Mets Merized Online - Get Metsmerized - New York Mets

Look out NL East, because last night’s game was exactly what the Mets needed. After their lackadaisical effort in Florida, which miraculously ended in a sweep, the Mets looked hungry for a win last night- and their perseverance made it happen. The Mets proved that they are going to put the pressure of the other team to play their best. And if they don't, well, they'll end up looking like Benitez did at the end of the game last night, a fool.

Today is only the 2^nd game in a 10-day homestand that the Mets can make an aggressive move to run away with the NL East; and things seem to be moving in a very favorable direction for them. Delgado is heating up, the defense is strong, the aggressiveness on the bases is obvious, and the bullpen is solid. The Mets used six different pitchers to nail down yesterday’s win and all of them were successful.

Yesterday speaks at great volume to those who questioned whether or not the Mets had the same drive this season that they did last. All this off-season the team spoke about how they were determined to go further this year because of the suffering they did after their playoff run was cut short. But talk is cheap, and their playing is what can convince everyone they’re serious.

Now is the time to put their bats and gloves where their mouths are. It is possible for them to sweep the Giants, especially with Glavine pitching tonight and El Duque having a successful start Thursday. If they play to their full potential, the ’07 Mets are going to start looking a lot more like ’06 Mets- and we all know how great that will feel.