Tomorrow, the waiting finally is over. No, the Rangers didn’t win another Cup. If only that could be possible this June. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. In any event, Super Bowl XLVI pits a rematch of SB XLII when the Giants and Patriots are set to do battle in Indianapolis.

It will truly be a place of Mannings with both Peyton and brother Eli in the RCA Dome while Dad Archie watches along with the rest of the Manning family. Tom Brady revisits the place where his team blew a big half time lead when Peyton Manning finally rose up and carried the Colts to a dramatic win before defeating the Bears for his only Lombardi Trophy. Even if it seems like a long time ago with Peyton about to get run out of town for the next hotshot QB Andrew Luck, it’ll still be a great setting with big bro again lending support to little bro on Super Bowl Sunday.

If it wasn’t unique enough four years ago after Peyton had won the previous year, here he is again in an odd setting which maybe the final time he’ll set foot in Indy as a Colt. That still is hard to fathom how they can toss a hero to the curb but that’s the world of the world of the NFL. An unforgiving business where you can become one of the all-time greats, setting all sorts of records and then once a career threatening injury sidelines you, you’re history. At least according to his agent, Peyton should be okay for offseason workouts to showcase for other interested clubs.

While that huge distraction deters from a highly anticipated rematch between Brady and Eli along with Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, the two combatants have a game to play tomorrow. Hopefully, it’ll be as good as the first which the Giants won thanks to some late heroics from Eli, unlikely hero David Tyree and Plaxico Burress.  

This time, the names will be different with the younger Manning looking for primary targets Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, who’ve torched opponents all year. And while they were for the most part held in check by a stingy, ferocious 49ers D that took the Giants to sudden death, it’s been the consistency of both wideouts that should be a concern for New England. How to slow down a dynamic duo that can turn a routine catch into a highlight film? There’s the challenge for Belichick, Vince Wilfork and the rest of the Patriot D.

While the Pats contend with the Giants’ air attack, Big Blue must also concern themselves with still the one guy who can beat you in Bradym, who definitely would love to exact revenge after getting pulverized in Arizona. Sure. He’s coming off a poor outing in a fortunate win over the Ravens. But that’s when a great quarterback is most dangerous. It’s his and Belichick’s legacies that are on the line. Figure Brady to come out firing for chief targets Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski, who won’t be wearing any protective braces.

Does someone else step up on either side like Mario Manningham or Bear Pascoe on the Giants or perhaps former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch or even forgotten man Chad Ocho Cinco?  That’s what makes the Super Bowl so unique. You never know who the unsung hero could be.

Will either side be able to control the clock by running the ball? The experience of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw should tilt it slightly in the Giants’ favor over BenJarvus Greene-Ellis Much depends on the lines. Who will win the battles in the trenches? The Giants boast a pass rush led by monster Jason Pierre-Paul, who can wreak havoc. Brady must also worry about Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and forgotten man Mathias Kiwanuka. The play of Chris Canty and defensive leaders Michael Boley and Antrel Rolle give Big Blue a distinct edge in playmakers who can impact the game.  But all that doesn’t mean anything until they play the game.

All the smack talk, cockiness is just that. You have to back up the talk, which Burress did following his remarkable Super Bowl XLII prediction of 17-14, which left Brady speechless before a down had been played. It’s about mental fortitude. Who wants it more?

The Pats haven’t won in a while and are looking to cement their legacy. This is their seventh Super Bowl appearance. If they lose, it’s two crushing defeats in a row at the hands of the same team and a 3-4 record. But if they prevail, that would be four rings for Brady and Belichick, making them two of the greatest champions in football history. If the Giants prevail, it’d be pretty significant for Coughlin, who could rise to Canton status along with Eli, who would join an exclusive list of Hall Of Fame QBs who won at least two Lombardis. That he has to beat winner of three Brady again is a great storyline. Much of the focus will be on them along with the two coaches who once worked together for Bill Parcells. Pretty crazy.

It’s what makes this such a special game. So, what we think? I see another closely contested game with more points scored by both offenses. It could very well come down to who has the ball last. Are the Giants about to make history as the only 9-7 division winner to win the Super Bowl or will the Pats deal a harsh reality?

Everything points to the Giants with the offenses being even, except that both Cruz and Nicks are healthy while nobody knows what Gronkowski’s impact will be. Maybe Brady finds tight end Aaron Hernandez more. It’s a tough one to call. If the Giants get to Brady, it could be a long day. But what if Belichick takes away the deep ball and blitzes like San Fran. Granted. New England’s perssonel isn’t as good. You never know considering how calm he’s been this week. Almost like he’s enjoying it more. If his team wins, does he ride off to sunset? I don’t see him as the retiring type.

It just may depend on Brady’s will to win. He was embarrassed last time even though it was close. He has something to prove. That’s why I’m going against who I want to win.

SUPER BOWL XLVI PREDICTION:

GIANTS 27 PATRIOTS 31

MVP: Tom Brady, New England

A Welcome Back to a place where fun can be had. Whether it’s old or new, we’re going to try to  make it different than other blogs. Congrats to Roberto Alomar,Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick on making Cooperstown. Well deserved for the trio even if Mike Francesa believes Blyleven was more of a compiler. I can see rewarding longevity. The Hall Of Fame isn’t exactly easy to figure out in any sport. There will always be omissions and curious inclusions.

We’ve had an eventful summer thus far with our women falling just short against a determined underdog. Kudos to Japan for showing true heart in upsetting three favorites in a row in one of the more improbable runs to the Women’s World Cup. If Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and favorite playmaker Megan Rapinoe got this country excited about soccer, then what of heroic performances from Homare Sawa and Ayumi Kaihori, who combined to stun the USA in a compelling final full of twists and turns? Sometimes, you get beat. Japan did it in miraculous fashion tying it late in regulation and then forcing it to kicks thanks to a remarkable deflection from Sawa. Credit a nation for coming together in the face of real adversity with what’s going on at home. Prayers go out to Japan after the latest natural disaster. They deserved something good, which wasn’t lost on our American women who were good sports. That should count for something too in today’s me-first world. They gave us a fun ride starting with Wambach’s own miraculous late heroics versus Brazil before Solo did the rest in kicks. Thank you for making this a better summer.

Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran deserve all the accolades for the years they’ve had. Who knows what’ll happen with Reyes past this weekend’s trade deadline but the electrifying All-Star shortstop finally showed what he can do when healthy. Whether he’s worth a long-term investment between 6-7 years remains to be seen. Beltran is a better story due to what he came back from. It’s not easy to make it back from chronic knees. To achieve All-Star status and lead the Mets in homers and RBI’s when many expected little and wanted to run him out of town, is a credit to his dedication. Assuming he moves on this week, enjoy his last game.

Congrats to Derek Jeter for reaching 3,000 career hits the only way he could. By doing the unthinkable with a home run putting an exclamation on a five hit day with our favorite Yankee also in the middle of delivering in the clutch for a win, which is what he’s always been about. Still, he probably should’ve let Christian Lopez have the ball even if the diehard Jetorian gave it to him. Francesa might be wrong about a lot of things but he’s dead on about all the money Jeter, Steiner Sports and the Yankees are making off that big hit. Sure. Tix the rest of the year, including playoffs are nice. But he could’ve kept the ball and paid off college tuition. No easy task today.

