MLB Opening Day 2012 is here, and once again, the New York Yankees have Major League Baseball's highest payroll.
MLB Opening Day 2012 is here, and once again, the New York Yankees have Major League Baseball's highest payroll. Reuters

The Yankees are getting ready to start the regular season, and will end spring training with two games against their cross-town rivals.

The Bronx Bombers will take on the Mets this afternoon in Port St. Lucie, Florida at 2:10 p.m. ET. You can see the game online at mlb.com, as well as on YES and SNY on local television.

It's the first time since 1996 that the two clubs will face each other before the year begins. That was the last time the Yankees and Mets didn't play one another in the regular season.

Most of the Yankee regulars will not be attending the game. Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher are the two everyday starters who are expected to play. Ivan Nova will take the mound for the Yankees.

The Mets open their season on Thursday against the braves, while the Yankees don't play a meaningful game until Friday in Tampa Bay.

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