After 12 years, the National League finally won an All Star Game! There were no Mets pitchers in the bullpen, so that's probably why. Thank you, Brian McCann for single-handedly winning home field advantage for the Mets when they get to the World Series.
(And David continued his ASG stride, going 2-for-2 with a stolen base. He was the only one hitting anything when Charlie Manuel took him out.)
So Brian McCann's team might be in first place now, but I really do think, that despite their frequent spurts of suckage, the Mets can make the playoffs. The back end of our rotation has worked out beautifully for us. I knew Niese was MLB-ready last year before he tore his hammy, but R.A. Dickey came out of nowhere! I remember being very sarcastic about the Dickey deal, like why are we wasting the money, but I can always rely on Dickey for a solid outing.
More importantly, David Wright has stepped up to be the team leader that we're all expecting him to be. He's currently tied for the NL-lead in RBI's, and leads the team in batting average and home runs. The David Wright of yesteryear is gone, and so is his Spaceballs-inspired batting helmet.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise thus far into the season has been Mike Pelfrey. At the beginning of the season, I basically expected Mike Pelfrey to pitch better than Oliver Perez. That was it. And the way Ollie pitched, it was easy to top him. Pelf currently stands at a 10-4 record with a 3.58 ERA.
Post All Star break, we are looking at the return of Carlos Beltran, who is apparantly at the 85% mark and can resume playing for the Mets. I'm a little skeptical about his return because it means less playing time for Angel Pagan, but at the same time, I'm glad to see him come back.
I'd also like to take a minute to remember George "The Boss" Steinbrenner. I can't tell you how many times I secretly wished that Big Stein owned the Mets. Baseball lost a great personality and their #1 Yankee.
However, this is how I most remember George Steinbrenner. So, rest in peace Mr. Steinbrenner; may there be a nice eggplant calzone waiting for you in heaven. And go easy on that Billy Martin guy when you see him.
David Wright Strikeout Counter: $9.70
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