Okay. So, it’s been a dreadful year for hoops in the metro area. Unless you’re an avid fan of some of the best HS basketball, there’s little to get amped over. If you frequent this space- meaning you probably got nothing else better to do- than you know how down I am on my alma mater St. John’s, who got predictably walloped by No.1 rated Syracuse last night 85-66. Can someone please wake me up when the Norm Roberts Era Error finally ends?

Then, you’ve got the Knicks who have come apart at the seams in Mike D’Antoni’s second season similar to last year. Monday, I was busy all day on Battle Of New York catching up on all the chaotic NHL hoopla leading into today’s 3 ET trade deadline. It cost me a chance to see a championship game I’d have liked to have caught. The BC Lady Lions fell at Martin Luther 51-44. Sounds like it was a really good game. Darn. Between that and former Berkeley standout Zoe Cohen’s New Paltz losing their league title by five (50-45) over the weekend, bad luck I guess.

At least those teams put out the effort. A foreign term for the Knicks, who are back to humiliating themselves. How else to explain their 30+ point loss to LeBron’s Cavs? A game so uncompetitive that a disgusted orange and blue fan tweeted about it, which made me check the score. When I saw 74 points for Cleveland and only halftime, my eyes almost popped out. They trailed 101-59 at the end of three quarters. C ‘mon!

While the Knicks have dropped 10 of 11 and 13 of their last 15, there aren’t even words to describe the ineptitude of the Nets, who amazingly with their 104-96 upset of the Celtics in Beantown have fared better. Yes. Remarkably, they’ve won two of their last seven. Break ‘em up! Too bad this sad bunch had just four more wins in 59 games, making the Jersey disgrace 6-53. Impossible. This is a pro sports franchise who boasts talented inside/outside duo Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts aren’t bad either. However, it hasn’t mattered with injuries and lackluster play costing Lawrence Frank his job. If only it was getting better under Kiki Vandeweghe.

Amazingly, when you look at some of the pieces along with the enormous opportunity to win the NBA Lottery and select Kentucky’s John Wall, they could be much improved this Fall. Given the franchise’s uncertainty surrounding Brooklyn with the club shifting from the Meadowlands to The Rock, would a July 1 big name consider them? A lineup featuring Wall, Harris and Lopez is intriguing.

While their closest rivals cleared plenty of space by acquiring Tracy McGrady, there appears to be more unknowns surrounding the Knicks. Outside of Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, there’s little else who will be back. Of the other moves Donnie Walsh made, Eddie House has been alright in his familiar role off the bench. With not many other options, D’Antoni is overusing him which has led to more misses from the outside. Speedy Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez has proven he can get into the lane and dish but has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much. Spanish Chocolate needs to bulk up. As for Bill Walker, the jury’s out.

For all the positives David Lee brings, his defense is atrocious. Mr. Double Double can’t guard bigger centers and is exposed daily. Would you re-sign him and only target one max player? The Knicks are better off letting Lee walk while chasing Chris Bosh and either LeBron or D-Wade. They still need to address the lack of true point guard and a big man. Something they’ve lacked since that No.33 which hangs from the rafters.

Finally, just to exhibit how bad Net bball is, they’re so desperate to get people to come that they’re whoreing tix anyway they can. Ball Don’t Lie’s Trey Kerby had more on the bizarro marketing of the Nets:

This Friday, the Nets will unleash another in their long line of minor league-esque promos:

Their latest promotion will be unveiled Friday, when the Nets play the Orlando Magic. New Jersey residents 18 or older who attend the game will get a coupon that they can redeem at a Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free.

No one likes doing their taxes, but is it worth having to go to a Nets game? At just a $29 value, I’m not so sure.

Uh…this is a new low. If you’ve flipped to a Net game, the empties make it seem like nobody cares. Either that or huge blizzards every night which come to think of it, could’ve been possible given how the winter’s been. Perhaps it’s time for a new slogan.

