N.J. caught in the middle of Turnpike Series

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - New York has the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Philadelphia has the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins.

And when the Yankees and Phillies face off in the World Series that begins Wednesday night, they'll have to go through New Jersey, which has Bruce Springsteen, Tony Soprano, and plenty of toll booths.

Literally caught in the middle of the Turnpike Series, New Jersey is a state divided when it comes to baseball loyalties.

North Jersey is undeniably Yankees country, while most parts south of Toms River bleed Philly red.

The tri-state trash talk has already begun, with fans of both teams making bets, trading insults and gearing up for a matchup that last occurred in 1950.