So, the NFL is Back! Hip hip hooray unless you’re a Big Blue supporter, who can’t wait to see what the Giants drop in our Christmas stocking for their latest collapse. Get the coal ready!

We could be looking at no NBA for a while. That one looks a long way off. Will it reach a boiling point? Are they really going to emulate the NHL lockout or will something change by say January ’12 like it did in ’99 during what turned out to be a wild ride for Knick fans. And of course Dolan is still asking Knicks subscribers to pay up for a season that has no chance of starting. What a jacka$$!

We’ll have a lot more in store. So tune in!

When we think Giants football, we’re reminded of hard nosed, aggressive D harassing quarterbacks led by LT, Carl Banks, Harry Carson, Leonard Marshall, Michael Strahan, Jesse Armstead and former captain Antonio Pierce. Defense has always been a Giant staple for the franchise that honored the past with a special Ring Of Honor halftime ceremony.

Most notably, the Giant D heeded Strahan and Armstead’s pregame locker room speeches by terrorizing poor Bears QB Jay Cutler- recording nine sacks in a dominant first half that would’ve made any Giant proud. Against a hot quarterback who led surprising Chicago as the lone NFC unbeaten into last night’s NBC showdown. Osi Umenyiora (3 sacks) and Justin Tuck (3 sacks) made sure it wouldn’t be a repeat of the Indy embarrassment two weeks ago. They manhandled an inferior Chicago front line who couldn’t keep Cutler from getting wrecked literally, eventually KO’d late in the first half due to a concussion. The good news is he’s expected to be okay which is more than one could say for 38 year-old vet backup Todd Collins, who somehow walked off the field on his own power following another Giant freight train.

On a night the offense continued to struggle- particularly in the first half- only scoring three points with Lawrence Tynes misfiring from 38, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew finished with 10 sacks. Never allowing the Bear offense to get any kind of rhythm. Without a ground game, it became a game of please don’t kill our QBs. Regrettably, all three of them took snaps on a night Big Blue turned back the clock to that magical ’07 resulting in the franchise’s third Lombardi Trophy.  

The D never let up, giving Eli Manning a chance to get untracked along with Ahmad Bradshaw, who was a beast in the second half- slicing and dicing a stingy Chicago defense for 129 rushing yards and a touchdown. Most encouraging was that he became the first Giant to rush for over 100 yards in 17 games, ending a disturbing trend. Hopefully, the third-year feature back and Brandon Jacobs can now work on protecting the football. Both lost fumbles again with Jacobs’ miscue leading to the Bears only points off the leg of Robbie Gould (40-yd FG).

It wasn’t perfect but the offense responded with two second half scores en route to an ugly 17-3 home win in which 22 of their greatest players were honored, including Phil Simms and frequent booing target Tiki Barber. Even Jacobs recovered from his latest gaffe to finish with 62 yards on just six carries, sealing the all important second ‘W’ with a two-yard bull rush.

Even if the offense continued to turn it over three times (Eli lost fumble), this was a step in the right direction for Tom Coughlin’s bunch. They seemed to care a lot more than ME-ki implied during a week in which he was being recognized for what he did on the gridiron. Sometimes, you just got to wonder about the franchise running back leader’s timing. 

In a game their QB didn’t standout finishing 18-of-30 for a buck ninety five with a turnover, the Giants got back to what they are. Domination by the D and ground and pound. Two staples when the 2008 Super Bowl champs were at a crossroads staring at 0-3 in D.C. This was a must win scenario and they passed with flying colors, saving 2010. It won’t get any easier next week against an improved Texan club when they travel to Houston.But at 2-2, they’re a first place team in a topsy turvy NFC East- tied with the Eagles and Redskins, who got their second win thanks to Donovan McNabb getting the better of his former club in his Philly return.

Throughout the week, it was as if this Giant season was already dead. Now, there’s a chance to do something. They can thank Strahan and Armstead for reminding them what they really are. Classic Giant football that would’ve made Wellington Mara proud. A memorable night to be a Giant.

Eli Manning must be the Giant leader in what amounts to a huge game in Week Four against the undefeated Bears.

It’s hard to believe but the Giants are already facing a crisis in Week Four. After winning the first ever game at the new Giants Stadium in ugly fashion over lowly Carolina, Tom Coughlin’s bunch have dropped two straight in embarrassing fashion- getting smoked by the Peyton Manning Colts in Week Two and then self destructing in an even worse loss to the Titans.

Not shockingly, the lack of discipline drew the ire of Big Blue Faithful and the press, who are always chopping at the bit to throw someone under the bus. Anything to sell papers in this town. No question, New York’s tough on its teams and the Giants, who won a Super Bowl two years ago, are no exception.

What’s demoralizing is the amount of turnovers and large amount of penalties Coughlin’s crew are piling up. It’s led to the belief that perhaps the some players have tuned out the vet coach. Somewhat predictably, Tiki Barber wondered aloud if that indeed was the case, essentially concluding that his former coach’s job could be on the line. That the timing came in eerie fashion for the franchise running back leader, who’ll be among 30 players paid tribute to in a halftime Ring Of Honor ceremony- is typical of ME-ki. No doubt his contributions on the field for Big Blue were great. But why the need to again run his mouth when the organization is about to pay homage? Like Carl Banks said to Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts this morning on WFAN in New York, that’s just Tiki being Tiki.

Is he right though? Well, if this disturbing trend continues against the NFC’s only unbeaten team the Bears on Sunday Night Football, then we’ll have to agree. After how 2009 fell apart with the team lacking passion that even owner John Mara said he was embarrassed by the effort, they can’t continue to underperform this season.

Had they used their heads last week, we’d be talking about a 2-1 football team tied atop the NFC East with Mike Vick and the Eagles. Instead, they find themselves tied with the Cowboys at 1-2 in the basement.

No doubt an improved Chicago team featuring ex-Panther Julius Peppers up front and Jay Cutler clicking on all cylinders behind center, presents a stiff challenge this weekend. Do they want to suffer another humiliation on NBC like in the overdone “Manning Bowl?” The choice is theirs.

They must be more disciplined against an opportunistic opponent who feasted on Green Bay mistakes to steal a home win at Soldier Field. Cutler has done a good job staying in the pocket and taking hits to make the play. With virtually no run game to speak of, the Giant defensive plan should be simple. Attack the quarterback and cover the middle of the field. Do both without silly unsportsmanlike conducts and they should give the offense a chance to win.

Speaking of which, Eli Manning cannot have a repeat of last week’s failure to reach the end zone from inside the five. While it’s true most of his picks have been the fault of receivers, he can’t make poor decisions like the lefty throw that got intercepted, ending a drive without any points. The Super Bowl MVP knows better and must lead this team starting when they snap the ball two days from now.

They also better not allow Devin Hester to break loose on what’s been one of the most unreliable special teams thus far. That must change. If they want to turn their season around, the Giants must come ready to play big time football. Instead of being little giants, it’s time for the players to step up for the coach.

They say they care. It’s time to start acting like it.

Giant Meets Jet: Justin Tuck shakes Darrelle Revis' hand in Times Square after the first ever Super Bowl was delivered to New York/New Jersey in 2014.

