Sometimes in life, some things can’t be explained. Like why people die young. In sports, it seems like there have been too many tragedies lately, leaving so many questions behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Day Three of what’s been called Opening Weekend by MLB.com, the Yankees look to go 2-0 with a battle between former ’03 Marlins A.J. Burnett and Brad Penny going off soon on Fox. Meanwhile, the Mets look to bounce back from a 6-2 Opening Day defeat to their Kryptonite the Marlins, who got a John Buck grand salami off losing Met Mike Pelfrey.

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

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

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

AL East

1.Yankees

*2.Red Sox

3.Devil Rays

4.Blue Jays

5.Orioles

AL Central

1.Twins

2.White Sox

3.Tigers

4.Royals

5.Indians

AL West

1.Athletics

2.Rangers

3.Angels

4.Mariners

NL East

1.Braves

*2.Phillies

3.Marlins

4.Mets

5.Nationals

NL Central

1.Reds

2.Brewers

3.Cardinals

4.Cubs

5.Pirates

6.Astros

NL West

1.Rockies

2.Giants

3.Padres

4.Dodgers

5.Diamondbacks

*wildcard

AWARDS

AL ROY-Kyle Drabek, Blue Jays

NL ROY-Brandon Belt, Giants

AL Cy Young-Jon Lester, Red Sox

NL Cy Young-Yovani Gallardo, Brewers

AL MVP-Robinson Cano, Yankees

NL MVP-Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

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

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

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

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

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

Opening Day was a success in the Bronx earlier with the Yankees defeating the Tigers 6-3 before 48,000 or so who braved the elements. The first ever March baseball game saw the Mark Teixeira deliver a “Teix Message” and Curtis Granderson morph into “The Grandy Man” with each going yard to make a winner of reliever Joba [Jaw-bah] Chamberlain, who tossed a 1-2-3 seventh.

C.C. Sabathia wasn’t great but battled through adversity, including permitting only a run around a bases loaded no out second threat. The big southpaw who dropped some 30 pounds in hopes of a new extension- allowed only two earned on sac flies while fanning seven in six frames. Sabathia threw 106 pitches (70 strikes) before giving way to a Yankee pen which should be a huge weapon, featuring Joba, David Robertson, Boone Logan, new setup man Rafael Soriano and the best closer in the business, Mariano Rivera.

Not shockingly, Chamberlain, Soriano and Rivera each tossed scoreless innings to hold the Tigers at three. In fact, no Tiger reached base with each Yankee reliever striking out one, including Mo freezing former Yankee prospect Austin Jackson to end the game for career save No.560.

Sabathia’s counterpart Justin Verlander threw gas to get out of a two out threat in the first. After walking Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, he got Robby Cano swinging on a wicked 96 heater. Verlander has some of the nastiest stuff featuring a tough changeup. However, a loss of focus in the third cost with Teixeira bombing his first into the second deck. New catcher Russell Martin had an auspicious debut, getting the Yanks’ first hit of 2011 and stealing third after Verlander lost Derek Jeter. After Martin swiped third, a Teix message was sent a bit early for the notoriously slow starter. Perhaps that’s cause the calendar still read March. It was nice to see Teixeira swing the bat.

“I’ve been petitioning the league to start in March for years. “Finally they let us start in March because everybody knows my Aprils,” Teixeira joked. “It’s great to start this way. … Last year was awful, it was embarrassing.”

Detroit scratched out a run each in the fourth and fifth highlighted by a Brandon Inge RBI single down the third baseline. Some good hustle by Brett Gardner kept the Tigers from scoring more. The speedy left fielder also sacrificed twice, including a dangerous run to first where he landed awkwardly with Miguel Cabrera covering. Luckily, he didn’t turn his ankle. A Cano error allowed the Tigers to tie it. The All-Star second baseman dropped a routine throw off a sacrifice, giving Detroit two baserunners with no one out, which they parlayed into a Cabrera sac fly. But Sabathia battled back by K-ing Victor Martinez to end the half inning.

