-And so, the New York baseball season is over and it really does feel weird that both the Mets and Yankees won’t be playing meaningful baseball as October gets ready to hit. I just can’t remember what this felt like. Sure. The two teams both finished with identical records winning 89 games which meant they didn’t stink by any stretch but when you have the kind of payrolls they do, so many expectations come with it for this spoiled city which makes it all the more disappointing.

In the end, both teams despite big names proved to be flawed which was why they fell short in their postseason bids. Injuries aside, the Yankees didn’t have enough pitching or timely hitting. For some reason, they never hit the way they could’ve and too often couldn’t deliver in the clutch. That along with being a very streaky team which sometimes lacked energy kept them from putting together that run with their best ball coming way too late when the season was already lost.

The Mets also had their share of injuries but severely underperformed the first 10 weeks getting Willie Randolph axed before waking up under Jerry Manuel to get back in the race. Despite no pen to speak of, they persevered and once again were in great position to win their division before it all came crashing down in the final couple of weeks though not as badly as last year. While the pen could never be trusted and cost them a ton of games, what was most baffling was the offense which at times disappeared. How do you explain getting shutout 1-0 against the majors’ worst team the Nats? And what about scoring only five runs in the do or die weekend series against the same Marlins who danced on their field eliminating them last year? Questions will continue to linger about David Wright and Jose Reyes until they stop disappearing and carry this team back to October and beyond.

Now, it will be a long offseason for Omar Minaya with plenty of angry customers wondering why next year will be different at Citi Field. Getting a real second baseman while unloading Luis Castillo along with revamping the bullpen are just a couple of topics he must address with new record closer Francisco Rodriguez at the top of the list. It’s also likely Pedro Martinez pitched his final game as a Met after struggling mightily. And then there’s Oliver Perez, who will be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $12-16 million per year under greedy agent Scott Boras$. Is he really worth that kind of money longterm? I say no. He’s just too unpredictable to get to that next level. What about Carlos Delgado? Do they pick up the $12 million option rewarding him for his brilliant second half or do they try to get younger going for better defense? If they let him go, it won’t be easy to replace his big bat.

As for the Yankees, they will need to decide on center field moving forward along with what they intend to do with Joba Chamberlain. If they make him a starter, then they must continue to shore up their pen. Bringing back 20-game winner Mike Mussina should be at the top of Brian Cashman’s list. Figure Andy Pettite to either retire or go elsewhere following a dismal second half. The Yanks of course need a real ace and should be in the running for C.C. Sabathia, John Lackey or A.J. Burnett with him expected to opt out of Toronto. There’s also the first base situation where they could be competing with the Angels and Mets for Mark Teixeira. Figure Jason Giambi to go elsewhere after a productive season proving he can still be a valuable DH somewhere. As for Bobby Abreu, he’s a solid run producer who gets on base but leaves something to be desired for in right which is why we see Xavier Nady shifting.

Whatever transpires over the next three months, New York baseball fans know full well their rosters won’t look the same following a quiet October.

Get ready for chaos.

-Just in case we forgot, there’s still one more regular season game to be played later today when the Twins visit the Windy City against the White Sox, who earned the one-game home playoff by getting a grand slam from overlooked rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez in an 8-2 win over the Tigers in a makeup game Monday. They get the game despite winning their first in six thanks to the Twins dropping two of three to the Royals despite sweeping three from Ozzie Guillen’s club to pull half a game up. It’ll be John Danks going on three days rest against Nick Blackburn to decide the AL Central for the final playoff berth.

One team will advance to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series while Boston travels to California to meet the 100-win Angels.

The NL of course is all set with the Cubs taking on the Dodgers while the Phillies host the Brewers, who are in their first postseason in 26 years.

We’ll have more playoff stuff later on.

-It’s hard to choose one between each but our pick for NL MVP would be Ryan Howard for how he carried the Phillies the final month having one of the best Septembers eerily similar to when he clubbed 58 home runs and knocking in 149 to win the award two years ago. I’ve always been a huge fan of Manny Ramirez and he sure stepped up carrying the Dodgers in the final two months impacting their lineup while coming back to win the NL West. But it’s hard to pick him over Howard with how well the first base slugger finished leading his team to a 13-3 record over the final 16 pressure packed games in a very tight race.

-The same could be said for the NL Cy Young where worthy candidates like Johan Santana, Brandon Webb and Tim Lincecum all are in the running against Milwaukee rental Sabathia, who tossed a remarkable seven complete games pacing the league while turning in a money performance following Santana’s gem to get the Brewers in. For that, we’ll give the nod to Sabathia over Lincecum with Santana third and Webb fourth.

-AL MVP is a little easier and could depend on if the Twins win with Justin Morneau once again in the running against Boston tandem Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. It’s hard to ignore Carlos Quentin’s impact with the White Sox, who haven’t been the same since he went down. To be honest, he would’ve been a lock had he not broken his wrist. If the Twins get in, Morneau should win his second MVP in three years this time edging another do everything infielder Pedroia, who resembles a young Derek Jeter. If not, give the award to Pedroia because he’s been his team’s best player since the Manny trade.

-As for AL Cy Young, Cliff Lee should get the nod handily edging out K-Rod, Dice-K and Roy Halladay. I know he won’t get a lot of consideration but Moose deserves a few votes for how well he pitched in the Bronx this year.

-What else can Joe Girardi be two-faced about and purposely hide from the media?

-It’s nice to see Brett Favre finally be allowed to open it up and get on the same page with Laveranues Coles, who caught three touchdowns for the first time in his career- half of Favre’s career high six in the Jets’ 56-35 win over Kurt Warner and the Cards. I just wonder if Gang Green fans can be pleased about their D turning a 34-0 halftime cushion into a game by allowing three straight TDs in the third quarter before Favre and the Jet offense put it away.

-Did anyone ever think the Bills and Titans would both be the only remaining unbeatens in the AFC looking like playoff locks?

-How come Terrell Owens always blames Dallas defeats on not getting him involved enough when it was about as believable as anything Sarah Palin says? Can’t he ever give credit to the opponent because the Redskins played a heck of a game and have certainly turned things around since the NFL Opener defeat to the Giants? But hey. T-Ho will always be a selfserving primadona who doesn’t care about the team concept despite his talent which is why I’d never take him on my team.

-I could do a better job than Scott Linehan did with the Rams.

-It sure took long enough for the Lions to realize Matt Millen wasn’t a good Team President. I wonder what keyed them in on that.

-When someone takes shots at the Yanks and Mets for not qualifying, just remember you could be the Tigers who gave up the world for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, who now looks like a serious rebuilding project. Tell ya one thing. Cameron Maybin sure looks good in center for the Marlins. And if Andrew Miller pans out, that’s gonna be one heck of a rotation in 2009. The Mets and Phillies might have some competition for the NL East.

