Welcome the Choke Artists Back to Town

The New York "Mess" return to Philly

This weekend will have it all for baseball fans: a bitter rivalry, star-studded lineups, split New Jerseyans and two great mascots.

That's right, the New York "Mess" are back in town to face the Phillies.

A sign on Opening Day (against the Atlanta Braves) said it all -- "5-1-09." Forget about the Braves something else was more important -- the date that the best rivalry in the National League resumed.

The hated rivals from the other side of the Jersey Turnpike are in town this weekend to take on the Phils and rekindle a heated rivalry.

Phillies fans yearned for this -- the choke-artist Mets to once again crawl onto the field in South Philly.

This is Philly versus New York. And, right now Philly is the Big Apple of the baseball world thanks to two-straight monumental collapses by the New York "Mess" and one big trophy won by the Phightin' Phils.

The "Mess" from Queens were knocked down by the Phils -- they should be coming to Philly ready to get back up and punch back against the Phightins at Citizens Bank Park.

These two young, enigmatic teams both know what this newfound rivalry means and the many reasons why this rivalry finally came to fruition.

Proximity plays a major role. Fans from the opposing teams can easily invade the other team's home park jut by taking a two-hour drive. Just look at how much orange and blue will be in the stands at CBP this weekend. (Don't worry next week there will be nearly as much red and white up in Queens.)

But, what's happened on the field the last few seasons has really made this rivalry. Especially since the Mets have blown multi-game leads in each of the last two Septembers.

That's not to mention the Phillies' comebacks (remember Billy Wagner?) during individual games the past few seasons.

The players also feed the fire. Both teams rode a slew of young superstars to stoke the flames.

The Phils have Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins ready to pounce on the Mets.

The Mets bring Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Johan Santana and David Wright to the plate.

These young guns allow fans to know their enemy. It helps that Beltran and Rollins both like to shoot off their mouths about their thoughts on their division neighbors.

So, this weekend enjoy a great series of baseball. And, expect for some strong words for Mr. Met's fans but also for the Phanatic's guys.

This is Philly versus New York at it's finest. Just try to leave the punching to the umpires as they punch out Mets' hitters.

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