May 31, 2004 - The Mets are 23-26, 1 GB Atlanta, 4.5 GB Philadelphia, 6.5 GB Florida

It sure feels like the Mets got their butts kicked by Florida this weekend. The Marlins took three straight from the Mets in Florida, leaving them six and a half games out of first place, and dropping them to fourth in the division. The Mets probably want a do-over after their last four games. Well, guess what? Beginning today, that's just what they get. The Mets still have seven games against Philadelphia and Florida, and they can end up back where they were on Wednesday, or better. (Of course, they could also be worse, but let's not think about that.)

The weekend featured some great pitching the first two nights, and some bad defense Sunday. I didn't see any of Sunday's game, but I listened to most of it. Apparently Kaz Matsui got charged with a tough error, and Shane Spencer dropped a fly ball. So the Mets owe Steve Trachsel, who ended up with a no-decision, but probably deserved better. The Mets also owe another one to Tom Glavine, who got the loss on Friday night despite pitching another awesome game. And Jae Seo pitched very well Saturday night - he's been very good since his call-up...and the Mets have needed that.

I don't want to talk about it, but I need to touch on Ar-friggin'-mando Benitez. It's still just May, so I'm not totally shocked by his dominance so far (he'll have to close out some games in October to prove to me he's a better pitcher), but what Benitez is doing right now is outstanding. I really thought coming into this series that the Mets would get to him - especially with Mike Piazza facing him in a key spot Friday. But Piazza didn't get to him...no one's got to him. Benitez has retired 36 straight batters!! 36 straight! That's 12 straight perfect innings. He's recorded 20 saves in 21 chances. All very frustrating, but impressive nonetheless.

A word on Saturday night's game - a bummer. I think that was the first extra-innings loss on the season for the Mets. (I didn't actually see Mike Lowell's game-winning homer - with one out in the tenth we started watching the wedding video. It might be bad luck. Bad omen.) It's the first time I was nervous watching Braden Looper pitch. It's weird - I love watching him in save situations (rare though they may be), but in non-save situations or tie games, I'm not thrilled to see him in the game. The Mets need to get him more save opportunities so he gets his work in when they need him, and he doesn't need to be used in non-save situations.

For reasons why the Mets should not give up hope after the weekend sweep to the Marlins, they need look no further than today's opponent. The Phillies are 0-6 against Florida this year - with all six games coming in the first few weeks of the season. Philadelphia was able to dig themselves out of the hole the Marlins put them in - I'm sure the Mets will be able to do the same.