Chris Carter: I want to believe

On "The X-Files," which was created by a TV writer named Chris Carter, Fox Mulder had a poster in his office that said, "I Want to Believe." Last night, the newest Met, also named Chris Carter, accomplished more in his first at-bat than the player he replaced, Frank Catalanotto, did in his entire time as a Met.

I want to believe that the new blood on the Mets will continue to inspire the team. In last night's game, Rod Barajas had yet another key hit, Hisanori Takahashi had two more scoreless innings and Ike Davis made yet another spectacular catch while flipping over the railing into the dugout.

Perhaps that is Omar Minaya's strategy - stagger the callups of prospects to inject a burst of energy into the team. How else to explain what Catalanotto was doing on the team instead of Carter in the first place? Carter had a great spring and was doing great at Buffalo. Catalanotto was 4-for-25, a .160 batting average.

Which is a higher average than Gary Matthews Jr.' s .156 (7-for-45). And that's after he actually got a hit last night, raising his BA from .136.

Two down (Mike Jacobs and Catalanotto), one to go. It will be a lot easier to believe in the Mets once Matthews is gone as well. And once Minaya stops filling out his roster with over-the-hill veterans.

But at least it gives me the chance to invoke one of Squawker Lisa's least favorite shows and actors (David Duchovny). When it comes to "The X-Files," Lisa is definitely the skeptic!