You’re probably wondering why I haven’t written much about sports this week. Part of it is cause I’ve been way preoccupied running Battle of NY putting together plenty of Ranger entries with the tragic news of Alexei Cherepanov only making it that more urgent. Poor kid was only 19. What a terrible way to go. Only 19.

The fact is he should be alive no matter if he had a heart condition. The KHL (Continental Hockey League) is still liable for not having a   defibrillator in working order and the ambulance needing to be called back to the arena when this awful tragedy took place in the third period.

I feel terrible for his parents and family who have to live with the harsh fact that their son isn’t around anymore. I hope to God they get the world for this. It shouldn’t have ever come to this. Even if they do get all that money, nothing can replace their son and how special he might’ve been. Now we’ll never know just how good the former Ranger 2007 17th overall selection could’ve become.

I just wish he were still around. His spirit lives on and let’s hope an extremely valuable lesson was learned for the inaugural professional hockey league in Russia. But it sure comes at a very costly price. It was one of their own who was taken. It doesn’t get any worse.

I also feel very bad for Jaromir Jagr, who went back to play once more with Cherepanov and help prepare him for the NHL. The former Ranger superstar had informed the organization that he could play on the team’s second line already. The talented Russian was off to a great start having scored in his final game an eighth time with 13 points total in 15 games. It was following a shift on a near miss off a two-on-one with Jagr that he and his close teammate nearly twice his age joked about probably should’ve scored.

Then the worst happened and he passed out on the bench with Jagr pleading for him to wake up before six people carried him back to the locker room reviving him briefly before he was pronounced dead at the hospital. If everything had been functioning, he probably could’ve been saved. Instead, a life was taken from us way too soon.

Tragedies occur everyday. This one was inexcusable and should’ve been prevented. If only.

R.I.P. Alexei Cherepanov (1989 - 2008)

Aside from the sad doings with an entire hockey community still mourning, here’s a thought which I’m sure many here can agree with:

I’m sick of the Red Sox. Can’t they just go away already? Why couldn’t the Rays finish the job? They were only seven outs away from a five game series win and their first World Series when the unthinkable happened blowing a seven-run lead letting that gritty resilient championship bunch off the hook completely.

Suddenly, Big Papi remembered who he was and hit a huge two out home run and the rest of his teammates followed suit with J.D. Drew taking advantage of Evan Longoria’s throwing miscue to knock in the winning run forcing Game Six. Of course, it was started by probable AL MVP Dustin Pedroia who hadn’t hit much this October. You just can’t give that team an inch.

It’s like what WFAN’s Chris Carlin said on the Morning Warm Up quoting former Arizona Cards’ coach Dennis Green who had that infamous quote after his team gave away a game versus the Bears a few years ago:

“They are what we thought they were!”

Now, suddenly here are the Rays facing a similar crisis to the one the 2004 Yankees experienced when they had the worst collapse of all-time. Sure. It wouldn’t be as bad if they lose tonight’s Game Seven dropping the last three victimized the way Cleveland was a year ago.

However, the scenario would be similar due to having the Sox beat before totally imploding blowing a bigger lead with a pen which had been very reliable before manager Joe Maddon messed up not going to either lefty Trever Miller or J.P. Howell to face David Ortiz when it became apparent Grant Balfour had nothing suddenly opening the door.

Imagine you’re a young talented Tampa Bay team who’s been resilient all year having won when needed against Boston to remain in first and win your first AL East crown. Now, it’s suddenly all on the line the way it was for the Yankees and A-Rod battered by stunning defeats wondering if you’re about to blow it and be labeled chokers with another game in your own home building.

And you know there will be plenty of supporters for the enemy rooting for more history. Just like that unlikely scenario where Derek Lowe easily outpitched Kevin Brown, the Red Sox have the edge on the mound with Jon Lester facing Matt Garza in a Game Three rematch. Can Garza really get the better of Lester twice? It seems unlikely.

Some friendly advice for Longoria, the red hot B.J. Upton (4 homers in ALCS, AL tying record 7), Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena: Get the jump early and get your fans into it.

If they don’t, they’re probably doomed.

Full credit must go out to the Red Sox, who never seem to panic and are showing why they’ve won a couple of World Series the last four years. Still, at some point, their opponent has to show that they have heart to fight back too.

Hopefully, that’ll be tonight cause I’d really like to see two fresh teams decide this year’s World Series.

A Phillies-Rays series would serve that purpose and be very fun and exciting.

Week Seven is here in the NFL and here are our picks:

BILLS (4-1) over Chargers (3-3), 1 ET: The Bolts blew out the Pats but traveled cross country against a good rested Buffalo team. Trent Edwards returns and we think he helps make a difference.

Saints (3-3) over PANTHERS (4-2), 1 ET: Originally, we were tempted to go with Carolina after a dreadful showing at Tampa but are they really that much better than a Saint team which is finally clicking on all cylinders? This one should be tight late.

Vikings (3-3) over BEARS (3-3), 1 ET: Neither of these teams are anything special and don’t score many points. So, expect a very close game where perhaps the team that turns it over less and executes win. I’ll go with the best gamebreaker Adrian Peterson.

BENGALS (0-6) over Steelers (4-1), 1 ET: Pittsburgh is undoubtedly the better team but Cincinnati hasn’t been playing like a winless team and this is one of those dangerous rivalry games. Maybe the Bengals catch Big Ben and Pitt napping.

Titans (5-0) over CHIEFS (1-4), 1 ET: The NFL’s lone remaining unbeaten travels to Arrowhead fresh off a bye week against a brutal opponent. Unless Larry Johnson goes off against the league’s top rated D, it should be a long day in Kansas City.

