A day later, the trade which sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees became official. As it turned out, neither former Staten Island Yankee George Kontos nor Trenton teammate Phil Coke were in the deal as reported late last night.

Instead, both Double-A starters are staying put while Triple-A SP’s Jeff Karstens and ex-Baby Bomber Daniel McCutchen are going to the Pirates to complete the trade which also sent outfield prospect Jose Tabata and reliever Russ Ohlendorf the other way.

In 12 starts this season for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, the 25 year-old Karstens was 6-4 with a 3.80 ERA while striking out 55 in 68 and a two thirds. He made his final start last night picking up the win going five and two thirds on three runs, nine hits while walking a couple and fanning five. The former Texas Tech star was selected by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 2003 Draft.

During an injury riddled 2007, he made one appearance with Staten Island tossing five innings of one-run ball while fanning eight for a victory during a rehab stint. Thus far, Karstens has seen limited action in the majors having little success going 1-4 with over an 11.00 ERA.

The 25 year-old McCutchen had a great 2007 pitching extremely well for both Tampa and Trenton combining to go 14-4 with a 2.47 ERA in 23 starts (24 GP). In 142 total innings, the former University of Oklahoma star who the Yanks grabbed in the 13th round back in 2006 allowed just 116 hits and nine long balls while walking 33 and striking out 103. Opponents hit just .227 against him. For his outstanding performance, he was tabbed a Florida State League Mid-season and Post-season All-Star.

Oddly enough, he was originally taken by the Yanks in the 2003 27th round but didn’t sign. Tampa selected him the following year in Rd. 28 but he didn’t sign. The Cards also took him in 2005 in Rd.12 but failed to sign him as well allowing the Yankees a second chance to get him. He saw limited action here in Staten Island going 1-0 in two starts with a 1.13 ERA. In eight innings, he struck out 11 before progressing to Charleston.

In his first season at Triple-A, McCutchen had mixed results posting a 4-6 mark with a 3.58 ERA in 11 outings. Two of those four victories were shutouts. In 70.1 IP, he’s allowed 73 hits (10 HR) while walking only 11 and K-ing 58.

Now, the older McCutchen will team with Pirates’ outfield prospect Andrew McCutchen hoping to impress enough to make the bigs. Interestingly enough, both were busted for steroids with the latter serving out a 50-game suspension before bouncing back.

So, now the deal is done and Nady and Marte will be in Pinstripes probably in 20 minutes as the Bronx Bombers aim for eight straight with Andy Pettite opposing Tim Wakefield in Fenway.

If there’s one criticism of how the trade changed, it’s that it put bloggers like myself and even writers who cover the sport at a disadvantage. MLB writer Jennifer Langosch’s original story which appeared on milb.com last night still is up giving analysis on both Kontos and Coke even though they wound up staying.

Heck. It wasn’t even fair to Coke, who after one scoreless frame where he K’d the side was pulled from the game last night.

Such is the nature of the business where sometimes, things change. I’m very happy that Kontos will be staying put. Must’ve been a roller coaster of emotions over the past 24 hours for the former Northwestern star. We’ll see if he and his teammate make the most of it in the Yankee organization.

Blake dealt to Dodgers: In other MLB news, Casey Blake was dealt from the Indians to the Dodgers in exchange for two minor leaguers. The 34 year-old veteran utility man was hitting .289 with 11 homers and 58 RBI’s. He’ll go to LA and play mostly third. He also can play first and the outfield if needed. Solid pickup for Joe Torre’s club.

-The Yanks just had a huge win over the Red Sox holding on for a 1-0 shutout in the first of three at Fenway to pull within two of the defending world champs for the wild card. Pending the result of Tampa-KC will determine if they’re within a couple for the division. At last check, the Rays led the Royals by a run in the seventh.

Joba Chamberlain went a career high seven innings baffling the Red Sox on just three hits while walking only Mike Lowell in the fourth and striking out nine on 103 pitches to pickup his third win (second as a starter). Just how brilliant a performance was it for the 22 year-old out of Nebraska? He retired the final 10 batters against one of the best hitting lineups, who even without Manny Ramirez (sat out) are lethal. David Ortiz returned tonight finishing with one hit in four at bats.

The story was Chamberlain, who outdueled Boston ace Josh Beckett, whose only mistake was a Jason Giambi infield single to short with the shift on allowing Bobby Abreu to come in from third for the game’s only run back in the third. The Yanks got plenty of base runners getting nine hits off Beckett but couldn’t tack on any insurance runs putting the pressure squarely on Joba’s shoulders. He was up to the challenge getting stronger as the night wore on mixing a filthy 87 MPH slider with his high 90’s heater and curve. He finished strong striking out rival Kevin Youkilis, Lowell and then got All-Star Game MVP J.D. Drew to fly out to right before departing for Kyle Farnsworth.

