Game Preview: Rockies at Mets – Game 3

The Mets have won their 4th straight game for the first time since May 10th. Take a minute to let that soak in. May 10th. Since the 3-1 loss in Washington last week, this team has seen the light. You can just see it on their faces, the way they react to one another, working together as a dare I say, team.

Last night I noticed something that I haven’t really noticed in a while with this Mets team. When Jerry Manuel was hired as manager, pitchers remained on the mound and waited for their replacement to hit the mound. Last night, Pelfrey relied on Pedro Feliciano to get him out of the 7th inning, and he, himself handed the ball to Feliciano before heading to the dugout. I love that stuff!

Tonight, the Mets hand the ball to their ace, Johan Santana while Colorado sends out 26 year old right handed pitcher, Jason Hammel.

Both pitchers have never faced either team, which usually worries me with the Mets. Is it me or do the Mets always seem to make young pitchers who face them for the first time look like Cy Young?

In the last 10 matchups between these two teams the Mets have not only won the last 8, but they’ve outscored the Rockies 44-20. I don’t think MLB’s scheduling committee could have picked a better time to send this Rockies team to Citi Field!

I said it yesterday and tonight could just further the point. I believe the Mets are now buyers in the trade market after last night. Last night was a team win, and I believe it proved that with Reyes back at the top of the lineup, this team is still a playoff contender, if they can just get a little bit more help.

With the Phillies acquiring Cliff Lee today, the Mets front office need to move past the Adam Rubin stuff and focus on finding a way to get this team help right now. A win tonight might force me to jump on the “Fire Omar,” bandwagon if a deal is not made prior to the deadline.

OVER/UNDER RUNS: The Line tonight is 7.5, I’m taking the UNDER

METS POTG: Tonight is Santana’s night to rejuvenate the Citi Field faithful, and remind them we still have the best left in the NL East!

KEEP YOUR EYES ON: Clint Barmes. He was moved down in the lineup to 8th to try and get his bat going (and likely to send him a message.) He owns left handed pitching, and could be a thorn in the side of Santana tonight if Johan struggles like he did in Houston.

I’LL BE DRINKING A: Sam Adams Summer Ale tonight. I may even play the Gary, Keith & Ron drinking game!

Enjoy the Game, and Let’s Go Mets!