CHASING HISTORY: Catch The Circus Before It’s Too Late

Will Donnie Walsh's big gamble land LeBron or D-Wade this summer?

So, the Knicks did what they had to do clearing enough space to ready for this summer and chase the dream LeBron and D-Wade. That’s all well and fine moving forward for a dysfunctional franchise that hasn’t been taken seriously for a decade. Maybe Donnie Walsh will luck out. He’s essentially throwing all his eggs in one basket, sacrificing future No.1 picks (’11, ‘12) and draft flop Jordan Hill in a desperate attempt to lure King James to Broadway.

Will it work? You probably have a better shot at dating Ana Ivanovic. James, Wade and other prospective big names Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire have to decide what’s best for their careers. With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Knick roster, can they win right away in the Big Apple? A pro outlook would be that young guns Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are solid ballers who should only improve. Adding T-Mac who’s off to a decent start in his Orange and Blue debut donning Starbury’s No.3, is low risk. If he performs, maybe they convince him to stay thinking he can convince a couple of big names to team up. Whatever happens, McGrady’s contract comes off regardless.

Adding long distance threat Eddie House to the mix is wise as he’s proven it in the spotlight helping the Celtics to an NBA title. The 31 year-old 10-year vet will be a perfect fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system. Hey. They rid themselves of self-serving Nate Robinson, who despite talent needed a change of scenery. Perhaps going to Beantown under Doc Rivers with demanding stars KG and Paul Pierce will pay off as Boston takes another run at the brass ring. Good luck! An added bonus for Walsh is that he got a No.1 pick conditional second rounder back for a player who was a team headache and wasn’t returning. Big ups for the former Pacer executive.

What about “Mr. Double Double” David Lee?!?!?!?!?! No question the late No.1 pick under Lord Isiah has been a good pro earning his first All-Star appearance even if it was due to injury. It’s hard not to admire the 26 year-old former Gator who’s improved every year. The undersized starting center gets 20.1 pPG and 11.5 rebounds along with a career high 3.5 assists. All excellent numbers which make him a staple of D’Antoni’s offense. However, he can’t play a lick of D frequently getting beat up inside. Unfortunately, playing out of position against stiffer competition has its drawbacks. He’ll be a free agent again after the season looking for a nice raise. Last year, there wasn’t any market. So, he stayed put and has been a good soldier. As sufficient as he is offensively, it’s doubtful the Knicks re-sign him.

Let’s say they land LeBron or Wade. Would Lee take less to stay or does he move on? Buyers also might ask if he’s a product of the system. Valid question. Honestly, he would be better served on a team boasting a legit big which would alleviate pressure.

Based on what we’ve seen from McGrady, who’s got a team high 19 along with three dimes in the first half versus Kevin Durant and the Thunder, he’s shown flashes- finishing strong scoring the last five on a trey from the left key plus a bucket putting the Knicks on top 57-52 at the break. He’s 7-of-12 from the field with a trey and 4-of-4 from the line in 17-plus. A nice debut yet there’s still two more quarters to go. At the opening press conference, he did indicate he’d consider taking less if they could land a big fish. But let’s also remember this is a former top star playing for a contract, who’s back from microfracture surgery with his career at stake. In short, he has to do what’s best for T-Mac.

If there’s a negative, it’s that both Gallinari and Chandler hardly touched the ball, combining for only six points in the opening 24 minutes. Not what you want to see. Sergio Rodriguez and Chris Duhon both have goose eggs with just three assists. For as much attention as what the organization has done for the Class of 2010, the glaring weaknesses of no true PG or center are still apparent. Unless Spanish Chocolate or MIA Tony Douglas prove otherwise, that’s a huge hole.

Walsh also failed to move Al Harrington, who’s still in the rotation. Sure. The former St. Patrick’s star has been a solid Knick putting up respectable numbers. But he’s taking away minutes from a kid. Al’s not part of the future. So, it doesn’t make much sense.