Verlander dialed it up to pitch out of a jam, fanning eight over seven innings before giving way to former Yank Phil Coke. Jim Leyland’s decision to send in the lefty to face Granderson backfired in one swing, with Grandy taking Coke deep to right for the go-ahead run. Jeter tacked on another run with a short fly to center that still allowed the speedy Martin to beat a good throw from Jackson.

Nick Swisher’s runscoring single plated A-Rod for the final tally in the eighth on a dreary cold 40 degree day in the Big Apple.

“It was great—except for the weather,” said Granderson after taking part in the Opening Ceremonies that included former Yankee starter Mike “Moose” Mussina tossing out the first pitch.

“That’s the way we drew it up,” pleased Yankee skipper Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees and Tigers met for the first time in the Big Apple on Opening Day since 1966 with Detroit prevailing 2-1. Today’s lineup that included an outfield of Gardner, Granderson, Swisher along with an infield of Rodriguez, Jeter, Cano and Teixeira was the first time since 1926-27 that the Bronx Bombers began consecutive seasons with the same starting outfielders and four infielders. The only change was behind the plate with Martin debuting while Jorge Posada shifted to DH. Credit goes out to the always reliable Elias Sports Bureau for that remarkable gem.

Thankfully, the Yanks and Tigers get a day off with rain/snow expected before reuniting Saturday with A.J. Burnett going against former Florida ’03 World Series teammate Brad Penny. Max Scherzer opposes Phil Hughes in the series finale Sunday.

The Mets open tomorrow in Florida for the 9,887th time. Other Opening Day winners included Atlanta shutting out the Nationals 2-zip behind Derek Lowe and the Reds scoring four in the ninth, including a three-run walkoff blast from Ramon Hernandez to stun the Brewers 7-6.

We’ll have much more baseball stuff tomorrow, including some predictions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a memorable day for former SI Yank Colin Curtis in yesterday's Yankee win over the Angels.

Imagine your team is up by two runs in the bottom of the seventh and looking for insurance with two runners on. Then, the unthinkable happens when your outfielder buddy who you know well from the minors gets ejected for the first time after falling behind 0-2.

Suddenly, the skipper calls your name and you must inherit the count before plenty of screaming Yankee fans in the Bronx. Not too much pressure, eh? Apparently, that was the case for Colin Curtis yesterday after he stepped in for Gardner and hit a clutch pinch-hit three-run home run into the right field stands, increasing the Yanks’ lead to 10-5 in a game they’d win 10-6 to square the series versus the Halos. Did we mention it was the 25 year-old former Staten Island Yankee’s first major league homer? What a way to get it. Plenty of columns on the Yanks’ 25th man today, including from Cooperstown bound Bill Madden of The Daily News.

“He’s had a ton of big hits for us without a lot of starts,” a pleased Joe Girardi explained. “That’s not easy for a young man that’s used to playing and getting at-bat after at-bat. To come into that situation down 0-2 and hit a home run, that’s some kind of at-bat.”

“To take three pitches like he did … it was an amazing at-bat,” Girardi added of the scrappy player, who had a similar at bat in a great come from behind win over the Dodgers last month. “But that’s the one thing he’s shown. He’s gotten pinch-hits in key situations and puts a lot of long at-bats on people.“

Hustling overachiever Brett Gardner is one of a few former Baby Bombers to make the bigs.

It really is cool to see some of the players I covered here making an impact. Remember when Brett Gardner was just a fourth outfielder? Uh. Might want to rethink that one. The kid’s been money all season, pacing the Yankees in stolen bases while hitting over .300 and proving to be a tough out. Oh. And he can play a little D too. Kudos to Joe Girardi for having faith in Gards. The 2005 Staten Island Yankee Penn League champion center fielder making good.

