OK- the Mets are .500 team today. They were a .500 team on May 14 when they were 18 and 18.  They were a near .500 team on July 28th when they were 51 and 50, and they are a .500 team today at 61 and 61.  Chances are good that is where they end the season.

So why does Jerry Manuel keep talking about this run they are going to go on? Because if they don’t keep looking for that run, they might as well just end the season now. Remember, Jerry’s fate was linked to the playoffs- and if he stops seeing a chance at the playoffs, or at least lets us all know he can’t see it, well, his season is over. He is saying what any good leader taking his team into battle should say- we don’t need to go into battle with him though, and perhaps we should stop listening.

But the funny thing is, as I watched them the last few nights, it is very clear the players have been listening to Jerry and not reading the newspapers. They look loose and comfortable and happy roaming around the dugout. That’s what you want from your team in late August- but it just isn’t that reflective of who this team is.

Jerry Manuel will be gone at the end of the season. To keep him would show the Wilpon’s really have their heads in the sand, and no matter what else may be said about them, I don’t think that is true.

The idea of giving Reyes an extension is interesting. On one hand, you don’t want him to hit the open market because he would get so much more expensive. On the other, it would be interesting to see how different he plays if he has to play for a contract. Perhaps he could pay attention for 100 pitches if he knew it was the only way he would get paid.

I guess this should be the last time I write about the Mets. They are a .500 team. Those who root for them should be thankful for those bright spots back in May. And perhaps those fans should begin the ‘wait until next year’ lament. Its hard to imagine just what is next, but one thing for sure, the Mets will do something to surprise us.