Now It’s Bonilla’s Turn For A New York Minute

Darryl Strawberry has already arrived, and here comes Bobby Bo.

Bobby Bonilla, traded by the New York Mets to the Baltimore Orioles on July 28, returns to the Big Apple today to face New York’s other team, the Yankees.

The three-game series matches contenders in the A.L. East. The Yankees have added David Cone and Strawberry in a bid to overtake first-place Boston, while the Orioles snared Bonilla to bolster their offense.

“Darryl is in town now, so the place will be rocking,” Bonilla said.

He won’t be nervous. Pressure, Bonilla claimed, is playing in Camden Yards in the wake of the Orioles’ most publicized trade in years.

“I think I’m more nervous here in this ballpark,” he said before Sunday’s home game against Milwaukee. “The fans have been simply marvelous. Besides, I’m used to the New York atmosphere. I’m not worried.”

The series is critical to the Orioles, whose struggles of late have left them looking up at the second-place Yankees. Bonilla’s return and Strawberry’s presence could add even more significance to an already intense rivalry.

“Bonilla and Strawberry, those are the kind of guys - like Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams - you come out and watch them take batting practice,” Baltimore manager Phil Regan said. “I don’t think it will be a distraction, I think it will be exciting.”

Bonilla’s trip to New York won’t be all business.

“I’m going home and see my kids,” he said, a broad smile appearing on his face.

Bonilla has gotten off to a slow start with Baltimore, although he finally appears to have adjusted to American League pitching. After a 2-for-17 start, he has six hits in his last four games.