Much has changed. In March, Collins figured Jeurys Familia and Bobby Parnell would supply a solid bridge to Jenrry Mejia in the ninth. As October approaches, Mejia has been suspended twice, Parnell marooned to mop-up duty and it's been Familia handling the ninth, for months now. He's been brilliant, the three runs allowed in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Braves aside.
But the Mets still don't have an automatic bridge, despite the early returns of Tyler Clippard, Addison Reed and other acquisitions.