Something needs to be said to get this team up and off its ass. I don't care who says it. It is preferable that it be someone on the team. Better if the others will hear and possibly listen. I disagree. Contrary to what "Major League" might have you believe, this isn't football or hockey, where the harder one tries/hits/runs, the better the result. Baseball's a skill game of individuals; effort plays a role, but it's usually not the primary reason for success or failure (the very reason why Steinbrenner being an asshole about lack of trying or effort after his team loses in the World Series seems so ludicrous to us-- it's kind of a stupid tack to take). So... maybe pretending that the losing is happening because they're "not playing the right way" helps certain-- or most-- guys get in the frame of mind to actually address their problems. But unless the entire team is jogging out ground balls or playing shallow flies like Hanley Ramirez after a turkey dinner, effort and accountability aren't the problem. The problem is, they're playing like shit; adjustments might help... so might random variance... but trying harder isn't necessarily it, and old-fashioned Patton pep talks really aren't. I'm okay with you disagreeing. I hear what you say there. And I'd have to say that what's happening on the field, more specifically at the plate, is the primary reason for failure recently. Right now though, I'll take anything at all that comes along and changes how things are going. A black cat, sure. A manager gettin tossed, yea man. Whatever. Anything at this point. So I'm okay with what Cora said. I like it. I'll even commend him for standing out. And lets not overlook what he actually said: Cora spouted an expletive in Spanish and raised his voice in the direction of Pelfrey and reporters as he de parted the clubhouse at Chase Field. "A little respect, please!" Cora snapped. "They stuck it up our [butts]." No speech. Nothing about playing harder. Just an attitude that there should not be frivolity after (he might even be thinking in terms of the last few loses) a loss. Now after the press leaves, tell a joke or something, ease the stress. But while the press is still there and have their pads out, I agree with him. Act like a winning team that has lost should act. Even if its an act. While there are other ears and eyes on you, you represent the Mets. rEpReSeNt GaNgStAS!