Mets Fall 8-4 Behind Santana

Sorry this post is so late.  It's been a busy day at work, and this isn't my job...

Anywho...

The Mets fell to the Astros 8-4 earlier today, despite Johan Santana starting for the Mets (box score). 

Granted this was Santana's first appearance since off-season surgery, and despite being more concerned with feeling good than looking good,  he didn't look good.  Santana gave up 6 hits, 4 runs and a homer in an inning and 2/3, which was not a great performance, especially considering Kaz Matsui hit the homer, ugh.  However, the most important thing, as noted by Marty Noble, in this article, was what Santana said afterwards, "I didn't feel anything with the arm. I was able to throw all my pitches..."

Outside of Johan it wasn't a bad day.  Here are some positives:

- David Wright went deep today, and drove in two runs.

- Ike Davis also went deep today, but also struck out three times. 

- Josh Thole had two hits, both doubles, and drove in a run.

- Jeff Francouer gunned out another baserunner. 

- Sean Green didn't suck.  He went an inning without giving up a hit or run, while striking out one.

- Matthews Jr. had two doubles and finished 3-4, and is starting to look partially valuable.

Summary:

Interestingly enough, this is the first time I'm heard anything really about Thole, which really makes me think the Mets bringing in Barajas was a good decision.  This spring might have become about Thole struggling if he was fighting for the starting job, instead it's about Ike Davis and Jenrry Mejia.

Also, Ike Davis continues to hit, and Francouer continues to field.  Although, Francouer and Bay are both struggling at the plate this spring, it isn't anything to concern ourselves with, especially since Bay considers himself a "slow starter".

Despite the loss, today was not all negative for the Mets...