Three straight losses against division foes and wild-card rivals have smashed the concept of “meaningful games” to pieces. The Mets’ offense has been questionable, stagnant; and the pitching just hasn’t been good enough. Glavine spotted the Pheel-deez two runs; Martinez could not maintain the movement on the pitches, and he gave up a couple of long balls. Victor Zambrano was sucked into outer space and replaced with a real pitcher, only to have Zambrano find his way back to earth.

Two comments about the team's direction.

No Call-Ups

The September call ups were pitchers such as Tim Hamulak and Shingo Takatsu (Mr. Pitches Like a Zero). No second baseman. Apparently the Mets brass wants the Norfolk team to do well, to feel good about themselves, and to bring a championship to the title-starved AAA city of Norfolk. Jeff Keppinger did a solid job last year, fielding admirably and hitting for good average if not good power. Instead the Mets trot out Miguel Cairo and Kaz Matsui:

1. M Cairo 84 games 272 at bats 29 runs 67 hits 16 doubles 2 HR 14 rbi .294 obp .327 slg .246 avg

2. K Matsui 74 games 220 at bats 23 runs 51 hits 6 doubles 1 hr 3 rbi .283 obp .309 slg .232 avg

and in the minors, Jeff Keppinger?

J Keppinger .337 avg 64 games 255 at bats 40 runs 86 hits 15 doubles 3 hr 29 rbi

Call him up! Give the kid a look!

No #2 Hitter

And play them in the second hole, which is the second issue. Thanks, Willie Randolph. I have seen Reyes gallop to third like a gazelle on meth and he is brought home by a rally clearing, bases-clearing grounder to third base. Whoop de freaking doo. Beltran should hit second. Wright third. Floyd fourth. And then? And then the Mets have their major problem. They need another bat. Like Mike Cameron was. Like Victor Diaz is supposed to be. Perhaps Mike Jacobs?

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College football is on!

Rutgers played an exciting and near dominant game on the road. Then they lost, in overtime. Bowling Green hung tough but now is being outclassed by Wisconsin (though Omar Jacobs is the truth). And Oklahoma… sucks? No QB? Could they possibly lose to Texas this year?