The Mets will try to pick up where they left off at the All-Star break tonight when they open the second half in Cincinnati against the Reds. We also have a midseason report card on the resurgent Amazin’s, who stand just a half-game back of the Phillies in the NL East.

Colleague Mike Vaccaro, meanwhile, marvels at the ups, downs and ups again of this memorable Mets season.

And in a final nod to Tuesday night’s (and early Wednesday morning’s) All-Star Game, David Wright was nearly called on to pitch for the NL in extra innings.