Enter sandman

Controversy roils New York.

The song took hold in Houston and accompanied Billy Wagner to Philadelphia. Between those stops, it has blared nearly 600 times, providing an intimidating backdrop for his entrance from the bullpen.

But until the song "Enter Sandman" by the heavy-metal group Metallica started throbbing before the ninth inning of the Mets' 3-2 victory against the Washington Nationals on Monday, most New York fans had little clue that Wagner used the same entrance music as the Yankees' closer, Mariano Rivera.

For Yankees fans, this is similar to a stranger barging into their home, plopping into a recliner and waiting for the dog to fetch the slippers and a newspaper. To them, the thought of comparing Wagner, one of the top closers of the last 10 years, to Rivera, who could end up as the best closer in major league history, is at least mildly appalling.

But for the Mets, who continue to strive for equal footing with the Yankees, any uproar about Wagner's supposed audacity is a sign that they may be roaring deeper into the city's consciousness.

"I know Mariano's got it," Wagner said after Monday's game, rolling his eyes. "Lord forbid, the earth should crumble if two people have it. I play for the Mets, he plays for the Yankees.

As for Mr. Rivera, I think he'd be just as happy -- and intense -- and intimidating to opposing batters -- if he jogged on to the field to the strains of The Blue Danube...or a spiritual.

Since 1997, the Mets' three primary closers — John Franco, Armando Benitez and Braden Looper — had combined to convert 291 of 343 save opportunities, although all three displayed a maddening penchant for blowing big games.

During the same period, Rivera saved 379 of 431 chances, and broke a million bats with his devastating cut fastball. "Enter Sandman" became the music that announced that Rivera was on the scene and that the game was as good as over, although Rivera has said he had no role in choosing the song.

"I don't mind it all," Rivera said last night in Oakland, Calif., when asked about Wagner's joint ownership of the song. "If the guy feels comfortable using that song, hey, let him be, let him be."

Asked if he liked the song, Rivera said: "You want me to tell the truth? I don't want to get in trouble.

"I don't listen to that kind of music," he added, more bluntly. "I don't love the song."