Bottoming Out

It's finally dawned on me. The Mets really might not make it to October.

Somehow I'd remained confident. Somehow, blown save after blown save, I'd looked at the bright side.

Monday night I cracked. Between another win by the inspired Phillies and another loss by the listless Mets, it feels now like it's all crashing down.

* * * * *

As I write this, Gary, Keith & Ron have picked up the conversation. They're making good points. We still control our own destiny. We're still right in the thick of it for the division.

On an objective level it's all true, but somehow it means nothing to me.

I know we're still up a game in the Wild Card. I know the Brewers are the ones having the truly dreadful September. And I know (because all Mets fans know) that things can change quickly in September.

Right now though it all rings hollow. We've lost 3 straight, 6 of 9. It's just not good enough. If there's something to be confident about with this team, well, what is it?

We've left the door open to the Brewers at just the same time that the Phillies are closing the door on us. It's all so... depressing.

* * * * *

If there's one thing to be confident about with the Mets, it's Johan Santana, who goes tonight in what sure feels like a must-win game. Johan has two more starts and we need to win them both. If we don't, it's hard to imagine this ending well.

But through all the negative vibes, I'll give this to the guys in the booth, they're right when they say the Mets still have the chance to do something really special.

Right now, to me, it's hard to see how they would make that happen. The Mets are playing too poorly and the Phillies too well. But if somehow they can come back from 2.5 back of the Phillies with 6 to play (5 for them), it would be a really special thing for this franchise.

There's always hope.

- A.F.O.M.G.