I have it on good authority that the Cubs and Mets won’t be playing in the same micro-division anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t pay attention to what’s happening with the Metropolitans.

In recent years, the media has been obsessed with inserting, “first this or that since” in their description of every new star (in the making). Think of everything said about Ohtani, Crow-Armstrong, and Skenes. We can’t escape the caveats and analogies. That being said, the newest Mets sensation, Nolan McLean is causing me to break out in hives. I needn’t check out anyone’s baseball reference page to be reminded of Dwight Gooden. I’m not sure what the exact comps are but the kid is good enough to give me pause. I don’t need for another young Mets pitcher to have the Cubs number. None of this is to say that I’m wishing the Mets well or that I think they are poised for greatness.