CLINCH NOT A CINCH

Pirates 3, Mets 0 (NYM: 90-58, PIT: 63-87)


Well, I didn't expect that. But I'm putting this weekend's sweep by the Pirates in the category of "Better now than in October". Here's the deal - the Mets are pressing. Similar to getting their butts kicked by the Red Sox in June - it was their first big series. Now they have that under their belt, and now they have the pressure of trying to clinch something, but failing, under their belt. The luxury of their huge lead is that they can afford to learn while doing these things.

The good news: the Mets can now clinch the division title at home, in front of their home fans...and I can watch the game. Part of the problem with Sunday was I didn't even get the Mets game. So I'm kind of happy they lost, and the Phillies won. I want to see them win the division. (Hopefully I'll get the game on SNY, too, just so I don't have to watch the awful Marlins broadcasters ruin what should be a very happy moment for me.)

One piece of mail to respond to:

"Dear Johnnymets,

I came across this nugget in the notes section of an AP story I read after the Mets loss Friday night:

"The Mets are 11-10 in games started by Martinez."

Wow. All this time I've been thinking that he was the key to the post-season. Turns out they'd be just as successful starting Trachsel in game one of the 2006 World Series. Thoughts?

Dave in Brighton"

Don't even joke about this. Everyone should remember the Mets struggled scoring runs for Pedro* during May, when Pedro* was pitching lights out and kept finishing with no decisions (and in most of those games the Mets went on to lose). That stat could easily be 15-6. Which is nearly Trachsel's record, because the Mets actually scored for him all year.

Finally, Saturday had the potential to be a great night - not only did the Mets have the chance to clinch, but The Wife and I were able to figure out how to secure the mobile to the crib in the nursery, as we await the arrival of The Baby. Here's a look:



And a closer look.....



Yes, the Mets mobile. It plays "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"...the only thing that would make it better would be if it played "Meet the Mets".

Hopefully I'll have a celebratory posting Monday night.