They Call This Tim 'Pariah'

Thanks to the Cubs' vigilance on our incidental behalf since the All-Star break, the Mets have picked up ground on the Nationals, so we go to Washington holding a 17-game lead in the only race in which we are likely to participate for some time to come. I'd say we have a real chance to lock down fourth place with a good trip. And that's all I've got anymore. I won't technically give up while the Mets are single-digits from first (9 games) or the Wild Card (7 games). Should they gather steam and enter August within five or so games of a playoff spot, their chances must be taken seriously. Also, if my cat Avery grows wings, I'd urge you to consider him a bird. But Avery's not going to grow wings. And the Mets aren't going to stop barrelling in the wrong direction. The only — only — only thing we have going for us on the four of five days through the rotation that isn't spoken for by Mr. Santana is if we have to leap out of a burning Nationa...