How the Mets Got Red Hot

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Minaya's mix of Spanish-speaking stars, including leadoff sparkplug Jose Reyes (who leads the majors in stolen bases), and goofy white guys like closer Billy Wagner and third baseman David Wright has yielded a team chemistry that includes healthy doses of loving abuse. "It's a beautifully vicious clubhouse," says former Met pitcher Ron Darling, now a team broadcaster. The players energetically hurl insults--especially at Wright, 23, the All-Star whose looks have inspired female fans to wear "Mrs. Wright" jerseys. "He thinks he's God's gift to women," says pitcher Tom Glavine. "We have to remind him it's totally about the uniform, not him."

The Mets have skipped through the regular season. After they started 10-2 in April, no division foe, not even the 14-time defending division champion Atlanta Braves, has mounted a threat. For the play-offs, the only concern is the health of New York's starting pitchers--particularly Martinez. A calf injury put Pedro on the DL in August, and he has been inconsistent since returning. Glavine missed two weeks in August with blood clots in his left ring finger but insists he has never felt stronger in his 20-year career. A weak National League offers the Mets an opening, and although the young arms in Detroit, hot hitters in Minnesota or the Yankees' deep talent would be tough Series matchups, the Mets' bats can outslug any other lineup.

A first title for the Mets in 20 years? A nice final frame for "A Queens Tale."