-The chance of a Giants/Jets Super Bowl just got a lot more exciting. With today’s fourth vote giving the nod to New York/New Jersey for 2014 at the new Meadowlands Stadium which opens this summer, it energizes two passionate fanbases who can now dream the unthinkable. Imagine the first ever Super Bowl in classic cold weather as it should be played featuring both the locals who play their games there fighting for bragging rights. This is huge.

For years, not a word was uttered because it was about as possible as our chances with Jessica Alba. Now with a brand new spanking stadium, it’s reality. Imagine if the Giants and Jets really make this once in a lifetime marquee event. Picture all the press/superhype. It would be electric. Big Blue and Gang Green fans going at it over the airwaves and in the stands (hopefully not literally).

I never really cared one way or another if this actually happened but now that it’s official, how can one not be genuinely pumped? Even if neither team makes it which would royally suck, the Lombardi Trophy will be back where it belongs with its proud father looking on from upstairs smiling. Football was meant to be played in tough conditions. Not sunshine. The games I enjoy the most are the ones where heavy wind, rain or snow are involved because it truly tests our warriors. Football players are like gladiators battling for every inch, laying it all on the line. Now, we get the kind of rock ‘em sock ‘em pigskin Lombardi would appreciate. It’s about time!

-Do you think Brandon Jacobs cares to retract that statement if the two teams actually make the big game?

-A final thought on the whole New York SB Extravaganza. Let’s be real. The stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. So, it’s really the Garden State’s game. As a fellow New Yorker, even though the two clubs honor New York due to tradition which always leaves a bitter taste in Jersey friends’ mouths, they do play in New Jersey. Maybe it’s time to actually recognize that along with how nice the state is. Some of my best friends represent it quite well.

-Look. Superman finally arrived and ripped the Celtics for 32 points, 16 boards and four swats in the Magic’s well earned 96-92 overtime Game Four win at TD Garden avoiding the sweep. That’s great and all for the freak known as Dwight Howard, who could be confused for a superhero. He’s bigger and stronger than everybody. So, he should dominate. Especially in a league where the center is almost extinct. Somehow, when the big man who shares a birthday with me finally delivers, it’s overcelebrated. What ever happened to consistency? Somehow in this new Hyped Era Error, expectations dropped. Why???

-If ever there was a player whose name needed to be changed to Dog, we present the sad case of former NBA star Vince Carter. If he had any sorta drive, he could’ve been one of the greats. Instead, there’s a tireless worker like Reggie Miller calling him out on ESPN and justifiably so.

-Do you think Hedo Turkoglu would’ve bricked those two free throws in Game Two?!?!?!?!?!

-Who knew that KG still had this kind of fire in him? He looked done a couple of months ago. Maybe he was just playing possum the whole time.

-Is there a better pure shooter than Ray Allen? Even now, the former Uconn star is money in crunch time. You can’t give him any space.

-I’ll always say it until proven otherwise. With the game on the line, nobody is better than Kobe. LeBron, take notes. And that goes for the club that gets him.

-Really pleased to see the Suns rise up and send a message to LA that it won’t come easy. Can’t say enough about the kind of dominant performance Amare Stoudemire had. Those 42 and 11 were monstrous. Some great power moves and strong finishes too, resulting in three-point plays. Everyone of them emphatic. When his team needed a score, Amare delivered. Hopefully, he and the rest of the Suns can duplicate it as they look to even the series tonight.

-Figure Kobe to get more help from sidekicks Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher. They weren’t good in crunch time.

-In the NHL playoffs which have been totally unpredictable, we get the Blackhawks and Flyers for Lord Stanley. Two Cup starved traditional markets that haven’t won in a while. For Chicago, it’s been almost five decades since Bobby Hull and the Blackhawks won it all in ’61. Now, leading Conn Smythe candidate Jonathan Toews along with sidekick Patrick Kane plus money performer Dustin Byfuglien (Big Buff) take aim at bringing the best sports trophy back to the Windy City. When the puck drops for Game One at the United Center Saturday, that place will be on fire.

For the Flyers, it’s been a miraculous run starting with a shootout win over the Rangers on the last day of the season just to sneak into the playoffs. Since, all they’ve done is takeout the hated Devils, stun the Bruins in historic fashion from 3-0 down joining the Leafs, Islanders and most recently, the Red Sox. Then they took care of another destined team in Montreal, getting two Jeff Carter tallies to advance to their first Cup Final since 1997 when they were unceremoniously dumped out in four straight by the Red Wings. Can Mike Richards, playoff hero Simon Gagne, Chris Pronger and amazing story Michael Leighton bring the Cup back to Broad Street for the first time since they repeated in 1975?

Two great storylines for a league that’s heating up. NBC can’t possibly screw this up. Or can they?

-No matter what you think of it, the Subway Series matters. No. I’m not one of those who puts much stock in the six games the Mets and Yankees play. However, it’s impossible to ignore the turnout for it at Citi Field. With attendance way down in Year Two, they soldout the place. Plenty of walk ups who wanted to be part of the first three-game set between our two New York clubs.

Baseball is still No.1 here and probably always will be. With all the history dating back to the glory days of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants along with the Yankees (formerly New York Highlanders), NYC is rich in tradition and could support a third team if that ever happened. Just experiencing the turnout the local Staten Island Yankees get anytime the Cyclones pay a visit to the Ferry Terminal for Class A ball is enough to fully grasp what baseball means in this town.

So, even if the cool half dozen might not mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things for the Yanks and Mets, it means plenty to the fans. No wonder I got so much flak from J Beck, Johnny Rockets and all the other Met supporters the other night.

It’s been a few days since we’ve updated. Sorry as I’ve been preoccupied with our other hockey blog which is picking up steam. Since I see no reason to talk puck here, if you haven’t already please come visit us over at Battle Of New York. We cover the Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Sabres with a little NHL sprinkled in. Plus we even have a Twitter. I promise it’s fun.

-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?

Just a few quick hits from the peanut gallery:

1.Hard to believe Roger Federer was so shaky with more history up for grabs. Sure. The men’s grand slam record holder battled through his serve to grab a two sets to one lead over Juan Martin Del Potro even getting within two points of a sixth consecutive title which would’ve matched Bill Tilden and also become first player to win three in a row in one year since Rod Laver in 1969. But he never got untracked with the serve and made some uncharacteristic errors due in large part to Del Potro who deserves such kudos for fighting so hard to win a first slam.

2.Wonder what Andy Roddick thought?

3.Only the Bills could find a way to blow a 10-point lead with less than six minutes left in a game they owned in New England last night. I even said to my brother that they couldn’t blow it but again was proven wrong due to Leodis McKelvin’s foolishness. What was the point of trying for that extra yard on the kickoff? He had to know the situation that a desperate Pats special teams would be going for the strip. Like breaking that tackle for the extra yard really mattered. Unbelievable.

4.Kim Clijsters’ successful comeback winning her second Open beating both Williams sisters along the way while defeating a game Caroline Wozniacki was a feel good story. Who says Moms can’t do it?

5.Melanie Oudin’s run was special but do we really need to know about her parents’ divorce? She’s only 17. Leave her alone!

6.I love Derek Jeter and was very proud to see him get the Yankee hit record surpassing Lou Gehrig but that three hit barrage to tie last week in a comeback win over the Birds was the epitome of what makes the Yankee captain great. What a special year for the ageless 35 year-old shortstop who should have a few big swings left in the postseason. Whenever it’s over, next stop. Cooperstown.

