The epic fall seasons can be blamed, in part, on Jerry Manuel stabbing Willie Randolph in the back to create dissension in the clubhouse, then jumping in bed with Omar Minaya to get the manager's job.

That's an absolute fact. A friend I grew up with (he's actually my friend's much younger brother and he's in his forties), has worked in the office (just middle management, mind you) for twenty years, told me the entire story, and I have no reason to doubt him. But at the end of the day, no excuses.