Farnsworth entered on a roll having tossed nine straight hitless innings but Red Sox rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie halted that with a leadoff single to right. After the Yankee setup man got struggling catcher Jason Varitek to harmlessly pop out to Derek Jeter, he had some tough luck when Boston center fielder Coco Crisp hit a roller up the first baseline. With first baseman Richie Sexson charging, a hustling Farnsworth beat him to it trying to pick up the ball and tag Crisp but instead missed him allowing for an infield hit.

With two runners on, skipper Joe Girardi didn’t mess around immediately signaling for Mariano Rivera for a five out save against the future Hall of Famer’s toughest foe. Even with a chaotic atmosphere, it didn’t matter as Mo did the job getting rookie Jacoby Ellsbury looking at a perfect outside cutter and then getting pesky second baseman Dustin Pedroia on a comebacker to end the threat.

After the Yanks went in order against Boston’s Hideki Okajima, Rivera still had to pitch to the heart of the order. First, he won the battle against Big Papi getting the big slugger to pop out to Abreu. It wouldn’t come easy though as Youkilis lined an inside heater through the hole to left. But with the tying run on, the Yankee closer buckled down against Lowell winning a classic battle.

After the World Series hero had foiled four cutters by fouling them off, Rivera finally came in and got the benefit of the doubt from plate umpire Marty Foster, who rang up the furious veteran third baseman. An animated Lowell protested getting in Foster’s face before getting the heave ho. Judging from the replays, it looked like he had a beef as the ball seemed to be just off the inside edge but catcher Jose Molina framed it to get the call.

Rivera still needed one more out and got it by dialing up two picture perfect outside cutters freezing Drew to give the Yanks their seventh win in a row out of the break. They’re now 57-45 and trail Boston (60-44) by just one in the loss column.

In Game Two tomorrow afternoon on Fox, the red hot Andy Pettite takes on veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. The third game on Sunday Night Baseball features Sidney Ponson against Jon Lester.

-Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers also were making headlines off the field as well. Those rumors according to WCBS’ Suzyn Waldman proved true about Brian Cashman finally going out and addressing two needs by acquiring outfield slugger Xavier Nady and lefty reliever Damaso Marte from the Pirates in exchange for four minor league prospects including OF Jose Tabata, SP George Kontos, SP Phil Coke and RP Ross Ohlendorf.

The move makes plenty of sense, especially with Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada likely going under the knife ending their seasons. No question the Yankees needed to add another big bat and acquiring the 29 year-old Nady is a good move. The one-time Met who was packaged for Oliver Perez a couple of years ago was hitting .330 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI’s in 88 games with the Pirates this season. The former Padres’ 2000 second round pick has developed into a solid right handed hitter, which was exactly the Yanks’ need. He should fit right in supplying more pop as a five or six hitter.

Marte, 33, was originally a Yankee farmhand before going onto a solid eight-year MLB career with three other teams including as a key late inning reliever for the 2005 World Series champion White Sox. In his second stint with the Pirates, the Santo Domingo native was doing the job. In 47 games this season, he’s 4-0 with a 3.47 ERA recording five saves while fanning a batter per-inning (47 K’s in 46.2 IP).

Marte will be asked to fill the void as the lefty reliever for the Yanks further solidifying an improving pen which has seen Farnsworth flourish in a more distinguished role while Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez have been steady contributors.

As for who went the other way, the 19 year-old Tabata was once considered to be one of the Yankee jewels in their system believed to have five tools. After a solid 2007 hitting over .300 with five homers, 54 RBI’s and 15 steals, he struggled in Trenton this season falling to .248 with three dingers, 36 RBI’s along with 10 steals in 79 games. In fact, his early season struggled were so bad that he went home for a couple of days to regroup. He hadn’t played since the beginning of July. Now, the Pirates get him as the centerpiece along with solid Double-A starters Kontos and Coke.

The 23 year-old Kontos is a Northwestern product who the Yanks tabbed in the fifth round in 2006. In fact, I covered his first pro season out here with the Staten Island Yankees where it was pretty apparent why they liked him. He possesses a low-90’s fastball along with a nasty curve and slider. He was one of the top Penn-League pitchers helping the Baby Bombers repeat as champions with an outstanding Game 3 performance which saw him escape a bases loaded jam to toss six shutout innings while fanning an impressive 11 for the team’s fourth championship.

After making some negative headlines for an off field incident prior to last season, Kontos battled an injury plagued 2007 in Tampa making 17 starts while posting a 4-6 record with a 4.02 ERA while fanning more than a batter-per-inning (101 in 94 IP). Elevated to Trenton this season, Kontos has pitched in bad luck posting a 3-9 record with a 3.77 ERA in 20 starts. In 107 and a third, he’s allowed 97 hits while walking 43 and fanning 103.

