We're Getting Spoiled

I know that my perspective as a fan has changed when a 3-1 win over the Nats that seals a series sweep and a 9-1 homestead is just...expected.  You know we could've done better, and really we could've crushed those guys.

But, of course, when they tally up the wins at the end of the year, it doesn't matter whether you win 3-1 or 11-3, they all count the same way.  Even the ones against Washington.  Claudio Vargas was mysteriously effective again, both with the bases empty and occupied, and a little bit (okay, a lot) of luck helped push across the go-ahead runs in the 8th.

Now things get a little trickier.  We're 24-10, comfortably the best performing team in baseball, and for at least another several hours, seven games up on the second-place Cubs.  As I noted in my Hardball Times column today, reinforcements are coming soon, so this team could get better before it gets worse.  But then again, we're going to face some real major league teams now.

As people have been warning us for weeks now, 13 of the next 16 games are on the road, and most of those are against good teams.  (I suppose it depends what you think about the Phillies.)  It will be an interesting test: if the Brewers can win at least half of those games, I think it's safe to say we're for real.  But consider this: if the Crew hits a horrible skid (which isn't going to happen) and loses all 16, we'd still be 24-26.  That's what crushing the bad teams does for you.  I'd much rather be 32-18 with some nice wins against the Mets and Twins, but no matter what happens for the remainder of the month, we're still going to be right in the race on June 1st.

Enjoy it while it lasts: we've got more than 48 hours until the first pitch at Shea on Friday, and it better not rain, because I've got tickets!