The betting line actually had the Rays as the favorite yesterday v. the Yanks, even though the latter team already lost two in a row, and had its pretty consistent at the moment crossword loving Stanford grad -- Mike Mussina -- on the mound. Oh, and TB as a whole pays the team about as the Yanks' team bar bill. It wasn't too far off ... the Yanks won 2-1. [After losing by that score in extras, after tying it 1-1 in the 9th.] And, Tampa is in first place ... just like the Marlins. And, the Yanks are not that far out of first, surely they have an easier time of it than last year's phoenix-like rise.
Not that being in last place bodes THAT well, huh? An optimistic soul might note that the Mets are closer to first (i.e third) and due to get going too, you know after also losing say three of four against a supposedly weak team (not in first place) before the crosstown rival match-up this weekend, but then we would recall they never did get to the playoffs. The Yanks didn't look like they would ... the Mets had a slow water torture downfall that ended the last day of the season. One hoped for 5-2 vs. the Reds and Nats, got 3-4, three very good (ending with a 1-0 contest, Pelfrey giving up the ghost in the eight) outings by the back-end of the rotation going to waste.
[Update: The NY Daily News provided added details on how the players did various things to go scoreless against a last place team and three times (two columns, one wrap-up story) noted the outspoken closer wondered why the reporters was asking him questions when he didn't even play. Oh right, the two guys who ended the game in pathetic fashion left early, "---"ing surprising. Wonder why the reporters sought out Wagner, who referenced the son of the crosstown owner in his remarks? And, the deleted word does not start with "f," does it? Nah.
Anyway, it was noted that even though they are higher up in the standings, the Mets actually are worse off -- the Yanks actually got to the playoffs and beyond in the last twenty or so years. The Mets managed a couple times, most recently choking at the key moment. Thus, less patience for their lame play.]
Well, at least the Mets weren't knocked off thusly in September, like last year. Should be a good pitching series this weekend ... let's see if either team hits. I'll say something about the same sex marriage ruling from out West then as well.