Mets Mania

Has Fernandomania returned to the Major Leagues? Castromania has a nice ring to it.

Whether Mets left fielder Fernando Tatis or even catcher Ramon Castro ever live up to the nickname or legendary status of Los Angeles Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela is a longshot but there is at least one certainty: the Mets and the big names like Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Carlos Beltran would be in trouble without the little names like Tatis, Castro and Argenis Reyes.

The trio's play has created a mania in Queens. It's also kept the Mets in the win column. On Tuesday night, Tatis hit two home runs in New York's 6-5 victory against San Diego. The home runs were the 100^th and 101^st of his career.

The Mets faithful at Shea Stadium showed their appreciation after the homers.

"It's unbelievable what's happening to me," he said. "I'm so surprised. I'm so thankful. All those people shouting my name. I can't describe the feeling."

Tatis could start with his favorite word "amazing." "On fire" and "on a roll" would work as well.

Tatis is hitting .316 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs in 61 games this season. Not bad for a former infielder-turned-outfielder that didn't even play professional baseball in 2004 and 2005. Tatis was once a hot prospect in the Rangers organization but fizzled. He eventually disappeared. The reason he returned to baseball was simple, he said. His community needed money to buy land and build a new church.

The land was purchased. The church has been built. Tatis shows no signs of slowing down. He hit .397 in 73 at-bats during 25 games in July.

That's right. Point, three-nine-seven. He's only hitting .294 so far in August.

The words Fernando and mania have not felt so right together since the summer of 1981 when a no-name Mexican pitcher took the world by storm with a screwball.

"I think we all are trying to do our part, compliment all the superstars we have on this team," Tatis said. "There is a lot of leadership here especially with the veterans on the team. You look around and you see everybody talking and helping. We know what our role is and that's all we are trying to do."

All Castro has done is catch regularly against left-handed pitchers and provide a nice spark off the bench by hitting .272 with six home runs and 21 RBIs in 35 games this year. His playing time has increased each month. In July, he played in 16 games. In May, he played in seven.

April? Zero because of injury. He came out of the game Saturday against Houston because of a mild ankle sprain after a play at home plate but is not expected to miss a lot of playing time.

"I'm playing more a lot more which always helps any player," Castro said. "I'm strong. I'm healthy. I'm ready to go whenever they need me. I think I have always been the same but when you get in there all the time it makes a difference."

It shows.  He's not alone.

Splitting time at second base with Damion Easley in place of the injured Luis Castillo, "other" Reyes is also trying to make his mark. Argenis is hitting .289 in 23 games. His inexperience shows at times. So does his potential.

"I feel very happy that they've been able to give me that opportunity, and hopefully I can take advantage of it," Reyes said. "You always come prepared and do whatever it is you need to do. I make sure I'm always ready. You have to take advantage of the moment but playing baseball just comes naturally."

Natural? Nothing seems more natural than cheering for not-so-famous stars on the Mets roster this summer. Who knew Mets mania would be like this?

"I'm just trying to have a good season and be consistent because everything starts with consistency," Tatis said. "I thank God that I am here. It's been a long road to get here. I know that it's a blessing."