Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Unless your name is Noah, June has been a depressing month in New York. But the rain hasn't been what's sending soggy Mets fans out for a Prozac refill.

Since the beginning of June the Mets have lost 12 of 18. Of the 6 series so far this month, they’ve won only one and have been swept once. This team of walking wounded whose manager has set the bar of aspirations at .500 is looking awfully .333. Actually, after 15-0 shutouts, dropped pop-ups, ace pitcher failures, and more bullpen collapses than one should have to count, they just look plain awful. For too many fans, enduring the pain of these semi-pro games has been almost unbearable. Unbearable, except for one saving grace: The Phillies have dropped 11 of 19 during that same time. The Mets have actually gained a game in the standings during the month, not because they’ve played better ball, but most likely because they’ve had one less game to again redefine the process of losing.

The season isn't even half over, but one has to wonder what could be had either team played to their potential. For the Mets, a golden opportunity to take back first place slipped through their fingers the same way A-Rod’s easy out slipped from Luis’ glove. Just south, Phillies fans have to be cursing the comfy double-digit lead their team could be relaxing in.

Much further south another group of fans is drooling at this mess. The Marlins now stand just 3 games back. With the troubles they've been having and the schedules both teams face this week, smart money is on a big change in the standings by the time this horrendous month comes to a close.

Will there be big changes in the rosters by then, too?