-Just how ridiculous is Jim Dolan? Idiotic enough to continue bringing back Allan Houston while refusing to payoff Stephon Marbury to get him off the Knicks roster. That’s why no matter who’s running it, they’ll always be the same laughingstock.

-Now would be a good time to tell the Rangers that the NHL regular season begins in a few days over in Europe cause they have looked really bad so far. I wonder what Glen Sather thinks now of investing six years and six and a half per on Wade Redden. Just wait till the season starts up. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

-What I like about the Giant organization is they stick to their rules disciplining Plaxico Burress for missing two straight days of practice even if it was due to a personal family matter. The wideout still should’ve communicated better this way he wouldn’t be fined and have to sit out next week’s home game versus Seattle. However, there aren’t any excuses and no exceptions under Coach Coughlin which is why I believe this team can repeat. They get it!

-Someone might want to tell Jerry Jones that this isn’t the 50’s anymore when he last played organized football. He doesn’t belong on the sideline.

-Boomer and Carton are a fun listen on WFAN in the morning because they work well and have solid chemistry. Listening to them rant over the Mets’ latest disappointment was good radio. Loved Carton’s nickname for Wright for failing to deliver in the clutch: “D-Rod.” A reference to Alex Rodriguez.

-I feel bad for diehard Met fans like Steve Somers, Tony Paige, Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno, who live and die with their team all year long. You can feel the emotion and terrible bitterness in their voices. Particularly Somers, who last week coming back from a great Weezer concert sounded heartbroken over a costly extra inning defeat to the Cubs. You could really tell how badly he wanted to see them get in and reverse last year.

They all did and showed so much. Maybe if the Mets had played with as much energy as they brought to the WFAN airwaves, they wouldn’t be sitting home instead getting ready for Lou Piniella’s Cubs. They might get paid to talk sports but they wear the Mets’ logo as a badge of honor as did outstanding play-by-play man Howie Rose.

Nobody ever likes to get their hearts broken. Especially by their favorite sports team which is what can make following sports so crazy. One minute, you’re as high as the sky and the next you feel like burying yourself under the sand.

It’s the real diehards who never abandon ship who shall always get my sorrows. Cause it takes a lot sometimes to stay with a team that constantly gives you heartache.

It’s deja boo all over again. How does one explain it? Two straight Septembers on the final day against the same opponent at home, the Mets season ended in awful fashion at the hands of the division rival Marlins.

Imagine making more baseball history but only the wrong kind becoming the first ever team to lead their division by at least three and a half games with the same 17 games left only to miss two straight postseasons. How could it happen all over again? Sure. The way it did was very different than last year’s season finale in which the Marlins pummeled Tom Glavine into oblivion routing them 8-1 in a game which was over before you were in your seat.

This time, they got five shutout innings from future free agent Oliver Perez matching zeros with Florida southpaw Scott Olsen. Trouble was this was the same opposing starter they’d banged around in three previous outings to the tune of over a 7.00 ERA. Suddenly, the Mets couldn’t hit him which meant the longer the game remained scoreless, the worse feeling you got. Why couldn’t they use the momentum from one of the greatest games pitched by a Met and jump all over him?

Only this team could not take anything into another do or die situation off a brilliant performance from Johan Santana, who dominated the Marlins on three days rest much the way John Maine flirted with the franchise’s first no-hitter on another Saturday a year ago. Instead, the final regular season game at Shea Stadium soon teased a packed house into Believing’ like the team mantra that it would be different when Carlos Beltran answered Florida’s pair of runs with a two-run home run in the sixth to tie it.

But they were in store for an even more heartbreaking conclusion because thanks to the rain, the Brewers and Cubs were playing at the same time with Chicago holding a 1-0 lead until a seventh inning bases loaded Craig Counsell walk forced in the tying run. Suddenly, you had two teams both tied late with no clue whether one would take the wild card or both would wind up in a one-game playoff which would’ve taken place later today at Shea. Any Met fan after Friday night would’ve signed for that.

However, it just wasn’t meant to be as two eighth innings couldn’t have played out any more different cause while Florida pinch hitter Wes Helms greeted Scott Schoeneweis’ first and only pitch with a leadoff homer and Dan Uggla followed suit taking Luis Ayala deep for a 4-2 lead, there was Milwaukee left field slugger Ryan Braun taking Bob Howry’s first pitch out to left for a go-ahead two-run blast providing ace C.C. Sabathia with a 3-1 lead. Plenty for the rental who like Santana pitched on short rest a third straight time finishing the game for his NL best seventh complete game in 17 starts.

Ironically, Braun’s 37th came about two minutes later fully aware they got help from a Marlin team which once again got the last laugh celebrating for the final time on the Mets’ home field.

Somewhere, Willie Randolph had to be smiling. Though replacement Jerry Manuel certainly did a respectable job turning around a flawed team which somehow wasn’t fixed by Omar Minaya, who’s about to be renewed for the same four years he gave to Luis Castillo, who lost his spot at second to fourth string journeyman Ramon Martinez this weekend.

If you want to blame the Mets pigpen for this, it would be very easy to but what about the offense? Where was it? They did nothing in the series opener following one of the most improbable two out rallies before beating the Cubs. And in a game which Santana had to be near perfect in, New York managed just two runs on six hits stranding 10 while striking out 10 times against opposing starter Ricky Nolasco- one more than their Cy caliber stud had.

You still would’ve believed they could muster more than they came up with on the final Sunday of the season. They would be inspired after such a magnificent performance. Not exactly. If not for Beltran’s 27th, they get blanked on just three more hits with everything on the line.

Sure. They didn’t go quietly putting the tying runners on base before veteran Arthur Rhodes got Carlos Delgado to line out to deep left to end the eighth.

Of course, David Wright made yet another useless weakly popping to second starting off the ninth to boos. Endy Chavez, who made a great diving catch in the seventh robbing Jorge Cantu of a go-ahead double couldn’t come through at the plate bouncing back to ex-Met Matt Lindstrom for the second out. Too bad they didn’t keep him dealing him away for virtually nothing three years ago.

At least one of the few character guys Damion Easley came up and worked a walk to send the tying run Ryan Church to the plate allowing everyone in the place to stand praying for one more Miracle of ‘69. He gave a Lindstrom offering a ride to deep right center but it unfortunately didn’t have enough distance allowing Florida’s Cameron Maybin to get to the edge of the track and squeeze the final out of the Mets season breaking more hearts on a day they closed Shea for good.