DOLPHINS (2-3) over Ravens (2-3), 1 ET: Both these teams are coming off bad losses but at least Miami was competitive. Plus they lost in tough fashion. More than you can say for Baltimore who got smoked by the Colts. Both D’s are good and will keep it close but I just feel the home field and Chad Pennington are enough for the Finns to get back on track.

GIANTS (4-1) over 49ers (2-4), 1 ET: It’s awfully hard to see Eli and Co. having a second straight off week after how the Browns manhandled them on national TV. That had to be a wakeup call. This could be close without Antonio Pierce (iffy). Especially with one of the game’s better backs Frank Gore. But figure Big Blue to respond well before a very challenging stretch approaches.

Cowboys (4-2) over RAMS (1-4), 1 ET: Can anyone really see the ‘Boys losing a third in four to the lowly Rams on turf? They’ve already disappointed and might be without Tony Romo (pinky) but there’s still plenty of fire power to get by with T.O., newly acquired Roy Williams and Jason Witten. So why risk further injury to their starting QB?

TEXANS (1-4) over Lions (0-5), 4:05 ET: The Texans finally got their first win pulling one out over the Skins atoning for the prior week’s Sage Rosenfels’ collapse against Indy. Matt Schaub returned and the game’s most overlooked receiver Andre Johnson was heroic. The Post Matt Millen Lion Era has already tossed in the towel reloading by getting a nice return for Williams. The question is how many will they lose?

PACKERS (3-3) over Colts (3-2), 4:15 ET: This is easily one of the best games on the menu featuring Peyton Manning versus Aaron Rodgers with two teams’ fates still in question. Though they’re in a weak division, Green Bay kinda needs the game and I can see Greg Jennings and Donald Driver having big days.

Jets (3-2) over RAIDERS (1-4), 4:15 ET: Another game which Brett Favre and Gang Green must get before business picks up in the second half. With the Chiefs next, they really have no excuses. Why do I get the feeling this will be close?

Browns (2-3) over REDSKINS (4-2), 4:15 ET: MNF was a statement game for Derek Anderson and the Browns playing out of this world against the Giants saving their season. Sometimes, a game like that can give a team a huge boost and the way they played pounding the ball on the ground, passing it and playing physical D, it could carry over against another quality NFC East foe on the road. Kellen Winslow could also be back. The Skins are coming off a very tough loss to St. Louis and have much to prove. This could come down to a last second field goal.

BUCCANEERS (4-2) over Seahawks (1-4), 8:15 ET, NBC: Somehow, Jon Gruden has the Bucs playing a very good brand of football despite not having a star QB getting the most out of vets Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia. In his return to Tampa, Warrick Dunn’s been a nice addition on the ground giving Tampa a well balanced attack along with Ernest Graham. Right now, Seattle can’t seem to get out of its own way. There’s Matt Hasselbeck still but they’re unable to get much done. This is a trap game for Tampa Bay which they must not take lightly.

PATRIOTS (3-2) over Broncos (4-2), 8:30 ET, ESPN MNF: Knowing history with Mike Shanahan versus Bill Belichick, all signs point to Denver who boasts one of the league’s premier offenses led by gunslinger Jay Cutler featuring weapons Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal. With Matt Cassel struggling last week, the Pats were blown out by the Chargers and are reeling. So, why are we picking them? Just a hunch that the Denver D helps New England out of their funk. Maybe I’m nuts but it’s hard to go against Belichick in this spot even with everything lining up against him.

During this season, our Hard Hits shows have made NFL picks for a few weeks missing last week as well as this upcoming Week Six later today.

So, let’s take a look at Sunday’s match-ups and give our synopsis:

Chicago (3-2) at Atlanta (3-2), 1 ET: You have two surprising teams with the same record. The Falcons have a better offense but go up against a solid D. Figure the ground attack of both teams to decide this one featuring Michael Turner and rookie Matt Forte. Devin Hester tilts special teams in Chicago’s favor. I see it being decided by a late field goal.

The Pick: Falcons 23 Bears 20

Miami (2-2) vs Houston (0-4), 1 ET: The improved Dolphins look to make it three in a row off impressive wins over the Pats and Chargers while the winless Texans try to overcome Sage Rosenfels’ nightmarish final three series handing away their first win to the Colts. Matt Schaub returns as starter. This game could be tight but I like the way Miami’s D is playing and Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown are getting it done.

The Pick: Dolphins 24 Texans 16

Baltimore (2-2) vs Indianapolis (2-2), 1 ET: The Ravens are coming off their second tough loss in a row thanks to a late gift versus the Titans. Their D is playing superb keeping them in games. As long as rookie QB Joe Flacco doesn’t turn it over, they’ll have a chance. Especially against a poor Colt D which hasn’t been the same since run specialist Bob Sanders went down. Somehow, they’re still .500 and have Peyton Manning, who usually does just enough to beat Baltimore in these match-ups. They’re also 0-2 at new Lucas Oil Stadium. Can anyone really see them dropping three straight at home?

The Pick: Colts 24 Ravens 20

Detroit (0-4) at Minnesota (2-3), 1 ET: The Lions stink. What the heck is Roy Williams smoking? The NFL’s fifth worst offense won’t do much against the Vikings D. They saved their season with a win in New Orleans last week and can’t afford a letdown here. Figure Adrian Peterson to rip it up after an off week rushing for a career worst 32 yards as starter. This one could get ugly.

The Pick: Vikings 38 Lions 10

Oakland (1-3) at New Orleans (2-3), 1 ET: It’s the Raiders’ first game under new coach Tom Cable but it comes at a bad time with an angry Saints team which could’ve won last week against the Vikes. Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns tying an NFL record. He’s kicking it into high gear and so should Drew Brees even if the Raider D ain’t bad.

