During SNY’s telecast of the Mets loss in the series opener against the Braves, Kieth Hernandez said a lot of things. Many times did he include his new crutch adjective “Taylor-made” but what he said in a number of moments during the game was that the Braves were making a statement. I’m not sure how true that is, but last nights loss wasn’t as bad as it may have been perceived.

Long gone are the days of Brave-induced domination, replaced in current times with teams playing about even in terms of head to head competition (or at least when Ollie pitches.) I never had the feeling we were out of last night’s game. If Alou hadn’t spent the game campaining for the nickname “double-play machine” the Mets could have won that game, if not for “the Machine” ruining two promising innings. Alou will likely take some time to get back to the full stride he showed prior to injury. He just better hurry.

Finally, I am loving David Wright’s recent aggression on the basepaths. David is trying to spark the team, as a real leader should. Despite his power slump this season, David shows what a special player he is for all the little things he does on the field, in the dugout and presumably in the clubhouse.

I’ll take two of three the hard way, even if it means going through Smoltz and Hudson. El Duque and Maine aren’t exactly AAAA pitchers.

Let’s Go Mets!