Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A Test of Character

You want to see what the Mets are made of? So do I, and we'll get our chance this week when the Braves come to town.

I really think this is going to be a defining series for the Mets. The Braves are coming in as a team that's well under .500, has basically given up on this season, and has injuries galore. But they are the Braves and all the Mets have to see is that tomahawk on the jersey and they get all weak in the knees.

The Mets should, I repeat, should beat the Braves handedly this week. In fact they should sweep them. For the first time in what feels like a decade the Mets are not facing Tim Hudson nor John Smoltz in a series against the Braves. Instead it's Jo-Jo Reyes, Jair Jurrjens, and, wait for it, Mike Hampton. Yes, he still pitches once every 32 months. Not the formidable staff we're used to from the Braves.

But these are the New York Mets. Bullpen woes, a lack of timely hitting and a long painful history with the Braves makes this series up for grabs. If the Mets can sweep the series with the Braves, I think it will show that this team is serious about a run for the pennant. If they win 2 out of 3 it will be an acceptable outcome, but losing 2 of 3 will do wonders for the Mets psyche.

When your archenemy is down, you finish them off. Let's see if the Mets have the character to beat this Braves team as they should.

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