-Make it two straight losses for the Yankees, who were blanked by resurgent southpaw Cliff Lee 3-0 in the Bronx tonight. A year removed from an injury sidetracking him back to Buffalo to get fixed in Triple-A, the 29 year-old Lee has returned better than ever dominating opponents. He’s now won all six starts walking only two in 44-plus. The Yanks managed six hits in seven innings but couldn’t come up with the big one to bail out tough luck loser Chien-Ming Wang, who permitted a run in the first, fourth and fifth. He went seven falling to 6-1. The best chance Joe Girardi’s club had was a two out rally but Lee buckled down getting Hideki Matsui swinging on a wicked curve to end the sixth. The lefty fanned seven before giving way to 1-2 punch Rafael Perez and Rafael Betancourt with the latter getting the Yanks in order to save his second straight.

-While the Mets dominate the airwaves in this city for their inconsistencies in the wake of a forgettable September, it’s the Yanks up and down play which has gotten lost in the shuffle. What exactly is this team which wins a few, then loses a few and never seems to be able to come up with the big hit when behind after seven innings? At 17 up and 18 down, the Bronx Bombers are an enigma which continues to lose ground to a much stronger Red Sox club. Only due to the Tigers scratching out two against stingy closer Jonathan Papelbon did Boston not increase their lead which remained at four and a half over the Yanks. Sure. They’re still without Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada which impacts the lineup. However, the good teams find a way to overcome obstacles. Right now, they’re very mediocre with the April excuse behind them. It’s time to step up.

-The final day of a six-game Western swing was a very good one for the Mets, who hammered Brad Penny for 10 earned in four and two thirds en route a 12-1 rout of the Dodgers, salvaging the final game of the series to even their record to 3-3. The Amazin bats awakened with four in the second including a two-run single from third string catcher Raul Casanova. Up five, they batted around for six more in the fifth. Even starter John Maine got into the act with a two-run single. Luis Castillo’s walk forced in a run. Following a David Wright two-run double, Castillo came into score on a wild pitch for an 11-0 lead. Right fielder Ryan Church continued to swing a hot bat taking ex-Yankee Scott Proctor deep into the Dodger bullpen tying Wright for the club lead with six dingers. He paced the Amazin’s with three hits and three runs scored. 

It all came in support of a sharp Maine, who came within two outs of a too rare complete game shutout. Matt Kemp broke up the shutout with an RBI single. After 117 pitches, Maine was done giving way to ex-Dodger Duaner Sanchez, who recorded the last two outs getting James Loney swinging to end it. Maine went eight and a third allowing one earned on four hits with two walks and four K’s improving to 4-2 on the season.

-Now, the Mets return home to Shea for a seven-game homestand beginning Friday with three against the Reds and four versus Lastings Milledge and the Nats before a fun three-game series at Yankee Stadium next weekend.

-Speaking of Milledge, he’s gotten out of the gate slowly. After taking the collar in three plate appearances in a 4-3 walkoff loss to the Astros, the former Mets’ 2003 first round selection is hitting .256 with one home run, 11 RBI’s, 15 runs and three stolen bases in six attempts. Not the kind of start the 23 year-old Bradenton, Florida native wanted in his first full season manning center field in D.C. There’s still plenty of time for him to get going but you’d have to be foolish not to notice the early returns on that trade so far for Omar Minaya. With Church becoming the Mets’ most consistent performer in their lineup and catcher Brian Schneider (.308-0-8, .395 OBP) playing well in 19 starts despite injuries, it couldn’t be going much better for the Mets.

If Church and Schneider continue to perform well, there won’t be much to complain about for Amazin fans when it comes to that deal. Come to think of it, nobody’s had much to say lately about it choosing to take our their frustrations on Oliver Perez, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Aaron Heilman, Willie Randolph and Jose Reyes.

The Mets are 17-15 and still a weird team to get a read on which is why they get plenty of criticism after losses from fans and media alike. It’s because they expect a team which acquired one of the best pitchers in the game to play better than this after how last season ended. The talk from Randolph that his ballclub is more relaxed away from Shea doesn’t take them off the hook. This is New York. Players here must have thicker skin and be able to shake off the booing and heavy criticism. With two last place opponents coming in with a combined record of 28-40, the Amazin’s need to send a strong message by winning at least five of the next seven going into that weekend series against their crosstown rivals. Anything less would raise eyebrows.

-Where would the Braves be without Chipper Jones? With two more hits in a 5-2 home win over the Padres, the 36 year-old switch hitting third baseman is now hitting .429 (51-for-119) with 10 homers and 29 RBI’s. Just amazing stuff from one of the most consistent star players of this era. Last year with his team missing the postseason a second consecutive season, Chipper finished at .337, 29 homers and 102 knocked in despite missing 28 games. With another 42 doubles and four triples, he had 75 extra base hits. Did we mention his OBP was .425 along with a .604 slugging? The guy is just a great player. He needs four more dingers to reach 400 for his career. He’s also closing in on 2,200 hits 32 shy after tonight. By the time he concludes his career, the man they refer to as Larry in Queens will be in Cooperstown.

-Chauncey Billups going down tonight with a possible groin injury changes everything in that Pistons-Magic series. He’s the glue which keeps Detroit together. Tell ya one thing. Rashard Lewis (33 pts, 11-of-15 FG, 5-of-6 3’s) sure is shooting it well. Having Dwight Howard (20 pts, 8-of-13 FG, 12 Rebs, 6 Blk) inside definitely helps. I still think it comes down to the play of Hedo Turkoglu, who came to life in the fourth quarter scoring 10 of his 18 as the Magic outscored the Pistons 38-17 to win 111-86 getting back in the series. If the streaky shooter plays better along with Jameer Nelson, then Orlando should be pretty competitive. Who knows how Billups’ injury will affect him?

-Is there still an NHL playoffs going on? I wasn’t too sure.

-It’s not everyday that Rafa Nadal loses on clay but that happened earlier today when Juan Carlos Ferrero got the better of the Spaniard ousting him 7-5, 6-1 in Rome. It was only Nadal’s second defeat on the red surface in 105 matches. He did play with a blister but give Ferrero his due. This probably isn’t a good sign for Nadal’s future opponents in Roland Garros because it will make the rating three-time French Open champion even more focused and harder to beat.

-I just want to say it’s nice to know that Barry Zito is back in the San Fran rotation again. At least the $128 million man pitched effectively enough to keep his team in a game for a change, only giving up two earned to fall to 0-7. Will he make 20 losses? Hey. His ERA dropped below 7.00. We’re sure Scott Boras is telling Brian Sabean about that.

