The Mets aren't counting on Sanchez returning this season. And even if they were, Heilman probably wouldn't be trade bait. Remember, they won't know what they have in Mota for a while. And even if Mota is effective and durable, a bullpen that includes him, Smith and Heilman is preferable to one with Ambiorix Burgos and no Heilman.

Randolph has been true to his word and used his setup relievers in different sequences, although it does appear that he likes to use Smith in quite challenging circumstances, i.e. against the middle of a batting order.

I enjoy your mailbags and your honest, realistic perspective. If I remember correctly, last year, the Mets didn't lose more than two in a row until late in the season. Were they the last team in baseball to do so in 2006? The Mets haven't yet lost more than two in a row this season, but it seems many teams haven't. Is this a good indicator of consistency?
-- Joe C., Lawrence, N.J.

The Mets were the last team to lose three consecutive games last season. They were swept by the Red Sox on June 27-29 at Fenway Park, and then lost the ensuing game at Yankee Stadium.

The ultimate indicator is how often a team wins and loses. It's possible that a team can produce a .333 winning percentage and never lose more than two straight games. But chances are a team that never or seldom loses three straight games is a quality team.

What are the chances that Carlos Delgado's slump was related to his being a first-time father? I understand that personal and professional lives should not be allowed to influence each other, but that is easier said than done, especially when you have to take care of a newborn.
-- Keith W., Jersey City, N.J.

It's possible, but not likely. Delgado had an unproductive stretch last summer, and he wasn't a father yet.

The Mets have yet to be shut out this season. Are there any other teams who haven't been shut out? Has a team ever gone an entire season without being shut out?
-- Marc C., Teaneck, N.J.

Through Sunday, the Mets, Phillies, Orioles and Tigers hadn't been shut out. The Mets came close on Thursday, scoring in the ninth inning in their 2-1 loss to the Braves. The Reds of 2000-01 scored in 208 consecutive games, the most ever by a National League team. The all-time record was established by the Yankees in 1931-1933 -- 308 games.

Have a question about the Mets? E-mail your query to MLB.com Mets beat reporter Marty Noble for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Has an All-Star Game manager ever selected a setup reliever for the All-Star game who didn't come from his own team? With the performances of Felciciano and Smith, I was wondering if Cardinals manager Tony La Russa would be tempted?
-- Gary F., Seaford, N.Y.

The American League roster for the 2003 All-Star Game included Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who was not yet the Mariners' closer. Jeff Nelson was, but he was struggling. Hasegawa, a former Angel and therefore quite familiar to All-Star manager Mike Scioscia, set up for Nelson and later became the Mariners' closer. Scioscia also selected setup Brendan Donnelly from the Angels' roster.

I know trades between division rivals are rare, but with Brian McCann likely to be in Atlanta for the long-term, the Braves potentially have no need for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. With Carlos Beltran, along with Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, the Mets also may have no need for Lastings Milledge.

The Mets could use a young catcher since Paul Lo Duca may be gone after the year, and the Braves could use a young center fielder with Andruw Jones possibly leaving as a free agent. Do you think a swap of Milledge for Saltalamacchia could work?
-- Jay G., Lafayette Hill, Pa.

Only if Braves general manager John Schuerholz loses his mind. A switch-hitting catcher with power for Milledge who has had his issues: no chance. The only dealing of Saltalamacchia that I can foresee is for a proven, young, dominating starting pitcher -- in a division other than the NL East.

After a superb April, it seems the worries about the Mets' starting pitching staff are becoming a reality. Tom Glavine has been the steady hand. But John Maine hasn't had his best stuff since May began, and it finally has caught up to him. Jorge Sosa had a few great starts after being called up, but struggled in Atlanta. How effective will Orlando Hernandez be upon his return, and is it only a matter of time before Oliver Perez shows his lesser side again? Is this all a part of the normal ebb and flow of the season, or is the starting pitching once again something to worry about?
-- Matt T., Lindenhurst, N.Y.

There is an on-and-off quality in most rotations. This isn't the '86 or '88 Mets, but there is some depth. Since you sent this e-mail, El Duque, Maine and Sosa have won. Granted their victories came against the Marlins, who played poorly during the weekend series, but other teams have played the Marlins, too, and lost.

Perez has been borderline brilliant, and Glavine should have at least two more victories -- against the Braves.

The Mets' rotation hardly is the best I've seen. But no team has five starters capable of pitching seven scoreless innings and not surprising anyone in the process. However, the Mets do.

Gomez is faster than Jose Reyes? Wow! I haven't seen much of Gomez, and he doesn't seem to be getting the hype that Reyes got at the same point in their careers. Gomez seems to be a good outfielder, a good bunter and a good hitter. What gives? Is Gomez going to be better than Reyes? Does this mean Shawn Green and Moises Alou will be sharing time when Alou comes back? Could we take a look at this Martinez guy, as well, this season?
-- Brad W., Oswego, N.Y.

Take a breath. If Green can't play on his broken foot, Gomez may retain his big-league status. Otherwise, he'll be assigned to the Minor Leagues when Alou returns. Let's not make him out to be on the same level as Reyes just yet. He probably is faster than Reyes. And that matters only if the Mets leave Shea, jog to the Triboro Bridge and run sprints at Randall's Island. Give Gomez some time, and Martinez even more.

With that said, Gomez is an exciting player who hasn't been awed or overwhelmed by his first big-league experience. But slow down, everyone wanted Victor Diaz to bat fourth two years ago, too.