Unparalleled Anxiety

So I'm headed to the game today and I am as nervous as I have ever been as a fan. The butterflies are already floating around but I am fired up. This is what we live for. 

I can remember being at that game in '99 against the Pirates, when we were in the exact same situation today. The place was jacked up, anticipating our first playoff appearance in 11 seasons. Sure enough, we won 1-0 on a wild pitch, and we beat the Reds the next night in a one game playoff. 

But today, my anxiety is at an all time high simply because of all the pressure this team is under. Plus, this has been the most grueling season I have ever experienced. The ups and down, big wins and brutal losses, the injuries, down by 7 1/2 games, up by 3 1/2 in September, it's been one heck of a ride and it all comes down to today (and maybe tomorrow but first things first). All I know is that Shea will be rocking today and my wife and I will be right there with all of those crazed Lifers. 

Say your prayers, cross your fingers and May the Force be With Us! 

Braves Designate Julio Franco for Assignment

Bad news: For the second time in a month, Julio Franco has been designated for assignment. Having to make room for their most recent acquisitions, the Braves let go of their elder one. Unfortunately, we will not see him at Shea next week to honor him. For an 'ode to Franco see Dave's farewell post from last month.

Two Scary Moments in One Play

It was a scary moment yesterday when Jorge Sosa went down with a strained hamstring running to first base in the 6^th inning. But even scarier for Mets fans was the sight of Scott Schoeneweis coming out the pen to protect a 5-3 lead in a ballpark that can see games change in the blink of a…300 ft pop up. I really thought he was going to blow it again, but to his credit he came out of it unscathed. I’m not sure what was more surprising; that he delivered a scoreless inning or that he hasn’t allowed a run all season on the road. I couldn’t believe that stat when they showed it on FOX. Immediately, I thought of his trade value. Maybe Omar really can get rid of him since he doesn’t let up runs outside of Shea.

Mets Back on Track?

I feel good this moring. Last night, obviously, was a huge win. We snapped our losing streak, we took the first game of the series against the hated Yanks, and we picked up a game on the surging Phillies. (Braves won, however). And while the offense continued to struggle, there was something about that game that leads me to beleive the Mets are going to get out of this funk.

No coincidence that Reyes jump started the team last night. Going 3 for 3, with 3 SBs and a moon -shot off the facade of the upper deck, Jose's complete offesnive package was on display. I expect him to start dominating again. Oliver Perez continues to have a fine season, having beaten the Yanks for a second time this year. Perez is coming up big this season: 5 of his seven wins are against the Yanks and the Braves.

I believe the Mets will play loose today, and that tightness and sloppy play will be exorcised. There's something about it, a feeling I have, that tells me they will carry this little momentum into another good run. Get one of the next two games, win the series, and get back to Shea where we will begin taking our rightful place as the National League's best team.