The Wizard Followed the Mets to Washington

Bryan had a fantastic post yesterday that was highlighted on Metsblog.com and discussed the idea that there was a wizard hired by the Phillies that put a hex on the Mets.

I believe the wizard has followed us to Washington, which can only mean one thing: the wizard is within our own organization. Also this is no ordinary wizard. This is a seriously powerful other-wordly creature. Think Sauron from the Lord of the Rings movies except with a propensity for bad baseball.

This evil power is in the Mets minds. He's in our gloves. He's in our bats. And sometimes I think he's possessed our manager. Now not even Willie Randolph can be blamed for the game last night, but isn't that the beauty of a powerful mythical force? Do you ever realize what it's actually doing until it's too late?

The fact that Brian Lawrence was the starting pitcher was forgotten when the Mets went up 4-0, but don't tell me that didn't play a major role in the demise of the Mets last night.

What about the fact that 90 pitchers have been used by the Mets in the last two games, both of which were major blowouts? So if the Mets are in a tight game tonight no one can be called on to pitch except for Billy Wagner. Actually, that might be a good thing.

This is one tricky wizard folks. He's evil to the very core. But we must maintain hope.

Right now it's the only thing we have.

A Series of Miracles

I can't make up mind as to which miracle is more amazing. Is it the fact that Mike Pelfrey pitched one hit baseball through 6 innings en route to the Mets win on Saturday? Is it that Tom Glavine actually held the Braves in check at Turner Field while facing off against his buddy John Smoltz? Is it that Billy Wagner came in on Sunday and yet again gave up a run and brought the tying run to the plate only to get out of the inning?

But I think the real miracle is that the Mets were able to overcome their getting swept in Philadelphia and come into Atlanta and sweep the Braves.

I posted the past few days how we as Mets fans need to start believing in this team. For the first time in a long time, I see that this team is starting to believe in themselves. No one had an outstanding series, but each game someone came through when they needed it.

From John Maine on Friday, to Delgado & Pelfrey on Saturday, to David Wright on Sunday, the Mets finally played like a team on a mission.

I feel good about this team. I actually feel better about them after this series than when we had a 7 game lead. A true test of a champion is their ability to win when they need it.

And no team needed to win more this year than the Mets did this weekend.

Let's continue this streak with Pedro tomorrow.

SI Poll: Hardest Throwing Pitchers

Sports Illustrated recently polled 464 Major League Baseball players on who is the hardest throwing pitcher in the game. Billy Wagner was voted second behind Joel Zumaya, RHP of the Detroit Tigers. For the complete list, click here.