Mets, R.I.P.?

As you might expect, the New York press has a lot to say on the Mets' weekend trades and their 2004 season - the Times' Murray Chass draws a comparison between the Mets and the Red Sox, whilst Lee Jenkins outlines what he sees as the six defining days in July that led to the breakdown of the Mets' season.

Update
The view from 'inside' (i.e. Mets bloggers) is just as depressing, but at least it's told with a touch of sarcastic humour:

What can I say about Victor "The Wrong" Zambrano. He'll be 29 soon, and still has no idea where the ball he's about to throw is going. Apparently Rick Peterson is going to fix him up presto-neato in a matter of 10 minutes (what, from a #5 to a #4?). If Peterson can turn Zambrano into the star the Mets believe he can be, don't you have to ask a few obvious questions? For example, if the guru can fix Zambrano so easily, why couldn't he fix the very pitchers the Mets, after trading them away, are so down on? (As for current pitchers, Mike Cameron is just as responsible for Tom Glavine's bounce back.) If he can turn a pitcher with a 1.00+ WHBP (walks plus hit by pitch) per inning into something useful, why bother trading for major league pitchers. Why not just choose random people off the streets and turn them into Victor Zambrano?
(the raindrops)

July 25th Braves-The final step in giving up the season, the dreaded “Players Only Meeting”. Senator Al Leiter getting himself a little public speaking practice before going to the Republican National Convention, called the boys together to give them the old rah-rah speech. Showing that he is a true Republican, Senator Al’s words fall on deaf ears as the Mets lose to the Braves 4-3. You know the old chestnut about the only thing definite in life is death and taxes? I think you can put the Mets losing to the Braves in that category as well.
(The Eddie Kranepool Society)