| Paul Merchan. 29th July, 2006 - 11:11 pm
 The resurgence of the Mets in the National League has been well-noticed in New York. Their substantial lead in their division has impressed some, but hasn’t convinced all. The Mets will never win the hearts of the other half of the city, but they’re vying at least for the respect of the rival fan base.
Yankee fans have been well-known to downplay any success their Queens rivals have had in the past. This year, while the Mets have been dominating the league, the Yankees have had to battle more for a playoff berth, leading many to say that the Mets are a better team and have a better chance of winning the title. Its been heard in nearly every baseball circle that this could possibly be the year the Yankees don’t make the playoffs. Enter the Mets, who certainly have been playing like they have a title in sight.
However, the measuring stick with which both teams are being gauged might just be a little deceiving. Those Yankee fans who just can’t stand the Mets being any good point out that the divisions in which the teams play are disparate in the talent of the competition. The Yankees have recent World Champion and bitter rival Boston to contend with, along with a Blue Jays teams that spanked them in a four-game series recently.
The Mets really have no contender to deal with in the National League East. The Phillies have the talent to make the playoffs but have underachieved this season. Meanwhile, the Braves, despite spirited play of late, have dug themselves a huge hole which they won’t be able to dig out of. The Marlins and Nationals are practical no-shows. Considering the teams, are the Mets really a better baseball team than the Yankees?
You can’t blame the Mets for being in their division. Regardless of who they play, they’re still winning ball games. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better than any American League team, in this case the Yankees. Head-to-head, the two teams split the season series 3-3, which shows more of an evenness in talent. The Mets completely dominated the first three games at Shea when the Yankees were beginning to be plagued by injuries and a slump. The last three games in the Bronx were a little different, with the Yankees dominating and even blowing the Mets out in the series finale.
As of July 29, the Yankees actually owned a better record by percentage points, at 60-40, compared to the Mets at 61-41. This isn’t to say that the injury-riddled Yankees are a better team either, but it goes to show you that you can’t discount either team. The Mets have been hot all season and the Yankees have pulled together a few streaks despite not having their best lineup on the field. Half the town can’t stand the other, but at least for now both sides can agree that their teams are doing pretty good for themselves.
So is this the year the Yankees don’t make the playoffs? It’s ridiculous to assume that they won’t while they lead the wild card and are virtually neck and neck with Boston. The Yankees will get healthier and Alex Rodriguez won't make embarrassing error after embarrassing error all season.
Is this the year the Mets win the World Series? It’s pretty hard to envision that while the majority of their roster has yet to play October baseball. The only thing that’s for sure is that this summer, soon turning into fall, will be one of high expectations for all of New York, a city already teeming with playoff fever. |
