Pulse Check

So, we are 6 games into the 20 game stretch. The record 3-3. My hope was that the Mets would go 14-6 during the stretch. Four against the Yanks (2-2), Four against the Cardinals (1-1 so far, 2 left), Four against the Philth, then 3 against the Giants and Rockies.

Very little in the way of wiggle room in order to hit the goal. They can only lose 1 game against the Philth, and one each against the Giants and Rockies. That of course assumes they win the next two against the Cards.

Speaking of the Cardinals, tonight, Pedro goes for the Mets, while the Cards send Joel Pineiro to the hill. Ugh. Pineiro is the type of guy who gives the Mets bats fits. See last year. Tomorrow, Pelfrey vs. Boggs, a rookie who the Mets have never faced. Of course.

Against the Phillies, the Mets will toss Santana, Maine, Ollie and Pedro. The Philly rotation is not yet set, as Hamels may pitch Thursday. Not sure what they are thinking, but we shall see.

Last night, Tony Armas jr. went 6, allowing 4 runs. By no means is he a "savior". He is what he is, a fill in guy. The double header last Friday caused the need, otherwise the Mets would have had to throw guys on short rest. He did what they mets needed, keeping them in the game. Luckily, the offense had one of its periodic games that makes you wonder WTF happens all the other games.

Seven runs, 14 hits. Endy had 2 hits, DW had 3, including a long home run. Church continued to rake, and even Delgado had 3 hits (2 doubles), while Castro (starting in place of Schneider) had 2 with 3 RBI's.

After Armas, Heilman, Pedro Dos (1 pitch, one batter retired), Dirty and Wags finished it up. Nice all around effort, both on the mound and at the plate.

Consistency is needed from the bats. They cannot afford to be up and down. It's nice to score runs in bunches, but not if the next game is flat. Hopefully, the return of Church (especially to the #5 spot) will help.

This weekend is HUGE. If the Mets can be 3 out going in, and can take 3, the lead will shrink. They can also possibly get into the Phillies heads. The Mets are 4-2 so far against the Phils. They need to improve on that and make some noise.


Injury Report

Moises Alou had 3 hits while playing left for St. Lucie last night. One hit was a home run. Jerry thinks he may be ready to come back this weekend. IF he does, and IF he is able to stay healthy, the lineup will be scary. Big If's right there of course. Remember though, Moises just flat out rakes. He is one of those pure hitters who can roll out of bed and go 2-5. His return will be a tremendous help.

El Duque is apparently throwing off a mound, has adjusted his delivery to alleviate stress on his foot, and could make a rehab start next week. Sure, when have we heard that before. Frankly, who does he replace, even if he is healthy? Pelfrey, who has improved? Ollie? Well, maybe Ollie, if Sunday was an aberration. I'm not holding my breath on either Duque or Moises. Though I think Moises is the better bet to come back. How long he will last is another question.