STATEN ISLAND, NY- On a night former Yankee closer Goose Gossage threw out the first pitch, starter Rolando Japa shutdown the Ironbirds (4-3)- holding them without a hit in six sparkling innings to lift Staten Island (5-3) to a 5-1 victory in front of 2,591 at Richmond County Ball Park Tuesday night.

“He [Japa] was terrific,” a very pleased manager Gaylen Pitts said. “He commanded his fastball right off the bat. Threw strikes. Got ahead of the hitters and that allowed him to use all his pitches. His curveball was pretty sharp. Mixed in some changeups. So they couldn’t just zero in on one pitch….Very good outing for him. He oughta take a lot of confidence out of that.”

“Japa was awesome today and definitely kept us in the game. That’s all you ask for your pitchers. He definitely had a hell of a day,” first base slugger Kyle Larsen added.

Remarkably, it was the Ironbirds who pushed across the first run in the second inning. Taking advantage of a one out walk, Paul Winterling stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when catcher Francisco Cervilli’s errant throw went into left field. Despite the tough luck, Japa responded by retiring 12 straight and 14 of the last 15 he faced.

“I knew I was going to do well because I was pitching at a level higher than this before,” said Japa (2-0), who was on a pitch count after striking out four Ironbirds to even the three-game series.

“I was sent here because I was doing something wrong and I’m doing well now. So I feel better because I fixed the problem. I know I’m going to do well.”

It didn’t take long for the Baby Bombers to tie it, striking back in the bottom half of the second on a two out Brian Aragon RBI single which plated Tony Roth.

“I was just trying to make contact. Try not to overswing and I’m in a situation in the lineup where I got some good guys around and I got some good pitches to hit tonight,” the left fielder said.

“That was big time. Especially that last one he got that made it a four run game,” Pitts pointed out of Aragon who also delivered another clutch two out runscoring single in the seventh which gave Staten Island some insurance. “Two outs are big but when they have an RBI on top of it, that makes it even better. Those were two big RBI’s.”

Also coming up with a big hit was Larsen. After failing with the bases loaded and two out in the third, he atoned two innings later in a similar situation with a go ahead two-run single to make it 3-1, giving his ball club the lead for good.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit lately and it’s just nice to give your team a chance to win,” the first baseman said. “I was down 0-2 and I was just like, ‘Just put the ball in play and hopefully good things will happen.’ That’s what I did.”

With nobody still out in the fifth and two runners on, Roth followed with an RBI single to put them up by three. It was all part of a big night for the third baseman who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs scored.

“He [Roth] had an awesome night. He’s a real good player and he’s just been waiting for his opportunity to play and hasn’t been playing on a steady basis,” Larsen noted. “He definitely came out and proved that he should be out there everyday.”

“Roth had a big night. He was aggressive at the plate and ran the bases aggressive,” Pitts said. “He’s one of those high energy guys who can give you a shot in the arm when he’s out there. So he was trying to impress the manager I think.”

One thing that stood out in the victory for the Baby Bombers was the five stolen bases they had. “We’re going to be that way. If they’re going to give it to us, we’re going to try to take it,” Pitts said regarding his ball club’s aggressive play which paid off.

“We got guys that aren’t afraid, aren’t afraid of getting picked off and that’s half the battle. When you’re on the bases, you can’t be afraid to make a mistake.”

Notes: Before Gossage tossed the ceremonial first pitch, the Staten Island Yankees paid tribute to his career by showing a special video on the Diamondvision. The former Bronx Bomber closer received a loud ovation from the crowd. … The Ironbirds first hit didn’t come till Chris Vinyard hit a one out seventh inning double off Staten Island reliever Luke Trubee. Trubee tossed two scoreless, fanning two before turning it over to closer Nick Peterson, who struckout the side in a nonsave situation to end the game. … The series concludes later tonight with the rubber game set for 7:05 PM at St. George.

The women’s field was not at full strength as play began Monday at The All England Club. Former champion Serena Williams along with last year’s runner up Lindsay Davenport both remain sidelined with injuries. Both also missed the French Open. Also unable to take part in a second straight major due to injury is Mary Pierce. Their losses will be felt.

When play resumes Tuesday, American Venus Williams will take aim at defending her crown. Having surprised most by winning her third Wimbledon (first since 2001), the sixth seeded five-time slam winner is in the same bracket as 2006 Australian Open winner Amelie Mauresmo.

The topseeded Frenchwoman will look to bounceback from a disappointing Roland Garros which saw her ousted in the fourth round by Nicole Vaidisova. A three-time semifinalist at Wimbledon, her savvy topspin baseline game and underrated net play should serve her well.

However, Mauresmo should get tested in the second round against either Michaella Krajicek or Samantha Stosur. The 17 year-old younger sister of 1996 Wimbledon winner Richard, Krajicek is coming off a win this past weekend at s’Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. It was her second title of the year. She takes an 18-8 record into the tournament.

Also in Mauresmo’s bracket is Frenchwoman Tatiana Golovin (29). If she wins her first two matches, the 18 year-old who made the Round of 16 two years ago could meet Mauresmo in the third round.

If Mauresmo gets through, a potential Round of 16 opponent could be Dinara Safina (14). The younger sister of Marat made a name for herself in Paris with a comeback upset win over Maria Sharapova to reach her first ever slam quarter. But she blew a 5-1 first set lead against eventual runner up Svetlana Kuznetsova, losing in straight sets. Safina hits a heavy ball much like her brother and has a good serve. It all depends on if her shots are going in.

For Williams, her path could be easier to the quarters. She shouldn’t be threatened until the fourth round when she’ll most likely meet either Russian Anastasia Myskina (9) or Spaniard Anabel Medina Garriques (23). Neither should be able to knock off Venus.

Mauresmo should setup an intriguing quarter against Williams. On the grass, Venus covers so much ground. Combine that with an easier path plus having the experience of winning these types of matches should work to her advantage to reach the semifinals.

