I guess Hank's talk really helped

The Yankees aren’t exactly blasting their way into the Subway Series. A day after Hank Steinbrenner ripped into the team, the Bombers bombed in Tampa, losing 3 of 4 to the Rays. 5-2 the final on Thursday. The Yankee bats managed only six runs in the 4 game set with first place Tampa.

The Yanks are demonstrating just how important A-Rod and Posada are to the team. Without that production, pitchers can be extra careful with that good but not great lineup. Be patient Yankees fans. Rodriguez will be back soon=thankfully for Mets fans not during this weekend. For the Yankees-it’s only May. They’ve started poorly and turned it around. We’ll see if Joe Girardi can guide this club as they tread water. The Mets on the other hand, have a track record in the OPPOSITE direction-see the end of 2007.

While I’m here, I have to say I’m NOT a big fan of interleague play, especially since the Mets and Yanks face each other 6 times. Depending on the season, the Braves don’t get the Yankees six times, or the BoSox the same with the Mets.

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Interleague play takes a lot of the fun out of the All Star Game and the World Series. Granted, seeing Barry Bonds face the Yanks a few years back at the Stadium was nice. But seeing it in October when it means so much-is better. Example: If Ichiro KILLS the Mets later this season when the Amazin’s face the Mariners and then they meet in the Series, there is less excitement. I already have an idea of what could or will happen. But free agency and TV dollars change everything. Who cares what fans think? That’s why we have 11 pm East Coast playoff games, the DH and Inter league play. Somewhere a suit who never even picked up a bat in his childhood became an accountant and decided to come up with an idea to make money.

This time around, the Mets are 20-19 going in, the Yanks 20-22. A lot of the wind is out of the sails. I have to say though-I really expect the Yanks to pull out of their malaise. The Steinbrenner family is DRIVEN to win. They will trade, spend, and spend more to win at all costs. Sometimes I think the Mets and their fans-myself included-just want to BE the Yankees-the top banana in town without the dedication to winning. They WANT to win. Signing Santana demonstrates that. But the Mets have limits to spending and outreach. Ask A-Rod and Vlad Guerrero, or in a positive light, NOT signing Barry Zito. I know Jimmy from West Hempstead-a lifelong Yankees fan celebrating his 35th birthday today-would agree. Happy Birthday Jim! Let’s remember too: these games are not part of a Subway Series. That title is a media creation. They are overhyped regular season games. A REAL Subway Series is a World Series. Call me about that in October.