Battle of Vlissingen: Yanks (30-19) @ Mets (18-29):

[Dr. Detfink]

-Henny, "What do you think about Flushing, New York?"

-Plucky, "I think it's a good idea."

-Tiny Toons Adventures

In a town with 2 Basketball teams, 2 Football teams, 2 baseball teams, and soon two hockey teams (Isles move to Brooklyn soon)...it's always something special getting a Civil War with your fellow New Yorkers. It's a purge of all the annoying habits you've endured in this town.

Yanks-Mets is no different. I get to sling mud at my coworkers, friends who supported Omar Minaya's "Spanish word of the day," changing the old Mets song, and trying to center the franchise around the Latino community with free blonde hair dye day. Unfortunately it didn't stick and Jose Reyes is currently on the DL with his third team, the Toronto Blue Jays.

David Wright has remained having seen the highs and lows of the club. He'll see a slow but sure re-emergence of a scrappy Mets team led by Matt Harvey. With Wheeler possibly getting the call up in June...and Noah Syndergaard on his way in a year or so...don't look now but in 2 seasons the Mets may have one of the best young 1-3 rotation. Note to the current GM: LOCK those kids up at a bargain price LONG-Term.

While the rotation will be a bright spot, the position players are a bit of a weakness. For now, the Mets are a work in progress. Tejada and Murphy are young and serviceable. When catcher phenom, Travis d'Arnaud gets the call up, Wright will finally have some protection.

Over on the other side, the rotation and pen have carried the Yankees to first place with duct tape. NINE starters are on the DL. Curtis Granderson back on the DL with a fractured pinkie. So much for GM Brian Cashman thinking he had "value" to trade an impending FA.

There are some serious concerns with the Yanks rotation. Pettitte tweaked his muscle. Nova is back but in the pen, signaling a danger with his arm. Hughes has been inconsistent. CC Sabbathia has been more of a #3 pitcher in his last couple starts. Michael Pineda is pretty much the white horse...to keep things going when he's back.

For now, Mariano Rivera will continue his torrid pace as a closer during his last season.

Awards:
12× All-Star (1997, 1999–2002, 2004–2006, 2008–2011)
5× World Series champion (1996, 1998–2000, 2009)
5× AL Rolaids Relief Man Award (1999, 2001, 2004–2005, 2009)
3× Delivery Man of the Year Award (2005–2006, 2009)
World Series MVP Award (1999)
AL Championship Series MVP Award (2003)
3× MLB saves leader (1999, 2001, 2004)
MLB record for career saves (626)

The greatest closer in the history of Baseball has never received one thing. A CY Young that was given to Eric Gagne.

So no, the Yanks don't get every thing they want in life. All these "next Mo" closers flame out but the GREATEST import from Panama continues to motor ahead with ONE pitch and PERFECT control. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Still waiting for Cashman to outperform Gene "Stick" Michael with the highest payroll in baseball. He's done a good job with Overbay, Hafner, and Wells as replacements but Youkalis has been on the DL for a loooong time. Not what they had hoped.

Let's see what happens in a 4 game set.

Go YANKS!

[Dr. Detfink]

Tough loss for the Yanks. Hughes pitched well enough to win but offense couldn't produce more than one run. Robertson implodes. Second tight loss.

Tomorrow Yanks face Harvey.

[Dr. Detfink]

Yanks lose again. A mis play by Gardner sets up the winning run. First blown save by Mo this season. Yanks lost first place.

[Pharmcat]

team starting to struggle

[Dr. Detfink]

Cat's right. Guys are starting to hit the wall and this time, the pen is not able to cover up the anemia.

[Pharmcat]

mets trolling the yanks

[Dr. Detfink]

Remember when Joba was out there more often? See Logan and Kelley more work.

Youk, Tex set to play vs Sawx.