Phillies vs. New York Mets for 2018

Extinguishing fires:

Keep in mind; the bullpens will determine many outcomes between these two foes with a fierce rivalry dead ahead. The hometown crew has a closer, five setup men, a lefty specialist and a long man, which is the better configuration. Ergo, a slight edge.

For the team from Queens, they have a closer, three setup men, two now long relievers and an injury-prone starter with mid-90’s smoke. Those three former starters could work like the pen used by the Houston Astros in the postseason. A coin flip!

Regarding other factors, health–or lack thereof–will play a critical role for both organizations, and a full injury-free summer for individual players would make a huge difference. But financially the local nine can absorb a salary dump of a significant piece at the trading deadline for an advantage there.

During the offseason, New York added Bruce, Frazier, starter Vargas and setup man Swarzak to improve their offense, rotation, and relief corps. And the red pinstripes acquired Arrieta, Santana, Neshek, and Hunter: an ace, a slugger and two late-frame firemen.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” – Paul Tournier"

Granted, the other divisions have strong contenders for game 163: the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Francisco Giants, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. But if the Mets or the Phillies beat the other by 12 to 7 in their matchups, will the loser deserve either wild card? No!