-Speaking of Boras, when he says Oli Perez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, does he actually believe that?

-Pirate center fielder Nate McClouth is hitting .333 with nine homers, 28 knocked in and 31 runs. Just wanted to make sure you’ve been paying attention.

-The special PBS aired on legendary singer Marvin Gaye was excellent and depicted what one of the most soulful singers went through where despite all his God given talents was never really satisfied. All due to his crazy father, who wound up killing him. It definitely told a sad tale of a man influenced by depression, sex and drugs. If you missed it, find the time to catch it.

-It was a tough night for the baseball locals as both the Yanks and Mets dropped close ones. In the Bronx, Joba Chamberlain got into trouble in the eighth serving up a two out pinch hit three-run job by one-time Bomber David Dellucci to blow a win for Andy Pettite in a stinging 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Indians. Only difference was this time there were no killer gnats. It was the first home run Joba had allowed at the Stadium in his brief career. Called on to protect a one-run lead after Kyle Farnsworth had recorded the final two outs of the seventh, the 22 year-old flamethrower from Nebraska issued walks to Grady Sizemore and Jhonny Peralta. Following the second out, he got to two strikes on Dellucci but the well traveled gritty veteran got around on a 96 MPH heater on the inside of the plate driving it into the short porch. It wasn’t a bad pitch. Just a great piece of hitting by Dellucci, whose fourth dinger of the season snapped a three-game Yankee win streak.

-With Joba showing his human side, lost in the shuffle were good nights from Pettite along with struggling sluggers Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano. The only damage Pettite gave up was a Peralta two-run homer, going six and a third on two earned, five hits while walking one and fanning six. As for Giambi, the veteran first baseman drove in two of three runs including a tying opposite field double. Cano drove him home with an RBI single to left for just the second baseman’s ninth RBI. Maybe that will get each going.

-As for the Mets, they suffered their own tough loss at the hands of former Yankee skipper Joe Torre’s Dodgers, who stayed sizzling with their 12th win in 13 thanks to a come from behind 5-4 win at Dodger Stadium. The Amazin’s got off to a quick start when right fielder Ryan Church took Dodger starter Hiroki Kuroda yard in the first inning. Willie Randolph’s ballclub increased the lead to 3-0 when they took advantage of a Kuroda throwing error plating two more runs courtesy of Luis Castillo’s RBI single followed a couple of batters later by Jose Reyes RBI base hit.

An inning after a Juan Pierre runscoring single got the Dodgers on the board, Moises Alou executed a double steal swiping home to restore a three-run lead. However, it was shortlived thanks to a memorable night for Dodger rookie third baseman Blake DeWitt. The 22 year-old former 2004 first round pick came up with a huge two out two-run third inning hit off ineffective Met starter Nelson Figueroa to slice the deficit to one. Two frames later also with a man on and two out, he drove a Figueroa pitch to deep right. A hustling Church couldn’t haul it in allowing Russell Martin to score the tying run.

What he didn’t know was that the ball was still in play. Thinking it had cleared the wall, he didn’t get up right away. By the time he did, it was too late as the sprinting DeWitt came around to score on third base coach Larry Bowa’s signal for an exciting inside the park home run. A night before, he had slugged his first career major league homer the conventional way. This time, it was his speed which victimized the Mets and wound up being the winning run due to outstanding relief work from Hong-Chih Kuo (W, 3.2 IP, 1 H, BB, 8 K’s), setup man Jonathan Broxton (1 IP, 1 H, 2 K’s) and closer Takashi Saito, who stopped a two out Met rally by freezing Castillo on a nasty slider to end the game.

Dodger pitchers struckout 12 Mets including David Wright looking with the tying runner Church in scoring position to end the Met eighth. The Mets stranded 21 runners in dropping their second straight in L.A. They’ll send John Maine (3-2, 3.48 ERA) to go against Dodger ace Brad Penny (5-2, 3.19 ERA) looking to avoid a sweep this afternoon (3:10 ET, WFAN, SNY) with an early start time out West.

-As usual, the Roger Clemens saga has been beaten to death by the usual suspects. This is probably Mike Lupica’s version of a wet dream. Like this nerdy columnist doesn’t have a few skeletons in his closet? Come on. Obviously, the Rocket is a liar. The question is does anyone really care anymore?

-Think recovering Ranger Sean Avery was exaggerating when he told the NY Post’s Larry Brooks that he thought he was done? Just saying.

-So it turns out A-Rod fainted when his wife gave birth to their child. It just makes him more normal even if he makes all that dough.

-The talk about that filly Eight Belles wanting to race in last Sunday’s Kentucky Derby is a travesty. Like it had a choice. I must not have realized it could talk. It’s about horse racing and gamblers getting rich off poor innocent horses such as Eight Belles, who had to be jettisoned on that very track where favorite Big Brown won the first leg of the triple crown. Gamblers don’t care what happens to these horses who basically put their lives on the line. Maybe it’s time for us to rethink this brutal sport. Sure. It gives us excitement. But something’s very wrong.

-LeBron just bricked another shot and lost the ball off his leg. Just thought you wanted to know.

-Tell ya one thing. If that’s the best the East has, it should be a cake walk for whoever comes out of the West. I’m still betting on Kobe’s Lakers.

-How special is Chris Paul? Two splendid games in uncompetitive second halfs against the defending champion Spurs has the Hornets thinking big. I still have to believe Gregg Popovich will get his team back in this one. Never count out Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

-TNT’s Ernie Johnson happens to be the coolest studio host in all of sports. Who else would wear a fisherman’s hat during the end of a segment with Kenny Smith and not bust out laughing?!?!?!?!?!

-It was 25 years ago yesterday that Darryl Strawberry debuted with the Mets. What a talented player he was. The Amazin’s most exciting first round pick lived up to the hype slugging catastrophic homers which defied logic. Remember when he hit one off the light beam in Montreal? Or what about in the old Astro Dome? Straw was just awesome. You never missed an at bat because you wanted to see what the powerful right fielder out of Los Angeles could do. He made you believe anything was possible as did teammate Dwight “Doc” Gooden. In eight seasons at Shea, he slugged 252 homers and stole 191 bases. He never hit lower than 26 dingers in an era when 30-or-more was considered great. Something Straw did three times including 39 in back-to-back seasons (1987, ‘88). The 1983 NL ROY was robbed of the MVP in 1988 losing to Dodger outfielder Kirk Gibson. The eight-time NL All-Star (Mets-7, Dodgers-1) also finished third in 1990 which turned out to be his final season in Queens.

