Mets Trying to Finish Sweep

It's amazing how one weekend can change your perception. I was very close to giving up on the Mets, but they're in the process of finishing a sweep of the Cubs as we speak. It's a special treat because I no longer live in the New York area and I'm getting a chance to watch my team.

Friday we saw the return of Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs lineup. Fortunately for the Mets, he went 0 for 4. Tom Glavine threw eight solid innings, but it was the bats that brought this win home. Jose Reyes set the stage by going three for five with two runs and two stolen bases. Carlos Beltran had three hits and both Mike Cameron and Cliff Floyd drove in two runs.

Yesterday, it was pitching. Jae Seo was pretty stellar. He gave up only four hits through 7 1/3 and he combined with three other relievers to notch the shutout. David Wright and Carlos Beltran drove in the only two runs of the game.

This evening, the Mets have a solid 5-0 lead through six innings. They chased Carlos Zambrano out after only three innings (80 pitches) of work and the other Zambrano is throwing a gem. Victor has a three hitter going. David Wright has three RBIs.

Assuming the Mets hang on, they'll be three games above .500 and 6 1/2 games back of the Braves. They'll still be in last place, but things are very tight with regard to the Wild Card. The Astros are still playing well, but they're not red hot like they were in July. The win tonight will put them three games back with four teams ahead of them. Three of those four teams are NL East teams.

And to make matters even worse, the Mets would be a game ahead of the division leading San Diego Padres if they played in the NL West.