To say it’s been a roller-coaster season for the fellas from Flushing would be an understatement.

Jerry Manuel’s firing appeared to be a sure thing six weeks ago. Now, with his Mets 11 games above .500, he’s about as untouchable as a New York coach is going to get.

The Atlanta Braves’ most recent loss to the White Sox, combined with the Mets’ shutout victory over Detroit, moves the Orange and Blue to within a half game from first place.

For a very streaky Mets team, everything seems to be going their way right now.

Will it last, though?

Here are five reasons why a return to the postseason may not be too far out of the question.

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