Natty Light

Normally, I would be hard pressed to expect a road series win inside the division.  However, the Nats are missing their best hitter in Ryan Zimmerman due to an abdominal strain (what else would it be these days?).

So I am going to go out on a limb and count on a 2-1 series victory for the boys in blue and orange.  It’s early in the season and I feel as if I need to raise my expectations at this point.  The Mets should be taking advantage of the momentum they have created with this four game winning streak.

Extensive Research

Once again, I have burned the midnight oil and scoured every piece of data imaginable to come up with the most thorough scouting report of the Washington Nationals ever.  Here we go:

As I stated earlier no Ryan Zimmerman which appears to be affecting the Washington offense.  They are batting .226 on the year.

I know the players are a little frustrated with the hitting. I know I’m repeating myself, but we’ve got to win the ballgame anyway. We can’t only win when we hit.

-Nats Manager, Jim Riggleman

Shortstop, Ian Desmond leads the National League in errors.

According to one fan, the Nats just need dry, warm weather.  Don’t we all?

It’s early……The Nats are not mudders………they need the dry warmth to thrive….

What does all of this mean?  Washington will probably put up 10 a game and Ian Desmond will look like Ozzie Smith.

Don’t Get Greedy

Heading into the Astros series, I’ve been a bit dismayed at some of the things I’ve been reading in terms of fans expectations during this home stand.

“Sweep these next two series, and we’ll be right back in it.”

What?  Come on folks, let’s not get crazy here.  As I’ve said in the past, you can’t depend on sweeps or being swept.  They are rare.  I promise.

Is this a good opportunity for the Mets to dig themselves out a bit?  Sure.  Have you ever dug anything in your life?  It takes time.  It’s hard work.  And it sucks.  The phrase isn’t “jetpack out of the hole they put themselves in” for a reason.

You are setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect the Mets to sweep either of the next two seires, let alone both of them.

It is reasonable to surmise they will take two of three from the Astros.  If they don’t, feel free to throw things at your tv or throw your hands up in the air in disgust and scream “GOLLY GEE WHILICKERS!!!” at the top of your lungs.

Extensive Astros Research

Earlier this morning I did some pretty extensive research on the Houston Astros.  Aw hell, who am I kidding?  I took a quick peak at a couple of Astros Blogs to get a feel for what is wrong with their club.  Who has time for research?  Its not like I’m getting paid for this.  Damn.

From what I read, the Astros have struggled with mental mistakes and have a coach that over manages ball games.  Astros fans seem to be happy with Carlos Lee’s glove this season even though he is hitting .234 with one home run.  They sure are nice folks down south.

Of course we all know what this means.  He is going to go absolutely Tulo on the Mets and play out of his mind.  His career .344 average and 8 home runs in 38 games is making me lean this way.