The Phillies are at it again acquiring Hunter Pence from the Astros yesterday.

What is it about the City Of Brotherly Love that attracts star athletes? With the lone exception of the 76ers, Philadelphia sports teams are on a roll. Whether it’s the Flyers grabbing headlines by trading both Mike Richards and Jeff Carter to clear room for latest new goalie Ilya Bryzgalov or the Eagles slipping in the back door to land Jet corner target Nnamdi Asomugha, it’s become all about Philly. Speaking of which, the Phillies are at it again, making another big splash in dealing for former Astro right fielder Hunter Pence yesterday.

Before we get into the steep price the Phils were willing to pay the majors’ worst team, nobody does business quite like the NL East frontrunners. It looks like the former ’08 World Champs should run away with the division after their latest acquisition. Pence won’t blow you away by any stretch but the All-Star is a good hitter, who uses the whole field. On a terrible team, he still was hitting over .300 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI’s.

“I think he’s a very hard, hustling player,” Phils manager Charlie Manuel said of the 28-year old who will supplant Domonic Brown in right and bat fifth in support of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. “I think that he likes to play. He gives you everything he’s got. He’s got talent. He’s got power. He’s strong the other way hitting the ball. He’s a good player.“

No doubt Pence should benefit from a better lineup and as hitter friendly a ballpark as there is in baseball. A sharp contrast to his only major league team, Houston. He’ll get a chance to shine in October on the perennial favorite to represent the NL. The Phils boast a four ace rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. Need more convincing? Utley is finally rounding into shape and Howard is as clutch a slugger as you can ask for. Throw in true pros Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco and it’s a no-brainer for the newest Phillie. Where would you rather be? On a last place roster whose future looks bleak or on a team full of All-Stars with a chance to win a World Series?

“He asked me how I liked it,” last year’s Cy Yound winner Halladay said. “Of course, with me it’s been everything I thought it would be. I think he’s excited to come here and play.“

What’s not to like? Pence went from a 35 win disaster to an MLB best 66. A differential of 31! Instead of looking up at a very winnable NL Central 22.5 out, his new team entered tonight five up on the injury depleted Braves. The red hot Mets at 55-51 would be tied with the Pirates, only two and a half out. Unfortunately, they’re in the NL East still 11.5 behind the Phils- chasing wild card leader Atlanta. The Amazin’s have crept within six and a half but can’t afford to slip up. They’re trailing the Nats 3-0 on former Phils’ right fielder Jayson Werth’s 12th dinger in an otherwise awful first season in D.C. At last check, Atlanta had four on the board against Florida.

Already new Phillie teammates Howard and Rollins have gone yard in support of Lee, who’s shutdown the Pirates thus far. Pence is 0-for-2 with a groundout and a fly out. Hopefully, he’ll adjust quicker than ex-Met/new Giant Carlos Beltran, who’s 1-for-10 with six strikeouts, including his first at bat in a game San Francisco trails 5-1 to the same Reds that rolled over- dropping four in succession to the Mets at home for the first time ever. Usually, it takes some time for new players. Give it a couple of weeks as the calendar turns to August.

“I appreciate the love the fans have given me,” an emotional Pence expressed. “It’s been a wonderful time in Houston for me. I’ve had great memories and a great time playing for them. It’s the only organization I’ve known. It was a good time, and I think there’s going to be a bright future for both myself and the Astros organization.”

While he has a new challenge, the Astros’ rebuild is underway after dealing away their best player for three prospects and a player to be named later. They also agreed to pick up $1 million of his $2.3 million salary so the Phils wouldn’t hit the $178 million luxury tax that the Yankees routinely eclipse with a payroll in the neighborhood of $200 million. Instead of trading much rumored Domonic Brown, Philadelphia sent Jarret Cosart, Jonathan Singleton and Josh Reid to Houston.

Cosart is a starter who was 9-8 with a 3.92 ERA with Single-A Clearwater. The 21-year old was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 38th round back in ’08.

“We view him as a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher,” Astros’ GM Ed Wade said. “He’s at High A at this point in time, still a young developing player, but we felt that if we had a chance to get a top-of-the-rotation starter and a 30 home run guy in a deal like this, it made all the sense in the world. They were the two key pieces for us.”

That “30-home run guy” Wade’s referring to is 19-year old Singleton, who Philly took in the eighth round of the ’09 MLB Draft. On the same team as Cosart, he was hitting .282 with nine homers and 47 RBI’s over 92 games. Respectable numbers for a teenager.

“He’s certainly one of the top prospects out there, one of Philadelphia’s top prospects,” boasted Wade, who also promoted outfielder J.D. Martinez, who was tearing up Double-A. The 2010 Minor League Player Of The Year was batting .340 with 13 dingers and 71 RBI’s in 87 games for Corpus Christi.

“You put it on a pedestal your whole life, and when it actually happens you’re in shock,” an excited Martinez explained to MLB.com. “I’m still freaked out.”

The third prospect is relief pitcher Josh Zeid, who was grabbed two rounds later in the ’09 Draft by the Phils behind Singleton. After struggling as a starter, he’s made a seamless transition to the bullpen, posting a 2.25 ERA in 10 games at Double-A Reading. Wade views the 24-year old as a potential set up man for former Yankee and current closer Mark Melancon, who’s best known in Staten Island for closing out the Low-A Baby Bombers’ second consecutive New York-Penn League championship in ’06.

