On the Mets beat

That's the question I'm asking after hearing -- and seeing -- the events leading up to Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Nationals. Manager Jerry Manuel told reporters over and over again how he has considered moving one of his starters to a relief role because of a brutal bullpen. And not just recently -- for the past two weeks! Even before Billy Wagner was placed on the DL with a strained left forearm.

So after Manuel's 20-minute session with reporters, during which we hash out a number of scenarios and hypotheticals, like who could make that move (Maine, Perez) and when they could do it (tomorrow, Thursday?), what do you think happens next?

The reporters leave the manager's office and go right down the line interviewing the potential candidates -- in full view of every member of the bullpen. First, it's Pelfrey, who shrugs and says he'll do whatever is necessary to help the team. Then it's onto Oliver Perez. A few minutes later, John Maine walks in holding a chocolate muffin -- with chocolate chips -- and he's besieged by reporters as well. All asking how he feels about moving to the bullpen to bail out his buddies.

Meanwhile, Scott Schoeneweis and Duaner Sanchez are at their lockers, soaking it all in, seeing how their teammates feel about giving up their own jobs in order to do theirs. It's like your boss talking loudly to the guy at the next cubicle, detailing what a bad job you're doing and how he needs this guy to take over your responsibilities.And you can hear every word.

Talk about mind games. Brilliant. What a coincidence that Schoeneweis held a bullpen-only meeting Tuesday afternoon to boost morale.

Maybe Manuel and GM Omar Minaya are planning to move a starter to the bullpen, but I seriously doubt it. Seems to me that the two of them played up the whole concept to perfection -- and the media was an all-too-willing accomplice. It's not the first time and it won't be the last.