-Well, it appears the Mets aren’t going to roll over just yet. They already have seven runs on the board and it’s only in the third inning against the Marlins.

They’ve already delivered clutch two out hits for five of the seven. How big has Luis Castillo been? While Jose Reyes continues to be MIA, the hobbled veteran second baseman who was picked up from the Twins has been right in the middle of his team’s big day at Shea with two hits, a stolen base and two runs scored. Actually, scratch that. Make that 3-for-3 as his ground rule double scored John Maine to make it 8-0. They definitely should try to re-sign him. He’s played his ass off.
Lastings Milledge also has a two-run home run as the Amazin’s have gotten two in the first and three in each of the next two frames as they build a huge lead in hopes that they can win this one and tomorrow’s season finale against Dontrelle Willis- this way they can apply pressure on Philadelphia to win their last two games.

What’s the noticeable difference in these Mets today? They look much more relaxed. Almost like a heavy weight has been lifted off their shoulders. The only problem is they still need help even if they do win their final two which you’d have to believe they’ll do. They now know they got nothing more to lose. The worst has already happened.

The big question which comes in less than two hours is how will the Phillies respond? Being the hunted is a little different than being the hunter like they were for almost the entire season. They know the Mets will probably win big and must hold serve much like a tennis player with a set on the line.

We’ll see how Adam Eaton fares today against the Nationals.

-Meanwhile, the NHL is back and already there was an issue. In the first ever game at London between the Kings and defending champion Ducks, the opening regular season tilt for the 2007-08 season was delayed half an hour. For what you ask? Faulty lighting!

Gotta love it. Could this happen to any other league?!?!?!?!?!

Early observations:

A.Gary Bettman’s mere presence has influenced a penalty fest. There have already been 12 combined power plays.

B.The Ducks miss Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, especially on the power play where they’ve gone 0-for-5 while the Kings have converted three on the PP in seven opportunities. Try telling the nimrods who update the online boxscores that fact. They only have L.A. for 1 PPG and somehow new captain Rob Blake scored shorthanded on the doorstep with five guys out there to Anaheim’s four.

C.Kings 19 year-old rookie netminder Jonathan Bernier looks really sharp but also has gotten help from a D which has gotten in the path of shots. If he gets his first career shutout in his NHL debut, will he get a second start tomorrow? We’ll see.

-Notre Dame scores an offensive touchdown in the third quarter at Purdue to make it 23-6. Stop the presses!

-It says here that C.C. Sabathia would be our choice for the AL Cy Young but we see Josh Beckett winning due to winning 20 for AL East champion Boston. Fausto Carmona and John Lackey are also in the mix and Chien-Ming Wang will probably get some consideration. It’s almost as compelling as the NL MVP race yet nobody discusses it. Who would you choose?