On trading a homegrown star, Wade heaped praise. “This is a bittersweet moment for us as an organization. Everybody connected with this organization takes pride in what Hunter Pence has done for us, the way he’s come through the system and represented, not only our team but the city of Houston as admirably as he’s done.

Time and circumstance dictates that you have to do some tough things sometimes, and this certainly ranks among them.”

The latest athlete to pass away at a young age is former Yankee Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu, who died of an apparent suicide at the age of 42. He was found dead yesterday at his Rancho Pales Verdes apartment in Los Angeles.  Why remains a mystery.

Once, he was the prince of this town expected to deliver on the mound after the Bronx Bombers traded with the Padres for Irabu- sending Ruben Rivera, Rafael Medina and three million in cash to San Diego in exchange for the Japanese import, Homer Bush and Gordon Amerson.  It was believed that the hyped Irabu would evolve into a frontline starter for a Yankee team that already boasted David Cone, Andy Pettite and David Wells. At first, he debuted well against lowly Detroit, fanning nine in his major league debut. But teams eventually solved the righty, who had control issues and struggled the rest of ’97 to George Steinbrenner’s frustration, who nicknamed him Fat Toad. One that stuck with Hideki throughout a disappointing six-year big league career.

The first three were spent in the Bronx where he achieved his most success on the ’98 team that dominated baseball. He went 13-9 with a 4.06 ERA over 29 starts, permitting only 148 hits in 173 innings while walking 76 and striking out 133. However, a poor finish combined with the Yanks’ starter depth prevented him from pitching in October where the Bronx Bombers crushed the competition en route to a baseball record 24th championship. In his final season in the Big Apple, Irabu couldn’t duplicate the success, winning 11 games with a 4.84 ERA. Despite improving his control (46 walks in 169.1 IP), he gave up 26 homers. The long ball was an issue with Hideki serving up 27 the prior year. Ironically, he got into his only postseason, appearing in mop up duty versus the Red Sox in the ALCS. They destroyed him to the tune of eight runs (7 ER) on 13 hits with two dingers in four and two-thirds.

As fate would have it, that was the coup de grat for Irabu in the Bronx. In 2000, the Yanks sent him to the Expos for Jake Westbrook and players to be named later, including Ted Lilly and Christian Parker. Yikes. Was Omar Minaya in charge? Never mind.

Irabu never was the same, winning just twice in two years spent with Montreal before being released at the end of ’01. He caught on with Texas where he fared little better, winning only three times in 38 appearances mostly as a reliever, even saving 16 games before the end of the road. 

Over a six-year career, Irabu went 34-35 with a 5.15 ERA, allowing 91 homers over 514 innings with 175 walks and 405 K’s. Wildness also led to 18 hit batsmen and 25 wild pitchers.

Despite ineffectiveness that disappointed baseball fans in The States, Irabu was part of two World Series with the champion Yankees (’98-’99) and earned $15.5 million for his major league career. Not too shabby.

I’ll best remember him for that fun debut versus Detroit when he K’d nine and gave Yankee fans another reason to get excited. Even if the experiment failed, he was fun to follow. Irabu will be missed.

The Amazin’s hope to swing the lumber better than getting no-hit for six innings by Josh Johnson before familiar vet Willie Harris came to the rescue. They can at least take solace in Carlos Beltran doubling home their first run. On the mound will be second year southpaw Jonathon Niese taking on Ricky Nolasco.

Before we get to some baseball picks, already Kyle Drabek has had a great major league debut, going seven strong permitting only a run and a hit while walking three and fanning seven Twinkies to push the Blue Jays to 2-0. They are The Program’s own Chris Wassel’s surprise team. If you want to hear some fun back and forth stuff on the baseball, plus New York Ranger suicide watch, be sure to check out last night’s No Goal Sports Show courtesy of The Program. It was Wassel and host Brian Sanborn along with yours truly and Dan “The Man” Wheeler making our quirky predictions. Be sure to check out the replay! We’ll be on every Friday at 11 ET/8 PT. Catch us over at Blog Talk. Next week, an NFL Draft Preview featuring the one and only Rob “Kraze” Davis with perhaps an actual Jeff Bashlor sighting and possibly John “JPG” Giagniorio.

As for my baseball prognosis, I tried to be fair and objective. Ironically, we didn’t get to World Series picks. But I think I’ll get to that good stuff along with awards and where your team(s) will finish in 2011. Just remember. These aren’t etched in stone. So, don’t jump off the Verrazano just yet unless you’re a Mets fan.

