Let's Get It On!

Tomorrow, our Metsies (I taught my 18 month old to say that, Casey would be proud) kick off the second half of the season. Good news and some concerns. The good news is that of the remaining 73 games, there are a total of 19 against teams with winning records. Six of those are against Colorado, which is 44-43 at this point.

Other good news:
David Wright appears to have gotten past his little mid-point slump. He had one last year, and went on to have a nice second half. After his showing this week in Pittsburgh, those who have been lining in caves or on Mars are now aware of him. I missed last night's appearance on Letterman, due to a virus that has now run through the house, yesterday was quite awful thanks to the bug.
Pedro has had a couple of weeks to rest, which cannot be overstated. He will be needed in September, October, and dare I say November, so using this time to rest his hip was perfect. Should he need another week, do it, the lead is there to handle it.
Carlos Beltran has continued to rebound from an awful first season in NY. I don't know if it is the addition of Delgado, being more comfortable in NY, or his mole, but he has been an important piece of the team so far this season. No more boos for Beltran.
Jose Reyes has improved all facets of his game. He does get thrown out attempting to steal a bit too much for my taste, but he is walking more, he is hitting 300, and the OBS is much improved. Those who called for his removal from the leadoff spot are eating crow.

The Worries:
The 12 game lead. It could lead to complacency among the team. I personally feel that Willie will not allow this too happen, but he must remain vigilant.
The pen has had some leaks. Aaron Heilman has regressed from last year. I don't know if his head is off due to being passed over for a starting spot, or if teams have just figured out his pitches, but he needs to improve in the second half. Billy Wagner has not been lights out, though some of this may be lack of consistent work. When the team is winning big, the closer is not going to get many opportunities. While there were issues with his being brought into games with big leads, he needs work to maintain his mechanics. Bullpen sessions only do so much, a pitcher needs to face live hitters to stay in a groove.
The rotation needs to go deeper into games more often. The pen is overworked, which may explain some of Heilman's issues, and the lull that "Filthy" Sanchez had. Of course, with the age of Glavine and El Duque, the injuries to Pedro, and the usual from Steve Trachsel (funny, spell check here brings up "tragically" as an alternative), it will be hard to improve this area.
Cliff Floyd needs to find the fountain of youth, or at least his luck. Cliff is an important part of this team. A healthy and hitting Cliff is going to make the lineup even better. He is much more of a concern than "'Stache" Valentin.

Of course, we are entering silly season (the trade deadline). Many are calling for Omar to make a trade, whether for another starter (which I would love) or a second baseman (a possible need). The question is, what do you give up. The farm system is not deep at this point. Does he take a chance and trade a Milledge, or a Pelfrey (as a PTBNL) for a top of the line starter? There are not many other chips. Some have called for Floyd to be dealt, but what would the return be for a guy having a poor season in the last year of his deal. He is not going to get you a #3 starter, even in a package. Then you have the issue of who replaces him in left. Heilman could be bait, and actually may be attractive, since teams may feel he is better suited for the rotation.

I see Omar perhaps making a small deal, giving up some low level prospects for a #4 starter, who could be a #3 on this team. I do not see him being able to get D-Train, he does not have the goods to beat out Arizona or the Brooklyn Dodgers of Los Angeles (yes, I know I stole that line). It is not going to happen Met fans (same goes for you Yankee fans). Zito is more than likely not coming. I do not want Livan Hernandez, who has a bad knee. Gil Meche is intriguing.

I look forward to the second half. Let's Get It On!