New York Yankees: Granderson/Teixeira Are This Generation's Maris/Mantle

When one thinks of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle—the great M&M boys—home runs are most definitely the first thing that comes to mind. During their historic 1961 seasons, both Maris and Mantle finished with over 50 home runs—the first (and currently only) time the feat had been accomplished in Major League history. Of course, both legends went on to hit several more homers before the season was out: Maris finished with a Major League record 61, while Mantle finished with 54.

The 2011 Yankees squad boasts a new power hitting tandem.

During tonight's game against Anaheim, Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson became the second fastest pair of teammates to hit 30 home runs in a season. The only duo faster?

Maris and Mantle.

With Granderson's two home runs tonight, he now has 31 on the season. As of June 13th, he was projected to finish the season with 51. Currently, he is on pace to finish with 44. Who knows? If the Grandyman comes through with another torrid month like he had in May (10 homers), he could finish out the year with at least 50.

Teixeira, on the other hand, currently has 32 homers on the season. As of June 13th, he was projected to finish with just under 50 bombs at 49. With the season currently in the middle of the dog days of summer, he is project to finish with 45. Similar to Granderson, a hot month could propel Teixiera past the 50 home run plateau.

Now, to avoid any confusion, I would just like to point out that I am in no way comparing the current Yankee duo to the former. Maris and Mantle are in an entire league of their own. But with Granderson and Teixeira each having nice seasons with the stick, it is a realistic possibility that they could become the second pair of teammates in history to each mash 50 homers.

Ironically, this home run bonanza comes during the 50th anniversary of Maris and Mantle's historic chase to Babe Ruth's home run record in 1961.

Whether they both reach 50 remains to be seen, but we do know that they have become quite the nuisance for opposing pitchers throughout the American League.

If only Alex Rodriguez was hitting like he should be...

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