Maria Sharapova should be waiting for Williams to setup a semi rematch from last year which Venus prevailed in.

The 19 year-old fourth seeded Russian has battled injuries this season and not been in her best form. However, the 2004 Wimbledon champion shouldn’t be counted out. She has a big serve along with some of the deadliest groundstrokes on the WTA Tour. Throw in her will to win and you have a very competitive player who is capable of winning her second major in three years at the All England Club.

Her draw couldn’t be easier. If she’s in form, Sharapova should cruise into the Round of 16 where she could face either Italian Flavia Pennetta (16) or Israeli Shahar Peer (20). Both are pesky players but look for Peer to advance and face Sharapova. The 19 year-old who just made the fourth round in Paris hits the ball very well from the baseline and attacks. Similar to Sharapova, she can challenge her. But look for the Russian’s serve and nerves of steel to be the difference.

Who Sharapova meets in the quarters depends on countrywoman Elena Dementieva. Always a solid player, the seventh seeded 24 year-old has struggled this year at the first two slams- bowing out in Round 1 at Australia and Round 3 in Paris. She has lethal groundstrokes and is a great returner, plus an underrated net game. Her biggest problem is the serve. Continuing to spin it in, opponents constantly attack a weak second serve. Also prone to double faults, it hurts her chances of holding serve, making it an uphill battle.

Dementieva faces Indian teen Sania Mirza in the opening round. Though the 19 year-old has struggled winning only seven of 19 matches this season, she’s capable of giving Dementieva trouble. It will not be an easy match but one the Russian should get through.

If Dementieva finds her game, she should make the third round where she might play countrywoman Elena Likhovtseva (25). Her game shouldn’t pose much of a problem.

A potential Round of 16 opponent is Italian Francesca Schiavone. The fiesty 11th seed is a tricky baseliner who can make some noise. A match against Dementieva would probably go three sets but I’ll take the Russian to setup a quarterfinal against Sharapova. Sharapova should prevail to setup a semi rematch against Williams.

The third section includes Roland Garros champion Justine Henin-Hardenne. The repeat winner in Paris is looking to complete a career Grand Slam with a win in London. The five-time slam champ is healthier than last year’s quick exit when she fell to Elena Daniilidou. Fresh off a three set win over Myskina at Eastbourne this past weekend, she comes in with plenty of confidence.

Her draw is fairly easy until the fourth round where she could meet either Daniela Hantuchova (15) or Katerina Srebotnik (21). While both are formidable players, neither should have enough to upset Henin-Hardenne. If there is one sleeper in that section it could be American Jamea Jackson. The 19 year-old recently upset Sharapova in the semis at Birmingham before losing the final in two tiebreaks to Vera Zvonareva. She comes in playing well and could pull a couple of upsets.

The other side of the draw is tailor made for an All Swiss fourth round between Patty Schnyder and Martina Hingis. Returning to the tournament for the first time in five years, the 25 year-old who captured it at the age of 16 will try to go further than the quarters of the first two majors in her comeback. Both times, she fell to Kim Clijsters.

This time, she should get through the eighth seeded Schnyder and will have to deal with Henin-Hardenne in the quarters. This would be a great match between two of the game’s smartest players. Both aren’t afraid to use the entire court and toss in drop shots or volley. That’s why it should be memorable. For some reason, I like Hingis to prevail in three sets here and reach the semis.

The final bracket includes Clijsters and Kuznetsova on opposite ends. The second seeded Clijsters was leading 5-4 in the first set against a tough first round opponent in Zvonareva before rain halted play. That should be a tricky match considering the unpredictable Russian entered having won at Birmingham. She’s a streaky player who can be dangerous. Clijsters should still get through.

If she does, the 23 year-old Belgian has an easy path to the Round of 16 where she could meet either German Anna-Lena Groenefeld (13) or Russian Maria Kirilenko (17). While both are solid players with bright futures, neither should be able to stop Clijsters.

Clijsters should be waiting in the quarters for Kuznetsova. That’s if she makes it. The French Open runner up should breeze through the first two rounds before a good test against China’s Na Li (27). She should get through that to setup a possible Round of 16 match against Czech Nicole Vaidisova.

The 17 year-old had Kuznetsova on the ropes at Roland Garros in the semifinals. Up a set and serving to make her first Grand Slam final, she succumbed to the pressure before dropping a tiebreak and losing in three sets. It’s how Vaidisova rebounds from that loss which will show if she’s ready to win a major. She boasts a huge serve and arguably the best forehand on the WTA Tour. Both should be huge weapons on the grass court surface. What makes her so tough is that she can also toss in some touch with a slice backhand.

If she plays Kuznetsova again, I like her to avenge the loss in Paris and reach her first ever Wimbledon quarter against Clijsters.

A quarter match against Clijsters would favor the Belgian due to her footspeed. Both hit with power and both are streaky. If Vaidisova doesn’t get caught up in the moment, she has enough power to win this match. We’ll take her with another upset to meet Hingis in the other semifinal.

Semifinals: The first semifinal would be a rematch of last year when Williams avenged her sister’s 2004 final loss to Sharapova to reach the final and win her third Wimbledon. Both can serve well and each are extremely streaky. They like to dictate points from the baseline. What separates Williams from Sharapova is her ability to get to extra balls and make volleys. She should prevail in three sets to reach a second straight final.

The second semi pits experience against youth in Hingis against Vaidisova. Vaidisova hits much harder than her older opponent. However, Hingis keeps more of her shots in and uses every possible angle which can fluster opponents. She is very good at adjusting. In this environment, that should be the difference to lift Hingis to a slam final against Williams.

2006 Wimbledon Women’s Champion: Venus Williams, USA. This would be a great final if it happens. It renews one of the best rivalries in women’s tennis and it would take place on the biggest stage. The contrast in styles makes it compelling. It would go three sets but in the end Venus’ power should be too much for Hingis to overcome. It would give her a repeat and a fourth Wimbledon crown.