Somehow after another bitter conclusion, they pulled off a very nice ceremony honoring heroes of the past which ranged from Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Cleo Jones, Tommy Agee, Mike Piazza, John Franco, Al Leiter, Robin Ventura to ‘86 members Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, Bob Ojeda, Gary Carter, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Howard Johnson, Len Dykstra, Wally Backman and the man who closed out the Astros and Red Sox Jesse Orosco, who fans must’ve wished they still had.

What remains are lingering questions as to how the Mets couldn’t deliver one big hit with runners in scoring position going 0-for-11 the entire series. Can anyone explain what happened to leading RBI man Wright who tied one of the all-time great Mets Piazza for a share of the franchise RBI record (124)? Why does the third baseman who’s one of two cornerstones along with Jose Reyes always seem to falter in the clutch? Speaking of the speedy Met shortstop who leads off, he had only a couple of hits in the series and another disappointing final month hitting .243 despite playing much better under Manuel.

Something’s missing which is pretty apparent to everyone except for Minaya and club owner Jeff Wilpon, who seems to believe this team “overachieved” as opposed to last year’s epic collapse.

Wrong. Injuries are part of sports and while they did lose closer Billy Wagner, Maine the final month, Church an extended period due to the team’s mishandling of his second concussion and Pedro Martinez a couple of months, they still had a healthy Santana, Perez and emerging Mike Pelfrey in their rotation along with their top five run producers.

The Yankees had their share of injuries too and didn’t make any excuses for missing their first October in 14 seasons knowing full well they underachieved which wasn’t acceptable.

You try to win with the hand you’re dealt and the fact is that these Mets led the Phillies again with 17 to play but faltered down the stretch due to poor performances against the Braves and Nationals before the final week turned into an emotional rollercoaster alternating wins and losses. Unfortunately, they began Monday with a defeat and were due for a loss yesterday.

When you go out and steal an ace like Santana, there are no more excuses. It shouldn’t have happened again.

Instead, the Mets saw their shadow with the groundhog apparently closing Shea for good.

He wanted the ball on short rest from Jerry Manuel and got it saving his team’s season. Johan Santana pitched one of the greatest games in Mets history yesterday going on three days rest to shutout the Marlins 2-0 helping the Queens club tie the Brewers for the wild card due to Milwaukee’s 7-3 home defeat at the hands of the Cubs.

Now it comes down to another Sunday late in September at Shea just like last year against the very same Florida team who still can spoil the final ever regular season game at the old ballpark. However, that wouldn’t be possible without the former Twin two-time AL Cy Young winner pitching like an ace earning every penny of his big contract for his 16th victory improving to 9-0 in 17 starts since late June.

The best aspect was that the 29 year-old southpaw demanded to pitch taking on the large responsibility for a flawed team which is real thin on pitching. Right away, you could tell Santana had superb stuff with his fastball hitting 94 on the gun and his bread and butter slider change biting out of the strike zone fooling batters.

This was the kind of special performance which can energize a team desperately looking for a much better result than the morgue Shea turned into last year. But wasn’t it John Maine who was utterly brilliant on a Saturday giving that team life before Tom Glavine destroyed it in less than one inning? Why will it be different this time? You might say because this Met team has a pulse and is much more together under Manuel wanting October so badly despite no bullpen to speak of.

They fight to the bitter end this time and don’t want today to be the last ever game played at Shea before they move into their new park next store at Citi Field. It’s not possible without Santana who has had exactly the kind of second half he needed turning around a so/so season into the NL’s best ERA lowering it to 2.53 and putting himself in play for the Cy Young. Though the field should be packed with contenders including Milwaukee rental C.C. Sabathia, who’ll be once again going on short rest trying to deliver the same sort of virtuoso performance to make Brewer fans forget that their team hasn’t seen the postseason in 26 years when they were still in the AL East.

Santana’s shall be a tough act to follow after how he dialed up 117 more pitches following a career high 125 in a win over the Cubs Tuesday to three-hit a dangerous hitting Marlin team. With his team up a pair in the fifth, he escaped a bases loaded two out jam by getting rookie catcher John Baker to line out to right fielder Ryan Church who was positioned perfectly preserving the two-run lead.

From that point, he only got stronger cruising through the next three innings by getting a few batters to chase that change which helped him ring up nine strikeouts.

“I just went out there and tried to finish it. I didn’t do anything crazy,” he later acknowledged. “I knew the situation we were in.”

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen, given the situation,” praised potential Monday sudden death starter Pedro Martinez.

At 104 after eight which was right around Manuel’s limit, there was no doubt that he wasn’t coming out of such a crucial game. Not with the hardest three outs to get. Especially if you root for these Mets.

“You couldn’t have pulled him out. He wouldn’t have let you,” the cool skipper said while going on to add:

“How many did he pitch? How many did he throw? Wow, wow, wow, wow. I think if I had to describe that one, I would say that was gangsta. That was real gangsta.”

When it looked like he’d finish without any drama, a one out Josh Willingham double off the left field wall made things interesting again. Still a couple of outs to go. But then Santana made Dan Uggla look silly chasing three changes for out two.

One more. Even if you weren’t a Met fan, you had to be into it wanting to see him finish such a gem. He quickly got ahead of Cody Ross 0-2 before the count went to 1-2. One more pitch would do it but what would it be without making Met fans hearts race?

Then Ross put a really good swing on one of the few Santana pitches which got enough of the plate sending it deep making fans fear the worst. Could it possibly be? But much like Met great Mike Piazza’s home run swing off Mariano Rivera which turned into the final out of the 2000 World Series, Ross’ ball died on the warning track safely into left fielder Endy Chavez’ glove.

Game over. Met season saved and very much in play thanks to Lou Piniella, who wisely pulled Jason Marquis when the Brewers suddenly had them loaded down a run before Michael Wuertz got dangerous first base slugger Prince Fielder to bounce into an inning ending twin killing. In a previous match-up versus Marquis, he had a bases clearing double in the Brew Crew’s only win in three last week at Wrigley.

The Met season probably hung in the balance with that at bat. Instead, Wuertz induced the ground ball and the Cubs got insurance off struggling Milwaukee closer Salomon Torres highlighted by Kosuke Fukudome’s two-run home run and then tacked on one more for good measure.

“It’s obviously been a roller-coaster ride,” Milwaukee interim manager Dale Sveum pointed out after his team blew a five and a half game WC lead before passing the Mets only to have their five-game win streak stopped making Game 162 a must win. “But the fact of the matter is, when we started, if somebody said, ‘You’re tied after game 161, would you take that in spring training?’ Thirty teams would have done that.”

Now we get another riveting conclusion to a wild season which won’t soon be forgotten. The Mets will send out Oliver Perez hoping the good one will show up at the ballpark when he takes on fellow lefty Scott Olsen. They’ll honor their past before the big game and then start up less than an hour before Sabathia gets the ball against Cub no-name Angel Guzman, who’s subbing in place of Carlos Zambrano much to Met fans’ chagrin.

