What a Relief?

The Mets have finally fixed what has long been broken. Mets fans, with the additions of KRod and JJ Putz, you can now remove your hands from your eyes every time the starting pitcher has to be pulled from a game. I ADMIT, I have been there, right along with the 50,000 plus (not to mention those thousands in front of the TV) moaning in unison and creeping my hands to my face. I can't bear to look. It's like when you were a kid and tried to hide yourself from the scary parts of a movie. It never works; you always peek.

Now I implore all of you: LOOK...it's okay. If I seem extremely hopeful, it's because I am. Anything is better than the old setup. That's hard for me to say too because I feel I have gotten to know some of these players and what they could have done for the team. Whatever the stats say about Aaron Heilman, he is a really nice guy and good pitcher. Okay nice guys don't win games...understood! Realize though, he was stuck in a bullpen where he didn't want to be and may have lost some of his formidable pitching years waiting for a spot in the rotation. I wish him much success. Joe Smith takes a lot of pride in his performances, and it cuts him deep when he does not rise to the occasion. I applaude the humbleness of any professional athlete who remembers the game, who shows you a loss affects him, and who gives you more than just lip service. (Not naming names...)

Okay, if you are thinking “Lady you are naïve, this trade doesn't mean the Mets are going to the World Series” True, there is still second base and the rotating door that is the outfield (minus Carlos Beltran). Plus the Mets lost some good guys. Mike Carp is a promising player, an excellent first baseman and bat for any team now and in the future (the latter the key word for the Mets); Endy Chavez...come on, who doesn't love Endy! Ultimately though, Omar Minaya got the better end of this 12 man deal and brings in much needed support AND much needed hope. The excitement is starting to come back. The belief that a trip to the World Series is possible... is starting to come back. I KNOW Omar is not done. Keep em coming...Mets and baseball fans can't wait!

Lolita Lopez for The Huddle