As usual, it wasn’t easy for the Knicks after giving up a preposterous 68 points in the first half to the Nets. Alright. As J-Beck says, Knicks/Nets is a rivalry even if it’s not quite on the level of Rangers/Devils or even Yankees/Mets. And those who know me know I hardly view Yanks/Mets that way because they’re in different leagues. Unless they’re facing each other more than six times a la the Glory Days when this town ruled baseball, it really shouldn’t matter.

Back to the Knicks, who outscored the Nets 62-48 in the second half to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. Embarrassing would be one way to describe the first 24 minutes where the Nets got whatever they wanted. Deron Williams returned after six games to rest his wrist and sparkled throughout. The Nets scored at will in the paint with Brook Lopez and Kris “Kardashian” Humphries cleaning up. When Anthony Morrow wasn’t connecting from downtown (4 triples) en route to a team high 30, Lopez and Humphries shared a dunk-a-thon to Bronx cheers from The Garden.

Sure. Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were in synch- combining for 95 points. But without better attention on the defensive side, they don’t post their second straight win. Something Billups made sure to point out after what must’ve been a heated locker room at the break.

“This was a big game for us. We’ve got a lot to lose, they don’t. They just looked like they wanted it more than we did and we talked about that,” Mr. Big Shot said. “We came out immediately in the second half and just kind of turned the tide, momentum kind of went our way.”

When they all agreed that their first half was ‘unacceptable,’ that bodes well. A couple of nights after struggling to put away a shorthanded Magic, they knew they had to follow up with another ‘W.’ You knew the Nets would come hard. Especially with Deron back running the show to the tune of 22 points, eight dimes and eight rebounds. The kind of performance the electrifying former Utah All-Star’s capable of even if he missed a gimme that may have forced overtime in the waning seconds.

“I thought he was off a little bit, but man, he made some big plays for us,” Nets coach Avery Johnson noted. “Big shots, timely 3′s, good assists. But you could see there at the end, maybe he just ran out of gas a little bit.”

“Hopefully as we get better and mature, we can form a better rivalry,” Williams added.

Perhaps if Williams didn’t rush his final shot when he was more open than thought, it’s a different story. The do everything floor general also took a quick three in the final minute that didn’t come close. It was a couple of days prior that Billups forced up a three that allowed Orlando to force OT. Those types of baffling decisions are what frustrate us most about today’s game. Too often, star calibre talent are settling instead of taking the rock hard to the rim. As Justin said, what’s the rush? Use more clock and work for the good shot. Something Gene Hackman’s infamous Norman Dale would emphasize to Hickory in the classic Hoosiers.

It was the Knicks who got the job done, isolating Melo against Net waste of space Travis Outlaw for an easy deuce from about eight away on the left baseline. That’s where Anthony makes his living, reaching unguardable status in the game. Now, we’re seeing his best with three consecutive 35+ performances, becoming the third NBA player to accomplish that this season (Monta Ellis, LaMarcus Aldridge).

“It feels good, especially right now, the time that it’s happening,” a pleased Melo stated. “Must-win situations, games that we really need coming down the stretch, getting into the playoffs, it’s almost perfect timing for me to get into a groove like that.”

The Knicks (37-38) are now 9-12 with the former Nugget megastar. So much of it depends on Billups’ legs. When he returned from injury, the team struggled with Chauncey unable to guard anyone and inconsistent offensively. Last night, the big trio was more balanced, spreading the floor and creating better spacing.

While the offensive explosion was nice to see, credit Mike D’Antoni for utilizing Shelden Williams off the bench a fourth straight game. The big man provided a lift with solid D while also finishing strong twice. Jared Jeffries also atoned for his blunder with an outstanding effort, grabbing seven boards, four steals and even setting up teammates twice. Vet backup Anthony Carter also saw some big minutes in the final stanza, netting four and handing out five assists- even working well with Billups.

On a night they got nothing from Landry Fields and little production from supersub Toney Douglas, the orange and blue did what had to be done. We’d still like to see the talented rookie from Stanford look more comfortable with the more star-studded lineup. They must remember to involve Fields, who does many things well but suddenly isn’t as noticeable since the big trade that sent cohesive ex-mates Ray Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Timofy Mozgov to Denver.

