IT’S that time of the year when New York’s baseball teams participate in the first of two three-game sets called the “Subway Series.” Introduced in 1997, it has been a huge hit with the fans even if the players’ enthusiasm has dwindled.

Here is a look at the Mets and Yankees position-by-position:

FIRST BASE

Carlos Delgado has adapted to New York well and is the Mets’ best hitter. Jason Giambi has cooled lately but was the AL Player of the Month for April.

Delgado is the better defender.

Edge: Mets

SECOND BASE

Robinson Cano is on his way to being an All-Star thanks to a productive bat and, until Wednesday night, solid defense.

Kaz Matsui has improved with the glove but not at the plate.

Edge: Yankees

SHORTSTOP

In any other city, Jose Reyes would be the best shortstop in town. In New York, he is second to Derek Jeter, who has sizzled since Opening Day.

Edge: Yankees

THIRD BASE

How far as David Wright come?

Enough that Alex Rodriguez doesn’t dwarf him. ARod muddled through the first six weeks, never really getting hot.

Edge: Even

LEFT FIELD

Melky Cabrera against Cliff Floyd should be an overmatch. But Floyd has been awful at the plate.

Cabrera is getting a chance to show he is a major-league player but figures to be replaced via a trade.

Edge: Mets

CENTER FIELD

Any discussion here has to start with Johnny Damon playing the last month with a chipped bone in his right foot. Carlos Beltran is off to a better start in his second Queens season.

Edge: Even

RIGHT FIELD

Given a chance to play every day, Xavier Nady has produced. Bernie Williams and Bubba Crosby have replaced Gary Sheffield.

Edge: Mets

CATCHER

Jorge Posada has helped fill the void created by injuries to Sheffield and Hideki Matsui, producing at the plate. Paul Lo Duca is a major upgrade over Mike Piazza.

Edge: Yankees

STARTERS

Who would think a three-man rotation that includes Jeremi Gonzalez would get the nod. But that’s how bad Randy Johnson is. The entry of Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine is better than the Yankees’ duo of Mike Mussina and Aaron Small, who has to replace Shawn Chacon.

Edge: Mets

BULLPEN

Each game likely will be decided here and there is quality in both pens. The Mets’ trio of Billy Wagner, Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez provides confidence that wasn’t there last year. Kyle Farnsworth, Scott Proctor and Mike Myers have constructed a better bridge from starter to Mariano Rivera.

Edge: Even

BENCH

With no DH, Joe Torre will be forced to employ pinch-hitters off a bench that is thin. The Mets’ Chris Woodward can play anywhere and Endy Chavez is an excellent defensive outfielder and swift pinch-runner. Julio Franco provides an experienced pinch-hitter. Ramon Castro may be the best backup catcher in baseball.

Edge: Mets

MANAGER

Willie Randolph has the Mets in first place, but Joe Torre’s experience can’t be ignored.

Edge: Yankees

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By the numbers

Catcher AB HR RBI AVG

Jorge Posada 113 6 26 .310

Paul LoDuca 121 3 13 .289

First Base

Jason Giambi 108 12 34 .269

Carlos Delgado 153 13 29 .288

Second Base

Robinson Cano 139 2 15 .309

Kazuo Matsui 90 1 5 .244

Third Base

Alex Rodriguez 144 9 29 .278

David Wright 150 5 25 .307

Shortstop

Derek Jeter 151 5 29 .351

Jose Reyes 176 3 20 .256

Left Field

Melky Cabrera 19 0 1 .316

Cliff Floyd 129 3 14 .202

Right Field

Bernie Williams 114 2 15 .237

Xavier Nady 136 8 20 .287

Center Field

Johnny Damon 157 4 20 .280

Carlos Beltran 105 10 25 .257