Last year we saw the San Francisco Giants win the World Series against the Detroit Tigers in a sweeping 4-0 victory. America’s national pastime is back as we head into April starting off the brand new 2013 season. How are the New York teams looking this year? Let’s find out:
Yankees
The New York Yankees step into the season with the greatest closer in Major League Baseball history, Mariano River, after a season-ending injury last year. “Mo” made his decision that this year will be his last as a Yankee. Looking at the starters, the Yankees have their men from last year- CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Hiroki Kuroda, Phil Hughes, and Ivan Nova. Three relief pitchers really caught my eye. I truly do believe that Adam Warren, Chase Whitley, and Mark Montgomery are going to blossom and break out this season due to the fact that they excel against both righties and lefties. Mark Montgomery specifically is going to come up big in the season, for he’s a workhorse who racks up the K’s like it’s his hobby. Moving onto batting and fielding, the Yankees are looking pretty solid despite the old guys and injured players. With Alex Rodriguez out of the picture, since he had hip surgery and is currently entangled in a drug scandal, the Yankees signed former Red Sox Kevin Youkilis to play 3rd base. Now with Mark Teixeira out with a wrist injury, Youk will most likely take 1st and Eduardo Nunez will take 3rd. Powerhouse Travis Hafner will be at the DH. Curtis Granderson, my personal favorite player, won’t be coming in till May, but the Yanks still have Ichiro Suzuki and Brett Gardner in their Arsenal.
Mets
The Mets are facing a lot of issues this upcoming season. Star Johan Santana who threw a No-No last season will be facing his second shoulder surgery, being a total bust for the season with all that money he’s earning. The Mets lost Cy Young winner R.A Dickey to the Blue Jays, which weakened their starting line-up more than it already is. However, pitcher Jon Niese is going to have to come up big as a starter. The Mets bullpen needs a lot of work, expect to see a lot of pick-ups and trades happening soon. Moving onto batting and fielding, the Mets return with Gold Glover David Wright, doing what he does best: making tough plays on the field and getting on base. Players Ruben Tejada is going to break out during the season. Tejada is going to be a major defensive weapon on the infield, which balances out his poor spring training. He’s only 23 years old, giving him all the time in the world to improve more and more each day. Again, don’t be surprised if the Mets decide to bring up players from the Minor Leagues and send players down to them. Despite some oldies on the roster, the Mets are an up and coming young team, who were able to get skilled top prospects that can be a major contribution to the team in the future.
Expect great things from these two teams. However, the rivalry continues as these two New York ball clubs battle it out on May 27-30 at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. Tune in, as the Subway Series is always exciting to watch.