A full schedule of matches were supposed to be completed but Day One of the 2006 edition of Wimbledon was washed out with just a few matches which got underway Monday at The All England Club.

In progress was three-time defending men’s champion Roger Federer. The 24 year-old Swiss world number was leading Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-3, 1-2 before rain halted play. After falling short in his bid to capture the French Open and become only the sixth man to ever win a career Grand Slam, Federer aims for his fourth consecutive Wimbledon. If he is successful, he’ll become the first player since Pete Sampras to accomplish the feat.

However, it won’t be an easy path. Assuming he gets by Gasquet, standing in the way could be fan favorite Tim Henman. The popular 31 year-old Brit enters play unseeded for the first time in a decade. If he can defeat Swede Robin Soderling, then a second round encounter with Federer looms. Possibly in his final year attempting to become the first British player to capture the title since Fred Perry in 1936, he’s certain to have tons of support which would make for a great atmosphere.

If Federer can overcome that potential matchup along with the elements, he should cruise through the third round before possibly meeting Czech Tomas Berdych in the Round of 16. The 20 year-old 13th seed possesses a huge serve and a wicked forehand which could serve well on the fast playing grass surface. At Roland Garros, he was eliminated by Federer in the same round. It could be a chance for revenge.

The biggest threat to a Federer four-peat in his section is Mario Ancic. The 22 year-old seventh seeded Croatian was the last man to defeat Federer in London, upsetting him in the first round back in 2002. A semifinalist two years ago, Ancic has the kind of big game that could threaten the seven-time slam winner. With a booming serve, solid groundstrokes and a deft touch at the net, he has all the tools necessary to win his first major. If he is to finally breakthrough, he’ll have to go through the best to reach the Final Four. Only talented teens Gael Monfils (21) and Novak Djokovic could stand in the way of a quarterfinal clash between Ancic and Federer.

The winner of that should meet either David Nalbandian or American James Blake. The fourth seeded Nalbandian was a runner up four years ago. If fully recovered from a left stomach strain which forced him to retire against Federer at the French Open semis three weeks ago, the Argentine has a solid baseline game which should fare well on grass. With just Juan Carlos Ferrero (24) and Radek Stepanek (14) as potential fourth round opponents, Nalbandian shouldn’t have much trouble reaching the quarters.

For the 26 year-old eighth seeded Blake who has never advanced past the second round, he has a golden opportunity to change that. Already having reached his first grasscourt final a week ago before falling to Lleyton Hewitt at Queen’s Club, the Yonkers native is capable of playing well on this surface. With lethal groundstrokes, an improving serve and tons of speed, he should finally make the third round where he could face Paul-Henri Mathieu (32) or Max Mirnyi. He should have enough to get through and meet either Thomas Johansson (12) or Jonas Bjorkman in the Round of 16. Both Swedes are excellent players on grass who will be meeting in the first round. Either should test Blake.

Making up the first part of another semi could be either Andy Roddick or Lleyton Hewitt. Both are excellent players on this surface who have had success. The third seeded Roddick has been runner up the last two years while the sixth seeded Hewitt was the last player other than Federer to prevail at Wimbledon four years ago when he defeated Nalbandian.

Both come in with something to prove. The 23 year-old Roddick hasn’t won a title since last summer. He hasn’t gotten past the fourth round at a slam since last year at the All England Club. Meanwhile, Hewitt won his first title this year at Queen’s. After dealing with a foot problem during the first part of the season which hurt his ranking, the 25 year-old Aussie is healthy at the right time and appears primed to make another run at a third career slam.

Both shouldn’t have any trouble the first two rounds but could get tested in Round 3. Roddick could meet either British teen Andy Murray or Chilean Nicolas Massu (31) while Hewitt might face Belgian Olivier Rochus (26). Both should make each work to reach Week 2.

Roddick could meet Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean (15) in the Round of 16. Though he’s struggled this season, Grosjean usually fares better on grass and can threaten the American. Australian Open runner up Cypriot Marcus Baghdatis (18) is also in that part of the draw but he has not been the same since then and shouldn’t be expected to go very far.

Hewitt could play one of Fernando Gonzalez (10), David Ferrer (23) or the first round winner between Brit Greg Rusedski or Russian Marat Safin. All are capable of making the second week. It just depends on who is playing well.

Either way, if both Roddick and Hewitt are playing to form, they should setup an exciting quarterfinal which would be a toss up.

The fourth section is one where upsets are possible. Just the kind of bracket American Andre Agassi could make a dent in and go out with a bang in his final Wimbledon. Having announced this past weekend that this along with the U.S. Open will be his final slams, the popular 36 year-old eight-time slam winner will give everything he has into capturing a second Wimbledon.

At the tournament where it all began back in 1992 when he outlasted Goran Ivanisevic in five sets to capture his first ever major at 22, it’s a chance to say goodbye and write a final chapter. It should be an emotional rollercoaster ride for the tennis legend who has won 60 career titles. With a remarkable record of 864-270 and earnings of more than $31 million, he has done it all.

Standing in Agassi’s way is French Open champ Rafael Nadal. A repeat winner at Roland Garros, the second seeded 20 year-old Spaniard has yet to prove he can go far on grass. Eliminated by Gilles Muller in the second round last year, Nadal will try to go further and setup a potential third round matchup with Agassi. The winner should cruise into the quarters.

On the other side of the bracket is French Open semifinalist Ivan Ljubicic. However, the fifth seeded Croat will get a stiff challenge right away against 2005 quarterfinalist Feliciano Lopez. Lopez has a big serve and kniving groundstrokes which should make for a competitive opening round match.

Assuming he gets thru that, American Justin Gimelstob could challenge him as well. He loves to attack the net and is a fun player to watch.

The biggest threats to Ljubicic are Russian Dmitry Tursunov (27) and Finn Jarkko Nieminen (22). Both are capable and could challenge Ljubicic.