The question is how great would he have been if drugs and alcohol didn’t hound his career? He was a flawed superstar who somehow wound up back in NYC getting a second chance with the Yankees, where the baby face produced some nice moments including a towering blast to cap off the ALCS against Baltimore on the way to a second World Series in a decade. Only this time with the AL New York team. There also was a pinch hit ninth inning walkoff against the Royals where then WPIX’s Bobby Murcer actually predicted it. I also recall being at a three home run game against the White Sox with buddies. Special to say the least. I also was at Gooden’s no-hitter against Seattle with a good buddy. That we saw it for nothing due to snow in the home opener was pretty darn cool.

In many ways, Strawberry and Gooden will always be linked due to on field performances and off field disappointments. What if they had stayed on the field all the time? How great could they have been? We’ll never know.

-And finally, on that very theme comes the story of Cubs closer Kerry Wood. It was 10 years ago yesterday that as a rookie, he tied Roger Clemens’ strikeout record by fanning 20 Astros at Wrigley Field in just his fifth outing. To hear Houston hitters tell it in the Daily News baseball writer Anthony McCarron’s well written column, they had no chance against the wiz kid who at the time was 20 looking like a Cy Young fixture at the top of the Cubs’ rotation. He’d win 13 games in 26 starts losing just six while posting a 3.40 ERA and striking out 233 batters in 166-plus to win NL ROY and get them back to October. Then the next year, Wood’s elbow snapped and he missed all of 1999 and was a shadow of the promising hurler he once looked like drawing favorable comparisons to a young Clemens and Nolan Ryan.

That’s what injuries can do unfortunately. At least he’s still closing for the same team which selected him fourth overall 13 years ago. In 15 appearances this season, Wood’s 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA converting five of seven saves while fanning 16 in 17 innings. I’m rooting for him to have a good year.

-You don’t think the Phillies wish they could have that Gavin Floyd for Freddy Garcia deal back. Do ya?

-Big ups to former Baby Bomber pitching prospects George Kontos, Zach McAllister and Dellin Betances. All three are pitching extremely well rising up the Yankee charts. The other night, Kontos who only pitched Staten Island to a repeat with a dominant seven innings two summers ago K’d a season high 11 in five innings to notch his first win with Double-A Trenton. He’s 1-3 with a 3.79 ERA in seven starts with 33 K’s in 35.2 IP. Eighteen strikeouts have come in the last 10 and a third showing the promise the former Northwestern product has.

McAllister continues to perform very well. Sunday, the 20 year-old former 2006 third round pick went seven strong allowing no runs on six hits with a walk and four K’s to improve to 4-1 with a miniscule 0.92 ERA. In 39 innings with Single-A Charleston of the South Atlantic League, the Chillicothe, Illinois native has permitted 26 hits walking only five while whiffing 29 with a batting average against of .190.

Betances also has fared well with Charleston matching McAllister with his fourth victory in seven starts despite a season high seven walks Monday. The 20 year-old former Grand Street High School standout from Brooklyn, New York is 4-1 with a respectable 2.92 ERA with only a .171 BAA. In 37.0 frames, the former Yankees’ 2006 eighth round pick has given up 21 hits while walking 28 and K-ing 45. If he can improve his command, the lanky 6-8, 245 pound hard thrower with a mid-90’s fastball and wicked curve could crack the Yank rotation as early as 2010.

It’s always nice to see a few players I had the privilege of covering doing well. As we draw closer to another New York-Penn League season in mid-June, we’ll have more prospect updates. Stay tuned!

-Nice response by the Mets this weekend in Arizona taking two of three. Ya don’t think Billy Wagner had something to do with it? Jose Reyes had a real good series going 5-for-11 with three extra base hits including two triples, three runs scored, two RBI’s and a  stolen base in each game. It’s the first time all season he’s had steals in three straight.

-Ryan Church continues to impress with four hits and his fourth homer in the series opening 7-2 win. The 29 year-old right fielder who was acquired with catcher Brian Schneider from the Nationals for Lastings Milledge is looking like a steal. He leads the team in hitting with a .318 average, four home runs, 22 RBI’s and 23 runs. Church also boasts a respectable .382 on-base percentage and has played solid defense which included a key toss out of Chris Burke, who was trying for third in a tie game with nobody out in the eighth Sunday. It was Church’s fourth assist of the season.

-How about Melky Cabrera’s sudden power boost. With a two-run dinger in yesterday’s 8-2 Yankee win over Seattle to complete their first three-game sweep of 2008, the 23 year-old center fielder now has six homers in 103 at bats. Last season, the Melk Man hit only eight in 545 ABs. The switch hitter had a very good Spring Training and has carried it over so far. You just wonder if it’s legit. In this day and age, that’s what it’s come to sadly.

-The Yanks also have to be pretty happy with Darrell Rasner’s first start. He went six strong permitting only a two-run Adrian Beltre homer in the first while scattering five hits and striking out four to pickup his first win. Most importantly, he didn’t issue a walk.  Just maybe the 27 year-old from Nevada can give the staff a boost. 

-Roger Clemens is sorry because his personal life is in ruins and there’s virtually no way to recover that no matter what statements he makes.

-It’s amazing how well Oakland is playing. Despite retooling by unloading stars Dan Haren and Nick Swisher, here they are playing solid ball winning 19 of their first 33 games with the third best record in the American League. I criticized him but it turns out that GM Billy Beane does know what he’s doing. Greg Smith, who was one of the players acquired in the Haren deal from Arizona is off to a 2-1 start with a 2.54 ERA allowing 27 hits in 39 innings with 13 walks and 31 strikeouts. As evidenced by their 18 homers, the A’s don’t hit for much power which is why reclaiming veteran slugger Frank Thomas could be a wise move. He’s had success there before.

-Even with some questionable calls and non ones, the younger Pens were the better team. They just had too much speed, size and skill for the Rangers even if Jaromir Jagr turned back the clock with 15 points (5-10-15) in only 10 postseason games. If this was the last of him in the NHL, he’ll be sorely missed. No.68 truly is one of the most fun players to watch. He never complained about how many times he was hacked and didn’t take Oscar Award winning dives to draw calls unlike a certain superstar. He just played the game which is how it’s supposed to be. Too bad the NHL doesn’t seem to think so.

-Evgeni Malkin was the best player in the series and dominated the puck. The no-look backhander he scored on to beat Henrik Lundqvist was ridiculous. It’s the 21 year-old Russian who deserves all the accolades along with some endorsements. Though his slewfoot of Paul Mara was uncalled for. Pull that in the next series against a tougher Flyer team and he could pay the price.

-Has anyone ever complained more than Michel Therrien despite winning the series in five games? Apparently, he learned well how things are done on his club.

