MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can feel the excitement in the city and said he’s thrilled to see both the Mets and Yankees in a playoff race this late in the season.
“I have to say it’s a great thing for our game,” the MLB commissioner said Thursday. “In terms of our fans, to have two New York teams in the hunt, it’s a good thing.” (New York Post)
Manfred also made sure to crow about the Wilpons whom he has supported despite the team’s shrinking payroll. In an “I Told You So” tone he said:
“I said the Wilpons had the resources and the desire to spend when they were in a position to spend effectively,” Manfred said. “And I think what they did at the trade deadline is really solid proof of that.”
Of course that’s what he would say that, but can taking on roughly $1-2 million in additional payroll after all the math is said and done be construed as spending?
Yesterday, I learned that to some fans and media types like Andy Martino and Joel Sherman that’s exactly what it is. Most reporters and fans though, would disagree.
As for the Mets and Yankees, a once heralded rivalry is beginning to heat up again. It had lied dormant over the last six years while the Mets were rebuilding, but with a huge three game series on the horizon come Sept. 18 – 20 at Citi Field, things are going to get very wild and intense.
The Mets currently lead the NL East by 1.5 games, while the Yankees enjoy a 4.5 game lead in the AL East.
If you thought the crowd was crazy, raucous and electric at Citi Field during the Washington Nationals series at the last homestand, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait until the Bronx Bombers roll into town, it’s going to be an epic showdown with both teams putting it all on the line for the playoff push.
I can’t wait for that to happen, it’s going to be fantastically amazing to watch and experience!
