General: As the stomachs turns

Hear that sound? It's the sound of thousands of New York Met fans screaming in frustration. The reigning National League Champions have been reduced to a one-hit wonder. As we approach the All-Star break, something has to be done. A dismal .247 team batting average would be enough for any other competent front office to make a move. Yet General Manager Steve Phillips sits on his hands.

Add to it a 4.53 ERA and you see why the team is struggling -- there is no production anywhere. Starters Rick Reed and Al Leiter are the only two starters with ERA's under four. Steve Trachsel is struggling to get his under six. Leiter, who was supposed to be the ace of the staff, is having trouble winning of late going 4-7 in the first half so far.

Reed has been impressive, but occasionally has fallen victim to the Mets lack of run support. Including the 3-0 loss to the Cubs last night, the team has already been shutout eight times. They have scored two or fewer runs 33 times, going 4-29 in those games. Oh how the mighty have fallen. What's worse, there's no help on the way.

Minor leaguer Alex Escobar, who is the organization's top prospect, has seen spot duty in the Majors this year due to injuries. His .216 batting average in 37 at-bats signals he's not ready yet, and there's no one else close. What's worse, the more Escobar fails, his possible trade value decreases even more.

Not that the Mets would part with anyone. They refused to give up Glendon Rusch for David Wells or Gary Sheffield. Rusch has rewarded their loyalty by posting a 3-5 record and 5.56 ERA. And that's with having his last three outing being decent ones. The most recent trade rumor had them dealing Rusch for John VanDerwal. John VanDerwal? They've gone from Gary Sheffield to John VanDerwal? There have also been rumors the Mariners have inquired about Robin Ventura. Ventura is one who should not be dealt. Somehow he's managed to score 52 runs while batting only .264. His 17 home runs and 39 RBI's will be hard to replace especially on a team as anemic as this.

The window of opportunity has opened and closed on General Manager Steve Phillips. Let me join the growing number of people who want to see Assistant GM Omar Minaya take over. Something needs to be done and soon. Before we return to the Bud Harrelson days when the season was over in March.

If nothing is done, the team will probably be dismantled and it will be a long rebuilding process. After going through it in the early 90's, I am glad I am old enough to remember last year vividly. It was great while it lasted.

Here's hoping Chris Webber stays in Sacramento. The Kings' trade for Mike Bibby already makes them better than last year, and with Webber in the mix, may pose a better threat to the Lakers in the post-season. As the Lakers showed last season, the regular season means little. Rumors have Webber going everywhere from Indiana and Orlando, to Houston and New York. If he chooses to leave the Kings, he'll probably end up with former Fab Fiver Jalen Rose in Indiana. They'll probably sign and trade him for Jermaine O'Neal among others.

You'd think that Webber would learn from the last time he chose to join a former Michigan crony -- Juwan Howard in Washington. That turned out to be disastrous. Webber with the Pacers probably won't be as bad. It would be unfortunate for the Sacramento franchise to lose a player of Webber's caliber just when they were reaching contender status.