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Baseball '08: New York's Baseball Teams Begin Final Season in Old Homes

"Wait 'til next year" takes on a different meaning entering the 2008 Major League Baseball season here in New York City. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are playing the final season at their present home parks as both Yankee Stadium (which will host MLB’s All-Star Game in July) and Shea Stadium will be replaced by brand-spanking-new, state-of-the-art retro ballparks for the 2009 season: a new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. This, therefore, is your last chance to visit these baseball temples before they follow Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds into NYC baseball history...and take a peek at the future.

Out in Queens, the Mets hope to turn their historic late-season collapse of last year into a faded memory. Manager Willie Randoph turns to stars David Wright and Jose Reyes on the left side of the infield, with slugger Carlos Delgado manning first and Luis Castillo at second.

The outfield is again anchored by star Carlos Beltran, who’s flanked by the oft-injured Moises Alou in left and recent acquisition Ryan Church in right. Taking over at catcher is Brian Schneider, assisted by Ramon Castro. Schneider’s defense and Castro’s bat make for a fine balance.
   
Tom Glavine is gone after getting his 300th win, but fear not -- the Mets pulled off the blockbuster trade of this past off-season, acquiring multiple Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana to anchor their rotation for the next several years. “Second ace” Pedro Martinez begins the season healthy after several injuries in previous years. John Maine and Oliver Perez are improving. The bullpen is strong, with top closer Billy Wagner and improved depth.
   
Up in the Bronx, there’s a lot more changing than the future address. When your team has won 26 World Series (and played in 13 more), the expectation is not that you have a chance to win, but that you win -- period. And new manager Joe Girardi, who replaces Joe Torre, faces lots of questions.
   
The Yankees still field one of the greatest infields in baseball history. Jason Giambi mans first base, with rising star Robinson Cano next to him at second. The left side features two future first-ballot Hall of Famers: Derek Jeter at short and Alex Rodriguez at third. There are questions, however, in the outfield, with young Melky Cabrera in center and veteran Bobby Abreu in right, and a rotating cast of characters (including Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon) manning left and DH-ing.

The Yankees’ starting rotation could be one of its biggest strengths, or one of its biggest weaknesses. Chien-Ming Wang has emerged as a top young pitcher. Andy Pettitte must put his off-season issues behind him. The rotation hinges on the success of top prospects Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, and a return to form for Mike Mussina. One of the keys to the Yankees’ success is its bullpen, anchored by Mariano Rivera, considered by many to be the greatest closer of all time. Rookie sensation Joba Chamberlain will start the year in the bullpen, but could earn a starting job before long. Winning will hinge on the health of the veterans as well as the development of key youngsters.
 
For Yankees tickets, call 718-293-6000. For schedules and other information, visit www.yankees.com. Tours of Yankee Stadium include field access, the dugout and press box, and a peek inside the clubhouse (subject to availability). For more info, click here.

What’s left  in Manhattan for the baseball fan? You can get up close and personal with “ballplayers” at Madame Tussauds New York (234 W. 42nd St., 212-246-8872), where David Wright’s figure joins Derek Jeter’s as part of the “Ultimate Subway Series” exhibit. The interactive exhibit -- a baseball fan’s dream -- includes a replica of the Mets’ and Yankees’ dugouts, pitching and cheering games, voice recordings of both players, which can be heard on the dugout phones, and much more.
   
For official team merchandise, visit the Yankees Clubhouse Shops -- 110 E. 59th St., 212-758-7844; 393 Fifth Ave., 212-685-4693; 8 Fulton St. (South Street Seaport), 212-514-7182; 294 W. 42nd St. (Times Square), 212-768-9555; 745 Seventh Ave., 212-391-0360 -- and the Mets Clubhouse Shop -- 11 W. 42nd St., 212-768-9534.

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