-He doesn’t always do the right things on the ice but we’re wishing Ranger Sean Avery the very best as he recovers from a lacerated spleen. The NHL needs more Averys in the game who are willing to mix it up. They’ve become a bland league with boring intermission segments and blah quotes from even their best players. That doesn’t get ratings. They need more colorful analysts who will speak their mind instead of being afraid of their shadows like the hypocritical league. Sucking up to stars doesn’t work. Neither does being serious all the time. We suggest they watch TNT’s NBA coverage cause it doesn’t get much better.

-He can say whatever he wants but until Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in the best three-of-five at Roland Garros, the No.1 ranked Swiss player isn’t as good on the red surface.

-Anyone who doesn’t watch Spurs/Hornets will be missing a great series. Even if Bruce Bowen bitches about every call against him. Tony Parker against Chris Paul is worth every penny. And could someone please explain to me why the Spurs are boring? Why? Cause they execute in the halfcourt and play solid D unlike teams such as the Nuggets and Suns. Parker and Manu Ginobili are fun players to watch. Tim Duncan might not show a lot of emotion emulating a robot but he’s one of the game’s greatest players.

-Unless he performs up to expectations against the Pistons, Dwight Howard doesn’t deserve to be tossed around with the Duncans, LeBron’s and Kobe’s.

-It’s okay now to tell the Avalanche to cover Detroit’s Johan Franzen. Oops. Too late!

-Ditto the Canadiens and finding the Flyers’ R.J. Umberger. After the way Carey Price performed, maybe Canada really is jinxed.

-That four overtime epic between San Jose and Dallas was as good as it got. You talk about great hockey and awesome goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco, it was the kind of game which anyone could enjoy featuring great skating, hitting and awe inspiring battles. So much for that magic 33 theory. Maybe next round!

-It’s amazing how a couple of wins in a row by the Mets over the Phillies can change the tune in these parts. Before a solid performance by Mike Pelfrey and outfield find Angel Pacon’s 11th inning heroics, Amazin fans were already in panic mode after a disappointing final Shea Opening loss to Philly sent their team to a third consecutive defeat and 2-4 through half a dozen games. Heck. Even on the WFAN official site, nearly half the fanbase voted that their team would get swept by the Phils. Geez. Talk about waiting for the sky to fall.

It’s just way too early for such pessimism. Especially if you’re a New York baseball fan. God forbid our teams didn’t have the resources to spend the dough and get marquee stars. What would fans do? Jump off a building. Try being a Pirates fan. We’ve got nothing to complain about.

-The start by Melky Cabrera is definitely something for Yankee fans to hang their hats on. Especially if this new found power stroke continues.

-I don’t pretend to be an expert but can anyone rationalize why new Yankee skipper Joe Girardi used Kyle Farnsworth before Ian Kennedy the other night in Kansas City due to rain? Talk about throwing in the towel.

-It might be early but that young staff the Royals got might keep them in a lot more games this season. Especially with ex-Met Brian Bannister anchoring it and Zach Greinke now looking as advertised. Closer Joakim Soria sure looks pretty legit too.

-Can anyone explain why Evan Longoria isn’t at the hot corner for Tampa other than it costing a little more cash?

-The Miguel Cabrera E5 tracker is at three and counting. He’s also hitting .138 so far with nine K’s in 29 at bats for the 1-8 Tigers.

-Remember when the Nats got out to a 3-0 start? They’ve now dropped seven in a row. So much for being tired of losing.

-Find me a more entertaining ballplayer than Hanley Ramirez. 

-It’s nice to know that the Caps vs Flyers series will actually get underway tonight. Gotta love that playoff schedule. Especially with hockey fans itching to see the best player in the game Alexander Ovechkin.

-He’s done it so much in the past that it’s hard not to see Marty Brodeur bouncing back from his Game 1 gaffe later tonight against the Rangers. Especially in such a must win situation for the Devils.

-It really is ashame that either Denver or Golden State won’t be in the NBA playoffs.

-Just for those Knick fans keeping score, Donnie Walsh still hasn’t changed coaches yet.

-That clutch shot by Mario Chalmers will be remembered forever in Kansas. You talk about a money shot to send the championship game to overtime propelling the Jayhawks to an improbable victory over Memphis. It don’t get much better.

-Missed free throws can always comeback to bite you and it sure did to John Calipari.

-If you didn’t get out to MSG the other night, you missed one heck of a show by Santana. Definitely one of the most underappreciated and best guitarists of all-time. He just doesn’t get the respect he deserves. He’s a genius.

-As the circus rolls into D.C. as my good pal Chris Wassel noted of the upcoming showdown in front of Congress between Roger Clemens and former trainer Brian McNamee later today, I just wanted to comment on another very good college hoops game I caught the last few minutes of.

-Unlike the sad controversial endings which took place in Volunteer Country and ironically the nation’s capital, the game between the fifth ranked Tar Heels and one-win in the ACC underachieving Cavaliers was a barn burner. It’s amazing to think that a team which features pro prospect Sean Singletary could be off to its worst start in the league since 1976-77 when they also began 1-9.

A few nights removed from being blown out by 31 at home by Clemson who recently lost to UNC in double overtime, Virginia played up to the level of competition looking to break a six-game losing streak. Unfortunately, they couldn’t come up with the big plays late negating a terrific performance from Singletary, who finished with a game-high 27 along with seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.

He didn’t get much help as only long-range bomber Calvin Baker reached double figures with his last bucket coming on a trey from the right wing setup by Singletary to pull his team within a bucket with under a minute to play.

The Heels went to their All-American Tyler Hansbrough, who converted a difficult eight foot fadeaway which put them up two possessions with 21 ticks to go. He paced the ACC’s second best team with 23 points on an efficient 10-of-15 from the floor with seven boards and two blocked shots. Though Hansbrough only got six in the second half, he made them count late to improve UNC to 8-2 in the ACC and 23-2 overall.

Singletary connected on a long trey from the left wing to slice it to one with eight seconds left. Problem was his team didn’t do a good enough job picking up man-to-man and fouling right away allowing the Heels to run down the clock to 2.8 when Wayne Ellington was fouled. Even though he missed the front end of a one-on-one, the ball was tipped a couple of different times allowing the clock to expire giving his team the hard earned ‘W.’

So, what was the key sequence in this one for the Cavaliers? It had to be when they trailed 71-68 with two and change to play where a wild sequence unfolded giving them three good chances to either tie it with a trifecta or pull within a point.

The Cavs got to offensive rebounds at least twice and then setup long three’s which wouldn’t go down. Then, when it appeared the Heels would score in transition, a hustling Singletary got back to pick the pocket of a UNC player giving his teammates another opportunity. With the fans excited looking for that big shot, it never came as they again forced a three which didn’t connect.

