2008 Team Record: 89-73 If you're looking for evidence that steroids don't help athletes perform better, look no further than accused performance-enhancer and now ex-Met Scott Shoenweis, who's relief appearances and subsequent surrendering of runs sent Met fans home drunken and disgusted. Naturally, Manuel put his unbridled trust in his player's inconsistent left arm, riding him to a season (and Shea) finale loss that knocked them out of the playoffs. But, the manager may just be getting a bad rap: Under ex-manager Willie Randolph, the Mets collapsed, squandering a seven-game division lead with 17 games left to play. Under Manuel, the team collapsed again, but only squandered a 3.5-game lead with 17 games to play. See that? Improvement!
