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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Besides, doesn’t this fact baffle some?

David Ortiz: 8 HR

David Wright: 4 HR

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

19.Fernando Nieve or Oli Perez?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Final thought:

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

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

Rafael Nadal won't be able to defend Wimbledon. We'll sure miss him but will Roger Federer as he goes for history?

It’s early Saturday morning and the start of another unpredictable New York weekend. Here’s a few things floating around our sleepy head:

1.The Mets must never want the Phillies to hit the road given how brutal they’ve performed. The losing streak’s up to four allowing Fernando Nieve and the Amazin’s to gain more ground, pulling within two games of first thanks to a 5-3 home win over the Rays. Meanwhile, the Phils were routed by the Orioles de-proving to 1-6 versus AL East visitors. Yikes.

2.The Yanks did just fine without Alex Rodriguez, who gets the first two games back in Florida off. Apparently, the Marlins were the right elixir for Andy Pettite, who allowed just a run fanning seven for his seventh win. And hey. A-Rod’s replacement Angel Berroa chipped in with an RBI hit. It added up to a 5-1 win, gaining a game on the Red Sox, who fell to Atlanta 8-2.

3.The Yanks and Mets are both two out of first. Weird.

4.I really am bummed about Rafael Nadal pulling out of Wimbledon due to a chronic knee. The exciting 23 year-old Spaniard won’t be able to defend his crown. So, there will be no Nadal-Roger Federer rematch. He made the right call after dropping consecutive exhibitions the past two days to Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka. That wouldn’t have boded well the next two weeks trying to win seven competitive best three of five matches.

5.The door is now open for Federer to reclaim the grass with a sixth Wimbledon and pass Pete Sampras. The toughest competition should come from No.3 Scot Andy Murray, who has a decent draw. Perhaps this major could be his breakthrough as he tries to become the first English player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry (1936). Other possible men’s contenders should come from No.4 Novak Djokovic and sixth seeded American Andy Roddick, who has a great draw with possible competition coming from Nikolay Davydenko and Juan Martin Del Potro. The best a tennis fan can hope for is a Roddick-Murray semi with Federer taking on Djokovic. A Federer-Murray final would at least help make up for no Rafa.

6.If the Knicks are smart, they’ll go for Ty Lawson over Stephen Curry. While I do believe Curry will be an excellent pro, he’s not what the Knicks need. Lawson is super fast and a true point guard, who guided the Tar Heels to the NCAA title. Forget his lack of size. He can get to the basket but is pass first and can finish when needed. Try telling that to Mike Lupica and the rest of the so-called experts in this city.

7.If the Nets really are serious about trading Devin Harris for a first round pick, they’re even dumber than first thought.

8.I’m so glad Shaq and Kobe are on good terms again.

9.Sidney Crosby winning the Stanley Cup is great for the NHL but he still should have showed up for the Awards in Vegas the other night. Speaking of which, will Sid The Kid, Evgeni Malkin and the Pens be making an appearance on Letterman? Or will NBC try to get them for Conan? You’d think they would considering the kind of ratings that Game 7 generated.

10.Gotta love two-time Hart/Pearson winner Alex Ovechkin making wise cracks about fellow Russian Malkin’s lack of English.

11.Phil Mickelson. Not Tiger would be the better story this weekend. That’s if they can actually get some holes in before the rain.

12.Dante Stallworth getting 30 days for killing a bystander while being impaired has to be some sorta bad joke. So what if he settled with the suffering family. That’s hardly enough punishment. Drinking irresponsibly costs lives. When will the double standards with star athletes finally end? How does Mike Vick serve 18 months for dog fighting losing everything and Stallworth doesn’t even get half that?

13.He deserves to serve serious time for what he did because it was disgusting but 45 years seems like a lot for Mel Hall.

14.When it does get going Monday, I”ll miss those rain delays at the All England Club.

15.Can a woman other than a Williams sister win the crown? I hope Maria Sharapova takes out Serena. What will be her excuse this time? She needs to be more like older sis Venus. Lose gracefully.

16.Five NBA Draft sleepers this Thursday who likely won’t get scooped up till the second round:

1.SG Wesley Matthews, Marquette

2.PF Dante Cunningham, Villanova

3.SF Danny Green, North Carolina

4.PG Darren Collison, UCLA

5.SG Dionte Christmas, Temple

17.As a huge hockey fan, I really hope the Islanders make the right choice with the No.1 overall pick next Friday in Montreal.

