Losing to Nationals not an option

The Mets have already lost four of six to the Nationals. That's totally unacceptable. But with Washington on a five-game losing streak, perhaps the Mets are in town at the right time.

It is only a two-game series, but losing both games could doom Jerry Manuel’s tenure as manager. Memorial Day, baseball's first benchmark date of marking progress, is rapidly approaching and the Mets’ brass will be looking for signs of stability starting now. 

The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 games. The hitting, as if you need to be reminded, has been a major part of the problem. Jose Reyes (.216), Jeff Francoeur (.215) and strikeout king David Wright (.262) are among the culprits. Wright was not in the starting lineup Wednesday.