The Pick: Saints 31 Raiders 17

Cincinnati (0-5) at NY Jets (2-2), 1 ET: This is a dangerous spot for the Jets coming off a bye week after Brett Favre went for a career best six TDs in a shootout win over the Cardinals. Despite no wins, the Bengals haven’t played badly recently taking the Giants to OT, losing an ugly game to the Browns and giving the Cowboys all they can handle last Sunday. The good news for Gang Green is no Carson Palmer (elbow) with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick getting the start. Still, figure this to be close. The Jets must silence T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They should do just enough to win.

The Pick: Jets 23 Bengals 20

Carolina (4-1) at Tampa Bay (3-2), 1 ET: The Panthers are off to their best start in five years when they went to the Super Bowl before losing to the Patriots. Led by Julius Peppers, their D has gotten it done limiting the last four opponents to just five TDs ranking fourth best in the NFL. Rookie back DeAngelo Williams has taken pressure off Jake Delhomme. Meanwhile, the Bucs don’t even know who’s starting between Brian GrieseJeff Garcia. They don’t score a lot to begin with and will need big days from RB duo Ernest GrahamWarrick Dunn. I don’t see that happening. and and

The Pick: Panthers 27 Bucs 13

St. Louis (0-4) at Washington (4-1), 1 ET: One of the worst teams meets one of the hottest with the Skins having reeled off four in a row including big wins over the Cowboys and Eagles. They still haven’t turned the ball over under new coach Jim Zorn. Jason Campbell has progressed and Clinton Portis is running hard. It shouldn’t matter if Marc Bulger’s back in for the Rams. This shouldn’t be a contest.

Redskins 34 Rams 9

Jacksonville (2-3) at Denver (4-1), 4:05 ET: The league’s best offense features Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal back from a sprained ankle. The Broncos will try to air it out against a stingy Jags’ D. They need to score points because their D stinks. The Jags aren’t anything special with David Garrard but Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew can be dangerous if they get untracked. Matt Jones is an emerging target. They need the game and I see them pounding Denver on the ground and doing what they need to come out with a ‘W.’

The Pick: Jaguars 27 Broncos 24

Dallas (4-1) at Arizona (3-2), 4:15 ET: The NFC’s best scoring offenses square off in The Desert where there should be plenty of support for the ‘Boys. I’m still not overly impressed with Dallas due to their defense which took a hit losing corner Terrence Newman (abdomen) for at least a month. They’ll score a lot of points in what should be a shootout featuring QBs Tony Romo and Kurt Warner with potent weapons like the moody Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, Marion Barber and Edgerrin James. If you prefer high scoring offenses, this should be your type of game. I just like Dallas’ ground attack a little better with rookie Felix Jones also getting involved.

The Pick: Cowboys 38 Cardinals 35

Philadelphia (2-3) at San Francisco (2-3), 4:15 ET: Amazingly, these two teams have identical records which is why Donovan McNabb was so critical of his team’s play following a second straight defeat. Figure the veteran QB to elevate his level and have a huge day. Brian Westbrook does make a difference offensively. Who would you rather have though running your offense? McNabb or J.T. O’Sullivan? Enough said. Figure the Eagles who got destroyed by the Skins’ run game to key on Frank Gore forcing O’Sullivan to beat them.

The Pick: Eagles 28 49ers 15

Green Bay (2-3) at Seattle (1-3), 4:15 ET: The last 4:15 game has the desperate Packers looking to get back on track following a disappointing three-game slide after a good start to the Aaron Rodgers Era. This is a must have against former Super Bowl coach Mike Holmgren’s slumping Seahawks who got trounced by the Giants 44-6. I know Seattle isn’t an easy place to play due to the noise level but the Pack need this game and will get it.

The Pick: Packers 31 Seahawks 20

New England (3-1) at San Diego (2-3), 8:15 ET, NBC: The Chargers aren’t playing well having lost to the ‘Fins in ugly fashion last week. This is a make or break for them against a team that’s had their number and even danced on their logo. It’s no easy task anytime you go up against Bill Belichick no matter if it’s Matt Cassell at QB. There’s still Randy Moss and Wes Welker along with a rugged D who usually takes certain things way. Figure that to be LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles which Norv Turner shouldn’t mind with Phillip Rivers airing it out. He can’t afford any costly mistakes. It says here the Bolts find a way to get it done even though I’m not a big fan.

The Pick: Chargers 27 Patriots 23

NY Giants (4-0) at Cleveland (1-3), 8:30 ET, Mon: Nobody is playing better football than the defending SB champs. Tom Coughlin’s team has played with a chip on their shoulder getting great QBing from Eli Manning along with a balanced run attack featuring Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. Plaxico Burress is back after a week off due to his shenanigans. Amani Toomer continues to defy logic plus Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon are emerging. Did we mention the D which has Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and underappreciated Fred Robbins. They don’t give up much. With Kellen Winslow expected out due to a mysterious illness, it should be open season on Derek Anderson.

The Pick: Giants 38 Browns 17

-Watching the Cubs emulate dead people in their embarrassing sweep at the hands of Joe Torre’s Dodgers reminded me a little of how flat the former Yankee skipper’s team was in losing the last two in Detroit a couple of years ago. Lou Piniella’s ballclub who had the second best record winning 97 games didn’t even compete. It was like once James Loney hit that slam off Ryan Dempster, they panicked and started thinking about all the October ghosts which have haunted Wrigley for 100 years. The defense in Game 2 when Carlos Zambrano actually gave a good account of himself was pathetic. So bad it was as if they’d never played organized baseball before.

They could’ve fought valiantly on the road like Mike Scioscia’s Angels did getting outstanding relief pitching before edging the Red Sox 5-4 at Fenway to take Game 3 extending the series. Instead, they couldn’t do anything with Dodgers’ third starter Hiroki Kuroda making life easy for a nine-game winner. Sure. He’s not bad but come on. You’re telling me they couldn’t string together one good inning before  Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton closed the door? Not buying it.

