New Guys Show The Way In Mets Win

See DWright (Nuke LaLoosh)? It isn't impossible to hit a HR at home.

Last night Mets new media favorite, Jeff Francoeur and newly acquired starting catcher Rod Barajas, went a long way in showing the old Mets (namely Wright and other's), that yes indeed, homeruns can be hit at home. In fact, it can be done more than once.

Jeff Francouer and Rod Barajas both went yard twice last night in the Mets 8-2 victory over the Nationals. More importantly, the "New Guys" showed that they won't be intimidated by the expansive OF of Gil Hodges Memorial Park, er Citi Field. Last night marked the first time the home team hit four HR's in their new digs.

Maybe I'm reaching, but I believe last night's win could be a huge turning point for this team in this ballpark. I'm not saying this team will go on to win 90 games. I am saying that with the explosive outburst from the "New Guys" will go a long way towards dispelling the belief that the Mets can't hit HR's or play in this park.

Some of this new blood injected into this line-up (Bay, Francoeur, Barajas, et al) will go a long way towards the breaking of some traditions - like the dominance the Marlins and Braves have had over the Mets for years.

The Mets haven't had a clubhouse tandem in the sense of presence of Francoeur and Bay since the tandem of Mike Cameron and Cliff Floyd. Both men, if you recall, were the main reason a young Jose Reyes came to the club: both men, went to then manager Art Howe, and said that Reyes was part of this team, and should be with them (Reyes had been nursing a leg injury). Not Piazza. Not Franco. Not Glavine. Not Leiter. Floyd, who was with the Mets from the year before (2003) and Cameron who was acquired during the off-season, stepped up.
Much like Francoeur (acquired in a mid season trade last year) and Bay (acquired during the off-season).

Plus their two personalities, Bay and Francouer, help keep the clubhouse light yet focused. Much the same way Floyd and Cameron did. I believe that the importance of these two men might be more than stats show. The Mets haven't been the same since the departure of Cliff Floyd.

Maybe now they can regain some of that missing element. It all starts with one game, and last night's homerun break-out might very well go a long way in changing the attitude of this team.

Photos courtesy of CBS Sportsline.