18.Don’t the Devils need to find a coach before July 1?

19.Every Ranger fan is praying Glen Sather doesn’t screw up yet again.

20.Every now and then, America needs an old classic to appreciate like The Animal’s “House Of The Rising Sun” seen here:

21.That’s for you Dad. You’ve always supported both me and my brother no matter what. I can’t say enough in this space to make it up to you. You’re the best father anyone could ever ask for. Here’s hoping one day soon, we all get to celebrate something special with our Rangers at our second home. So it’s a day early. Happy Father’s Day!

So, who suffered a worse loss last night? The 200-plus million Yankees, who somehow scored two runs the last two days against one of the worst teams in baseball history- even getting shutout 3-0 by the Nats at the Golden Palace after a six hour rain delay. Meaning yes Mike Francesa, who proclaimed the Yanks wouldn’t lose last night. Joe Girardi’s ballclub really lost a series at home to a 16-win team.

Or is it the Mets, who showed their usual grit rallying from two down versus n0-name Birds’ rookie starter Jason Berken to build a 4-2 lead before the wheels came off late with normally dependable Francisco Rodriguez blowing the save in a horrible 5-4 loss at Camden Yards? Meaning they also dropped two of three to the last place O’s, who entered the series with 27 wins as one of the AL’s worst.

Not a good June April day to be a New York baseball fan. Of course, WFAN has been flooded with rain with plenty of calls from upset locals over this crisis. So, what’s worse? Come on. It’s definitely Girardi’s high priced Yanks dropping two in a row to beleaguered Manny Acta and the Nats with Jim Riggleman rumored to be taking over any day now. How can Girardi explain how poorly his team performed? If you can’t score runs, you can’t win. Understood. But against the Washington Generals- to borrow a line from our fave FAN talkie Steve Somers?!?!?!?!?! Like one of our favorite Weezer songs from the blue album, “Say It Ain’t So.”

Thanks to a rain shortened Marlins’ 2-1 win at Fenway over the Red Sox, the Yanks remain three out. Hardly a bad place to be considering that they’ve stunk it up the last week. Let’s face it. Had it not been for a Luis Castillo drop, that would’ve been three straight series defeats and a dreadful 2-7 record. Still, 3-6 ain’t exactly lighting the world on fire. So, you think if the old Boss was still ticking, Girardi would have a job? Until proven otherwise, the man can’t manage in a big spot.

Judging from their impressive sweep in Philly, the Jays aren’t going away and you have to believe the Rays have a run in them. Loose Translation: It will once again be tooth and nail for the Yanks to reach October. Could they conceivably miss a second consecutive year? Never say never.

As for the Amazin’s, they can send postcards to Boston and Toronto for keeping them within striking distance of first. Because they’re now 5-10 this month. But hey. The Phils continue to have problems winning at Citizen’s Bank Park dropping to preposterous 13-19. The Orioles now come in for three while the Mets return to Citi Field to host Tampa Bay. So, it will be a good test for Jerry Manuel’s club. Oddly enough, both teams are two over looking to get untracked.

The Mets won’s see Matt Garza or DL’d former top prospect Scott Kazmir. The match-ups favor the Queens club with surprising Fernando Nieve facing Andy Sonnanstine in the opener. Shields opposes slumping Johan Santana tomorrow and Sunday pits Jeff Niemann versus Mike Pelfrey. If they get the starting pitching, it’s likely the Mets can bounce back and take two of three. But the Rays’ lineup is much more potent containing MVP candidate Evan Longoria along with first base slugger Carlos Pena, plus speedsters Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton. Even secondary players like Ben Zobrist and Jason Bartlett are threats offsetting Pat Burrell’s dismal showing (1 HR, 18 RBI’s).

As for the Bronx Bombers, they’ll take their show to Florida for three versus the Marlins. Florida is a weird team that’s hanging around two below .500 despite talented superstar Hanley Ramirez (.325-8-34). The supporting cast has streaky power hitters like 2008 All-Star Dan Uggla along with Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross and Jeremy Hermida. Speedster Emilio Bonifacio has struggled since a hot start. Rookie Chris Coghlan is also seeing playing time.

