Back in Business

It’s time to up that dosage of kool-aid, Mets fans, as the team is surging like it’s 2006 again. Just a week ago everyone except this blog’s writers and loyal readers was ready to write off the Mets. Now the team has won six of seven games, including a sweep of their tomahawk chopping rivals from Atlanta, and the blue and orange is back in style.

During the past week the entire team has been impressive, but there are a few aspects of the Mets that can be credited for igniting the resurgence. For one, Mike Pelfrey continued to stake his claim as not only the Mets legitimate number two starter, but also as one of the best pitchers in baseball. His complete game shutout last night confirmed that the Mets have one of the best one-two punches in the league in Santana and Pelfrey. With that duo anchoring the staff, the Mets will never suffer a prolonged losing streak.

Then there is Ike Davis, the young phenom whose mere presence has helped turn the Mets around. Since he was called up, the Mets are 6-1. But don’t think for a second that this is a coincidence. Ike has contributed in his own right, batting .318 with a mammoth home run and playing gold glove quality defense. Mets fans have good reason to salivate at the thought of Ike in the lineup for the next decade.

Finally, we must acknowledge that Jerry Manuel has managed the Mets back to relevance. Jerry’s idea to move Jose Reyes to the third spot in the lineup has proved nothing short of pure genius. Since the switch both Reyes and Jason Bay are batting over .400, Jeff Franceour has been smashing balls to the deepest part of Citi Field, and even Luis Castillo has been a singles machine. Once David Wright gets going, the lineup will be downright scary.

The Mets are hot at the right time, with games against the Dodgers and the hated Phillies on the horizon. They are starting to catch and take advantage of some breaks, the sign of a good team. By the time next Monday morning rolls around, we could be looking at a first place team in Flushing. Until then, all we know is that the Mets are back in business.