Learning to Fly

Four days in Cincinnati taught us a number of things.

First, we learned that the Reds ain’t so bad—especially at home. It looks like they have a solid nucleus of young players and pitchers to build around. With this in mind, you’d have to admit that, despite the two losses, the series was far from a step backward for the Mets.

We learned that Endy Chavez isn’t an everyday player, even though it pains me to say so. He’s a terrific defensive outfielder, obviously, but too often this series, and throughout his career, he proved unable to drive in a run in a critical situation. To consider themselves series contenders for the World Series, the Mets will need to upgrade their outfield. Omar knows this, so it’ll be interesting to see what moves he makes. I’m not sure what he’ll do, but Fernando Martinez shouldn’t be dealt, unless an All-Star, who is signed beyond 2009, is gotten in return.

We also learned the Mets pre-All-Star break winning streak wasn’t a fluke. Not throwing in the towel Thursday night, and again today after falling behind, those were very good signs.

Oh, one other thing. Anybody notice that guy wearing the number 21 jersey for the Mets? You know, the guy playing first base who, it seemed to me at least, the Reds didn't get out the entire series. That was Carlos Delgado, back from the dead. He might be the Mets’ secret weapon down the stretch.