In order for these Knicks to have any postseason success, they’ll need Fields to contribute. Finding the right chemistry is essential along with putting together a consistent 48 minutes on both ends. It’s still a work in progress but at least they’re finding ways to win.

The Knicks needed someone to step up in Chauncey Billups’ place last night. The answer turned out to be Toney Douglas, who inspired the orange and blue to an easy 107-88 home win over the uninspired Hornets.

Douglas, who now backs up Billups was told by Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony to be more assertive. The second-year guard out of Florida State had taken a step back since the trade, trying to fit in. That’s not what Mike D’Antoni wants from the valuable sixth man who’s instant offense off the bench. Cast into a starting role with Billups sidelined with a bruised hip, the ’09 first round pick exploded for 24 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, leading a balanced attack to its third win in five during the New Era.

“He’s deferring his game to the big three and you could see him and he’s not being Toney Douglas,” D’Antoni stated. “And Toney Douglas comes with a lot of good stuff, comes with some playmaking deficiencies, but that’s him. He has to accept that, try to get better at it, but he can’t all of a sudden become a setup kind of guy and not get into his game.”

Douglas started off by taking the rock strong to the hole for nifty finishes. He also dialed up from long distance, draining a pair of three’s for 10 first quarter points. It was part of a big night that saw him tie with Stoudemire with 24 while ‘Melo notched 22. Even better, Douglas also distributed the ball, pacing the Knicks with five dishes in a well balanced attack that saw all five starters register at least four dimes. The Knicks as a team had 28 assists to the Hornets’ 19. A nice ratio.

Rookie Landry Fields also hit double digits with 10, including a trey while picking up three rebounds and four assists. D’Antoni reinserted Ronny Turiaf into the starting lineup, allowing Shawne Williams to come off the bench where he’s more comfortable. Not surprisingly, the revelation had 16 including four triples in 27-plus minutes.

In his first game back in the Big Apple, Jared Jeffries didn’t score but did his job by pulling down six boards, including four on the offensive glass in 24 minutes. Precisely the reason the Knicks brought the gritty power forward back. He didn’t get much time in Houston. Now, the former Indiana standout gets a new lease on life with a coach he’s familiar with. It should be a great fit, that will benefit the team who needs more length and strength.

For the Hornets who’ve been an enigma this season, it’s hard to describe why they weren’t ready to go. Chris Paul isn’t happy and obviously wants to move to Broadway to team with buddies ‘Melo and Amar’e. But that’s still at least a year and a half away unless he forces a trade. CP3 is as gifted a point guard in the game but hasn’t been the same since an injury that sidelined him much of last season.

Given how well Billups is working with ‘Melo and Stoudemire, perhaps the Knicks should just stay put. Of course, Billups is older. So, there will be change in the future. But let’s enjoy Mr. Big Shot while we have him. As clutch a performer as the game has. Money.

Last night, the Knicks lost to the Magic 116-110 in Orlando. It wasn’t too startling that the new look orange and blue couldn’t follow up their big win over the Heat with another against Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Not surprisingly, D-Howard had his way inside finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks. The big man has been hot lately. So, he did what was expected against our smaller lineup minus a legit big. Maybe if they get Marc Gasol in the offseason, that changes. But don’t look now as the Grizzlies off a big win over the Spurs are in the playoffs if it ended today. Not that anyone should expect him to re-up there. Do the Knicks have enough space for Pau’s younger, underrated brother? That remains to be seen.

The Knicks led much of the way last night, even taking an 11-point lead to the locker room courtest of a tweet from Patrick McEnroe. It’s always refereshing when a famous person responds back. Cool stuff from one of tennis’ best analysts.

Unfortunately, the Knicks couldn’t hold off the Magic who got a huge second half from Jameer Nelson with the former Temple standout exploding for 23 points after halftime. He only had three prior. I’ve always maintained that Nelson is the guy you have to contain. Howard will get his points. It’s just a matter of keeping his sidekicks in check. The Knicks held Jason Richardson to eight. No other Orlando starter hit double digits.

Easy win, right? Wrong. Orlando took full advantage of their bench, outscoring the Knicks 44-11 with J.J. Redick, Ryan Anderson and Quentin Richardson (seriously) combining for 38 of the 44. Even Chris Duhon gave Stan Van Gundy some important minutes, chipping in with a bucket and dropping five dimes.