Alfonso Soriano was again dreadful finishing with just one hit in 14 at bats with four strikeouts including the series ender on three pitches. Pathetic! You can’t win when your leadoff hitter doesn’t reach base. The former Yankee hasn’t performed in October since that big swing connected off Curt Schilling as a rookie in 2001 Game Seven of the World Series versus Arizona. It was a lot easier to point to his struggles versus the Marlins in 2003 WS when he was 27. At 32, he’s still showing the same holes in his swing which make the All-Star too easy an out around this time of year. Worst of all, he looked like a beaten man. That shouldn’t be the case for the kind of dough the Cubs are paying. Just call him Sorryano.

Key contributors Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto weren’t much better and Kosuke Fukudome was God awful even leaving a cranky Sweet Lou speechless.

You could name the Cubs who competed on one hand. Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa even with his costly error in Game 2 along with Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot were three who tried their best as did Zambrano who deserved better. Even Rich Harden disappointed not even getting through the fifth allowing three earned with his team’s season on the line.

This was a total collapse for a team equipped to go far and reach their first World Series in over half a century. I still don’t get why Piniella didn’t load up and pitch his top two Harden and Zambrano in the first couple of games. I understand that Dempster had a great regular season home record going 14-3. However, October baseball is entirely a different animal. It would’ve been wiser to have Harden go in Game 1. And if he wanted to comeback with Dempster in Game 2 with Zambrano for Game 3 in LA, fine.

He definitely takes a hit here too with the Cubs losing three straight in the first round a second straight year. Last year, they got back and weren’t expected to do much against the Diamondbacks. But this year was supposed to have a different feel. Instead, the lovable Cubbies did what they do best. Folding up faster than a cheap deck of cards under Piniella’s watch.

-On the opposite end, you have Torre with his new team and money superstar Manny Ramirez, who doesn’t disappear in big moments finishing 5-for-10 with two homers, three RBI’s, five runs scored and four walks. Say what you will about Manny being Manny and his childish antics which got him traded out of Boston but the 36 year-old former George Washington High School star never seems fazed by pressure instead shining under the spotlight. Cause for all his flaws, the wacky dude with the dreadlocks donning a symbolic No.99 in royal Dodger blue is so calm under pressure. Nothing bothers him.

Does it make him perfect? Far from it as his silent media treatment and bizarre behavior would explain. However, all one has to do is take a look at the guy’s approach when he comes up. Sometimes, you can tell plenty from a player’s body language. He’s so loose up there and is going to put his best swing on the ball if it’s in his zone and let it all hang out. Not every star can block all the distractions out and step up.

It’s even more amazing the difference one player can make lifting Torre’s club to the NL West title. And while they only won 83 in a paltry division, that didn’t matter cause they entered playing great ball with a much improved lineup. Just ask Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp what kinda impact Manny’s had. Not that Jeff Kent would ever tell you. The second baseman should be a lock for Cooperstown but what a baby. Wonder when he gets inducted, which hat he wears? I’d say the Giants because that’s where the former Met’s career really changed.

-Torre improved to 3-0 vs Piniella in the postseason.

-WFAN’s Chris Carlin on Oct.6 says the Giants after blowing the doors off the Seahawks 44-6 improving to 4-0 despite foolish NY papers who actually took the Seahawks are “going all the way” again. The Continent might be proven right. It’s true Tom Coughlin’s team is clicking on all cylinders with a very balanced attack and excellent D which makes life miserable on opposing QBs. However, it’s a little premature to say they’re going to repeat with a tougher schedule ahead including three straight games against the Steelers, Cowboys and Eagles. If you’re asking me though about this team, I got a lot of faith in what they can do on both sides of the field. There aren’t many quarterbacks I’d take over Eli Manning with a game up for grabs late. Only so much can be said about how well they’re playing.

-The Phillies were a good team and this time are out to prove they can do more than be the team to beat in the NL East. Now, they get a great challenge from Torre’s surprising Dodgers in the NLCS which starts up this Thursday. If you’re a Met or Yankee fan, the next couple of weeks won’t be much fun.

-I called the Dolphins’ upset over the overrated Chargers, who still should pull it together and win their division. But you gotta be impressed with how Miami Chad has played the last two weeks evening the Fins’ record at 2-2. Think the Vikings couldn’t have used him?

-I don’t just want to toot my own horn because co-host Rob “Kraze” Davis had one even better nailing the Falcons’ upset of the suddenly reeling Packers, who are now finding out life after Brett Favre isn’t so easy.

-Who else had the Redskins winning back-to-back on the road against very tough NFC East rivals Dallas and Philadelphia to win four straight after how poorly they played versus Big Blue in Week 1?

-I like Jerry Manuel and think the Mets made the right call bringing back the personable manager who knows he’s got a lot more work to do. And best of all, he doesn’t believe in individualistic stats but in doing whatever it takes to win which is what the Amazin’s have lacked the past two years.

-Is there a worse team than the Lions?

-As a big Canes fan, remember when The U vs Florida State used to be the best college football Saturday in town? They made a great comeback but it would’ve been nice if they’d won. Just saying.

-I know he ran out of gas in the Game 2 loss to the Phillies but there need to be more starters like C.C. Sabathia who are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

-You know what we have discovered. That Soriano and A-Rod have plenty in common and we’re not just talking about them being traded for each other.

-This Just In…Brian Cashman claims that as a kid, he had a hand in the Yanks’ returning to glory winning back-to-back world titles.

-If the Giants are this good without a suspended Plaxico Burress, just how good can they be?

