Sometimes the more things change, the more things stay the same.
It seemed inevitable in a way that the Yankees and Red Sox, two AL East heavyweights were destined to meet up in the American League Division Series.
The last time both teams faced off in the postseason, the self-proclaimed "Idiots" pulled off the greatest comeback in MLB history during the 2004 ALCS -- a time Bombers fans, undoubtedly, would love to forget.
But if you do want to think back to 14 years ago, there are some similarities between then and now. Here are a few:
1. The Mets finished in fourth place and were looking for a new GM:
- 2004: With a 71-91 record, the Mets were only better than the Montreal Expos (remember them?) in the NL East. On Sept. 30, the team hired Omar Minaya to become the GM.
- 2018: The 77-85 Mets (way to ruin everything, June) only finished ahead of the Miami Marlins in the division. The team is looking to find a new GM after hiring Sandy Alderson in 2010 to replace… Minaya.
2. Jets fans feel a renewed hope at quarterback:
- 2004: Gang Green signs Chad Pennington to a seven-year, $64.2 million contract, and although the signal-caller misses some time with a rotator cuff injury, the 10-6 Jets make the playoffs.
- 2018: Although the Jets aren't off to a strong start, there's more faith in the team's future (welcome back, Fireman Ed?) with the Jets taking Sam Darnold with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft.
3. Alex Rodriguez replaces Aaron Boone (… and again):
- 2004: Boone injured his left knee while playing basketball, resulting in his missing the entire 2004 season. The Bombers ended up adding A-Rod, who was almost a member of the Red Sox, to play third base.
- 2018: With Boone leaving the ESPN broadcast booth to become Yankees manager, A-Rod once again took his old job.
4. The Giants are trying to sell Eli Manning as the right man at quarterback:
- 2004: Manning's rookie season for Big Blue, starting in seven games and playing in nine.
- 2018: The Giants passed over quarterbacks in the NFL draft to pick up star running back Saquon Barkley. Ever since, the team has been hoping to prove that sticking with Manning was the right decision.
5. New Yorker Donald Trump is at the forefront of culture/politics:
- 2004: "The Apprentice" airs on NBC with Trump as host with his signature phrase, "You're fired!"
- 2018: Now-President Trump is, well, everywhere.