Keeping Their Heads Above Water

Winning three out of four against the Phils brings the Mets to within 2.5 games of first place. Great news, certainly. Even better is the fact that Jerry Manuel seems to have an actual clue. His handling of the pitching staff, while not perfect, has been tons better than Randolph's, and he shows a greater imagination when it comes to tactics. Pulling Santana before the ninth in the first game against Philly was a Randolphian move, but he redeemed himself the next three days.

Now it's back home against the moribund Giants and Rockies. Things are looking up.

John Stewart on the Willie Firing

The Mets' Manuel Shift

Willie's gone, and hallelujah for that. Good man, terrible manager. Jerry Manuel is an exceedingly intelligent guy who doesn't seem nearly as stubborn as Randolph, and much more clear-eyed. I would've greatly preferred that Backman take Randolph's place, but maybe Manuel will get it done. I'm willing to give him some time.

In a 162-game season, there are 50 games you're gonna win just by showing up, and 50 games you're gonna lose no matter what you do. You can file last night's 6-1 loss to the Angels under the latter.

The errors and Reyes tantrum were discouraging, but they're not the reason the Mets lost. The Mets' ace went up against the other team's ace. Lackey was dealing, Santana wasn't. That's why we lost.

This wasn't the Mets getting swept by the Padres. It was the Mets getting beaten in one game by the best pitcher on the best team in baseball right now.

I'm encouraged, if for no other reason than that Manuel implied he's going to go longer with the starters. That will cure a lot of ills.

Hire Wally Backman (The Petition)!

John Fitzgerald, director of "Playing for Peanuts" hipped me to this "Hire Wally" petition that I'd like to pass along. It's aimed at the Mets, and is something I of course signed and heartily endorse!

Another Boring Win

Ha! Just kiddin'...I mean, it was a boring win, but the implication that such things are regular occurances in Mets Land is certainly a joke...can a weekend of wins save Willie?...at this point, who knows...he's officially twisting in the wind...Jerry Manuel is his rumored replacement...Manuel had success with a mostly young Chisox team...how he's do with a team of vets is a question...especially since they all know him...familiarity breeds contempt...I say hire Backman...it's a can't-miss with the fans, who'd love the move...of course, you can count on the Wilpons to do the safe thing...Manuel would be that...the trouble is, the safe thing never seems to work for the Mets...

Groundhog Day

Another day, another wrenching loss. They won last night, but it felt like a loss.

Then today...After seven superb innings from Santana--seven shutout innings--Randolph takes him out. And the bullpen implodes. And the Mets lose.

A good sign: Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN are floating Wally as a possibility to replace Willie. For those who do not remember, these two had a lot to do with pressuring the Mets to get Mike Piazza when he was available back in '97 or '98, whenever it was.

They are idiots, granted, but them suggesting Backman as a possibility is good news.

This Must End

As I write this, the Mets and D-Backs are going into the 1oth inning of a game the Mets had in the bag on the strength of 8 innings of great pitching by Mike Pelfrey. Of course, Willie Randolph being Willie Randolph, he couldn't let Pelfrey finish, even though he'd dominated throughout and had thrown only 108 pitches. The instant Pelfrey gives up a weak single to the lead-off hitter in the 9th, Randolph pulls him in favor of Wagner, who eventually gives up the game-tying three run homer.

Now, Feliciano walks the lead-off batter. Will he come around to score? How can he not?

The Mets will lose this game.

Wow, Pedro F. gets a K.

Runner on 1st, one out.

Chris Young, a home run hitter up. Grounds into a fielder's choice. Two out. Young on 1st.

Stephen Drew: might as well be him...now...the end is near.

Even if the Mets come back to win this, it's still a devastating, demoralizing game.

Pedro F. gets the third out. Wonders never cease.

The Geico caveman is on between innings. Give him some ABs. Better yet, hire him as Mets manager.

More later. Please Wilpons: end the madness. Fire Randolph. Please.