7.He was money when it came to the big shot but why does Michael Jordan have to be so arrogant when he gets inducted into Springfield? Just enjoy the moment instead of taking shots for proving people wrong.

8.I still say it’s a great thing that NY Post hoops writer Peter Vecsey was included with Air Jordan, John Stockton and David Robinson because he’s damn good at what he does and not afraid to pull punches. One of our own made it.

9.Does anyone have a nicer smile than Wozniacki? She could sure light up even the darkest room. The 19 year-old Danish Princess can also play a little tennis and has a great demeanor.

10.If only we could say the same about Serena Williams who embarrassed herself in that semi loss to Clijsters. We really hope she learned a valuable lesson from that sad display and is really sorry. Even if it was a lousy call at an inopportune time, the 11-time slam winner must know better. Why can’t she be more like older/wiser sis Venus who is so elegant and handles herself well?

11.It’s early but Mark Sanchez didn’t intimidated against the Texans who once again are being overhyped in a tough division. Try telling that to all the so-called ‘experts.’

12.Eli Manning has some new receivers to play with. Hopefully, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks continue to develop. Big Blue must be glad to have Osi Umenyiora back. This week in Big D should be a good early test to see where they are.

13.Those four picks Jay Cutler threw in an inauspicious Bear debut. If you listened to the great insight Sunday night, you would’ve thought none were his fault.

14.Find me another athlete with as much heart as Rafael Nadal who only played with a possible torn abdominal muscle before succumbing to Del Potro in the semis. Even after getting dismantled in straights winning only six games, there was the charismatic 23 year-old Spaniard doing a brief interview and then signing autographs for the kids who will never forget that. The man gets it.

15.Michael Crabtree is holding out in case we didn’t know. What exactly has he proven? Does the name Mike Williams ring a bell?

16.Make me watch the VMAs. MTV hasn’t cared about music for years. Kanye West is a dog. Taylor Swift a sweetheart. Next.

17.Preseason puck at MSG tonight. Can hardly believe it!

18.Pretty fitting that Pedro Martinez would turn back the clock with a virtuoso performance fanning seven and tossing 130 pitches in a 1-0 win over the Mets eliminating them. But hey. They had Tim Redding and Livan Hernandez.

19.The Melk Man has quietly had a nice season playing center in the Bronx.

20.Why is it so hard for Phil Mushnick to only point out Mike Francesa’s shortcomings and not the WFAN vet talkie’s good side like what he did flashing back to 9/11? Because the NY Post columnist only writes what’s convenient.

21.Our Super Bowl pick is Eagles over Steelers. Yes. Those Eagles even though it looks like we jinxed them with Donovan McNabb already breaking a rib.

-It would be very easy to start off with the Giants following what was one of the best NFL games of the season with the defending Super Bowl champs showing mettle rallying from 21-10 down in defeating the Panthers 34-28 in overtime at Giants Stadium clinching homefield.

We’ll get to that later.

-Whether or not they deserve it, the Jets’ latest collapse is front and center with them falling in humiliating fashion to the three-win Seahawks 13-3 in snowy Seattle. Somehow, Eric Mangini’s club went from 8-3 and looking like a possible AFC Super Bowl representative following road wins over the Pats and Titans to 9-6 having dropped three of four- well it should’ve been all four if Dick Jauron wasn’t coaching Buffalo- having lost badly at home to a mediocre Bronco team along with a brutal performance at hapless San Francisco.

By falling yesterday to Seahawk backup quarterback Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris in Mike Holmgren’s home swan song as Seattle coach, Gang Green discovered a new way to tease their fans. When WFAN midday host Joe Benigno goes into rant mode with partner Evan Roberts later today, the S.O.J. (Same Old Jets) mantra about how their coach made some baffling decisions such as not going for fourth and less than a yard from inside the five early on settling for a Jay Feely field goal.

In a game you need, you can’t play conservative. Especially with how poor the conditions were. The Jets had their only good drive where Brett Favre and the offense were in sync. So, why not go for the score when you’re at their 2 with a chance to set the tone? Especially when everyone knew this team was 0 for the West coast coming in having even lost to the woeful Raiders on a 55-yard Sebastian Janikowski kick.

Not this coach. If you thought that decision was bad, then what of the choice after a mistimed delay of game penalty negative a Feely 45-yard kick that would’ve cut the deficit to 10-6 opting instead to punt in the fourth quarter with it slipping away? Utterly ridiculous when Feely’s first kick had plenty of distance and the Jets desperately needed the three points just to give themselves a realistic chance on a day Favre looked every bit the age of 39 finishing with under a 50.0 rating tossing two interceptions including a dreadful throw which stood no chance.

If the QB is not throwing it well, then why did Thomas Jones carry the ball only 17 times for 67 yards? Even if the AFC rushing leader wasn’t chewing up chunks on the ground, that’s not enough carries for a team who much like the more reliable New York football team rely on a balance of running setting up the pass game. How is it possible that Morris got the ball 29 times for 116 averaging 4.0 yards to Jones’ 3.9?

What’s a better philosophy for winning in snowy windy cold conditions? Not the one the Jets employed with triple threat Leon Washington (3 rushes, 14 yds, no receptions) an afterthought.

Making matters worse, when they were facing fourth-and-two from their own 20 trailing by a TD with over two minutes left and all three timeouts, for some reason Mangini opted to go chancing it all and then watched helplessly as Favre’s best throw sailed off Laveranues Coles with his main target defended well by Kelly Jennings. He still could’ve made the catch but you have to wonder why it was thrown 30 yards on a short yardage play with it all hanging in the balance.

When they didn’t convert, it allowed the Seahawks to essentially run it three times forcing Mangini to use two timeouts before Olindo Mare drilled a 38-yard kick ending any chance of a Jets comeback.

And just like that, here are the Jets 9-6 a game behind Chad Pennington and the Dolphins and the Patriots, who will be pulling hard for a Jet win over their former QB while they probably destroy the Bills.

With the Colts already having locked up one wildcard and the Ravens after a great road win over Dallas a home win over Jacksonville away from clinching the remaining spot, the Jets essentially need a miracle to make January.

Someone might ask how is it possible? It’s the Jets. That’s how.

-As for the Giants, they stepped up after two poor showings in divisional losses to the Eagles and Cowboys by playing a great second half outscoring the Panthers 21-7 if you include Brandon Jacobs’ third TD of the night which sealed the deal finishing off a nice comeback win in front of their supporters on a cold windy night improving to 12-3.

They deserve a lot of credit because Carolina played very well getting four TDs from impressive rookie back DeAngelo Williams (24 rushes, 108 yds), who twice pulled away from Giant defenders with scores of 13 and 30. The difference was that Tom Coughlin never deviated from the gameplan despite falling behind 21-10 with the Panthers scoring TDs on their first three possessions due to a nice balanced attack with Jake Delhomme finding main target Steve Smith for key pickups.

The combination of Williams along with Jonathan Stewart was working well for John Fox’s club in the opening 30 minutes. But Big Blue also got back to what they do best running the ball with Jacobs who returned and ran for a hard 87 yards while teammate Ward (Wind) hammered the Panthers on the ground establishing a new career high 215 on only 15 carries.

