New York Mets (42-32)

Preseason report:

In my NL East Season Preview, I said the Mets would miss the playoffs and finish second in the East. I thought the lineup would be the NL’s best, but the rotation would be a disaster. My bold prediction was rookie Mike Pelfrey would emerge as the team’s best starting pitcher.

What has gone right:

The pitching has been way better than I thought, ranking second in the NL in ERA (3.70). John Maine has been huge, emerging as the staff ace going 8-4 with a 2.87 ERA. Oliver Perez hasn’t been great, but has been much better (7-6, 3.16 ERA) than his ’06 season (3-13, 6.55 ERA). Orlando Hernandez, despite a trip to the DL with a shoulder injury, also has pitched well (3-3, 2.77 ERA) and Jorge Sosa has been solid (6-3, 3.79 ERA). Shortstop Jose Reyes leads the majors in stolen bases with 38.

This is prognosticating:

Bettling line set for Sept 9.

NY Giants at Dallas .. Boys by 4

FYI

Sept. 6 season opener

New Orleans at Indianapolis Colts by 6