Now that is more like it, a great win after two horrid losses.

A couple quick hits:

Perez looked great tonight, Ollie struck out the side in the fourth, and seemed to gain momentum as the game went on. It’s still a little early judge, but Ollie is making a great case for Mets staff ace.

Jose looks to have wandered into a little funk. Fortunately Paulie Ballgame, Delgado and David Wright seem to found their stroke. Moving a power hitter down in the lineup seems to work for Willie. I remember Piazza coming out of a slump when Willie moved him down. While moving Delgado down is a good thing, Willie is just plain stubborn with Wright’s spot in the lineup. It seems Willie would rather forfeit than to let Wright hit in the three hole.

Joe Smith has officially earned his spot in the pen, highlighting his outing by striking out Larry Jones. Suck it Chomper!

Wagner looked fantastic, despite giving up a hit to Jared Saltedsnakeskinmoccasins (is it me or do the Braves lead the league in stupid last names: Satkakanacchia, Francoeur, Langerhans, Chipper? Anyway…) Billy not only grabbed his 11 save in 11 tries, he was deceptive and showed great command of his pitches. Lonestar Mets has received unofficial reports that even Toasty Joe smirked, raised one eyebrow and mumbled, “mmm, great” after watching Billy’s ninth.
Roster questions

Carlos Gomez is the real deal. This kid is so much fun to watch. With all respect to Shawn Green and David Newhan, Willie needs to find some playing time for Gomez after El Duque and Alou rejoin the club. I really don’t know who to send down at this point, Sosa has certainly earned a spot on the big club despite last night’s outing. I would venture a guess that Vargas will go back down upon El Duque’s return and Gomez will stay up as long as Alou is sidelined.

More of a quandary is the second base controversy after Jose Valentin returns from the DL. You hate to send Stache to New Orleans, yet Easley has been a major contributor to the 07 team while Ruben Gotay is the likely future second bagger for the Mets. Judging by Willie’s loyalty to his veterans, look for Gotay on Bourbon Street once Stache is healthy.

Ollie and the boys guaranteed the Mets leave Atlanta in command of the NL East, the slumping bats are warming and tomorrow is Smoltz vs. Glavine.

Let’s Go Mets!