Paper tigers

I didn't really see that coming. The Mets entire team managed to round into form at the same time, taking a 9 game winning streak into the All Star break. Of course, the last 6 of those 9 games have come against hapless NL West opponents, but sweeping consecutive series at home is no small feat. The 9 game winning streak is the team's longest since they last won the National League in 2000 and along the way the Mets became the first team in the modern era (post 1900) to give up 3 or fewer hits in 5 consecutive games.

So what does it all mean? In the end...not a whole heck of a lot. The Mets won some games they are supposed to win and look to have the talent to be right near the top of a weak NL East. A break here and there, some good luck with their health and this team can absolutely win the division and make the playoffs.

Far and away the most exciting part of the recent hot streak is the apparent emergence of Mike Pelfrey, a Mets first round pick who until very recently had struggled at the major league level. Thanks to some tremendous run support, Pelfrey is now the proud owner of a personal 6 game winning streak, but beyond that has looked downright dominant at times. He has given up 1 earned run over his last 3 starts, including 7 innings of shutout ball against the Cardinals last week and 8 shutout innings against the Rockies last night. The idea of Pelfrey, who has all the physical tools, working as an effect #2 or #3 starter on a contending team has to have Mets fans everywhere giddy. In fact, in no small part because Pelfrey's contribution, you can now show this much of your face with pride as a Mets fan: