Chapter 80.4: World Champion Phillies

No one picked them in my poll. None of my friends thought they'd win. I thought it was possible, but I expected the Rays pitching to dominate. But no, the Phillies are the World Champions.

Congratulations, Phils. But next year, we're going to be gunning for you.

Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets! Let's Go Mets!

Chapter 79.4: Mets Continue to Struggle

The Mets keep on struggling, but at least they finally beat the woeful Washington Nationals.

Yet, despite the awful way they completed last season, I don't have the same sense of dread that I felt then. The 2007 team broke my heart. Of course, so did the 2006 team, when I watched Carlos Beltran follow a breaking pitch into the catcher's mitt for an embarassing third strike in the NL Championship Series. Somehow, I don't think Jerry Manuel — my new favorite manager ;-) — will allow them to quit on themselves like the 2007 squad did.

I'm sure this club could end up frustrating me just as much as the previous two teams, but for some reason I don't think it'll happen. For one thing, they have two legitimate shots at making the playoffs — though in both the division and the wild card, they have close competition. The Phillies are the defending division champs and they must be respected, while the Brewers have CC Sabathia, who may just be the best pitcher in the National League right now.

So, I'll use the Mets as a way to introduce a new gadget on my blog: a poll question. What do you think, will they make the playoffs (and, if so, how do you think they will they get there), or will they be playing ping pong with the Yankees?

Vote early and vote often.

Chapter 75.4: Admiral Nelson

Tonight's game was a pleasant change, and perhaps is the start of a poignant baseball story. Brooklyn-born Nelson Figueroa won his first start with the Mets -- his "hometown" team, which drafted him in 1995. Beyond the joy of the Mets' three game winning streak, I'm pleased by their ability to beat some good teams.

The Phillies messed up opening day (which I was lucky enough to attend!), but the Mets took the next two -- due in large part to poor play by the Phillies on Wednesday and a call that could have gone either way on Thursday. Tonight they took their first meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers, who should compete for the NL Central Division crown. So things seem to be looking good for now.

But what really pleased me tonight was reading the story that appeared in the New York Times after the game. During the game, Figueroa's dad, a Brooklyn electrician, was interviewed. He told the guy from the Mets network, SNY, "This is fantastic. I died and went to Heaven." And later his mother said, "You don't know how proud he made us tonight. That's his dream. His dream was to play on this team." It's simply nice to hear things like that. These are real people. It's hard to root against a guy like that. Keep it up, Nelson!

Chapter 72.55: So Begins the Santana Era

It is official, Johan Santana is a Met (ok, pending a physical. So shoot me.)

I found it very interesting that there were multiple reports that the Players Union was pushing Santana's agents to make sure the contract at least reached the $150 million barrier. From what's being reported, he will earn that much from the Mets; the only difference the team might argue is that part of it was due to bonus, but that's a semantic difference in my non-legal opinion. The union's stake in this is irritating to say the least. I realize they're trying to establish new standards to enable their members to maximize their career earnings, and that's what they're supposed to do. But a big part of that comes out of the wallets of the already frustrated fans.

I'll be lucky to afford to attend one game next year. I just can't throw money for a game these days. But I'll want to visit Shea one last time (though if I don't, then Tom Glavine's 298th win would be my final visit.) And when they go to the new ballpark in 2009, the tickets will be even more expensive.

But that's for another time. Right now, I am happy. My favorite team has improved itself. Spring training will start (for the Mets) on Valentine's Day. And like the lovestruck fool that I am, I return to the one who hurt me not so long ago. Ah, frailty, thy name is Mets fan.