You’ve heard the sayings,” Politics make strange bed fellows,” or “The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”  Two weeks ago, the allegiances of the New York baseball world became slightly shook up as the Mets played the Red Sox in Boston and the Yankees took on the Phillies in “The New House.” This wacky bit of scheduling had most Mets fans rooting for the Yankees while almost all Yankee fans cheered for the orange, white and blue.”

The start of the subway series this weekend has those roles completely reversed, as things go back normal. This weekend Yankee fans will be rooting big time for the “Fighting Phils” while Mets fans will be backing the “Angry Red Menace.”  Both series should be good ones.

Both New York clubs are desperate for wins. The Mets, coming off two brutal losses to Philadelphia, despite their injuries, are still a dangerous team. The Yankees won’t take them lightly. If they do, then they will lose.

The Phillies, unlike previous years, will be no pushovers for the RSN, (Red Sox Nation for those of you living in Saginaw). Their lineup, as Mets fans can attest to, is probably the best in baseball. They make up for mediocre starting pitching with a great, deep bullpen and a devastating lineup. The Red Sox, are, as usual, the Red Sox, although they do not play well on the road. It should be a great match-up at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

Passing Thoughts
Umpire James Hoye’s decision to warn both teams after Brad Penny hit A-Rod in the first inning was totally uncalled for and a bad move. By doing so, he allowed the Red Sox to intimidate the Yankee without fear of retribution. This has happened numerous times since 2002. For the record, I have never been a fan of Hoye, or the rest of his crew for that matter.

As we reported over a week ago, our main Yankees source continues to reiterate that the Yankees are having strong internal discussions regarding Huston Street. “Brian is looking to fix the bullpen, and Street is the main target,” our source told us, but don’t be surprised if he brings in at least two arms in the process. After the three game sweep at the hands of the RSN, the Yankees “Brain trust” is convinced that the team will not win anything the way the bullpen is currently constructed.

Frank is a resident of East Brunswick, NJ and former radio announcer. He is a 4th generation Republican and Yankees Fan. He also enjoys listening to talk radio. His favorite announcer is Shawn Hannity of “Hannity” on FOX and enjoys reading about military history. In addition to rooting for the Yankees, he also has a passion for the New York Islanders. You can enjoy Frank’s work at The Dead Ball Era and his book “Bury My Heart at Cooperstown”. Check out his “Rants and Raves” on New York Baseball Digest.

Frank Russo

View all posts by Frank Russo
Franks website

Tags: A-Rod, Boston Red Sox, Brad Penny, Colorado Rockies, Huston Street, James Hoye, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies