'It's My Kinda Team, Charlie, My Kinda Team'

There were a lot of great things about the game today, but two things stood out to me.

One is that this was a classic example of a game the Mets would never have won the past three years. Not only would they never have won it, they never would have even made it competitive.

After they'd fallen behind 5-0 they would have packed it in, told themselves winning series was what counted, and started preparing for their rematch with the Padres.

That's something this year's team doesn't do. They fall behind and they fight back; they don't always win, but they always fight back.

For years this is exactly the sort of spirit fans of the team were desperate for. For me, that was the second great thing about the game today -- the realization, as a fan, that I can count on this team to keep fighting no matter what the scoreboard says, and frankly, that I believe they're always still in a game.

Even when they fell behind 5-0, you knew it wasn't over. I'll admit it, I didn't think they were going to win, but I also knew somehow they weren't going to lose 5-0 or 5-1.

I hate to say it, but you know what it reminds me of? It reminds me of the way those Phillies teams always used to play. Even when they were down you knew they weren't out, and for years it drove me crazy with jealousy.

Now the Mets play like that. It doesn't mean we're the class of the National League like the Phillies were (are?), but we've captured a key element of their success and it makes us an incredibly fun team to watch.

For a long time, that wasn't really the case. As a fan, I couldn't be happier to have that sense of fun back.

Like Lou Brown once said, "It's my kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team."

* * * * *

A few quick hits:

The Mets are now playing "Bad Romance" when Rod Barajas gets a big hit. Can I take credit for that?

Me and a big group of people were out at Citi Field on Friday... another amazing night at the ballpark. Friday nights at Citi Field are quickly becoming some of my favorite nights; I rarely have as good a time as I do when I'm out there with 8-plus friends, cheap tickets, cold beers, and some center field food in my belly.

McFadden's continues to be an excellent post-game ritual. REALLY long on this one.

Thank god K-Rod didn't blow the save today. I might have gone ballistic.

I'm extremely happy for Jeff Francoeur. He's a favorite of Little Miss Citi's, and honestly, how could you possibly pull against the guy? I know the stat-heads hate him, and I understand the argument against him, but I'm still in the camp of people who feel his attitude and personality mean a LOT to this team, more than the stats tell. Really glad he's having some success again. 

That's all I got. Now let's enjoy the off-day and go get 'em on Tuesday.

- A.F.O.M.G.