In And Out

We don't gloat in this space but our memories are long.

The Mets' second collapse in successive seasons while not nearly as historic as the first one nevertheless provides some small measure of satisfaction for this former Orioles' diehard who will never forget 1969. I tuned into the final inning of the Mets' 4-2 loss and when the cameras lingered for a Shea send-off I knew what would be coming and tuned out. Better to remember the forlorn looks in the 2008 dugout than the celebrations at mid-diamond by the 1969 edition. It bears repeating that while the Mets got excellent pitching in that series long ago, unbelievable catches by the likes of Ron Swoboda were more instrumental than anything else that occurred that October.

One can feel sorry for David Wright, who gives his all and whose face reflected the torment of having come so close again only to fail, but he is still young and has time despite the adages about taking advantage of situations that may never come again. With all of their money and a nucleus of good players, the Mets will fix their bullpen problems and be in the thick of things next season. Just as they did last off-season with their determination to land the biggest free agent starting pitcher available, Johann Santana, look for them to make a serious run at the best relief pitcher on the market this coming off-season, the Angels' K-Rod.

Back in Philadelphia the regulars got Sunday off to relax and savor their division-clinching victory of a day before. Only Ryan Howard put in an appearance and he did so only to extend his consecutive game streak. Howard dribbled a pinch hit single down the third base line against a shift that had the entire Nationals team listing heavily to starboard. Everyone had been looking for Howard to hit the ball the other way against the shift and he waited until the final day of the season to oblige. That's what being relaxed can do for a hitter!!

The Phils will face Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs and can expect a greater challenge than when they swept the Brewers here less than a month ago. Though Ben Sheets appears to be done for the season, C.C. Sebathia isn't. The Brewers have a dangerous lineup that is similar to the Phils inasmuch as they depend on the long ball for much of their scoring. Milwaukee's starting rotation is not as solid as the Phililes' but the real difference between the two clubs can be found in the bullpen.

This series marks the first post-season play for Milwaukee since 1982. Will they be just happy to have made it or are they more hungry than that? For their part the Phillies have done with the just-happy-to-be-there thing. To a man and manager they are promising better results than last year's three and out collapse versus Colorado.