It’s June, and it’s time for a New York Mets & Yankees Check-In. I wrote about the Mets being amazin’ and the Yankees being horrible last year. That has switched dramatically since Ursus last reported on the New York baseball teams.
The Mets’ electricity has gone out at Citi Field, partially due to the fact that Noah Syndergaard, whom Mets fans think is a god, got injured, tore his lat and was placed on the 60-day disabled list. The Mets’ new name might just be the “New York Injuries,” given that most of the star players are injured, done for the year or sort-of injured.
This is what I call “The Curse of Murph.” “Murph,” referring to Daniel Murphy, is a former Mets second baseman and postseason hero who was signed by the rival Nationals. Since then, an astounding 32 players have gone on the seven-day, 10-day, 15-day or 60-day disabled list. That is utterly horrifying for Met fans.
The Mets are 28-33 as of June 12 and are in second place behind the NL-East leading Washington Nationals. This year, the Mets’ injury curse has taken too many, including Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda and the team captain, David Wright.
On top of the injuries, there are the struggles. Curtis Granderson, the team’s starting center fielder, is batting at .208 as of June 12. Jose Reyes, the team’s shortstop and third baseman, is batting at .186. Matt Harvey, one of the team’s star pitchers, is 4-3 with an ERA of 5.02, one of the highest in the MLB.
Now, let’s move to the Yankees. The expectations on them were so low, unlike the Mets. They are in first place in the AL East and have had rookie success from Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Aaron Hicks.
But with every great team comes the injuries and struggles. In the Yankees’ case, they have a curse around first base. Tyler Austin, who was expected to be the starting first baseman is lost for most of the year. Greg Bird went on the DL. So, they are down to struggling veteran Chris Carter, who is less-than-average. Aroldis Chapman, the four-time all-star closer is now on the DL.
In conclusion, the table has been turned. The roles have been flipped. The Yankees are hot. The Mets are cold. Now, there is a lot of baseball left to play, more than 100 games. So, there is hope for the blue & orange and there is fear for the pinstripes.