There in lies the dilemma for the star-studded Knicks who now are basically three stars. In Game Four of the New Era, Chauncey Billups, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony combined for 86 of the club’s 110.  It’s great when your best players are your best. However, when you get little from almost everybody else sans other starters Landry Fields (6 and 11) and Shawne Williams (8 and 6), it’s usually not a winning formula.

By now, everyone knows the Knicks bench was seriously weakened when they made the ‘Melo trade. It’s up to Mike D’Antoni to find the right combos to alleviate pressure from his dynamic trio. Complicating matters, Billups, who’s been the best player since the trade, suffered a bruised hip courtesy of a Howard pick. The former Finals MVP won’t play tonight against another tough opponent in Chris Paul and the Hornets, who visit The Garden soon.

Here’s a chance to see what ‘Melo and Amar’e can do minus the new floor general. It probably means an expanded role for long distance shooter Toney Douglas. Look for vet backup Anthony Carter to get back in D’Antoni’s rotation. Does he start over Douglas? Bill Walker has also been providing a boost off the bench. He’ll need to continue that trend tonight.

It should be noted that the Knicks already beat the Hornets at New Orleans last December 100-92 behind 34 and 10 boards from Stoudemire- extending their dominance over Paul and Co. to five straight. That was a different team though with complements Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, plus Ray Felton, who have combined to make Denver 3-1 since moving off Broadway.

This will be a true test to see where the Knicks are. Especially minus Billups’ leadership. He’s largely responsible for their two wins. Now, there’s a void not only in the middle but at the one. Can they overcome that? The bench just might have to take on a larger role.

Maybe it will work after all in the Big Apple for ‘Melo and Amar’e. That’s because the overlooked star in the much hyped blockbuster trade at last week’s NBA deadline, Chauncey Billups has shown up ready to ball.

In three games thus far, it’s Mr. Big Shot’s leadership and intangibles that have stood out. After nearly carrying his new team to victory in Cleveland, Billups once again stepped up in crunch time- helping the orange and blue stun the Big Three and the rest of the Heat 91-86 last night in South Beach. For most of the first half, it looked like the new Knicks just weren’t in Miami’s league. Then, down by 15 with nothing going right, they stunned the Heat with a 16-0 run closing the half up one courtesy of Bill Walker’s playground three-point banker.

Just like that, the Knicks led 51-50. However, it didn’t last long as the Heat reestablished momentum by coming out with a 10-2 run. They led for most of the night and were in good position to make it three for four on the season against Mike D’Antoni’s guys. The difference was they played D-Fence, apparently heeding my text  message I sent to a few buddies prior to getting back in it.

On a night Amar’e Stoudemire had a workman like 16 and 10 boards, it was the play of Carmelo Anthony along with ex-Nugget running ‘mate Billups who rode the Knicks to victory.  Taking over down the stretch with their team trailing 84-78 with a few minutes left, ‘Melo and Billups made all the winning plays to stun LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh. Anthony sank a pair of free throws to cut it to four and then Billups hit a tough runner which he was fouled on. But the Knicks didn’t get calls all night. So, they were down two.

After another stop, here came the biggest sequence when Billups held the ball as Stoudemire got position. With Wade plkaying off him in case of the double, it gave Mr. Big Shot enough room to fire a deep trey that hit nothing but net. Just like that:

KNICKS 85 HEAT 84

It became even better when Billups stole the ball from LeBron and set up trailer Shawne Williams, who after missing the gimme, made both free throws to put them up three. The Knicks had run off nine straight until LeBron’s hard drive allowed him to hit two freebies while being booed at the line by a strong New York contingent. The Heat don’t have fans. Just frauds who couldn’t even fill up the empties close to courtside. Between their cheesy PA announcer urging them on and how quiet it was all game in primetime on ESPN, you’d have mistaken it for a funeral.

Maybe that explained the final two possessions. After Williams dropped a Billups entry pass off an in-bounds with less than 13 seconds to go, Miami had a great chance to win it. Instead, Amar’e came flying in to block James’ driving lay-up, neatly pinning it against the glass to Williams, who was fouled. The Knicks’ secret shooting guard whose minutes have hiked since Danilo Gallinari’s departure, cooly sank a pair making it 89-86.

