Frustration, thy name is Mets

Biggest game of the season and I missed almost all of it, but for good reason. I was at a conference in Atlantic City (Phillies country), and after we wrapped things up Tuesday, my colleagues and I left the Trump Marina (strictly for the tour bus set) and hit the Borgata for dinner and the tables.

I caught Delgado's monster home run that gave the Mets the early lead at the bar of Ombra (a must if you love Italian food) and then enjoyed a two-hour dinner. By the time we left, I saw the Mets were up 5-2 in the ninth with the bases loaded and none out.

I could have stayed and watched at the bar, but I chose Pai Gow, and I'm glad I did. When we cashed in a little after midnight I was up $250, and was agita-free. Until the next morning, at least, when I read all about the bullpen implosion.

Johan Santana needed to stay in that game, and he needed to demand it. That he doesn't should concern any Mets fan. With no Billy Wagner, Duaner Sanchez needed to come up big and did not, and neither did Joe Smith or Feliciano, a remarkable string of failures that stings even more considering it happened against the Phils.

Yes, the Mets have come a long way and they are in the hunt -- but they need to beat the Phillies not only to be on top in the division but to drive a nail in the coffin of the collapse. Otherwise, the Phillies will have the mental edge over a Mets team that still has to prove it can win the big games and beat the better teams.