The Mets just keep digging a bigger hole

You don’t need to read Wally Matthews Newsday column (but you should) to know that the Mets themselves are shoveling more fertilizer on their season.

Another lackluster loss in Flushing just goes to show: It wasn’t all Willie’s fault. This team is still struggling, even wth Jerry Manuel at the helm. Sure, the Wilpons and Tony Bernazard and Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes are glad Randolph is gone. But it has made about as much difference to the team as Christie Brinkley’s high priced divorce means anything to the TV newsies that think Brinkley is a story worth the attention of viewers.

Alright, Hernandez is a talented pitcher and would have possibly beaten the Mets if he’d not hurt his ankle in the 5th inning. The Mariners should try to lock him up for a long time. But even Felix the Great shouldn’t be launching grand slam home runs off 137 million dollar man Johan Santana. Just ask Hank Steinbrenner. Santana, according to Newsday, had the gall to indirectly blame David Wright, who made an error on a routine grounder just before the blast. BUT-should your ace be able to handle a pitcher-any pitcher-not just one with EIGHT major league AB’s prior to his difference making grand salami? Let’s face it, Santana has NOT been all as advertised. No complete games-no effort (yet) that says, “Follow me guys.” Good? Yeah. But great? This ain’t Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax or Randy Johnson. Hey, in terms of big game performances, I have yet to see Jerry Koosman or Al Leiter.

Even with Willie gone, this club plays with the desire and hustle of John Goodman at a weight loss clinic. You could get the world’s best hypnotists, motivational speakers or inspirational evangelists, and this club is still deader than a doornail. The fact that they couldn’t take advantage of Hernandez injury, against guys better suited for the Wsahington State Witness Protection Program, says a lot.

All I keep hearing is , “The Phillies are slumping, we’re back in it.” Meanwhile, our own house needs a total makeover.

Jerry Manuel can go “gangsta” all he wants. He may want to make a special appearance on Weeds next week. Manuel may need to start smoking some fertilizer to escape this ball club.