Let It Rain

Games 45 through 51 - Mets

Mets 2, Marlins 1 (11)
Marlins 7, Mets 3
Mets 3, Marlins 2
Pirates 8, Mets 5
Pirates 3, Mets 1
NYM@PIT, PPD, Rain
Record: 28-23

Somehow we're into June already. The All-Star Break is a month away, and teams are starting to make deals. Skippers are getting canned. Things are getting shaken up. Some teams have already punted on 2009, either eliminated realistically (Rockies, A's, D-backs) or mathematically (Nationals). The season has taken shape, but the 2009 New York Mets really haven't.

The Braves are getting aggressive, dumping Tom Glavine and picking up Nate McLouth (last seen making Jerry Manuel look like a moron in Pittsburgh). The Phillies are on their haunches, glad to be getting PED-erast J.C. Romero back after a 50-game but eager to replace injured RHPOS Brett Myers in the rotation. Please, GM's, if you could avoid sending a Peavy/Oswalt/Bedard their way, we'd be much obliged.

Meanwhile, Omar Minaya sits back in his easy chair, strikes his best Norman Dale pose, and quips, "My team's on the field." (On the field in Port St. Lucie, it's presumed.)

This series against the Bucs seems to be where the uncanny spate of injuries finally has taken the Mets down. You can't really blame every bit of their shabby performance on injuries, of course; Castillo, Wright, and Sheffield going 2-for-22 in the series has little to do with the continued parade of pulls, tweaks, tears, tendinitis, sprains, strains, soreness, bruises, barfing, and going down the road feeling bad. It's unrelated unless, of course, you consider the gradual malaise setting in on this team from a new lineup every night, no off-days, and lingering questions riddling the Mets. But you're professionals, fellas, and we're just 50 games in. Buck up. Be better.

Last night the Mets had a much-welcomed rain-out; we'll take it. This is supposed to be the easy part of the schedule, so get out there this afternoon and take one from the mighty Pirates. Omar doesn't seem to be about to make the blockbuster, so deal with the injuries best you can and fight through it. Our team's on the field.