Well, here we are. One hundred-sixty-one games in and the Mets find themselves in the exact same place they were in a year ago. Well almost exactly.

Last season, on the last day, the Mets were in a flat footed tie with the Philadelphia Phillies for the lead in the National League East. Tom Glavine took the hill and was not able to get a single Marlin out. By the time the Mets came to bat, they were trailing 7-0. They never got back into the game, the Marlins were true spoilers. Meanwhile down in Philly, the Phillies won their game against Washington to win the division and the Mets went home.

This year, on this day, the Phillies are already the National League East champions. They won their game against the Nationals again and clinched the division leaving the Mets in second place.

But the Mets are not done. Similar to last year, they won the penultimate game on a brilliant pitching performance. Last year it was John Maine who almost pitched a no hitter. This year, it was Johan Santana who pitched a complete game three hit shutout on short rest to at least make tomorrow's game meaningful.

Following Santana’s brilliant performance, the Milwaukee Brewers lost their game to the Chicago Cubs. Combined with the Mets win, both clubs are now tied for the wild card. So in a surreal way, it’s as if the baseball gods are giving the Mets a second chance, a chance to redeem themselves for last year.

If the Mets can beat the Marlins this time, it will insure at least a play-in game on Monday against the Brewers at Shea Stadium. A play-in game will also be required if both teams lose on Sunday. If one team wins and the other loses, the winner goes to the playoffs, the loser goes home. The Mets must play the Marlins, and like last year Florida will take being the spoiler very seriously. The Brewers, with CC Sabathia on the mound, will play the Cubs. While Chicago has already secured a playoff spot, they will be making Milwaukee earn it. Lou Piniella hates to lose any game.

Oliver Perez will pitch for the Mets in the final game. He has not had a good month. But Perez has always shown he can be a big game pitcher. Game number 162 will be the biggest game of his career. Perez will enter free agency this winter. A win in the season finale could go a long way toward a new salary for the left hander.

So what’s it going to be? Will it be a game where the Mets score nine runs or a game where they leave runners on struggling to score two? Will it be a well pitched game by Ollie or will he get pulled in the third inning. Will it be a game that the bullpen can hold the lead for the win or one where the bullpen breaks our hearts again? These types of games have been the legacy of this 2008 team.

When it’s all over, we will feel either exhilaration or despair, nothing in between. I hope for the best because the celebration of Shea Stadium after the game should be something wonderful. But I also know I could be very disappointed.

Good luck to the Mets and good luck to the Mets fans. Hopefully we will all find the strength to make it through one more game.