The Countdown - 11 to go

Well, that's a way to start a game.

I believe I stated the obvious in the last post, but I'll say it again. As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets. Reyes led off Wednesday's game with a home run, Delgado followed and Beltran smashed two more behind them for a much-needed 9-7 win.

It was 9-7 because the Gnats are acting like roaches and niggas. They just won't die (Thanks to Nas and The Last Poets for that reference).

That and they're facing Ricardo Rincon, Aaron Heilman, Brian Stokes and the rest of the Mets pen. I will always find it funny when everyone says Omar should have got someone at the deadline, like he was the only GM looking for bullpen help.

To prove my point, I'll ask you to conduct a personal quiz. Think quickly about all the teams battling for playoff spots that are lock, stock and set with their pen.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

National League:
Phillies - Lidge has returned to form and that sets up the rest of those guys. Plus it helps that Flash Gordon is done for the year although he's a great 8th inning guy...

Cubs - Although be honest. Can you really trust Kerry Wood, first time trying to close the door in the postseason?

Dodgers - Yeah, but name me three of the guys coming in? What's that? Broxton, Hu Jung Qou or whatever with Siato at the end? OK, but where were those guys when they were losing 10 straight like two weeks ago?

American League
Angles - Did you know KRod hasn't entered a tie game or entered without a lead and he's never worked in the eighth inning? Granted, that's a shout out to the rest of his pen, but he's no Mo Riveria and wouldn't that worry you a touch? I mean, if they're tied in the ninth at home against the Red Sox and someone gets on, wouldn't you want KRod to get you into the bottom of the frame still tied? That would be new for him and if he doesn't come in then, he's never going to get a chance if you're only holding him for save situations...

Twins - Now you certainly can't name three guys in this pen, but Joe Nathan is the real deal despite getting bombed the other day.

Red Sox - Well, I guess. But that's a slight reach just because of Pap in the ninth.

That's it. That's the list and that's six teams when we're talking about 12 total. No one is a lock and everyone is looking for help. It just so happens that the Mets need it more...

One quick note about the win. The biggest run happened in the third inning. Reyes led off the frame by working the count full then walking. He then stole second base and was in scoring position with no one out. Rookie Dan Murphy would hit one off the wall and Reyes would score easily, but a sac bunt would have put him at third and if David Wright remembered he's a professional hitter, he would have brought the run home.

That's the kind of production we need to get a ticket to the October dance.

Quick note on next year - I know about the Delgado contract and the fact of the matter is, he's still gonna cost $4 just to let go, so we're really paying him $8 for the year. I don't think we have to worry about MVP and that whole point thing that would trigger the $16 mill for next year and think about it, for him to do that would mean we just won the World Series. I think I speak for Mets fans everywhere that wouldn't mind seeing his old ass again at that price if it meant a championship.

I think the days of the old geezer free agent contract is over, not just for the Mets but around baseball. Hence the emphasis on the draft and signing foriegn players. Let's take first base for example - Texeria will be paid, the Rangers will pick up Hank Blalock's contract and the rest aren't great.

Manny, CC and Tex will get paid. The rest of the list is loaded with over-30 guys and few have their best years ahead of them although if the Angels don't pick up John Lackey's 9 million option, I would love to see him in Citi. Likely more like Randy Wolf if the price tag for Oli gets too high. A feeler at Brandon Lyon and sign Juan Cruz for the pen and give the youngsters a chance. I think the Mets will be like many other teams and remember Carlos Silva and not overpay for underperforming talent...

Next Up:
Johan Santana will face Tim Redding, a crafty 30-year old who is beatable but who isn't for the Gnats. the 137 million dollar man is 13-7 with a 2.70 ERA. I've said this before and I'll say it again - if the bullpen saves half the games he's left in thier hands with a lead they would be taking about another Cy Young for him...