what bothers me about that 7-run 9th inning is...

[roger_that]

(seriously) the possibility that it leads to overconfidence.



We assume the Mets feel great about the comeback win, are bubbling over with "We can accomplish anything" vibes, but I wonder if that's not wishful thinking.



No, stop. Listen to me for a second. I'm not just being negative here.



Forget about the game in Philly, okay? I'm talking about larger issues here. We always think "confidence" is good, and it is. But I've experienced (personally) bad things that happen as a result of over-confidence. It can lead to complacency.



Not-panicking is great, being cool is necessary, but mild panic, a heightening of the nerves, an edginess can be valuable too, and you don't want to be too cool when your back is up against the wall, either.



Having the best record in MLB is a fantastic feeling, a rush, a natural high, but there's something to be said for being in a tight race, that it keeps you on your toes. Having a big lead early on sometimes makes you think it's okay to skip BP, to stay out late drinking, to ignore coaches' suggestions for improving your game. "Hey, man, get off my case--we're in first place, aren't we?"



Being in first place, with a big lead, can go along with not correctlng your errors, your foolish choices, the mistakes you've gotten away with making so far.



Every screw up I've ever made derived from feeling too big for my britches. Just saying.

[kcmets]

Kahnfidence is key! - F X Healy

[The Hot Corner]

I here what you are saying, roger-that, but I have enjoyed their comebacks (5 runs in St. Louis and 7 runs in Philly). It is a sign of a team that doesn't quit or give up. As Ronnie said, they play hard for 27 outs. There is a lot to like in that. The infield hits and hustle in those comebacks (and during most of the young season) are a testament of a team that is playing hard and refuses to give in to the opposition. I'll take a team that never quits and fights through the tough times.



As long as the starting pitching remains solid, the Mets should continue to be a tough team to beat. I worry about there not being enough quality depth in the bullpen.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

I don't worry about this at all. I kinda feel like Anything that happens to a team over the course of a year-' good or bad-- only reinforces what it is capable of. Things like beating the other teams' closer, or a winning streak, or being 10 games over 500 after 28 games-- that's all in the bank. So too is the experience of other team running up 7 run leads, or having a dead game, like last Monday vs. Braves. All good