Such is the situation when the NL’s best team has nothing to play for and will probably sit out many regulars in preparation for Wednesday.

“I didn’t think about tomorrow, I thought about today,” Santana added while keeping perspective for why he had such success.

Now, it all comes down to this with a possible one game playoff at Shea tomorrow if necessary.

Martinez then appropriately shouted as he departed the one word which sums it up:

“Manana!”

Only time shall tell for these Amazin’s.

They’re not even my baseball team. It’s always been known that I root for the other New York team known as the Yankees, who this time weren’t good enough to make October. They just never got untracked and by the time they played their best ball, it was way too late to help the cause.

Sure. It’s nice that they’re still playing hard since they closed Yankee Stadium having taken nine of 10 after last night’s 19-8 drubbing of the archrival Red Sox in Fenway helped insure Tampa Bay’s first ever AL East Division Title. How cool is that? I sure hope the Rays do well in their first ever postseason as Joe Maddon’s gritty ballclub deserves all the kudos they get! More than you can say for Joe Girardi’s first season as Yankee skipper and his rocky relationship with the press which he caused by purposely lying about some of his players’ health status.

While the circus will be officially letting out of the Bronx Zoo Monday after a great 13-year ride, that other New York team is driving their fans nuts wondering if they’ll somehow make the playoffs or if it will be another September to forget. The last three days still can’t be explained unless you’re a Met fan.

I’ve never really cared one way or another since I was a little kid rooting for the 1986 Amazin’ Mets take this city on a wild ride nobody will ever forget. If you were around, you know where you were the day Bill Buckner let Mookie Wilson’s little trickler as legendary announcer Vince Scully called it get through his legs into right field allowing a disbelieving Ray Knight to score the winning run in one of the greatest two out rallies in World Series history. I can still see the WS MVP’s hands on his helmet. It’s just one of those defining moments which stands out along with all the unbelievable two strike two out base hits Davey Johnson’s destined ballclub strung together to shock the Red Sox and NBC.

Twenty two years later, here is another resilient exciting gritty bunch facing possible elimination from postseason contention today with their bread and butter ace Johan Santana taking the ball on three days rest against a Marlins team who openly has stated they want to end their season just like last year. The question is will the heavy rain forecast for today’s game at Shea delay making baseball’s most schizo fanbase wait even longer?

In such a topsy turvy roller coaster ride of emotions since the personable Jerry Manuel took over for Willie Randolph in June, why not? What’s another 24 hours for these Met fans who are living and dying with every pitch? The dying of course should be underlined considering the kind of stinging losses their team has inflicted making something which seemed so promising a week prior look so dire because now the Mets need help from Lou Piniella’s Cubs, who are getting ready for October resting guys in Milwaukee this weekend.

Not only must Santana deliver another big performance on short rest for just the second time in his career but his team will be curiously watching the scoreboard hoping for Cubbies to cross home plate against Ben Sheets, who’s taking the ball despite questions about his arm in hopes of getting the Brewers to their first serious baseball in 26 years.

The Mets need a win and a Brewer loss to at least have destiny in their own hands for Sunday’s final scheduled regular season games. Somehow, they want to come out with two wins and hope Milwaukee splits so there’s at least a one-game playoff to be played in Queens due to New York winning the coin flip.

Cause at the moment, the NL East looks lost as the Phillies have played tremendous down the stretch winning 11 of 14 thanks in large part to NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard, who slugged a three-run homer and had an RBI double knocking in half in their 8-4 win over the majors worst team the Nationals. The same one which took the first two drawing a split of four against those Mets last week when things looked much more hopeful. Then, the division was realistic. Now, they’re two behind with two to play and the Phillies’ Magic No. is down to one. So, one win or a Met defeat will seal a second consecutive NL East to Charlie Manuel’s bunch.

How did the Amazin’s get into this pickle? Well, losing two to Washington and two of three to the hated Braves in Atlanta wasn’t exactly the recipe. It still pales in comparison to what’s taken place this week. Even if you were the most optimistic Met fan, you didn’t want to see the Cubs at Shea for four because that’s how good they really are. Piniella sat out star players in every game and still came away with a split.

Santana of course won his game tossing a career high 125 pitches in eight frames fanning 10 Tuesday to even up the series. Everyone knows what happened the next night where this team suffered their most excruciating loss of the year blowing so many golden opportunities to win the game in one of those final at bats. If only David Wright didn’t chase ball four with bright eyed rookie Daniel Murphy 90 feet away with nobody out. If only the bad Oliver Perez didn’t show up spoiling Carlos Delgado’s grand slam for what should’ve been a win. If. A word which might be repeated often by a frustrated fanbase dying to see their team come through erasing last year’s bitter memories.

Such a defeat had fans exasperated fearing the worst even leaving NY SportsDay colleague Joe McDonald to declare the Met season finished.

But with this team, you knew better. Under Manuel, despite not having any pen to speak of with no Billy Wagner, this team has always responded well to adversity. They showed plenty of heart Thursday never giving up coming back from three down against the Cubs with the kinda improbable two out eighth inning rally which made even this guy think maybe they’re destined for special things. How could one not when Carlos Beltran beat out an infield hit and then Ryan Church followed with another hit to keep it going?

Then, it was little used reserve second baseman Ramon Martinez who is of no relation to Pedro’s older brother and former Dodger delivering the big hit getting his desperate team a run closer. By now as I was driving home from a meaningless Lightning-Rangers exhibition game, I knew third string catcher Robinson Cancel would somehow come through because if Martinez, who entered with one hit the entire year could get a hit, so too would another journeyman delivering a tying single but not without dramatics. Church was a dead duck but even without sliding, he somehow eluded the tag touching home plate to miraculously tie the game 6-6.

Howie Rose’s excitement on WFAN was at a decibel level. You could feel the little kid in him coming out. Why not? This Met team has been fun to watch even for opposing fans. In the ninth, it didn’t matter that Murphy missed a sign bunting foul for strike three with Jose Reyes on first. The lightning rod of the Met offense swiped second a batter later and would come around to score three batters later when Carlos Beltran walked off after Piniella intentionally walked Delgado putting two runners on. It didn’t matter if Wright again came up small striking out because Beltran was the hero allowing his team to celebrate along with the 20,000 loyal fans who remained despite lots of wind swept rain.

There were the Mets saving their season because the Brewers a few minutes later responded with Ryan Braun’s first career grand slam in the 10th sweeping the Pirates to keep pace. You had to feel good though because they were still tied for the wild card and only a game behind the Phils, who dropped two of three to Atlanta.

