Let the hang-wringing and nail-biting begin in earnest.

The Mets are giving the majority of their fans awful memories of last September's collapse. You know you're in trouble when you get shutout by the Nationals and Odalis Perez. In fact, it's never a good sign when you lose the first two games of a crucial series for the Mets against a team many recognize as the worst in all of baseball.

Alas, Mets' fans, take comfort.

First, unlike last year when the Mets' el foldo cost your team a spot in the playoffs, the way the rest of the NL playoff contenders are playing, even if the Phillies hang on (which I still don't think they have the pitching to do,) the wild card is more than likely.

And in looking at the division leaders -- the Phillies, Cubs and Dodgers -- do any of those teams REALLY scare you? I still believe the Mets -- on paper -- are the best team in the NL. I know their bullpen is a REAL question mark, but there's just too much talent on the whole for the Mets not to make noise in October.

Better days are ahead for you Mets fans. Keep your fingers crossed.