It was a stunning loss, reminding Mets fans of 2002, 2001, and 1997.
Using one of his best disguises, Bobby Valentine apparently kidnapped
Art Howe, and put on a mask so that he could screw up things again.
Realizing that Art Howe might do something smart, like letting the 8th
inning pitcher continue into the 9th, or by putting Mike Stanton in
there, thus helping to ensure a Mets victory, Valentine "managed" to
replace Howe in the dugout without anyone noticing. Benitez, pitching
for the 3rd straight day, finally blew one. Valentine laughed all the
way back to ESPN.