Let the Games Begin

Today marked the first exhibition game of the preseason and with Pedro Martinez and Billy Wagner withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic the Mets Willie be full force for the majority of the time with the exception of Beltran and Delgado who will be representing Puerto Rico. With a formidable opponent in the St. Louis Cardinals Steve Trachsel went up against Jeff Suppan. Today marked the first of seven meetings between the two clubs throughout spring training, tomorrow they will square off again this time at Tradition Field in port St. Lucie. The Mets jumped out to an early lead as they scored 4 runs in the top of the first against Jeff Suppan. Trachsel then held the Cardinals scoreless for the first inning but surrendered 4 runs in the second inning before recording an out causing Randolph to pull the plug on him. Mitch Wylie got the win as he got out of the jam left by Trachsel and the Mets were still comfortably ahead 9-4. Leading 10-7 going into the final inning the Mets tacked on two more insurance runs against Carmen Cali. Chad Bradford closed out the game allowing one hit, while striking out one. The Mets used 8 pitchers including Billy Wagner, Heath Bell, and two non roster invitees Tim Lavigne and Matt Perisho who combined to pitch 4 innings while shutting out the potent Cardinal lineup. Xavier Nady had a home run off Suppan, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran each went 2-4 and Carlos Delgado went 3-3 while scoring two runs. All in al the Mets impressed early on but Trachsel's second inning could bring about some concern then again preseason is preseason. All time in Spring Training the Mets are 569-585-6 for a winning percentage of .491. This is the start of what looks like a promising season, Ya Gotta Believe!