I don’t know what hit this team, but whatever it was, it hit at the right time. Whether they all drank that "secret stuff" (see Space jam) or Pedro showing up lit a fire under them, the Mets have played their best ball in September essentially running away with the division. Since September 1, the Mets are 9-2 spreading their division lead from 2 games to 7 games.

While I like what I see there are still some things I want to see happen before the postseason is official.

Number 1: Keep Schoeneweis, Sele or Mota off the post-season roster.

The reason I say one of the 3, is because these three are dead weight in the bullpen. Chances are Schoeneweis will not be kept off because he is lefty. However, the Mets need to put someone like Pelfrey in one of their spots. Mota, who Willie loves, will probably be on the post-season roster due to experience, likes to give us all heart attacks. Hopefully he’ll get a good streak when we need him. Sele seems like the odd man out .

Number 2: Put John Maine in the long man role replacing Sele.

With Pedro coming back the Mets are in a very good dilemma. They have 5 quality starting pitchers. Obviously, the odd man out will either be Oliver Perez or John Maine, both of whom have been very good over the season, but inconsistent at points. My personal take is that Maine should be the “long man” (cough Darren oliver) being that Oliver has shown that he can pitch 6 strong innings in a huge game (see game 7 last year). Not that I don’t have faith in Maine, but if Perez or someone else can only go 3 innings, Id love to see Maine pitch 4 innings.

Number 3: Rest the starters before the playoffs

David Wright and Jose Reyes have been iron horses and played the majority of the games this year. I want them to have a few days off before the playoffs begin. Also, with Alou, Castillo, and Beltran being fragile, they need a day or two off as well. I wouldn’t mind seeing a “B” team lineup out a few days in a row, once the Mets are officially in the playoffs.

I believe the Mets will go into the playoffs as the National League favorite. Not saying its going to be a cakewalk, but hopefully the Mets will use their head going in, so that they aren’t shortchanged on how far they go this year.

With this being said, let's beat the Phillies this weekend!
The photo is courtesy of Sal Iovine's Blog