New York, NY (WFAN)  -- One game under and three games out. Two in the loss column if you're starting to count at the halfway point. After all that's happened in the first half, including a managerial change, the Mets could easily be in a lot worse shape than they find themselves. After splitting four with the Yankees, they're 2-2 in this 12 games in 11 days stretch with the hard part upcoming starting Monday night in St. Louis. The Mets are actually in better shape in the N.L. East than they are in the wild card, trailing the Cardinals by 6 games going in. They'll know a lot more by next Monday night when they finish up this trip in Philly.

Oliver Perez took a big step forward on Sunday with his performance. Tell him it's a big game and watch the difference. That should bode well for his next start which comes next weekend against the Phillies. Maybe he can just visualize that the Phils are the Yankees because he owns the Bombers. Perez is now 5-1 lifetime versus the Yanks, and perfect against them as a Met. In four Subway Series starts against the Yankees, Perez is 4-0 and over 29 2/3 innings of work, he's pitched to a 1.21 ERA. He's never allowed more than 2 runs or 5 hits in any start. Sunday it was one run on three hits over 7 - he struck out 8 and most importantly, did not walk a batter. It was the first time this season that Perez did not issue a walk and you see the difference.

Ryan Church is back and immediately lengthens and deepens the Mets lineup. It was his first start since June 5 and he picked up where he left off - going 2-4 to raise his average to .304. Luis Castillo and Endy Chavez combined for half of the Mets 12 hits (3 singles apiece) - but the Mets once again struggled offensively, not a great sign - scoring just 3 runs and going 1-8 with RISP. David Wright was held hitless but did contribute a sacrifice fly - he has 8 RBI over the last five games, has driven in 19 over the last 18 games, and leads the team with 64.

John Maine starts it off Monday night - Tony Armas Jr. should come up to make the start on Tuesday night - Pedro goes Wednesday so he can make a start against the Phillies next Monday night. The Mets are positioned well for the 4 game set against the N.L. East leaders who are slumping. Both lefties - Santana and Perez - will go to offset Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, and Maine and Pedro are in the mix as well. Should be an interesting week after a weekend which felt like a week.

C U on or down the road

Eddie C.