I like the three but sometimes, teams can get a little trigger happy. With still two-plus remaining, why not take the ball hard to the basket and maybe get an easier basket or possibly a three-point play?!?!?!?!?! That sequence demonstrated why the Cavs are now one game under .500 instead of playing up to capability.

HB Analysis: You have to know when is the right time to dial up from long distance. This is something I see a lot of in games I score as well. Not to be critical because I like and respect the players I get to see but it’s all about smart decision making. When they get into the lane and draw defenders, that’s when good things usually happen. You could say that for any basketball game that you’re either at or catching on the tube.

The best teams are unselfish and know how to utilize all their talent and get the most out of it on the court.

I think I’ve said enough about one game. Don’t you?

Till later I guess.

-If you caught either Villanova/Georgetown on ESPN or Rutgers/Tennessee on ESPN2, then you saw highway robbery commited in both games courtesy of some disorganized officials who in each game ruled in the home team’s favor.

Now I’m not one to normally point that out as in the conclusion of each of these competitive men’s and women’s Division I games, it just so happened that a crucial call went in the home school’s favor. Ironically enough, the endings came less than a few minutes apart making for a disappointed scene back at the studio up in Bristol.

In the No.6 ranked Hoyas’ case, they went down to the wire with Jay Wright’s Wildcats. ‘Nova leading scorer Scottie Reynolds had helped his desperate Big East team rally from 12 down tying the game with a nice driving lay-up for the last of his game-high 24. Following a Georgetown timeout, the Wildcats got a stop and then called time to setup a final play with 30 seconds left.

As that timeout was taking place, a bigger controversy was unfolding in Volunteer country where the three referees couldn’t seem to decide if Nicky Anosike was fouled by Lady Scarlet Knight Kia Vaughn before time ran out. The confused trio huddled together and then went to the scorer’s table to discuss why there was still 0.2 on the clock when it probably should’ve ran off before Vaughn grabbed Anosike.

While they decided to reward Anosike with two free throws, I flipped back to see how the Wildcats made out on their final possession. I caught it just in time to see a livid Wright on the sideline in utter disbelief at a ridiculous touch foul called on Villanova’s Corey Stokes with 0.1 on the clock 75 feet from the basket. During their possession, a driving Reynolds lost the ball on a double team allowing Georgetown to come away with it. That’s when Jonathan Wallace dribbled to try to get off a desperation heave when the silly stripes blew their whistle for essentially nothing even leaving the ESPN broadcast team stunned by such an atrocious call.

With the game knotted at 53, Wallace calmly drained both free throws leaving ‘Nova unable to even get a shot, which dropped them to 4-7 in the conference. A loss which could prove costly if they are to qualify for the Big East Tournament. The top 12 get in. The Wildcats will play St. John’s this Saturday in what now amounts to a big game. Especially with Norm Roberts’ club reeling off three in a row after a humiliating blowout home defeat at the hands of these same Hoyas who benefited from such a weak call.

While that awful injustice concluded, I got to see Anosike with her No.2 ranked team down one sink both free throws forcing a noticeably upset Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer call for time to setup one final desperation shot with 0.2 still on the clock. Amazingly, as it was inbounded to an RU player who mishandled the ball out of bounds, the same 0.2 never elapsed forcing the officials to blow their whistles signaling the end of this controversial game between last year’s national championship participants which Pat Summitt’s Lady Vols also won.

One game should’ve been in overtime while the other should’ve given the Lady Scarlet Knights a measure of revenge finally getting the better of Tennessee away from home for the first time in school history. Instead of celebrating like they were when they figured they’d pulled the upset, the No.7 ranked Knights swallowed hard and showed good sportsmanship not protesting while congratulating their fortunate opponents.

These two officiating mishaps were disgraceful. That they could each take place in such big games is even more embarrassing. I don’t know what was up with the Tennessee scoreboard but what happened in Georgetown was just brutal. Especially when Villanova needed the game for seeding position. You can’t ever decide a game on such a call.

I saw some not so good officiating today over at the Berkeley Carroll gym in Park Slope but it paled in comparison to what happened during these two Div.I games. I definitely feel for the players and coaches who deserved a better fate. Who knows if ‘Nova beats the Hoyas in OT? It’s a flip of the coin. Only thing is they had all the momentum.

The Lady Scarlet Knights should’ve won. They clearly were robbed. Hopefully, they’ll get another crack at the Lady Vols in March.

-We hockey fans all know how dangerous the sport can be. Let’s just thank goodness that Panthers’ forward Richard Zednik is still alive after having successful emergency carotid artery surgery to repair an area which lost five pints of blood due to teammate Olli Jokinen’s skate blade accidentally slicing the right side of his throat during Sunday night’s road game in Buffalo. Doctors never considered his life in jeopardy. Thankfully, they were proven right because Jokinen’s blade just missed cutting the jugular vein.

I can’t imagine what the Florida team captain must’ve been feeling like as they stopped the game for 15 minutes before deciding to complete it. Such a freak accident can happen when you talk about this sport. Especially with sharp blades as well as dangerous pucks which travel at very fast speeds and sticks which sometimes can catch players in bad areas. We saw something freaky like this occur neartly 19 years ago with former Sabre goalie Clint Malarchuk when his jugular vein was sliced open by St. Louis’ Steve Tuttle during a scrum. This infamous disgusting incident can be found on YouTube. I just don’t feel like linking it because it is every bit as gruesome as it sounds. I am glad I didn’t see what happened to Zednik but even happier that like Malarchuk, the Slovak will live to tell about it.

Sometimes, you got to thank your lucky stars.

-How is Congress supposed to be taken seriously when so much of their Mitchell Report steroids case won’t be forced to talk Wednesday in Washington? Andy Pettite, Chuck Knoblauch and former Met trainer Kirk Radomski should all have to testify. What I never grasped was why they seemed to be targeting select people while ignoring plenty of other names who there seemed to be even more evidence against.

This process just doesn’t make any sense. No matter what some obsessed sports columnists tell you.

-Now that the Knicks snapped their eight-game skid by hanging on by the skin of their teeth at Milwaukee, does Lord Isiah still actually believe his team has a run in them?

-Shaq sure said a lot at that introductory press conference for a guy who still hasn’t even debuted for the Suns. I still can’t help but like the Big Aristotle because he’s got so much personality and can back up his big words. You just wonder how much the soon to be 36 year-old four-time NBA champion has left.

-Losing Inside The NFL to another richer network is just another sad reality check for pigskin fans. For 31 years, HBO covered the game of football better than any other network including those know it alls up in Bristol, Connecticut. Though I sure do miss Prime Time.

