This year versus last year.
Yesterday I was noticing some differences in my reaction to this division clincher versus the game last year. From some of the articles in the Inky this morning it looks like I’m not alone on that.
Last year had an epic quality to it. The crazy back and forth game to wrap up the four game sweep of the Mets in late August. The number of incredible comebacks and blown leads by the Mets. Then finally the utter collapse by Glavine on the last day and Rollins getting his milestone in his final at bat to put the game away. While it was disappointing when the crashed out of the playoffs in three straight games, once the immediate disappointment wore off, I was still left with really good feelings about the season.
This year doesn’t have that same epic quality. They’ve been back and forth with the Mets all season long and there never was the same disbelieving “They couldn’t possibly pull this off could they?!?” quality. Instead the question was whether they could close the deal. They did and that’s certainly cause for celebration and happiness, but it’s a stepping stone, not an end in and of itself.
Last year the division championship was enough. Not this year. This year I want more.