in a blowout. The Chicago Cubs tacked on runs in the eighth inning and beat the New York Mets by a score of 7-1 Monday night.

John Maine made the start for the Mets, his fourth of the year, and lasted six innings. In those innings, he allowed two earned runs on five hits, two walks, while striking out six. Maine needed 109 pitches to get thought those innings. Maine allowed a few runners on in the first three innings, but was helped out by a runner caught stealing and a few nice plays by the defense. In the fourth, Maine allowed a leadoff single to Derrek Lee, which was followed up by an Aramis Ramirez two-run home run to deep center field.

Maine looked very good tonight. He threw a few mistakes, one which was taken very,very deep for the only runs of the game against him. I would argue this was his best start of the season, as his walks were low and his strikeouts were up. He looked good tonight.

Duaner Sanchez came on for the seventh inning, an inning that started with a error by David Wright. Wright atoned for his sins with two spectacular plays in the field to get the first two outs of the inning as Sanchez worked around it to pitch a hitless and scoreless inning. Aaron Heilman began the eighth and got off to a very rocky start. Another fielding error, this time by Jose Reyes, allowing Lee to reach base. Heilman then plunked Ramirez on the hip, putting two men on base. After a lengthy at bat by Kosuke Fukudome, he eventually singled to load the bases with none out. Heilman then get Mark DeRosa to strike out swinging and Geovany Soto to pop out to second base. Heilman looked like he would get out of the inning unscathed, but Ronny Cedeno singled up the middle, driving home two runs and knocking Heilman out of the game.

Sanchez should be moved into the eighth inning role as soon as possible. Heilman looked terrible to start, then turned it around and I thought he was going to get out of the inning without allowing any runs, and then that happened. The man is a roller coaster, there is no better way to put it.

Jorge Sosa came in to relieve Heilman with two on, and promptly allowed a three-run pinch-hit home run to Felix Pie to cap the inning for the Cubs.

Same thing with Sosa. He can be absolutely lights out one day, and a sieve the next. The bullpen needs some consistency.

Carlos Zambrano shut down the Mets for all but one inning. The Mets had five hits, only one for an extra base hit, and their only run came on a double play ball.

The Mets were held off the board until the sixth inning, where Endy Chavez led off with a double to center field. Maine laid down a sacrifice bunt, but an ill advised throw to third by Soto was too late, and everyone was safe. Reyes then grounded to short to start the double play, which allowed Chavez to sprint home for the Mets only run. The Mets went down in order the next three innings to end the game.

Zambrano was absolutely dealing tonight. Unfortunately, once the Mets got around him, their bullpen was just as solid. The Cubs look good, let me tell you.

Numbers - Four: Number of double plays grounded into...Two: Errors...One: Reyes, Castillo, Delgado, Church, Chavez...2 for his last 28: Carlos Delgado...30: Pitches needed by Heilman...

Game Ball: Maine.

Game Recap: Mets 5 -- Nationals 2

The New York Mets used the long ball to get ahead, and stay ahead for good, Wednesday night, beating the Washington Nationals by a score of 5-2.

John Maine made the start for the Mets, his third of the season, going 6 2-3, allowing five hits and two earned runs. Maine was a little wild, walking four, but also striking out four. Maine walked Christian Guzman to lead off the game and allowed a single to Ronnie Belliard before a sac-fly from Ryan Zimmerman, brought in the first run of the game. He then loaded the bases with a walk before getting two straight fly balls to end the threat.

In the fourth, Maine allowed a solo home run to Austin Kearns to deep left field. In the seventh, with two outs, Maine walked Guzman and Belliard, and was removed from the game in favor of Joe Smith.

Maine hasn't carried his hot spring training over to the season, but he had a pretty good outing tonight. Still a little wild and a little inconsistent, but there was definetly improvement tonight. Maine seems to be coming back to form, which is excellent news. Good stuff, Maine.

Smith struck out Zimmerman with two men on to end the seventh. Smith came out for the eighth, striking out Nick Johnson to start the inning before hitting Lastings Milledge on the forearm. Smith then induced a double play off the bat of Kearns to end the inning. Smith went 1 1-3 hitless, striking out two.