Then came last night where the Marlins immediately scored a pair of runs off Mike Pelfrey beating him for the fourth time this season by a count of 6-1. The troubling aspect was it looked too easy despite all the runners the Mets left on base the first few innings against rookie Chris Volstad. They just couldn’t muster up enough energy to carry the momentum from such a magical come from behind win.

Why not? Because this is who these Mets are this season. The weirdest team in baseball. Where one day they look like a serious contender who just won’t die. And then the next, they invent tough ways to lose or lay a proverbial egg like last night putting their season on the brink with the Brewers winning a fifth straight 5-1 over the Cubs and the Phils taking care of business.

So, do they have another miracle in them? It’s not entirely up to them but you can bet they’ll try their best to take Met fans home.

Hopefully not for good.

I went to the Weezer concert Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden and wow, was I blown away! But then again, I knew they’d be awesome because they’re just a great band capable of anything.

It amazes me that they’ve never played here before. But then again, they’re laid back West coast Californian dudes used to that Hollywood lifestyle. No wonder one of their biggest hits is appropriately called, “Beverly Hills.” On cue towards the end of what was a magnificently played 20-21 set song list, here came their calling as an entire orchestra was brought out. I swear to God there had to be like 35-40 people with instruments all on the stage getting loud cheers from the energized New York crowd.

This was so weird but also pretty cool. How often do you see that many people on one stage just for a couple of songs? They also belted out “Island in the Sun” to perfection with different kinda solos. Was it a clarinet or sax? Who knows? All I knew was this was a chaotic fun filled scene where everyone seemed to be so happy as did the crowd. I was seated on the left side in 311 facing the stage. Boy. The floor was jumping the entire show and eating this up. I bet that would’ve rocked. I’ve never had floor seats before. I think pretty soon that shall change.

I just loved the atmosphere. Such energy given off by one of the very real bands left from the 90’s. The chemistry and stage presence of the rambunctious unpredictable Rivers Cuomo was on display for everyone to see. Boy. He sure is nuts. The whole concert, he’s going back and forth jumping up and down on a trampoline while jamming his guitar and belting out lyrics which pretty much everyone knew. Pure energy.

They all came out in matching white outfits. I swear it looked like one of their videos. But eventually, the lead singer stripped it off into a red jumpsuit which they all played in for the rest of the show until he finished the last few including the encore in a blue soccer t-shirt with the number 26. Though I couldn’t figure out what the heck it said cause I was too far up. Not that I cared.

They had two opening acts though I didn’t catch the first which was at 7:30 and probably played till 8. Angels & Airwaves came on at 8:30 and played eight songs including recognizable hits “Everything’s Magic,”The Adventure,” and “The War.” Here are a few of the others I was able to figure out:

“Breathe”
“Secret Crowds”
“Start the Machine”

They’re fronted by former Blink-182 lead singer Tom DeLonge and have been together for four years since Blink’s breakup when he took a break and formed AVA which is the abbreviation and also his daughter’s name. Most notably, former bandmate/drummer Travis Barker was critically injured along with celebrity disc jockey DJ AM in a plane crash last Friday which killed four crew members instantly due to burns and inhalation in South Carolina. Amazingly, they’re expected to make a full recovery from second and third degree burns. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Before I get to the rest of Weezer’s virtuoso performance, I will say that Blink-182 was a decent band featuring hits like “What’s My Age Again?-comical video,” “All The Small Things,” “I Miss You,” “Adam’s Song,” “First Date,” and “Man Overboard.” Their sound worked perfectly meshing well with DeLonge’s vocals. He has more of a squeaky voice than others which is why I’m not sure if AVA is better. They have a different sound. More complex including different instruments like keyboards to go with the drums, guitars and bass.

I think Blink was more simplistic due to their punk/pop-ish style of letting it all fly which explains shorter songs and some of the funniest videos you’ll ever see. AVA is more in depth and possesses stronger lyrics from DeLonge where he’s trying to show more emotion and widen his vocal range. I’m just not certain it works as well as his former band did. They were really popular. Though Angels & Airwaves got a nice reception when they came on and took the stage. Still, when you got a NY rock crowd, they’re looking for a louder heavier sound featuring guitar solos which is what makes Weezer so compelling. They are also a bundle of energy and I just didn’t get that same vibe with AVA. I will say everything was played tip top and DeLonge tried his best but also seemed a little quiet maybe due to being the opening act. Plus it was their first time at the Garden and it can be intimidating.

One thing about us New Yorkers. Whether it’s our sports teams or the bands/groups we go see, we can be awfully critical and tough to impress which might explain why there were even some boos when Weezer brought out DeLonge to help sing “Undone-The Sweater Song.” Many probably questioned whether he could work well with Cuomo and ratchet up the level for one of their most popular songs. But he didn’t do poorly singing along the verses and Rivers even praised him which was cool. Still, the best part was where Rivers talked to his ‘mates reenacting the beginning of the song about being a “party band” and having a good time. I loved it!

They didn’t take the stage till 9:49 but once they got on, the crowd went nuts with most getting out of our seats. And after a minute of doing some final tuning, they sure didn’t disappoint starting with a powerful rendition of “My Name Is Jonas,” off their first ever album (Blue). God. That song kicks serious ass and sounded unbelievable. Everyone was singing along. It really was great and an awesome way to begin a show which lasted an hour and a half. It’s weird cause I’ve been listening to that album a lot recently and this song has really grown on me. Truth be told, there’s not one bad track on that album.

What I learned last night was that everything they play really does sound off the charts which is when you know you got to see a great rock band. It all flowed and they never let up. That’s just not their style. Cuomo also goofed around a little. You could tell he was in a great mood and having so much fun which is how it should be at such a venue for a big show.

They belted out “Perfect Situation,” fairly early which got huge pops including from yours truly as it’s always been one of my favorite songs. The lyrics are so strong and sung with such purpose. They hit every note and the crowd was right there with them making for so much joy. Best part:

Tell me there’s a logic out there
Leaving me to better prepare
For the day that something really special might come
You tell me there’s a hope for me
I don’t wanna be lonely
For the rest of my days on the earth

It doesn’t get much better. It’s got so much emotion in it and can really apply to anyone.

They also played new hit “Pork and Beans” off their red album to strong approval. It really sounded good. Another very funny song including the mention of Timbaland being able to produce artists that reach the top of the charts. But they really don’t care and do their thing. They’re gonna do what they wanna do! Watch the video. It’s even better.

“Hash Pipe” was also played quite well and loud as usual. Another newbie “Troublemaker” kicked complete ass.

“El Scorcho,” off Pinkerton sounded tremendous. The crowd got really into it. Cuomo was good all night about involving them gesturing to the people on the floor and going back and forth working everyone into a frenzy. He has great stage presence. Also played were “The Good Life,” and “Pink Triangle” which I feel is the best from that album.

