The rough seasons the Mets have gone through recently haven’t just had an impact on the fans in Flushing, but they have also taken some of the luster off the Subway Series. With both teams in contention, that doesn’t figure to be the case when the Mets visit The Bronx tonight for the first time this season:

SUBWAY SERIES MOMENTS

CATCHER

Russell Martin has shown signs of breaking out of his season-long slump, but his average is still hovering around .200. His veteran presence makes him a bit more valuable than Josh Thole. Edge: Yanks

FIRST BASE

For all Mark Teixeira’s problems this season, at least there was never talk of sending him to the minors. Ike Davis is off to a historically bad start at the plate and has also been uncharacteristically shaky at first. Edge: Yanks

SECOND BASE

He isn’t off to the MVP-type season many expected, but Robinson Cano is still slick in the field and a feared hitter in the middle of the lineup, while Daniel Murphy has regressed defensively and isn’t hitting nearly well enough to make up for his lapses in the field. Edge: Yanks

THIRD BASE

David Wright may not end up hitting .400 this season, but he is still in the midst of a resurgent season as opposed to Alex Rodriguez, who continues his decline despite an occasional display of power. Edge: Mets

SHORTSTOP

Derek Jeter vs. Omar Quintanilla.

If you have to ask… Edge: Yanks

LEFT FIELD

The Yankees have managed without Brett Gardner — who isn’t expected to return this weekend — with Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones filling in serviceably, while the Mets may have unearthed a solid player, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, in Jason Bay’s absence. Edge: Even

CENTER FIELD

Curtis Granderson has emerged as one of the top home run threats in the game while covering a lot of ground in The Bronx and Andres Torres remains a good-fielding, very little hitting player for the Mets. Edge: Yanks

RIGHT FIELD

Lucas Duda isn’t going to win any Gold Gloves in the outfield, but he provides much-needed power for a lineup that doesn’t have much. Nick Swisher has cooled considerably as the season has progressed, but remains one of the Yankees’ top run producers. Edge: Even

DESIGNATED HITTER

Jason Bay is due to make his return to the lineup and maybe a visit to homer friendly Yankee Stadium will do him some good. The Yanks’ DH rotation includes Eric Chavez, Rodriguez, Jones and Ibanez and has been productive. Edge: Yanks

STARTING PITCHING

Johan Santana got two extra days of rest after his 134-pitch no-hitter and will face Hiroki Kuroda tonight. Dillon Gee goes up against Phil Hughes tomorrow, followed by Jon Niese vs. Andy Pettitte. Edge: Even

RELIEF PITCHING

Rafael Soriano has been impressive since taking over the closer role and the Yankees’ pen has been among the best in the majors, even with the loss of Mariano Rivera and David Robertson. Ryota Igarashi joins the pen with Freddy Garcia on the bereavement list. And despite the addition of Frank Francisco and the injured Jon Rauch — who have both been disappointing — the Mets’ bullpen has been their biggest disappointment. Edge: Yanks

BENCH

Scott Hairston has nine hits in his last 20 at-bats, with five homers and 10 RBIs and the Mets have also used Vinny Rottino and the struggling Jordany Valdespin. The Yankees have more veterans, with Chavez, Dewayne Wise and Jayson Nix all seeing action. Edge: Even

MANAGER

Few expected the Mets to be in the postseason discussion for even a week, let alone two months, but that’s where Terry Collins has them despite injuries and a shallow roster. Joe Girardi has the Yanks battling for first place in a tough division. Edge: Even

INTANGIBLES

R.A. Dickey helped the Mets avoid a four-game losing streak yesterday, but how Santana responds after his last outing may be the most critical intangible of all against a Yankee squad that has steadily moved toward the top of the AL East. Edge: Even