Then again, it’s easy to forget that the franchise is still run by Jazzy Jim. One thing that’s lost is that Dolan wants the big names to make the team a hot ticket. He doesn’t necessarily care about winning championships. It still will be intriguing to see how the big summer plays out. For now, the offensive-minded Knicks play out the string with few part of the plan.

We’ll see if the big gamble pays off.

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.

Another baffling start from Joba Chamberlain. Tonight’s line versus the Jays:

3 IP 3 R  2ER 6 H 2 BB 1 HBP 2 K on 59 pitches (36 strikes)

Sure looks like a real winner for the Yankee pet project. Oh. We get what they’re doing building up his arm strength but if he’s this ineffective, what is the point? Has anyone ever seen a young pitcher handled so delicately? It borders on absurd.

If this Joba Experiment doesn’t work, the Yankee organization is going to have an awful lot of explaining to do. Who knew two years ago that the Joba Rules would turn into a joke? Well, at least the Bronx Bombers have the best record and are looking primed for a big run at a 27th championship. But one wonders if they can get it done without Joba being a factor.

Legit young hurlers like Tim Lincecum, Zach Greinke, Jon Lester, Josh Johnson and Dodger phenom Clayton Kershaw must find it comical.

Game Update: Roy Halladay has a no-hitter thru five innings. He’s struckout five and walked one. The Jays lead 3-0.

One other note. Toronto is wearing their classic throwbacks from the 1980’s. Those powder blue jerseys rock as do the old helmets. Perhaps that explains tonight thus far.

It’s after 11 PM and Andy Roddick’s first round U.S. Open match just started versus German Bjorn Phau. Apparently, nobody figured Venus Williams to struggle before coming back to edge feisty Russian Vera Duchevina 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3 in a match that lasted over two and a half hours.

Late night matches at the Open have become a tradition but one avid tennis fan wonders if it’s always fair to the men that they follow the women who play at least two less sets. Perhaps it’s time for the USTA to consider making changes so that it’s a level playing field.

Most New Yorkers will wait because they enjoy the atmosphere at Ashe Stadium. But some do have to work the next day. For the prices they pay, the tennis could be finishing up a little earlier.

How would I feel if I covered it? I’m not sure. I’d probably enjoy the chance to cover such featured matches in Flushing but sometimes, it doesn’t end until the early hours of the morning. Especially if there’s a couple of competitive matches. That can’t be much fun for the press who have deadlines to meet.

Perhaps it’s time for the honchos to do some rethinking. Other than that, I’ll gladly watch Roddick-Phau with ESPN’s new McEnroe team calling the action. But not everyone can stay up. Let’s remember that.

Inspired by the latest bizarre Joba line:

3 IP 4 H 2 ER 1 K  on 35 pitches

A little leaguer has more of a leash.

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.

The King Of Pop might have been taken from us but Michael Jackson shall never be forgotten.

“I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old… As Charles Dickens says, “It’s been the best of times, the worst of times.” But I would not change my career… While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.“-Michael Jackson

As someone who grew up in the 80’s, it’s hard to put into words how much Michael Jackson meant. The tragic news that the King of Pop suffered a fatal heart attack, dying at the age of only 50 Thursday was tough to take.

Unfortunately, it was sadly predictable for one of music’s true legends who during the latter stage of a brilliant career chalk full of hits became a frequent target due to much maligned rumors that he abused children. We’ll never really know the truth. Though public perception was that he was guilty and once you are, you become an easy target even if it was never proven.

As we all know unless you were living in a cave the past couple of decades, Michael’s career took a hit following an emotional interview with Oprah in which he revealed that he was sexually abused as a kid. Almost immediately, he was accused of sexually abusing 13 year-old Jordan Chandler. Though never proven with Jackson even having to endure a full strip search, he reached a settlement with Chandler’s father, Evan.