AL East

1.Yankees

*2.Red Sox

3.Devil Rays

4.Blue Jays

5.Orioles

AL Central

1.Twins

2.White Sox

3.Tigers

4.Royals

5.Indians

AL West

1.Athletics

2.Rangers

3.Angels

4.Mariners

NL East

1.Braves

*2.Phillies

3.Marlins

4.Mets

5.Nationals

NL Central

1.Reds

2.Brewers

3.Cardinals

4.Cubs

5.Pirates

6.Astros

NL West

1.Rockies

2.Giants

3.Padres

4.Dodgers

5.Diamondbacks

*wildcard

AWARDS

AL ROY-Kyle Drabek, Blue Jays

NL ROY-Brandon Belt, Giants

AL Cy Young-Jon Lester, Red Sox

NL Cy Young-Yovani Gallardo, Brewers

AL MVP-Robinson Cano, Yankees

NL MVP-Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

Why the Yankees over Red Sox: Both possess superb lineups but each have questions surrounding their rotations. Boston packs a nice 1-2 punch of Lester and Clay Buckholz but after that it gets shaky with Josh Beckett, John Lackey and Dice K with the latter trio headed in the opposite direction. Unless that changes, the Sox could get into a lot of slugfests, taxing pen arms Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks and fading closer Jonathan Papelbon. The Yanks have their own questions in A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia. Not exactly positive when Hughes averaged 89.1 on his heater in a 10-7 loss to the Tigers Sunday. However, the Bronx Bombers are better equipped in the pen with Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, Boone Logan, new setup Rafael Soriano and Hall Of Fame bound Mariano Rivera. Even if they get nothing from burnt out Pedro Feliciano who Brian Cashman blamed the Mets for him signing (simply amazing), they should be very strong from the seventh on with Soriano also able to spell Mo in save situations.

If the Rays get any hitting from Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, they could spoil it with arguably the deepest rotation in the Junior Circuit, featuring Cy candidate David Price, James Shields, Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann and rookie Jeremy Hellickson. They need a monster year from Evan Longoria, who already is banged up, and B.J. Upton to fulfill potential.

Keep an eye on the White Sox, who with the addition of slugger Adam Dunn, could lead the majors in homers- boasting Paul Konerko, Carlos Quentin and Alexei Ramirez. Vet southpaw Mark Buehrle heads a rotation that features Edwin Jackson, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and former Met farmhand Phil Humber. They subtracted closer Jenks but Matt Thornton’s capable of filling the void while having solid setups Jesse Crain (Twins), Chris Sale and Tony Pena. They’ll push the Twins for the AL Central.

In the Senior Circuit, the Phils have the best rotation- featuring NL Cy Young Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton. The loss of Jayson Werth and no Chase Utley until probably the second half will impact the lineup. Closer Brad Lidge is on the DL, meaning Jose Contreras is finishing games with Ryan Madson setting up. Hardly reassuring. If the offense struggles, it wouldn’t be shocking if they get off slowly before the Dream Rotation carries them to a trademark strong second half with Utley back along with Lidge and rookie outfielder Domonic Brown. That means they could battle the Braves for the NL East with both the Marlins and Mets competitive.

The NL Central should be the Reds to lose with competition coming from the Brewers once Zach Greinke gets healthy. Don’t count out the Cards despite no Adam Wainwright. Albert Pujols will have a monster year playing for a new contract and the rotation’s still solid featuring Cris Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and rookie Kyle McLellan. Just what is Jake Westbrook doing in it?

Imagine having three New York baseball teams who were always playing in World Series during the late 40′s and 50′s. Not only did the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants turn the town upside down but combined to win 10 world championships, including eight straight from 1949-56. Spanning 1947-57 before the Dodgers left for Hollywood with the Giants right behind, our three baseball franchises combined for 17 World Series appearances, nine championships and seven Subway Series when it wasn’t a pipe dream.

A big reason for New York’s dominance was our three Golden Age center fielders. Or as referred to in Terry Cashman’s ode to the Boys Of Summer Talkin’ Baseball, “Willie, Mickey and the Duke.” Of course, he was referring to Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. A Hall Of Fame trio who owned the spotlight patrolling baseball’s sexiest position.

Growing up as a kid, I heard stories from Dad about New York Giant games he attended at the Polo Grounds along with Yankee games at the original Stadium before all the renovations, etc. It’s still hard to believe that it doesn’t exist anymore. That aside, every time we drive through the Bronx, he always notes where the Polo Grounds once stood. Heck. We’ve been on the street where the apartment buildings are with one image left from a special time.

I often wonder what it must’ve been like growing up with three teams to choose from. Whether it was the Bronx Bombers or the Giants or Brooklyn’s best and Ebbets Field, it sounds like a baseball haven. If I could have a time machine, I’d definitely experience that Golden Era when Mays, Mantle and Snider were treating New Yorkers to an extraordinary brand of baseball.

As has been told by Ralph Branca, the infamous Brooklyn Dodger who gave up Bobby Thomson’s dramatic pennant clinching home run in ’51, the Giants stole signs that year and to this day, he still believes our own Staten Island Scot knew what was coming. Regardless, it’ll always be one of those signature moments that make baseball such a great game. If you’re on the Giants’ side, prior to that fateful ninth, your team had scored one run in 17 innings at home. If you’re a Dodger fan, you believe Thomson knew. One of those classic sportsbar debates.

If only that kind of passion still existed. Not the same recycled crap we get these days on WFAN or ESPN Radio. They just don’t make ‘em like Willie, Mickey and The Duke. Of course, Snider always was behind both Mays and Mantle, who fans still argue over who was better. I’m a Yankee fan and while The Mick was New York, I’ve always been on the Say Hey Kid’s side. There in lies the problem as the other Cooperstown center fielder never gets his due despite a brilliant career.

Perhaps it’s like Branca told Steve Somers yesterday in an interview that he always was behind Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. A great double play combo with Robinson symbolic for breaking the barrier as the first Negro to play in the majors. Every year, baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day commemorating April 15, 1947 when No.42 debuted in Dodger blue. The biggest had to be 1997 with it the 50-Year Anniversary. I remember Topps having a special Jackie Robinson series as part of their baseball set. I still own a few of the cool cards at home.

