What's Wrong With The Mets? Nothing!

Fans are starting to get antsy about the Mets recent woes. After a tremendous home-stand two weeks ago where they went 9-1, they were 2-4 on a road trip that took them to Philadelphia and Cincinnati.

Arriving home, they started out well in defeating the Giants in the first two games of the series. Then in the series finale, they snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.

Then last night they were beaten by the Nationals 3-2.

Let's look at the truth: This team isn't going to win the World Series. They aren't that good. Remember, this team only won 70 games last year.They aren't going to win 96 games this year.

Here is where the improvement is: They are showing fight. Yes, you read that correctly. They are showing they will fight back in games. They still leave way too many men on base, and don't always get the key hit with RISP, but they are far improved over last years' team.

They are showing heart. I don't agree with Nuke LaLoosh (Wright) getting thrown out for arguing a called third strike, but he showed fight.

Last night Reyes got tossed. Again, not very smart, and quite immature the way he carried on, but he showed emotion.

General Jerry also got into the fray last night coming out to have a "calm discussion" with homeplate ump Laz Diaz.

Heart! That's what this team is showing. Granted, not the heart of the boys of '86, but few teams did have that intensity.

This team is two games above .500, but they are missing their starting CF and perennial All Star, Carlos Beltran.

Jose Reyes is still getting into shape. He has only played one month out of the last year. If you want to be concerned, be concerned Jose hasn't been smiling. Is he struggling? Is he unhappy? Does he not like hitting in the 3 hole? Who knows.

If they can keep this pace, staying a few games above .500, and then start getting players back, they might surprise us at season's end.

Attitude is a big part of winning. This team is slowly starting to develop this type of attitude. I think credit can be given to new-comers Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur. Bay is intense, as is Francoeur, and Francoeur keeps the clubhouse light, much the same way Cliff Floyd did.

I ask all Mets fans to think back to April 5th of this year. Did you expect this team to be at the top of the pack in the division at this point, two games above .500? Be honest, you know you didn't.

This team has shown me something, maybe not all that I want, but they are showing there is potential, and that is the main ingredient, along with camaraderie, to build a contending team.

As fans, we need to look at where we came from before we can look at where you think we should be in the standings.

Photo courtesy of CBS Sportsline.