Ninth seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko is a potential Round of 16 opponent but he’s never made it past Round 2.

It’s hard to pick against Ljubicic here but for some reason, he might not make it to the quarters. If Tursunov plays him in the third round, that could be an upset. The Russian has continued to improve and grass seems to be his best surface. Either will be in the quarters against Nadal or Agassi.

Semifinals: We’re taking Ancic to upset Federer in the quarters and setup one semifinal against Nalbandian. Roddick has never beaten Hewitt in a big match. Look for that to continue. This might seem storybook but I like Agassi over Nadal and to reach the Final Four and meet Hewitt.

Picking The Final: Ancic against Nalbandian is a clash in styles. One is a big server while the other is a great returner. I’ll take the big server in Ancic to reach his first Grand Slam final.

Agassi against Hewitt pits two similar style players against each other. Both are great baseliners who love to grind it out and frustrate opponents. Both don’t possess big serves but rely on placement. Each hits with precision and is fun to watch. But in this one, we’ll take the younger Hewitt to prevail and reach his second Wimbledon final.

2006 Wimbledon Men’s Champion: Mario Ancic, Croatia. It’s Ancic’s time to shine. He’s always had enough game to win a major and this fast surface suits him well. Hewitt will put up a great battle but just like against Safin at the 2005 Australian Open, he should be outgunned. I’ll take Ancic in four sets to win his first ever slam title.

It was a busy Saturday at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver. While St. Louis was making American stud defenseman Erik Johnson the number one overall selection, general managers were working the phones looking to swing deals.

While some just involved moving up or down, four centered around established NHLers changing rosters. Three were made during the draft. The first such move took place after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was booed by the crowd at GM Place.

Taking the usual mocking in stride, he announced that they had a trade, turning the boos to cheers to which he sarcastically remarked, “Now you cheer.”

The first trade saw Colorado send star left wing Alex Tanguay to Calgary in exchange for defenseman Jordan Leopold, a 2006 second round pick (Cody Burki) and a conditional second rounder in 2007 or 2008.

This deal addresses the Flames’ need for more offense. The 26 year-old Tanguay finished ‘05-06 with 29 goals, 49 assists for 78 points in 71 games for Colorado. He was an integral part of the Avalanche’s second Stanley Cup in 2001, amassing 21 points including two goals in the deciding Game Seven over the Devils.

Calgary Coach/GM Darryl Sutter is looking for similar contributions to an offense which scored only 218 goals this past season, ranking last among 16 playoff teams and 27th overall.

They’ll hope the 2004 NHL All Star can team with star power forward Jarome Iginla to form a dynamic duo.

For the Avalanche, acquiring the 25 year-old Leopold should be a welcome addition to the blueline. The former ‘01-02 Hobey Baker Award winner had 20 points along with a plus-six rating in 74 games for Calgary in ‘05-06.

Though his offensive production was down from the nine goals and 33 points he totaled two years ago, the ex-Golden Gopher star is a solid puckmoving D who can jump into the play. He’ll be asked to team with John-Michael Liles and could be insurance in case new team Executive VP and GM Francois Giguere cannot re-sign Rob Blake.

The second deal involving an NHL star during the draft was struck in the middle of the first round when the Kings sent Pavol Demitra packing to the Wild for Patrick O’Sullivan and the 17th overall pick (Trevor Lewis).

By receiving the 31 year-old Demitra who totaled 62 points in just 58 games in one season with LA, Minnesota GM Doug Risebrough is hoping to reunite the Slovakian star with Marian Gaborik. At this year’s Olympics, both had a solid chemistry in leading their country to a perfect preliminary record in Group play before falling to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.

The question is will this persuade Gaborik to re-sign long term with the club. The 24 year-old RFA already turned down a significant offer. If he does return, it should make the Wild a much more exciting team to watch.

Meanwhile, new Kings GM Dean Lombardi freed up cap space by getting rid of Demitra’s contract. He was set to make $4.5 million next season.

What Lombardi got back was potential in the 21 year-old O’Sullivan. The former Wild 2003 second round pick was splendid in his first pro season for AHL affiliate Houston- lighting the lamp 47 times and adding 46 helpers for 93 points. He will now be a big part of the Kings’ future and could make a splash this fall.

Also on the move Saturday was Boston goalie Andrew Raycroft. The former 2004 Calder winner was traded to the Maple Leafs straight up for Tuukka Rask.

With Toronto GM John Ferguson expected to buyout veteran star Ed Belfour, he swung the deal for the 26 year-old Raycroft to address a team need.

The question is will it pay off? After a great ‘03-04 in which he won 29 games with a 2.05 GAA, .926 save percentage plus three shutouts, the Belleville Ontario native struggled mightily this past season winning just eight times in 30 games, finishing with a dismal 3.71 GAA and .879 Save Pct. That must turn around in a hurry at pressure packed Toronto or it will be a second consecutive postseason miss.

With Boston feeling comfortable with Hannu Toivonen in net, interim GM Jeff Gorton parted with Raycroft and acquired Rask. Rask, 19, was Toronto’s ‘05 first round selection. The Finnish product could have a bright future. In his first full season for Ilves Tampere in the Finnish Elite League, he went 12-8-7 with a 2.09 GAA, .926 save percentage and two shutouts.

Without a doubt, the Bruins should be set in net for a long time with Rask following the 22 year-old Toivonen.

One other deal which was made prior to the start of the draft took place between Dallas and Atlanta. The Stars sent forward Niko Kapanen and a seventh round pick (Will O’Neill) to Atlanta in exchange for center Patrik Stefan and defenseman Jaroslav Modry.

Stefan, 25, was a former first overall selection by the Thrashers in 1999. He never fulfilled the potential in Atlanta but will try to be an asset with his new club. A two-way pivot, the Czech native finished ‘05-06 with 10 goals and 24 points along with a plus-three rating in 64 contests. In 414 career games, he has 59 goals and 118 assists for 177 points.

