Deficits that once seemed insurmountable — yes, three-run deficits used to feel that way, you know — can now be smashed in an instant. The balanced Mets order is humming right now (how many times have I written that this season?), with Carlos Delgado back to his old self, Carlos Beltran remaining his recent self Shawn Green fitting right in. And don’t forget ENDY.

Saturday night, the hittinig overcame up-and-down pitching in an 11-5 victory over the Phillies. Impact: high. The magic number dipped to a precarious (for the opposition, of course)…

20.

To this Mets fan, it’s one of the most magical numbers of all as Howard Johnson — the author’s favorite all-time Met, as well as dear old dad’s — sported it on his back for so many years.  Today, it’s on Green’s back, a worthy successor.

The 20 is, of course, over Philly, which dropped to 14 1/2 games out. The magic number over the Braves is 16, and then we can finally put that damned division winning streak to bed. 

With the 79 wins over 128 played, the Mets are on a pace to win 99.98 games, which we certainly won’t round down.