If there’s an area he needs to improve on, it’s not giving up the long ball. Last season, he served up 15 while this summer he’s given up 11. It couldn’t have helped that he struggled this month going winless in four outings with a 6.05 ERA. Part of the issue was his walks were up issuing 10 in 19-plus while permitting 21 hits and K-ing 19. Before this month, Kontos had three good months.

For the most part, his control was an issue in college but the Yankee staff helped fix the problem which has seen him continue to strikeout batters at a high ratio. If he continues to develop, there’s little doubt that he’ll make the majors. As someone who covered this former NYPL All-Star, he was fun to watch pitch and always a good quote in the locker room.

I’ll definitely miss Kontos and be pulling for him with his new organization.

The other SP the Pirates got was 26 year-old Coke, who has had a solid season with the Thunder posting a respectable 9-4 mark with a 2.60 ERA in 19 starts. That included a complete game shutout- a rarity in the minors or even baseball itself. So, the Sonora, California native who’s allowed 103 hits in 114.1 IP while walking 38 and striking out 109 bears watching as he’s closer to the majors than Kontos.

The prior season in Tampa, he went 7-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 16 starts fanning 76 in 99 frames while also notching a shutout. Coke’s a former 2002 26th round selection. It’s worth noting that Pirates’ All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth was selected in the 25th round in 2000. So, there is such thing as late bloomers to the cynics who believe if a player doesn’t make it by a certain age, they never will.

Also included in the deal was the 25 year-old Ohlendorf, who originally was part of the Randy Johnson deal. The former Princeton star never distinguished himself struggling mightily with the Yanks with over a 6.00 ERA while allowing 50 hits in 40 innings, walking 19 and serving up seven long balls before getting sent back down to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Maybe the Pirates will be a good change for the Austin, Texas native. If not, chalk it up to overhype.

-Update: Tampa prevailed over Kansas City 5-3 to pull a game up on Boston remaining three ahead of the Yanks. Carlos Pena’s 16th homer in the ninth (2-run variety) proved to be the difference as the Rays won for just the fourth time in their last 10.

Copyright MLB

Earlier today, we lost one of our true good guys as former Yankee center fielder Bobby Murcer passed away at the age of 62 succumbing to cancer after a courageous two-year battle.

Though he came before my time, the man from Oklahoma City with the bright smile and keen sense of humor became a solid player for the Bronx Bombers slugging 175 of his career 252 home runs with the franchise which signed him as an amateur back in 1964. From 1969-73 during a time when the Yankees struggled following the post-Mantle Era, Murcer hit 22-or-more homers in each season knocking in over 90 three times.

His best season came at the age of 25 back in 1971 when he hit .331 with 25 dingers, 94 RBI’s, 14 stolen bases in 146 games while posting an impressive .427 on-base percentage (91 walks) and .543 slugging finishing seventh in MVP voting. It also marked the first year he was an AL All-Star making it the first of five straight seasons including one with the Giants that he was selected.

In 1972, Murcer slugged 33 homers ranking second in the AL while finishing with a career best 96 RBI’s and hitting .292 with 11 steals. He also finished with 30 doubles and seven triples meaning he totaled an impressive 70 extra base hits. He was voted fifth for AL MVP which was the highest of his career also winning his only Gold Glove.

Sadly, the Yanks would deal him away for Bobby Bonds during the 1974 offseason just when they were on the cusp of returning to glory. Though he performed respectably in a couple of seasons with the Giants hitting a combined 34 home runs while driving in 181, he wasn’t as happy and missed playing in New York.

The next year, the Giants dealt him away in a five player deal to the Cubs with Bill Madlock coming back. Following a productive first year in the Windy City in which he hit 27 dingers (most in five years) and had 89 RBI’s, Murcer fell to single digits in homers (9) for the first time since he was a 20 year-old rookie with the Yanks. The Cubs gave him a gift the following year by shipping him back to the Yankees for an encore finish to a solid 17-year career.

Murcer is best remembered for hitting a three-run homer and a walkoff two-run single driving in all five runs in an emotional 5-4 home win following the tragic death of catcher Thurman Munson. Ironically, he gave one of the eulogies at the service in Ohio for The Captain and then played his best game in tribute handing the winning bat to Munson’s wife.

“There is no way to explain what happened,” Murcer said. “We used every ounce of strength to go out and play that game. We won it for Thurman.”

Murcer would go on to play parts of four more seasons before retiring to the broadcast booth early in 1983 concluding his career with a .277 lifetime average, 252 home runs, 1,043 RBI’s, 127 stolen bases and more walks (862) than strikeouts (841) in 1,908 games.

As a broadcaster where he teamed with Phil Rizzuto and many other Yankee broadcasters, Murcer was a natural fit in the booth using his rural wit and great style becoming even more popular with fans, coaches and players alike. He also became a frequent face at Old-Timers Day having as much fun as possible even wearing a mic while clowning around with former teammates.