Also included in the deal was 35 year-old vet Modry. The defenseman contributed seven goals and 38 points for Atlanta last season. The move could signal that Dallas GM Doug Armstrong won’t be able to re-sign Willie Mitchell. Acquired from the Wild this past season, he’s set to become a UFA July 1st.

In Kapanen, the Thrashers received a two-way forward in Kapanen who can be used in a checking role. In ‘05-06, the 28 year-old Finn established career highs in goals (14) and points (35). He was also part of Finland’s Olympic team which took silver in Torino.

Atlanta will look for a similar progression from the former Stars’ 1998 sixth round pick in ‘06-07.

The first big blockbuster deal of the NHL offseason was struck. A day before the 2006 Entry Draft takes place in Vancouver at GM Place, the host Canucks made some big news by acquiring goalie Roberto Luongo from the Panthers as part of a five player deal.

Vancouver GM Dave Nonis shipped star forward Todd Bertuzzi along with netminder Alex Auld and defenseman Bryan Allen to Florida in exchange for Luongo, defenseman Lukas Krajicek and a 2006 sixth round pick.

By acquiring the 27 year-old All Star, Nonis is hoping he finally solved his team’s goaltending issue. Luongo won 35 games with a 2.97 GAA, .914 save percentage and had four shutouts in ‘05-06. The former Islanders’ 1997 first round selection has never made the playoffs. He’ll try to change that with his third team.

“We picked up a top goaltender and a very good young defenceman but we gave up a lot too,” the Vancouver GM told the AP Friday night.

“We believe that in Roberto we are getting a player who has represented his country at the highest level, has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy and has proven that he is among the elite goaltenders in the world.”

The first order of business will be signing his new netminder to a longterm deal. The restricted free agent couldn’t come to terms with Florida GM Mike Keenan, which made the trade a foregone conclusion.

While Luongo will try to lead his new team back to the postseason next year, Keenan is optimistic that the players he got in return can bolster the Panthers’ chances of returning the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

“This is a trade that addresses a number of needs for our hockey club,” he told reporters. “We’ve added an experienced and talented forward, a skilled goaltender and a strong defenceman that we expect to help our team immediately.”

The centerpiece of the deal is the 31 year-old Bertuzzi. A change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for the much maligned power forward.

“I think a lot of Todd Bertuzzi, I think he’s going to have a very good year next year and I think he’s been unfairly hammered in this market and he’ll be better off in Florida,” Nonis said after a tumultuous season where his star player faced plenty of media and fan scrutiny due to his attack on Colorado’s Steve Moore in 2004.

Now he’ll be reunited with his former Vancouver coach Keenan. Hopefully, it will spark the original 1993 Islanders first round draft pick to an inspired ‘06-07 season.

In ‘05-06, the two-time All Star had 25 goals and tallied 71 points in 82 games. A far cry from the 46 goals and 97 points he produced three years ago which got him named to the NHL First All-Star Team.

While it’s imperative that Bertuzzi return to that form, the deal’s success for Florida depends on Auld. An original Panther second round selection back in 1999, the 25 year-old netminder stepped in for injured starter Dan Cloutier and posted a career best 33 wins along with a 2.94 GAA and .902 save percentage. He’ll be asked to carry the load with the Panthers.

There was also a swap of a defensemen. The Panthers received the 25 year-old Allen while Vancouver got the 23 year-old Krajicek. Allen had 17 points and 114 penalty minutes in 77 games this past season for Vancouver while Krajicek finished with 16 points in 67 contests.

Notes: Just four nights after clinching their first ever Stanley Cup in an exciting seventh game over Edmonton, the Carolina Hurricanes re-signed center Rod Brind’Amour to a five-year extension worth $18 million. The 35 year-old was the recipient of his first ever Selke Trophy at Thursday’s NHL Awards show in Toronto. After posting 31 goals and 70 points during the regular season, the Carolina team captain followed it up with 12 goals and 18 points to help lead his team to its first championship. … Islanders will pick seventh in Round One while the Rangers (21st) and Devils (25th) are slated to pick later on in the draft which gets underway 6 PM today.

STATEN ISLAND, NY- The Staten Island Yankees were primed to make it four straight to open the 2006 season. But Maiko Loyola had other ideas- spoiling Fireworks Night with a one out two-run home run off reliever Justin Keadle (0-1) in the eighth inning which proved to be the difference in Hudson Valley’s 8-7 win over the Baby Bombers before 4,614 at Richmond County Ball Park Friday night.

“Everytime we need to be concentrate when we come to home plate to hit,” the Renegades right fielder said. “I get a good pitch but hit the ball hard….I got a good swing.”

Loyola’s big hit was made possible by teammate John Matulia who led off the inning with a bunt single. Though James Mayer failed to bunt him over with the team trailing by a run, it didn’t matter when Loyola drove a Keadle offering just over the right field wall to give Hudson Valley the lead.

In a seesaw game which lasted nearly three and a half hours, closer Neal Frontz nailed it down for his first save with two solid innings.

“Just getting in the game which was important and just keeping our team ahead and getting ground balls. Just trying to stay ahead of the hitters,” Frontz said after allowing only a two out ninth inning single to Tim Roth before getting Jose Gil to fly out to left fielder David Kennedy to end the game.

“He [Frontz] pitched real well. Coming into a tough situation and pretty much went out and did what he’s been practicing all Spring. Just throw strikes. Found the zone early and pick up the save,” Kennedy said.

It was some splendid defense from the left fielder a half inning earlier which gave his ball club a chance to comeback and improve to 3-1 on the season, tying Staten Island for the McNamara division lead in the New York-Penn League.

With the Baby Bombers ahead 7-6, the first two batters reached second and third before Kennedy bailed out reliever Roberto Gil (1-1) with back-to-back gems. With nobody out, his sliding catch of a Roth sinking line drive prevented another run. The left fielder made another key catch on a high popup which looked like trouble. Both plays helped Gil, who fanned Wilkins DeLaRossa to get out unscathed.

