New York, New York

It's so nice they named it twice, well at least it is nice for one team in New York. The Yankees lost a lot of power in the 2013 off season, but they should still be able to contend, but with a new strategy. The Mets however are still rebuilding, but may do better than 2012.

The 2000 Subway World Series

The Bronx Bombers might have to be renamed "The Bronx Hit and Runners," because a few of their big bats will not be present in their 2013 lineup, but it is faster than ever. Nick Swisher departed for Cleveland, Russel Martin signed with the Pirates, Alex Rodriguez is injured, Raul Ibanez signed with the Mariners, and Eric Chavez signed with the D-Backs. All these players contributed heavily to the power of the Yankees, but Travis Hafner and Kevin Youkilis will try to replace some of this power in 2013.

1. L. Ichiro RF           95 OPS+
2. R. Jeter SS            114 OPS+
3. L. Cano 2B            149 OPS+
4. S. Teixeira 1B        116 OPS+
5. L. Granderson LF  116 OPS+
6. R. Youkilis 3B        99 OPS+
7. L. Hafner DH         121 OPS+
8. R. Cervelli C           No recent stats
9. L. Gardner CF        92 OPS+  in 2011

The rotation for the Yankees is pretty good, with CC Sabathia as the ace, followed by two veterans and two young pitchers. In 2012 the Yankees' rotation was strong throughout the season and especially strong in the playoffs. David Phelps will compete with Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova in spring training for a spot. Nova is a bit shaky and Hughes is having back problems so the chances of Phelps making the rotation are strong.

1. L. CC Sabathia 3.34 ERA
2. R. Hiroki Kuroda  3.32 ERA
3. L. Andy Pettitte 2.87 ERA
4. R. Phil Hughes 4.23 ERA
5. R. David Phelps 3.34 ERA in bullpen and rotation

The bullpen for the Yankees in 2012 was without Mariano Rivera, he is hinting again that this upcoming season may be his last. Rivera's 2012 replacement, Rafael Soriano, left the Yankees to sign with the Nationals, so that is major blow to the Yankees, but they still have great set up man David Robertson. Boone Logan, David Aardsma, and Joba Chamberlain are also notable names, but they are basically wild cards.

I project 91 wins for the Yankees in 2013.

"You see David, you are the favorite third baseman in the city"

The Mets flirted with signing Michael Bourn for a long time, but he eventually signed with the Cleveland Indians. The Mets also lost outfielder Scott Hairston to free agency, who signed with the Cubs. Additionally Jason Bay was released by the Mets and signed with the Mariners. They still have a pretty decent lineup, but it is not the best. Catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud should be called up sometime in the season.

1. R. Tejada SS 90 OPS+
2. L. Murphy 2B 102 OPS+
3. R. Wright 3B 143 OPS
4. L. Davis 1B 110 OPS+
5. R. d'Arnaud C .975 OPS in AAA
6. L. Duda RF 98 OPS+
7. L. Baxter LF 115 OPS+
8. L. Nieuwenhuis CF 91 OPS+

The starting rotation for the Mets won't be as good or as heart warming in 2013 without RA Dickey, but I think it will still shock many people. With the addition of Shaun Marcum and many prospects, it may be even better than 2012's rotation. Dillon Gee may hold the 5th spot in the rotation until the well praised prospect Zach Wheeler (3.26 ERA in AA-AAA in 2012) comes up to the majors.

1. L. Johan Santana 4.85 ERA
2. R. Shaun Marcum 3.70 ERA
3. L. Jon Niese 3.49 ERA
4. R. Matt Harvey 2.73 ERA
5. R. Dillon Gee 4.10 ERA

The bullpen for the Mets is up in the air. For a while there was rumors about signing Jose Valverde, but now it seems like they won't even bother. Bobby Parnell is expected to close games in 2013 and he had much success in 2012 with a 2.49 ERA. Frank Francisco and Brandon Lyon found themselves in the bullpen for the Mets as well. Francisco didn't have a great season in 2012, while Lyon pitched to a 3.10 ERA.

I project 74 wins for the Mets in 2013.