Magnificent!

Jon Niese just completed pitching a one hit shutout gem. What can I say? If it's not Mike Pelfry dazzling the opposition with power, its Niese keeping everyone off balance.Command, Control, A COLOSSAL PERFORMANCE!!

ON TO BALTIMORE !

DEFINING MOMENTS

With every championship team there is a game, series, or moment that becomes a statement. A declaration that says they are as good or better than any of the competition.

In the early part of the 1969 season it was evident that The Mets were a much improved team.Tom Seaver was coming into his own, and was widely regarded as a great pitcher. Jerry Koosman was coming off a 19 win rookie season, and the rest of the staff was composed of capable veterans and young studs. the hitting was not great (let"s face it; Agee led the team with a paltry 26); but it was situational and timely. There was little question the team would improve on their 1968 showing.

But it was the July series against the first place Chicago Cubs (highlighted by Seaver"s near perfect game) that made the rest of league take notice. More importantly it was the moment that the team began to believe in themselves. Championship team exude confidence and swagger.

The 2010 Mets need to find that moment. But in order to do that they have to be able to recognize it, grab it, and run with it. I believe that moment must come on the road. We know they can win at home. They know they can win at home. What nobody is sure of is their ability to play on the road.

The Mets hit the road this weekend. I believe we will find out alot about this team"s character and resolve. I think they are capable of winning big this year. This weekend we will find out how much THEY believe it.

What Was He Thinking?

I post this as the Padres tie the score in the 9 th inning. Regardless of the final outcome; why can't Jerry let Santana win or lose his own game? I dont get it. And it just confirms my conviction that Manuel over manages, and allows his ego to get in the way of what is farely basic and effective baseball decision making. This is not Quantum Physics or a philosophical discourse. And Jerry's no Socrates or Albert Einstein although he may think he is.

I would say this to Jerry: demonstrate that you have a feel for the game as a game. Don't overthink it. it's not about you! And sad to say Jerry; but as much as we love it; baseball is not going to save the world. The only thing green about  the game is the grass. That's why I contribute money to worthy causes like the Sierra Club, and my two cents to forums like this.

What's your two cents worth Jerry?


Camille Uliano