It’s like taking a trip down memory lane. And we don’t mean NAS. So, how does The Duke of Flatbush stack up? Here are the highlights:

DUKE SNIDER (The Silver Fox)

-Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943

-Debuted on April 17, 1947

-Elected Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1980

-Spent 16 seasons with BK/LA Dodgers totaling 389 home runs, 1,271 RBI’s while batting .300 with 1,995 hits, 1,199 runs, 99 stolen bases plus 343 doubles and 82 triples

-Finished second for NL MVP in ’55 hitting .309 with 42 homers and a career best 136 RBI’s, which led the majors along with his 126 runs 

-Awarded ML Player of the Year (1955)

-Hit .320 with 4 HR and 7 RBI’s in finally beating the Yankees for the ’55 World Series

-Eight-time All-Star (’50-56, ’63) 

-Finished in the top 4 for MVP three times (’53-55)

-Played 18 seasons including one with the Mets in ’63 and his final year with the rival Giants (’64)

-40-or-more HR five consecutive years (’53-57)

-6 seasons 100+ RBI (’50-51, ’53-56)

-most hits one season, 199 (’50, ’54)

-most runs one season, 132 (’53)

-Career Totals: .295 BA, 407 HR, 1,333 RBI, 2,116 H, 1,259 R, 99 SB, 971 BB, 1,237 SO, .380 OBP, .540 SLG, .919 OPS

-Postseason: 6 WS (won in ’55/’59) .286-11-26

While it's been rough for A.J. Burnett, it's been all roses for Roy Halladay who helped clinch a fourth straight NL East crown for Jayson Werth and the Phillies.

-Based on his latest outing if you could call last night’s debacle to his former Toronto ‘mates that, perhaps A.J. Burnett should change his last name to Burnout. It sure would be appropriate. The first Yankee pitcher to lose 15 games since bust Terry Mulholland. How’s it possible to lose that many on a loaded team looking to get that final ‘W’ to start their title defense? A year removed from winning 13 games and pitching to a 4.04 ERA while helping the Bronx Bombers to a record 27th world championship, the 33 year-old permitted seven earned in less than three innings, serving up two dingers to Vernon Wells and John Buck in a 7-5 loss north of the border. His ERA ballooned to 5.33. How can Joe Girardi keep trotting him out? Would you trust AJ in October? Forget the track record.

Fact: Of the Yanks’ 64 losses, Burnett’s accounted for 23.4 percent.

-Can the struggling Bombers turn on the switch once they clinch? Girardi’s banking on top gun C.C. Sabathia to erase further doubt tonight. Former Phillie prospect Kyle Drabek opposes the 20-game winner. While lingering questions remain about the rest of the postseason rotation, encouraging signs have come from Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson, who continued to swing hot bats, each going yard. The Grandy Man has turned his season around with a sizzling September that’s seen the center fielder tear the cover off the ball- swatting nine home runs and knocking in 23. In fact, six of the nine have come over the last 10 games. It’s helped him get up to .251 with 24 dingers, 65 RBI’s and 74 runs in 132 GP. Teixeira is finally looking healthier, going 8-for-20 with three long balls and five RBI’s over the last five. The Yankee first baseman is up to .259 with a club-leading 33 homers plus 106 RBI’s. In Year One which he narrowly missed MVP, Teix went .292-39-122. Considering how poorly he started, it speaks well of the 30 year-old’s poise. The Yanks will need both to produce along with A-Rod and MVP candidate Robby Cano to make any kind of run.

-If we’re setting the rotation, it’s a tough choice between Andy Pettite and Phil Hughes for No.2. It probably depends on how Pettite fares in his next start after getting tattooed by Boston over the weekend. Andy has always been a big game pitcher. So, if Sabathia lost, it would make sense to comeback with the crafty vet southpaw. A lot hinges on Game One for this flawed team.

-Think Roy Halladay’s happy to be out of Toronto? In tossing a complete game two-hit shutout of lowly Washington, the 33 year-old NL Cy Young front runner won his league best 21st game, helping the Phillies four-peat in the NL East. A tremendous accomplishment for Charlie Manuel’s ballclub that’s clicking on all cylinders. Jayson Werth continued his strong finish slugging his 26th homer while driving in four. Before they acquired Roy Oswalt, who’s been lights out, their playoff hopes were in doubt. Since, they’ve been on a tear flying past the Braves for another crown. They couldn’t have gotten here without Halladay, who’ll finally get to be on the big stage. How much does it mean?

“That’s the reason you want to come to a team like this. They know how to do it,” he expressed while be doused with champagne. “It’s the coolest thing I’ve been a part of. It’s just the start, I think.”

“I wanted him out there,” Manuel added about letting his horse finish it. “I felt like he earned it, and he deserved it.”

For over a decade, Halladay’s been one of the game’s best pitchers. Finally, he’s where he should be.

-With a dynamic trio they call H2O comprising Halladay, Oswalt and ’08 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, they’re going to be a handful next month.

-That leaves the Braves, NL West-leading Giants and Padres scrambling for two spots. A Padre loss put San Fran up by a game while also combining with an Atlanta extra inning 2-1 win over Florida to give Bobby Cox’s club a half game wildcard lead. It sure is setting up to be a fun final week. Who wants it?

