The Unhappy Recap: Braves 3, Mets 1

Anyone who thinks the Braves 'want it more' because they took two games this weekend, or are already wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth because the Mets dropped two in Atlanta, need to consider going to a quiet place for a while, maybe take up yoga, and come back once the first-week-of-the-season jitters have passed.

Saturday's loss was on John Maine, who looked nothing like his dominant spring training self. OK, it happens. He had extra rest and was less than sharp, and Jorge Sosa buried any chance of a comeback by serving up a grand slam.

Sunday was a classic pitcher's duel between two of the best in Santana and Smoltz, and unfortunately Johan gave up one run. The Mets couldn't hit Smoltz and looked bad at the plate in both games, missing opportunities on Saturday and then getting nothing going Sunday.

And if not for a couple of inches, maybe Ryan Church catches that ball at the wall. Again, it happens.

A day off Monday and then the Philles for three games with Perez, the much-anticipated 2008 debut of Mike Pelfrey and then Maine on Thursday on regular rest. After dropping two in Atlanta, think the Mets will be geared up for the Phils?