Think about this...

The 2000 Mets were on top of the National League.  They were very similar to the Mets of 2006.

Although having 3 less wins in the regular season and not winning the division,  they made it further and actually beat the Cardinals in the NLCS.

The 2000 Mets were on top of the NL.

However, after a loss to the Yankees in the World Series, the next year rolled along.  The 2001 Mets finished the season as a mediocre 82-80 team, and finished third in the division, ultimately starting the 4-year streak of no-good baseball from the Mets.

I mean I like to be optimistic, but our pitching staff isn't as good as last year.  I don't think this will happen, but we didn't think it would happen in 2001 either.  Let's keep our fingers and toes crossed.