Smith has been absolutely stellar so far this season. He came on strong at the end of spring training and has been even better during the regular season. The question is: What happens to Smith when Matt Wise comes back?

Billy Wagner came into the game in the ninth inning to try and earn the save and close out the game. Wagner set the Nats down 1-2-3, striking out Aaron Boone to end the game. Wagner is yet to allow a hit so far this season.

Hey Wagner, why don't you take off your coat and stay awhile. It was nice to see you again. Keep on truckin'.

The Mets knocked around Matt Chico for seven hits and five runs in only five innings of work.

After going down 1-0 in the top of the first, the Mets answered back as Ryan Church crushed a solo home run to deep right field, over the Azek sign in the Mets bullpen. Remember: Chico is a lefty. Two home runs for Church, both off of lefties. Church went 2-4, scored twice and drove in one run.

Church is proving he's an everyday player. I absolutely love this guy and have been singing his praises since the day we traded for him. Side note: Lastings Milledge went 1-3 tonight and missed a diving play in center field. Tough play, but he got leather on the ball and couldn't complete it.

The Mets were held scoreless until the fifth inning, when Jose Reyes led off with a solo home run to deep left field. Reyes went 2-4 tonight, driving himself in, and therefore, scoring once. The team kept at it, as Church and David Wright singled to follow Reyes. Carlos Beltran came to bat and crushed a three run home run to deep left field. This was Beltran's first home run of the season, and his third straight game driving in a run.

Reyes, Wright and Beltran all seem to be hitting their stride's right now. Can you imagine the whole team getting hot right now? It'd be perfect and set the tone for the rest of the season after a bit of a rocky start.

Numbers to note - Luis Castillo: 3-4, three singles...Carlos Delgado and Angel Pagan: 2 K's each...One double play turned...Seven left on base...

Game Ball: Maine and Beltran.

Beardless watch: 5-2.

John Maine's final line

John Maine: 6.2 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K.

Maine gave up a sac fly in the first and a solo home run in the fourth, but looked pretty good tonight. Still had his early struggles, but got key outs when needed. Good stuff.

Photo of the Day: Maine

John Maine made his first start of the season, only lasting four innings while giving up four runs on eight hits.
Maine lacked control and looked very flustered on the mound, something I think hinders him as a pitcher, but I think he'll bounce back nicely the season.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Photo of the Day: Maine

John Maine had one of his best starts, allowing only 1 hit over 6 innings.
The best 4th starter in baseball, ladies and gentlemen.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Maine's final line

John Maine: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO.

That's what I like to see.

Mets renew Maine's contract

Adam Rubin is the first to report that the Mets have renewed their contact with John Maine, during Maine's outing against the Marlins.

From Rubin:

The organization has renewed Maine’s contract. Typically players too young for salary arbitration just sign their contracts since they have no control over the salary, but Maine did not sign his contract, as Aaron Heilman and David Wright have also declined to do so in recent years. Maine indicated there isn’t any hostility toward the organization. He’ll be eligible for arbitration for the first time next winter. The Mets have a scale for players with fewer than three years’ experience, with no one ever making more than $450,000-$460,000.

Good stuff. Maine went 3 innings, allowing 4 hits and one run on a solo home run. Maine walked none while striking out 3.

Photo of the Day: Maine

John Maine gave up 3 runs in only 1 and 2/3 of an inning in his first spring training start.
Talk about not starting off on the right foot. (See, it's his left foot. Get it?)

ohhh baby!

Whooooooo!
Game 1 Mets 6 -- Dodgers 5

What a game from Carlos Delgado!!
4-5, with that HUUGE bomb!! wow...that was Piazza-esque...

John Maine...again, you da man!! see you Game 4??

Valentin...bad desicion...but i cant fault you. youve been too good for me to be mad at you...

Wagner...you scared me...as usual you pulled it out...phew.

All around..good game...just what i imagined from the Mets.
Great pitching changes from Willie...
it couldve been 6-1...but hey...a win is a win...

Great recap on Mets Blog

John Maine...TONIGHT!

John Maine will be the starting pitcher in Game 1 of the NLDS...

...godspeed young man! were all counting on you...
(hey maine, go do your crossword puzzle! )