The Mets are 14-9 since Jerry Manuel took the helm and have cut five games from the Phillies lead in the National League East. The team finally appears to have turned the corner, with bats and pitching working in concert. Playing consistent baseball is never easy, but maybe the change at the top did send a signal in the clubhouse that mediocrity was not acceptable to management.
The team's latest run certainly could have come with Willie Randolh as the manager, but Manuel has presided over the brief turnaround, so naturally he will receive the credit. Maybe the culture of the team was changed by the change, and possibly it spurred them to play better, but more likely the lineup remains old and players are just hitting hot streaks at the same time. If the clubhouse is less divided, or even if this turnaround was just a natural progression the team doesn't need Barry Bonds.
In the National League he is not much more than a pinch hitter theses days as he can no longer play the outfield or run the bases with speed, or defensive ability, not to mention his toxic clubhouse presence on a team that is finally looking up.
In the midst of the wining streak, however, John Maine has struggled. the young, promising righty seemed like a lock to win 15 games again this season, but hasn't pitched past into the seventh inning since May 7th. He threw eight innings against the Dodgers that day, but has been solidly mediocre since.
Maine's 8-6 record is still respectable, even if he hasn't won since June, 25th. Heading into the weekend he was sporting a 3.99 ERA, 93 k's, 49 bb's and a 1.32 whip. He isn't headed for disaster anytime soon, but needs to come back from the All-Star Break ready to help the club overtake the Phillies in first because the team needs him.
