Mets Make Statement with Opening Day Victory Against Atlanta

Upon reflecting upon yesterday's win against the Atlanta Braves, two things come to mind. One, why can't the Mets ever seem to score more than a run or two when Johan Santana pitches, (something that is extremely frustrating and isn't talked about enough) and second, maybe this team is going to be a lot better than the experts think. 

Now I don't want to get ahead of myself and make a crazy statement like the Mets will win the NL East or something like that. However, I really think they made a big leap yesterday in terms of their confidence and sending a message that they're going to play hard and tough. 

Prior to yesterday's game, manager Terry Collins stated that he wants the team to have a winning attitude and that they should expect to win each time they step out onto the field. 

It appeared they had this mindset yesterday, and if they're able to keep that mindset up and not buy into the hype that they're supposed to stink this year, who knows what this team is capable of. 

Furthermore, Johan Santana looked as sharp as he ever has, making pitches when he needed to and getting out of a big bases loaded jam. His power was a little down, but it seems like he's skilled enough not to let that affect him. 

At this rate, if he's healthy, Santana could pitch for years to come. Hopefully the Mets can resign him to another long-term deal. 

David Wright looked great swinging the bat, recording the games only RBI. It was a definite confidence booster for Wright. 

Frank Francisco looked excellent recording the save, and the Mets bullpen, one of the biggest questions coming into this year, pitched 4 scoreless innings. 

As Collins said after the game, "It's one game, but it's very, very important to us. If we pitch, we can compete."

No truer words have ever been spoken. If the Mets can keep this up for the next three weeks, and exit April with a record over .500, look out. With a team with this many young players and this much talent, you never know what will happen.

Hopefully they'll all come into their own and silence the critics. 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rlongo924