Yankees take another dip into minor league pool

Last Tuesday’s rainout was a worst-case scenario for the already pitching-starved Yankees. They played a double-header the following day and were left without a fully rested starter for Sunday.

The move forced them to dip into their minor league system once again, though chances are they wished they had done it sooner. Tyler Clippard pitched one inning on Thursday night before he was removed from the game and told he would make his major league debut against the Mets in primetime on Monday.

Clippard throws an 88- 91 mph fastball that tops off at 94. He mixes in a 75-78 mph changeup and a 78-82 mph curveball. He's 3-2 with a 2.73 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP in eight starts at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. He’s also struck out 41 batters in 39 innings.

Walks not affecting Maine’s success

The Mets won John Maine’s first seven starts before finally losing to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. It was the first time since April 9 that Maine didn’t throw a quality start, allowing seven hits and three runs in five innings.

Maine also walked three in that game, compounding a walk problem that has plagued him all season. Nevertheless he's remained one of baseball’s best money pitchers, and has a 2.15 ERA in 50 1/3 innings despite allowing 27 walks.

The Yankees finished third in the majors last season with 649 walks. They are currently ninth in the league heading into Saturday’s action with 151 walks in 40 games.

What do you think of the Yankees’ season?

It seems like everyone has an opinion on the slumping Yankees. Former Yankee Paul O’Neil said they are “used to losing.” Tino Martinez questioned their effort and desire during an appearance on Michael Kay's ESPN Radio show on Tuesday.

Third baseman Alex Rodriguez said a three-game series against the Mets is just what the Yankees need to get out of their slump. Another former Yankees, David Justice, shot back saying, “when you're not hitting on all cylinders, you don't want to be asking for the Red Sox and the Mets."

Friday night’s 3-2 loss in the series opener dropped the Yankees 10-games back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East heading into Saturday’s games.

A Subway Series gambling history (heading into Saturday’s games)

The Mets and Yankees have played each other 54 times in interleague play and the World Series since 1999. The Yankees hold the edge overall, going 32-22 and earning 1.69 units, meaning bettors are up $1.69 if they bet a dollar on the Yankees every time they’ve played the Mets.

Though the Mets hold the advantage at Shea Stadium – they have split the game 14-14. Their underdog status in the majority of the games has earned them 1.48 units.

The Mets have also been the more successful team since 2004. They hold an 11-8 advantage and have earned 6.41 units overall. That includes a 7-3 record at home where they have earned 5.83 units.

Big Apple takes center stage … again

Tired of the Subway Series in primetime? Too bad. This will be the sixth time in the last seven Sundays that they have been eligible that the Yankees and Mets have been featured in ESPN’s Sunday night game.

The reason is simple: ratings. Seven of ESPN’s 10 top-rated interleague games over the last five seasons have featured the Yankees-Mets.

The Yankees have dominated recent primetime games, going 4-1. The Mets’ only victory was a 4-3 win at home on May 21 last season.