NEW YORK -- Mets manager Bobby Valentine said some people in New York don't appreciate the accomplishments of his team, which advanced to the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time.

Before the Mets beat Atlanta 6-2 Wednesday to clinch their second straight wild-card berth, Valentine contrasted the attitude of New York toward the Mets with the way St. Louis treats the Cardinals, who won the NL Central for the first time since 1996.

"In their city, they're supposed to feel like kings," he said. "In our city, people feel we should run and hide and be embarrassed to enter the playoffs. I don't get it and neither do my guys."

After obtaining Mike Hampton during the off-season, some predicted the Mets finally would dethrone Atlanta and win the NL East. But the Braves clinched their ninth consecutive division title when they beat the Mets 7-1 Tuesday night.

New York led the NL East on Sept. 1 but started the month 7-13, falling behind the Braves. Some columnists have been critical.

"There's a couple clowns in our market, where if I win the World Series, they're going to say that I didn't sweep," he was quoted as saying in the Oct. 2 edition of New York magazine, on newsstands this week. "And if we sweep, they'll figure out a reason why we didn't shut everyone out. It's petty, ridiculous."

Valentine has had to deal with comparisons to the New York Yankees, who have won consecutive World Series and three of the last four titles. The Mets haven't won their division since 1988 and nearly missed the playoffs last year, making it only when they beat Cincinnati in a tiebreaker for the wild card.

Valentine said he felt relieved his team had clinched and didn't care whether San Francisco or St. Louis was the Mets' first-round opponent.

"I'd rather step right over into the American League. Can I pick the American League team?" he said. "I have no preference. Everybody wants to play us. I'll let them fight over it."

He even joked about his lame-duck status as he waited for Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon to call after the game. Valentine's contract runs out after the season and he made no secret he was disappointed when he didn't get an extension.

"Yes, Fred. How many?" Valentine said.

Then he let everyone in his office in on the joke.

"He's not there yet," Valentine said.

Valentine picked up the phone again, and this time Wilpon really was on the line.

"We're going to go get 'em," Valentine said. "Thanks for being there all the time, Fred."