The least you should know?

Johan Santana pitched seven innings, allowed five hits and two earned runs, while walking three and striking out seven.

J.J. Putz walked the first two batters in the eighth, both of whom eventually scored to give the Marlins a one-run lead they would never surrender.

Other Observations?

I think what is most upsetting, is that, on Tuesday morning, I actually believed the Mets might sweep the Marlins . Instead, they end up dropping two of three.

These next 10 games in 13 days against the Phillies and Braves will be quite telling, and should let us in on who this team is, and what theyre capable of.

If you only watched the Marlins and Mets, youd think Jorge Cantu is the greatest player in the history of Baseball.

The Mets were aggressive on the base paths today, going first to third on most every chance they had. The team talked a lot during spring training about being a team known for aggressive base running, but only now are they acting it out. I believe they needed to actually experience Citi Field, to know how it played, before carrying out what they hoped to do all along.

Of course, what good is a runner on third, if the batter is going to pop out to end the inning. Again, the Mets left 14 men on base, had a runner on in every inning but the sixth, and scored just three runs.

The Game Ball?

Todays game ball goes to Johan Santana, who now has to speak with reporters and defend the other 24 men on his roster, all while knowing hes the best pitcher in Baseball, and worthy of better support.

The Mets are off tomorrow, after which they will begin a three-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia on Friday night.

Newstex ID: Mets-0001-34532666