All of us here have been in agreement that it was a bad job by the Mets to deny the Yankees Triple-A affiliate in Scranton the opportunity to play in Newark while their home park, PNC Field, is under renovation.

Logos Courtesy of MILB.com

In case you are in the dark about what I am referring to, the Yankees asked the Mets three times last year for a one season waiver on their territorial rights so their Triple-A team can play at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ. In return, the Yankees would waive their territorial rights for a full season. The Mets would have been able to use the waiver at any point in the future. Instead, Wilpon and company blocked the move, which resulted in Scranton scheduling 37 games in Rochester, 10 games in Syracuse, eight games in Allentown, PA, seven games in Batavia, NY, six games in Buffalo, NY and four games in Pawtucket, RI.

Since they really aren’t the “Scranton Yankees” with that home schedule, the team announced a new name in honor their new home up the I-90 corridor:  the Empire State Yankees.

You can see the logo above, which undoubtedly will be a collector’s item.

In case you are worrying about whether the gypsy schedule will impact the routine of the Yankees top prospects that spend time there this season, our very own Joe Delgrippo reported back in January the team’s home base will be Rochester, which will help in lessoning the travel.

Now for one season you can own a Manny Banuelos or Dellin Betances “Empire State” jersey.

Fortunately, a petty situation ended with a nice marketing move by the Yankees.

The only real loser in this is Newark fans, as this decision by the Mets could be a death knell to baseball in that area.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Bears & Eagles Stadium, Empire State Yankees, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Newark Bears, Scranton Yankees