PHILADELPHIA -- Terry Collins said it is a mistake to suggest the Mets' goal for the remainder of the season is to finish in third place, ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins.

Collins said his personal goal, at least, is to reach .500. Wednesday's 3-2 win against the Phillies lifted the Mets to 61-69.

"You know, it's not a goal. I don't know where that's coming from," Collins said about third place. "It's not a goal. The goal is to play as good as we can for as long as we can. For me, our goal should be to try to get back to .500. That should be our goal. Wherever that puts us at the end of the year, it puts us at the end of the year. But, believe me, we are not playing for third place. We’re trying to win as many games as we can. Where that puts us, that puts us.

"I don't want these guys coming in here every day looking at the box score, seeing who is in fourth. That does nothing for me."

Collins then dryly continued: "What are we getting for third? Are we getting a sweater? A blanket with our logo on it? T-shirt, 'We finished third?'"