Column: Lets check some of that Yankees, Mets fever

1/15/09
a.j. burnett
By Max J. Dickstein

Column: Lets check some of that Yankees, Mets fever

Photo credit: Game Face

Photo by Getty

By Max J. Dickstein

The champion Giants have left the scene, joining the colossal folly of the Jets on the NFL postseason sidelines.

So we all see it coming: “Pitchers and catchers.”

The preseason baseball prattle will soon flow from New York fans’ mouths, the speakers intentionally heedless of so many years of waiting till next year.

After an offseason — and fortune — spent addressing last season’s deficiencies, Yankees and Mets players may begin reporting to their spring training grounds in Florida on Feb. 14.

The teams’ additions seem to call for giddy, carnival-barker praise.

“Admire the pinstriped pair of aces, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, as good as 40 games won!”

“Behold sure-gloved slugger Mark Teixeira, the second coming of Don Mattingly at first base!”

“Hearken to Mets bullpen beasts K-Rod and J.J. Putz, ready to seal up a World Series Game 7 victory in six strikeouts!”

Please.Free-agent pickups held effusive news conferences and two new stadiums will glitter on opening day in April, but before the season actually begins, let’s allow ourselves a note of caution.

Roster upgrades don’t forgo the need for another season of surprises and streaks, disappointments and injuries — all far less predictable than a new signee’s pledge that he’s in New York to win a title.

Because for these two teams, problems persist.

The Yankees own 26 World Series titles, but none since 2000, when millions misplaced on sour talent began to crush the franchise underneath its own bloat.

The Mets, fine-tuners of the agonizing September collapse, just watched the archrival Phillies enact the title run they seemingly can't.

A long season on the field will allow us to measure hope against reality.

Bring on the baseball.
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Column: Lets check some of that Yankees, Mets fever

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Column: Lets check some of that Yankees, Mets fever