A decade would pass before he was acquitted in a highly publicized case four years ago. Combine that with a rough upbringing, the unfortunate incident during a Pepsi ad that led to second degree burns along with the rare skin disease vitiligo which morphed into a fascination with his skin (surgeries/procedures) and it’s not all that surprising that the all-time great’s heart finally gave out, breaking millions of hearts.

Perhaps it was like one of Jackson’s hits “Heal The World.” A tragic conclusion which just couldn’t be prevented due to heavy reliance on plenty of drugs/painkillers including the dangerous Demerol which might’ve been the final straw early Friday at his Neverland home.

When you have a larger than life superstar who comes under heavy and sometimes unfair criticism, it’s no wonder he turned to drugs which did more harm than good. Jackson also frequently starved himself following the negative publicity in 1993. How long can the body take that kind of pain? It’s not just physical but undoubtedly psychological which as this writer knows can cause the physical, leading to panic attacks and other symptoms.

Unless you’ve experienced severe anxiety/depression, you don’t really know how tough it can get. The mental battle can be physically exhausting. One can only imagine how much pressure Michael was under. That kind of expensive lifestyle can be detrimental, especially when you’re in a depressed state battling daily pains along with emotional demons as he endured. It led to many people he aligned himself with giving him poor advice that only sabotaged his health further.

In reading all the drugs/medications Jackson took, it’s amazing he lasted this long. From our vantage point, the everpopular musician/entertainer who turned the world upside down with his amazing singing voice and moon walk was dead a long time ago. The past 15 years took a toll as he slowly killed himself.

When one looks at all the factors, it’s not too hard to understand why. No human being can take that kind of abuse. Say what you want about Jackson’s odd behavior but it’s impossible to ignore what kind of special person he was. Sometimes, people can be cruel saying so and so had it coming. Oh really? Would they feel the same way if it were someone they were close to?

The reality is we all make mistakes and live with regret. It doesn’t matter how much money or fame you have. If you’re not happy, it’s worthless. Does it change all the good this man did donating millions to countless charities including taking part in one of the most memorable songs along with other musicians, who put their egos aside to sing, “We Are The World,” which he and Lionel Richie co-wrote, raising awareness for Africa? That kind of generosity cannot be ignored.

As someone who loved the magical Thriller album featuring timeless hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” along with the selftitled epic “Thriller” video- which is more like a minimovie that may as well be shown every Friday The 13th or Halloween in complete darkness- I prefer to remember how special Michael Jackson really was. Someone who made great music even as a little kid with his older brothers- every bit the part of The Jackson Five.

Even I can recall “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There” because they rank as some of my favorite childhood TV memories. It’s really amazing to think what he accomplished at such a tender age. Think of all the pressure and expectations. Yet he flourished like no one ever before producing 13 No.1 singles while selling more than 750 million records worldwide while even being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. No wonder he took home 13 Grammy’s. Guess the No.13 was pretty lucky for Michael.

His 1987 Bad album was memorable too featuring fave “Smooth Criminal,” “Dirty Diana,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” along with selftitled “Bad.” Liberian Girl was sexy. Though I have more fond memories as an adoloscent of Naomi Campbell looking ridiculous in “In The Closet” on 1991 album Dangerous.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include 1979 Off The Wall which featured two more classics “Rock With You” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.” It truly was a different time. One which sometimes, I wonder what happened to. But then, we can also ponder the same with Michael, who now is in a better place hopefully at peace.

Of course, I wish he’d been able to do his final 50 concerts that were scheduled for next month in London on July 13, 2009. Instead, we’re left with too many lingering questions as to why. The wall to wall TV coverage makes me sad.

We lost a great person. Let’s remember him the appropriate way.

FIVE FAVORITE VIDEOS TO REMEMBER THE KING OF POP

Don’t forget. Legends Never Die!!!!!

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!

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.