Lots of love for my boy Cisco, who continues to be a solid backup catcher. Able to give Jorge Posada a day off, Francisco Cervelli has swung the bat decent and continues to be superb behind the plate. It’s really great to see the kid from Venezuela who wasn’t highly thought of make it. Out in Staten Island at Richmond County Ball Park in St. George, Cisco proved to be a Penn League All-Star, joining teammates Mitch Hilligoss, Seth Fortenberry, Wilmer Pino, George Kontos and Nick Peterson. Still fresh in my mind was a piece I did on them for NYSD. At the time, Cervelli didn’t speak a lot of English but did give me a couple of lines which I used. The once shy backstop now speaks much more fluently and even has come on WFAN for interviews. Good stuff.

Another former Baby Bomber who finally debuted in the bigs is outfielder Colin Curtis. The former Arizona State standout who played an excellent center for the repeat NY-Penn champs has progressed nicely through the organization. Possessing a steady bat along with good tools, the 25 year-old Curtis was in his second year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre batting .280 with a .357 on-base percentage before getting the call. Only hitting .200 (5-for-25), most of his success has come as a pinch-hitter, including a couple of big base knocks. Most memorable was a long at bat he had against Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton. After falling behind 0-2, he kept fouling off pitches, eventually working the count full before his RBI fielder’s choice tied the game as the Yanks rallied to stun Joe Torre’s Dodgers 8-6 on June 27. Such a quality at-bat had to make an impression, which probably is why he’s still up for the time being.

Other players who had brief stints include setup man Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, who has done alright since being dealt to Arizona as part of a blockbuster three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Bronx and former top prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit where he’s a Rookie Of The Year candidate.

For players like Hilligoss (now in A’s organization playing for AA Frisco Roughriders), rehabbing ’06 Bomber hero George Kontos, utility man Justin Snyder, former Grand Street High School star Dellin Betances and Zach McAllister, it has to be a good motivator moving forward.

Patience is the key. Each must continue to persevere. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll hear their names called over the loudspeaker.

-So, it’s been a while since I actually updated about sports. Been in a lyrical mode ever since my homie Lyndzay passed away. Hard to believe it’s been almost two months. I’ve paid tribute to the special person you are with poems/works and even bought your sandwich. The Futuristic. It’s still hard no matter what but I know you’re up there watching over us. One Love.

The World Cup is finally Spain's thanks to some late theatrics.

-Congrats to Spain on winning their first ever World Cup, edging Netherlands 1-0 in extra time. The hero was Andres Iniesta, who took a pass from Cesc Fabregas and blasted it past Maarten Stekelenburg with only a few minutes to spare- touching off a celebration. Iniesta slid to the ground and was mobbed by teammates. They’d hold off the Dutch for the remainder which included three extra minutes.

Unfortunately for Arjen Robben, he only got a couple of chances as Spain keyed on him in a hotly contested, physical match that featured plenty of fouls, yellow cards and even a red to John Heitinga in the second extra period which didn’t help Holland.

The Spanish were the aggressor controlling possession. Still, they found themselves deadlocked against a feisty opponent who did whatever they could to keep it scoreless. Quite a few hard fouls that prevented glorious chances, leading to kicks including one try that sailed high and wide. Spain also had another great opportunity but a sliding Stekelenburg stoned Fabregas point blank in extras. Robben came back the other way for a great chance but was blocked. There also was a close call where he would’ve been in all alone but was correctly whistled offside.

Iniesta’s winner came after the refs accidentally incorrectly ruled that Wesley Sneijder’s wide attempt went out of bounds without it touching anyone. However, replays showed that it deflected off a Spain player and out which would’ve meant a corner for Netherlands. Instead, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas quickly made a good goal kick that led directly to the World Cup decider. With the Dutch caught, Spain completed a three-on-two with Fabregas passing across for Iniesta who didn’t disappoint, kicking it inside the right post for 1-0 in the 115th minute.

The right team won. Even if they screwed up. At least such a competitive championship game didn’t go to kicks. Congrats again to Spain on winning their first World Cup in the tournament’s 80-year history. Thanks again to Univision for outstanding coverage that dwarfs our country. And with Espana winning, the Spanish announcers went bonkers. What a great day for them. And of course, a memorable month that also saw tennis’ best player Rafael Nadal win his second Wimbledon last week. Not bad.