What separated Inside The NFL from other shows was how much they were able to give you on the inside. From the huddles to the sidelines to postgame locker room stuff, this is where it originated. So, when you see what you do on other networks, where do you think they came up with it? From one very in depth cable network which does an outstanding job covering sports in between all the movies and sitcoms they air.

-Is Sidney Crosby still the NHL’s IT star player when teammate Evgeni Malkin is carrying the same team on his back with Sid The Kid out? Just saying.

-Make me care about the Grammys.

-Pitchers and catchers might be here but wake me up in say six weeks when it really starts to matter.

-My Stanford buddy John Giagnorio was all excited about Tyrus Thomas’ big game in a Chicago road win at Golden State. But what I’m wondering is what the heck happened to Tyrus in the Bulls’ next game? A 13-point loss at Utah. You can have good games in the NBA but doing it on a consistent basis is what separates the men from the boys.

-Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore to the Senators for Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo is about as nifty a move as Ottawa GM Bryan Murray could make adding championship proven players to a roster which fell three games short of a Stanley Cup a year ago.

-By the time the Rangers play again, it will be St. Patty’s Day. At least that’s what Irish sources are telling me.

-Imagine if Alexander Ovechkin was Canadian and Crosby was Russian. Who do you think would be receiving all the attention? It’s Canada’s game.

-There have been a couple of nice stories in the NBA this season. We covered the Blazers’ resurgence last week. Their win streak is now at 11 after a Christmas night 10-point win over Kevin Durant and the Sonics. 2006-07 Rookie of The Year Brandon Roy was one of four Blazers in double digits including backup PG Jarrett Jack (17 pts) and ex-Knick Channing Frye (12 pts). Portland’s bench outscored Seattle 48-35.

While Portland (16-12) sits only a game out of first in the Northwest, the league’s other pleasant surprise the Atlanta Hawks (15-12) remain two and a half behind Orlando in the improved Southeast.  

For years, the Hawks have been a league dormat last taken seriously when NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins was lighting up opponents. After making some progress last year with 30 wins, they look to be taking a big step forward where they’re already halfway to that total thanks to a core which includes leading scorer Joe Johnson (22.3 PPG, 5.6 APG), athletic forwards Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress along with rookie center Al Horford.

What’s the difference this season? Well, the recently turned 22 year-old Smith continues to improve averaging 17.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG plus 3.5 assists, over three blocks-a-game and nearly two thefts-per-night. The lanky 6-9 235 pound forward is a match-up problem due to his superior athleticism and quickness.

Meanwhile, third-year pro Williams is finally evolving. The former UNC star who was taken second overall in 2005 is shooting over 50 percent from the field averaging 16.7 PPG and 5.7 RPG.

Ex-Stanford star Childress also puts up double digits (11.6 PPG) and grabs five boards.

The addition of Gators star big man Horford is something which was badly needed for the Hawks, especially on the interior. In over 30 minutes, the 21 year-old from the Dominican leads the team in rebounding with 9.5-per-game (6.8 Def, 2.7 Off). He also gets over nine points-a-night and shoots better than 50 percent.

Entering his first year from winning back-to-back NCAA championships with Florida, Horford is a proven winner who understands the game. Solid defense and rebounding is what wins in any league. Just ask the Knicks.

You don’t have to be the most talented player to make an impact. Sometimes, it’s the little intangible things which help make a difference. Just one of the reasons why the Hawks suddenly are gaining respect.

Atlanta has won eight of 10 and boast a 10-6 home mark. They’re also 6-1 within the division and 9-9 against the East.

So, can these Hawks qualify for their first postseason since 1998-99? Why the heck not? Outside of Boston and Detroit, there aren’t any other elite teams in the conference. The Magic continue to make strides but must prove themselves come next Spring.

It’s all there for this young budding team.

-Thinking of the Hawks actually having a competitive team takes us back when The Human Highlight Film was going shot for shot with Larry Bird in a classic Game 7 Eastern semi duel two decades prior. ’Nique just never had that other star player who could help his team get past the second round. Doc Rivers was a heady pass-oriented point guard who would’ve dominated today. Kevin Willis was a beast down low who owned the glass. Spud Webb was a small superfast spark plug off the bench. Jon Koncak was a serviceable center who could hit from the outside. Cliff Levingston, Randy Wittman and Tree Rollins were solid support players.

The problem for those Hawks was the window lasted only three years and the Celtics and Pistons were both better. Once Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, you knew it was just a matter of time before the Bulls owned the league.

It was a fun time to be a hoops fan.

Definitely check out the best of Dominique. 

Here’s some more classic No.21 in what can best be described as a scintillating tribute video with kick ass edits and music:

The Human Highlight Film Livin’ It Up 

-Well, it appears the Mets aren’t going to roll over just yet. They already have seven runs on the board and it’s only in the third inning against the Marlins.

They’ve already delivered clutch two out hits for five of the seven. How big has Luis Castillo been? While Jose Reyes continues to be MIA, the hobbled veteran second baseman who was picked up from the Twins has been right in the middle of his team’s big day at Shea with two hits, a stolen base and two runs scored. Actually, scratch that. Make that 3-for-3 as his ground rule double scored John Maine to make it 8-0. They definitely should try to re-sign him. He’s played his ass off.
Lastings Milledge also has a two-run home run as the Amazin’s have gotten two in the first and three in each of the next two frames as they build a huge lead in hopes that they can win this one and tomorrow’s season finale against Dontrelle Willis- this way they can apply pressure on Philadelphia to win their last two games.

What’s the noticeable difference in these Mets today? They look much more relaxed. Almost like a heavy weight has been lifted off their shoulders. The only problem is they still need help even if they do win their final two which you’d have to believe they’ll do. They now know they got nothing more to lose. The worst has already happened.

The big question which comes in less than two hours is how will the Phillies respond? Being the hunted is a little different than being the hunter like they were for almost the entire season. They know the Mets will probably win big and must hold serve much like a tennis player with a set on the line.

We’ll see how Adam Eaton fares today against the Nationals.

-Meanwhile, the NHL is back and already there was an issue. In the first ever game at London between the Kings and defending champion Ducks, the opening regular season tilt for the 2007-08 season was delayed half an hour. For what you ask? Faulty lighting!

Gotta love it. Could this happen to any other league?!?!?!?!?!

Early observations:

A.Gary Bettman’s mere presence has influenced a penalty fest. There have already been 12 combined power plays.