He was as quality a person as there was exhibiting such bravery during his two-year bout with cancer. He never lost his sense of humor and really got what life was about appreciating what he was able to accomplish.

“Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine,” Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy.”

As will many baseball fans.

RIP Bobby Murcer

The tale of two New York baseball teams is being told as we approach the final weekend before the superhyped final All-Star Game at legendary Yankee Stadium in the cathedral which will soon be replaced by a brand new state of the art ballpark across the street.

For one team at least, they can feel pretty darn good about themselves because the Mets have finally discovered that magic formula under interim manager Jerry Manuel reeling off seven in a row including last nite’s 2-1 squeaker over the visiting Rockies at Shea.

Oliver Perez was rock solid for a third consecutive outing permitting just a run despite walking six before giving way to a pen which wiggled out of a couple of bases loaded jams including Aaron Heilman getting the last two Rockies swinging in the seventh. Pedro Feliciano followed suit by escaping a similar jam in the eighth keeping the contest tied to set the stage for surprising veteran second baseman Damion Easley who provided the heroics with a solo shot in the bottom half to give his team another huge victory.

For once, Billy Wagner closed it out 1-2-3 getting the final out on a deep fly to Carlos Beltran which kept the Amazin’s red hot with a season high seventh win in a row to remain tied with the Marlins a game and a half out of first.

Meanwhile in the City of Brotherly Love, the Phillies cameback to beat the one under NL West-leading Diamondbacks 6-5 in 12 innings getting a crucial two-run eighth inning tying triple from gritty center fielder Shane Victorino and a walkoff Jayson Werth RBI base hit to win for the second straight time. Ryan Howard added his major league best 28th dinger.

While the Mets should feel good for closing the gap after trailing by as much as seven to the Phils, the Yankees have to be increasingly frustrated with their inconsistency.

Having looked like they were about to put something together by taking the last two against Boston and sweeping a two-game series from the suddenly slumping first place Rays (lost fifth straight last night), they followed it up by turning Paul Maholm into a Cy Young candidate scoring just two runs in a depressing 4-2 loss to the Pirates in a makeup game Thursday. After a Bobby Abreu two-run single tied it, Pirates’ All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth responded by hitting a gamebreaking two-run home run off normally reliable Jose Veras in the seventh.

It allowed the Pirates to take the series despite another good outing from veteran Mike Mussina (6 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 5 K’s).

The problem for the Bronx Bombers is that the very next night, they had to deal with Toronto ace Roy Halladay, who brought his ‘A’ game to the table outpitching rookie Joba Chamberlain (6.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, HR, 9 K’s) while going the distance for his impressive major league-leading seventh complete game two-hitting them while walking one and fanning eight.

Only veteran infielders Alex Rodriguez (fourth inning single) and Derek Jeter (ninth inning ground rule double) got hits off Halladay leaving the Yankee captain singing the Toronto ace’s praises:

“He never throws a ball over the middle of the plate. If you face him four or five times a game, you might get one pitch over the plate. He goes from corner to corner as good as any pitcher in the game. He’s probably the best starter in baseball, I would think. I know I’m a little biased because we face him 10 times a year. He’s as consistent as anyone.”

Pretty hard to disagree with that assessment. It’s always been my belief that Halladay and Brandon Webb were the best pitchers in the game. Cue up the arguments.

Unfortunately for Jeter and the Yankee Pinstripes, they blew another golden opportunity to gain valuable ground on Tampa Bay, who lost again to the lowly Indians 5-0. It’s also worth noting that second place Boston also dropped a home game to the Orioles 7-3 remaining a game and a half out of first while the Yanks still trail by six and a half and seven in the loss column.

It’s vital for them to bounceback over the next two days before the break. However, that doesn’t seem likely with struggling fifth starter Darrell Rasner going against Jesse Litsch later today. If he does win, then the finale would see veteran southpaw Andy Pettite take on fireballer A.J. Burnett in a potential great match-up.

We’ll see if Joe Girardi’s ballclub can finish strong.

Copyright Getty Images

The Yankees needed extras to defeat the first place Rays 2-1 sweeping the brief two-game series at The Stadium this afternoon. Bobby Abreu’s one out walkoff double to the right center gap scored team captain Derek Jeter all the way from first giving the Bronx Bombers their fourth consecutive win pulling them seven over .500 at 49-42.

Most importantly, it allowed them to gain another valuable game on the majors’ best team, who fell for the third straight day allowing Boston (18-5 winners over the Twins) to pull within two games while the Pinstripes now trail by six and a half.