It was as impressive a performance as you can have in a big spot on national TV with everyone watching. Certainly, the return of Kareem McKenzie to a strong offensive line which boasts Pro Bowlers Shaun O’Hara and Chris Snee helped the Giants get back on track after not being able to get a consistent ground attack the past two weeks while allowing eight sacks to Dallas including three by NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware.

Instead, the line was back doing the job clearing space for Jacobs and Ward to do their thing while blocking well for Eli Manning, who managed the game well not making any mistakes going 17 of 27 for 181 yards with a TD pass to improving tight end Kevin Boss, who also did a solid job making holes for the two-headed run attack that roasted the Panthers for 301 yards.

If the Giant D was brutal in the first half unable to get stops, then they were much better after the half shutting out Smith while limiting the damage to allow Manning and Co. to comeback.

While many might point to the brilliant Jeff Feagles punt following a Julius Peppers sack where the Giant special teams came through pinning Carolina inside their own 2, perhaps the biggest play during the comeback was Manning’s patience on a critical third-and-long waiting for his blocking Boss to bounce away before finding him for a huge first down with the second-year player getting to the marker.

Afterwards, the Jints’ ground game along with some timely Manning completions allowed them to methodically drive down the field using almost nine minutes before Eli found Boss on third-and-goal from four yards out cutting it to 21-20. They had gotten a John Carney 35-yard kick before the half to make it an eight-point deficit. A workable margin considering how well their opponents played.

If they were going to give in following a great Williams 30-yard scamper putting them back down eight midway through the final quarter, the Giants never panicked with Manning doing some of his best work completing three passes including a couple on third down to move the chains to setup Jacobs from a yard out making it 28-26 with 3:21 remaining.

Needing a two-point conversion, he made no mistake using a perfect playfake to Jacobs before threading the needle to a wide open Domenik Hixon tying it.

Now it was up to the defense. One which saw leading rusher Justin Tuck hobbled on and off the field with the flu gutting it out. They hadn’t gotten much pressure on Delhomme but made enough tackles on the Panthers’ ground game to force Jon Kasay to attempt a 50-yard FG with nine seconds left. Certainly no gimme in these conditions. The reliable lefty kicker had the distance but the wind pushed it just wide right allowing the Giants to breathe a sigh of relief getting to sudden death.

In it, both offenses stumbled going three and out before the Giants got it back. With Manning going off, they stayed with Ward, who used three great blocks to pull away for a 51-yard dash inside the Carolina 40. A couple of more Ward double digit runs for first downs got the ball all the way to the 2 setting up Jacobs (Earth) to plow in from two yards out for the game-winner.

It was easily one of the most entertaining games of this regular season with two good NFC teams going toe to toe but in the end, the Giants were left standing thanks to Earth and Wind along with their line which wore down Carolina’s front.

A sharp contrast from the Jets who once again letdown their fans making it nearly impossible for them to make the cut. So much for that all New York Super Bowl.

-It could be worse. You could be a Lion fan where their team made history becoming the first in the NFL to lose its first 15 games in a season Sunday getting trounced 42-7 by the Saints. They can complete the first ever 0-16 season next week when they visit Lambeau Field and the Packers where they haven’t prevailed since 1991.

Just how sad is the franchise which went a preposterous 31-84 before Team President Matt Millen was axed following an 0-3 beginning? Even their own fans have created “Yes We Can” t-shirts with 0-16 on them believing and rooting for their own team to lose every game.

The only team in league history to go winless were the expansion Tampa Bay Bucs when they finished 0-14 in 1976. According to center Dominic Raiola, this dubious distinction would be much worse with him going on to say:

“It’s very real. It’s right there in front of us … It’s pretty sad that its come to this.“

It’s been a while since I had time to update here. Just recovered from a sinus infection and had been more preoccupied with the hockey season covering it over at my other site Battle of NY. Over there, it’s myself taking the Rangers and the league with Hasan covering the Devils and other hockey stuff as well. We do have other contributors but lately, they’ve been busy with work. So it’s become basically me and Hasan giving our views on the locals (Rangers, Devils, Islanders) as well as what’s going on around the NHL.

In any event, there are many happenings the last week or so. So let’s get to them in no short order:

-The Giants have proven that they’re still a team to be reckoned with this season. At 8-1 after getting past the Eagles by five in Philly thanks to a balanced run attack led by Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward with second-year speedster Ahmad Bradshaw chipping in late as the Giant offensive line dominated up front while Eli Manning was efficient not making any mistakes following an early deflected interception which the Eagles cashed for a score. Even in a game in which the D couldn’t get any pressure on Donovan McNabb, they still did an admirable job shutting down all-purpose back Brian Westbrook including the key tackles on second, third and fourth down when Andy Reid foolishly ran it the last two downs with short yardage when his team had a chance to steal it.

Kudos must also go out to Manning who sold Tom Coughlin on a key challenge in which they reversed what looked initially like a forward pass. Instead, the QB knew his back foot hadn’t crossed the line of scrimmage when he threw completing a key first down pass on third down to tight end Kevin Boss, who was a big target coming down with six receptions, a TD and 69 yards.

Big Blue also caught a big break when officials couldn’t overrule on a Jacobs’ touchdown in which the ball came out as he crossed the plane. Replays couldn’t really determine if the ball had come out before he reached the goal line. It was fortunate cause it really could’ve swung the momentum.

For the most part, the Giants deserved to win improving to 8-1 including a perfect 3-0 inside the division. However, had they not made key mistakes like Jacobs’ silly fumble while trying to take on the entire Eagle front when his team had scored 17 straight, it might not have been as close. That along with a late Sam Madison hit out of bounds allowed the Eagles to stay in the game giving them a chance.

As defensive leader Antonio Pierce (8 tackles) pointed out to WFAN’s Mike Francesa Monday, there’s no time for letup with the surprising 6-3 Ravens coming to town before a visit to The Desert against MVP candidate Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. It won’t get any easier with a stop at Washington at the end of the month before finishing up December with the Eagles, a visit at Dallas, home for Carolina and a stop in Minnesota who might need the game as they compete with the Bears and Packers for the NFC North.

Every opponent is good with winning records. Unlike the early portion of their sched, the G-Men now have the toughest schedule of any team which is kinda fitting considering they’re defending champs. So, if they are to earn the division and possibly home field in the NFC, they’ll have really earned it.

-Meanwhile, the Jets have rebounded winning three straight since the debacle at Oakland. Though it hasn’t always been pretty, they’ve responded well taking charge in a road win over the Bills and then blowing the doors off a bad Rams team 47-3 in which they led by a ridiculous 40-0 at the half.

They have to be very pleased with the running of Thomas Jones, who’s bounced back in a big way leading the AFC in rushing with 750 yards along with eight touchdowns including a franchise-tying three in the rout of St. Louis. The ex-Bear who the club acquired before last year already has seven more TDs than in 2007 and properly credits an improved offensive line which has done a solid job opening up holes for the gritty veteran back along with Mr. Everything Leon Washington.

Brett Favre has adjusted to the offense making good use of primary targets Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles as well as rookie TE Dustin Keller, who continues to improve following his first ever 100-yard receiving game with an eight catch, 87-yard night including a huge third down and long conversion in OT to help lift Gang Green to a 34-31 road win over the rival Patriots at Gilette Stadium last night giving them their fourth consecutive win and moving into sole possession of first place at 7-3 with six games left.