-I’m not gonna say much right now about it. Only that LeBron is LeFraud. Think it pretty much speaks for itself. ESPN is an embarrassment.

-That out of the way, I’m actually excited about the Knicks. Yeah. They overpaid A’mare Stoudemire in years and dough-5 for $100 million. But the former Sun wanted to be here and reunites with Mike D’Antoni while filling a need in the paint. Sure. The contract is risky for an injury prone big who’s battled knee and eye problems. But he’ll fit in nicely, running the floor, finishing with authority and providing an interior presence. 

Along with the sign and trade of David Lee to Golden State for a package that included Anthony Randolph, the Knicks are going in a different direction. With Ray Felton about to sign and sophomore Tony Douglas backing up, the orange and blue finally seem to have a plan. Don’t forget emerging star Danillo Galinari and athletic deluxe Wilson Chandler. This is a young nucleus who should made basketball at the Garden fun again. That’s what we’ve been looking for.

-So, the Nets’ big plan was to court LeFraud, fail miserably and then sign Travis Outlaw and Jordan Farmar. No offense. But how’s that big ad Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay Z took out across from MSG working out?!?!?!?!

-If a larger than life egomaniac barely even discussed puppet Jim Gray’s question about playing in the Big Apple, then he didn’t ever consider it. I don’t know about you but I don’t want guys like that on my team.

-RIP Bob Sheppard. The Voice Of God will always be synonymous with Yankee Stadium. When you heard the legendary Yankee PA announcer introduce lineups, you felt a Godly presence in the Bronx that’s hard to describe. There was just a feeling at the ballpark. It’s like everything stopped. Bob Sheppard will always be the Yankees’ only voice. God bless.

-Can someone explain how there are so many Yankees on the AL roster? I root for them but it’s ridiculous that Derek Jeter is on the team. And hell. Even Nick Swisher over Kevin Youkilis is a bit much even if the likeable right fielder deserves it. It’s about time they ditched the All-Star Game.

-The Mets got a second straight huge outing from Johan Santana, who followed up a shutout with seven more scoreless in a 3-0 win to salvage the last game of a series versus first place Atlanta. Instead of falling six games out and slipping behind suddenly resurgent Philly, the Amazin’s sit second four back. They are in it because of All-Stars David Wright and Jose Reyes, who each have had big first halfs.

However, without the production from rookie first baseman Ike Davis along with unsung heroes Angel Pagan and R.A. Dickey, they’d be sunk. Full marks to Jerry Manuel for keeping his team in it after a rough start. These Mets are resilient and easy to admire. Fasten your seatbelts for a great second half pennant race.

-I admit I was glad when Cliff Lee went to Texas even if it seems awfully strange how it happened after it sounded like they agreed to a deal with the Yanks that featured Jesus Montero, David Adams and Zach McAllister. I covered the latter two and really feel McAllister could crack the Yankee rotation in 2012. Starting pitching ain’t the problem. Relief and another bat remain needs. Besides, why sacrifice prospects when the biggest payroll can just flash the wallet at Lee this November?

-Is Joba still better than Phil Hughes?!?!?!?!?!

-Robby Cano’s having a great year but the MVP is Miguel Cabrera’s to lose.

-Ilya Kovalchuk, can you please make up your mind before September?

-The Celts got it done last night, advancing to their second NBA Finals in three years. They can thank Nate Robinson. Buried in Doc Rivers’ doghouse, Nasty Nate dusted off the cobwebs and scored 13 big second quarter points to spark Boston past Orlando 96-84 in Game Six- finally putting away a series they led 3-zip. Say what you want about the two-time slam dunk champ but he’s instant offense creating mismatches. Good on the Celtic coach to finally play him, seeing big results in a must win scenario. No way did they want to chance it after seeing what happened to the Bruins. Now, Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Co. will wait to see who their opponent is. Will it be another Boston-LA clash or can the Suns recover from that Ron Artest crusher to force a deciding game? We’re hoping so.

