While much of the country turns its attention to this first Sunday of the pro football season, I turn my attention to Flushing Meadows, NY.   For today, the Mets and Phillies have a day-night doubleheader and I will be at the nightcap.  It should’nt have been this way.  The second game was originally a day game moved to accomodate ESPN.  And as much as I might gripe about an 8:05 start (on a Sunday?!?!?!?), karma appeared to be on the schduler’s side as yesterday’s game was rained out and suddenly the afternoon was available for a makeup.

The Phillies had taken the opener of the three game set on Friday night to move within two games of the division lead.  Recent history suggests the Mets will take the next two.  Recent history (or possibly just my perception of it) also suggests that the Mets don’t do well in doubleheaders.  Something has to give.

If the Mets do manage to win both, the Phils will leave New York 4 games back and floundering.  If the Mets split, the lead remains at two games as we head toward the stretch run.  If the day goes very badly and the Mets lose both, the ghosts of last September may very well be resurrected however unfair the comparisons may be.

It’s become very obvious that this is not the same Mets team that folded in such heartwrenching fasion last September.  Sure, many of the players may be the same.  The coaching staff may be very similar, albeit missing a couple of notable persons.  But it’s very clear the attitude is much different.  With the exception of the rare blowout loss, it rarely feels like they don’t have a chance.  The next comeback always seems right around the corner.  The starting pitching has been fantastic more often than not.  The bullpen has gotten it done about as often as one could hope even if at the cost of a few more gray hairs.  The hitting has been both timely and in cases prolific with many games seemingly decided in the first inning.

I’m hoping to return from tonight’s ballgame one happy Mets fan.  But if the worst result in terms of wins and losses should happen today, I’ll make sure to take a deep breath and avoid panicking.  For while much could be decided today, it’s entirely possible that nothing will be decided at all.

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