The Yanks couldn’t have asked for a better outing from righty veteran Sidney Ponson, who went the first six only permitting a tying solo shot to Tampa first base slugger Carlos Pena. With the game knotted, the Yankee pen did the job thanks to scoreless frames from Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth paving the way for closer Mariano Rivera to work the ninth and tenth striking out a season high four over two scoreless.

The Rays got a solid six and a third from Edwin Jackson allowing just an early run on a Jason Giambi RBI single which scored Jeter back in the first. He gave way to J.P. Howell, who was very tough not allowing a hit in two frames while fanning three.

With the game still tied entering the 10th, Grant Balfour who relieved Howell in the ninth getting Melky Cabrera swinging and catcher Jose Molina to groundout walked Jeter with one out setting the stage for Abreu to be the hero. The third-year Yankee right fielder had never had a walkoff hit since coming over to the Bronx from Philly but that changed when he drove a two strike offspeed pitch to deep right center allowing Jeter to round the bases without a relay throw.

A happy Abreu was then doused with Gatorade by Cabrera and buddy Robinson Cano before doing an interview with YES’ Kim Jones, who enjoyed the festivities.

It marked a big win for the Yanks who really needed to take both games against Tampa to have any chance of getting back in the hunt. Just remember, they don’t do it without Rivera, who somehow escaped a bases loaded no out jam against the Red Sox striking out a couple to help them take the final two of a four-game home series a few days back.

The durable 38 year-old veteran fireballer continues to defy logic by throwing the ball as well as ever stifling opponents while lowering his ERA to 1.06 in notching his fourth win. Counting today, Mo has now fanned 50 in 42.1 IP while permitting just 23 hits and walking only four including Cliff Floyd today.

His numbers are amazing. It’s all about location. So many batters just give up on that outside pitch taking it for a called strike three. Just ask Manny Ramirez who took three straight on the black. Rivera is just amazing and if the Pinstripes do comeback to qualify for yet another October, it will be largely because of how consistent No.42 has been.

Simply the best.

With the Mets recovering from a brutal two losses at Shea thanks to Oliver Perez’ best outing of the season for a 3-1 home win to gain a split of the four-game weekend series, here are some quick final observations:

-Perez responded to Jerry Manuel’s criticism by fanning eight Yanks and only allowing three hits. Most notably, the southpaw didn’t walk a batter. Still, you have to wonder if he can do this consistently. The Amazin’s sure hope so.

-It’s amazing to think that the one under Mets are three behind the Phillies for first in the division with the Marlins very much in the mix. Even the Braves with all their rash of injuries are still hanging around. This is a very important week for the Queens club as they head for four at wildcard leader St. Louis before a huge four-gamer in the City of Brotherly Love. We’ll se if they’re up to the challenge.

-Jose Reyes is a baby. Plain and simple. His reaction to an E6 which Carlos Delgado should’ve had was bush league. Isn’t it about time the 25 year-old shortstop acted like one? It’s classic overreactions such as that and his shenanigans in the first inning Manuel managed in California which keep him from being the winning player he should be. And don’t forget how many times he gets caught napping while on the bases. It’s inexcusable. Does he want just be a good player who has ups and downs or a great one who impacts the game and is universally considered as one of the game’s best? The choice is his and a large chunk of the Amazin’s future depends on it.

-I realize that Perez had great numbers versus lefties but could Joe Girardi actually try to play to win? He had a chance to go for the sweep and instead, played into the Mets’ hands by not putting his best lineup out there sitting out Robinson Cano, Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu. Would it have killed him to at least keep a couple of those lefty bats in there? They still would’ve been more of a threat than who started. Sometimes, playing by the book is overplayed. Rolling the dice can pay off.

-It’s nice to see Derek Jeter back hitting the way he can. Slowly but surely, the career Yankee shortstop and team captain is getting his average up near .300 and playing better which is good news for his team.

-I’ve been an avid supporter of him and his defense in center continues to improve. But unless Melky Cabrera starts swinging a better bat, the Yanks need to consider sitting him out a few games or recall speedy former Staten Island Yankee Brett Gardner, who continues to excel at Scranton/Wilkes Barre. He has 34 steals and hits a high enough average and plays solid enough defense to get a look. The Yanks don’t have enough speed and he could provide an added dimension.

-David Robertson’s major league debut was rocky giving up a key insurance run to the Amazin’s in two innings while permitting four hits and throwing 33 pitches (22 strikes). Still, it was important for the kid who dominated Triple-A to get his feet wet. And to do it in a scrutinized series isn’t bad for what’s coming up later this week.

-When he hits ‘em, there are few batters more fun to watch than Delgado. Sure. He’s not what he once was. But the three dingers including that two homer, team record nine RBI performance Friday in the Bronx was one to behold. No matter who came it against. The Mets are a much more potent lineup if the veteran first base slugger is knocking a few out of the park.

-David Wright really is the Mets’ best player and sure looked dangerous at the plate everytime he faced the Yanks this weekend.

