You have entered the no-panic zone

We will not tolerate any panicking here at MFC. Sure, the Mets fell from first place with their fourth loss in five games, but they're still tied with the Phillies in the loss column and lead the wild card race over the freefalling Brewers. And with 12 games left, the season is far -- FAR -- from over.

Mike Pelfrey pitched a great game Tuesday night, throwing seven innings and allowing just one run, and Joe Smith pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He should be this team's closer -- he's done the best of anyone out there lately.

The offense, however, has hit the skids the last couple of games after piling up the runs, so here's hoping it's a temporary thing. Making John Lannan an Odalis Perez look like the second coming of Spahn and Sain is by no means a good thing, but there are still a dozen games to play, seven of them at home. And the Phillies aren't going to win out.

And even if they did, you think the spiraling Brewers -- who have two more games against the Cubs this week -- are going to outplay the Mets down the stretch? Or the Astros, who can't get a hit anymore?

No panic here, even though Fernando Tatis done for the season with a separated shoulder. That just means more Daniel Murphy.

As much as the media wants to bang that drum, this isn't the same team as last year. Church, Schneider, Santana, Murphy, Ayala -- none of them were here. Jerry Manuel is at the helm, not Stiff Willie. There is plenty of time to right the ship and battle down to the end, and earn a spot in the playoffs, division champion or otherwise.

Just try and enjoy the ride.