-Barring a ridiculous Yankee collapse, the AL is pretty much set with the Twins and Rangers already clinching while the Rays and Yanks duke it out for the AL East. Based on how they’ve played, you have to make Minnesota the favorite. Even without Justin Morneau, they’re playing the best baseball. We’ll see if one of the game’s best managers Ron Gardenhire can finally get over the hump.

-Kudos to both Evan Longoria and David Price for calling out their fans for not showing in a potential playoff clincher last night. Considering the sparse support they along with the Marlins get, it’s a wonder how both franchises survive. They really ought to be relocated.

-It’s easy to make the case for Cano as MVP. The Yankee second baseman’s been consistent all year leading them with a .318 average while setting career highs in homers (28) and RBI’s (105). However, it’s also easy to see him losing due to what’s around him in A-Rod, Teix and Nick Swisher. Josh Hamilton has had an amazing season, leading the league with a .361 average with 31 homers and 97 RBI’s. All for a Texas team that’s back in the playoffs. He’s probably got the best case over non-playoff challengers Miguel Cabrera and Blue Jay slugger Jose Bautista (ML best 52 HR). It really should come down to Cano and Hamilton. We’ll see if Cano being a Yankee works against him.

-It’s been another long season for the Mets but at least they’ve discovered some up and coming talent in starter Dylan Gee and former Cyclone Lucas Duda, who both should be part of the solution next year with first base slugger Ike Davis and catcher Josh Thole. Assuming Jose Reyes and David Wright are still here, that’s not a bad mix for whoever takes over. Big decisions looming.

Jose Reyes has finally returned to lead the Mets.

-Can the Mets keep it up? Their 5-1 homestand taking two of three from the Yanks and sweeping the Phils without allowing a run was a statement. Incredibly inspiring baseball from Jerry Manuel’s club led finally by the resurgent Jose Reyes, who is back to being himself in the leadoff spot. He tormented the Mets’ biggest rival by going 8-for-13 with three extra base hits including his first home run, five RBI’s, two stolen bases and five runs scored. That’s the Reyes that’s the team’s MVP. Jason Bay continued to produce following the two-homer game off C.C. Sabathia with three more RBI’s. Angel Pagan is the club’s most improved player, getting five hits and swiping three bases in the series.

As for the staff, what a job by every Met pitcher blanking arguably the best offense for all 27 innings. Miraculous stuff from Hisanori Takahashi, vet knuckler R.A. Dickey and potential All-Star Mike Pelfrey, who bested Cole Hamels yesterday by going seven strong for win No.7. The pen continues to get the job done. At 25-23 following a dreadful road trip, the Amazin’s are in third a half game behind Atlanta and two out. The NL East should be tight all year. Especially with the improved Nats hanging around along with the Marlins. If Carlos Beltran returns healthy, they could give the Mets a leg up on the wild card competition. The Phils couldn’t play any worse but are still the team to beat.

-Meanwhile, across town the Yanks get Curtis Granderson back in center batting second against the Indians in the Bronx tonight. An early two-run Nick Swisher homer has given Phil Hughes a lead. He’s already struckout five in looking to rebound from back-to-back disappointing efforts. The guys in Pinstripes haven’t played well lately. Even if they took two of three from favorite whipping boy Minnesota, Javier Vazquez again got lit up in a blowout loss yesterday. Joe Girardi’s guys really haven’t been the same since a hot start, leaving too many runners on and not getting consistent relief. Even Sabathia has struggled. With Boston finally red hot having swept a two-game set in Tampa, the defending champs need to get revved up. A Memorial Weekend series against lowly Cleveland could be just what the doctor ordered.

-Randy Winn has been so bad that he might want to consider changing his name to Randy Loss. At least it would better explain how Brian Cashman signed him. Not much better on Nick “DL” Johnson. Kevin Russo stays.

-Best move of the offseason is Rod Barajas, whose 10 homers pace the Amazin’s with his 27 RBI’s second to David Wright. Vet backup Henry Blanco has also been instrumental helping improve the pitching staff. Though we’re not sure anyone can aid Olli Perez and John Maine.

-Like most, I thought Big Papi was done. Good news if you own his rookie cards.

-Considering the continued trips to the DL for Jorge Posada, what if the Bronx Bombers didn’t have Francisco Cervelli as insurance? From the time I covered him out here on the ’06 Penn-League champion Staten Island Baby Bombers, Cervelli’s been a winner. The guy always worked hard and did it with a smile. Nice to see him getting rewarded.

-All things considered, the Yanks actually miss Phil Coke. Wasn’t Ian Kennedy in that trade too? He’s not faring too badly out in The Desert.

-I voted for him because I thought he’d make a good President. Not because I wanted to know what Mr. Obama thought about LeBron going to Chicago. How about focusing on your job which just got a lot harder due to this BP oil spill in Louisiana.

-Didn’t catch it but kudos to Ron Artest on saving Kobe Bryant’s Lakers on what sounded like a very unpredictable conclusion breaking Sun hearts. The kid I saw when he starred for LaSalle Academy could always ball. It’s just a matter of staying focused on the court.

-Love to see the Suns force a seventh in Hollywood and somehow get it done just for my close buddy P. He deserves it.

-I don’t feel sorry for Coach Calhoun or UConn. Unfortunately, they probably won’t get severely punished or miss any postseason play. Nice job NCAA!