-I’ve seen a lot of headlines about O.J. Simpson finally being found guilty and facing life in prison but hell-o McFly! It’s still not justice for what he got away with against Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. What it comes down to is he’s just an idiot. Plain and simple.

-He’s lost a lot of respect from me but pretty soon, Stephon Marbury’s going to get blamed for the gas prices.

-Any so-called “expert” who concluded that Sarah Palin won that debate against Joe Biden needs to take off the rose colored red glasses just cause she survived. Seriously. How many questions did John McCain’s running mate really answer without changing the topic?

-The Giant offense really misses Jeremy Shockey. Don’t they?!?!?!?!?!

-I thought he did a great job concentrating to save his team’s season last night with them loaded by getting Jed Lowrie to line out to right but anyone who’s watched Francisco Rodriguez in the postseason the past couple of years can’t be too confident that he’s going to be worth every penny on the free market. And that’s even if K-Rod does fill the vacant closer role at Citi Field.

-They might not have won last night but when you watch the way the Red Sox approach their ABs, it reminds you of how patient and relaxed Torre’s championship Yankee teams looked. The vibe you get is that they feel they’re gonna win.

-Body language is something that’s not in any overanalyzed statistics. But if you watched how the Cubs looked in that dugout not even standing up, that was all you really needed to know about their chances of coming back. By comparison, even down two, Scioscia’s club was on their feet into it. Having the right mentality is a big part of winning.

-If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve guessed that Sage Rosenfels was wearing a Colt uniform those last four minutes.

-Isn’t it great to see Kerry Collins still having so much success in Tennessee?

-You see how the Rays win their games? There aren’t any big hitters and only a couple of power threats like Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Instead, they win by doing the fundamentals well getting runners over, playing aggressive along with solid D and pitching. That’s how the old Yankees used to do it. Maybe someone ought a relay that message to Hank Steinbrennerwhiner.

-The new look Rangers played well in sweeping the two game series at Prague with a very nice scene and reward for Czech fans even if Jaromir Jagr wasn’t there. Hockey’s become a global game and European fans deserve to see some of their own comeback home and play. My question is will the NHL ever seriously consider a European division? Only time shall tell.

-And so, the New York baseball season is over and it really does feel weird that both the Mets and Yankees won’t be playing meaningful baseball as October gets ready to hit. I just can’t remember what this felt like. Sure. The two teams both finished with identical records winning 89 games which meant they didn’t stink by any stretch but when you have the kind of payrolls they do, so many expectations come with it for this spoiled city which makes it all the more disappointing.

In the end, both teams despite big names proved to be flawed which was why they fell short in their postseason bids. Injuries aside, the Yankees didn’t have enough pitching or timely hitting. For some reason, they never hit the way they could’ve and too often couldn’t deliver in the clutch. That along with being a very streaky team which sometimes lacked energy kept them from putting together that run with their best ball coming way too late when the season was already lost.

The Mets also had their share of injuries but severely underperformed the first 10 weeks getting Willie Randolph axed before waking up under Jerry Manuel to get back in the race. Despite no pen to speak of, they persevered and once again were in great position to win their division before it all came crashing down in the final couple of weeks though not as badly as last year. While the pen could never be trusted and cost them a ton of games, what was most baffling was the offense which at times disappeared. How do you explain getting shutout 1-0 against the majors’ worst team the Nats? And what about scoring only five runs in the do or die weekend series against the same Marlins who danced on their field eliminating them last year? Questions will continue to linger about David Wright and Jose Reyes until they stop disappearing and carry this team back to October and beyond.

Now, it will be a long offseason for Omar Minaya with plenty of angry customers wondering why next year will be different at Citi Field. Getting a real second baseman while unloading Luis Castillo along with revamping the bullpen are just a couple of topics he must address with new record closer Francisco Rodriguez at the top of the list. It’s also likely Pedro Martinez pitched his final game as a Met after struggling mightily. And then there’s Oliver Perez, who will be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $12-16 million per year under greedy agent Scott Boras$. Is he really worth that kind of money longterm? I say no. He’s just too unpredictable to get to that next level. What about Carlos Delgado? Do they pick up the $12 million option rewarding him for his brilliant second half or do they try to get younger going for better defense? If they let him go, it won’t be easy to replace his big bat.

As for the Yankees, they will need to decide on center field moving forward along with what they intend to do with Joba Chamberlain. If they make him a starter, then they must continue to shore up their pen. Bringing back 20-game winner Mike Mussina should be at the top of Brian Cashman’s list. Figure Andy Pettite to either retire or go elsewhere following a dismal second half. The Yanks of course need a real ace and should be in the running for C.C. Sabathia, John Lackey or A.J. Burnett with him expected to opt out of Toronto. There’s also the first base situation where they could be competing with the Angels and Mets for Mark Teixeira. Figure Jason Giambi to go elsewhere after a productive season proving he can still be a valuable DH somewhere. As for Bobby Abreu, he’s a solid run producer who gets on base but leaves something to be desired for in right which is why we see Xavier Nady shifting.

Whatever transpires over the next three months, New York baseball fans know full well their rosters won’t look the same following a quiet October.

Get ready for chaos.

-Just in case we forgot, there’s still one more regular season game to be played later today when the Twins visit the Windy City against the White Sox, who earned the one-game home playoff by getting a grand slam from overlooked rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez in an 8-2 win over the Tigers in a makeup game Monday. They get the game despite winning their first in six thanks to the Twins dropping two of three to the Royals despite sweeping three from Ozzie Guillen’s club to pull half a game up. It’ll be John Danks going on three days rest against Nick Blackburn to decide the AL Central for the final playoff berth.

One team will advance to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series while Boston travels to California to meet the 100-win Angels.

The NL of course is all set with the Cubs taking on the Dodgers while the Phillies host the Brewers, who are in their first postseason in 26 years.

