Time to send a message

I could post today about Maine and "'Stache". Both did quite well yesterday. Maine followed up his complete game shutout of the Astros on Friday with 7 shutout innings against the Cubs yesterday, including striking out the side in the 7th. He matched an extremely on Mark Prior pitch for pitch, as Prior no-hit the Mets. Maine's work sent a message to Mike Pelfrey that he is ready to settle into the #5 spot in the rotation if Pelfrey is not ready.

'Stache (aka Jose Valentin) had the first Met hit of the day yesterday, a gift of a dropped pop-up. But he saved his heroics for the 10th. Following an intentional walk to David Wright to load the bases (which make little sense, considering how 'Stache has 2 GS in the past couple of weeks), Glendon Rusch thanked the Mets for giving him his start in the majors by allowing 'Stache to hit the game winning single. Valentin has been a revelation. The guy was booed (my myself included) earlier this season, based on his abysmal showing as a pinch hitter. It looked like $925,000 was thrown out the window. There was even a blog in his "honor". No boos now for Jose. He has taken over 2nd base, quite well I might add, considering he had never played there full time coming into the season. All of us who bashed Omar for this signing are now saying mea culpa.

No, today's post is about sending a message to the Braves. I opined on this yesterday, but felt it worth reviewing again. The Mets are heading into Atlanta with at least an 11 game lead, depending on the result of today's Braves/Marlins game. The Braves are hot, and making noise about how they are still the team to beat. In a way, they are right. For some reason, the Mets have not been good against the Braves the past several seasons. There has been a little improvement, but as noted here yesterday, Turner Field is a Field of Nightmares for the Mets. This weekend is a good time to tell the Braves "you know what, you had your time in the sun, it's our turn."

The series opens with Pedro Martinez making his return from the DL. Anyone who does not think Pedro is hyped for this game is nuts. This is a man who has an enormous amount of pride, and he doubtlessly wants to make up for his last start, the debacle in Boston. In addition, Pedro knows he is "The Man", and the Mets need him to set the tone for the other games this weekend. Now, a couple of the Braves have been mouthing off as of late, Andruw Jones primarily. The hope here is that Pedro reminds Mr. Jones that he owns the inside of the plate, and backs him the hell up. Mind you, I am not calling for a beaning, I would never condone that, even in retaliation. I am calling for a simple inside 92 mph fastball, about elbow high. Back him up a bit and make him think.

Saturday sees another pitcher who has something to prove in El Duque. He pitched well his last time out after an awful first inning. But he knows that in order to hold off Maine or Pelfrey, he has to be consistently good, no more ups and downs. The crafty vet should do well against some of the free-swingers in the lineup.

Sunday sees Tom Glavine face his old team. After some really awful starts against the Braves his first couple of season in Orange & Blue, Tom has improved the past few outings against them. Again, he is in a similar position as Pedro, having been slumping of late. He knows this team needs him to turn it around to where he was from the break last year to May of this year. Also, he is still perturbed about the comments made by Schuerholz in his book, adding a bit more fuel to the FU fire.

This is a big series, even for July. A Braves win, or sweep, and they are right back in it. The calls for a trade will grow deafening. A Mets victory, and they keep Atlanta 12 back at least. Do not give the Braves a hint of first place. Send the message. Keep the foot on the throat, and push down harder. Give it 110%. It's your time now.

OK, I'm out of cliches, except for - Let's Get it On!