Mets Magic Number is 8

The magic number is any combination of Mets wins and Phillies losses. When that number is reached, the Mets clinch the division, the first time the Braves haven't done so in 14 f'n years.

With that in mind, the Mets went into Wednesday looking at a double header against the 14th reigning NL East champion Atlanta Braves, with a magic number of 10. By 8pm, the Mets made it clear they weren't slowing down, beating the Braves 4-1 and 8-0.

In doing so, two replacement pitchers stepped it up. Dave Williams, pitching 6 solid innings in the first game, got the win. He looked soild, but I have a feeling he will be left off the postseason roster. I am, however, impressed with the fact that Dave has pitched VERY well during the Mets' August pitching dilemma. Who knows, maybe with one more start he can prove he deserves a spot on the roster.

During the second game, Oliver Perez (whom the Mets acquired at the deadline from the Pirates after going 2-11), looked absolutely incredible. Allowing 4 hits over 9 SHUTUOUT innings, Perez looked to be back in form of the 23 year old phenom he was two years ago. He looked confident, and even worked in some off speed pitches and added a little action to his high 90's fastball. I am very excited to see what Perez has to offer going into the postseason, because he seems to have the swagger of an "El Duque"-type big game pitcher. He gets fired up with pitching well, and if he gets off to a hot start: watch out! He doesn't slow down. In the 8th, he was still pitching mid-90's.

The talk on the various blogs on the net tonight are already saying Perez could be worked into a possible ace down the road. I'm not jumping the gun though. I will say, I'm impressed. Oliver Perez could be a force into next year. Let's give him a spring training with Rick Peterson and the Mets supreme pitching staff. Then we'll make a judgment.

Notes:

- Cliff Floyd looked to be in good shape. He was hitting the ball hard, and seemed to miss a HR foul because he was so jacked up. Calm down, Cliff, and soon enough I have a feeling you'll be jackin' homers in October...

- Beltran's hammy problems seem to be a non-factor

- Jose Reyes is incredible. I mean, the guy plays a full game and the first pitch of the second game to the Mets he jacks a HR??? Are you serious? Jose Reyes is on a path to set hall of fame-type numbers over the next 12-15 years.

- Welcome to the Mets, Shawn Green. With your two HR's today, plus an off the wall double, you have proved you deserve your spot in the outfield.

- On the same note, Goodbye, Lastings Milledge, we'll see you in the Spring.

...back soon, I promise...

...and of course by "i promise" i mean "a week or so."