Of course also played was another one of their best “Say It Ain’t So,” from the blue album fairly early on and man, did it completely rock! It’s so hard to pick one song with them because they really are an amazing live band. But anytime you get their oldest most popular stuff, you can’t go wrong and we ate it up.

It’s tough to pick my favorite part but hearing them do two great covers was really something. First, it was Oasis’ “Morning Glory” which sounded eerily similar with Patrick Wilson on vocals while Rivers banged away on drums. And that’s a tough song to pull off because of the distinct funky sounds. But wow. Did it come close.

During the encore, after a record player was used as a prop playing, Cuomo came out and drop kicked it off the stage to plenty of laughter before the band went right into a strong cover of Nirvana’s “Sliver.” A nice tribute which they pulled off quite well.

Everyone knew what they’d conclude with but the song/video featuring Happy Days which put them on the map in the beginning. And they didn’t wait going right into “Buddy Holly” ripping through it with ease finishing off in style with the electric guitars flat on the stage still blaring. I love the way they did this video. It’s just perfect and explains so much about this quirky/nerdy rock band who first came on the scene. And really, right there I knew they’d stick around. Sometimes, you can just tell much like I did with Green Day after that vintage Woodstock performance where Billy Joe Armstrong is getting mud tossed his way and doesn’t even care jamming his electric to “When I Come Around.”

Weezer also treated us to the one and only “Suzanne” which was used prominently at the end of one of my fave comedic flicks Mallrats. It was never ever released on any album. In face, there are a bunch of unreleased tracks which you can discover over at YouTube. Believe me. They could’ve easily made a couple of more albums as the stuff was top notch.

Well, I remembered almost everything they played from the show which speaks to how great it truly was. Definitely one of the best concerts I ever went to.

Here’s some friendly advice. See them if ya can!

I like A Tribe Called Quest. Who doesn’t? They are New York through and through ringing true so ya got no god damn clue boo!

Alright. Enough with the random funny lyrics. I like to clown around sometimes cause I can. They were just smooth. Back in the day, who didn’t love and start reciting the words to “Scenario?” So tell me. What’s the scenario? That beat was so freaking cool and the words were just rhyming to perfection without needing any correction cause they had the right selection so no need to detection.

Funny thing happened as CW switched their repeats and guess what now airs at 4:30 here on the East coast? You got it! Wayans Bros. It’s hard to believe that it came out 13 years ago where Marlon and Shawn Wayans went from In Living Colour to co-starring in their own WB sitcom. John Witherspoon also was in it playing the funny Dad.

The comedy was funny cause of their silly brain schemes which never worked. Still can’t believe that debut episode featuring the one and only Gary “Whatcha Talkin’ About” Coleman for their zany idea to have him as a spokesman for their hair product which winds up burning their hair out during an off the wall infomercial gone terribly bad. Comical to say the least. It was appropriately entitled, “Goop-Hair-It-Is.”

Gee. Where could that title have come from? Haha. Not only was the show very entertaining but also featured the best theme song using A Tribe’s “Electric Relaxation.” Swicked!

That’s what I am featuring in today’s edition. So, sit back and enjoy a classic from the Quest:

A Tribe Called Quest: “Electric Relaxation”

the track is very smooth as they talk about their kinda chicks. “I like’em black, brown, Puerto Rican and Haitian.” Best line. the scene is great. classic NYC skyline with shots of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan buildings including the Twin Towers, Ferry and of course streets and a restaurant scene with it all in black and white as they look over a menu and get ready to order. But have other desserts in mind. it works!

Attempting an onside kick after you just scored to cut it to 17-14 in the first half when your D hasn’t stopped an angry motivated home opponent ain’t exactly a winning formula.

Eric Mangini has some ’spalinin’ to do.

Last night, the final baseball game was played at legendary Yankee Stadium where the Yankees gave a memorable sendoff complete with honoring their storied 105-year tradition by remembering the best players at every position who contributed to those 26 World Championships and 39 pennants.

They were almost all there on what was the last night at The House that Ruth Built. Babe Ruth hit the first home run ever when the place opened in 1923 beginning that rich history on the way to the franchise’s first ever championship. From 1923 to 2000, they won 26 altogether- two more than the Montreal Canadiens’ 24. Most in professional sports history.

Yeah, they won which was how it should be. So, what are my thoughts on it? I have too many to express right now. All I know is that place will forever be like a grand cathedral. As a Yankee fan for over 20 years, it became special to go to games. I grew up during the 1980’s when the team wasn’t winning despite boasting my all-time favorite player Don Mattingly at first along with Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson and Willie Randolph. Those teams never had enough pitching and were run during the chaotic time when George Steinbrenner was The Boss.

As Mattingly went from being baseball’s premier superstar to just a good player who dealt with a bad back, the team became awful. I can recall many a time hopping the bus, Ferry and train with my friend Ivan to go see those early 1990’s teams. Boy did they stink! We never seemed to care though as they were our Yankees and we could easily walkup and buy upper deck seats for cheap. Most of all, it was fun as we were young and enjoyed cheering on our team saving our loudest for Donnie Baseball.

We didn’t care how bad the team was. When you’re young, you just want to go to games and root on your favorite players and team. Of course, you want them to win. But it was back in the carefree days before to quote my favorite character Sean Dillon from many a Jack Higgins novel said:

“Greed ruled the day.“

How true that quote is when it comes to almost anything these days. Especially baseball. Remember when Danny Tartabull was paid handsomely at five million per year by the Yanks and Bobby Bonilla similarly with the Mets and would “show them da Bronx” because he didn’t take to Bob Klapisch during the dog days when both New York teams fizzled?

Man. I can still remember that cover on the old Sports Card Trader which was my favorite price guide before Beckett put them out of business. Ah. Things were much simpler back then.

My good friend and NY Hockey Report co-host Joe McDonald had an interesting take on the final game at The Stadium. A very different one from my innocent childhood memories when things were much more affordable and a kid could be a kid and root for the home team to win. His piece is about how a once proud Stadium which really was beautiful and a place that should’ve remained the home for the Pinstripes much like Fenway Park for the hated Red Sox and Wrigley Field for those lovable Cubs became a place where greed took it down.

And why you ask? For a new stadium across the street where tennis courts and a park were torn down keeping inner city youths from staying off the streets. Sure. In a couple of years when every last Stadium piece of memorabilia is auctioned off on ebay, there’ll be a brand new state of the art park facility complete with track, tennis courts and football and soccer fields.

