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Fall Classic Has Arrived

© Bryan Walker

Subway Series. This World Series had a title before the playoffs began. The networks could hardly contain themselves at the ratings possibilities if these two teams made it. Forget the fact that the Mets had the fourth best record in the National League and the Yankees had the fifth best record in the American League. Forget the fact that both teams suffered from serious September swoons.

These two teams are good, but not because they can hit. These teams can pitch. Name a team with two left handered starters better than Al Leiter and Mike Hampton. In spite of all the Yankees pitching problems this year, what rotation would you rather have in the playoffs than Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemems, and Orlando Hernandez? For closers, its really not fair for a team to have Mariano Rivera or Armando Benitez, who are so good that each team, in effect, only plays an eight inning game.

Here’s a position-by position analysis: Catcher: Mike Piazza vs. Jorge Posada This may be closer than people think. Piazza is no doubt the better hitter, but Piazza can’t throw out a runner. Posada is no slouch at the plate and plays good defense behind it. Still you’ve got to give the edge to the Mets.

First Base: Tino Martinez vs. Todd Zeile Tino has come alive in the playoffs. Todd Zeile is a solid player. Their regular season statistics are very similar. This one’s a toss-up.

Second Base: Edgardo Alphonso vs. Luis Sojo (or Chuck Knoblauch) It really doesn’t matter who the Yankees put at second base because Alphonso is better.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter vs. Mike Bordick Really the same as second base, Jeter is as good as anybody.

Third Base: Robin Ventura vs. Scott Brosius “Good glove, no hit” Brosius does not equal “Good glove, good hit” Ventura. Edge to the Mets.

Outfield Who plays in the Mets outfield? Timo Perez, Jay Payton, and Benny Agbayani. Not exactly household names. The Yankees have David Justice, Bernie Williams, and Paul O’Neill. Three young guys and three All-stars. Got to go with the Yankees at any outfield spot.

The Yankees seem to have a better lineup and a better rotation from top to bottom. Still, I can’t help but think that playing at Shea is tougher than playing in the Bronx. I expect this series to go seven games. As a fan, I just hope that its more interesting than the last two World Series.

Looking Ahead.

The Yankees may win it all this year, but no one expects to see the same team next year. Most likely Tino Martinez, David Cone, Denny Neagle, Jeff Nelson, and Paul O’Neill will be gone. Chuck Knoblauch is questionable. Some commentators believe that Joe Torre will retire if the Yankees win it all. This could be the end of an era. However, if Joe Torre stays, the Yankees will keep winning by spending some big time money on Manny Ramirez or Mike Hampton or someone. Without Torre, the Yankees would have a whole new complexion, and who know what they will do?

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