I couldn't imagine a better stretch followed by a worse stretch.

First the Mets clean up on a road trip then come home to beat up on the Cubs.

Then the Mets take the first two from the Yanks over the weekend. I went into Sunday night wanting a sweep. Personally I needed a sweep. It didn't happen. Not the end of the world.

The Braves series is big for another reason though. Its not just about bragging rights. Its about winning the NL East. The Braves look like the only legit threat to the Mets in the NL in 2007. We can't be their whipping boys.

After last night's loss the Mets are 1-3 at Turner Field. Jorge Sosa got knocked around, ending his fairytale run of wins after coming up from New Orleans. Okay, now lets go out and get the rest of the games.

I expect the Mets to continue to be a dominant team in 2007. Dominant teams don't lose three in a row. And dominant teams win (even on the road) against the challengers in their division.