Standings, a Morning Rant and What's on Tap for Today

Matthew Cerrone: There are losses, and then there are losses like that. I know it's just one game, but last night hurt. I mean, do the Mets relief pitchers even realize they're on the same team as their position players and starting pitchers? Guys, in case you forgot, you're supposed to stop the other team from scoring, not help them? Last night could end up being soul crushing, depending on how today goes, considering how high the team must have felt after Jordany Valdespin's home run and then again after Josh Thole's RBI in the 10th. I know I had a difficult time sleeping, I can't imagine what it was like for the players.

And look, I believe in what Sandy Alderson is doing here long term, but if he's going to go on radio and tell reporters (like he did yesterday) that he's committed to improving this roster and competing in 2012 (albeit not at the detriment of the farm system) then that has to happen now. I realize it's a trade 'market,' and other teams are not open for business yet, so no matter how badly Sandy, you or I want him to make a deal it has to take time. But, dear lord, man, for the sake of the other 14 guys on the roster, the coaching staff and fans ' all of whom have worked too hard and cared too much this season to see it voided out by a eight men who couldn't close an umbrella (let alone a baseball game) ' do something. Anything. I don't know, maybe promote Jenrry Mejia, or use RA Dickey out of the bullpen on his throw day, or bring back Manny Acosta, or try Fernando Cabrera, or sign a scrap-heap free agent and actually use him. Whatever. Just do something besides continuing to go to the same group who repeatedly ruin fun, exciting, well-played games and flush them down the toilet night after night. Because, even if the answer is on this current roster, I fear players and fans are becoming too demoralized to wait for it to happen'

The two-out hit parade can't last forever, and Dickey and Johan Santana can't be asked to repeat their first-half performances. At some point, the bullpen has to step up, or be blown up' one of the two. And at this rate, it has to happen sooner than July 31.