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Throughout the history of the franchise, the Philadelphia Phillies have had many rivals. From the trans-state rivalry between the Pittsburgh Pirates to the more recent Atlanta Braves rivalry and even to the competition established between the Phils and San Francisco Giants, the Phillies have had a fair share of bitter enemies. But one foe the Phillies have picked a bone with since their creation in 1962 has been the New York Mets.

For decades (and now close to half a century) the Phillies and Mets have been the bitterest of rivals. It all really started when the Mets won the World Series in 1969 behind Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. Even since then, however, dating back to even 2007 when the Phils edged them out for their first NL East division title since their last playoff appearance in 1993, a rivalry has persisted between these two major-market teams.

And while many in the Big Apple tend to prefer the New York Yankees and their winning ways, the Mets still have a following, albeit one that shrinks with every new loss and every additional cheap act by owner Fred Wilpon. Heck, even their recent losing ways have been mentioned in Family Guy (and while it's somewhat cruel...who am I kidding, it's pretty funny). And yes, I promise that the linked clip is appropriate for all ages.

Moving on, the Phillies and Mets rivalry has been one persisting for nearly 50 years—and that rivalry could very well have a new factor if the Phillies do the unthinkable this offseason: sign free-agent shortstop Jose Reyes.

Reyes was the centerpiece of the Mets' offense this past season, claiming the NL batting title with a .337 average at the end of the season. While third baseman David Wright fought a stress fracture in his back, Reyes shone in his contract year, despite a few stints on the DL for him as well.

Thus, there is a possible (although slight) opening for Jose Reyes in Phillies pinstripes come Opening Day 2012.

But what must happen for this to occur? Let's take a look, shall we?