The second installment of the 2010 Subway Series begins tonight with both the New York Mets and New York Yankees hovering at the top of their respective divisions in the National and American Leagues.
During the first meeting in Flushing last month the Mets were floundering and were two games under .500. They lost the first game in a tight contest 2-1 and fell three games under .500 (20-23). Fans were left wondering where this team was headed. You couldn’t help if you were pessimistic.
The Mets would rebound to win the final two games of the series, and since then, have won 18 of 23 games. The Mets are coming off consecutive road sweeps of the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Indians, while the Yankees dropped their last two against the Phillies.
In that time, the pitching has been marvelous and their main cogs in the wheel, David Wright and Jose Reyes, have gotten back on track. However, winning at Yankee Stadium will be a tall task. Like the Mets, the Yankees are better at home, boasting the majors second best home record of 23-9.
WEEKEND PITCHING PROBABLES:
Friday, May 21: Yankees 2, Mets 1 … boxscore | recap
Saturday, May 22: Mets 5, Yankees 3 … boxscore | recap
Sunday, May 23: Mets 6, Yankees 4 … boxscore | recap
The Mets short history at the new Yankee Stadium is one of horror and agony.
The series highlight, was a Mets lowlight. Luis Castillo dropped a pop-up in the ninth inning, allowing two runs to score. Mets fans everywhere were distraught. Saturday, Fernando Nieve pitching his first game as a New York Met, led the Mets to a 6-2 win. The Mets closed the series with ace Johan Santana surrendered nine runs in three innings in an embarrassing 15-0 loss on national television.
This is an important series. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
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It seems appropriate that the rematch has the same pitching matchups that took place in Flushing nearly a month ago:
Friday: Hisanori Takahashi vs. Javier Vazquez
Saturday: Mike Pelfrey vs. Phil Hughes
Sunday: Johan Santana vs. C.C. Sabathia
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I expect the same kind of series we had earlier in the year. I wish that the Yankees would have had a couple of consecutive wins under their belts coming into the series though. A couple of losses to the Philthies in a row, and I think they are going to be hungry to beat up on our beloved Metsies. What do I say… bring ’em on.
This series is very big because it sets up a string of tough opponents coming up (Detroit, Minnesota, Florida). Important to set the tone now… Put to rest the feeling that the recent hot streak is because they were beating up on the weak sisters of the league.
and let’s face it, a good Beer League softball team could win 2 of 3 from both the Orioles and Indians. But, the Mets did with bad teams exactly what they should have done… they kicked the crap out of them. But hey, you can only play the teams that are on your schedule.
I just want our boys to continue to play good fundamental baseball. It sure is nice to see.