As we move closer to the start of the Subway Series, let's find out what Mark Teixeira thinks about the battle for New York.

On playing the Mets

"To me, the Mets series and the Red Sox series are the best series at Yankee Stadium," Teixeira said. "The fans are so into it. And especially this year. The Mets are having a great year. Facing Johan [Santana] is going to be electric, making his first start after the no-hitter. So it’s going to just be a great atmosphere in the ballpark.

"I've said interleague, in general, has run its course, playing Pittsburgh and Seattle in July just doesn’t make a lot of sense, but the Subway Series makes sense. I’d love to be able to continue to play the Mets at least one series every year, because the fans deserve that."

On Santana

"He can’t get any better," Teixeira said. "Well, he could pitch a perfect game. But we just have to be really sharp. If you expand the zone against Johan he's going to be tough. He might make a mistake or two. We just got to be sure we hit those. When he's on top of his game he’s one of the best in baseball.

"It’s great to say because Johan’s one of those class acts in baseball. Before he got hurt, to me he was the best left-hander in baseball. I remember facing him when he threw 95 and he was dominant, and even when his shoulder started bothering him and his velocity was down, he could still get guys out with the best of them. So he’s really one of those great competitors."