Responding to the replace the Yankees campaign (to which 30 leagues have responded), the Staten Island Yankees have said that they will retaliate.

"We are planning to retaliate to some extent, in a fun way, as we know how to do well," says [Gary Perone, assistant general manager], reached at his Staten Island office yesterday. He said the team will formally announce its plans early next week.

Fans aside, the teams square off six times, beginning Aug. 4-6 in Staten Island. Look for some interesting moments when the Spinners visit.

"Anybody who shows up in a Red Sox hat or T-shirt and throws it in the bin will get free tickets to the game," said Perone. He has also put out feelers for throwing out the first pitch to former Red Sox pitchers who went on to victory with the Yankees, including Mike Torrez, who served up the infamous home run to Bucky Dent in the 1978 playoff game.

And Perone is plotting pregame "salutes to Johnny Damon and Babe Ruth."

There is a poll at the Spinners website asking whether you'd want your child to wear a Yankees or Spinners jersey. Currently the Spinners are in the lead with 83 votes (58%) to the Yankees 61 votes (42%).

Via Steve.