While there wasn’t any ball played in the Bronx, the first day of interleague play saw a couple of players have big nights.

In Philadelphia, it didn’t rain enough to stop Jayson Werth. The Phillies’ center fielder hit three homers in his first three at bats driving tying a franchise mark with eight RBI’s in the home club’s 10-3 win over the Blue Jays at Citizen’s BankPark.

He took Toronto rookie starter David Purcey deep twice in the second and third innings. A three-run dinger was followed by a 425-foot grand slam. With Jesse Litsch on in relief during the home fifth, Werth hit his third consecutive home run to left center giving him a chance to tie the major league record of four. But he fouled out in the seventh admitting that it was probably on his mind. Still, he became the 18th Phillie to have a three-homer game and first since teammate Ryan Howard did it on Sept.3, 2006 versus Atlanta.

Meanwhile in the battle of Texas, the night belonged to Josh Hamilton. The 27 year-old first-year Rangers’ center fielder went a perfect 5-for-5 with two homers and five RBI’s leading the home team past the visiting Astros 16-8 in Arlington. He also had an RBI triple just missing the cycle.

The former Tampa Bay 1999 first overall selection needed a double. He singled in his first at bat and came around to score in a three-run first. Two innings later, Hamilton homered to deep right center off Shawn Chacon making it 4-2. In the home fourth, the former Red connected on a three-run shot off the second deck in right for the team’s second dinger of the frame increasing the lead to 8-2.

A five-run Astros’ fifth and Kaz Matsui RBI single in the sixth tied the game up. But Michael Young singled in Ian Kinsler, who slid in just ahead of the tag despite Houston skipper Cecil Cooper’s protests leading to an ejection. Hamilton then followed with an RBI triple giving him a major league-leading 49 runs knocked in.

A six-run Texas eighth inning explosion which included three more homers put the game out of reach. The Rangers finished with six home runs and eight extra base hits in doubling up Lance Berkman’s Astros, cooling them off. Berkman did extend his hit streak to 15 picking up a pair of hits in only Houston’s fourth loss in the last 15.

Hamilton is a great story. As most know, he successfully cameback after battling alcohol and drug addiction problems which looked to be the end of a promising career before it ever really began. After the Cubs lost the outfielder to the Rule 5 Draft where the Reds snagged him, Hamilton performed well in his long anticipated rookie year hitting .292 with 19 homers and 47 RBI’s in 90 games during an injury riddled season.

During the offseason, former Cincinnati GM Wayne Krivsky dealt Hamilton to Texas in exchange for starter Edinson Volquez and Danny Herrera. Even though Krivsky was fired, the trade looks to have been a great one for both clubs with Volquez performing remarkably where in eight starts, the 24 year-old from Santo Domingo is 6-1 with an NL best 1.12 ERA while fanning 57 in 48 and a third.

Not too shabby. It just could go down as one of the better deals involving two clubs if the key players continue to perform at such a peak level.

The other good performance Friday came from Alfonso Soriano, who hit a pair of dingers leading the Cubs past the Pirates 7-4. The left field slugger ledoff the game with his 47th career home run to start a game. Rickey Henderson is the all-time record holder with 81 career leadoff blasts.

After a brutal beginning to his second season in Wrigley which saw a stint on the DL, the 32 year-old former Yankee has sprung to life with five homers this week and 15 hits in his last 32 ABs. At one point, he had a .175 batting average and a calf strain drawing plenty of ire from Cub fans about his big contract. Now he’s all the way up to .265 with eight homers, 22 RBI’s and 19 runs scored in 28 games.

Soriano’s always been streaky. Last September, he came to life making up for a disappointing first season by hitting .320 with 14 dingers and 27 RBI’s to lead the Cubs to the NL Central title. Despite missing 29 games, he still wound up with 33 home runs, 70 RBI’s and 80 extra base hits. He didn’t fare as well at home but maybe that’s turning around which would be a welcome sight for Lou Piniella.