The Jets were firmly in control leading the Patriots at one point 24-6 in the first half thanks to a Leon Washington kickoff return for a score and a Favre 15-yard TD strike to Cotchery. But the Pats rallied with Matt Cassel driving his team for a late first half score firing a 19-yard TD pass to Jabar Gaffney to cut it to 24-13.

New England’s D stepped up in the third quarter giving their offense every chance to comeback. Eventually, Cassel and Co. rebounded from a turnover when Tom Brady’s replacement hit TE Ben Watson from 10 yards out and then converted the two-point conversion to Gaffney making it just a field goal deficit at the end of the quarter.

With the Pats D up to the task keeping Favre and the Jets at bay, they got the ball back and then watched as Stephen Gostkowski booted a 47-yarder right down Broadway tying it with over 10 minutes to go in regulation. But when it looked like the Jets offense had gone into the tank teasing their fans, Favre stepped up driving them down the field even getting the benefit of a soft Mike Vrabel hold on third and goal that helped setup Thomas Jones from a yard out with 3:10 to go.

When the Jet D held forcing the Pats three and out, it looked like it might be sealed. However, Bill Belichick saved a timeout and had the two minute warning. His team just stopped the Jets on third down to get the ball back with under a minute and a half left.

You have to give credit to Cassel who showed tremendous poise getting his team in position without any timeouts completing the ball short to primary target Wes Welker,  Watson and Gaffney while Randy Moss was held in check by Ty Law. However, even with the best receiver in the game having been held to a deuce on 10 yards, you knew it would come down to him against the ex-Pat corner with fourth and 1 looming with eight seconds to spare.

One play basically to force overtime. And when Cassel rolled to the right buying himself time before stepping up, he made a seeing eye toss to the right front corner of the end zone where Moss was tightly covered by Law. It still didn’t matter as somehow, the ex-Viking All-World dove across snagging it and then miraculously dragging his feet in bounds to give his team the tying score with one second remaining.

This was just a money catch by a world class receiver. Law didn’t play him poorly but Moss made one heck of a play. And when Gostkowski hit the PAT, here came OT.

Jets 31 Patriots 31

By now you were wondering if the Jets would ever defeat the Belichick Patriots in a big spot. They had been owned aside from Eric Mangini’s successful winning visit a couple of years ago before his team lost handily in the playoffs.

But when the coin toss went Gang Green’s way landing on tails, it allowed them to get the ball and hand it to Favre- the veteran future Hall of Famer who they traded for these kinda big moments. Even on third and 15, he wasn’t going to let them down dialing it up for 13 to a wide open Keller, who did the rest breaking a tackle for the first down.

No.4 would hit Keller twice more to keep the drive moving before finding Coles across the seam for 16 inside the New England 25 with the Patriot D paying closer attention on Keller. Three more hard runs including two by workhorse Jones to the NE 18 and they were setup to win on the leg of Jay Feely. But as NFL Network/Giant radio man Bob Papa duly noted, it was no sure thing as the ex-Giant had missed a few kicks between 30 and 40 this year.

So, it was no sure thing from 34. But Feely’s kick sailed just inside the left post with 7:10 left in OT giving the Jets the big three-point victory and now allowing them to control their own destiny.

The final totals saw the Pats account for more than 500 yards of offense including 400 through the air from Cassel with three TDs on 51 passes. He also was his team’s leading rusher with 62 on the ground while specialty back Kevin Faulk got 38.

Meanwhile, the Jets got an efficient performance from Favre who didn’t turn the ball over while going 26-of-33 for 258 yards, two scores and a 119.8 QB rating. Exactly the kind of performance they needed to come out of New England with a victory.

On the ground, the AFC’s leading rusher Jones grinded out 104 yards on 30 carries with a TD while all-everything back and return specialist Washington got 18 adding another 17 and two catches out of the backfield including the game’s opening score from seven yards out.

It was enough to give Jet fans hope that maybe in a wide open AFC outside the unbeaten Titans, maybe their team can do something. Somehow, they’ve gone from losing to the lowly Raiders, edging Herm Edwards’ Chiefs thanks to their ex-coach handing them the game to reeling off four straight including big road wins over the Bills and Pats.

Who knows what’s going to happen the rest of the way but it sure could be a fun ride. Do we dare dream the impossible Giants-Jets Super Bowl? A lot still has to go right for that to even become a realistic possibility including both teams winning their divisions and earning at least a bye into the second round. Big Blue at 8-1 is better positioned a game ahead of the Panthers but with a very tough remaining sched.

The Jets have an easier road after a big visit to Tennessee next week with games against Denver, at San Francisco, Buffalo, at Seattle and a possible huge first place showdown with Chad Pennington and the Dolphins. Who would ever have believed that back in Week One? It just might happen. If you like drama and huge storylines, that’s one worth pulling for.

-If they were handing out league MVP now, it would go to Warner, who’s been unbelievable for the first place Cardinals who look like a real contender in the NFC with their air attack featuring the likes of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Here’s the 37 year-old veteran former two-time MVP as well as Super Bowl MVP leading a franchise that’s never really been anything unless you count that one wild card field goal road win over Dallas a decade prior with Jake “The Snake” Plummer who’s since retired from football.

Warner can still sling it as good as anyone and ranks second in passing yards (2,760) second in TDs (19) and first in QB rating (106.4). In a season where nobody’s really dominated and you can’t even find a single MVP candidate on the two best teams (Titans and Giants), Captain Kurt deserves to win it hands down. He’s pretty much helped the Cards nail down their weak NFC West Division leading by a preposterous four games with the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams all in the tank.

Find me a better story than Warner. Yes. What another former Giant QB Kerry Collins has done with a dominant defense in Tennessee is pretty storybook in itself but he’s not often asked to carry the offensive load the way Eli’s former tutor is in The Desert. Special stuff.

-If you really examine the Knicks’ five wins, only one came against decent competition in a home triumph over Utah, who was without Deron Williams. Sure. They’re playing a more exciting brand of basketball these days but Mike D’Antoni’s team is a long way away from being a legit contender. And as long as they continue to dog Stephon Marbury instead of doing the decent thing and letting him go separate ways, Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 is going to continue to look bad despite the change in coach and GM.

-Speaking of which, whatever became of David Lee’s future with the Knicks? Amazing what a change in philosophy can do to a guy’s career. He’ll wind up somewhere helping someone out.

-When they dress Eddy “Fat Albert” Curry with a bum knee while a much more motivated Marbury remains in street atire, it doesn’t look good. Somebody relay the message to Clown Creator and Innovator Jim Dolan. Somewhere, in Walt “Clyde” Frazier would be proud of us.

-Man are the new Nets bad. Didn’t someone tell them you can’t possibly build a winner around Vince Carter?

-So far so good for No.1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Bulls. The former Memphis star went for 16, 9 and 6 in a comeback win over the Mavs in which running mate Ben Gordon lit up Dallas for 35 on 12-of-21 shooting. Heck. The former Uconn standout even handed out four assists with investigations ongoing to seek out how this could’ve transpired. Luol Deng added 20 and even former lottery pick Tyrus Thomas came off the bench for eight, eight (5 Off.), 2 blocks and 2 steals.