“It was a tough situation. Concentration. I tried to just play good D and came up with the play,” Kennedy pointed out.

“We played real good today. Lot of good quality at bats….We just jept chipping away and that’s what good teams do.”

For the Baby Bombers, their first loss of the season was one skipper Gaylen Pitts lamented getting away.

“We had our opportunities. I thought that was the key to the game. We had second and third, no one out a couple of times and didn’t add on. It comes back to haunt you,” he said. “You don’t do that. If you don’t pick up those cheap RBI’s it will hurt you in the end. Exactly what happened….The whole game was wasted opportunities.”

“It was a tough game,” said left fielder James Cooper after his 3-for-5 two RBI night wasn’t enough.

“We just came up short tonight. I thought that we played well. We had a couple of opportunities we didn’t pick them up but that happens. So we got to come out tomorrow ready to play.”

It started out promising for Cooper who followed up DH Kyle Larsen’s first inning two-run single with a runscoring double which gave starter George Kontos an early 3-0 lead.

But after giving a run back in the second, it fell apart for Staten Island in the third when Hudson Valley pushed across four runs, knocking out Kontos and banging around reliever Toni Lara to go in front 5-3. However, the Baby Bombers came right back to tie it on the strength of a Cooper RBI single and Roth ground rule double.

Staten Island pushed a run across in the fourth and fifth to pull ahead 7-5 before the Renegades’ late rally.

Notes: Kontos was charged with three earned runs in just 2.2 IP while Lara gave up two runs in the frame before tossing two scoreless. … The game was marred by five errors which didn’t help matters on an overcast night which included some late rain in the eighth. … With three more RBI’s, Larsen increased his league-leading total to 11. … Hudson Valley shortstop Jairo DeLaRosa was perfect on the night going 4-for-4 with a walk. … Catcher Matt Spring allowed to passed balls including one in the fifth which led to Staten Island’s seventh run. … Fireworks were on display for 15 minutes right after the game. … Staten Island travels to Hudson Valley for Game 2 tonight before concluding the three-game set at St. George Sunday afternoon.

The Staten Island Yankees raised their third NY-Penn League championship banner before the start of their home opener at Richmond County Ball Park Wednesday night.

Two key players who helped lead that ball club to a franchise record 52 regular season wins to go with the title were first baseman Kyle Larsen and left fielder James Cooper.

Both are back to try successfully defending that championship. Each was instrumental during a six run eighth inning rally which lifted the Baby Bombers to an exciting 8-7 win over the Cyclones.

“It just shows that we have a lot of fight in us and we never give up and just got to continue to work hard and plug away,” Cooper said after an infield RBI single followed up a Larsen runscoring single to kickstart the inning.

“I was just trying to put the ball in play. It was a 3-2 count and I got enough on the bat on the ball that it got over his [Smith] glove and ran a hard ninety. It just worked out for us.”

The 22-year-old Los Angeles native also made some big plays in the field, including a sliding catch to end an inning and a running one which ended the game.

“I got some good jump on the ball and missed one that I really wanted to catch but you can’t catch all of them,” the left fielder pointed out after showing no ill effects of a recent injury which stalled his Spring Training.

“My leg feels fine. I put in a lot of rehab time. I’ve been through it before with the other knee. It feels fine. Obviously you’re not going to be 100 percent once you go into the ninth but I feel close to it. My legs feel real good.”

With just seven players left from last year’s championship team, Cooper relishes taking on a leadership role.

“I always like to be a leader. I don’t have a problem with guys looking up to me. I like to help everybody else as much as I can and just try to guide them in the right direction and show them things that they might not know that I might know having been here for one year. I’m constantly learning from them as well.”

He also understands what it will take for the team to have success.

“It’s about working together and communicating and being on the same page for the whole season. That’s how you’re going to win.”

Like Cooper, Larsen also returns to the starting lineup for a second straight year. One of Staten Island’s biggest offensive contributors last year, the 22-year-old Washington native is off to a great start. In both wins over Brooklyn, he has gone deep and driven in eight runs including three more last night.

“It definitely was nice to come out…you can’t expect to come out and hit three home runs right out of the gate in two games but I’m just looking to hit the ball hard,” Larsen pointed out.

He also doesn’t seem to mind his new role.

“Yeah, definitely. Just being a returner, you kind of got to show them the ropes,” the designated hitter mentioned of his new teammates.

“Early in minicamp, guys were asking about Staten Island and stuff.”

With his team trailing by five runs with the bases loaded and nobody out in the eighth, it was the DH’s bloop single to right which helped bring the Baby Bombers back.

“I just reached out and got it. Luckily, it didn’t go to anybody. You know. That’s baseball.”

“We knew if that we get down early, there’s always a chance to win. Thankfully tonight we overcame ourselves a little bit to put together that big eighth.”

Larsen was very pleased to take part in a special pregame ceremony which paid tribute to the 2005 Baby Bombers.

“It was nice,” said the first baseman who triumphantly carried out the trophy to loud cheers when he was introduced during the ceremony.

“It was sweet to be back for that. There’s a lot of guys who didn’t get the opportunity to come back. To be a part of that was really nice. Raise a banner and come out and get the rings.”

STATEN ISLAND- Last year, they were the Kings of late inning dramatics en route to a third New York-Penn League championship. Keeping with appearances, the Staten Island Yankees used a six-run eighth inning to comeback and beat the Cyclones 8-7 in their 2006 home opener before 6,548 at Richmond County Savings Ball Park Wednesday night.

“We got some guys that were on that team last year,” noted new skipper Gaylen Pitts. “If you can do that, fine but you’re not going to do that a lot unless you got some real good players and the other team helps you out.”

“You don’t like to get in that position where you have to comeback like that.”