Rookie catcher Geovany Soto also added his eighth of the year as the Cubs won their third in a row improving to 26-16, gaining a game on Houston to go up two and a half in the division.

Just a note: The Yanks and Mets will not make up last night’s rainout this weekend. It might be made up as a day/night doubleheader when the Bronx Bombers visit Shea in July.

What is the Legend of Voltron exactly? Well, if you grew up watching this awesome cartoon, then you know what I’m referring to. The five lions by the Voltron Force forming into the mighty Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

At this point, you’re probably wondering what the heck a nostalgic cartoon made over two decades ago has to do with sports and music? Absolutely positively zilch! What I do know is that Voltron was a phenomenon which was fun to watch as a kid. There was something about those five lions teaming up to become the mighty Voltron fending off evil King Zarkon and his Planet Doom cronies attempts to invade Planet Arus. 

Zarkon’s main advisor the ugly Witch Haggar always seemed to devise schemes creating Robeasts in attempts to destroy Voltron. Though she’s clever using her witchcraft as much as possible to even trick Planet Arus ruler Princess Allura during one episode, the Voltron force comprising of leader Keith (Black Lion), Lance (Red Lion), Hunk (Yellow Lion), Pitch (Green Lion) and Sven (Blue Lion) always came to the rescue patrolling the five lions to reform Voltron. Ironically enough, it was the beautiful Allura who would replace Sven learning to occupy the Blue Lion so they could still form Voltron after the Norwegian was injured by Haggar during an episode.

Such courage allowed her to successfully defend Planet Arus and be a true leader despite being sort of young. I always figured she was 17 or 18. It turns out I was in the right area code. Has there ever been a prettier female cartoon character? Yeah. That always worked against the evil Prince Lotor (son of Zarkon), who was quite taken with her. 

The Princess had her own mental strain where her dead and buried father King Alfor’s ghost often visited to help Allura out in time of need when it looked like the empire might crumble. It was his image which helped her rediscover where four of the five keys to the lions were. She and Keith were able to find the final key from her friendly mouses who were hiding it. Once that key to the blue lion was discovered, Voltron could finally once again defend the universe in a cool world where good prevailed over evil.

If you’ve ever watched it, you could see the appeal. At the time, it was pretty advanced. Who would’ve ever thought to create such a high tech superpower which could be formed by a team of five to fight all combatants and protect their world? Sheer genius no doubt.

So, what brought this entry up? It was just something I punched in on YouTube out of curiosity. Remarkably, a bunch of mini episodes came up from the original series including the cool intro which gives the viewer an idea of what they were going up against. Plus the cool transformation into Voltron.

Amazingly, there’s still an official site as well. All in all, pretty cool to say the least. Voltron still lives.

It’s been a while since I had a video feature. But it’s freaking raining and crappy here in the Shaolin, NYC. So, what better time to bring it back and go over a pretty cool video and awesome song.

Especially by U2. I love them. Sure. Bono’s way too consumed by politics these days but the lead singer of this beloved Irish band which has been putting out great music spanning over three decades is still one of the best in the biz. He and the equally gifted trio of Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr. are said to be working on their 12th album. It’s expected to have more of a nostalgic feel incorporating some Jimi Hendrix and won’t be released until this October.

Like many fans, I’m a bit curious. I really enjoyed their last album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb which featured hits, “Vertigo,” “City of Blinding Lights,” “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” and “Miracle Drug.”

For now, I felt inclined to review one of my faves. “Until the End of the World” is just a powerful song with a great U2 sound blending all their talents together. I really enjoy how it’s played and of course passionately sang by Bono. The emotions really come out. Strong lyrics for sure.

I found a good live version of the song off the 1991 Achtung Baby album which has always been overlooked.

This happens to be one of their best tracks and sounds great live off the Elevation 2001 Tour in Boston:

U2: “Until the End of the World“-Live in Boston 2001

For once, you really can “Blame It On The Rain.” Much like that once misplaced Milli Vanilli hit some 20 years ago, that accurately reflects both New York baseball teams on the 16th day of May with the Subway Series on tap.

So much for good May weather. But hey. Do either the Yankees or Mets deserve the sun to shine down on them at this early juncture of the season? We already know the answer. Maybe it’s a bit of poetic justice that the weather is so crappy reminding us more of late March and April rather than traditional May days.

Both teams stink. Sure. It’s still very early. There’s plenty of time for the Yanks and Mets to turn it around. Sometimes, that’s forgotten in such a demanding town which is all about the present when it comes to its two baseball teams. The grind of a 162-game schedule has peaks and valleys. Unfortunately, both clubs with high expectations have hit a lull entering this weekend’s three-game set at Yankee Stadium a combined 40-41. Remarkably, it’s the first time since the Subway Series inception that the two metro area teams entered under .500. But as esteemed New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro pointed out in a well written column, it was bound to happen sometime.

Symbolism is a funny thing. Almost to a U2 hit, “Mysterious Ways.” That it’s pouring literally and dark as can be for this time of year epitomizes the slow starts by our two ballclubs who so many fans in this area live and die with.

Just listening to all the panic on WFAN airwaves is enough to drive you insane. Of course, the “Fire Willie” demands have only intensified after his team’s dreadful 3-4 homestand against last place fodder. Granted. The manager isn’t doing the job. Ultimately, it comes down to his players who are plenty talented but have been lacking consistency, intensity and common sense. Why is it always the same two players who show frustration over their team’s lackadaisical play?

On the flip side of town, the Yanks just lost three of four to the improved Rays down in Tampa drawing the ire of Hank Steinbrenner. They have their own issues which include a paltry offense that’s putting more pressure on the pitching staff. The good news is Mike Mussina has suddenly rediscovered himself and Darrell Rasner, who will oppose Johan Santana whenever Game One gets underway has pitched well. The alarming is the continued ups and downs of Andy Pettite, Ian Kennedy’s struggles and LaTroy Hawkins’ implosions. Combine that with a popgun offense and it’s hard to win games.

Maybe A-Rod’s quad will finally be healthy enough to return soon and help inject much needed righty power in a dead lineup. Who knows what the time table is for Jorge Posada? For now, Joe Girardi continues to pencil in the Shelly Duncans and Morgan Ensbergs while batting Melky Cabrera sixth.

Is this the weekend Jose Reyes sparks the Mets to a big series win before headed to Atlanta possibly saving the manager’s job? Or does the Yankee captain step to the forefront leading his slumping team to two of three and perhaps back on track?

Hard to say. What I do know is that rain never felt more appropriate. And we don’t mean the cold November Guns N’ Roses kind. Bet those two teams wish it were.

We got a long way to go.

Yes. The hot rumor of the day is true. I still do write lyrics but they usually can be found at my official Xanga Site. So check’em out.

This one’s for free cause it’s got ‘em in complete misery.

“Going All Out”

by Derek Felix

Hey you

Word on da street

That you’re the homey

With the quick ass beat

Like Rice Krispy Treats

Well I’m here

To say I don’t play

Got my own shit together

Lighting ‘em up every single day

Time to show the way

Shaolin represent

Kicking wicked ass rhymes

Throwing ya off guard

Much like the New York Times

Cause we drop more dimes

I’m bringing it

Without a doubt

Dropping dope lyrics

Going all out

So strap on your seatbelt

You say you’re 4 real

Look me in the eye

Show me whatcha got

Don’t leave ‘em high and dry

Like you’re gonna cry

It be happenin’

This is your Jewish nigga

Who’s got the artillery

Never afraid to pull the trigger

Are you 4 real or just a wigger

It’s like this

Bring your ‘A’ game

Or just toss in the towel

And feel my power like the rain

Triggering reactions in your brain

I’m bringing it

Without a doubt

Dropping high heat

Going all out

Like Mo Rivera in full fleet

Message is simple

I never back down

Gonna rip it up

Making your lyrics drown

Like Homey The Clown

Know the deal

It’s the kid from the south shore

Flying faster than a car

Got so much in store

Now hear me roar

There’s always plenty going on in the sports world. Especially at this busy time of year. So, what’s the latest? Let’s find out:

1.It’s not so much that they’re both struggling entering this weekend’s Subway Series but if either the Mets or Yankees get swept in the Bronx, it will only fuel the fire with their own fans and management who expect so much so early. It’s still a little easier to comprehend the Yanks’ early season struggles which has them two under after dropping three of four to the suddenly improved first place Rays. Anytime you lose your two biggest righty bats in Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, it’s going to take its toll. Runs have been hard to come by for Joe Girardi’s club. We still can’t figure out why he bats Robinson Cano so low.

As for the one over Mets, how can they explain losing three of four to a team recently demoted starter Nelson Figueroa described as “dancing ballgirls?” Last week, we stated that anything less than five wins against a pair of cellar dwellers in Cincinnati and Washington would be disappointing. That Willie Randolph’s club managed just a 3-4 record is hard to fathom. Somehow with even Moises Alou back healthy and Carlos Beltran coming around, the Amazin’s have problems scoring runs. The latest lack of hustle from Jose Reyes using poor judgment to get doubled up at third in the eighth was mystifying. Even David Wright didn’t hustle a single into a double. Still, it didn’t explain getting shutdown by Jason Bergmann. So on a Kid’s Day where Mike Pelfrey took a no-no into the seventh before Aaron Boone broke it up, the Mets couldn’t hit a guy who had given up 16 earned, 20 hits and five homers in 12 and a third this season. Opponents came in batting .364. New York had just three hits and K’d nine times in seven innings before Manny Acta pulled his starter for a pinch hitter getting the only run his team needed to win. Simply Amazin’.

2.Where would the Mets be without Ryan Church? All the 29 year-old former Nats outfielder has done is lead the team in hitting (.310), home runs (8) and runs scored (29). While former Mets’ first round pick Lastings Milledge struggles to stay in Acta’s lineup as their everyday center fielder, Met fans are being taken to church literally by a player who shows up ready to play every game and always seems to be a tough out. It took a great diving snag by Willie Harris to prevent a Church double in the home ninth which likely would’ve led to the tying run. Did we mention Brian Schneider was also in this deal? It just might be Omar Minaya’s best deal. Does anyone miss Milledge now? How can a player who’s underperformed thus far be hot dogging it in the dugout with Elijah Dukes? Boggles the mind.

3.I’ll say it again. Hitting Cano in the bottom third is a detriment. The second baseman is finally snapping out of it. With four hits in a win yesterday and a hit earlier today, he’s up to .207 with only one way to go. Can someone please explain to me what Shelly Duncan has done to bat cleanup? Morgan Ensberg hit fifth against Scott Kazmir. How Ensberg is even on this roster remains an unsolved mystery. Maybe Robert Stack can host it for old-time’s sake.

4.Guess that minor stint with Wilkes Barre/Scranton didn’t do much for Ian Kennedy at the major league level.

5.Can anyone get out Lance Berkman? The 32 year-old slugging Astro first baseman has always been overshadowed by the other game’s stars. With a game-winning homer for his major league-leading 15th in a come from behind 8-7 win over the Giants, Berkman now has hit in 14 straight with seven dingers and 20 RBI’s. During that span, the Astros have won 11 of 14 hiking their record to 24-18 within a game and a half of the first place Cubs. Not bad for a club which looked to be headed nowhere following a poor start. So, the question is which NL star is having the best year? Berkman, Chipper Jones, Chase Utley or Hanley Ramirez? Tough choices.

6.Speaking of Ramirez, good for the Marlins getting the exciting 24 year-old shortstop signed to a reported six-year $70 million contract extension. One of the game’s brightest young stars, the five-tool talent combines great hitting with power and speed. After narrowly missing out by a homer of the 30/50 club a year ago, the undrafted free agent who Boston dealt as part of the Josh Beckett/Mike Lowell deal has continued to flourish hitting .327 with nine dingers, 13 stolen bases and 34 runs in all 40 games while leading the surprising Marlins to an NL East-leading 23-17 record. He’s now moved from leadoff to the No.3 hole supplying the ballclub with more power out of an RBI spot. It’s just nice to see Florida investing some money to keep a player with that much talent as opposed to selling them off like they’ve done in the past. About time!

7.Mike D’Antoni is a good coach but might not be the right move for Donnie Walsh and the Knicks who always seem to get these kind of vital decisions wrong no matter who’s running the Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 operation. This isn’t Phoenix and there’s no Steve Nash or Amare Stoudemire to save D’Antoni for the lingering questions about ‘D’efense. Unless the lottery tilts New York’s way, Derrick Rose ain’t coming either. What I want to know is how you get Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph to play in this up-tempo system.

8.Well, at least the Stars and Flyers weren’t swept out of the Conference Finals. Now, if just one of them can make their series worth watching by sneaking a road win in Game Five to get another home game and stir up more ‘33′ talk. I’m still not counting on it.

9.Have you ever seen a team bitch and moan as much as the Sidney Crosby Penguins when they lose a game?

10.I liked the ESPN piece where Celtic legend Bill Russell interviewed Kevin Garnett but the whole special music in the background like it was Field of Dreams which the 11-time NBA champion quoted was a little bit much. Talk to me when KG leads his team past the Pistons into the NBA Finals.

11.I don’t usually enjoy ESPN themed shows but E:60 is a decent watch with interesting stories that you don’t usually see covered. Thankfully, it’s got nothing to do with Eklund.

12.Justine Henin was a phenomenal tennis player who got the most of her small 5-5, 126 pound frame winning seven grand slams including an impressive four at Roland Garros with a three-peat (2005-07). She also won an Australian Open and two U.S. Opens including sweeping through the Williams sisters en route to her second win in NYC last year. The 25 year-old Belgian wasn’t always the most well received due to some of her antics on and off the court. However, she was a great competitor who worked hard to be a champion. Possessing one of the best one-hand backhands in the game, Henin was tremendous to watch. She always ran the court well getting to balls you thought she had no business getting to and doing something extraordinary with it. Her all court game included an underrated forehand which improved over time and a solid net game. Though she never quite won Wimbledon, the seven-time slam winner reached two finals falling a little short of her goal of completing a career grand slam. No matter as she had a brilliant Hall of Fame career. It will be sad to see such a gifted player leave the sport but that’s the kind of mental and physical toll such dedication in tennis which has essentially no offseason takes. Best wishes to her and congrats on a memorable career!

13.If the Spurs find a way to win at New Orleans on Monday, it will because of their tremendous wealth of experience. However, Chris Paul just continues to do special things on a basketball court which defy logic. The scary aspect is he’s just beginning.

14.Enough of SpyGate. No matter what comes out, it’s too late. When do they finally realize that?

15.Less than a week until Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull. Yeah. I’ll definitely be there no matter how old Harrison Ford is playing a kid’s character.

16.There needs to be more rappers such as Mos Def and Immortal Technique who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is about the real issues which too often are ignored in our country. Enough said!

So he wasn’t 100 percent. It still didn’t matter because Kobe Bryant made his Laker teammates better relying on them to take the crucial Game Five over the Jazz 111-104 at Staples Center in Hollywood.

Even with a bad back, the 29 year-old league MVP made an impact by scoring 26 while handing out seven assists and grabbing six rebounds to lead the home team to a 3-2 series lead- improving home teams in the second round to a ridiculous 19-1. The Celtics also prevailed in Game Five 96-89 over the Cavaliers earlier last night at TD Banknorth Garden.

Perhaps the extra day off helped Bryant or maybe it wouldn’t have mattered at all cause he’s that great a baller. He might’ve paced the Lakers in scoring but not one shot was taken in the deciding fourth quarter by the unselfish superstar. Instead, he got the ball inside setting up either Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol for dunks. Both had outstanding nights really coming through with Odom scoring 22 with 11 boards plus a couple of blocks while the versatile Gasol finished with 21, six boards, four blocks and a team high eight assists.

It was no accident that the former Grizzlie big man dropped that many dimes as he was that smart with the ball drawing doubles and finding a cutting Odom for easy finishes. The Christ The King product had at least three flushes and a three-point play in crunch time. It was a big time performance by a player who’s taken his share of abuse over the years. He dominated the paint wreaking havoc on Utah.

The Lakers even got 15 out of Vladimir Radmanovic placing all five starters in double digits. He hit two of three from downtown in a 10-point first quarter explosion. His reemergence allowed Phil Jackson’s club to rotate the ball effectively in the triangle offense. Even when a wide open perimeter shot was missed late by Sasha Vujacic, there was Gasol underneath to slam it home for a five-point lead. That critical play came at the wrong time for Jerry Sloan’s Jazz who once again never could get a lead at Staples and just didn’t come up with enough plays to steal home court.

The Jazz got the usual steady performance from Deron Williams, who paced them with 27 and 10 assists. Andrei Kirilenko had a solid game netting 12 with three assists and four steals. Corey Brewer contributed 16 mostly on dunks and lay-ins off nifty Williams’ feeds. Mehmet Okur added a double/double (13 and 13) with a couple of treys.

Who’s MIA? That would be Carlos Boozer, who despite 18 and 12 was very soft blowing numerous shots from in close. Sure. The numbers say he was adequate but anyone who watched knows better because that was the quietest 18 and 12 he’ll probably ever get. Why didn’t he just man up and take over? No Laker can really check him. Even if Odom and Gasol did a decent job. Come on!

He was brutal in this one and really came up small. So despite an 18-13 bench edge, the Jazz lost because Boozer wasn’t assertive enough. Okur and Kirilenko each could’ve had more.

Make no mistake about it. This game was there for the taking. Even if there were a couple of tacky calls against the guys in that ugly powder blue, they had plenty of chances to win it and have a shot at closing out LA in Salt Lake.

Instead, they’re headed home looking to extend it seven on Friday. Does anyone think they can win a Game Seven in LA? Thought so.

Tried as they did, the Boston Celtics couldn’t succeed at keeping Cavalier superstar LeBron James down forever. Despite another poor shooting night, the league’s leading regular season scorer was able to break loose in crunch time to push his team past Doc Rivers’ top seeded Celts last night to take Game Four 88-77 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The series story had been James’ cool shooting. But when push came to shove, the riveting 23 year-old Akron, Ohio native sprung to life adding more “Witnesses” to his Nike campaign. With the two defensive minded Eastern foes locked in another low scoring battle, LeBron put together a good stretch to lift his team to a second straight victory holding serve on their home court to send the series back to Boston knotted at two apiece.

Unable to locate the range, James finally got untracked off a perfect pick n’ roll using Anderson Varejao’s screen to drain an uncontested triple in front of the Boston bench giving his team a 79-73 lead with over three minutes remaining. Following a tough Paul Pierce make inside, James setup Daniel Gibson for another trey from almost the identical spot. Mike Brown’s Cavs then played outstanding defense forcing the Celts into a miss. On the other end, James finally came off a double screen putting a facial dunk on NBA Defensive Player of The Year Kevin Garnett to make it 84-75.

It was just an awesome finish by one of the game’s very best. LeBron finished with 21 points and 13 assists- both game highs. Yes. Despite only shooting 7-of-20 from the floor, he was the only player who topped 20 speaking to just how physical the game was. It’s made for a very ugly brand of basketball. Neither is particularly good in the halfcourt offensively. Both play excellent D and make it very hard on the other to get good shots.

