My Opinion

The Yankees and Mets just completed the latest edition of the Subway Series Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.The Yankees won the game 6-4 there by taking two out of three from their Queens counterparts.The excitement this series generated has fans and the media wondering what it could be like when these teams meet again in September at Citi field.It’s been a long time since both teams have been in first place in their respective divisions at the same time as they are now.If they can both be healthy(the Mets are currently dealing with a lot of injuries)through the dog days of summer,there is a good chance that the series in September could have not only wild card but division titles at stake.I’ve said before that you need to play at least 50 games and then see where your team is at.With 112 games left you can figure how many games your team needs to make the playoffs as a wild card or win the division.In the Yankees and Mets case,can you imagine what the atmosphere would be like in September with so much to play for? It would be the first time in Subway Series history that these teams would play each other so late in the regular season.It would be like 2000 when they met in the World Series and this city was turned upside down with excitement.It’s only April and there’s a long way to go but it’s not too early to let yourself dream of a series in September in Flushing Queens that will make it feel like October 2000 all over again.That’s my opinion.

My Opinion

There is this idea around the country that the New York media is tough,opinionated and not afraid to criticize the local teams and the people who run them.Let me tell you that is a myth.In reality they’re a bunch of overractive bashers whose assessments are wrong more often than right.Now understand something here,there are some very good writers, columnists and talk show hosts that I read and listen to who have good and fair opinions.Its the ones who delight in bashing someone either because they don’t like them or they don’t know what’s going on.Phil Jackson has not done a good job as Knicks President so far.Many people,including me,thought the team could make the playoffs this year but instead they have the worst record in the NBA.The bashing of Jackson has been relentless by those who think he’s in it just for the money and will be gone back to L.A real soon.They don’t want to recognize that the Knicks will have a top draft choice this June and will have tons of money under the salary cap to add players.Jackson should be given time to get the right players.Alex Rodriguez is another one the mythical ones delight in bashing because of his PED use and steadfast denial of doing it.I’ve said in a previous blog about Rodriguez that I can’t and won’t defend what he did.But he’s paid the price being suspended all of last season.The bashers had their feelings hurt and felt betrayed like a jilted lover and need to get over it like the fans who gave Rodriguez a loud ovation on opening day.It was said he’d never play again,that he wouldn’t make the team,that he would break down and not make it to opening day.The bashers are batting a thousand, they’ve been wrong on all counts.Tough no,petty absolutely.That’s my opinion.

My Opinion

The Major League Baseball season starts tomorrow and all baseball fans are full of hope that their team will be the last one standing this coming October when the World Series concludes.Here in New York, Yankees and Mets fans are hoping their respective teams can at least reach the playoffs.The Mets hopes ride on the return to form of ace Matt Harvey,who missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery.They are also hoping for a big year from their captain,David Wright,who was injured most of last season and only hit 8 home runs.Another big year from first baseman Lucas Duda,who hit 30 homers last season,along with Curtis Granderson and newly acquired Michael Cuddyer is paramount for the Mets to make that postseason push.Manager Terry Collins is on the hot seat because this is the best team he has had in his four seasons and he will not last if the team struggles.The Yankees are all about one word,health.Many people feel if they stay healthy they could actually win the AL East.Masahiro Tanaka,CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda were all injured at some point last season so it’s imperative that they remain healthy.Carlos Beltran and Mark Texeira are two more who missed time last season.Brian McCann and Jacoby Elsbury need to do better than last year.Then there’s A-Rod,who was suspended all of last season for using ped’s.I’m saying this right now,if A-Rod has a good season (20-25 homers 75-80 rbi’s) the Yankees will make the playoffs.No one is expecting him to contribute anything but I have watched him in spring training games and he has hit very well.Of course,like the others,health will be the issue because he will turn 40 during the season.Anyway it should be very interesting for both teams this season and,health permitting,a very exciting one also.That’s my opinion.