The Mets playing well? Geez, how long has it been since a fan could say that? But with all of the controversy swirling around the organization lately, their improved play over the weekend against one of the hottest teams in the Majors should not be overshadowed.

In the three game series against Houston, the Mets’ bats awoke with a vengeance. To put this series in perspective, in the seven previous games the Mets played against the Braves and Nationals, their lineup up combined for only 43 hits and 11 extra bats hits – one of which was a home run. That’s pretty much a microcosm for the way they have hit over the entire season. In their weekend series against the Astros, though, the Mets racked up 38 hits, 11 extra base hits, and clobbered 4 homers in the three game series.

Team/Player Photos: Atlanta Braves v New York Mets on Jul 11, 2010

Two key players in the Mets’ wins were Luis Castillo and Jeff Francoeur. As much flak as he got in spring training, Castillo has quietly had a fantastic season. He is now hitting .301 and getting on base just a shade under .400, and has become a very efficient number 2 hitter (he’s also the hardest batter to strike out in the league). Francoeur has also looked great in his short stint as a Met. Over the weekend Castillo and Francoeur combined for 11 hits, 6 runs, and 11 RBI.

For the rest of the season, this is how we should focus: one game and one series at a time. Chances are the Mets aren’t going to make the playoffs and it would be foolish to think otherwise. But if this team can string together some wins – especially against teams positioned ahead of them in their division and wild card race – it may make for an interesting September.