-Billy Wagner sure knows how to make those ninth innings interesting. Alex Rodriguez nearly tied it but his drive fell just shy of the warning track. Still, the Met closer’s curve which froze Wilson Betemit to end it was a thing of beauty.

-The Pinstripes now trail the first place Rays by five and a half (six in loss column) with the Red Sox half a game out. It’s going to be a real challenge in the second half.

-Can Johan Santana come up with anymore excuses for why he can’t do his job every fifth day? Just saying.

-Can’t believe I’m ending with this but the Giambino actually looks thinner.

Photos Copyright Getty Images

Johnny Damon has been a high quality player for a while. The 34 year-old veteran leadoff hitter had himself a career record breaking day of sorts in the Yankees thrilling 12-11 come from behind victory over his former club the Royals Saturday afternoon in the Bronx.

In a game which saw veteran southpaw Andy Pettite give up a career worst 10 runs including a two out seventh inning grand slam off the bat of Jose Guillen, the Bronx Bombers still found a way to comeback despite some poor managing from first-year skipper Joe Girardi bailing him and the starter out. Why Pettite was still in against the Royals version of an outfield slugger was due to the lack of confidence in the Joba-less bullpen. He had already served up a two-run jack to Guillen back in the first. Pettite’s 111th pitch was crushed to deep left giving Kansas City a 10-6 lead.

But the Yankee bats didn’t cool off on a near record-breaking day of 90-plus degree June heat coming back with a pair in the home seventh off the big bat of Alex Rodriguez (ninth home run) and Damon, who made it five-for-five with a money two-run opposite field single scoring Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera to knot the game at 10 apiece.

Just when it seemed the Yanks had the game in their favor, the reliable Mariano Rivera gave up a first pitch solo homer to Royals left fielder David DeJesus putting them behind a run once again. However, he got the next three batters setting the stage for the fateful bottom of the ninth.

A couple of days earlier, Jason Giambi provided some fireworks with a walkoff right field upper deck blast to beat B.J. Ryan and the Blue Jays. This time, they were facing Kansas City closer Joakim Soria, who entered a perfect 13-for-13 with a 1.03 ERA. With one out, it didn’t matter as veteran starting catcher Jorge Posada took the 24 year-old yard into the short porch tying the game at 11.

The Yanks weren’t done mounting a two out rally to win in exciting fashion. After Wilson Betemit drew a walk, center fielder Melky Cabrera beat out an infield hit to put a runner in scoring position. When Soria fell behind 3-1 on Damon, you knew or at least I did anyway that he was going to win the game. The next pitch, he went down and got slicing it inside the right field line for the winning walkoff extra base hit propelling the Pinstripes to a topsy turvy 12-11 home win.

Six-for-six giving Damon a career day and also becoming the first Bomber to record six hits in a nine inning game. Not a bad day’s work at the office.

The winning hit picked up Rivera, who notched his second victory bringing the Yanks back to .500 (31-31). They still trail first place Boston by six and a half with the Rays a half game behing the Red Sox.

This was a good win for them but the lingering questions remain as to why Girardi stuck with an ineffective Pettite to pitch to a batter he’d already given a long ball up to late in the game. Was he that uncertain about Kyle Farnsworth? At that stage, you have to trust your late inning setup guy to record that key out.

All a product of Joba Chamberlain no longer being available out of the pen. Instead, the 22 year-0ld will try to improve on an ineffective first outing against Toronto later today when he opposes Royal ace Zach Greinke. The 24 year-old Greinke was once a high draft pick just like Joba who was force fed to the majors at a young age by Kansas City only to struggle back to the minors before the Royals patiently allowed the righthander to straighten out. Now, he’s pitching to capability with five wins and a 3.56 ERA.

The Yanks need every win they can get in a much tougher AL East. The question is how long will Chamberlain go? This experiment gets more tantalizing by the day.

Copyright Getty Images

By show of hands, who actually believed into the ridiculous hype of this rush job regarding pushing Joba Chamberlain from eighth inning fixture to starter? Exactly.

I’ve gone on record as saying moving Joba to the rotation is a mistake which could prove costly for the Yankees this year. The way the organization has mishandled this move is a joke. What exactly was the rush? Giving the 22 year-old Lincoln, Nebraska native basically a two week window to go from setup to starter makes about as much sense as the Bulls hiring Doug Collins two decades later out of the TNT broadcast booth.

The Yanks should’ve been more patient and stretched Chamberlain out a few more relief outings to build up his arm.

End result against Toronto ace Roy Halladay last night:

2.1 IP, 2 R, ER, 1 H, 4 BB, 3 K, 62 pitches (32 strikes)

Not a very pretty line. In fact, Joba needed 38 pitches to escape his first inning permitting a run.

