Finally looking like team to beat

That's the historical perspective from which Manuel arrives at his position that he's more comfortable riding the horse a half-length off the lead than the one in front.

"There shouldn't be a different mentality from a team whether it's in first place or second place, but whether there is with this team or not, that's what we have to find out," he said. "How do we play when we're being chased?

"That's important."

The going has gotten tough twice in the past two years for the Mets. When it did, in both the seven-game NLCS against St. Louis two years ago and the final three weeks last year, the Mets got going, all right. .. going, going, gone.

It's only going to get tougher now. When and if people like Luis Castillo and Ryan Church return from the disabled list, it's paradoxically going to get tougher on Manuel to make out a lineup card, and it's going to be a test of team unity if bigger names and larger contracts are on the bench.

Manuel evinces a greater lightness of being than Randolph, so maybe that will better serve this group when the pressure mounts. A month ago the Mets had nothing to lose but more games. Now, they have their credibility to lose should they crack again.

"The enthusiasm and confidence of our team permeates the entire clubhouse," Manuel said. "Not only do we have good, talented players, we have a good team."

Right now they are a good second-place team. If they don't evolve into a good first-place team, nine straight in July won't matter, for though the Mets can wait 'til next month, they can't wait 'til next year.

They've tried that a couple of times already.

larry.brooks@nypost.com

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