Trailing 7-2 after Brooklyn third baseman Tim Grogan connected for a three-run home run off reliever Toni Lara in the top half of the eighth, the Baby Bombers responded by batting around to make Lara (1-0) a winner.

“It was big. It reminded me a lot of last year,” returning DH/first baseman Kyle Larsen said after a second consecutive productive night against the Cyclones, finishing 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBI’s, including a key single to right which plated centerfielder Wilkins DeLaRossa to cut the deficit to 7-3.

“You’re down late and rally up and win. So it’s good to see.”

After another returnee left fielder James Cooper’s infield single with the bases loaded made it 7-4, Staten Island caught a break when Brooklyn second baseman Luis Rivera booted a Tim O’Brien routine grounder allowing another run to come in and keeping the bases loaded with nobody out. First baseman Kevin Smith followed by delivering Brooklyn reliever’s Joseph Smith’s (0-1) first offering into center to suddenly tie the game.

“We were getting all the breaks in the eighth inning. I’m glad to see it go our way,” the Staten Island first baseman said. “Everybody in front of me just kept putting the ball in play and kept getting key hits, key hits, key hits. It was a great job by everyone.”

A one out DeLaRosa fielder’s choice gave the Baby Bombers their first lead since the first inning when Larsen connected for his third homer in two games.

New closer Nick Peterson made it stand up by retiring the Cyclones in order to keep Staten Island perfect for the new season.

“A little nervewracking. First outing at this level,” the former University of Tampa star said of picking up his first professional save.

“It was exciting watching your team comeback and it was a pressure situation. I was excited to get out there….It felt great. I think that’s what the team needed and it feels good to help out the team.”

It didn’t look good for the Bombers early on. Ahead 2-0 on the strength of a Larsen two out first inning blast to right, some sloppy play in the field spoiled Tim Norton’s first career start. After the 2006 seventh round pick out of the University of Connecticut retired the first seven batters, it fell apart. Errors by Mitch Hilligoss and DeLaRosa contributed to a four run Brooklyn third. Mark Smith’s ground rule double to right put them ahead 4-2 before Staten Island reliever Justin Keadle got out of further trouble.

Notes: Before the game, the Staten Island Yankees held a special ceremony commemorating the 2005 NY-Penn League championship. They honored the seven remaining players from last year’s team by presenting each with championship rings. The recipients were Cooper, Lara, Larsen, John Poterson, Keaton Everitt, Tony Roth and Rolando Japa. … Pedro Castillo struckout six in four plus innings of solid relief work to keep his team alive. … Baby Bombers (2-0) conclude a three-game series with archrival Brooklyn (0-2) at Keyspan Park tonight. They took the season opener there 18-0 on Tuesday.

Bernie Williams picked up the struggling Alex Rodriguez. On a big night in which he had four hits, the elder statesman of the Bronx Bombers came through with a clutch lead off home run in the ninth which lifted New York to a 7-5 victory over the Nationals at a packed RFK Stadium Friday night. Before the largest crowd since baseball returned to Washington last year, they drew 44,749 fans.

In their first trip to D.C. since they played the final game against the Senators on September 30, 1971 (9-0 default win), the Yankees (38-27) cameback to defeat the Nationals (30-39) to pickup their third win in their last four. It kept them in first place in the A.L. East, a game ahead of Boston, who was a 4-1 winner at Atlanta. Toronto lost at Florida 3-1 to fall into third, two games back.

Williams got it started for the Yanks in the second inning with a two out runscoring double to give them a 1-0 lead. After a Jose Guillen RBI groundout tied it in the bottom half of the inning, Jason Giambi put the Bombers back in front 2-1 with an RBI double which scored Derek Jeter.

But for the second straight inning, starter Jaret Wright couldn’t hold it. After retiring Marlon Byrd, the struggling righty gave up a single to starter Shawn Hill and then served up a two-run homer to former Yankee Alfonso Soriano. The long ball was Soriano’s 24th of the season, putting him one behind Albert Pujols for the NL lead.

Trailing by a run in the fourth, the Yanks loaded the bases with nobody out. After Hill cameback to strikeout Johnny Damon, he hit rookie Melky Cabrera to tie the score but robbed Jeter of a hit by starting a 1-6-3 double play to get out of further trouble.

Once again, Wright couldn’t keep the Nats at bay. For the third consecutive inning, they pushed across a run. But it could’ve been worse. After ex-Yankee Nick Johnson led off with his second double of the game, rookie Adam Zimmerman reached on a bunt single and then Guillen walked to load the bases with no one out. Wright got Brian Schneider to pop out but pinch hitter Daryle Ward’s sac fly scored Johnson. However, he probably shouldn’t have because Williams failed to throw home. Only a nice play by Robinson Cano allowed Wright to get out of the jam. Cano denied Hill of his second hit when he went into the hole and threw him out.

When Wright walked Johnson to start the sixth, his night was finished. On a night in which Joe Torre was serving a one game suspension for Wednesday’s incident against Cleveland in which Randy Johnson was tossed for throwing at Eduardo Perez, interim manager Lee Mazzilli brought Scott Proctor in. But he was immediately greeted by a Zimmerman RBI double which scored Johnson to increase Washington’s lead to 5-3.

The Yanks had a golden opportunity to tie it a half inning later when they put runners on second and third with one out for the slumping Rodriguez. The third baseman who has failed miserably in key situations this month continued to struggle when he took a called third strike against reliever Jon Rauch. Rauch also would fan Cano to end the threat.

But in the eighth, the Yanks finally struck back to tie the game. After Williams and pinch hitter Jorge Posada started the frame with back-to-back singles, Washington reliever Greg Majewski struckout Andy Phillips swinging. But Damon followed with a single to left which loaded the bases. This time, they came through thanks to a big RBI single by Cabrera and a bases loaded Jeter walk which forced in the tying run.

