New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran told Newsday that Willie Randolph's shaky situation as manager has been disruptive for the team.

"It is a distraction. The reality is people say, 'No, that doesn't affect the ballclub,' but it does. It does because you come to the ballpark wondering what's going to happen. It's natural as players, we all think like that.

"At one point, I was in that situation when they were talking every day about me being traded when I was in Kansas City. To me, it was thinking it might be today. Tomorrow might be the day. It's not fun coming wondering like that every day to the ballpark."

On Saturday, former Mets star Keith Hernandez lambasted fellow ex-teammate Gary Carter, who said a day before that he had contacted team management to say he was interested in the managerial job if Randolph is fired.

"... I've kept quiet for such a long time, but for the people out there listening, just go in the dictionary and look up 'unconscious' and you'll find a picture of Gary Carter," Hernandez said on WPIX radio. "I know that's strong, but it just happens too many times and it's just, you're walking around unconscious."

Randolph has kept his job — for now. Meanwhile, the Mets kept losing.

After their embattled manager had a much-anticipated meeting with ownership Monday, the Mets got another ineffective outing from Mike Pelfrey and fizzled on offense following a strong start in a 7-3 loss to the Florida Marlins.

“A lot of stuff was taken care of,” Randolph said, describing his entire day. “Now, we move on and try to win some ballgames.”

Luis Gonzalez hit a three-run double for the young and hungry Marlins (30-20), who moved 10 games over .500 for the first time since Sept. 14, 2005. They lead the NL East despite a major league-low payroll of $22 million on opening day.

Jose Reyes homered twice for the $138 million Mets but committed a two-out error at shortstop in the first that led to two unearned runs.

In the game Monday, Pelfrey (2-6) lasted only four innings and dropped his sixth straight start as fourth-place New York (23-26) fell three games below .500 for the first time since Sept. 18, 2005, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Mets have lost seven of eight and 10 of 14 overall. With few fans remaining at Shea Stadium in the late innings, a chant of “Fire Willie!” could clearly be heard.

“It’s like being booed,” Randolph said. “It’s the same thing more or less. They’re expressing themselves.”

Earlier in the day, Randolph sat down with owner Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff, the club’s chief operating officer, as well as general manager Omar Minaya to discuss two things: the team’s sluggish play, and Randolph’s comments last week about his portrayal on Mets broadcasts in which he raised the issue of race.

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Randolph subsequently apologized for those statements.

“Willie’s job was never in danger going into this meeting,” Minaya said. “Willie has my support. He has the support of our ownership. ... There is no limbo period. Willie is the manager.”

So, was he told he’ll definitely manage the Mets for the rest of the season?

“No, they didn’t say that,” Randolph answered.

Randolph then met with his players after batting practice, but it didn’t help on the field. After the game, he said he was glad the day was behind him.

“It was nice that Omar and the front office backed him up and hopefully that will settle down some of the distractions and all the speculation,” Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado said.

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