Wait Till Next Year (Again)

I wasn't going to listen to any of today's Mets game. I was pretty sure how it would end, and that it would be too painful. But I turned on the radio and heard the final outs anyway. Yes, I'm not happy they couldn't make the playoffs again. There are some serious questions about a club that blows leads two years running. But at the same time, as the Times' William Rhoden reminds me, this club was nowhere four months ago, and there are signs of hope, especially since Johann Santana really is that good. And in the end, win or lose, they're my team. They're my Mets, and I had to be there for the last out in Shea.

And now onto the playoffs, where in the NL, I can't root for the Phils or the Brewers since both beat out the Mets, and don't really think much of the Cubs. So it seems I am going to root for Joe Torre and the Dodgers. In the AL, I would love to see the Rays keep their amazing season going, but I also want to see the Twins surprise everyone (assuming they win the division).

And for the Mets, I only know two things: I'll be back for more next season, when they move into their new park (officially Citi Field but likely to be called the new Shea by many), and I hope the Mets make Jerry Manuel the manager again, since he really did a good job with the world's worst bullpen and with everyone else on the team.