The match-ups for the series pit veteran Andy Pettite against rookie Sean West, who goes for a third straight victory. Florida ace Josh Johnson takes on former 2003 World Champ A.J. Burnett tomorrow and then it’s talented Chris Volstad versus Yankee lefty ace C.C. Sabathia. By no means, do the match-ups favor the Yanks as all three of the younger Florida guys can all pitch. But can they match New York’s savvy experience this weekend? That’s if there’s no rain. Perhaps they’re lucky it’s down south for a change.

Give the edge to the Yankee lineup which is due to explode off such a weak showing the past three days. Maybe this is the weekend Alex Rodriguez (28 for 132, .212-9-26) finally gets going. He’ll be home. Aside from him, there’s Mark Teixeira continuing to mash and Robby Cano heating up with Johnny Damon having a great year. How many games does Jorge Posada get behind the plate? Does Derek Jeter return to the lineup?

With three at Atlanta following an off day and then another Subway Series at the Mets, this becomes a key nine-game road swing (really six) for the Yanks, who don’t return home until June 30 to host Seattle.

We’ll see where they stand. Ditto for their crosstown rival.

Despite losing last night, things aren't looking so bad for the Mets.

-The reality is the Mets have dropped three of five since losing a home series to the division leading Phillies. If you factor in that they lost the last two in that series, that’s a 2-5 record. They’re three over .500 or the same record as the Giants after getting swept by the red hot Halo’s. The big difference is the Amazin’s only are three out despite no Jose Reyes or Carlos Delgado while the Giants trail the first place Dodgers by eight and a half. So, it has more to do with how Philly’s played since losing four of five to Boston and Toronto so far. That’s why now a year on the job, Jerry Manuel should feel alright about his team’s chances.

-Hard to believe it’s been a year since the Mets unceremoniously dumped easy target Willie Randolph with the news not coming in until 3 AM here with WFAN’s Tony Paige getting the news with them on a West Coast trip. Of course, it was embarrassing to say the least. But a year has come and gone and now Willie is a bench coach with the first place Brewers. So, can you really feel bad for him these days? Exactly.

-In listening to Mike Francesa go on and on about his ‘centerfielder’ Nate McLouth, you’d think the Braves would be on a tear. Oh. What’s this? They lost yet again 4-3 to the Reds making it four straight losses, dropping them four under. Wake us up when McLouth makes a big impact in the NL East.

-Speaking of which, Andrew McCutchen went yard for his first major league dinger in a Pittsburgh 8-2 win over Minnesota. With a pair of hits, RBI’s and a run scored in the leadoff spot, the 22 year-old centerfield phenom continues to excel. In other words, the Pirates aren’t missing McLouth that much. Tell ya something else. With the improved run production from third baseman Andy LaRoche, who came over from L.A. in the Manny Ramirez/Jason Bay trade, suddenly Pitt’s getting a decent return. Especially with Delwyn Young also contributing. You start to look at that Pirate lineup and suddenly, given some of the kids in it including speedster Nyier Morgan along with a bounceback year for Adam LaRoche, it’s not bad. When they get back starting backstop Ryan Doumit, that should only help. Proven middle infielders like Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson aren’t bad either. Both could be available next month.

The Pirates (31-34) have also gotten good pitching from ace Zach Duke. They possess some strong arms including Ian Snell, who pitched better last night going six frames of two-run ball for only his second win. Paul Maholm ain’t bad either and former Yankee Ross Ohlendorf has given them some solid innings winning half a dozen. John Grabow has been a solid setup man and closer Matt Capps has saved 16 of 18. It’s true that Pittsburgh will likely sell at the trade deadline. However, if they play their cards right and continue developing players, eventually we might see them compete in that NL Central.

-If the Mets are looking for a more affordable first base option, try Seattle where bargain basement vet Russ Branyan is having a great year hitting over .300 with 15 homers, which would easily pace the Queens club. It’s worth exploring instead of overpaying for injury prone Nick Johnson or defenseless Aubrey Huff. Besides, it’s highly unlikely the Padres would give away Adrian Gonzalez. Another possible solution could be proven vet Kevin Millar (Mill-ah) if the Blue Jays fall out of the race. Who wouldn’t want a professional bat like his?

