From pitiful to passable ...

After some recent unwatchable games, the New York Mets played a fairly solid game this afternoon. Not spectacular by any means, as they were helped by some defensive shortcomings on the part of the Padres', but solid enough.

Johan Santana pitched a great game and even helped him self out with a double. I know Santana is one of the only bright spots the Mets have left and they don't want to jeopardize that, but with the way the bullpen has been pitching, why pull him after the eight? I know most teams are extremely cautious about the number of pitches their starters throw, but Santana had made it through eight and threw 109 pitches. Why not at least give him a chance in the ninth?

Is Jerry Manuel being conservative? Does he realize the season is pretty much over for his team so instead of risking a late game injury to one of the only stars he has left, he pulls him? But if the season is just about over, why not give him a shot? Maybe I'm reading too much into it. Maybe I'm trying to blame someone, or something (as other writers on this blog have mentioned).

I'm getting bored as a fan. I love my team, but they go from pitiful to passable like it's nothing - it's like dealing with a moody teenager. I don't want to give up on them, but I almost wish they'd just be pitiful. I can't take much more of this.