Awakenings

Like the dead rising from the grave, or perhaps like a mush-brained Robert DeNiro arising from a coma with the help of an extremely furry Robin Williams, a number of Mets awoke from their slumbers last night. A loss? Sure, but lots of things to like.

I like Pelfrey bearing down and giving 5 really solid innings after yet another brutal 1st.

I like the floodgates potentially opening on D. Wright's season with a 3-for-4 night, including his first jack, of the opposite-field variety, no less.

I like Delgado notching two hits of his own, and an RBI.

I like another lights-out performance by Joe Smith, he of the "0.00" ERA.

I like the quietly-slumping LoDuca getting 2 hits.

And I LOVE Willie's new batting order, which is not too far off from the one I requested yesterday. I want him to go with this one for the foreseeable future. It certainly seemed to jar Wright loose.

Now, what's to hate? Can't get too down on Reyes for a tough night at the plate. Can't get too upset at two runners being thrown out at home, since I like the aggressiveness. Can't get too made at Pelf for the loss (see above).

So what's left?

Oh right. Aaron Heilman.

I've been saying it for the past 12 months. I can't stand the guy. Sure, he had a hot streak last September. But keep in mind that the Mets had that division well in hand at that point, so those were really meaningless games. As Tony Soprano would say, "has he ever really been put to the test?" Actually, yes. Ask Yadier Molina. I just can't stand his body language, his whining about not starting and not getting a parking space, his whole demeanor. They should've sold high and shipped him off over the offseason, Duaner be damned. I've had it. So what should be done about him? Don't ask me, I just want to complain.

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I was in attendance last night, and I have concluded that (i) I suck at going to games this year (we're 0-3), and (ii) Mike Pelfrey is tall. But I also decided to do something I hadn't done in at least 10 years: Keep score. I'm sure some of you do this on a regular basis, but it had been a long time, and I wanted to give it a shot, and I perservered, even when the raindrops started falling in the 9th. Luckily I was at the game with my dad, the one who taught me how to keep score lo those many years ago, back when Kelvin Chapman was patrolling second base. Anyway, here's a picture of how the old scorecard looked with the Mets hitting in the 8th. Click to enlarge, and let me know what you think.

I know everyone keeps score differently, but dammit, this is my way and I'm sticking to it. What say you?

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p.s. Today is the Flitgirl's 27th birthday. Wish her well.