Gazette Sees A Subway Series On Horizon

It was mildly discouraging that the Mets lost their 20th game of the spring last week, and that the Yankees also broke camp on a discordant note when it was announced that Steve Swindal, the team's general manager, is being divorced from George Steinbrenner's daughter, Jennifer.

But both matters fade into insignificance as we approach the beginning of the 2007 baseball season this Sunday with every expectation of seeing it end in the fall with a subway World Series between our two local teams.

No more of that endless "Wait 'til next year" refrain that the Brooklyn Dodgers trotted out practically every year to pacify their loyal fans for many, many years until they left for Los Angeles in 1958.

In 2007, we join many prognosticators who predict that the Mets and Yanks will persevere against several strong opponents in their leagues, and will face each other in the World Series.

The Mets, who came agonizingly close to getting into last season's World Series before experiencing a meltdown to the St. Louis Cardinals in the playoffs, should gain from that experience and go all the way this year after opening the season this Sunday, ironically, against the Cardinals.

The Shea Stadium denizens didn't make any major changes since last year's stellar season. Established stars like Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, David Wright and Jose Reyes provide the basis for a solid day-to-day lineup that will have the benefit of now experienced Manager Willie Randolph.

Venerable Tom Glavine heads a pitching staff that will need major performances by a spotty bunch of starters. Hopefully, the bullpen, headed by Billy Wagner, will pull them through as they did last year.

Yankee Manager Joe Torre, who may be starting his final year with the team as the Yankees open their season at home Monday against the lowly Devil Rays, appears to be in as favorable a situation as Randolph.

Like Randolph, Torre has an impressive list of seasoned veterans returning- everyday players like Jeter, Rodriguez, Giambi, Damon, Posada and Matsui. The pitching staff is anchored by Mike Mussina (15-7) and Chien-Ming Wang (19-6). Andy Pettitte has pitched well this spring, as has Carl Pavano, finally fit and healthy. Rock-solid Mariano Rivera heads the bullpen brigade.

True, many of those we've mentioned aren't at the peak of their careers, but they're expected to have enough talent left to make the Yanks top contenders this season.

Win or lose, the Mets and Yanks will have the Gazette rooting throughout the season for them, and we hope all our readers will be just as supportive. And we look forward to hearing the cry "Play Ball" once again as the crowds head out to the stadiums to root, root, root for the home teams.