NY Post – Third place or bust for the Mets? As much as Terry Collins has a difficult time embracing a goal that doesn’t involve the playoffs, the Mets manager says he understands team brass’ recent decree that finishing third in the NL East would be meaningful. On Sunday, a team source told The Post the organization’s goal over these final 34 games is to finish third, ahead of the Phillies and Marlins, with the idea of creating a more positive perception of the Mets heading to the offseason. Collins later confirmed he has received the same message from team brass. The Mets (59-69) will begin play in Philadelphia tonight two games behind the Phillies for third place in the NL East.  “We talked, how it would be great for us — with the way we started the season — to finish third,” said Collins, whose Mets are 18 1/2 games behind the first-place Nationals and trail the Cardinals by 11 for the second wild card. “We played so well so long, let’s get back and at least play for third. “Even though that’s a statement I don’t like to hear, it gives us something to shoot for and certainly it goes into winter time with a better taste in your mouth.”

Forget meaningful games in September! We’re playing for 3rd motherfucker! We’re number 3, We’re Number 3! This year its the easiest its ever been to make the playoffs. An extra spot for a one game playoff. We were in the hunt for the division at the break. But lets just finish ahead of the Marlins and Phillies and then we’re all good! Meet the Mets, Meets the Mets!

Truth be told, when the season started I would have signed for 3rd place and about 73 wins in a heartbeat. With that minor league team they are trotting out there I fully expected to be in the basement of the NL East and possibly flirting with 100 losses. Thanks to a miracle first half from Dickey, DW and the cast of nobodies, this whole shooting for third place thing is even remotely possible. But I just don’t get why they feel the need to say these things publicly. The “meaningful games in September” lines and this 3rd place bullshit. Mets management and their goddam public decrees about their goals. A good rule of thumb is when you fucking suck you should shut your mouth. You don’t need to make public statements. We don’t need PR mottos for every season. Just stay under the radar and shut the fuck up until you’re ready to put a Major League product on the field. Now cue the motherfuckin heart attack: