Despite losing last night, things aren't looking so bad for the Mets.

-The reality is the Mets have dropped three of five since losing a home series to the division leading Phillies. If you factor in that they lost the last two in that series, that’s a 2-5 record. They’re three over .500 or the same record as the Giants after getting swept by the red hot Halo’s. The big difference is the Amazin’s only are three out despite no Jose Reyes or Carlos Delgado while the Giants trail the first place Dodgers by eight and a half. So, it has more to do with how Philly’s played since losing four of five to Boston and Toronto so far. That’s why now a year on the job, Jerry Manuel should feel alright about his team’s chances.

-Hard to believe it’s been a year since the Mets unceremoniously dumped easy target Willie Randolph with the news not coming in until 3 AM here with WFAN’s Tony Paige getting the news with them on a West Coast trip. Of course, it was embarrassing to say the least. But a year has come and gone and now Willie is a bench coach with the first place Brewers. So, can you really feel bad for him these days? Exactly.

-In listening to Mike Francesa go on and on about his ‘centerfielder’ Nate McLouth, you’d think the Braves would be on a tear. Oh. What’s this? They lost yet again 4-3 to the Reds making it four straight losses, dropping them four under. Wake us up when McLouth makes a big impact in the NL East.

-Speaking of which, Andrew McCutchen went yard for his first major league dinger in a Pittsburgh 8-2 win over Minnesota. With a pair of hits, RBI’s and a run scored in the leadoff spot, the 22 year-old centerfield phenom continues to excel. In other words, the Pirates aren’t missing McLouth that much. Tell ya something else. With the improved run production from third baseman Andy LaRoche, who came over from L.A. in the Manny Ramirez/Jason Bay trade, suddenly Pitt’s getting a decent return. Especially with Delwyn Young also contributing. You start to look at that Pirate lineup and suddenly, given some of the kids in it including speedster Nyier Morgan along with a bounceback year for Adam LaRoche, it’s not bad. When they get back starting backstop Ryan Doumit, that should only help. Proven middle infielders like Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson aren’t bad either. Both could be available next month.

The Pirates (31-34) have also gotten good pitching from ace Zach Duke. They possess some strong arms including Ian Snell, who pitched better last night going six frames of two-run ball for only his second win. Paul Maholm ain’t bad either and former Yankee Ross Ohlendorf has given them some solid innings winning half a dozen. John Grabow has been a solid setup man and closer Matt Capps has saved 16 of 18. It’s true that Pittsburgh will likely sell at the trade deadline. However, if they play their cards right and continue developing players, eventually we might see them compete in that NL Central.

-If the Mets are looking for a more affordable first base option, try Seattle where bargain basement vet Russ Branyan is having a great year hitting over .300 with 15 homers, which would easily pace the Queens club. It’s worth exploring instead of overpaying for injury prone Nick Johnson or defenseless Aubrey Huff. Besides, it’s highly unlikely the Padres would give away Adrian Gonzalez. Another possible solution could be proven vet Kevin Millar (Mill-ah) if the Blue Jays fall out of the race. Who wouldn’t want a professional bat like his?

-Kudos to Long Beach, NY native John Lannan on baffling the Yankees- pitching into the ninth allowing just two earned on four hits walking one and fanning four for his fourth victory on the lowly Nats. How do you lose to a team that’s 30 under in your own launching pad? Was it any surprise Robinson Cano didn’t deliver in a big spot, instead bouncing into a 6-4-3 twin killing against retread Mike MacDougal with the tying run 90 feet away? The second baseman’s got good numbers but he’s hardly dependable. A-Rod ain’t the only Yankee that leaves fans scratching their heads.

-How did Joe Girardi’s continued faith in Chien-Ming Wang work out?

5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 91 pitches

And he took the loss falling to 0-5 with a 12.65 ERA. In the same game, Phil Hughes continued to make a strong case tossing two scoreless while fanning a pair. When does Girardi wake up?

-With a homer and his 28th stolen base, Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury continues to improve daily.  How about a top of the order of rating AL MVP Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury before big boppers Kevin Youkilis, Bay and Mike Lowell? And that’s with Papi hitting sixth finally showing signs.

-MVP caliber:

2B Ian Kinsler .271-17-47, 47 Runs, 13 SB

All while batting leadoff for the surprising first place Rangers.

-So Sammy Sosa becomes the latest former slugger to test positive for steroids. And this is news?

-The NY-Penn League kicks off tomorrow night in Coney Island with one of the best rivalries reuniting when the Staten Island Yankees visit the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Baby Bombers will be hosting Media Day later today and will have their home opener at the ballpark by the Ferry terminal Saturday night versus the ‘Clones. Looking forward to a great summer!