Money was a part of it, but the reason the Mets got into the race was because they proved they wanted to win. The way they proved that was opening up the pursestrings and signing Pedro.
Well, as I said, I don't think Manuel has done anything different, but apparently the players had quit on Willie. It sucks, but it looks like the move is working. I certainly hope we can finish this thing off, because it would be the first step in exorcising the demons of last year.