"Chris Young was already on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis. He then contracted food poisoning, and spent the day in violent fits of illness. A few days later, a sinus infection struck. Now, he is cautiously optimistic about this week, and his planned return to the rotation Tuesday.

If that pattern sounds vaguely familiar, zoom out from Young to the entire Mets team. His list of maladies and fragile recovery symbolized the week that passed, and maybe the week to come. The Mets evoked 1962 for several days, then shook it off and won four consecutive games, looking like the team we expected to see: Better than the worst, not playoff contenders, but decent enough to look at.

Now, ya gotta believe it (because we are telling you to): This is a significant road trip. Like Young, the Mets hope that their late-week recovery was more representative than their early-week nausea. We shall see.

What does "significant" mean for a team that is a gazillion times more likely to trade star players this summer than hang in a wild card race? Simple. If the Mets are to remain competitive for a few months, this is the week to show they can do it.

First, three games against another bad team, the Washington Nationals. Like the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, the Nats stink, but not as much. If the Mets can snatch two of three, they will be 11-14 heading into Philadelphia on Friday, where losing two-of-three would be a moral victory. Return home Sunday night 12-16? You made it.

But let's say Washington takes two of three, and the Phillies sweep. The Mets would be looking at 10-18. Good luck digging out of last place, avoiding the demoralization that had been creeping in, or ever seeing .500 again."