Now here’s a question for the geniuses who did this for all the wrong reason$? Why did they really do it? You know the answer. For the almighty buck. Greed has once again prevailed destroying a still wonderful Stadium for their beloved new one. And certainly, it looks like it will be a very nice place as they’re constructing it like how the original first looked preaching history and tradition.

But at what cost? Have you seen what the prices were the past few years just to go? And you know what happens when the new place (I refuse to say New Stadium cause there’s only one) opens up next April?!?!?!?!?!

$$$

Now I ask who exactly will be able to afford to go see the Yankees at the new place? Not me, my wonderful Dad or my brother Justin or many average diehards. Because they’re gonna sell that place out to the higher ups who can afford the hefty raises. You know they already were getting almost 10 bucks a pop for beer. And pretty much everything was already overpriced. So, who wins? Not the hardcore baseball fan who has to feed a family of four. Those days are becoming more extinct by the second.

So, how do I feel? Sad. That’s how! Not because of the ridiculousness of this whole charade. But sad that it’s really over. The end of an Era. One which never should’ve been allowed to commence. You can’t replace Yankee Stadium. And sure. What Yogi Berra said was true during a very well put together ESPN SC feature:

“It’s not gone. The memories are forever.”

Memories like Mel Hall (who knew he was such a low life) jacking a game-winning three-run home run to beat Jeff Reardon and the Red Sox on Memorial Day. A day I’ll never forget. Me and Ivan left our older Met buddy Stu celebrating and headed for the press area where players came out and saw Wade Boggs and other Sox get on the bus. Of course there was booing and other obscenities. By the time we ventured back to his car in the lot, he was sitting on top of it.

So many times, we went and I’d always buy the scorecard which back then was two bucks. I’d score it like any real fan. I always took pride in it even though I was young and new to the scoring system.

1 was pitcher

2 was catcher

3 was first

4 = second

5 = third

6 = SS

7 = LF

8 = CF

9 = RF

There were different plays of course.

groundout to 2nd was 4-3

to 3rd across the diamond was 5-3

and SS was 6-3

double play hit to short, second to first = 6-4-3 which became known as my fave DP because of the art of the turning of it by the players. Such chemistry. even at Low-A, I witnessed a great DP combo with superb defense on display between SS Addison Maruszak and 2B David Adams. It was one of the things I enjoyed most about covering the 2008 Staten Island Yankees until I missed the final three weeks.

a pop to first is just 3

a flyout to center is 8

fly to RF is 9

to LF is 7

and so forth

What if a player flewout to left and a player tried to score from third but was thrown out?

that’s 7 for the first out. And then scored 7-2 cause it’s left fielder throwing to the catcher for an assist getting that second out (runner at plate).

In many ways, scoring a game with these cool number abbreviations is like a math formula in school. It’s almost like x = y though that’s much harder.

Then there were how to score hits, walks, strikeouts, etc.

single is a single line —-

double is 2 lines ——

——

triple is 3 lines or you can go 3b but that takes the fun out. I prefer the lines.

HR = four lines

walk = BB or W I like BB (Base on Ball)

strikeout = K or SO (K is better)

Other stuff:

hit batsmen = HP

intentional walk = IBB

wild pitch = WP

error is E and the player’s position. So if it’s an error on the second baseman, it’s E4.

shortstop would be E6

1b = E3

CF= E8

This has and will always be baseball etiquette. No wonder I took to it so well. The best game I ever scored was Dwight Gooden’s no-hitter against Seattle in 1996. I still have that scorecard saved with the ticket stubs in there up in our attic. That’s how special it was. I liked Doc growing up when he was on the Mets and also liked Darryl Strawberry, which is why it was always weird how they both wound up on the ‘96 world champion Yanks exactly a decade after leading the Amazin’s to their second world championship.

Best aspect of that no-no which came on Sock Night was I got to choose the game for free because when we went to Opening Day versus the Royals, there was some snow and icy 30 degree temps adding the new definition to early April baseball and why it’s wiser to start a little later. Just ask those fans in Coors who frequently get snowed out. It’s a Rockie tradition.

A free game and we got to see major league baseball history. How cool was that? And while Gooden made things interesting in that ninth walking a couple and hitting a batter leading to a run which meant game was on the line before he K’d Ken Griffey, Jr. and got the pop up to record one more no-hitter than the Mets have ever had. Crazy stuff. Huh? Imagine the darts being tossed at the TV set by Met fans at bars.

There also was that three-HR game from Darryl versus the White Sox which me and a few buddies from camp went to. Three straight and I promised to get drunk. It was fun!

These are the kind of memories which last forever. Like they said, passed down from generation to generation. Maybe I wasn’t there when they won one of those four World Series like buddies Ivan and Michael- the two biggest Yankee fans I know who definitely had a huge part of them die last night.

I could go on and post Mike’s email tribute to the place which Bob Sheppard made sound like God’s place. Well, that’s cause like Bob Costas, he truly was/is the Voice of God. That echo after the pronunciation of each player felt like it was coming from the sky in the Heavens above.

How else could you explain it? The guy is a legend. I don’t care how old he is. He’s been doing this forever and I sure hope he’s back next year to christen the new place even if I don’t plan to spend a dime. I can watch at home and hear that familiar voice which has been home to so many familiarizing us with our baseball heroes.

There’s much more that I want to say but need to take a break for now.

I will voice more later on why it was so special.

Only at one Stadium. Memories shall always last in our hearts.

So, I kept hearing this song play in my head but couldn’t remember what exactly it was or where I heard it. I just knew it was familiar and had heard plenty of times on Hot 97 while cruising here in NYC.

Then, it came more into focus last night because I could finally hear the familiar chorus during it hollering about hotties everywhere. And ain’t that what it’s all about?!?!?!?!?!

Honestly, I feel like this could be a breakthrough cause suddenly my conscience isn’t telling me to not go for it. And well, there’s something just about this song which gets me energized. For the first time in over a week, I actually feel good again and motivated. It’s about damn time!

Anyway, I’m referring to another one of Chris Brown’s hot tracks from the past year. I think this is one of his best along with “With You” which I featured this past summer. Darn. Summer’s basically done. When did that happen? Nevermind.

So, here’s one of my fave songs and a fly video as well from one of R&B’s finest:

Chris Brown fea. T-Pain: “Kiss Kiss”

like the whole radio scene at the start and school is just perfect with even the teacher dancing. and come on. who ain’t stopping to stare at that chick?!?!?!?!?!

fave part:

Shawty let me holla at you
you so hot-hot-hot-hot
you think I’d be holing
if you not-not-not-not
I’m king of the town
you can take a look around
Teddy Penderazzdown
is the spot-spot-spot-spot

-The Met bats finally awakened tonight in the nation’s cap slugging four home runs including a pair from Carlos Beltran with his solo shot late proving large because no lead is ever safe with that pigpen. A game they led 8-2 suddenly became 8-5 on an Elijah Dukes two-run shot in the Nats’ seventh. Beltran responded with his 26th restoring order. He quietly has put together a good final two months and is up to 106 RBI’s.

