Pyrrhic victories

Sometimes W's can feel like L's.

The Yankees and Mets both won their games Tuesday, with the Bombers pulling out a 4-3, 11-inning win on a Robinson Cano single. But after the game, both teams found themselves talking about injuries instead of the victory.

The Mets received their bad, in-game news by courier. First baseman Carlos Delgado, sidelined since May 19 with a torn labrum, was forced to stop his rehab because of a strained oblique muscle. Delgado's contract expires at the end of the season, so the veteran may have been his last game as a Met.

The major postgame headlines reflected the mixed feelings about Tuesday night. "Mets beat Diamondbacks to avert sweep, get bad news on Carlos Delgado," blared the Daily News.

The Yankees, meanwhile, fell victim to the inside fastball. Shortstop Derek Jeter had to leave the game after getting hit on the foot, and though X-rays were negative, the Yankee captain admitted to feeling this HBP a little extra. The winning rally in the 11th inning was kickstarted when Alex Rodriguez got nailed on the elbow and hit the dirt for a couple minutes.

Once again, the injuries were the focus. The New York Times' game story led with the litany of Yankee bumps and bruises, overshadowing the fact that since June 24 the Yanks are a sizzling 33-11 and have the best record in baseball at 71-43.

Thing is, the press isn't that far off. Delgado's injury may well end his season after playing just 26 games. For that matter, you can probably sum up the Mets' season in one word: injuries. And without Jeter, their captain and best hitter, the Yankees will score fewer runs. 'Nuff said.

So enjoy the pair of wins. But when you do, cross your fingers for Jeter's foot. And, just maybe, wave goodbye to Carlos Delgado.

Spreading the news,
Jake Simpson