Happy Happy Joy Joy

Note to the experts (I'm talking to you Steve Phillips and Mike Golic): The Mets ain't no third place team.

Last night, after sitting through the Cardinals raising of the World Series Champions Banner, and having to watch Keith Hernandez trot onto the field as part of the 1982 Cardinals team (though Keith did wear some conspicuous Blue and Orange at least), the Mets took care of business, smacking around Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals on their way to a 6-1 victory in the opener.

There were many positives to take away. First, Glavine, who looked like he had taken no time off this winter. The first five innings were quite nice thank you, and the 6th wasn't all that bad, being able to get Molina to pop up to end a bases loaded threat. Should Tommy keep this up, he should have win #300 by the end of May.

The defense was fantastic for the most part as well. Moises Alou made a sparkling catch. Beltran made a perfect throw home in the sixth that Lo Duca (not one who excels with throws to the plate) held on to tag that little shit Eckstein, saving a run. Valentin made a fantastic grab in the 8th inning to close the inning and end a bases loaded threat. He also had a part in a couple of other double plays. Wright made a nice play on an in-between hop to start an earlier double play. Defense not only wins championships in football, it helps in baseball as well, right Sparky?

But the best sight was the lineup. The much maligned trio of Lo Duca, Green and Alou came through. Green had hits his first couple of times up. Alou hit the ball well. Lo Duca had 3 RBI's. Delgado took the ball the other way for a run scoring double. Wright had a hit. Reyes got a walk in the first game (though Jose needs to lay off the high heat still). The lineup is going to be the difference maker this year, and there are few, if any other teams in the NL who can match them 1-8. Yes, Philly has Howard, Rollins and Utley. Yes, Atlanta has Larry and Andruw. But few teams can match the Mets up and down the list. That is what helps to separate them from the others. Now, if only Phillips would realize this, he would stop making a fool out of himself on national TV and Radio.

Yes, the pitching staff has some concerns. El Duque's health. Perez' ability to recapture the magic of 2004. Pelfrey is young, and Maine is untested. We've heard it all. The pen has some questions, as there are some untested guys there in Joe Smith (who had a case of the nerves last night, at least, that's what I'm telling myself this morning). But there is enough there in the staff to keep the Mets in good position to allow the bats to make some noise.

A good start to a season that seems to be filled with promise. It is hard to not get too high after seeing them dismantle a top starter last night, and to see the pen bail itself out of trouble. It is only the first game, but it was a complete win. The first of many.

*****
Programming note.
You will notice that there are a couple of new links to the right. First, "Coop's My Summer Family" Coop is a commenter on other Mets site (including here), and has joined us to talk about her beloved Mets. Welcome aboard Coop.

Also notice "Flushing University", a new site that features links to other bloggers, as well as original content from a host of bloggers, some specific to the site, others from other sites. Stop by to read original works by "Metstradamus" and Shari Frost from "Take the 7 Train", as well as other writers.

And starting Wednesday, your very own Ed in Westchester. The people at Flushing University asked me to write for them as well, and I accepted, so, once a week (on Wednesday's) I will provide original content to them. This will have no impact on The BOG. It is just another outlet for me. So, stop by and have a read.