Over .500

Of course Amed Rosario is smiling. His Mets are the hottest team in baseball.

11 games under .500 just three weeks ago, they've won 17 of their last 22 games -- including Monday's doubleheader sweep over Miami -- to climb into plus territory for the first time in May. More importantly, a club that seem to scream "rebuild" at the All Star Break is now just two games back in the Wild Card chase.

And Rosario deserves credit, as well. A month ago, there was speculation that his defensive issues might force a move to center field. All of a sudden, his gloveworked improved to go along with an August batting average of .385.

OK, time for a dose of reality. The Mets have taken advantage of a soft stretch in the schedule, beating up on the Pirates, Marlins, White Sox and Padres. They did sweep the Twins, while dropping three of four to the Giants. Starting Friday, things become a lot tougher with the Nationals, Braves and Cubs. A real test that will determine whether this club, so inconsistent and sloppy in the first half, really is a contender or pretender.

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