Defeat the Empire

Starting 8-2 is nice, even after losing today behind an overrested Steve Trachsel. Some observations on the 2006 season thus far:

-Tom Glavine looks as good as I can remember him ever looking, maybe since 1998.
-Pedro is back. The toe isn't a concern, as I predicted.
-After watching a few tapes of him from last year in the minors, I said Brian Bannister reminded me of Mike Mussina. He's validating those lofty expectations.
-The bullpen has a chance to be real good, headed by Duaner Sanchez. Aaron Heilman and Billy Wagner aren't 100% in form yet, but they will be in time.
-Steve Trachsel and Victor Zambrano will give us some headaches. They are fifth-starter types. The offense can carry them to .500 records or slightly better, however.
-David Wright has a real chance at an MVP award this year, if the Mets can win the division.
-Jorge Julio and Jose Valentin shouldn't be on this team right now. Heath Bell can contribute more out of the bullpen than Julio. When you carry just six relievers, you can't afford to have one that completely sucks. Last year, the Mets carried two for a great portion of the season and paid for it. (Danny Graves and Dae-Sung Koo)

I could go on and on, but the point is made. The starting pitching is a weakness, as was projected, but if Pedro and Glavine both pitch like aces and Bannister continues on the path toward a possibly NL Rookie of the Year, Zambrano and Trachsel's inadequacies can be compensated.