Leave it to the Mets to add some spice to a bland night in baseball.

Pedro Martinez gave New York nearly six full innings of quality work and received 10 runs of support thanks in large part to David Wright's bat, who would like you to vote him into the All-Star game. As we know by now, a 10-1 lead is not safe with these Mets, particularly when playing in Philadelphia.

Tony Armas Jr. gave his best Jason Grilli impersonation, allowing three runs in 1.1 innings, Aaron Heilman wasn't much better in getting the Mets into the 9th where Billy Wagner did the best he could to blow another save.

I can't say I've watched a lot of their games over the last four months of baseball, but even as a Cubs fan, I can't fathom how Mets fans survive this rollercoaster. Stunningly, the Fightin' Manuels are only 2.5 out of first place in the East. Mets 10, Phils 9

*****

In other assorted MLB news from Monday...

Milton Bradley Is Blogging Even if his agent had a considerable role in this, Milton's guest blogging for the New York Times is a must read this morning. Milton's got feelings too, you know. Congrats on the All-Star selection.

A Mustache Will Lead Them I'd prefer that Evan Longaria be selected to occupy the final AL All-Star roster spot, but he's at a seriously disadvantage. The American Mustache Institute is campaigning for Jason Giambi, and when a 'stache movement is involved it's all over.

Nearly Perfect Hiroshi Kuroda nearly pitched the first perfect game since Randy Johnson in 2004, allowing just one lonely hit to Mark Teixeira. Oh, how I miss the days of Hideo Nomo-mania in LA. Hiroshi-fest still brewing.