The Cubs are five games behind the Mets in the battle for the last wildcard spot in the National League, with 16 games still to play.

In reality, that’s a six-game deficit, since the Cubs don’t have the tiebreaker and would need to be one game ahead of the Mets to secure the spot.

Here I’ll remind you that in 2007, the Mets led the NL East by seven games with 17 games left to play and failed to make the postseason, finishing second at 5-12. The Diamondbacks and Rockies shared the wild card, with Colorado winning the playoff game. And yes, the D-backs are still waiting for Matt Holliday to bat. That led to the Rockies making this promo play the following year, one of the best ever:

Back to the present: Does the Mets’ collapse 17 years ago mean they will do it again? Of course not. The Cubs would also have to accept the Braves’ collapse. And then they would still have to make a historic run over the next 16 games.

Probably? No. Impossible? Also no.

Here are the remaining schedules of the four participants. As always Home games in bold. I leave the comment up to you.

Cubs, 16 games (10 home games, 6 away games)

in the Rocky Mountains (3), Athletics (3), National Championships (4)at Phillies (3), Red (3)

Mets, 16 games (7 home games, 9 away games)

at the Phillies (3), Nationals (3), Phillies (4)at Braves (3), at Brewers (3)

Braves, 16 games (10 home games, 6 away games)

Evasive maneuvers (4)at Reds (3), at Marlins (3), Mets (3), Royals (3)

Cardinals, 16 games (7 home games, 9 away games)

at Blue Jays (3), Pirates (4), Guardians (3)at Rockies (3), at Giants (3)