In the 1950 movie "Harvey" Jimmy Stewart's character keeps the world at bay with his invisible six-foot tall rabbit, Harvey.
In 2015, the Mets kept pennant talk at bay with an invisible six-foot controversy about Harvey, the pitcher. It seems that his doctor and agent want him to return home after hurling a definitive number of innings. The Mets, on the other hand, want Harvey available for either the playoffs, or for the race that will punch their ticket.
Harvey for his part, appears to be listening to whoever spoke to him last.
It's obvious that both sides have reason for concern. In his first year following elbow surgery, Harvey might be medically fragile and need to avoid throwing while fatigued. This has got to be a consideration for the team as well, which receives no benefit from his massive talent if he's laid up again.
The Strasburg experiment, followed by the Nationals' ineptitude this campaign, has sucked the justification out of speculative benching during a post-season run. The Mets are going to need their 6'4" righty to succeed in the playoffs.
And so, the obvious and predictable conclusion. Terry Collins has the starters in a six-man rotation, with Harvey skipping some starts. But if they make the playoffs -- which now seems likely -- all of Gotham will be relying on its Dark Knight.
After all, Harvey the movie had a happy ending.
P.S. With their come-from-ahead collapse last night, Washington is now six out with 24 to play. But keep in mind, the Mets held a seven game cushion in '07 with 17 to play before crashing out of October. Those screams last night at Nationals Park were the Fat Lady's sister singing.
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