in the shuffle that was the past three seasons of mediocrity for the New York Mets was the fact that the Washington Nationals were causing more problems for them than the rival Philadelphia Phillies.

In fact, the Nationals are bringing to mind the painful memories that Mets fans endured during the 2007 and 2008 collapses.

In 2009, the Nationals finished the season with 103 losses and a distant 34 games out of first place. The Mets, until a disastrous second half, were a decent team.

The Nationals swept the Mets in the final series of the season, highlighted by a walk-off grand slam by the immortal Justin Maxwell (who?) off the ex-closer Francisco Rodriguez.

I remember watching that game, and sensing something brewing in Washington despite their dismal history.

Knowing that they had the top pick in the draft the next season meant they would be drafting Stephen Strasburg.

Additionally, knowing they would probably be equally as ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - MLB By Vinny Messana