Baseball this 'n' that

The annual Subway Series between the Mets & Yankees isn't until after the All-Star break in July, but it takes on bigger meaning this year if both teams are still leading their divisions.

This morning, the Yanks are coming off a loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, while the Mets hold an 8 1/2 game lead in the NL East after sweeping Philadelphia, including another late inning comeback on Sunday Night Baseball. The sweep has raised questions about Phillies manager Joe Girardi's job security in Philadelphia, two months into his 3rd season. His defense has betrayed him several times, and closer Corey Knebel, who came over from the Dodgers in the offseason as a free agent, has now blown multiple saves against the Mets, the latest coming after rookie Nick Plummer, called up from Syracuse when Travis Jankowski went on the IL, launched a 1st pitch homer in the bottom of the 9th.

The Phils are back home this afternoon to host San Francisco, while the Mets welcome Washington. Keep in mind that the Mets are doing this without their twin aces, Jacob deGrom, who has yet to see the mound this season, and Max Scherzer, both of whom could be back in time for the Subway Series. If that happens, and the Mets stay healthy......!

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I'm begging ESPN to have ABC pick up some College World Series qualifying rounds, and even add a college game of the week by this time next year. Just sayin'.

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Back to the Mets, who are now 12-2-1 in 15 series this season, including winning all 4 vs. Philadelphia (9-3), and they won't see the Phillies again until August. Not only that, but they haven't played Miami yet. Go figure. The Mets' records vs. teams outside the NL East? For example:

Vs. San Francisco: 3-3.

Vs. Arizona: 4-2.

Vs. St. Louis: 4-3.

The only series the Mets have lost have been against Seattle & San Francisco. Who saw that coming?

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The Chicago White Sox designated Dallas Keuchel for assignment on Saturday. He's had a rough start to the season, and, unsurprisingly, there are those who want the Mets to take a look. Not happening. I honestly think Keuchel will finish his season in Houston, where his MLB career started.