-Get ready for the U.S. Open preview. That’s right. We’ll be talking tennis as the sport’s final grand slam kicks off in two days. Who will reign supreme in NYC? Andy Roddick? Roger Federer? Rafa Nadal? Andy Murray? Or might Novak Djokovic or Juan Martin Del Potro win his first major? What about former winner Marat Safin’s final tournament? Can he surprise Del Potro and make one more run? Can Serena repeat making it three slams this year and four of the last five? Or will Dinara Safina finally break through? Can Elena Dementieva or Jelena Jankovic win a major? Does Venus have what it takes to take Manhattan? Or will comebacking former champ Kim Clijsters pick her off? Is Maria Sharapova healthy enough to challenge? Perhaps a sleeper like Flavia Pennetta or Marin Cilic emerges. All these questions will get answered.

-Speaking of under the radar, keep a close eye on American Sam Querrey, who’s been playing some good tennis lately including a recent win over Roddick and might take the tuneup in New Haven.

-Does a fading James Blake who’s down to No.21 have something left to make some noise? We’ll see.

-I don’t get too excited for preseason but the annual Jets/Giants clash is always an entertaining watch for the fan reaction alone.

-If it were me, I’d have waited before naming Mark Sanchez over Kellen Clemens. But something tells me Rex Ryan has a lot of his Dad in him. Meet the New Boss. Same as the Old Boss.

-I have to agree with WFAN’s Steve Somers. Why pull Pat Misch after seven on 96 pitches when he’s held the lifeless Cubs in check? There’s not much else for the wounded Mets to play for than pride. Would it have hurt to send him out for the eighth? Instead, goats Milton Bradley and Alfonso Soriano helped Sweet Lou’s underachieving club rally for four off reliever Brian Stokes.  Well, at least Craig Carton’s happy.

-It’s always nice to see Robinson Cano do something rare like deliver in a big spot as his walkoff three-run jack in extras sent the Yanks to another come from behind win. Hope the second baseman saves a couple for October.

-Speaking of which, does any Bronx Bomber fan want to see those pesky Angels in October now that they’ve added southpaw Scott Kazmir? Yikes.

-I guess Kazmir became the odd man out in Tampa with James Shields, Matt Garza, Jeff Niemann, Andy Sonnastine and David Price still in the rotation. It’s still a nice pickup for the Halos who add Kazmir to John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders.

-He won’t win MVP again like Dustin Pedroia did in a down year but Derek Jeter has put together an incredible season. At age 35, the Yankee captain still performs at a peak level belying his years. Just more proof of what hard work and true dedication are all about.

-Until further notice, MVP is Joe Mauer with Mark Teixeira, Jeter, Michael Young, Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins, Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Pena all in the discussion. And to be fair, Ichiro continues to defy logic and deserves votes.

-Too bad for Hanley Ramirez that Albert Pujols is in the same league. Rounding out the list are Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Matt Kemp and Brian McCann.

-How many young players are as polished as Andrew McCutchen? They might suck but the Pirates at least have someone to build around. All cause they didn’t rush him.

-LVP Candidates:

AL-Vernon Wells, Jose Guillen, Grady Sizemore

NL-Soriano/Bradley, Jose Reyes, Edgar Renteria

-Cy Young Race:

AL-Zach Greinke, Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez, C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay

NL-Chris Carpenter, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Jason Marquis, Javier Vazquez

-I know it’s rating-sessed but could ESPN please refrain from any more exclusives with LeBron?

-I don’t care about Brett Favre and hope he fails.

-If he’s their best weapon, why can’t the Jets give Leon Washington some love?

-Expect a big season from Steve Smith in Big Blue. We like him for at least 70 receptions.

-Brandon Marshall’s just the latest example of a me-first athlete who doesn’t get it. I don’t care how talented you are. Just shutup and play for your teammates.

-I’ve never been a big TO fan but at least he backs it up and never gets in trouble.

-We’ll miss ya Ted Kennedy. The last of a rich legacy.

-Am I the only one who smiles when Tiger chokes?

-Gordon Beckham’s a keeper at the hot corner for the Chisox.

-Assuming David Lee holds out and Nate Robinson still ain’t signed, just what kind of team are the Knicks planning on fielding?

-Quentin Richardson just got traded again.

-Rick Pitino cheated and got caught. So what. This stuff happens. But he needs to stop making excuses. Stick to hoops.

-That Coach Calipari sure is a great example for Kentucky.

-Should we just hand Tim Tebow the Heisman and the Gators the BCS already?

-Hockey training camp is around the corner which means tropical storms are here to stay.