-Kudos to Long Beach, NY native John Lannan on baffling the Yankees- pitching into the ninth allowing just two earned on four hits walking one and fanning four for his fourth victory on the lowly Nats. How do you lose to a team that’s 30 under in your own launching pad? Was it any surprise Robinson Cano didn’t deliver in a big spot, instead bouncing into a 6-4-3 twin killing against retread Mike MacDougal with the tying run 90 feet away? The second baseman’s got good numbers but he’s hardly dependable. A-Rod ain’t the only Yankee that leaves fans scratching their heads.

-How did Joe Girardi’s continued faith in Chien-Ming Wang work out?

5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 91 pitches

And he took the loss falling to 0-5 with a 12.65 ERA. In the same game, Phil Hughes continued to make a strong case tossing two scoreless while fanning a pair. When does Girardi wake up?

-With a homer and his 28th stolen base, Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury continues to improve daily.  How about a top of the order of rating AL MVP Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury before big boppers Kevin Youkilis, Bay and Mike Lowell? And that’s with Papi hitting sixth finally showing signs.

-MVP caliber:

2B Ian Kinsler .271-17-47, 47 Runs, 13 SB

All while batting leadoff for the surprising first place Rangers.

-So Sammy Sosa becomes the latest former slugger to test positive for steroids. And this is news?

-The NY-Penn League kicks off tomorrow night in Coney Island with one of the best rivalries reuniting when the Staten Island Yankees visit the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Baby Bombers will be hosting Media Day later today and will have their home opener at the ballpark by the Ferry terminal Saturday night versus the ‘Clones. Looking forward to a great summer!

The Subway Series had its ups and downs this weekend but that wasn't the main event in the Bronx Palace. Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Bruney nearly got into it over some recent comments the Yankee reliever made.

It’s a laid back Monday awfully quiet here in the Big Apple. Guess that’s what happens when the local baseball teams are idle and the NHL and NBA are now officially done thanks to Finals MVP Kobe Bryant and the Lakers dismantling the Magic 99-86 last night to win the franchise’s 16th NBA title.

Hard to believe all we really got left is baseball. Unless, you’re a huge tennis fan like me who can’t wait for Wimbledon to get going next week. I so want to see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer meet once more in another epic final. But wonder if the banged up No.1 Spaniard is up to it. Only time shall tell.

There’s also the U.S. Open starting this Thursday with Tiger chasing his 15th major. But that’s if you’re an avid golf fan. I’m sure I’ll flip to it out of curiosity.

So, with the two New York ballclubs off, what better time than to discuss this past weekend’s Subway Series clash in the Bronx Palace?

-The Yankees wound up taking the series by dismantling Met ace Johan Santana for nine earned in an unpredictable 15-0 blowout Sunday.

When I flipped on WFAN yesterday and heard the score, I was wondering what happened. Santana has never been that bad since he put on the Met uniform. And it arguably was his worst career outing. The Yanks pushed four across in the second with former Baby Bomber catcher Francisco Cervelli getting it started with an RBI single- part of a three hit day for the rookie. Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon knocked in the other runs.

Unfortunately for the Amazin’s, the Bronx Bombers were far from done putting up a nine spot in the fourth as they knocked out Santana highlighted by Hideki Matsui’s 10th home run.  Before the inning was through, Brian Stokes had been tattooed with Robby Cano going yard and Melky Cabrera driving in a pair. And so, what began as a chance for Jerry Manuel’s club to continue their momentum from Saturday and win the series turned into a laugher.

Instead, A.J. Burnett lived up to his paycheck for a change escaping an early bases loaded no out jam by fanning two and getting Carlos Beltran to harmlessly lineout to Jeter. While Burnett cruised tossing seven scoreless and fanning eight in maybe his best performance in Pinstripes, his teammates tacked on a couple in garbage time to finish off the rout.

And so, what started out as a debacle for the Yanks turned out alright thanks to Luis Castillo and Santana’s stunning result. Had the Met second baseman not misjudged a routine pop Friday night, Joe Girardi’s club could’ve been looking at a six-game losing streak versus the Red Sox and Mets. Wonder if that might’ve been enough to get him canned? So much for that. Instead, the Yanks picked up a game on Boston, who fell to the Phillies 11-6. The Red Sox lead the division by two games while the Phils remain four ahead of the Mets.