Unfortunately, they failed to push across more. After Giambi popped out against ex-Yankee lefty Mike Stanton, the stage was once again set for A-Rod to come through. But Washington skipper Frank Robinson brought in closer Chad Cordero, who blew away the Rodriguez with a high fastball. It was the 18th strikeout of the month for the 2005 AL MVP, who slammed his bat and helmet in frustration at another failure. After winning the AL Player of the month in May, the 30 year-old is just 7-for-45 (.156) in June with a HR and 3 RBI’s. He’s K’d eight times in the last three games.

After new pitcher Kyle Farnsworth retired Jose Vidro on a comebacker, he left with back spasms and was replaced by closer Mariano Rivera, who got the last two outs of the eighth.

Still tied at five in the ninth, Williams came through again. Already 3-for-4, the 37 year-old right fielder started the ninth with a solo home run to right off Cordero to give New York its first lead since the third inning. Cheered by Yankee fans who made the trip, he was asked to come out for a curtain call.

“I was telling the guys on the bench, ‘How many places do you go to a visiting ball park and fans are asking him to come out?’ It kind of gives you goosebumps,” Mazzilli told reporters.

“It’s a little weird. It’s a testament to how many great Yankee fans we had coming down here. If they can make the trip to Baltimore, I think they can probably just drive the extra half an hour and come to the stadium and cheer for us,” an emotional Williams expressed. “It was a great feeling.”

Posada followed with a double for his second hit in two innings after replacing catcher Kelly Stinnett. After a Phillips fly to left moved him to third, a Damon sac fly gave the Bombers some insurance for Rivera, who retired all five batters he faced for his fourth win.

Notes: In the past four games, Williams is 9-for-15 with 2 HRs and 4 RBI’s. … With a single in the second inning, Cano extended his career best hit streak to 14. … Washington shortstop Royce Clayton left the game in the eighth due to a right shoulder injury suffered after diving to try to stop a Cabrera single which tied the game. … Yankees improved to 3-17 after trailing at the end of seven innings. … The Nationals have lost their last five. … With an RBI double, Zimmerman leads all major league rookies with 42 RBI’s. … Yankees look to make it two in a row with Shawn Chacon (4-1, 5.23) taking the mound against Ramon Ortiz (5-5, 4.88).

It’s the second week of June. Try telling that to some silly New York writers who already have proclaimed the 2006 Mets as the “Kings Of New York.”

Come again? Kings of what exactly. I must not have realize that they handed out trophies this early. Forget playing the rest of the schedule. Let’s just skip right to that Mets-Tigers World Series! It still doesn’t feel right seeing the Tigers with the best record. How long will that last?

Having baseball’s second best record when it’s not even three months into the season is a nice accomplishment for a team which last saw October in 2000 when they lost in a real Subway Series to the Yankees in five games.

Truth be told, this year’s version of the Mets looks like a bonafide championship contender. They have a pair of aces in Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez to anchor their staff and possess one of the best lineups in the majors. Leadoff hitter Jose Reyes wreaks havoc on the basepaths. New catcher Paul LoDuca has been everything advertised and more. He probably is the most underrated player on the team.

Then there’s a lethal 3-4-5 in Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and David Wright.

Beltran and Wright are both legit MVP contenders. Especially with Cards’ slugger Albert Pujols sidelined. A year removed from a disappointing 2005 debut campaign, the centerfielder is finally playing like the superstar Mets GM Omar Minaya thought he was getting. After a slow start in April, he has begun hitting home runs in bunches and stealing bases. Much of his new found confidence can be attributed to Delgado, who despite cooling off after a solid start has provided his teammate with the insurance needed out of the cleanup spot. It’s definitely allowed him to relax.

Meanwhile, Wright continues to be the most consistent hitter in the Mets lineup. Is there anything this 23 year-old wiz kid can’t do? He can hit to all fields and has power. The most clutch player on the Amazins, he truly is Shea’s version of Derek Jeter. Only with more pop. He also plays a solid third base and though he still makes the occasional error, he is more polished than Alex Rodriguez. Shhh. Just don’t tell A-Rod. We wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings.

The Mets have also gotten a solid contribution from new second baseman Jose Valentin. After a horrendous start which had many questioning if he should even be on the roster, the former Brewer has been swinging a hot bat ever since his return to Milwaukee last month. You wonder how long it will be before the free swinger slumps. Second year skipper Willie Randolph should ride the 36 year-old’s hot streak until he cools off.

Maybe the organization’s most promising player is top prospect Lastings Milledge. Since being recalled from Norfolk, the former 2003 first round pick has showed off the five tool skills which the Mets love. The 21-year-old outfielder can hit for pop, runs well and possesses a strong arm. He definitely looks like a keeper.

If there is one area which might be a concern in Queens, it’s Randolph’s continued overuse of the bullpen. Particularly setup men Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez. While both have been brilliant at getting out of jams and getting the ball to closer Billy Wagner, they have been relied upon a lot. Such a heavy workload in the first half has taken its toll. Both have shown signs of slowing down. Part of the problem is that the Mets have played a lot of close games, including a slew of extra inning games.

With the departure of Jorge Julio to Arizona for veteran starter Orlando Hernandez, Randolph must find another reliever capable of getting the big outs who can take the pressure off Heilman and Sanchez. This way they can get some much needed days off.

As of right now, these Mets definitely have a chance to win their third World Series. They play in a weak division and should have a bye into the playoffs if they can beat up on the Phillies. It looks safe to say that the Braves’ run is over. They don’t have enough pitching and are remarkably inconsistent offensively.

So it’s basically a two team race. The Mets and Phillies stack up well offensively but the advantage goes to New York’s pitching staff. They should win the N.L. East going away.

However, it is premature to say that they’re the best team in New York. If you took away two of your top RBI producers out of the lineup, it’s safe to say your offensive production might suffer, which also might mean fewer wins.

It is very exciting for New York to see both baseball teams in pennant races. And long overdue for the Mets and their supporters.

But unless this team wins their first World Series in 20 years, they won’t be Kings of anything.