It’s starting to feel a lot like 2007 for the Mets. They are reeling after a 7-2 embarrassment at the hands of the pesky Nationals cut their NL East lead to a half-game Monday night. Colleague Mike Vaccaro writes that ugly history is starting to repeat itself.

In the notebook, John Maine not only hopes to pitch again by the final regular-season homestand next week, but he also is volunteering to close. There are also items on Mike Pelfrey, Brandon Knight and Damion Easley.