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by Digger

No New York Mets fan will forget last years historic September collapse. Sitting comfortably with a seven game lead over second place Phillies with seventeen games remaining. Then the team filled with magical finishes and slogans.... imploded.... choked... self destructed... finishing out of playoff contention. No one could save them while they gave away game after game.

2008 was to be a new season. A retooled pitching rotation bolstered by Santana. Manager Willie Randolph (fired) was to be primed and matured after events of past two seasons. The Mets recent 3 1/2 game lead over Philadelphia has evaporated (current standings).

All season, New York sports commentators have spoken of last years debacle before or after bashing the lifeless Yankees. Well, ghosts of September '07 seem to be back again in '08. Tonight's lifeless performance against 93 loss Washington sets off a serious warning light. A golden opportunity to maintain an importaint two game spread in the loss column was lost. Philly can smell blood and the Mets are leaving a trail. Whether or not the Mets snap out of it and start making their own breaks... and wins is anyone's guess.

Manager Jerry Manuel has his hands full at the moment trying to keep players fresh and talks of last year to a minimum. There's no escape right now. One of Randolph's biggest mistakes last year was showing how mopy he was in front of players and media. He looked like he just came from a funeral... offering no inspiration to his players. Manuel already admitted during an interview he has memories of '07 (... and it's up to players to correct themselves). Not very motivational Jerry.

The Mets of 2008 were to have matured after last year. Instead, it's just 2007 stuck in 2008 minds. Wright was an MVP candidate heading into last September only to completely fall apart. This year, Delgado had suddenly emerged as MVP material after coming alive hitting .295, slugging .610 after the All Star break. It's tough for him to be clutch now when there's nobody to drive in. Table setters have been silent.

Where's the Magic? The Mets have had many slogans over the years. Amazin Mets. You Gotta Believe. The Magic is Back. Mets Magic. Last year ended with Tragic Magic? Historically, Mets teams have been the chasers usually ending with dramatic late season heroics. Times have changed.

Let's see what kind of Magic these Mets can perform, if any. They're up against two slumping teams, Washington and Atlanta. These are all must wins. They close out the year at Shea vs NL's #1 Chicago (4 games) followed by a tough Marlins club.

These guys have been one game on, two off. They need to find a way to relax. Just go out and play ball. Have fun. Until old memories are shaken loose, this team is in for a rough ride. Have a closed door session. Set team curfews. Take a day off from batting practice. Do something different. Worst of all, Mets players keep this up they can play themselves out of the Wild Card hunt too.

Slumping Milwaukee pushed their panic button by firing Manager Yost this afternoon. Milwaukee had lost 11 of 14. Firing a manager is one way to wake up the dead. Mets responded after Willie was dumped, or so it seemed. Toronto with Cito at the helm. Sveum takes over the Brew Crew.

Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium are only days away from hosting their final baseball games ever. Both teams were expected to challenge for this years World Series. Instead, they could be watching from the sidelines.

Baseball is a funny game afterall.