New York Mets' Magic Number Down to 33...Too Soon?

Yeah, it may be way too soon to look at the all-important "Elimination Number." With the Mets sweeping the Braves a few hours ago, I could not help myself from checking it out. 

New York has won nine of their last 10 games and has become the hottest team in the National League. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has dropped off in the last two weeks, going 4-6 in their last 10.

So, is it too early to look at "magic numbers" and playoff predictions? A year ago, I would have said no, this is the perfect time to bring these things up. With around a month left, the season is drawing to a close and the winners should be pretty clear-cut. Now I have to bite my tongue after the collapse of 2007. 

The Metropolitans still have a long way to go before anyone should call them a playoff team. With Philadelphia and Florida still on their tail, anything could happen in this last homestretch. 

As much as I would like to, I cannot trust the Mets with a 2.5 game lead at this point in the season, even with a streak like this. But who knows? With a few more 7+-inning performances from starters like Pedro Martinez, the "Mets' Magic" might be back and a playoff berth may be imminent. 

Hopefully that number will not remain at 33 for long. As long as the magic number belongs to New York and not Philly, I will be content.