There’s really not much to say in terms of this series because both teams showed flaws with Andy Pettite and the Yankee pigpen continuing to fail while lack of fundamentals killed the Mets along with the continued platoon popgun at first between struggling rookie Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis. Since Carlos Delgado went down, the pair have totaled only one home run. Listening to Howie Rose lament that during yesterday’s slaughter made it sound like he was criticizing the Met organization. There was a bitterness to it. Who could blame him?

The bigger news that came out of yesterday was the pregame circus between angered Met closer Francisco Rodriguez and Yankee reliever Brian Bruney. Bruney’s big mouth got him in trouble Friday when he said it couldn’t have happened to a better guy of K-Rod’s first blown save due to his antics. While it’s true that the MLB record holder can go a little overboard when he records that final out for a save, he can do whatever he wants as long as he gets the job done. It’s up to the opposing hitters. So, if he wants to point to the sky thanking God, so be it.

I’m not a big fan of that. But hey. As was pointed out on the Mets radiocast yesterday, you wonder if Bruney feels the same way about Joba Chamberlain. It is what it is. At least before anything happened when Bruney tried to apologize to a furious Rodriguez, teammates separated them. It was really childish and has no place in the game.

There is no right here. Let’s just hope as both indicated that it’s finished.

Some other MLB thoughts:

-With his complete game in a 7-1 win yesterday, Matt Cain improved to 9-1 with a 2.39 ERA. The former Giants No.1 pick is stepping out of Tim Lincecum’s shadow this season dominating hitters. With Cain and Lincecum firing on all cylinders, don’t look now but the Giants are playing some good ball entering tonight 34-28. Unfortunately, Barry Zito got knocked around by the Angels for seven runs and they trail John Lackey 8-0. Still, San Francisco has been a pleasant surprise. Just imagine if they had any kind of hitting. Another slugger could help them contend for a wildcard.

-Also pitching great yesterday was Cleveland lefty ace Cliff Lee, who took a no-hitter into the eighth before Yadier Molina broke it up with a double. Lee needed only 93 pitches to go the distance on a three-hit shutout improving to 4-6 with a 2.88 ERA. Following a sluggish start, last year’s AL Cy Young winner has really picked it up. Might he become available if the Indians continue to struggle? Stay tuned.

-The Cubs fired hitting coach Gerald Perry this weekend. Apparently, it was his fault that Alfonso Soriano doesn’t hit anything but home runs and Derrek Lee can’t get around on a fastball anymore. Was it his fault that Aramis Ramirez got hurt and the Cubs overpaid Milton Bradley? 2008 NL Rookie of The Year Geovany Soto has also struggled. Who told the Cubbies it was a good idea to trade away Mark DeRosa? Sometimes, you gotta look in the mirror first.

-When they fired Clint Hurdle, I figured it was just foolish because the Colorado roster just doesn’t spell contender. However, so far I’ve been proven wrong with the suddenly surging Rockies completing  a three-game sweep of Seattle, winning their 11th in a row to get within a game of .500 (31-32). Amazing turnaround.

-Speaking of sweeps, with an impressive three-game weekend in Toronto, are the Marlins finally ready to turn the corner or is this just another tease?

-Early returns on that Nate McClouth trade to Atlanta:

McLouth: 10 GP, 10 for 41 (.244), HR, 2 RBI, 2 SB, 7 Runs

Atlanta record: 4-6

Andrew McCutchen: 11 GP, 16 for 49 (.327), 0 HR, 7 RBI, 2 triples, 2 SB, 9 Runs

Pittsburgh record: 6-5

Keep in mind they weren’t traded for each other but McCutchen was Pittsburgh’s former 2005 first round pick (11th overall) who was waiting in the wings when McClouth was finally moved for prospects Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke.

Though we won’t know the full returns on this deal for quite some time, it’s always nice to know that that self-proclaimed Baseball Tonight genius Steve Phillips is once again right on top of things just as he was with the Mets. Some things never change.

-And finally, I’m just going to echo WFAN’s Mike Francesa that the Twins will win the AL Central. They’re young but well managed by Ron Gardenhire and boast a very underrated middle of the order in Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel. Nobody really pays attention to how good those three are. When you boast the best hitting catcher, a former MVP who will seriously challenge again and a former No.1 pick who’s finally healthy fulfilling expectations, you always got a shot. Toss in young hurlers Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Francisco Liriano and there’s plenty to like. Plus Joe Nathan’s one of the best closers in baseball. This is a team worth tracking.

