Game 1: Fuggly, Game 2: So far so good

It's hard not to get furious at Kaz Matsui, but there's plenty of blame to go around for last night's 5-2 debacle.

For one thing, double plays might not have been so essential if we had a pitcher on the mound who showed some aptitude at preventing baserunners. Instead, we had the PTBNL in the Kazmir deal. What, Zambrano was the centerpiece? You're s---ing me!

Regardless, it could be argued that the wretched infield defense let him down, but IMHO you walk six guys you deserve every last run that comes home to roost.

I also don't particularly relish the sight of our regular first baseman coming to bat with runners on. There's just no way to sugarcoat his offensive performance, and on nights where he boots a ground ball, I can't help but wonder how Ian Bladergroen is doing these days (poorly, at high A Wilmington, but still).

On the bright side, Heath Bell was outstanding in his inning plus of work.

As I write this, the Mets are leading the Yankees 2-0 in the top of the 6th. Benson has been cruising, but may not make it out of this inning. He just walked Bernie to put two on, and Bell and Koo are throwing with gusto.

The first run, McCarver was quick to point out, came at the end of a rally which was started by (Double Play!) Matsui. The second came on a picture perfect opposite-field double by David Wright, which plated a rumbling Piazza.

I am somewhat (okay, very) concerned about the sudden and unexplained removal of Carlos Beltran from the game in the last inning. There was no apparent injury, but there are precious few alternative explanations for Randolph's double switch. Hopefully it's something minor and short-lived.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to watch Doug Mienkiewicz attempt to hit Randy Johnson.