One more opportunity for the star-studded Heat to force overtime. But instead of using LeBron as a decoy and having him set up reliable deep threat Eddie House or even Mike Miller, they isolated James and he took a contested three by Anthony, which never had a chance. Two more Williams’ free throws gave the Knicks an emphatic win, responding to the misery in Cleveland that led D’Antoni to practice extra hard on D.

All in all, a step in the right direction for this new batch of superstars still getting better acquainted. The win also made the Heat 5-11 in games decided by 5-or-less. Problem for them is you can’t put the ball in everyone’s hands. For our money, Wade’s a better one-on-one player down the stretch. But now, it’s James’ team. That didn’t work in Cleveland. Will it in Miami? We’ll see.

The Knicks are back at it tomorrow against red hot Dwight Howard and the Magic. How will they deal with the big man? A great question considering the lack of a true center. It should be interesting.

Game Two of the Melo Era didn’t go as smoothly as the superstar’s home Knicks debut which included a cool separate intro with the former Syracuse standout donning the unfamiliar No.7 with the spotlight on him Broadway style. His 27 and 10 including a pair of tough shots helped his new team close out the Bucks  the other night.

Instead, a reality check came for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Amar’e Stoudemire last night in Cleveland of all places with the Cavs outgunning the Knicks 115-110 minus new acquisition Baron Davis. Nobody said it would be all roses for these new look Knicks who still remind of that old familiar feel in Coach Mike No’D'Antoni’s run ‘n gun philosophy.

In Game Two, Melo struggled after a strong 16-point first quarter, finishing with just 11 the rest of the way, including a measly deuce in crunch time. Not what you expect from one of the game’s best finishers. However, it was partially due to Billups, who after getting zilch in the first half, exploded for 26 with 18 coming in the final stanza. Billups and Stoudemire did the bulk of the scoring, combining for 28 of the orange and blue’s 24 in the fourth.

Trouble was they couldn’t get any stops at the other end. With Melo forced to guard the bigger Antawn Jamison (28 Pts, 13 Rebs) and Stoudemire unable to contain J.J. Hickson (24 and 15, 5 Blks), the Knicks simply couldn’t get it done down the stretch against one of the NBA’s worst teams. Sure, the Cavs have produced upsets like a recent home win over the Lakers but that also was due to a long road trip due to the Grammy’s. What were the Knicks’ excuses?

One of the problems last night was the Knicks’ inability to stop Ramon Sessions’ dribble penetration with the lightning quick guard getting into the lane at will, finding open ‘mates for easy scores. Anthony Parker also hurt New York by converting some tough shots while going an efficient five of six from the field for 16 points.

Most disturbing was the edge on the glass with the Cavs dismantling the Knicks 62-42, featuring 19 offensive rebounds to our 13. One of the problems D’Antoni’s new guys will have going forward is the lack of a true starting center. Ronny Turiaf’s all heart but just isn’t capable of providing reliable minutes. Bringing in Jared Jeffries or Earl Barron probably won’t change that much. But at least it will be another fresh body.

Aside from that, D’Antoni must decide what his rotation will be with only Tony Douglas proven off the bench. Renaldo Balkman got in last night but was a step slow picking up fouls. What about Corey Brewer and is Sheldon Williams out completely?

A daunting task for the coaching staff with tough road tests at Miami tomorrow in primetime and Orlando coming up.

Who is the better superstar? It looks like we’re about to find out. A couple of days after the Knicks closed their long awaited blockbuster trade with the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, the Nets responded by making one of their own, acquiring Deron Williams from the Jazz earlier today.

Both are two top 10 players you build your franchise around. Though the Knicks are further along with Melo set to team with Amar’e Stoudemire beginning tonight in what will be a circus-like atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when the orange and blue host the Bucks on Legends Night. Yep. Talk about great timing. The likes of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and popular Knick John Starks will all be in the building for Day One of Melo Madness. The Knicks’ new savior is being introduced now at a gala press conference.

So, did Jazzy Jim overpay for Melo? Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is the price of gasoline insane? Of course, the foolish MSG owner panicked when the Nets played poker, making Denver a better offer chock full of potential lottery picks along with last year’s first rounder Derrick Favors and Devin Harris. Ironically, that same package wound up in Salt Lake City for Williams, who is arguably the best point guard in the league though we prefer Rajon Rondo.

