After a 5-13 start to the season that can be at best described as "pretty much expected" but more likely as "pathetic" after dropping 7 consecutive games in less-than-stellar fashion, the New York Mets have somehow managed to show a little life by winning 6 their last six games and clawing their record up to respectable at 11-13. The catalyst that has ignited the team has been the return of Jason Bay as the Mets started their streak upon his return. Bay is batting .391 in his six games with a homer and 3 RBI but has stabilized the team's lineup with a veteran right-handed bat in the 5-hole and given the team some consistency.
The recent success however cannot all be attributed to Bay. 2B Daniel Murphy who failed to win the starting job in the spring has come alive in recent weeks with his bat (including going 2-2 off the bench last night with a HR and 3 RBIs sparking a Mets rally) and has played above expectations in the field. RF Carlos Beltran and his arthritic right night and continued to improve all year and he has shown consistency at the plate and flashes of his old self in the field. Ike Davis has however has easily had the most success as he is riding a 9-game hit streak that has seen his average rise to .345 to go along with 4 HRs and 18 RBI.
Even the patchwork starting rotation appears to have shaken off their early rust as starters have gone at least 6 innings in 7 of the last 8 games. The bullpen has improved as well and Francisco Rodriguez has converted his last 6 save opportunities.
Finally the Mets' front office has also played it part by being quick to remove players who have not played up to par. Guys like Brad Emaus, D.J. Carrasco and Blaine Boyer have either been sent down or sent packing after poor starts to the year and these moves have allowed players like Murphy to help the team win. Anyone one who has had the (mis)fortune of following the Mets during the Omar Minaya era knows this is quite a departure from the days of sticking with Luis Castillo and his .231 average every day.
Obviously the Mets have been getting their wins off of teams like the Diamondbacks and the Nationals but keep in mind that just over a week ago fans like me were questioning if they could beat anyone so let's have our fun while we can. The Mets look to sweep the Nats tonight before a much tougher test this weekend against the Phillies.
It was nice while it lasted.
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