-When I wrote that column begging for change at St. John’s, they must’ve heard me. But you know, the way those guys played down the stretch for Norm Roberts, you could tell how much they enjoyed playing for him. Such a heartbreaking ending for a nice guy who at least brought back respect to the program. Now, we’ll see if Steve Lavin can take that next giant step forward with a senior core featuring D.J. Kennedy, Malik Boothe, Sean Evans, Paris Horne, Justin Burrell and Dwight Hardy.

-As an avid hockey fan who did a preview on our Battle Of New York blog, has the Stanley Cup begun yet? More proof that Gary Bettman’s still working for David Stern.

-Should be interesting to see what the Celtics come up with in what amounts to a must win versus the Magic. If they lose, just imagine how Boston will feel after witnessing the wrong kind of history made by their Bruins in that same building. They should’ve put it away already.

-And finally, a salute to The Richburg family who buried their son Thursday. Lyndzay was a wonderful human being who touched everyone he was around making us smile and laugh. We’ll forever miss him but his spirit shines down brightly in our hearts.

-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn and Jake Taylor are warming up for a new season.

As the exciting, action packed Vancouver 2010 Winter Games draw to a close with Team USA (that’s right!!!!!) battling Canada for Olympic Gold in men’s hockey later today, believe it or not baseball’s around the corner.

February’s gotta be the fastest month ever. Especially with President’s Week and you know. The whole leap year thing. Normally, I don’t mind it but this winter’s been one of the craziest with plenty of white stuff here in Shaolin and all over NYC, the Garden State, CT and the East coast. Just wild. We got hit pretty bad the other night with another foot-plus flying down in the morning hours. Should’ve seen how it looked outside my window. As Crazy Eddie might chime:

“Insane!”

March can’t get here soon enough and is tomorrow! Spring Training will be in full bloom as prognosticators get ready for another season. Can the Yankees do it again minus World Series MVP Godzilla and Johnny Damon? Will Curtis Granderson light it up in center field and Nick Johnson make fans forget Hideki Matsui? Can Jason Bay carry the Mets until Carlos Beltran gets back? Is Jose Reyes batting third a novel concept or just more proof that Jerry Manuel has lost it? What about Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey? Bounce back or Amazin’ attack? Can Javier Vazquez II work in the Bronx? Will Da Melkman be missed? What of Joba and Phil Hughes?

All are great questions for locals. Getting more to the point, baseball’s already started up in the land of BK. Park Slope to be exact where coach Walter Paller’s Berkeley Carroll Lions take aim at defending their title. Last year was a coming out party for one of the best baseball programs this city has to offer.

The BC Lions dethroned heavy favorite Poly Prep in a classic, hanging on for dear life thanks to a great diving catch by right fielder Theo Guest (Dayton University) and superb closing from Phil Seay (Denison College), who look to help their new schools this Spring as will former ace James McDonagh (Trinity College). Senior backstop Walker Harrison returns looking to lead Paller’s club to the promised land again along with slugger Rob Paller. He’ll be joined by plenty of hoop ‘mates such as Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Jesse Chalfin, Joey Martinez, Mike Andria and Adam Kochman.

With the crack of the bat and pounding of the mitt coming before you know it, one of our favorites from Major League to get warmed up and melt away all the snow. Paging Willie Mays Hayes, Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, Jake Taylor, Roger Dorn and Pedro Cerrano!

Yankee closer Mariano Rivera and teammates had plenty to smile about while Met skipper Jerry Manuel and his team didn't this weekend.

It’s been an interesting week here. So let’s get to it. Shall we?

1.Is Jerry Manuel really wrong about his battered team? I mean they do have to basically be perfect just to win games. Against the Cards, they were and took three of four. But this weekend that wasn’t the case with too many mental mistakes leading to Yankee runs as their crosstown rivals came into Citi Field and swept them. So, they fell short. What does Manuel’s sarcasm in a postgame have to do with that his players aren’t that talented right now? Zilch. He is begging Omar Minaya to wake up from the doldrums and do something. Maybe if the Phillies were eight up, there’d be more urgency…

2.The two games off seems to have done the trick for one Alex Rodriguez and that couldn’t come at a better time for the Yanks.

3.When does Robby Cano, who statistically speaking is having a solid season finally deliver a big hit?

4.Daniel Murphy can’t be the best the Mets can do at first. What happened to Fernando Tatis?

5.Phil Hughes is pretty automatic these days out of that Yankee pen.

6.So wanted to see Team USA hang on over Brazil yesterday but there’s a reason they’re so skilled and unfortunately, it showed in that second half of the Confed Cup championship. Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and especially Tim Howard have nothing to be ashamed of. Tell ya one thing. That Kaka is some player. What a soccer name!

7.Looking forward to seeing how Roger Federer fares in the French Final rematch later today in the same Round of 16 situation Robin Soderling slayed the dragon on clay in Rafa Nadal. Wimbledon did Roger no favors with either big serving Ivo Karlovic/Fernando Verdasco waiting in the quarters and Novak Djokovic on pace for a semi clash, assuming the five-time All England Club champ gets through.

8.Really want to see that Andy vs Andy semi between Murray and Roddick on the other side. Might Lleyton Hewitt have something to say about it? Yes. He’s playing well. We’ll see.

9.It sure looks like Venus will cruise past Ana Ivanovic and through her section to another final. Can she three-peat? Bigger question is will younger sis Serena make it with a potential tough quarter against emerging power house Victoria Azarenka? Have to figure Serena will take care of looker Daniela Hantuchova today to help set it up.