It’s going to take time for the former 2006 first round supplemental pick to adjust back to being a starter. Last year, he won eight games across the minors before being shifted to the pen to setup for Mariano Rivera. The difference was the organization made certain to give him enough stints before recalling the fireballer to overwhelming success.

Anyone who’s looked at this season’s Pinstripe edition can see that pitching is an issue. However, by subtracting Joba from the pen, it further weakened the seventh and eighth innings which now fall on the shoulders of Kyle Farnsworth along with bust LaTroy Hawkins. There’s also inexperienced guys such as Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez. Hardly reassuring options for a mediocre club which dropped its third straight and saw their pig pen implode a second game in a row turning a one-run game into a Toronto 9-3 laugher at The Stadium.

So what’s the plan exactly? Does the organization eventually elevate relief prospect Mark Melanchon from Double-A Trenton where he’s having good success? Don’t expect it anytime soon.

It’s hard to fathom who’s calling the shots here. Hank Steinbrenner voiced his displeasure about Chamberlain’s role wanting him to start. But is it best for the team right now? Chien-Ming Wang is a reliable seven inning starter. Vets Andy Pettite and Mike Mussina can go six. Darrell Rasner has proven to be effective thus far able to pitch deep into games while keeping the ballclub afloat. How many innings on average can Chamberlain be expected to go? Tough to gauge. His command must improve if this gamble is to pay off.

Here’s another question for Yankee brass. Why mess with Joba when Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy should be returning for the second half? What exactly is the plan when either comeback? They’ve been starters their entire pro careers which means that’s a numbers problem.

Unless the Yanks are planning to move Rasner to middle relief, it’s an issue. Why move Rasner if he continues to fare well? That’s what the Bronx zoo is like these days where you’re on an emotional rollercoaster trying to figure out what they’ll do next.

Frankly, this team isn’t that good and deserving of their 28-30 last place record seven behind Tampa and six and a half behind Boston. The Jays are showing signs even without Vernon Wells four out and they’ve got much better pitching than the Bronx Bombers.

So, is it going to get any better? Probably not for a while. Especially with a relief corps providing comedy for opponents.

This is what Joe Girardi signed up for and what Joe Torre got away from. Which Joe do you think is smiling these days?

No. This isn’t about Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Management 101 who predictably didn’t win the NBA lottery earlier tonight. 

At last check, the last place Yankees were getting trounced 10-0 by the Orioles at The Stadium. This on the heels of being humiliated by the Mets in which they were swept over an abbreviated weekend set by an aggregate total of 18-6 dropping them to four under .500 and six behind the first place Red Sox. It became six and a half last night when Jon Lester no-hit the Royals.

It only gets worse these days around the Pinstripes. Where the chaos of Hank Steinbrewhiner isn’t helping much. He can make all the vows he wants but just maybe this team isn’t good enough to see October. Yankee brass (Randy Levine) believed it would be good to make a change away from Joe Torre’s laid back style to the edgy persona of Joe Girardi, who looks in over his head. He doesn’t know how to handle the New York press and apparently isn’t putting out the right lineup these days.

Once again, Jason Giambi was hitting before Robinson Cano, who inexplicably continues to bat at the bottom third of the order. So what if Alex Rodriguez is back and apparently went yard to break up Daniel Cabrera’s shutout cause it’s really the only positive any Yankee fan could take with this disassembled bunch. Oh. The rating AL MVP’s big righty bat is a welcome sight to an offense which can’t score. If only that would resolve all the team problems.

It still isn’t known when switch-hitting All-Star backstop Jorge Posada will return. The Yanks need every bat these days cause this pitching staff isn’t scaring anyone. For once, Mike Mussina didn’t have it tonight lasting only 10 batters while retiring a couple and allowing seven runs of only one which was earned thanks to teammate Derek Jeter’s throwing error that opened the floodgates. Making matters worse, the Yankee captain left the game after getting plunked on the left hand.

Out of the O’s 10 runs, only two were earned with Johnny Damon misplaying a Luke Scott fly ball in the second leading to three more runs. When it all goes wrong, sloppy team D is common and even umpire’s errant calls such as the other night which negated a Carlos Delgado three-run home run don’t even matter. At least the Met first baseman wound up with an RBI hit in the 11-2 blowout of Chien-Ming Wang Sunday. That’s how brutal Girardi’s Yanks have been. What happened to playing a crisper brand of ball? What happened to executing and winning close games? And what happened to just having solid pitching which could shutdown an offense?

Oh wait. That never got addressed. It didn’t help that Phil Hughes was pitching hurt getting off to a miserable start before finally being DLed. Even that was a three-ring circus with Girardi not even able to properly communicate what was wrong. This guy is just way too sensitive and is proving the Florida reporters right. If he thought that was tough, he really shouldn’t have taken this job.

