MLB

An Amazin’ opportunity

It’s nice to return to Subway Series action. Just think of how much has transpired — in the rivalry and in the world — since we last saw the Yankees play the Mets, all the way back on June 10:

1. Justin Turner returned from the disabled list.

2. Alec Baldwin registered for his marriage license.

3. David Robertson returned from the disabled list.

So much change! Thank goodness we still have the same United States President and baseball commissioner.

(Ducks)

All kidding aside, what Mets fans probably consider most important is that, since the Yankees swept past their team in The Bronx, Terry Collins’ group has stayed afloat. By going 6-3 in their last nine games, the Mets put themselves in position, starting tonight, to avenge that sweep and conclude interleague play very much still in contention.

Indeed, interleague play has helped the Mets out, and given them reason to think that vengeance can be executed. After all, as part of the bizarre pattern that has seen them sweep twice and get swept twice in their last four series, the Mets have steamrolled the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the Orioles in New York, dominating the two teams lurking beneath the Yankees in the American League East.

Why can the Mets and their fans think this Yankees series can go differently than the last one? Here are four reasons.

PHOTOS: SUBWAY SERIES MOMENTS

1. Dickey, Dickey, Dickey. R.A. Dickey defeated the Nationals on June 7, and he rested and prepared for his next start as the Yankees pummeled a post-no-hitter Johan Santana on June 8 and overcame strong starts by Dillon Gee and Jon Niese on June 9 and June 10, respectively. In retrospect, perhaps the Mets should have started Dickey all three games against the Yankees — four days in a row altogether, a la Hoss Radbourn. For sure, it’ll be fun to see whether Dickey can continue his run against the tough Yankees lineup.

2. Big Citi. The new Yankee Stadium seems to really irk its visitors, who are continually shocked at how easy it is to hit one out in right field and right-center field. The Mets experienced that when Russell Martin poked one to right in the June 10 game. Now, at Citi Field, the Mets can play in greater comfort with fewer home runs. As Collins said, “Our ballpark plays a little different from theirs.”

3. Straightened pen. Shrugging off Frank Francisco’s near-meltdown Wednesday night — which may or may not be the right move by us — the Mets’ relief corps is on a roll. Jon Rauch hasn’t allowed a run in four appearances since giving up Martin’s walk-off homer. Miguel Batista is now another weapon who won’t wilt in high-leverage situations.

4. Prime-time players. With a .266 batting average, .360 on-base percentage and .417 slugging percentage with runners in scoring position, the Mets are the anti-Yankees (.218-.326-.386). These numbers tend to fluctuate, yet the disparity is striking given the Yankees are the overall superior offensive team.

Now, to be fair, the Yankees and their fans have reason to think that they can pick up where they left off 12 days ago. They’re starting Andy Pettitte (tonight) and CC Sabathia (Sunday) against a team with five important lefty hitters; their power show travels well, as their 47 road homers place them just one behind major-league leaders Toronto and Seattle; and manager Joe Girardi’s famous binder can pay off particularly well at National League ballparks because of the additional bullpen and pinch-hitting changes that come into play.

But the Yankees were supposed to be here. It’s the Mets who have surprised the baseball world, who have their skeptics even now after a near half-season of winning baseball.

It’s the Mets who need this weekend series more, who want to use good results against the city’s kings to propel them to greater heights.

Even with “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” coming to your air-conditioned Cineplex today, it’s the Mets who are offering the best revenge tale in town this weekend.

kdavidoff@nypost.com