10.Only Knick fans could boo the first round pick of Jordan Hill which was really a no-brainer once Stephen Curry went to Golden State. Way to be. Speaking of the Draft, loved the Nets’ pick of Terrence Williams. Not just cause we called it either but because he’ll be a good pro. Great move too getting rid of Vince Carter. Now, Orlando can deal with that headache and relive his cousin Tracy McGrady.

11.So much for all that suspense regarding the Islanders’ first overall selection. John Tavares and Isles’ fans breathed a huge sigh of relief. Still found it amusing how they celebrated like they won a Cup.

12.Is trading for Darko Milicic really the best Donnie Walsh can do? Let’s see Mike Lupica defend that one.

13.How the heck does Tim Wakefield have 10 wins? Remarkable.

14.Imagine if the Mets played in the AL East.

15.At least Mark De Rosa was traded for a top 100 prospect.

16.It doesn’t get more bizarre than Francisco Rodriguez walking Mariano Rivera with the bases loaded. Just listening to Howie Rose told ya all you needed to know. Wonder what Brian Bruney thought at that moment? You know. The invaluable setup guy who couldn’t get three outs against Buffalo before Mo bailed him out by getting Omir Santos looking en route to his 500th career save.

17.Does Lori Rubinson realize how bitter she comes off when she asks Yankee fans if they should really be happy that they swept a bad team? The same scrappy bunch that took three of four against the game’s best hitter that’s tied for the NL Central. Word to the wise. You don’t get style points. Like Bill Parcells used to say, beat who’s on your schedule.

18.Okay. I get that Citi Field isn’t a hitter’s paradise but how come the Yanks had no problem hitting a few out including lightweight Brett Gardner?

Besides, doesn’t this fact baffle some?

David Ortiz: 8 HR

David Wright: 4 HR

It doesn’t mean the Met All-Star third baseman’s having a bad season. He’s still hitting for a great average (.342) with 39 RBI’s, 47 runs and 20 steals. But at some point, he has to start going deep. With how battered his team is, they need him to.

19.Fernando Nieve or Oli Perez?

20.Given all the weird injuries and even odder end results, any truth to the rumor Dr. Seuss is employed in Queens?

21.Finally, this just in. The local JCC is run better than the T-wolves. That’s not a ringing endorsement.

With a subpar showing, it was another rough weekend for Mike Pelfrey and the Mets.

-It was another tough weekend for the Mets, who after a good Friday night opening win backed by surprising Fernando Nieve couldn’t follow suit- dropping the final two to the defending AL champion Rays at Citi Field. That included a 3-1 loss the previous day with Johan Santana bouncing back from last week’s dreadful showing against the Yanks. However, he only got one run and allowed a go-ahead solo homer to Carlos Pena in a rain delayed 3-1 defeat. Sunday wasn’t much kinder to Amazin fans, who again had to endure more rain with it swirling around causing another delay in a seesaw game which saw the Met pen unable to protect a 5-4 lead on Brian Schneider’s second dinger of the series. Instead, the Rays teed off on struggling youngster Bobby Parnell, who didn’t retire a batter giving up four straight hits including B.J. Upton’s go-ahead two-run blast into the second deck in left. By the time he was done, he’d been charged with four earned with the Rays going ahead 8-5.

Even when the Mets crept within two on Gary Sheffield’s RBI ground out, they stranded the tying runs in the home seventh with Ryan Church going down swinging on a payoff pitch from one-time Yankee Randy Choate. Jerry Manuel went to resurgent righty Sean Green but for a second consecutive day, he couldn’t stop the bleeding loading the bases before Tampa pushed across a pair of insurance runs against lefty Pedro Feliciano to pad their margin.

And so, Manuel’s club settled for one win this weekend- good enough to actually gain ground on the slumping Phillies, who continued their bewildering play at Citizen’s Bank Park by losing 2-1 to the Orioles, getting swept. Yes. That means they’ve lost their last six and eight of nine on a disastrous homestand to Boston, Toronto and Baltimore. Yikes. That even included first base slugger coming off the hospital bed to hit a go-ahead pinchhit three-run home run putting the Phils up 5-3 in the seventh. But Ryan Madson’s struggled lately since taking over for injured Brad Lidge in the closer role. He couldn’t hold it allowing a tying and go-ahead two-run dinger in a crushing 6-5 loss Saturday. Ace Cole Hamels pitched well going eight while fanning 10 but the Birds were able to push two runs across which was enough because Jeremy Guthrie and two relievers combined to shutdown the Philly offense posting a 2-1 win.

So, the Mets despite dropping yet another series are still just two out of first. They’re a game over (34-33) but very much alive entering two more big series in Queens with first Albert Pujols and the Cards coming in for four before the Yankees pay a visit to Queens next weekend. It won’t get any easier.

-Amazingly enough, with the Phils and Mets scuffling, the Marlins with their 6-5 win over the Yankees pulled within three games- just one behind the Amazin’s. Florida took advantage of C.C. Sabathia departing early with tightness in his left biceps. Though afterwards, the Yankee ace indicated it wasn’t that bad. We’ll have to wait and see.

The Marlins cashed in against the shaky Yankee middle relief with superstar Hanley Ramirez (2-run shot) and Cody Ross (s0lo) going yard off Brett Tomko to go ahead 4-3. Earlier, the Yanks scored three on a Mark Teixeira RBI double and Alex Rodriguez two-run base hit. But things quickly changed with Florida’s Jorge Cantu driving in a pair in the home seventh making it 6-3.

