The Mets and Cubs would get here eventually, this much was expected. At some point, both organizations would be rewarded for hoarding young talent, whether by acquiring or developing their own core pieces for the future.
Perhaps, the only surprise is that each has reached this point ahead of schedule. At least, that's the vibe going into Game 1 of Saturday night's National League Championship Series at Citi Field, when two of the youngest, most talented teams face off for the pennant.
The Mets and Cubs reached the brink of the World Series by following divergent philosophies.