The Final Score

Jim wrote a column on this topic yesterday. We'll use pieces of that column as the jumping-off point for our debate.

JIM: Division is now Phillies' to lose

The challenge is figuring out how exactly the Mets can win the NL East with their bullpen of shaky, inconsistent middle relievers.

The interim manager's strategy is to not name an interim closer. He prefers to let the situation each game dictate which pitcher he brings in to pitch the ninth. Manuel admitted he would ideally prefer one of his relievers step up and make his decision easy, but who is that guy?

He doesn't know. No one does.

There are less than six weeks remaining in the regular season, 36 games standing in the way of a second division title in three years. Sure, it can still happen. Why not? The best thing the Mets have going for them is that their division is putrid. But the moment the Mets announced the severity of Wagner's injury yesterday, the division became the Phillies' to lose.

Of course that sentence stings, Mets fans, but let's hear you make the case that what happened last night can take place over and over? Do you trust Heilman in a big spot? How about Duaner Sanchez, Pedro Feliciano, Schoeneweis or Joe Smith?

For one more night, the Mets and their closer-less bullpen survived. But the question remains: Just how long can this continue?

ANTHONY: How long can this continue? How about all the way to the playoffs!

Jim, you seem to gloss over this fact: The Mets have won seven of their last eight games without Wagner. If he had been healthy, want to bet he would have blown one or two of those games?

Wagner is a good closer, not a great closer, and the closer position is overrated anyway. Yes, the eighth and ninth innings will be an adventure with him out, but I say the Mets will still win the division. Just maybe not as easily.

Look at the Phillies. They are capable of going on a long losing binge at any time. The Mets have a clear advantage in starting pitching. That's what's going to win you games -- the starting pitcher, not the finishing.

Plus, the Mets have a little Manuel Magic going for them. I don't think Jerry Manuel is the greatest skipper ever, but he has established a positive attitude around the Mets, a sort of "we should win this thing" vibe. That should carry them through the times when their bullpen does blow a game or two. It's much better than Willie Randolph's "we better win so everyone will think I'm a good manager."

So to answer your final question: How long can this continue ....

Right to the first round of the playoffs.

And then the Mets will be crushed by the Brewers. But that's a topic for another day.