What’s better to have? A franchise point guard or two of the best finishers along with a championship proven floor general in Chauncey Billups? It all depends on who you root for. The Nets are clearly in rebuilding mode, having also dumped Troy Murphy on Golden State for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric. With Williams ready to team with center Brooke Lopez despite being unhappy after forcing Jerry Sloan into retirement, the Nets become much better. They now have one of the best one’s in the game who makes others around him better. But is he a coach killer? The Nets and quirky Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov hope not. Avery Johnson is a good coach who knows what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. He may not be as demanding as Sloan but is cut out of the same mold.

The Nets risked three first round picks with potential lottery value for an unhappy player who isn’t signed after 2012. Will the gamble pay off? They must get Williams to buy into their plan for the future. Figure Dwight Howard to be at the top of the list.

While the Nets’ future remains cloudy, the Knicks coughed up half of MSG for the self-serving Melo. Sure. He’s one of the premier scorers in the game, able to beat opponents inside and out better than LeBron James, who too often drifts to the perimeter. Anthony is great at getting to the line and will relieve pressure from Stoudemire, who’s had to carry the load for the 28-26 Knicks, who sit sixth in the East. If Billups buys in to Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, then it will work. But it’s hard to see a half court veteran who likes playing D fitting in. The subtraction of a younger and faster Ray Felton might hinder the Knicks if Billups isn’t happy.

Anthony doesn’t play much defense and neither does Amar’e, who at least can block shots as will injury prone new starting center Ronny Turiaf. While a top four of Billups, Melo, Amar’e and bright rookie Landry Fields is great, questions linger about their bench. Sure. No ‘D’ uses a thin rotation, which can force his stars to play mega minutes. But without a reliable bench, there’s little shot at winning anything. Even if the time table isn’t to challenge for a championship now, you know Knick fans’ expectations have increased. No longer is it only about making the playoffs but seeing how far this star-laden team can go. All contingent on the chemistry on and off the court.

Gone are baby faces Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler who were part of the 13-player monster trade that also involved the Timberwolves who took Eddy Curry and bust Anthony Randolph for key piece Corey Brewer. Figure Brewer to get some minutes under D’Antoni. Also gone are Felton and Russian big Timofey Mozgov, who the organization was reluctant to part with. That all changed once Dolan stepped in with rival Prokhorov looming.

This is a turf war. Especially with the future of the Nets in Brooklyn, who have strong basketball roots. So, the Knicks coughed up the kitchen sink including a 2014 first round pick, two second rounders plus cash just to deliver Anthony here along with Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams and former Knick draft pick Renaldo Balkman, who makes his triumphant return. What Knick fan isn’t excited about that?!?!?!?! And Balkman plays D and is a bundle of energy. Play him No ‘D!’

So, who wins? We won’t know for a while. The Knicks are further along in terms of contending now that they got two superstars. But the Celtics, Heat and Bulls are still ahead. It won’t be easy but it sure will be exciting to watch. Even if this blogger hated how much they parted with, how can you not get pumped up for this?

Knicks versus Nets never had more meaning. Melo vs Deron. Who will rule NYC first? Just wait and see.

-So, it’s been a while since I actually updated about sports. Been in a lyrical mode ever since my homie Lyndzay passed away. Hard to believe it’s been almost two months. I’ve paid tribute to the special person you are with poems/works and even bought your sandwich. The Futuristic. It’s still hard no matter what but I know you’re up there watching over us. One Love.

The World Cup is finally Spain's thanks to some late theatrics.

-Congrats to Spain on winning their first ever World Cup, edging Netherlands 1-0 in extra time. The hero was Andres Iniesta, who took a pass from Cesc Fabregas and blasted it past Maarten Stekelenburg with only a few minutes to spare- touching off a celebration. Iniesta slid to the ground and was mobbed by teammates. They’d hold off the Dutch for the remainder which included three extra minutes.

Unfortunately for Arjen Robben, he only got a couple of chances as Spain keyed on him in a hotly contested, physical match that featured plenty of fouls, yellow cards and even a red to John Heitinga in the second extra period which didn’t help Holland.

The Spanish were the aggressor controlling possession. Still, they found themselves deadlocked against a feisty opponent who did whatever they could to keep it scoreless. Quite a few hard fouls that prevented glorious chances, leading to kicks including one try that sailed high and wide. Spain also had another great opportunity but a sliding Stekelenburg stoned Fabregas point blank in extras. Robben came back the other way for a great chance but was blocked. There also was a close call where he would’ve been in all alone but was correctly whistled offside.