We’ll have more playoff stuff later on.

-It’s hard to choose one between each but our pick for NL MVP would be Ryan Howard for how he carried the Phillies the final month having one of the best Septembers eerily similar to when he clubbed 58 home runs and knocking in 149 to win the award two years ago. I’ve always been a huge fan of Manny Ramirez and he sure stepped up carrying the Dodgers in the final two months impacting their lineup while coming back to win the NL West. But it’s hard to pick him over Howard with how well the first base slugger finished leading his team to a 13-3 record over the final 16 pressure packed games in a very tight race.

-The same could be said for the NL Cy Young where worthy candidates like Johan Santana, Brandon Webb and Tim Lincecum all are in the running against Milwaukee rental Sabathia, who tossed a remarkable seven complete games pacing the league while turning in a money performance following Santana’s gem to get the Brewers in. For that, we’ll give the nod to Sabathia over Lincecum with Santana third and Webb fourth.

-AL MVP is a little easier and could depend on if the Twins win with Justin Morneau once again in the running against Boston tandem Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. It’s hard to ignore Carlos Quentin’s impact with the White Sox, who haven’t been the same since he went down. To be honest, he would’ve been a lock had he not broken his wrist. If the Twins get in, Morneau should win his second MVP in three years this time edging another do everything infielder Pedroia, who resembles a young Derek Jeter. If not, give the award to Pedroia because he’s been his team’s best player since the Manny trade.

-As for AL Cy Young, Cliff Lee should get the nod handily edging out K-Rod, Dice-K and Roy Halladay. I know he won’t get a lot of consideration but Moose deserves a few votes for how well he pitched in the Bronx this year.

-What else can Joe Girardi be two-faced about and purposely hide from the media?

-It’s nice to see Brett Favre finally be allowed to open it up and get on the same page with Laveranues Coles, who caught three touchdowns for the first time in his career- half of Favre’s career high six in the Jets’ 56-35 win over Kurt Warner and the Cards. I just wonder if Gang Green fans can be pleased about their D turning a 34-0 halftime cushion into a game by allowing three straight TDs in the third quarter before Favre and the Jet offense put it away.

-Did anyone ever think the Bills and Titans would both be the only remaining unbeatens in the AFC looking like playoff locks?

-How come Terrell Owens always blames Dallas defeats on not getting him involved enough when it was about as believable as anything Sarah Palin says? Can’t he ever give credit to the opponent because the Redskins played a heck of a game and have certainly turned things around since the NFL Opener defeat to the Giants? But hey. T-Ho will always be a selfserving primadona who doesn’t care about the team concept despite his talent which is why I’d never take him on my team.

-I could do a better job than Scott Linehan did with the Rams.

-It sure took long enough for the Lions to realize Matt Millen wasn’t a good Team President. I wonder what keyed them in on that.

-When someone takes shots at the Yanks and Mets for not qualifying, just remember you could be the Tigers who gave up the world for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, who now looks like a serious rebuilding project. Tell ya one thing. Cameron Maybin sure looks good in center for the Marlins. And if Andrew Miller pans out, that’s gonna be one heck of a rotation in 2009. The Mets and Phillies might have some competition for the NL East.

-Just how ridiculous is Jim Dolan? Idiotic enough to continue bringing back Allan Houston while refusing to payoff Stephon Marbury to get him off the Knicks roster. That’s why no matter who’s running it, they’ll always be the same laughingstock.

-Now would be a good time to tell the Rangers that the NHL regular season begins in a few days over in Europe cause they have looked really bad so far. I wonder what Glen Sather thinks now of investing six years and six and a half per on Wade Redden. Just wait till the season starts up. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

-What I like about the Giant organization is they stick to their rules disciplining Plaxico Burress for missing two straight days of practice even if it was due to a personal family matter. The wideout still should’ve communicated better this way he wouldn’t be fined and have to sit out next week’s home game versus Seattle. However, there aren’t any excuses and no exceptions under Coach Coughlin which is why I believe this team can repeat. They get it!

-Someone might want to tell Jerry Jones that this isn’t the 50’s anymore when he last played organized football. He doesn’t belong on the sideline.

-Boomer and Carton are a fun listen on WFAN in the morning because they work well and have solid chemistry. Listening to them rant over the Mets’ latest disappointment was good radio. Loved Carton’s nickname for Wright for failing to deliver in the clutch: “D-Rod.” A reference to Alex Rodriguez.

-I feel bad for diehard Met fans like Steve Somers, Tony Paige, Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno, who live and die with their team all year long. You can feel the emotion and terrible bitterness in their voices. Particularly Somers, who last week coming back from a great Weezer concert sounded heartbroken over a costly extra inning defeat to the Cubs. You could really tell how badly he wanted to see them get in and reverse last year.

They all did and showed so much. Maybe if the Mets had played with as much energy as they brought to the WFAN airwaves, they wouldn’t be sitting home instead getting ready for Lou Piniella’s Cubs. They might get paid to talk sports but they wear the Mets’ logo as a badge of honor as did outstanding play-by-play man Howie Rose.

Nobody ever likes to get their hearts broken. Especially by their favorite sports team which is what can make following sports so crazy. One minute, you’re as high as the sky and the next you feel like burying yourself under the sand.

It’s the real diehards who never abandon ship who shall always get my sorrows. Cause it takes a lot sometimes to stay with a team that constantly gives you heartache.

-Thanks to Milwaukee’s continued slide dropping a fifth straight falling 5-4 to the Cubs at Wrigley, the slumping Mets are still in playoff position half a game in front of the Brew Crew for the NL wild card. At this point, frantic Amazin fans will take it as long as it means October baseball. After giving a run back, Cubs closer Kerry Wood pitched out of a first and third jam by getting Brewer first base slugger Prince Fielder looking to move the Cubs within a couple of wrapping up the NL Central.

