DENVER -- As far as general manager Omar Minaya is concerned, the curtain has fallen on the drama surrounding the Mets and their manager, Willie Randolph.

A stretch of losing seven of 10 games paired with controversial remarks by Randolph regarding his portrayal on SNY game broadcasts had the manager on the hot seat, precipitating a trip to Denver by Minaya and a scheduled meeting early next week between the manager, the general manager and ownership partners Fred and Jeff Wilpon.

"We understand there's other drama around the team, but we've got to win games," Minaya said. "I think [the drama] is over. Once Willie apologized, that's it, move forward."

Despite acknowledging that it was important to follow through with the meeting with the Wilpons as soon as possible when the team returns to New York for a seven-game homestand Monday, Minaya did not think there were critical words still to be spoken.

"I don't think [the Wilpons need to say anything]," Minaya said. "We need to move forward and focus on getting the team better."

Though Minaya's trip to Colorado had an initial effect of upping the ante and adding to the sense of turmoil following the Mets on this 10-day road trip through the Bronx, Atlanta and Colorado, he ultimately thought his presence had a productive effect.

"For me, a productive weekend is just to come in," Minaya said. "I thought it was important during these kind of things for the general manager to be here with [the media], to have a 'spokesperson' talk to you. I'm always a believer that when things are difficult, you got to be here, in good times and in bad times."

Though he downplayed the notion that the air needed to be cleared between Randolph and himself, Minaya felt that an informal dinner with Randolph and the coaching staff after Saturday's game helped smooth the waters.

"Last night, taking the guys out to dinner, the coaches, all that is part of the season," Minaya said. "There is no 'Mission accomplished.' When you win, things calm down. A win yesterday does help a little bit. When we won in the Bronx over the weekend, we all thought there was good energy, and when you lose, everybody seems to be kind of down. Winning heals a lot of things."

Minaya had been the focal character in some gallows humor that helped loosen up the atmosphere, with Randolph joking about the general manager sharpening his machete in the back of the clubhouse.

"I'm a believer of being in a good mood, being yourself, and staying positive," Minaya said. "I'm pretty sure he was joking. For me, joking about things, that's baseball."