Friday begins the second half of the 2015 MLB season. First, though, we review what the New York Yankees and Mets have shown us.
By Robby Sabo
95-82 is the combined record of the two teams who represent New York City baseball – the game that runs this town.
It’s a record that not only symbolizes shock, as most forecasted a much bleaker outlook, but hope as well. It’s been many hot and sticky summers since both the New York Yankees and Mets have been winning teams during the same campaign. This is the reason giddiness is the emotion of the day.
In fact, city folks walking the streets haven’t been able to enjoy both the Yankees and the Mets over .500 together since 2008. Strangely enough, their identical 89-73 records seven-seasons ago still weren’t good enough to warrant postseason appearances.
2008 was the last time anybody could chatter the words “how bout those Mets” to the nearest hot dog guy or doorman.
Sure, 2006 was the more legitimate last season of success for the team from Flushing, but at least 2008 brought an assemblance of a pennant race.
2015 feels different. The Mets got the party started early with their obscene 13-3 record. They soon fizzled shortly after but shocked us yet again by finishing the first-half strong (winning seven of their last 10).
The Yankees have defied the odds with their comfy 3.5 game lead in the AL East. The outlook on one of the older teams in the league had everybody thinking mediocrity.
Quite possibly, the Yankees doing what they’ve done has been an even bigger shock than their little brothers.
In any event, we’ll now hand out midseason grades for both teams:
