-The Mets cameback to pull out a 10-8 win scoring four times in the ninth with one out against Reds’ closer Francisco Cordero to win their 10th in a row pulling into a first place tie with the idle Phillies. Even with ace Johan Santana laying an egg by giving back a 2-0 lead off the bat of Carlos Delgado while permitting five in the fourth including two more homers allowed (that’s 16 people), it didn’t matter because the Amazin’s kept battling back against a hapless Cincinnati staff getting a two-run shot from Fernando Tatis which tied it a couple of innings later. David Wright had gotten it started with a two-run single in the fifth. Appropriately, the Mets’ third baseman would get the huge tying hit after the Reds went ahead, going the opposite field off Cordero for a two-run shot (No.18). Sadly, even though Cordero entered with good numbers, anyone who knows the game knows he can’t be trusted. That Wright was allowed to hit his third best pitch (a fat slider) for the tying dinger summed it up. The Amazin’s then strung together four more consecutive hits including a go-ahead Delgado RBI single to left followed by a Tatis double which capped the comeback. Billy Wagner retired the Reds in order for his 23rd save.

-With there only being eight teams in action on the first night back from the All-Star Break, the Phillies bolstered their rotation by overpaying for A’s starter Joe Blanton coughing up a couple of top prospects including pitcher Josh Outman, second baseman Adrian Cardenas and outfielder Matt Spencer. How did Oakland get so much for a pitcher who was 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA and 12 dingers served up?!?!?!?!?! They got garbage for Rich Harden from the Cubs but that’s cause he’s a DL spot waiting to happen. The Phillies better hope Blanton is rejuvenated coming to the Senior Circuit.

-I’ve said it before that I never bought Santana as the best pitcher in the game. Most of my buddies argued it but come on. There’s no debating this. The former Twin who won two AL Cy Youngs is living on his past reputation. He’s still a quality starter who can go seven or eight but let’s face it. He’s now given up 49 home runs in the last year and a half. Far from what you expect from the “game’s best.” I’ll take Brandon Webb, Roy Halladay, Jake Peavy, Josh Beckett and Carlos Zambrano over him. Just remember. The Mets are paying top dollar for the next few years when Johan will be in his 30’s. Think he’s going to be worth it?

-The Yankees agreeing in principle to sign Mariners’ failure Richie Sexson is just another quick fix. If it works, they got him for nothing. In all likelihood, it won’t and they’ll still have to go out and acquire another big bat.

-Does anyone think Luis Castillo would’ve come through with that big one out basehit that rookie Argenis Reyes did in that spot?

-Kyle Lohse is now 12-2 with a 3.35 ERA for the Cards after winning again working seven solid innings permitting a couple of runs. It just proves once again how good a pitching coach Dave Duncan is. Bet the Phils didn’t bank on that happening.

-3B Trade comparison:

Troy Glaus (Stl) 95 GP, .279-17-61*
Scott Rolen (Tor) 70 GP, .267-6-28

*hit 2 HR tonight

How does J.P. Riccardi keep his job?

-The folks over at Hot 97 get it about the overblown Jesse Jackson comments and had some interesting observations about oil and gas prices being way up with President George W. Bush in office. Coincidence? If you think so, then hey. The tooth fairy must be real instead of imaginary.

Just my two cents.