Luis Castillo drops a routine A-Rod pop up in another excruciating Met loss to their crosstown rivals in the Bronx.

Sometimes, baseball’s a funny game. You just never know when you’re going to get the bounces/breaks. As someone who’s covered the Low-A Staten Island Yankees four summers, I know all about that borrowing that quote from a former player who used it quite a bit.

I’ve seen my share of wild endings where the Baby Bombers came out on top. I can recall one huge walkoff win over the bitter Verrazano rival Cyclones a couple of years prior in which it was the wild pitch that scored the winning run was very predictable, concluding a topsy turvy game filled with mistakes. Sometimes, baseball can be a sloppy game. It’s to be expected when you cover most kids only out of college who were just drafted and still adjusting to their first summer of pro ball.

Errors are part of the game and it even can happen to guys at the highest level as was the case during last night’s unreal finish in the Bronx where Luis Castillo botched a routine A-Rod pop up- muffing it allowing both Derek Jeter and a hustling Mark Teixeira to come in and score the tying and winning runs in a stunning 9-8 win over the Mets.

You just can’t make it up. There I was watching the wild conclusion following a great Game 7 that saw the Pens shock the Red Wings winning Lord Stanley 2-1. As the celebration ended, we flipped to SNY to watch Francisco Rodriguez try to close out the Yankees. The new Met closer entered perfect in 16 save chances. And here he was one out away from save No.17 with Jeter in scoring position and Teixeira, who earlier took Livan Hernandez deep for his AL leading 20th was on first with K-Rod opting to give an intentional pass and take his chances versus the Lightning Rod.

It was a night before that Alex Rodriguez delivered a big two out two-run double giving the Yanks a 3-1 lead on the Red Sox only to see teflon skipper Joe Girardi stay with C.C. Sabathia too long before not going to Mariano Rivera as Boston plated three in the eighth to make it eight for eight in 2009 (nine in a row dating to last year). This time, here was the big third base slugger in another huge spot looking to deliver in the clutch. And he was being pitched to over Teixeira due in large part to K-Rod’s history against him. Surely, one of the game’s best players would make the cocky Met closer pay. When he missed with three straight, the deck was stacked in Alex’s favor. After taking a 95 MPH heater down the middle, he had the green light on 3-1. Here it came. A perfect fastball that had “hit me” on it yet all he could manage was one of those dreadful uppercut swings producing a weak pop to second.

The game was over, right? A-Rod felt so slamming down his bat in frustration while jogging to first probably pondering how he didn’t crush it. But a funny thing happened. Here was Castillo calling everyone off backing up to short right. That’s when I noticed how messed up his footing was with the ball traveling further left than the Met second baseman anticipated. It was at that moment that I actually wondered, ‘Is he really gonna drop it?’ in not believing fashion.

You never figure a routine pop could somehow elude a major league player. Especially one the caliber of Castillo, who once was an All-Star who helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series. Especially an experienced guy who once won three consecutive Gold Gloves. So, he’s certainly capable defensively. Maybe at 33, Castillo isn’t quite as sure handed and has lost some range which happens to middle infielders as they get older. Entering last night, he had five errors- one fewer than all of last year in half a season and all of two of those three Gold Glove seasons in Florida.

Still, even the biggest Yankee homer had to figure the game was over with Girardi once again the goat for bringing in his aging closer in a tie game only to see him see his shadow with David Wright driving one to the right center gap for the go-ahead run. Instead, here was Castillo struggling with his footing as the ball came down. And then it happened. No. Not George Foreman stunning Michael Moorer with a big right to once again claim the heavyweight title as HBO’s Jim Lampley excitedly called last decade.

Listening to Gary Cohen describe the action was something else. When A-Rod popped it up, the SNY play-by-play man got excited anticipating the end of the game and what would’ve been a good win in which the Amazin’s showed grit coming back three separate times. And why not? Especially after two bitter extra inning defeats to the Phillies and this was at the new evil Yankee Palace. A chance to get back on track and gain a game with Philly losing in 13 to Boston. But instead of calling that final out for K-Rod’s 17th save, he couldn’t fathom what happened next.

