Is the Finger Poised...

Over the panic button? For me, not quite, but it is getting close.

I know, I know, they are playing out the string. But seriously, the past 12 games, have been UGLY. We are talking about a team that ran roughshod over the NL for the better part of the season suddenly not being able to hit. Lets look at the numbers, shall we?

3 losses to the Pirates
2 - 2 against the Marlins
1 - 3 against the Nats
Last night, a 12-0 thrashing at Turner Field.
The ERA over the past 12 games is 4.73. The batting average is .244.
For the season, the ERA is 4.15 and the batting average is .264.

Now, as Metstradamus pointed out today, most of the pitching damage (I mean you Oliver Perez) has been done by guys who will not be on the post-season roster. However, there are questions about 2 of the 4 starters as we get set for the NLDS. Pedro, we know all about his issues. Then there is Trax, who after pitching a gem in the clincher, has had 2 bad outings.

Think about this for a second. Game 1, if Pedro is pushed back, could be started by El Duque. Game 2 would then be Glavine, with Pedro pitching Game 3 and Trax game 4 (if necessary). Now, I like Trax a bit, but I really won't be all that comfortable with him being on the mound if they are down 2-1 going into game 4. If that is the case, he better bring his A+ game, or a lot of fans are going to be looking to drive him to the airport. Game 5 would be El Duque again. On the other hand, the pen will be stacked enough where they should be able to survive any pitching blips in the first round.

My main concern is the lineup. The bats have been quiet. The Carlos' have been slumping, Wright has his moments, but they are a bit less frequent of late, Green has been slumping, and Floyd, well, Uncle Cliffy has had a hard time of it this year. I don't care how well the pitchers do, if the bats stay silent, this thing could be over quick. Leaving 8 guys on base last night against Smoltz is not a way to prepare yourself for facing good starting pitching in the playoffs. Now, a couple of weeks ago, it looked like they would face either The Brooklyn Dodgers of Los Angeles, or the San Diego Padres. Now, though, St. Louis is slumping, so they could be the first round opponent, or, should they continue to falter, Houston could be the opponent (if Philly wins the WC). Houston has a rotation that is scary good. Oswalt has been on fire, Pettitte has pitched well, and Clemens, well, you never know if he is going to throw a ball or some other object at someone. The only saving grace is that Houston has hit as well all season as the Mets have the past 12 games, in other words, poorly.

The time for rest is over. The A Lineup needs to play it out. Everyone has had the rest they will need. Now, they need to get the bats going. Call Jobu, sacrifice a chicken, sleep with your bats, I don't care. This team needs to start hitting. Tonight would be a good place to start.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for Pedro's health tonight.

Wally Matthews Update

To show that I can give credit when due, Wally wrote a nice piece yesterday on Jose Reyes being the MVP for the team. It is amazing how one day he can do a hatchet job, and then turn around and write a well thought out piece.

Still, while I can give credit, I hold a grudge. Wally has a lot of work to do to get back in my good graces. While he is not in Larry Brooks territory with me, he is on the lower rung.

Fun with links

Ah, I see the more things change, the more they stay the same. Hope you are enjoying him Falcons fans.

Wah, wah, wah. You leave 10 guys on base, you can't bitch about a bad call.

Better. Now do it in the regular season OK?