NEW YORK — If the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry in its current state were a food, it would be a thin gruel.
If it were a dog, it would be a mangy mutt.
These are lean times, indeed, but even though the flame is barely flickering on this ancient grudge match, over the last two nights here in the Bronx arose a couple of signs that at least offer rays of hope for better, brighter and far more scintillating times.
Starts by the Red Sox’ Henry Owens Tuesday night and the Yankees’ Luis Severino last night served as subtle and welcome reminders that change is afoot, and better days are ahead for the quality of play on the field and maybe even a renewal of interest in seeing talented young players harness their talents and ripen before our eyes.