Ian Kennedy has struggled and remains winless with the Yanks hoping one of these days, the former first round pick out of USC will put it all together like he did when he came up. If he could just locate, it’s bound to turn around. Andy Pettite’s been a bust in his second season meaning that only Wang and Mussina were performing up to expectations. Toss in surprise recall Darrell Rasner who will get another big start tomorrow trying to put a halt to a four-game skid.

There’s also the bullpen which soon could be renamed the pigpen. Kyle Farnsworth had shown improvement until his implosion a few days ago in which he served up two homers to Met duo Jose Reyes and David Wright putting Saturday’s game out of reach. The problem is that even with Girardi using the hard thrower more, he’s already allowed six gopher balls. Or one more than Aaron Heilman. So how reliable is he?

Russ Ohlendorf is still a work in progress and LaTroy Hawkins is proving to be the latest Brian Cashman mi$take. Unless Edwar Ramirez becomes a solution, the Yanks only have the same 1-2 punch of Joba Chamblerlain and Mo Rivera to finish games which is why Steinwhiner’s idea of moving the Nebraska setup man to the rotation would be a colossal mistake making even more a mess of their pen.

I still want to know how Morgan Ensberg was signed while a younger and more versatile Andy Phillips was let go. How Ensberg is even still on a major league roster begs questioning. This is what the Yankees have become. Where misfits somehow wind up with jobs. What? Like Eric Duncan couldn’t be given a shot to sink or swim? The organization needs to get their heads out of their collective asses.

How is it getting any better? Unless the team snaps out of it, they’re in for a tough go because the AL East is no longer a joke. Not with the Rays much improved and the O’s showing signs of life. Even the Jays are coming around.

So, is it over? Hardly. After tonight, the Yanks will have completed 45 games meaning that there’s still 117 to go. They have been in this unenviable position before and comeback to make the postseason. Still, falling into the same early habits isn’t a good trend. One of these days, it’s going to comeback to haunt them.

Is this finally that year? Only time will tell. For now, this team is a mess headed on the road to nowhere.

For once, you really can “Blame It On The Rain.” Much like that once misplaced Milli Vanilli hit some 20 years ago, that accurately reflects both New York baseball teams on the 16th day of May with the Subway Series on tap.

So much for good May weather. But hey. Do either the Yankees or Mets deserve the sun to shine down on them at this early juncture of the season? We already know the answer. Maybe it’s a bit of poetic justice that the weather is so crappy reminding us more of late March and April rather than traditional May days.

Both teams stink. Sure. It’s still very early. There’s plenty of time for the Yanks and Mets to turn it around. Sometimes, that’s forgotten in such a demanding town which is all about the present when it comes to its two baseball teams. The grind of a 162-game schedule has peaks and valleys. Unfortunately, both clubs with high expectations have hit a lull entering this weekend’s three-game set at Yankee Stadium a combined 40-41. Remarkably, it’s the first time since the Subway Series inception that the two metro area teams entered under .500. But as esteemed New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro pointed out in a well written column, it was bound to happen sometime.

Symbolism is a funny thing. Almost to a U2 hit, “Mysterious Ways.” That it’s pouring literally and dark as can be for this time of year epitomizes the slow starts by our two ballclubs who so many fans in this area live and die with.

Just listening to all the panic on WFAN airwaves is enough to drive you insane. Of course, the “Fire Willie” demands have only intensified after his team’s dreadful 3-4 homestand against last place fodder. Granted. The manager isn’t doing the job. Ultimately, it comes down to his players who are plenty talented but have been lacking consistency, intensity and common sense. Why is it always the same two players who show frustration over their team’s lackadaisical play?

On the flip side of town, the Yanks just lost three of four to the improved Rays down in Tampa drawing the ire of Hank Steinbrenner. They have their own issues which include a paltry offense that’s putting more pressure on the pitching staff. The good news is Mike Mussina has suddenly rediscovered himself and Darrell Rasner, who will oppose Johan Santana whenever Game One gets underway has pitched well. The alarming is the continued ups and downs of Andy Pettite, Ian Kennedy’s struggles and LaTroy Hawkins’ implosions. Combine that with a popgun offense and it’s hard to win games.

Maybe A-Rod’s quad will finally be healthy enough to return soon and help inject much needed righty power in a dead lineup. Who knows what the time table is for Jorge Posada? For now, Joe Girardi continues to pencil in the Shelly Duncans and Morgan Ensbergs while batting Melky Cabrera sixth.

Is this the weekend Jose Reyes sparks the Mets to a big series win before headed to Atlanta possibly saving the manager’s job? Or does the Yankee captain step to the forefront leading his slumping team to two of three and perhaps back on track?

Hard to say. What I do know is that rain never felt more appropriate. And we don’t mean the cold November Guns N’ Roses kind. Bet those two teams wish it were.

We got a long way to go.