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The Mets have played themselves into a horrible position. Over the last 30 games, they've gone 11-19 -- a mark tied for the worst in the majors, and a mark that is responsible for them dropping to three games below the Marlins in the hunt for the second wild card spot.

Understandably, manager Terry Collins has grown frustrated with his players -- to the extent that he aired them out following Thursday's loss against the Diamondbacks. Here's Collins' rant:

You can view Collins' tirade one of two ways.

The first, and more generous, explanation is that Collins a savvy manipulator who is pushing the appropriate buttons to get his team re-engaged for the home stretch. Collins knows the Mets have an uphill climb ahead, but three games is doable. Absolutely.

The second, and less generous, explanation is that Collins has lost the clubhouse. That would be a poor outcome for the obvious reasons -- it would endanger the Mets' slimming playoff hopes -- and some that are perhaps less-obvious -- like, um, Collins' job security.

The Mets' recent play isn't helping Terry Collins' standing. USATSI

Though last October's run painted over some of the past criticism, Collins has always had trouble managing a pitching staff and avoiding falling in love with random up-and-down types. Predictably, both issues have reared their heads lately. Those blemishes, combined with the Mets' poor results, have have led to a renewed amount of public disdain for Collins' managerial efforts.

Without being in the clubhouse, it's impossible to say which explanation is correct. Frankly, even being in the clubhouse might not make things clear, as these things are often dependent upon results. Collins has little over a month to guide the Mets back to the right side of the road. Otherwise, who knows. Maybe the Mets front office will decide the second explanation was correct -- and that it's time for a change.