Mets 3 Braves 2

For the first time in at least 16 years, the Mets out-managed the Braves to a victory.

And yes, that includes the Bobby Valentine years (no offense, Bobby V.).

Today’s Mets lineup vs. the Braves in Atlanta:

Jose Reyes – SS
Josh Thole – C
David Wright – 3B
Carlos Beltran – RF
Ike Davis – 1B
Angel Pagan – CF
Willie Harris – LF
Brad Emaus – 2B
Dillon Gee – P

Game time is 1:35 PM and will be broadcast in the New York-metro area on WPIX – WB 11.

This is the first big-league start of the Dillon Gee, the bulldog who showed some promise in September last year.

Note that Josh Thole is in the #2 hole and Willie Harris’ spot in the lineup keeps dropping — along with his batting average, as he’s 5 for his last 21. Also of note: baserunning blunder boy Dan Murphy sits while Brad Emaus starts at second base against righthander Tommy Hanson. Hanson actually was tougher on lefthanded hitters last year — holding them to a .226 AVG — but I think there is another reason for the decision to play Emaus over Murphy.

After seeing the Mets double their losing in the doubleheader yesterday, I was called on to write an article for ESPN. So, to double your MetsToday pleasure, you can also read my thoughts here: Displeasure Doubled in Recent Mets Sweep. Enjoy (?).

The Mets have started the 2011 season one game ahead of the 1962 club that finished 40-120. They are failing on the mound, in the field, at bat, and on the basepaths — at times, humorously so. During last night’s SNY broadcast, announcer Gary Cohen exclaimed,

“This team, right now, cannot do anything right.”

Or, as the Old Perfessor once asked: