Misery Loves Company: Two Guys Watch Baseball

Games 15 & 16 - Mets
Tax-Deductible, Charitable Contributions

Expos 2, Mets 1
Mets 3, Expos 2
Record: 7-9

That high-powered Montreal Expo offense mustered a whopping total of seven runs in four games agains the Mets in this series. Yet they split. That's just so weak. Especially when those seven runs were equally distributed -- one or two runs in each game. Montreal is 4-12, with three of those wins coming against the Mets. This Shea homestand against dud teams has really gone awry - the only series they won was the one against the Braves.

10% of the season is done and I have no earthly idea what to think of this team. Are they capable of either a serious run or a serious plummet? I don't know. Is the hitting just in need of a jump-start or will it just remain anemic like last year. I don't know. Mr. Hand, will I pass this class? Gee, Mr. Spicoli, I don't know.

On the bright side, Steve Trachsel has resumed his steady-as-he-goes role from last year, ignoring his season-opening pants-wetting. Last night he worked seven strong and added another hit. (He's batting .300 and getting a serious look from Wilpon to be the next hitting coach.)

Up next: a nine-game road trip to Chicago, L.A., and San Diego that starts in a few minutes in Chi-Town. Jae (Seo-)Seo, who has had trouble at the pitcher-lovin' Shea, will probably get clobbered in the pitcher-eatin' Wrigley. Greg Maddux goes for the Cubbies -- he's been largely unimpressive thus far this year, making the Mets' decision to lay off their pursuit of him this winter seem like a wise call. The Cubs have been putting double digits up like it's Bears season. The Mets have been struggling at the plate. I'm seeing a 10-4 Cubs win today. So, given the way everything's shaken out thus far in '04, bet on 1-0, Mets.