Swoon? It’s More like a Feint

By Ed "In Westchester" Semlies
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007

As we close out the weekend series against the Yankees, the Mets' record for June stands at a ghastly 3-12. After having not been swept all season, they were swept twice within three series, by the Phillies and the Dodgers. After not having lost more than two games in a row all season, they lost four and then five within a ten-game span. Fans are railing about Willie, both Carloses, Heilman, Mota and others. Every aspect of the team went into the crapper at once. Hitting, gone. Starting pitching, gone. Bullpen, gone. Are we seeing a team on the verge of collapse? Was last year a fluke? Were April and May aberrations? I say no.

Of course, we can sit here and bemoan the schedule; after all, for all of Larry Jones’ bitching, the Mets' inter-league schedule is a hair more difficult than that of the Braves. We can bemoan the inability of the bullpen to hold a lead, or of certain starters (who shall remain named Tom Glavine) unable to hold a lead for one inning, or perhaps being too focused on winning their 300th game. Or complain about the hitters’ inability to drive in runs in any situation (or lack of “luck” in some corners). Or bemoan injuries to various parts of the team. I maintain this is all a feint, to lull others into a false sense of security.

Balderdash you say? Well, let’s take a look. Last year they cruised, and some complained that was one reason they failed in the NLCS, that they had not been tested. They ran away with the division from June on, after the 9-1 road trip. The only bumps in the road came in Boston (the four game whitewash) and September (when things were in the bag). This year I think they decided to make it interesting. Rather than running away with it, they decided to let the Braves and Phillies hang around a little while. The benefit of that is to give those two teams a false sense of hope (though the Phillies of course realize that they are done in any event). The losses to the Dodgers, simply a gift from Fred Wilpon, as we all know, Freddy loves him some Dodgers. Freddy ordered the team to lose to the Dodgers as payback from last year's NLDS.

When it comes to the Braves, some feel that beast has yet to be slain. What better way to do it than to let them hang on for a little longer, and then, once people start to write them off and proclaim Atlanta a favorite, to step on the pedal and go, leaving the Braves in the dust as well. Let the Braves win a couple of series early, get their confidence up. Then crush them like bugs. Let them sniff first place, and then show them this ain’t 2005. Let Larry and the boys stay close, then leave them in a dust trail.

As for the AL teams, the boys felt bad that they were being perceived as the best team in NY and let the Yanks win the second part of the Subway Series. The Tigers, well, the Mets felt bad that they lost to the Cardinals in the World Series, so they let them win a couple of games.

But playtime is now over. Willie issued the edict Sunday Night after the Yankee game. Now it is time to play Mets baseball. It is time for good starting pitching. It is time for consistent relief from the bullpen. It is time for the hitters to get on base and drive in runs in key situations. Finally, time to win the division, and then, dominate in the playoffs.

At least, that is what I keep telling myself. It keeps me sane.

Ed in Westchester is gaining a grip on his sanity. He hopes. You can read more of his rants at http://edinwestchester.blogspot.com/.