There was Castillo backing up and the ball bouncing off the heel of his glove. Stunned disbelief as Jeter scored and Teixeira came around from first sliding in with Alex Cora’s relay too late. Why did he have the ball? Because Castillo panicked tossing into second. We’ll never know why. Was it the moment? Who knows. Just like that, the Mets had invented a new way to lose.

What followed from a Yankee standpoint was pandemonium as they mobbed A-Rod like he was some hero for his weak pop that 999 out of 1,000 times would’ve ended the game. Afterwards, he called it a huge break referring to it as “a gift from God and Castillo.” You don’t say.

For Castillo, who was the whipping boy last year, he came under huge fire from angry Met fans who now want him banished. Only thing is the Mets don’t exactly have a replacement. And last we checked, he has bounced back entering today at .277 with 14 RBI’s, seven steals and a solid .376 on-base percentage (29 walks). Good on Jerry Manuel running him back out there for today’s game which his team is currently leading 5-1 halfway thru.

Can they hang on with no-name call-up Fernando Nieve’s only mistake a solo shot to A-Rod? Hopefully for Castillo’s sake, that’s the case. After all, this is baseball. Where you get to comeback after a brutal loss the next day and try to win and forget the previous night. If the Mets show character and take these next two with ace Johan Santana going tomorrow and go on a run, will anyone remember Friday night? For now, the lingering thoughts will remain until we get to September when the games take on a whole new meaning.

So, Castillo will hear the boos when the Mets return to Citi Field next Friday. But hey. He didn’t duck the postgame interview and there weren’t any excuses. It’s baseball and sometimes, these things happen. So, the radio experts will continue to kill him for only using one hand to make the catch. But how many ballplayers use two on routine pops? And it starts at a young age.

We can always second guess from our armchairs but are we playing a kid’s game having made it as far as Mr. Castillo has? Hell no. Of course, it doesn’t keep us from ripping into him for not squeezing it. At least Jeter understood that these things can happen. He is human and last we checked, we all are bullet proof. Unfortunately in this town, you’re remembered for what you just did. It can change though. Maybe it does a month from now with the Mets still chasing the Phils.

That’s what makes baseball so unpredictable. A funny game indeed.

Here are a couple from my main man P’s watching Game 4 NBA Finals:

1.The Magic are blowing it here. They had the Lakers on the ropes playing a picture perfect first half with great ball movement and fantastic D from Dwight Howard. Orlando must relax here and get back to smarter ball and do a better job closing out if they want to make it a series.

2.Following the latest implosion with the pen unable to get it done for C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees really can’t deal with the Red Sox. It’s like the clubs traded places following the 2004 ALCS. Maybe the Yanks really are hexed now. Does even the most biased Pinstripe fan still believe when the chips are down, their team is gonna win? The Red Sox are confident they will which is how it once was forever unil the biggest collapse of all-time. The Yankees never do anymore.

3.You have to conclude similarly with what occurred tonight in extras between the defending champion Phils and the Mets in Queens. How many times can you see essentially the same game with these two teams where the Amazin’s have Philly on the ropes even when they don’t have the pitching match-up? And how many times do the pesky defending champs stand up to the challenge finding the late runs against the Met pen before their own pen silences NY bats- allowing one of their big boppers (Chase Utley last night and MVP frontrunner Raul Ibanez tonight)? Full marks to Charlie Manuel’s club. But boy did Jerry Manuel’s guys blow a golden opportunity to close the gap.

4.Really, given how predictable Yanks/Sahhhx has become and great Mets/Phils is, we have to say we’ll take the NL East rivalry now. It’s just better baseball. Even if the Mets continue the baserunning blunders this time coming from David Wright tonight. Can’t wait for the next series between these clubs and the fun commentary from Howie Rose, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling, who are the best in this area.

5.There aren’t many stupid comedies I like but this Hangover movie looks like a can’t miss. Yeah. I’ll find my way to the movie theater one of these days.

6.Here’s hoping tomorrow night’s do-or-die Game 7 for Lord Stanley is a classic. We want sudden death just to see who really is the best between the Pens and Red Wings. There’s no better theater than Game 7 in any sport. Especially puck. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, we advise you to tune into NBC at 8 ET/5 PT and tune in. You won’t be disappointed. And with Doc Emrick calling the action, it don’t get much better.