-Tough night for the Mets, who finally saw their scoreless streak end at 35 courtesy of a Corey Hart two-run walkoff blast, making the Brewers winners. With a runner on and two out in the home ninth, he went yard off Ryota Igarashi, who relieved Pedro Feliciano after he got Prince Fielder for the first out. The Japanese import gave up an infield hit to Ryan Braun, who just got his foot on the bag to beat Jose Reyes’ one-hopper. The Met reliever got big RBI man Casey McGee to pop out for out No.2. But he couldn’t put away Hart, who clocked a hanging splitter over the left field wall as Jason Bay could only watch- snapping the Amazin’s four-game win streak.

Despite another great outing from ace Johan Santana, who went eight scoreless (8 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K’s) tossing 105 pitches, the Mets couldn’t get to Milwaukee ace Yovani Gallardo, who went the distance for the rare shutout, throwing 121 pitches. The 24 year-old from Michoacan is one of the most unheralded starters in the game, pitching in obscurity for a poor ballclub. Last night, he went pitch for pitch with Santana, who tried to help his own cause with a double in the eighth. But just as he had all game, Gallardo snuck a heater which moved from the inside part of the plate to the middle at Reyes’ knees, freezing him. That kinda pitching was on display at Miller Park where the two hurlers were brilliant. Gallardo scattered eight hits while walking one and fanning seven. Early on, he escaped a bases loaded no out jam by getting Reyes to ground out 3-2 and inducing Alex Cora into an inning ending 4-6-3 twin killing. In the Met ninth with the guys from Queens threatening, he stranded two by getting Angel Pagan looking.

-Of course, the hot topic on the radio airwaves is why Manuel didn’t let Santana start the ninth. He probably could’ve. Instead, the much maligned Met skipper left it to a strong pen, opting to match-up. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned leading to the Mets’ first loss in five. Worse, they fell to 6-15 on the road- falling to a putrid team to start a six-game road trip which concludes at Petco Park against NL West-leading San Diego. Whether you want to second guess Manuel or not, his team needs to get some wins away from Citi Field. Especially if they want to be taken seriously. Good teams win on the road. We’ll find out how they respond later tonight when Fernando Nieve opposes Manny Parra.

-Meanwhile in the Boogie Down, the Yankees got a big night from Robby Cano, whose third career grand slam catapulted the Bronx Bombers past the Indians 8-2. Hitting in the cleanup spot with A-Rod sitting out, the All-Star second baseman went yard against Cleveland reliever Tony Sipp in the seventh to break open a tight game. It was his club-leading 10th home run and first since May 2. All part of a big Friday that saw him go 3-for-4 with the grand salami and three runs scored. With Mark Teixeira still struggling and Alex Rodriguez given a rare night off, Cano carried the load. Exactly what you want to see from the 27 year-old.

The Yanks got a nice bounce back outing from Phil Hughes, who went seven permitting two earned on five hits, walking a batter and K-ing eight for his sixth win. No doubt the soon to be 24 year-old former first round pick is starting to fulfill expectations. Possessing a fastball that can hit mid-90′s along with a sharp curve, Hughes is nasty. It’s got to be exciting for Brian Cashman who wouldn’t part with the tall righty for Santana.

-At least that helps the Yankee GM, who designated free agent bust Randy Winn for assignment while keeping up Kevin Russo. Russo is from West Babylon and has been a solid bat thus far going 5-for-20 with a pair of doubles and four knocked in since being recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Maybe the former Baylor standout can provide some versatility off the bench.

-Combined with the Rays falling a third straight time this time to the lowly White Sox, the Yanks cut the lead to 3.5 games. C.C. Sabathia will try to make it two in a row and four of five when he takes on David Huff at 1 PM. We’ll see how the former Indian Cy Young winner fares along with his teammates.

Jose Reyes has finally returned to lead the Mets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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