Mets Merized Online - A New York Mets Blog With Attitude!

It's been pretty easy to write about the shortcomings of the Amazin's in recent weeks, but the future isn't as bleak as it seems. Sure, they can't hit. Their bench consists a 49-year-old man who is finally showing his age. Oh, and yeah, Scott Schowenweiss (I'm spelling his name wrong on purpose because he's been so lousy that he's not worth looking up on Google) has stunk up the bullpen. But, there are a lot of positives thus far this season.  Here's seven highlights:

1. Jose on Fire - First and foremost, Jose Reyes has had a monster year so far. His homeruns are down, but his stolen bases are up and that's what a pure lead-off hitter needs to do. He's driving the ball to both sides of the field, he's driving pitchers crazy on the base-paths, and above all, he's having a blast doing it. Unlike most baseball stars, he hasn't let money get to his head. He loves the game, and we love watching him love it. Keep dancing, Jose.

2. The Anti-Piazza - Paul LoDuca = enough said. This guy has proven to be more of a leader in 1 1/2 years on the team than Mike Piazza did in his 7-plus years with the organization. Plus, he's the best contact hitter the Mets have. He's also got a fire to him not seen at Shea since the days of Ray Knight. Suspended for two games? Fine by me. This guy leads by example, and doesn't take crap from anybody.

3. A Stellar Pitching Rotation - Whether it's John Maine, Oliver Perez, or the biggest surprise of all Jorge Sosa, the Mets starting pitching give or take a week or two, has been the most consistent thing about this year's team. They can be counted to go at least six innings, and always keep the team in the game. And let's not count out El Duque and Glavine. El Duque's been pretty solid, while the latter has had more ups then downs lately, let's not forget all of those starts he lost giving up only a run or two. Can't wait for Pedro.

4. The Other Carlos - When he first arrived, I was down on the kid. He had a world of talent, but was a free swinger just like Reyes when he first arrived and I felt he needed more grooming in the minors. But, something happened after the Endy injury. He started taking more pitches, his fielding continued to inspire, and his poise above all else has shone through. Keep the kid in the bigs. He's emerging into one of the biggest success stories the team has had all year.

5. D-Wright is alright  - He couldn't hit me if I  stood next to him in April, but a staggering May and somewhat productive June has put the third baseman back where he belongs: among the elite players in the game. He's also growing into the leader Delgado and Beltran need to be.

6. No Drama - Billy Wagner has been spot on all year. He's blown just one save, and has looked like the Wags of old as opposed to the displaced reliever who messed with sliders all of last year. Billy deserves to be an All Star.

7. The Importance of Valentin - Damion Easley did an amazing job at second base filling in for Jose Valentin, but while he hit a ton, his fielding was lacking when compared to the smoothed mustachioed Met. Now that Jose's back, we can rest easy knowing we have a quality bat in the lineup and a defensive master at second. Since I kept this list to seven, I'll include a special shout out to Shawn Green here as well. Everybody was running this guy out of town in the off season, and look how valuable he's been to the team this year. Sure he's slumped a bit, and is sloppy in right, but he's so exceeded everyone's expectations.
 
Random Thoughts
It's time for Delgado to step up. It was time in April, was in May, and still is as we leave June. He's aged five years this year. Since time is of the essence, the Mets need to pick up a clean-up hitter who can carry the team on its back. Delgado isn't that guy anymore. Neither is Beltran, and Wright belongs in the #5 spot. Last point: there's a rumor going around that Moises Alou is actually a Met - can anyone confirm this? I don't buy it.