MetFan vs. Phillsfan

       If you would've told Omar Minaya in January that Steve Trachsel would have 9 wins one game after the All-Star break he would've laughed at you. This is the type of season the Mets are going through right now. Tom Glavine is having his best season in a Mets uniform, our lineup is producing, our defense isn't self destructing, and our bullpen is holding its own. As of right now the Mets have no gleaming weakness.

       For all of you Sports Illustrated fans you probably read the article, as they showed 6, yes the 6 Met All-Star players. To summarize it we have chemistry. The Met players have such great chemistry not seen in our locker room since those championship seasons in '86 and those playoff seasons in the late 80s. Chemistry is a vital part to any teams success not discussed by the media. There is a reason the Yankees have yet to win a world series since the 2000 season even though they've had the highest payroll with so many superstars, they just don't seem to click. These Mets get along great, with the personalities of Pedro and Reyes, the leadership offered by Julio Franco and Carlos Delgado, the on the field leadership by Beltran and Wright.

       Any owner, GM, or manager in all of baseball would tell you they'd die to have a home grown prospect like Jose Reyes or David Wright. The Wilpons, Omar Minaya, and Willie Randolph are lucky enough to have both of them. The two were invited to participate in the All-Star festivities in Pittsburgh. Wright had a memorable weekend finishing second to yes the Phillies Ryan Howard. Whom by the way is 3 years older than Wright even though people neglect that since Wright has been in the league longer. Wright also homered in his first All-Star at bat. Reyes was unable to participate due to a finger injury but loved the experience and he should be a lock to be there in years to come.

       Reyes has truly been the offensive catalyst of this team and his presence is irreplaceable. Reyes has taken unfathomable strides over the past season. His OBP has risen 57 points over the past year from .300 to .357. He leads the league with 39 stolen bases, has hit 12 triples, has shown his increased patience at the plate drawing 32 walks, but most importantly he has scored 75 runs. Wright has been just as impressive. Wright is a legitimate MVP candidate as he's hitting .316 with 20 HR and 74 RBI. Lets not overlook the fact that this is only his second full season in the major leagues, yet he continues to carry himself as a seasoned veteran. And talking about getting the bang for your buck, Wright is making just over the league minimum this year.

       Reyes and Wright have contributed a lot to the Mets success, but without the key additions of Delgado, Beltran, and Pedro over the past two years they would still just be taking strides. Beltran, Delgado, and Wright have become only the 4th trio of teammates to hit over 20 home runs by the All-Star break a new feat in NEW YORK Baseball history. New York has had some historic teams, with the likes of Maris and Mantle, but still this is the first time that a trio of teammates has produced so efficiently. Beltran has quietly become an MVP candidate of his own, just the way he likes it. Beltran is hitting .279, with 25 HR, 68 RBI while swiping 12 bases and playing  a solid centerfield.

       Duaner Sanchez has exceeded expectations and Billy Wagner has been decent. The bullpen in its entirety is much improved from last year and should not be a burden from here on out. It is extremely important that the Mets do not get complacent and continue to strive for perfection. With a comfortable the Mets can afford to rest some key players with nagging injuries, allowing them to have a fresh roster come October. Randolph will make sure players are rested, but also ensure that they are not complacent and do not lose focus. Fans on the other hand, lets think of the possibilities. This season is 20 years in the making...Ya Gotta Believe!

Record: (54-36)

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