Does anyone else find it hysterical that these same Celtics had the league’s best record winning 66 games? They are now 0-for-5 on the road in the playoffs. They had to go seven before finally putting away the Hawks and look like they might be headed that same route.

It just seems like none of their Big Three which was swatted aside by TNT’s Magic Johnson want to take the big shot. Who out of Garnett (9 of 15 in 1st qtr), Pierce (three fourth qtr buckets, 13 pts) and Ray Allen (15, 4-of-10 FG, two 3’s) is going to step up and take control? Have to also agree with Magic that Rajon Rondo (7-of-14 FG, 15 pts) shouldn’t be taking more shots than either KG or Allen.

The Cavs have no such problem with the ball always in LeBron’s hands to either take the shot or setup open teammates. He made better decisions down the stretch winding up with four of his 13 assists in a 20-12 quarter which they controlled.

Cleveland got solid contributions from their bench which outscored Boston 36-17. Gibson had his best game of the series hitting a pair of trifectas while notching 14, six boards and four assists in 27-plus. Varejao also played excellent on both ends finishing with 12 points and six rebounds along with splendid D on Garnett. Ex-Bull Joe Smith added eight points and six boards.

Now, the series shifts back to Beantown where the pressure will be all on the Celtics to hold serve. If they don’t, it could be back-to-back comebacks from 0-2 down for LeBron’s Cavs. Last year, they victimized the Pistons to reach the NBA Finals.

How will the Celts respond? Tomorrow night should be fun.

Last summer, Justin Snyder adjusted well to his first pro season. After being selected in the 21st round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Yankee organization, the University of San Diego product brought his spunky brand of ball to Staten Island where the versatile utility man batted leadoff going on to become one of the best players in the New York-Penn League- garnering NYP Mid-Season All-Star honors and tabbed as a Baseball America Short-Season All-Star.

Playing four different positions including center field, second base, short and the hot corner, Snyder became a fixture at the top of the order hitting .335 with five home runs, 40 RBI’s, 68 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 73 games. The lefty line drive hitter came within two hits of besting Eduardo Nunez’ franchise mark of 88 finishing a hit shy with 87. However, the .335 average broke former Baby Bomber second baseman Wilmer Pino’s 2006 club mark of .326. 

Most noteworthy about the pesky El Cajon, California native was his approach at the plate where he constantly made opposing pitchers work getting pitch counts up and finding a way on base. He drew 58 walks which helped him post an impressive on-base percentage of .459. Though he and the Baby Bombers fell short of their goal of a three-peat losing twice to Verrazano nemesis Brooklyn, it was still a very successful first season overall with plenty of promise.

Maybe that’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that the 22 year-old second-year prospect has continued to impress down with Single-A Charleston. Entering last night, he was batting .314 with two homers, 19 RBI’s and 24 runs scored in 35 games with the Riverdogs of the South Atlantic League. He’s continued to reach base consistently drawing 16 bases on balls along with a respectable OBP close to .375.

Playing mostly second, Snyder’s strong play hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, Charleston skipper Torre Tyson heaped praise by referring to him in a team feature as “the best pure hitter” the team has due to his feistiness.

The entire feature can be found at the official Riverdogs website.

Wishing Justin and his teammates continued success in 2008!

Tonight, the boys return as plenty shall be discussed including the Knicks’ hire of Mike D’Antoni. Is this another typical move by the Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 or can it actually work? Plus conference semi analysis on Lakers-Jazz and Hornets-Spurs. The NHL are down to four. So, who will come out on top? Are the Pens and Wings destined to meet or can the Flyers or Stars comeback and spoil the party? Derek has analysis. Plus the all important May baseball.

Hard Hits

Airtime: 12 ET/9 PT AKA JPG Land

Call-in No: 646-652-2543

Talent: Derek Felix, John “JPG” Giagnorio, Brian Sanborn, Rob “Kraze” Davis, Jeff Bashlor, Nate Sousa, Justin Felix, Dan “Da Man” Wheeler (Wheel-ah)