The end of the world!

Your New York Mets are now three games over .500, and mlb.com has them in the top 15 for power rankings! It helps that Jason Bay is starting to hit (.246 but steadily climbing upwards). But the pitching there has been pretty interesting. It seems Capuano is going out and giving them a chance to win each game. And Dillon Gee carried them to this place; let's just hope he finds some more magic and goes on another 8-0 streak. Can't wait for Jose to come back. The Mets as a team are batting .264, fifth best in the game. That's right, 5th best, better than the Yanks even. However, bringing runners home has been there one downfall, though we have seen some more RBIs as of late.

You do have to wonder how long they are going to keep K-Rod around. He's up to 22 saves before the All-star break. Combined with the few blown saves he's had, it looks like a lock that his multi-million dollar option will vest. I'm sure the Mets would love to get some nice prospects in return. However, they'd be entirely foolish to send him to an NL East Rival like the Phillies. That's another thing, What's up with the East divisions being so ridiculously strong?

mlb.com's ranking look like this:
1) Phillies (NL East)
2) Yankees (AL East)
3) Red Sox (AL East)
4) Braves (NL East)
5) Rays (AL East)
then finally someone outside of the East
6) San Francisco. . .
. . .
14) Pirates (45-42)
15) Mets (45-42)

You might not have noticed, but yes, the Pirates are ranked higher than the Mets. That's because they have a 45-42 record also. Incredible stuff Kevin Correia and Andrew McCutchen are doing over there. And while the Mets are buried behind the Phillies (9 games back), the Pirates could go on a roll after the All-Star break and take the lead away from the Cards (1.5 games back) especially with Pujols out. What a crazy wonderful game baseball is!

Let's go Mets.

Yankees - Mets Preview

Subway Series (Part 2)

Tonight's matchup pits Ivan Nova (7-4, 4.26) against Jonathan Niese (7-6, 3.76) in what's looking to be a great weekend for New Yorkers. Both young pitchers have had their ups and downs and shining moments. Niese went 5 2/3 at Texas to pick up the win. Allowing 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. Not too bad, except both those hits were home runs. One thing the Yanks can do is hit home runs. Nova had a no decision in his last outing against the Rockies going 6 innings with 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. Like Neise, he gave up the long ball, 3 (2 to Wiggington). Fortunately, the Met's aren't known for their power. And Wiggington no longer plays for them. The way Nova is a contact pitcher and the spacious outfield of Citi Field seems to give him the advantage. Though Niese has much better numbers against lefties, you have to remember the Yanks lineup has three switch hitters not to mention the rested Granderson mashes lefties for home runs. Speaking of rest, A-Rod received the day off, which should help alleviate some of the tension in his joints (knee).

I'd be a fool not to say that I was just a bit scared of what Jose Reyes can do against the Yanks on the base paths. He's like lightning. And let's face it, he is not only the best shortstop in New York but also in the league. If he were hitting more home runs (3) instead of triples (15), there'd be legitimate talks of him being the MVP over people like Braun, Kemp, and Pujols. Still an incredible athlete, look for him to swipe every base he can until Martin throws him out (not likely).


I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Brett Gardner in the outfield. He, of the best zone rating for left fielders, will be flashing some leather running around out there. And with the speedy Mets trying to come home on fly balls, look for a few assists from the little man out there.

Here's to a wonderful holiday weekend, a great series, and great times!!