For Milwaukee who tried to get a ‘W’ for new interim skipper Dale Sveum, it was a blown opportunity as ace C.C. Sabathia was handed his first defeat and they wasted a two homer game from Fielder. A couple of weeks ago, it looked like they were a playoff lock and might even push the Cubbies for the division. Now, they’re fighting for their playoff lives against the NL East runner-up, the slumping Astros, fading Cardinals and possibly even the Marlins if they suddenly keep on winning as they did last night for a sixth straight win.

-Meanwhile, the Mets trail by half a game cause NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard slugged his major league leading 45th- a two-run shot on a full count with two outs in the eighth lifting the Phillies to a come from behind 8-7 road win over Atlanta. The Phillies’ first base slugger has caught fire this month doing everything he can to get his team another division title by hitting .396 with eight dingers and 22 RBI’s. In fact, the past four seasons, he leads the majors with 38 long balls in September. Still, the 2006 NL MVP has no clue as to why he heats up at the right time of the month:

“Maybe it’s just the pennant races are heating up. I’m just trying to go out there and do what I can to help my team.”

Whatever the reason, his teammates have to be very pleased because he’s coming up money. Last year’s MVP Jimmy Rollins has also come around at this key time batting .368 with a couple of homers, nine RBI’s, four steals and 11 runs scored. So, while Chase Utley and Pat Burrell remain MIA, Charlie Manuel can at least take solace knowing a couple of his best stars along with underrated gritty players Jayson Werth (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI’s, 3 R) Shane Victorino (3 hits, RBI) and even Carlos Ruiz (solo HR) are raking, he has to feel good about his team’s chances. Even if closer Brad Lidge made it interesting loading the bases on three walks before striking out pinch hitter Gregor Blanco to go for 37-for-37 in save opportunities in his first season with his new club.

-What can be said about the Mets when they couldn’t come up with one run against Odalis Perez in seven-plus innings? Not much. Apparently, they left their bats at Shea or are stuck in a time warp thinking it’s 2007 all over again. Thing is there’s still plenty of time to turn it around. But the best they can do is a split against baseball’s worst team after having scored one run in 18 innings. Not only did they not score last night despite a quality effort from Mike Pelfrey in which he went seven permitting one run which was enough to take a hard luck loss. But they also lost the services of surprise left fielder Fernando Tatis, whose diving attempt at a two out Perez double resulted in a separated right shoulder ending his season. Sadly, that missed catch led to a Nats’ two out rally as Willie Harris walked and then Met killer Christian Guzman’s ground rule double scored the only run of the game.

It was a half inning later that Harris would make the defensive play of the game robbing David Wright of a sure two-run go-ahead double ending the inning instead with a nice running over the basket catch. Now, I’m not a Met fan. But how come everytime I see highlights, Harris is always making some sorta defensive gem against them? You just gotta wonder.

-Congrats to Derek Jeter on breaking Lou Gehrig’s all-time home record with a single to left in the home first in the Yanks’ 6-2 loss to the White Sox. With this being the final homestand ever played at Yankee Stadium, Jeter will forever be the man who needed fewer games (more ABs) to beat out one of the all-time greats. With two hits last night, he’s up to 1,271 with still five games left with the finale closing out Sunday Night versus the Orioles. In as disappointing a season as his team’s had, at least Jeter continues to put forth the effort and give Yankee fans something to take with them as closing time approaches:

“It’s kind of hard to enjoy it because we lost the game. But this is something that is pretty special. I mean, I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t. Records are made to be broken, but this one at least will never be broken.”

At least for once the elegant Yankee captain admitted that it meant a little extra. It should.

-I’ve heard a few Met fans call up WFAN and mock Jeter referring to most of those hits as singles and even a couple using “overrated.” Say what you will. But there has never been anything more ridiculous uttered about a shortstop who became the model of consistency and defines all the success the Yankees had when they weren’t a team full of superstars at every position. That’s what the Mike Lupicas of the world who’ll mention payroll till their death beds never seem to grasp. The old Yankee way saw them not always go for the top star and fill voids with underrated gritty performers such as Scott Brosius and Tino Martinez through trades when management actually let the real baseball people evaluate the farm and sell high.

Now, it’s become a circus where suddenly Melky Cabrera goes from starting center fielder to never to be seen again with only Brett Gardner getting every start down the stretch. This is really what you’re dealing with. I like Gardner and remember him here but why even have Cabrera back up if he’s not even going to get another chance? That btw opposes what Brian Cashman said at the time the struggling 24 year-old got sent down. I guess he’s already washed up.

-Kudos to the Rays for pushing across a run edging the Red Sox on Dioner Navarro’s walkoff to stay atop the AL East. That team has shown tremendous resiliency amidst all the injuries and pressure. What heart!

-You want a manager who should get axed. Look no further than what’s happened in Arizona where the D-Backs got out of the gate great but have fallen apart and now trail the Dodgers by four and a half on the verge of extinction. Bob Melvin had arguably the best pitcher in ace Brandon Webb and got Dan Haren along with a mostly healthy Randy Johnson. Plus they went out and got slugger Adam Dunn on the cheap to address the middle of the order. You would’ve thought it would be enough to stay afloat in such a poor division. Someone has to take the fall if they don’t put together a miraculous comeback.

-Is there any more dominant starter than the Giants’ Tim Lincecum? The former 2006 No.1 pick has been lights out on a subpar team with little offense posting a 17-3 record with a 2.43 ERA while pacing the bigs with 237 strikeouts. In his last outing, he went the distance three-hitting the Padres walking three and fanning 12 while throwing an unheard of 138 pitches. How did this happen? You mean a manager actually let their young pitcher stay in the game and finish it?!?!?!?!?! Well, it was his first ever complete game shutout. He had been going into the eighth a few times. Even more amazing is that on a team which has won 68 games, the 24 year-old has won five of his last six and six of his last eight decisions. In fact, his last defeat came on July 20 to Milwaukee giving up five earned including two dingers in five frames. He’s allowed only 10 long balls all year and just one since that outing.

