Gangstas coming home winners

The Mets have won two straight series on the road and three of Jerry Manuel's five games as manager. They're finally back to .500, and guess what? The Phillies have lost seven of eight and are now tied with the Marlins for first place and only 3 1/2 games ahead of the Mets, who are only two back in the loss column with three games in hand.

Optimistic Mets fans have said all along that there's plenty of season left, and sure enough, the Mets are still in the hunt despite a tumultuous first 12 weeks. Mike Pelfrey pitched well again Sunday, winning his second straight - he hasn't lost since May 26. Carlos Beltran (who made a sliding catch to end Sunday' game that was millimeters from being a trap) made the Rockies pay for a two-out walk to David Wright by blasting a two-run homer in the third, and combined with Reyes' first inning triple and RBI single by Wright, that's all Big Pelf needed.

Pedro got hammered in the fifth inning Saturday and that's a concern, but generally the starters have pitched well, and the bullpen is settling down. More innings by the starters and more defined bullpen roles as per Manuel should help quite a bit.

Up next - the Mariners, who have already fired their GM and manager and make the Mets look stable. That series will be followed by the Yankees, with the two-stadium, day-night doubleheader Friday, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Bronx followed by an 8 p.m. tilt at Shea, with the next two games also in Flushing.

The projected pitching rotation: SEA - Monday, Santana; Tuesday, Perez; Wednesday, Maine.
NYY - Friday, Pedro and Pelfrey (not sure who gets which game); Saturday, Santana; Sunday, Perez