B.The Ducks miss Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, especially on the power play where they’ve gone 0-for-5 while the Kings have converted three on the PP in seven opportunities. Try telling the nimrods who update the online boxscores that fact. They only have L.A. for 1 PPG and somehow new captain Rob Blake scored shorthanded on the doorstep with five guys out there to Anaheim’s four.

C.Kings 19 year-old rookie netminder Jonathan Bernier looks really sharp but also has gotten help from a D which has gotten in the path of shots. If he gets his first career shutout in his NHL debut, will he get a second start tomorrow? We’ll see.

-Notre Dame scores an offensive touchdown in the third quarter at Purdue to make it 23-6. Stop the presses!

-It says here that C.C. Sabathia would be our choice for the AL Cy Young but we see Josh Beckett winning due to winning 20 for AL East champion Boston. Fausto Carmona and John Lackey are also in the mix and Chien-Ming Wang will probably get some consideration. It’s almost as compelling as the NL MVP race yet nobody discusses it. Who would you choose?

-It’s still hard to believe what’s happened to the Mets. Even facing the prospect of being out of first for the first time since May 15 couldn’t inspire Willie Randolph’s stumbling club to pull out a win against the hapless Marlins. Instead, they dropped yet another at Shea falling 7-4 Friday night.

Coupled with the Phillies’ 6-0 shutout thanks to a brilliant 13 strikeout performance from ace Cole Hamels, the Amazin’s now trail the Phils by a game with just two games left this weekend as they now try to save their season.

How bad are things for the Mets? They’re now 0-5 on the final homestand which could be shattering the hearts of many fans in Queens who have sat and stared in disbelief at what’s transpired since Sept. 12 when their team was comfortably in front of Philly by seven games with a second consecutive division within sight.

If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz, then you should be very familiar with Judy Garland’s infamous Dorothy character where she clicks her heels together in red slippers and says, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.”

Unfortunately, it doesn’t apply to the Mets who have now dropped their last eight at Shea during this epic collapse which has seen them lose 11 of 15.

“I think it’s embarrassing,” Met third baseman David Wright said after being unable to step on third for an unusual 5-2-5 double play in the second which cost his team a run. “It’s pretty pathetic that we have this division within our grasp with seven home games and we can’t find a way to win one of them. It’s a bad feeling.“
After being shutdown by Boston reject Joel Pineiro a night prior, this time the Mets allowed BJ Kim to somehow get through five innings and pickup a win for the Marlins. They did get all four of their runs (3 ER) off the journeyman but it wasn’t enough due to a lack of control from Oliver Perez.

The unpredictable southpaw who was so clutch against the very same team last weekend going eight strong for his 15th victory was dreadful when his team needed another big outing. Instead, he got off to a bad start giving up a first inning two-run home run to Jeremy Hermida which gave Florida the lead for good silencing the Shea supporters who turned out and supported their team unlike the previous night where you could hear a pin drop.

Even though the Mets got back in it and sliced it back to one thanks to a monstrous two-run shot from Carlos Beltran off the scoreboard, Perez just couldn’t get it together in the fourth, giving back the two runs thanks to a two out bases loaded two-run single by Miguel Cabrera which snuck under Jose Reyes’ glove. It ended Perez’ night as he exited to boos.
An inning prior with his team trailing 2-1, he forced in two runs with the bases loaded by hitting consecutive batters.

His final line: 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 HP, 4 K’s

In sharp contrast last weekend, he didn’t walk a batter giving up two runs (1 ER) while fanning eight.

Guess that’s how it goes when things are unraveling. Adding further insult to injury was light hitting Florida backstop Matt Treanor taking Orlando Hernandez deep to put the Marlins up four.

It was too much for the Mets to overcome as they only got a Wright fifth inning RBI ground out for the final margin as they were shutdown the final four frames by four Marlins relievers including ex-Met farmhand Matt Lindstrom, who escaped a first and third jam by getting Moises Alou swinging on a nasty heater downstairs to fan the side in the seventh.

It was the only serious threat the Mets had as they even couldn’t do anything with a leadoff hit from Reyes in their last licks as Florida closer Kevin Gregg got Luis Castillo, Wright and Beltran without any problem sending the fans home quietly.
“It’s hard to believe but it’s the reality,” a disappointed Beltran expressed in the loser’s locker room. “We haven’t been able to play the game the way we want to.“
Meanwhile, the Phillies had built a six-run lead on the Nationals in front of screaming and towel waving fans at Citizens Bank Park as they won their 12th in the last 15 to move into first.
The usual suspects were at it as the trio of MVP candidates Jimmy Rollins (two-run single), Chase Utley (RBI double) and Ryan Howard (two-run home run) drove in five of the six runs with Hamels knocking in the other to go along with his remarkable start in which he blew away 13 Nats in the first eight on 116 pitches.

Not too shabby for a 22 year-old who at one point fanned 10 of 13 striking out the side twice.

So, with wildcard leader San Diego winning 6-3 in Milwaukee to take a two-game lead over both the Mets and Rockies (lost 4-2 to Diamondbacks) with two days left to decrease its Magic No. to 1, the big question is is New York finished?

It will all depend on how John Maine and the offense performs later today. Only difference is now, they need help to get in. The Phillies and Padres must cooperate for that to happen.
-Kudos to Lou Piniella on getting the ship turned around at Wrigley. With a 6-0 shutout in Cincinnati, the fiery skipper got the Cubs back to October for the first time since Steve Bartman in 2003. No. Unlike most Cub fans, we don’t blame the poor fan for what transpired. It’s old news.

The Cubs couldn’t have won the NL Central without Alfonso Soriano (leadoff home run) having a big final month slugging 13 of his team leading 32 homers. The big money free agent who went 40/40 last year in the nation’s capital finally paid off after having a disappointing start to his Cub career.

They also got a big performance from ace Carlos Zambrano, who tossed seven scoreless to earn his 18th win. If they’re to make this a memorable postseason in Chicago, the good Zambrano must show up like last night.

Derrek Lee also hit his 22nd home run and the resurgent Jacques Jones doubled in two more as the Cubs clinched the division thanks to the win along with Milwaukee’s home defeat to San Diego.

If a Cub fan is looking for reasons why this team turned it around coming from eight and a half out in mid-June to make the postseason, look at Jones’ second half:

.319, 22 extra base hits, 45 RBI’s

Note: The average should have gone up based on Jones’ three hits last night.

We’re fairly certain a stat-sessed Stanford student is chopping at the bit here.

-The baseball playoff picture is clearing up. With the Mets taking yesterday’s final game at Florida 7-6 in extras thanks to NL MVP candidate David Wright’s clutch RBI single while the pesky Nats held on to defeat the Phillies 5-3, New York is looking good to take their second straight division with a week to go.

