FIRST BASE
Jason Giambi vs. Mo Vaughn
Mets ought to lobby MLB for permission for their pitchers to use an “L” screen when facing Jason Giambi, who has lived up to the hype with a punishing swing and sensational eye. Mo Vaughn? Is that really him in the No. 42 jersey?
Edge: Yankees.
SECOND BASE
Alfonso Soriano vs. Roberto Alomar
Roberto Alomar’s adjustment to NL life hasn’t been made as swiftly as many believed. Still, the future Hall of Famer is the best in the business. Until recent swoon, Alfonso Soriano was the Yankees’ top player.
Edge: Mets.
SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter vs. Rey Ordonez
Comparing Rey Ordonez to Derek Jeter is like pitting Roseanne Barr against Jenifer Lopez. Ordonez not only can’t hit, now he can’t field or throw. Welcome to the Zero Tool player. Jeter is a picture of consistency.
Edge: Yankees.
THIRD BASE
Robin Ventura vs. Edgardo Alfonzo
What do you want from the corner? Power or high average? Ventura, the former Met, has 15 homers, 42 RBIs and a .245 average. Edgardo Alfonzo is batting .324 with two homers and 17 RBIs.
Edge: Yankees.
LEFT FIELD
Rondell White Vs. Roger Cedeno
Rondell White may not play because of a finger injury. Matched against Roger Cedeno, the Yankees could get by with Roy White. Cedeno hasn’t been the top-of-the-order force the Mets hoped for. Shane Spencer would replace White.
Edge: Yankees.
CENTER FIELD
Bernie Williams vs. Timo Perez/JayPayton
Bernie Williams is far superior to the platoon of Timo Perez and Jay Payton. Perez saves his worst for the Yankees (see 2000 World Series) and Payton is a fourth outfielder at best. Williams is locked in after a slow start.
Edge: Yankees.
RIGHT FIELD
John Vander Wal/Shane Spencer vs. Jeromy Burnitz
Jeromy Burnitz is one of GM Steve Phillips’ biggest busts. Acquired to provide muscle, Burnitz has given opposing catchers windburn via 59 strikeouts. Yankees counter with John Vander Wal and Spencer if he isn’t in left.
Edge: Yankees.
CATCHER
Jorge Posada vs. Mike Piazza
Mike Piazza may be hitting 47 points below his career average of .325 but he devours Yankee pitching, especially Roger Clemens, who he sees in Game 2. Jorge Posada is a two-time All Star and better defensively but Piazza is headed to Cooperstown.
Edge: Mets.
STARTING PITCHING
Andy Pettitte could take a year off and be better than Steve Trachsel. Roger Clemens against Shawn Estes is a mismatch. David Wells gives the Yankees a chance to beat Pedro Astacio, the Mets’ best pitcher.
Edge: Yankees.
BULLPEN
Yankees missing Mariano Rivera hurts but Steve Karsay, Mike Stanton and Ramiro Mendoza provide quality depth. Does anybody trust Armando Benitez in a pressure situation? Didn’t think so. Ex-Yankee David Weathers has been sensational.
Edge: Yankees.
BENCH
If Spencer isn’t in the lineup the Yankees’ pine is far better. Even if he is starting, Torre has Nick Johnson, Ron Coomer and Enrique Wilson. That’s better than Joe McEwing, John Valentin and Tony Tarasco.
Edge: Yankees.
MANAGER: Bobby Valentine doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to handle a game. But Torre has accomplished the toughest assignment in sports: win when you are supposed to. Edge: Yankees.
PREDICTION: Yankees win the first two but fall Sunday night.
