Me on the Mets: Shades of 1986?

OK, the Mets started the 1986 season with a 2-3 record and went on to finish the season with a 108-54 record and capped it off with their second world championship.
    They are now 2-4 after losing two out of three games to the Washington Nationals.
    Once again they started a series with a route — and 8-2 victory. But these are the same old Mets, and even with the return of shortstop Jose Reyes, the Mets lost 4-3. That loss wasn’t too hard to swallow as the Mets did make a comeback attempt and may have pulled it off if it weren’t for Willie Harris’ game-ending diving catch off the bat of catcher Rod Barajas.
    I missed most of Sunday’s game. The Mets appeared to have a good shot at winning with the front end of the “Santana and Pray for Rain” end of the pitching staff on the mound. Ace Johan Santana proceeded to give a grand slam in the first inning — and the Mets offense once again shut down as they lost 5-2.
    This is not 1986. But they are the Same Old Mets — tied for last in the National League East. Same Old Mets, and I’m still the same old Mets fan. Ready to root them on in the next series. And I still Gotta Believe.
    Gotta believe that heads will roll if the Metsies don’t eventually hit a winning streak. It’s too early to begin to watch for a firing (hint, Jerry Manual) ... but by May 1, and this same pattern of winning one and losing two continues, the Mets’ skipper’s job may be in jeopardy.
    Gotta Believe that the Mets will fight, and right this ship.
    One bright spot during the Nationals series was the pitching of Mike Pelfrey. I’m hoping John Maine and Oliver Perez get it going — and remain consistent. Consistently good.
    Well, the next series is on the road against the Colorado Rockies ... just what our pitching staff needs. (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Let’s hope the Metsies batting averages rise higher that the pitching staff’s earned run average. All three games are on SNY, with Thursday’s game a 3:10 p.m. start.
    On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Mets travel to St. Louis to play Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and the Cardinals. For the entire Mets schedule, visit http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=nym.
    Lets Go Mets. I’m hoping they can get their act together. It’s a long season.