Iniesta’s winner came after the refs accidentally incorrectly ruled that Wesley Sneijder’s wide attempt went out of bounds without it touching anyone. However, replays showed that it deflected off a Spain player and out which would’ve meant a corner for Netherlands. Instead, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas quickly made a good goal kick that led directly to the World Cup decider. With the Dutch caught, Spain completed a three-on-two with Fabregas passing across for Iniesta who didn’t disappoint, kicking it inside the right post for 1-0 in the 115th minute.

The right team won. Even if they screwed up. At least such a competitive championship game didn’t go to kicks. Congrats again to Spain on winning their first World Cup in the tournament’s 80-year history. Thanks again to Univision for outstanding coverage that dwarfs our country. And with Espana winning, the Spanish announcers went bonkers. What a great day for them. And of course, a memorable month that also saw tennis’ best player Rafael Nadal win his second Wimbledon last week. Not bad.

-I’m not gonna say much right now about it. Only that LeBron is LeFraud. Think it pretty much speaks for itself. ESPN is an embarrassment.

-That out of the way, I’m actually excited about the Knicks. Yeah. They overpaid A’mare Stoudemire in years and dough-5 for $100 million. But the former Sun wanted to be here and reunites with Mike D’Antoni while filling a need in the paint. Sure. The contract is risky for an injury prone big who’s battled knee and eye problems. But he’ll fit in nicely, running the floor, finishing with authority and providing an interior presence. 

Along with the sign and trade of David Lee to Golden State for a package that included Anthony Randolph, the Knicks are going in a different direction. With Ray Felton about to sign and sophomore Tony Douglas backing up, the orange and blue finally seem to have a plan. Don’t forget emerging star Danillo Galinari and athletic deluxe Wilson Chandler. This is a young nucleus who should made basketball at the Garden fun again. That’s what we’ve been looking for.

-So, the Nets’ big plan was to court LeFraud, fail miserably and then sign Travis Outlaw and Jordan Farmar. No offense. But how’s that big ad Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay Z took out across from MSG working out?!?!?!?!

-If a larger than life egomaniac barely even discussed puppet Jim Gray’s question about playing in the Big Apple, then he didn’t ever consider it. I don’t know about you but I don’t want guys like that on my team.

-RIP Bob Sheppard. The Voice Of God will always be synonymous with Yankee Stadium. When you heard the legendary Yankee PA announcer introduce lineups, you felt a Godly presence in the Bronx that’s hard to describe. There was just a feeling at the ballpark. It’s like everything stopped. Bob Sheppard will always be the Yankees’ only voice. God bless.

-Can someone explain how there are so many Yankees on the AL roster? I root for them but it’s ridiculous that Derek Jeter is on the team. And hell. Even Nick Swisher over Kevin Youkilis is a bit much even if the likeable right fielder deserves it. It’s about time they ditched the All-Star Game.

-The Mets got a second straight huge outing from Johan Santana, who followed up a shutout with seven more scoreless in a 3-0 win to salvage the last game of a series versus first place Atlanta. Instead of falling six games out and slipping behind suddenly resurgent Philly, the Amazin’s sit second four back. They are in it because of All-Stars David Wright and Jose Reyes, who each have had big first halfs.

However, without the production from rookie first baseman Ike Davis along with unsung heroes Angel Pagan and R.A. Dickey, they’d be sunk. Full marks to Jerry Manuel for keeping his team in it after a rough start. These Mets are resilient and easy to admire. Fasten your seatbelts for a great second half pennant race.

-I admit I was glad when Cliff Lee went to Texas even if it seems awfully strange how it happened after it sounded like they agreed to a deal with the Yanks that featured Jesus Montero, David Adams and Zach McAllister. I covered the latter two and really feel McAllister could crack the Yankee rotation in 2012. Starting pitching ain’t the problem. Relief and another bat remain needs. Besides, why sacrifice prospects when the biggest payroll can just flash the wallet at Lee this November?

-Is Joba still better than Phil Hughes?!?!?!?!?!

-Robby Cano’s having a great year but the MVP is Miguel Cabrera’s to lose.

-Ilya Kovalchuk, can you please make up your mind before September?