Space filler in today's Asbury Park Press.....

"The first Subway Series in 44 years should be a good one for Las Vegas oddsmakers, who predict heavy betting action on the games between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.

"New Yorkers are everywhere", said John Avello, director of the race and sports books for Paris and Bally's hotel-casinos.

"Even though they are from the same city, we've got the national defending champs going against their crosstown rival," said Bob Scucci, the Stardust's assistant sports book manager. "It makes for a dramatic series".

Although the pitchers have yet to be chosen, sports books on the Strip expect the line will make the Yankees a small favorite at 6-5 for Game 1 Saturday night at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees also are favored at 7-5 to win the World Series.

"But that could change if the Mets win the first game", Avello said.