The better than expected start has made for a fun spring. Johan's guile and Capt. Kirk's style have meant I pretty much forgot about Jose when the Marlins ain't in town.

This could be a blast of a fun club to root for if they can find a replacement for Pelf and get at least one of the big lefties slugging again.

But are we luckier than good? I don't know what's considered a meaningful sample size for run differential - but ours is ugly.

At -30 we're worst in the NL and 2nd worst in all of MLB. Even if the CO 18-9 debacle was only 14-9 we'd still be next to last in the NL. Every other NL team in the red is closer to even than we are but every one is at least 2 games under .500.

Am I being a nattering nabob of negativism to be concerned that there's more than a little smoke and mirrors jazzing up our favorite show? Sure hope so 'cause I'm really enjoying our merry band of no-names. Anyone know of a benchmark for when run differential becomes meaningful?

Here's how the Mets stack up with other NL clubs with a negative run differntial:

Mets -30 14-13

Brewers -28 12-15

Cubs -23 10-17

Pirates -21 12-15

Padres -18 9-18

Marlins -10 12-14

Phils -5 13-15