-The Yanks were swept by the Angels this weekend falling to 2-5 on their road trip with a tough three coming in the Twin Cities next. It really couldn’t have gone any worse for Joe Girardi’s struggling club, who came apart at the seams Saturday blowing a 3-1 lead and then pouring gasoline on the fire by letting seven more Angels come around to score before even recording an out in a disastrous eighth. So much for a reliable pen without Kyle Farnsworth. Then came Sunday as they fell 4-3 on a Chone Figgins walkoff hit off Mariano Rivera, who just can’t seem to get anyone out in tie games. But if you’re Girardi there after Damaso Marte puts two on, what are you supposed to do there but go with your best in that spot? Aside from that, Alex Rodriguez tried to swipe third in the eighth after doubling but was ruled out by umpire Bill Welke leading to mild protests from the star third baseman and Girardi. Here was A-Rod’s reaction afterwards following his team’s 10th loss in their last 15 keeping them four behind Boston and eight and a half behind Tampa Bay:

“It was 100 percent the right move to make. I mean, on the road, you have to play to win. I had a good jump, the catcher made a perfect throw, I stole the base—and everyone knows that. The umpire had great position on it. He just simply missed it.”

In a tie game, it’s understandable why he tried to take the extra base. Especially against the majors’ best team who then brought in closer Francisco Rodriguez to blow away the Yanks in the ninth K-ing the side. However, in that situation, you gotta make it. I didn’t see it and from the sound of it, it sounds like the wrong call was made which sometimes happens. Mike Napoli made a strong throw and got the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes, that’s the breaks and lately, everything has been going against the Yankees. Perhaps the stars finally aren’t aligned for a 14th consecutive October appearance.

-The Mets did what they needed to this weekend taking two of three from the Marlins to vault into second a half game in front and gain a game on the Phillies, who still lead the NL East by a couple of games. Yeah. They lost yesterday 8-2 as Florida knocked around Mike Pelfrey for the second straight start scoring six of their eight with second baseman Dan Uggla knocking in half on a couple of doubles while Josh Johnson held the Amazin’s in check to two earned over seven frames while improving to 3-0. However, the Mets accomplished what they had to getting the series and finishing 4-2 on the homestand with a makeup game at Shea versus the Pirates this afternoon before headed to D.C. for three against the suddenly resurgent Lastings Milledge and the Nats and then another four in Pittsburgh. The upcoming week against teams they’re clearly better than are an opportunity to gain valuable ground in the division race. We’ll see if Jerry Manuel’s bunch are up to the task.

-By taking the final game, the Marlins remained within striking distance in the pennant race also getting sixth inning solo blasts from veteran left fielder Luis Gonzalez and ex-Met first baseman Mike Jacobs (25th), who each victimized middle reliever Carlos Muniz. They next return home for a tough four-hame series against Albert Pujols and the Cardinals before the NL Central-leading Cubs come in for three next weekend. Talk about a tough stretch which could determine what their role will be the rest of the way.

-Meanwhile, the Phillies got Chase Utley’s 29th homer with six solid innings of three-run ball from savvy vet Jamie Moyer doubling up the Pirates 6-3 pulling two clear of the Mets and staying two and a half up on Florida. They’ll next get a stiff challenge from sizzling new Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez (.459-4-11 in 37 ABs) as Joe Torre’s contending NL West club hosts them for four out West before Philly finishes with three at San Diego.

-I don’t care what NBC analyst Al Trautwig and his partner say when a USA women’s gymnast messes up their routine. Gymnastics is extremely difficult as their routines on parallel bars, balance beam and spring board suggest. It’s not easy. Sure. There’s plenty of Olympic pressure on these girls who are mostly 17 or 18 years of age due to high expectations but sometimes, I get the impression these network nerds forget how special these athletes truly are. It takes a tremendous level of commitment and dedication to even make the big stage in Beijing. I’d like to see one of these experts try to do what they do without breaking something.

-Too bad about Katie Hoff just coming up short for the gold in the 400-meter freestyle. She put in a great race but was just edged out at the last second by Britain’s Rebecca Adlington whose reach was the difference. As heartbreaking a conclusion as that was, Olympic silver ain’t bad.

-So what are the French now saying after that stirring comeback by Michael Phelps and USA teammates in the 4X100 relay?!?!?!?!?! ;-)

-Veteran team captain Jason Lezak’s final half will go down as one of the most memorable and stirring upsets of all-time finishing in 46 flat to overtake the French, who dished out the trash but couldn’t “smash” the Americans in their quest for Olympic gold.

-One final thought on these Olympics. When you see those girl gymnasts huddle together and chat enthusiastically despite finishing the day trailing China in the team competition for gold, that’s what frequently gets lost in all the intense competition. There you had teenagers who were still there enjoying the moment which is what it should be about. Being able to compete in such a special worldwide event is tremendous in itself but fun should always be a part of it. To see them smile and laugh it up was refreshing reminding me of what’s right about sports. Kinda like the basketball players I saw at Berkeley Carroll in Park Slope who always got it. That kind of joy is what it’s all about!

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