The Yanks mounted a late rally against first-year closer Matt Lindstrom putting together three straight two out hits including rookie Brett Gardner’s two-run three-bagger that cut it to 6-5. But with the tying run 90 feet away following a Johnny Damon walk, Derek Jeter failed to deliver in the clutch a second day in a row grounding into a fielder’s choice. The Captain also couldn’t get down a bunt the day prior eventually killing a rally with a 4-4-3 twin killing in a 2-1 loss. Damon’s outfield misplay turned out to be the difference.

So, it was another banner weekend for Joe Girardi, whose club has only won one series in the last four. And they were handed it. The good news is they still lead the wildcard by a game over the Angels and Blue Jays with the Rays now within two. The bad news is they’re now four behind Boston, who squeaked past the Braves 6-5 on immortal Nick Green’s walkoff blast taking two of three up at Fenway.

Will the panic button be pushed? Why should it? They can still get it righted this week headed to Atlanta for three beginning tomorrow and then across town for three more. Besides. It’s not like the new regime will do anything drastic. They hardly even show a pulse which kind of reminds ya of what the new Golden Palace sounds like.

-So what else is going on? Well, the Cubs finally are showing signs after sweeping Cleveland by scoring off former pitcher Kerry Wood twice to continue their great comebacks that started Thursday over the White Sox. Derrek Lee, who we blasted is proving us wrong swinging a hot bat with four homers and nine RBI’s during a four-game win streak that has them back to three over (34-31) just two and a half behind the Cards and one in back of Milwaukee. The veteran first baseman has hit in 18 straight. Heck. Even Alfonso Soriano got a big hit winning a game with a walkoff. Perhaps things are finally turning at Wrigley.

-The surprising Giants just swept the first place Rangers winning by two runs, a run and a run against good competition at Pac Bell. A day following a wacky conclusion that saw the winning run come in via a wild pitch, San Fran got a great effort from Barry Zito. Yes. The lefty actually took a no-hitter into the seventh before veteran Andruw Jones broke it up with a two-run homer that tied it. However, the pesky Giants cameback with a runscoring single off the bat of veteran right fielder Randy Winn to get Baked Zito his third ‘W’ in the last four outings. Zito went seven fanning eight while walking four to lower his ERA to 4.54. Not bad. At least, they’re finally getting a return on the once failed $126 million investment. Bob Howry worked a scoreless eighth and closer Brian Wilson tossed a 1-2-3 ninth including Brandon Boggs swinging to end it for his 19th save.

Give credit to veteran skipper Bruce Bochy, who despite no big bats has his club playing very well. Yes. The Giants at 37-31 lead the wildcard. Of course, it’s still early with a slew of teams including the Brewers, Cubs, sizzling Rockies who are invoking 2007 memories, Reds, Mets and Marlins all closeby. But you have to tip your cap to the former San Diego manager. His best bats are his catcher Bengie Molina, who hits cleanup, leadoff center fielder Aaron Rowand and heavy third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who swings a good stick. While all have proved to be solid players, none are what you’d deem scary. The Giants are getting zilch from free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria. Yet somehow, with a bunch of no-names and the majors’ deepest staff, they’re finding ways to win. It doesn’t matter how. They all count.

Will the Giants hang around long enough for maybe GM Brian Sabean to do something like perhaps add a bat? It sure would be nice to see.

-As for the Rockies, what can you say. They’ve now won five straight following a weekend sweep of the Pirates. And that’s 16 of 17 suddenly making them wildcard players at 36-33. They’re 16-4 in the month of June and show no signs of letting up. Why the improvement under vet skipper Jim Tracy? Because they’re hitting better with Clint Barmes now their everyday second baseman and former first round pick Ian Stewart showing some pop at the hot corner in place of slumping Garrett Atkins, who for one day cameback and contributed with an RBI playing first to give vet Todd Helton a day off.

They come up with big hits and also are pitching better with Tracy allowing his starters to go deeper into games. Josh Fogg and Joel Peralta have been steady bullpen influences getting the ball to closer Huston Street, who has saved eight in a row following a slow start.

Colorado will get a good test over the next week on a nine-game road trip with stops at the Halo’s, A’s and Dodgers. They’ll have three solid starters in a pair of six-game winners Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Plus nine-game winner Jason Marquis. Yep. That same Marquis who became the odd man out of the Windy City. Remarkable stuff. As a native Staten Islander who grew up in the same village as him we’re awfully proud.

-Ain’t it kinda sad that Andruw Jones has as many homers (8) as Met co-leader Carlos Beltran (8)?

-And how does one explain David Wright pacing the senior circuit with a .344 average but striking out 69 times in 252 at bats? And he only has four long balls. Insane.

-Best wishes to ex-Met left fielder Endy Chavez, who accidentally collided with Seattle teammate shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and had to be carted off the field after tearing his ACL and MCL. The former Game Seven 2006 NLCS near Amazin hero is done for the rest of the season and could miss part of next Spring. Hope he makes it back.

-Final thought:

1B Adrian Gonzalez- .275-23-45, 46 runs, 57 BB (.418 OBP), .602 SLG

Just imagine if he played on a contender instead of in total obscurity in San Diego.