CHICAGO - The thought would have been laughable a few years ago, when the Mets and Cubs were mired as doormats of the National League.
The conversation has changed.
"You're always curious, obviously, because you feel like you might be playing them in the playoffs," manager Joe Maddon said Monday night, before his Cubs knocked off the Mets, 4-3.
Consider the collection of talent on the field. The teams provided a study in contrasts, though both are rooted in power.
During batting practice, the Cubs' talented young core of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell took turns ripping liners all over the friendly confines.