The 4-5 Bulls will be without Kirk Hinrich a couple of months with a torn thumb ligament. So, they’ll continue to need huge contributions from the streaky Gordon.

-Nice to see Greg Oden return to the court the other night and at least get his first NBA points on what else but a monster throwback stuff. He finished with three points, 2 blocks and 2 boards in 16 minutes in Portland’s fourth straight triumph by a 104-96 count over the Heat. The most encouraging news was that the former 2007 No.1 overall selection didn’t get hurt. The ex-Buckeye remains a project under Nate McMillan on what’s a pretty formidable roster featuring former league ROY Brandon Roy, last season’s Most Improved LaMarcus Aldridge, athletic deluxe Travis Outlaw, long range bomber Steve Blake along with key sub Channing Frye.

And don’t forget about rookie Rudy Fernandez, who dropped a career high 25 on Miami including three from downtown and eight for eight from the charity stripe. The 23 year-old who starred for Spain in Beijing where they lost out on Olympic Gold to Team USA is averaging better than 15 a game while shooting over 48 percent including 45.7 from three. He was originally selected by the Suns in 2007 24th overall but eventually was traded to Portland along with James Jones for cash. Talk about a hoist of epic proportions.

He’s easily one of the best first-year players and should be in the running for top rookie along with Rose and Memphis’ O.J. Mayo plus Michael Beasley also in the mix playing in South Florida making this year’s rookie class one of the better ones to follow.

-I’m not keen on the Yankees dealing for Nick Swisher to solve their first base issue because while he’s only 27 going on 28 following Thanksgiving, he’s not a good contact hitter and strikes out a ton despite power. Maybe the thinking here is that due to his high percentage of walks, the former A slugger could morph into a Jason Giambi type despite coming off his worst career season hitting just .219 with 24 homers, 69 RBI’s striking out 135 times while seeing his on-base percentage drop from .381 to .332 in the one season with the White Sox.

The good news is the Yanks didn’t part with a lot giving up on pitching prospect Jeff Marquez, who struggled last summer after once being considered high on their list. Also moving to Chicago was utility man Wilson Betemit, who never really distinguished himself after coming over from Hollywood for Scott Proctor. He still was a decent power bat off the bench who could fill in around the infield when called upon and finished strong hitting .265 with six dingers and 25 RBI’s in 189 at bats despite seeing his OBP diminish due to lack of walks (12 in 124 games as Yankee).

At least the Yanks also swapped prospects as part of the trade sending minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez for righty Kaneoka Texeira. Maybe that’s what sold them on the deal. If Brian Ca$hman couldn’t cough up the big bucks for Mark Teixeira, then why not acquire another Texeira only mispelled which kinda sums up the current state in the Bronx.

Still, expect the Bronx Bombers to make a ridiculous multi-year offer to Cash Cow Sabathia later today on the first big day of free agency. If I’m Sabathia and I prefer the laid back West coast style along with the NL where he had great success in leading the Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 26 years, I sign with the Dodgers or Giants instead. Would you want to come to a crowded AL East which includes the Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays that the Yankees have to contend with?

If he wants to win, he’ll use his brain and take less. Something which rarely happens around this time of year. We’ll see what Sabathia chooses.

-I don’t care what any big New York columnist writes negatively about him but the Mets would be crazy not to go for Manny Ramirez. The guy’s a lot of things but he also knows how to win. So, the next time you read Joel Sherman, Bill Madden or Mike Lupica talking about how he weaseled his way out of Beantown (all sadly true), just remember that he also was a huge part of Boston winning their first two world championships since 1918 with that same “lazy” player taking home World Series MVP in 2004. Think his presence didn’t make a huge difference with David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis’ sudden rise to stardom? Think again!

Just imagine what Manny could do for David Wright, who didn’t exactly light the world on fire in crunch time for the Mets. Picture a Met lineup with Jose Reyes, David Murphy, Wright, Manny, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado assuming Omar Minaya doesn’t turn around and make the slick play for Teixeira and unload the older first base slugger to replenish his farm. Would you bet against that lineup with Ryan Church also part of it if Murphy goes to second?

For the naysayers, just remember your team fell short of October the last two seasons because your GM wasn’t willing to roll the dice despite adding one of the best starters in Johan Santana. How many championships have the Amazin’s won again? They don’t exactly have the reputation of the Yankees. So, what’s keeping them from taking their best shot and going for it all? Too often, you hear Met fans call up WFAN in New York playing “what if.”

What if Minaya was bold enough to see what a star like Manny in the twilight of his career looking for that one final payday could do for his roster? Almost doesn’t count. This is about delivering a championship and what better way than bringing in the former George Washington star as they open up Citi Field? At least they could justify the costs.

If I’m the Mets, I go for Manny, add another proven October performer Derek Lowe and save some money by going for Brian Fuentes than the overpriced K-Rod whose fastball isn’t what it once was relying already too much on his slider. Just ask Red Sox hitters including Ramirez how that worked out for the Angels the past two first rounds.

Adding a gritty veteran who knows a thing or two about winning also would be wise. David Eckstein, Ray Durham and Mark Loretta are all decent options. What about bringing in a professional hitter like Kevin Millar? Even Craig Counsell wouldn’t be a bad choice. This is all about having a reliable veteran leader who can fill a role coming off the bench. Are the Yankees paying attention cause it sure applies to them as well.

-There’s been some talk about the Yanks trading for veteran center fielder Mike Cameron who can still hit for decent power, steal bases and field his position. However, he’ll turn 36 next January and is a free swinging type who K’s a ton. Wouldn’t it be wiser to go for a younger player who won’t cost as much like Rocco Baldelli, who at 26 returned to Tampa Bay from chronic exhaustion and proved he still can contribute? The Yankee CF spot is one which the organization must be careful about due to also having Brett Gardner and prospect Austin Jackson still in their plans while Melky Cabrera could be moved.

Baldelli wouldn’t have to play everyday but is a solid defensive outfielder who does the little things well such as hitting in the gaps, stealing bases, moving runners over while still owning natural power which proved to still be there with a couple of homers in limited duty for the Rays versus the Red Sox and Phillies. It wouldn’t cost as much cause the former Rays’ 2000 No.1 pick is more of a risk. But he’s younger and possesses talent and could bring a winning formula that’s badly needed in the Land of Make Believe where a silly power struggle continues between each Steinbrenner along with evildoer Randy Levine haunting the franchise as they get ready to open their new Stadium.

-Kudos to Tim Lincecum on becoming just the third second-year pitcher since 1985 to take home the Cy Young easily outdistancing Brandon Webb (73 pts) and Johan Santana (55 pts) for tops among the Senior Circuit after posting an 18-5 record with a 2.62 ERA on the Giants while fanning a major league best 265. He joined the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and the Royals’ Bret Saberhagen as a second-year starter who took home the prestigious award receiving 23 of 32 first place votes totaling 137 points. Rounding out the top five were Phils’ perfect closer Brad Lidge and the Brew Crew’s C.C. Sabathia with Ryan Dempster finishing sixth.

-The AL Cy Young as expected went to the Indians’ Cliff Lee who went a MLB best 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA capping off a comeback season after toiling in the minors the previous year. After getting tattooed for 68 earned and 112 hits in 97-plus during 20 appearances (16 starts) to the tune of a 5-8 mark with a 6.29 ERA in 2007, the 30 year-old southpaw who came along with Grady Sizemore as part of the Bartolo Colon trade from the then Montreal Expos was dominant from the very beginning this past season winning his first six decisions while posting an 11-1 record before July.

