Letters

Rip Tide

Saying that the Mets are the best team in the National League (July 17) is like saying that someone is the tallest person in a roomful of dwarfs. If the Mets do reach the World Series, you can change your headline to r.i.p. city because they would certainly be fodder for the AL champion.

Tim Brown, Langhorne, Pa.

Your cover photo of the five Mets signifies everything that is right with baseball. These talented yet grounded players exude confidence, optimism and a love of the game. Their smiles light up a sport that desperately needs to emerge from the shadow of a steroids scandal.

Aaron Troodler, Teaneck, N.J.

In the subheadline to the article Joy Ride by Tom Verducci, the Mets are described as a "franchise whose revival is way ahead of schedule." But with an average payroll of $100,756,034 since their World Series appearance in 2000, the highest in the NL, I would say the Mets' success is far overdue.

Andrew Follett, Meridian, Miss.

Major Andre

Many thanks to Gary Smith and SI for a look at Andre Agassi, a man who after all of his transformations got it right (Coming into Focus, July 17). Agassi's passion for tennis, his philanthropy and his devotion to his wife and two children show that he knows what's important.

Scott M. Zurakowski, Canton, Ohio