Willie Randolph’s club entered tonight’s opening game against Washington with a two and a half game lead. Though they’re on the verge of dropping the opener trailing 10-3 with Mike Pelfrey roughed up and Guillermo Mota drawing more boos with another brutal performance, they would still lead the Phils by two games with six left for each club.

The Amazin’s Magic No. is five. They’ll face the Nationals twice more, then play a make up game at Shea against the Cardinals before finishng up with three against the Marlins. Meanwhile, Charlie Manuel’s resilient Phils finish up with six at home but must host the Braves for three starting tomorrow before the Nats come in for a weekend series.

It won’t be easy to break their 14-year playoff drought since the 1993 Phillies fell to the Blue Jays in six on Joe Carter’s memorable ninth inning home run.

They do trail the Padres by half a game for the wildcard. San Diego begins a three-game series in San Francisco tonight before wrapping up with four at Milwaukee.

The Padres are coming off being swept by the Rockies who have now reeled off eight in a row and are just a game and a half back (game behind Phils). San Diego will try to rebound despite losing outfielder Milton Bradley who tore his ACL in bizarre fashion while protesting vehemently and being spun around by manager Bud Black and falling awkwardly.

Could only happen to a hot head talent such as Bradley who’s worn out his welcome in other places but was a catalyst for San Diego after they picked him up from Oakland. He’s just not smart.

They also could be without center fielder Mike Cameron who has a torn ligament in his right thumb after Bradley accidentally stepped on it while the ex-Met tried to make a diving catch on a Garrett Atkins inside the park home run. It looks like Cameron will only be available off the bench as a pinch hitter which could be a big blow to the Padres’ chances.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are in the driver’s seat having taken four in a row and leading the Brewers by three and a half to reduce their Magic No. to four as they head to Florida for three before concluding the season in Cincinnati.

They aren’t getting any help from the Cards tonight who at last check were being pounded by Milwaukee 12-2. Prince Fielder hit his senior circuit leading 48th dinger and certain NL Rookie of The Year Ryan Braun has his 33rd and driven in three.

In 107 games which includes tonight, the third baseman has 91 RBI’s to go with a .322 average and 85 runs scored. Just amazing numbers for the 2005 first round pick (fifth overall) out of Miami Florida. If he somehow got to 100 RBI’s and the Cubs collapsed, should he get MVP consideration? Why not. His situational numbers and splits are impressive for a first-year player. Don’t believe us? See for yourself:

Ryan Braun’s 2007 Splits

Braun’s 2007 situational stats

Definitely gives you some food for thought with Wright, teammate Fielder, Matt Holliday and Phillies Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and 2006 NL recipient Ryan Howard getting most of the attention.

It might all depend on how this final week plays out. It’s definitely one of the most exciting and unpredictable races we’ve seen.

Stay tuned. Expect the unexpected.

-With the Yanks falling at The Stadium to Toronto 4-1, the AL East is all but over. Unless Boston falls apart, they’ll win the division and the Bronx Bombers will settle for the wildcard. What’s unknown still is whether it will be the Angels or Indians in the first round. Just wait and see.

-The Giants showed an awful lot of resolve in yesterday’s 24-17 come from behind victory at Fed Ex Field over NFC East rival Washington. This was a real gutcheck for Tom Coughlin’s group who overcame a 17-3 deficit by getting three unanswered scores all in the second half while the Skins’ offense stalled.

Eli Manning didn’t have a great day turning it over three times (2 Ints, 1 lost fumble) but the Big Blue QB was money on third down at one point helping his desperate team convert seven consecutive times in those situations to keep drives alive. Along with strong second half by Plaxico Burress on a bad ankle, the two hooked up for the winning touchdown as Plax made the adjustment on a tough pass and took it to the house.

What we can’t figure out was why the Skins’ playcalling down the stretch was so brutal. With the ball inside the Giant 2 and still at least 55 seconds left, they chose to have QB Jason Campbell spike the ball and waste a down rather than run another play. The strategy made about as much sense as the rushed fourth down call to give the ball to Ladell Betts for a second straight time and watch him get dropped in the backfield as Big Blue held to earn the big win.

It was about as poor a last minute goal line series as you’ll see. Especially from what was an undefeated team.

You have to wonder how a Joe Gibbs overstaffed team (have you seen how many assistants they have) could have such poor execution in that situation against what had been a porous Giant D up until the final 30 minutes yesterday.

It doesn’t matter as the Giants will take it and try to carry momentum forward when they return home to host the Eagles who also got back on track with a blowout 56-21 win over another overrated unbeaten Detroit. Donovan McNabb threw for four touchdowns and 381 yards while Brian Westbrook had 221 total yards and three scores.

Andy Reid’s team did all this despite possibly the ugliest jerseys anyone’s ever seen:

As Shaggy in Scooby Doo would say, “Yiiiiiiikkkkkkeeeesss.”

Have you ever seen anything that ugly before? It even beats the old Islander Fishstick logos.

It’s supposed to be a 1933 throwback. Just pray they never wear it again.

-Meanwhile, the Jets also got their first win hanging on to beat division rival Miami 31-28 at The Meadowlands. Chad Pennington didn’t have great numbers but still accounted for three touchdowns including his a QB sneak for his first rushing score since 2004.

Leon Washington returned a kick for a 98-yard score and Pennington made two nice throws to Laveranues Coles and underrated tight end Chris Baker for passing TDs as Gang Green prevailed despite two late touchdowns by Miami which made things interesting before the Jets’ Eric Smith recovered an on-side kick with 70 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

More encouraging was running back Thomas Jones who broke out for 110 yards on the ground after a couple of quiet weeks. Eric Mangini’s club will need more of that type of production when they play winless Buffalo next week.

-If the Titans win this game at New Orleans, the Saints will be 0-3. They’re finding out just how tough it is a year later after being media darlings last year. Playing a first place schedule is much tougher and with it come loftier expectations for Sean Payton’s club who got all the way to the NFC title game before being routed by Chicago.

-Speaking of the Bears, with another brutal performance last night including three picks with one returned all the way for a TD in a blowout home defeat to unbeaten Dallas, Rex Grossman just might be finding a seat on the bench in favor of veteran QB Brian Griese. At 1-2, they’re already in some trouble.

-If anyone caught the nasty preseason tilt on Islanders TV between the Rangers and Isles, then you know what happened between Chris Simon and Ryan Hollweg isn’t over. For more on that game which featured a goalie fight between Rick DiPietro and Al Montoya, please check out our entries over at Battle of New York.

-As the NHL regular season inches closer, we should have a preview forth coming. Stay tuned.