Jersey Joe's Corner

What did you expect?  The Mets were not going to play at the same torrid pace they had at the start of the season.  Certain realities have come into play that have leveled things out.

First, David Wright and Jose Reyes have cooled off considerably.  Injuries to Cliff Floyd and Carlos Beltran have forced the Mets to field weaker lineups in the past week, revealing a startling lack of depth.  The Braves came to town last week and then the Mets had to travel to the west coast.

The other key to the Mets cooling off is Victor Zambrano and the blind faith the Mets organization has put in him.  Zambrano has been mediocre in his best days in a Mets uniform.  This week, we all wondered how in hell the Mets could have traded for Zambrano, let alone giving up their best pitching prospect in the deal.  Look at Scott Kazmir's numbers and look at Victor Zambrano's numbers.  Since Tuesday, Zambrano has gotten his brains beat in by the Atlanta Braves at home and then in SanDiego he got pounded by a relatively weak Padre lineup.  Victor, such an ironic name.

The Mets continue their west coast trip in San Francisco at Another Year, Another Name Park.  All eyes will be on Barry Bonds and his illegitimate pursuit of baseball's home run record.  I'm more concerned with who's playing in the Mets outfield.  I'm hoping Jose Valentin and Endy Chavez will be watching from the dugout as Cliff Floyd and Carlos Beltran take the field.

ROYALS TAKE 2 OF 3 FROM CLEVELAND!!!!!

So it's only a series, but you gotta start somewhere.  Zach Greinke has started spring training, Angel Berroa went 4 for 4, raising his average up to a lofty .317.  Reggie Sanders and Mark Grudzialanek have been consistent, which is why they were signed.  This is the upside to being a fan of a small market team;  little things mean a lot.

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this