METS JUNE WRAP-UP

June, despite struggling to end the month, will be remembered as the month the Mets found their mojo. Now, if the Mets miss out on the playoffs, this will just be a great month in a wasted season, but with 3 months down and 3 more to go, the Mets have put themselves in an excellent position to challenge for the NL Eastern title. The Mets finished June at 18-8, all while breaking their road woes (until the San Juan series at least), and compiled 3 sweeps during the month.

The Mets split the first two games this month in San Diego, although losing the last game in heartbreaking fashion (walk-off Grand Slam), but home proved to be all the Mets needed to get back on track. They returned the favor and swept the Marlins, who swept them back in May, and took two of three against the Padres, going 5-1 on the homestand. This included Ike Davis's dramatic 11th inning walk-0ff HR and Jonathan Niese's impressive 1-hitter.

Feeling confident, the Mets hit the road to face two of the AL's weakest in round two on interleague play, and proved to everyone that they can win on the road. Despite the opponent's pitiful record, that didn't damper the good feelings of back to back road sweeps. The Mets, who hadn't won back-to-back road games since July '09 or swept a road series since September '08, beat up on the O's and Indians, before heading to Yankee Stadium and losing the last two after winning the opener.

Interleague play ended with the Mets winning 2 of 3 at Citi Field against the Twins and Tigers, the AL Central's two best teams. The Mets posted a franchise best 13 wins during their bouts with the AL, going 13-5, including splitting 6 during the Subway Series. The Mets promptly flew to Puerto Rico to play the Marlins, the first professional games held in Puerto Rico since the Expo played part of their home games there. They took only the last game of the series, bringing back some of their earlier road woes but ending the month of June with an impressive 18 wins.

The big issue this month was pitching. With R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi pitching so unexpectedly well, the big concern was them coming back down to earth. Each pitcher struggled in their last start, but while Dickey is still a surprising 6-1, Takahashi has shown a lot more weaknesses and struggles and his time in the rotation may be up. To top it off, Pelfrey and Santana have struggled of late, especially Santana, who has given up 4 runs or more in his last four starts, which is uncharacteristic of the Met ace. Many are concerned that he is still suffering the effects of his surgery.

The pitching concerns and the approaching trade deadline has led to questions about who the Mets can acquire. Cliff Lee is by far the most enticing name, but he will cost a fortune and wants to test free agency for the big bucks. Roy Oswalt has a lot of money owed to him in the upcoming years but is another big name on the market, and after that the names range from Cubs starter Ted Lilly to the Orioles's Kevin Millwood. I like Ted Lilly personally, as he is a gamer, a lefty, has handled the big stage with the Yankees before, and would add stability to Takahashi's position in the rotation. That is, of course, if the Cubs are willing to sell, and also if the price of Lee is far beyond the Mets are willing to give. The deal will have to center around Jenrry Mejia or 18 year old short stop Wilmer Flores.

July brings Fireworks night, a home series against divisional leaders Atlanta, the All Star Break, and then a 11 game west coast trip, where the Mets will visit San Francisco, Arizona, and LA. If the Mets are serious contenders, they will have to prove it by going out west and holding their own. Their road record has me worried, and those teams, minus the D'Backs, are very strong overall. The Mets will have to go at least 6-5, hopefully, to show that they can win away from Citi Field. Until next month... LET'S GO METS!!