I had better do this entry fast... the Mets could be poised to run away with it. Then again, with the way this division has played, who knows?
The Mets took a 7 game lead on August 25 and looked like they were poised to blow the division away... only to see their lead go down to 2 five days later... and back to 5 today.
So while there is still at least the possibility of a race... let's figure out who I should root for.
Now you will note I am not including the Braves. I don't like the Braves... I NEVER rooted for them in any of their 14 playoff seasons. I don't like Bobby Cox, I don't like the team and I don't care for fans who can't sell out a playoff game!
So let's just say if the Braves find a way to win... I will not be happy.
First Criteria: Former 2004 Red Sox factor:
I tend to root for teams that have players from the '04 Sox... and the Mets just happen to have possibly my favorite Red Sox player of all time... a fellow who pitched and won today named Martinez.
The Phillies don't have any '04 Red Sox, but they do have former Red Sox closer Tom Gordon who pitched so badly in the 2004 ALCS for the Yankees that the Red Sox should have given him a ring.
ADVANTAGE: METS
Second Criteria: Which fan base has suffered more?
Yeah, the Met fans have had to deal with the called third on Beltran, Sojo's dribbler up the middle, Armando Benitez as the closer and Mike Scioscia's homer... not to mention being around Yankee fans during the Torre era.
But you have to ask what other teams they root for?
The Rangers or Devils? The Giants? They may have experienced a few titles since Jesse Orosco struck out Marty Barrett for the 1986 World Series championship.
But Philadelphia?
Yikes!
Between Mitch Williams, the Allen Iverson era coming and going, the Eric Lindros era coming and going and the Eagles being the Eagles... they have taken the title of "Big Northeastern City near New York with the most depressed and paranoid fans" since Boston relinquished it in 2004.
The city needs a hug... even though they'd probably boo you if you did hug them.
ADVANTAGE: PHILLIES
Third Criteria: Mascot Faceoff
Mr Met is OK, but he doesn't have the attitude that the Phanatic has.
Besides, Tom Lasorda hasn't expressed his utter hatred for Mr. Met, but he has for the Phanatic.
Anyone Lasorda hates is OK by me!
ADVANTAGE: PHILLIES
Fourth Criteria: Which team made the stupidest uniform decision?
I wish the Mets would decide if they wore black tops, black caps, white tops, blue caps or striped tops.
But why did the Phillies drop their uniforms from the 1970s and 1980s?
They were the worst franchise in National League history... then change their uniforms and then run off a stretch where they win 5 division titles, 2 pennants and their only World Championship in 7 years... and they changed their uniforms BACK to be nostalgic for when they won 2 pennants in 79 years!
Go back to the curly P!
ADVANTAGE: METS
Fifth Criteria: Which city has contributed more to American comedy?
Let's just list the people born within city limits...
Born In New York
Woody Allen
Mel Brooks
George Carlin
Jackie Gleason
Whoopi Goldberg
Christopher Guest
Danny Kaye
The Marx Brothers
Walter Matthau
Michael McKean
Mary Tyler Moore
Zero Mostel
Eddie Murphy
Carl Reiner
Rob Reiner
Paul Reiser
Don Rickles
Ray Romano
Mickey Rooney
Adam Sandler
Neil Simon
The Three Stooges
Mae West
Born in Philadelphia
Bill Cosby
David Brenner
God, this isn't even fair!
ADVANTAGE: METS
Sixth Criteria: The family factor
I have relatives who are Mets fans and relatives who are Phillies fans.
And I know they read this blog...
So I'll be happy for all of them no matter who wins!
ADVANTAGE: COP OUT
Seventh Criteria: Cheesesteak or Pizza?
Aren't cheesesteaks a lot better in theory?
I mean you can't just eat one on a lark.
It's a commitment.
You can grab a slice while you are going out to grab a slice.
Plus if the place has a pie ready, you can be eating before your conscience can remind you how many carbs and calories you are inhaling.
ADVANTAGE: METS
So there you have it...
A lot of water was washed under the bridge since 1986. And despite my love for the Founding Fathers, Bill Cosby and Rocky... when it comes to the A. L. East, I'm going to yell
LET'S GO METS!
And to get you in the mood, enjoy my friend Liam's post on The Nosebleeds!
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