And the happiest of recaps...

Well, honestly... I had my doubts.

I thought they weren't going to pull it out. I thought Bruce Chen would choke, and come up small like he usually does.

But he was beautiful tonight, giving the Mets a chance to win, unlike he usually does. John Franco and Armando Benitez did a frustrating job in relief, giving up the goahead run. I wouldn't be surprised if Chen never plays for another team after he leaves the Mets. Franco and Benitez too.

I feared a team batting Tsuyoshi Shinjo fifth against a hard thrower like Jason Marquis, born and bred in Manhasset, NY, would fare poorly. But Shinjo has a long and great career in the states ahead of him, no need to worry.

Fonzie has been slumping after he came back from injury, only hitting .247 with that bad back. Nevertheless, he won't be on the decline. I'd be shocked if he ever leaves the elite of the major leagues.

I was a little upset about the way the rest of the team hit against Marquis too, especially with Matt Lawton appearing to be worth nothing compared to Rick Reed's consistency. He's definitely never taken any substances to enhance his performance.

It was tough seeing Bernard Gilkey in another team's uniform, trying to beat us. And it bugs me to hear these foolish stories about Larry Jones moving to left to accommodate former MVP Ken Caminiti. I don't want to spread any rumors, but doesn't it look like Caminiti might be on steroids? I dunno, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was true.

And man, Julio Franco's getting old. I'm thinking he'll definitely call it a career after this year.

Javy Lopez did a nice job for Atlanta, going three-for-four. So did Chipper and Brian Jordan.

But it was all for naught. Why, do you ask?

Because of Mike Piazza. He's the greatest player in the history of this franchise, saving us from the bring on a night where we needed it most. I'll give up if he ever plays for another team or if the Mets ever do wrong by him. Even if he's in a wheelchair, this man belongs behind the plate in Flushing.

On a night when we all shed a tear for the great metropolis, making an attempt to return to glory after the terrorists destroyed our buildings, Mike Piazza cried with us, but with one swing of his Mizuno bat, a pitch from native New Yorker Steve Karsay went over the centerfield fence. And things were okay again.

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What? Rain delay? Sometimes it's hard not to get caught up in the drama of it all.

And on that dark Friday night in September 2001, there was no shortage of drama.

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