[legend]

Momentum proved to be as strong as the next day's starting pitcher. The Mets scored the first inning run on a bloop single and then did not get another hit until the ninth off of Jeff Suppan. Perez pitched well for the Mets, but Heilman gave up a two run homer to Yadier Molina in the top of the ninth. The Mets got a pair of hits against the Cards' closer, Wainrught, to open the last of the ninth, and then Cliff Floyd, playing his last game as a Met for sure, struck out on a curveball looking. Reyes hit the ball hard but right at Jim Edmonds, and then LoDuca walked to load the bases. Beltran then took a curve right down the middle for strike three, beginning a winter of misery for his fragile psyche.

Willie Randolph is going to be second guessed for not bunting the two baserunners into scoring position.But the Mets didn't win because they did not hit. The A-Rod Award goes to David Wright, who went a paltry 4 for 25 in the series. The Mets will be much better next season, as they are bound to dump gutless Steve Trachsel, always injured Floyd won't be back, and they will pursue at least two big name pitchers.

The Cardinals will go on to Detroit for a rematch of the 68 Series.

[soriano33]

This is another one of those years where many people wont find very much interest in the World Series. Its like the Astros-ChiSox series all over again. I believe Willie did what he had to do in the game, many people will second guess him for keeping Heilman in the game in the 9th, however if I was Willie I really couldnt trust Billy Wagner. Good luck to the Cards and Tigers, but I'll only be watching the highlights on ESPN, I'm not going to watch a series of this nature.

[legend]

No, Randolph cannot be faulted for keeping Wagner right where he belonged. LaRussa would have countered Wagner coming in by bringing in So Taguchi, he of the two home runs this year, who has made Wagner his, well you know what I'm trying to say here. If the Mets could dump Wagner today, they would.

And by the way, the next time the Sporting News tries to compare Jose Reyes to Derek Jeter, they should think twice.

[EmpireWF]

I don't think many are criticizing Willie for keeping Heilman in, in the 9th. He's got to keep him there because you don't know how long the game will go and Heilman can go long. And anyway, Wagner pitches better in save situations.

The criticism for Willie is from those who think he should've bunted with the two runners on in the 9th and nobody out. Instead of sending Cliff Floyd to attempt to smack a dinger, move the runners to 2nd and 3rd and then have Jose Reyes and Paul Lo Duca up to try and tie the game with a single hit.

[firefrozen]

Heilman has to stay in for that inning at least. The only time i like to Billy Wagner in the game is when the mets have 10 run lead. Otherwise he will give 3 heart attacks before closing the game.