All he did was win even though his team struggled all season eventually trading away Sabathia to the Brewers- a teammate he held in high regard who won the Cy the previous year when they went all the way to the ALCS before falling to the Red Sox in seven games. Lee finished second to runner-up Roy Halladay with four complete games and tied with the former Cy winner and six others including Sabathia with two shutouts pacing the AL. In 223.1 IP, Lee walked only 34 while striking out 170 for an impressive five to one ratio.

He became just the third Indians pitcher to take home the award joining Gaylord Perry (1972) and Sabathia by garnering 24 of 28 first place votes and 132 points to easily beat out Halladay (71 points) and Francisco Rodriguez (32 points).

-No surprise either that the Rookies of The Year went to Tampa’s Evan Longoria in the AL and the Cubs’ Geovany Soto in the NL. Both were dominant players who helped lead their clubs to division titles and each are primed to become elite players at their respective positions as well as MVP candidates. Heck. If Longoria hadn’t missed a month, who knows? Maybe he sweeps ROY and MVP which is most likely going to either Youkilis or Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia. Though you could make the argument that had Carlos Quentin not injured himself, he’d have won it.

-I don’t get the rationale of the Cubs trading for former Marlins’ closer Kevin Gregg, who bombed down the stretch costing them a shot at the playoffs. Unless they’re hell bent on handing the job over to flamethrower Carlos Marmol with Kerry Wood on the outs. Just remember. Closing is a lot different than setting up. We’ll see how it goes.

-They’re not playing great by any stretch but the Rangers sure look like the only sure thing to see the postseason out of the three locals with Martin Brodeur sidelined on a banged up Devil team which is struggling mightily. The Islanders are a rebuilding project who are more likely to compete for John Tavares.

-It’s still a little weird not seeing Marty in net versus the Rangers where he’d only missed three starts versus his favorite opponent since like his rookie season. That’s insanity but also points to just how unbelievably consistent and remarkable the future Hall of Famer who will resume his pursuit of Patrick Roy’s wins and games record as well as Terry Sawchuk’s shutouts mark when he returns in February.

For now, it’s a long road back after tearing his biceps and admittedly saying he’d played with it before needing to be helped off the ice for what Lou Lamoriello termed “a bruised elbow.” Gotta love those NHL injury reports as they’re always so honest. Just ask the Islanders about the latest setback for their franchise Rick DiPietro.

So, with no Marty and no DiPi, that means only Henrik Lundqvist remains in net healthy capable of backstopping his team up the standings despite something missing. It’s getting lonely in goal quickly here.

-First, it was the Patriots winning three times. Then it was the Red Sox winning twice. Then it was the Celtics winning last Spring with an assist from Kevin McHale. Gee. What a surprise. Now, it’s the Bruins who are starting to look like serious Stanley Cup contenders after dismantling the Canadiens 6-1 in what’s become the best division in hockey. We’re serious too here! What is it about Massachusetts sports teams? Is there something in the water or is it the Boston Lager? Inquiring minds want to know.

-Have you ever seen as exciting an NHL game as the Pens 7-6 comeback road win over the defending champion Wings exacting a little revenge thanks to a natural hat trick from Jordan Staal plus a primary helper on Ruslan Fedotenko’s OT winner? What a great game!

-They don’t get the play of the Cubs or even the revamped Bulls but the Blackhawks are one exciting hockey club. If you haven’t caught their act featuring some of the best young talent in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg, the once great Original Six franchise is back on the right track and ticketed for the postseason. They are also honoring their past including a very nice double-retirement ceremony we caught the other night honoring former great defensemen Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson while also reinviting former star and coach Denis Savard back as club ambassador. This is definitely a team to watch even if you’re not a big puck supporter. It’s nice to see them honoring their roots.

-I gotta admit it’s a little weird seeing AC/DC rocking out in school wear all these years later but how could you not admire their swagger? They’re still sticking with what got them at the pinnacle of the rock scene.

-It’s sad to note that the final member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience Mitch Mitchell passed away at the age of 62 joining the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding upstairs though the dynamic trio is probably up there making the same kind of electrifying music which produced amazing albums like Are You Experienced (1967)  Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968).

Mitchell was the underrated drummer of The Experience while Redding played an exquisite bass and Jimi did his thing like few others redefining the way guitar was played. They might all be gone but their legacy shall live on forever because as we all know, truly great music is timeless.

Let’s honor and remember them the appropriate way:

I could watch/listen to this special array of talent forever.

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When it came down to it, Michael Strahan knew he made the right decision this time. Almost a year after debating whether to return before doing so and helping lead the Giants to a third Super Bowl win, the 15-year veteran finally decided that it was really time to get out retiring at the age of 36 yesterday.

Drafted as an unknown defensive end out of Texas Southern in the second round back in 1993, all Strahan did was become the all-time leading franchise sack leader passing Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor last year with nine sacks to finish a brilliant career with 141.5. While nobody would ever dare compare the Houston, Texas native with the gap toothed wide grin to LT, he certainly wasn’t no slouch becoming of the best defensive players of his time ranking fifth on the all-time sack list.

That he did it with the same team is pretty impressive in this day and age when leaving via free agency is fairly common. The 6-5, 255-pound DE had dangerous outside speed and could get to opposing quarterbacks with ease. Who can ever forget that memorable 2001 season when he broke the single-season sack record with an assist from Brett Favre in the final game to finish with 22.5 sacks? Okay. Maybe it was more the Green Bay QB who also coincidentally retired even though you never quite can tell with him.

Aside from a tainted record, No.92 received plenty of attention from opposing lines frequently drawing double teams which freed up other pass rushers such as emerging star Osi Umenyiora. The leading candidate to help replace him is Justin Tuck, who finished with 10.0 sacks last year. A healthy Mathias Kiwanuka should help smooth the transition as well for the NFL’s leading pass rush.

Still, you know the Giants will miss Strahan’s presence on the field and in the locker room.

“He did a lot for the young players,” Super Bowl winning Giant coach Tom Coughlin expressed to reporters yesterday.

“He knew how to perform, he knew how to practice, he knew how to play. It has been an honor to coach Michael Strahan.”

Though Big Blue pulled off one of the biggest upsets in SB history defeating the Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII at Arizona, Strahan still considered returning but then soon realized he had accomplished everything he possibly could.

“Then reality set in, and I asked myself, ‘Do I really want to be committed to working out and training?”’ the seven-time Pro Bowler explained.

“I said no. Physically, I’m fine. But it takes so much to play this game. This isn’t a game where you can take a farewell tour.”

For a diehard Big Blue fan like myself, I have nothing but admiration for how Strahan cameback from a career threatening injury and performed helping lead the team on an amazing run last January in which they defeated the higher seeded Bucs, upset the Cowboys, Packers and then stopped the unbeaten Patriots who were being compared to the greatest NFL teams.

“I don’t think you need a ring to fulfill your career, but when you don’t have one, you justify to yourself that you don’t need it,” Strahan said. “Then, when you get one, you’re like, ‘There’s no way I could have left without it.”’

Next stop. Canton, Ohio.