Still, any Amazin fan knew the game wasn’t over when the ninth rolled around. Who exactly can Jerry Manuel trust to finish games at this point? The luster has come off waiver pickup Luis Ayala. So, he trotted out Joe Smith, who proceeded to put the first two on thanks to a David Wright error and a walk. Then after Pedro Feliciano got two straight, he allowed a two-run single to Wil Nieves making things a little too close for comfort forcing Manuel to opt for the team’s eighth pitcher of the night Ayala. The ex-Nat got the job done striking out pinch hitter Roger Bernadina with an outside 2-2 heater to pickup his eighth save and temporarily allow their fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

-While the pesky Nats were chipping away at their lead making things tough, the Phillies scored four in the first and went on to a 6-1 win in Atlanta for a sixth consecutive win remaining half a game up for the division.

-Don’t look now but the Marlins apparently forgot that they’re supposed to be out of it. Instead, they used three homers including a pair from star shortstop Hanley Ramirez and a Jorge Cantu grand slam to rout the fading Astros 14-2 remaining five out of the WC and now a game behind the Astros who haven’t won since Hurricane Ike going 0-4 when it looked like they had all sorts of momentum. As for Florida, they’ll just have to keep winning and hope for help until that final three-game series of the season at Shea.

-The Brewers are on the verge of closing out the Cubs leading 6-1 in the ninth. Prince Fielder had a bases clearing first inning double and teammates J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart knocked in the other half in the seventh to give them some breathing room in a game Ben Sheets lasted just two innings due to right shoulder tightness. Can you say buyer beware this winter? Assuming Salomon Torres gets the final two outs, it would snap their losing skid at five and keep them half a game behind the Mets.

Update: Torres gets the final out keeping Milwaukee a half game out of the WC.

-The Diamondbacks are aiming for their third in a row hoping to gain a game on the Dodgers, who lost in Pittsburgh by a football score of 15-8. They lead the Giants 6-3 in support of 20-game winner Brandon Webb, who helped his own cause with a two-run double in a five-run second to get himself off the hook. Justin Upton also went yard. If they win, they’d be within three and a half of first.

-How resilient are the Rays anyway? They get smoked the first game of a crucial three-game home set against the Red Sox but then hold Boston to a run last night pushing across the winner on a walkoff and then follow it up with a convincing 10-3 win highlighted by three homers including three hits and a homer from utility man Willy Aybar, who seems to have found a home following stints with the Dodgers and Braves. Did we mention he’s only 25? So much for teams preaching patience. The Rays are now two up on Boston for the AL East. What a great story.

-Some more history was made in the Bronx when Alex Rodriguez followed a Johnny Damon three-run shot with an opposite solo blast of his own in a four-run eighth becoming the first player in MLB history to hit at least 35 home runs, drive in 100 and score 100 in 12 seasons surpassing Babe Ruth. In fact, he also broke Sammy Sosa’s (1995-2004) record of at least 35 dingers by making it 11 in a row (1998-2008). Congrats to a great player on this accomplishment.

As for the game, the Yanks played spoiler beating the first place White Sox 5-1. Phil Hughes finally returned to the mound for the first time in almost five months working the first four frames permitting one earned on four hits while walking a pair and fanning four on 89 pitches (57 strikes). Not bad but four innings? How overcautious can this organization get? Remember when Hughes and Ian Kennedy were locks for the rotation? Now look what’s happened. Kennedy’s disappeared to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton probably exiled and they don’t even have enough confidence to let their prize pitching prospect go at least five. Would you trust this braintrust with your top pitching prospects?!?!?!?!?!

-How is it that the Mets who were supposed to have exactly zero top pitchers in their farm can let 21 year-old Jonathon Niese go eight innings in his second start without giving up as much as a run while striking out seven? Did we mention he was a 2005 seventh round pick? Not a first round “can’t miss.”

-Phil Coke has pitched well for the Bronx Bombers since coming up tossing 10 scoreless in middle relief including two tonight. Is it cause they didn’t rush the once rumored pitcher in the Xavier Nady deal allowing him to develop at the age of 26?

-I like Brett Favre but how many times do we have to hear him defend that god awful conservative play calling against the Pats from near the goal line with three straight runs? How do you think this Jets team will fare against an angry San Diego bunch out West on Monday Night? They’re nine point underdogs. Think Darren Sproles’ eyes are lighting up?

-It sure didn’t take long for the Vikings to pull the plug on this Tarvaris Jackson experiment after falling to 0-2 making Week 3 at home versus 2-0 Carolina critical. But I was under the assumption anyone could QB Minnesota with Adrian Peterson doing the running and lead them to the NFC Title Game. Would you trust Gus Frerotte to run your ship? I can already hear the Viking ship sinking. Why didn’t they give Chad Pennington a call? Ya know. They’re QB situation is so dire that they ought to consider giving Randall Cunningham a call.

-The Chiefs are going with somebody by the name of Tyler Thigpen at Atlanta. Gee wiz. This team just might be even worse than co-host Jeff Bashlor thinks. Paging Steve DeBerg. Paging Joe Montana. Paging Steve Bono. Is anyone home? Ya know what’s sad is they can’t even blame this one on Herm “Play To Win Da Game” Edwards. Who would’ve ever thought staying with the Jets would be such a better option?

-Hockey training camps have begun! I just wanted you and especially diehard puck fan John “JPG” Giagnorio to know.

-If hockey had any common sense, they’d go global like soccer and tennis. Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Why on God’s earth would you who loves the sport say this?’ Because like the other two sports, it’s more popular all over the world. How many diehard hockey fans are there really in The States? Soccer is more popular in Europe. So too is tennis which explains why three of the four grand slams are played in Australia, Paris and London.

Hockey is a sport only real fans love. And while there are enough to support teams here and especially north of the border, just think how ga ga fans in Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Russia would go if they suddenly had teams competing for the Stanley Cup. It already travels all over the world due to the global impact. Perhaps it’s time for the league to really consider expanding and having a World Conference or Division. Why shouldn’t players such as Jaromir Jagr of OMSK be able to still compete for Lord Stanley? It also would eliminate the Alexander Radulov hearing. Just the NHL being lame.

It might sound crazy but I’d seriously explore it. Let all the European teams play each other with the winner advancing. And ditto for North America. The definition of a Stanley Cup with the best in the world competing.

-Tune into my Hard Hits show tonight. It’s sure to be unscripted and totally out there.

Live 12 midnight to 1:30 AM