Terrific Tim (Since 7/20)

10 GS, 6-0 Record, 72 IP, 44 H, 16 R, 14 ER, 1.75 ERA, 26 BB, 94 K’s+

+Struckout at least 10-or-more in five games

Note: Lincecum has eight games where he’s hit double digits this season.

Does it get any better than that? What happens when Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s Giants figure out how to win? Just how special can this kid be? Keep your fingers crossed.

It’s the start of the NFL season later tonight as the Giants raise their Super Bowl banner versus the NFC East rival Redskins. So, why am I not too excited about this? I guess cause it still feels weird for the NFL to be beginning on a Thursday night. To me, football doesn’t really start until Sunday.

Try telling that to a league which has sold itself to the devil allowing all sorts of musicians to perform to kickoff seasons. Sorry. But I don’t get excited for Usher, Britney or Christina Aguilera or whoever else performs because while talented at their own professions, they’ve got nothing to do with football. Someone forgot to tell the No Fun League that simple is better. So, next time you see your favorite player score an exciting touchdown and get flagged for an emphatic celebration, just remember it’s perfectly okay as long as they attract celebrities to kickoff another season.

Excuse me while I hurl.

-The amazing Mets continued their clutch stretch play thanks to a two out ninth inning rally coming from a run down against shaky Florida closer Kevin Gregg. After he retired the first couple, ex-Marlin Luis Castillo kept it alive with a two strike single followed by a David Wright base hit. Gregg then hit the dangerous Carlos Delgado with the first offering loading the bases for Carlos Beltran. As unclutch a big name star in this town with only the chronicles of Alex Rodriguez worse, the $119 million center fielder drove the first pitch he saw over the right field wall for a go-ahead grand slam which WFAN play-by-play man Howie Rose nearly orgasmed to.

Did we just say that? Well, I was in the car and he did. Sometimes, you get the impression the Met announcers think this is some sorta miracle that the NL’s highest payroll is winning these kind of big games and now up two games over the reeling Phillies with a month to go. Granted. The Mets have had their share of injuries but you want to talk about over the top. Rose and Co. have lost their minds. If they sugarcoated anymore, you’d think they were adding even more sugar to a batch of cookies.

Take nothing away from Jerry Manuel’s club’s resiliency. They deserve to be where they are atop the NL East. But why shouldn’t they be? The Phillies are very flawed as proven with that eighth inning implosion in which Delgado tied it with a homer followed by a couple of more big hits including by David Murphy. They just don’t have enough pitching and their big hitters come up pretty soft in big spots. Paging Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. Jimmy Rollins is no better. Ryan Howard’s hit or miss literally. Honestly, the two guys I’d fear in a big spot are outfield overachievers Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino as they always seem to be in the middle of a comeback.

As for the fading Marlins, they’ve always been a flawed team due to the lack of fundamentals in the field and at the plate. Have you ever in your life seen a more undisciplined free swinging team which struck out more than Fredi Gonzalez’ bunch? Unless the ultra talented Hanley Ramirez matures and Dan Uggla (soon to be renamed Uggly for his dreadful 2nd half and fielding), they’ll continue to fail in big spots. As for their pen, Gonzalez deserves plenty of criticism for sticking with Gregg when he’s continually choked away leads blowing game after game to put them seven out. How in the world did he not send out ex-Met Matt Lindstrom for the ninth when he needed only five pitches to record the final out of the eighth? Just call it a case of bad managing 101. When your team desperately needs a game as much as his did, you don’t always stay conventional and remain loyal to struggling performers.

Precisely why managing by the book is vastly overrated.

Not surprisingly, the Marlins nearly tied it with a two out rally of their own scoring twice off Luis Ayala before he finally got Wes Helms to bounce out to short stranding the tying run at third and winning run at second. Does this mean the luster is finally off the ex-Nat pickup as temporary closer for the Mets? Who knows? Manuel is mixing and matching doing the best he can because he doesn’t got much no thanks to Omar Minaya. If the Mets do fall short, it won’t be for lack of heart cause they got plenty of that. But due to a pen which makes every Amazin fan squeamish.

Still, they should have enough to win the division. Especially with Jose Reyes playing well while Wright and Delgado rake. With plenty of contributions from unsung heroes such as Damion Easley, Murphy and even light hitting defensive catcher Brian Schneider who amazingly enough has gotten a couple of more big hits than A-Rod the past two months, they should score enough runs to support a superior staff led by Johan Santana, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey. Now if only they could get Pedro back on track.

-I know it’s a few days late but what you saw from Joe Girardi’s Yankees those first couple of crucial games against the Red Sox was really how it’s been all year. They just never come up with the big hit or even the big pitches. It’s easy to point the finger at last year’s MVP along with Jason Giambi, who at least saved them the humiliation of a sweep driving in all three Thursday. However, it’s awfully hard not to get on Andy Pettite for his poor showing in such a big spot. To be outpitched by old and older knuckler Tim Wakefield is embarrassing. Even if a banged up Sox club didn’t hit every ball hard, there’s no excuse. Aside from that, who didn’t like that money showing by that pen in a Boston seven-run eighth featuring a Dustin Pedroia grand slam turning a close game into a laugher? Not like they couldn’t have used Kyle Farnsworth there?!?!?!?!?! Oh. That’s right. He was traded for the useless Pudge Rodriguez who looks about ready for retirement.

So, is there anyone out there who doesn’t believe the former Texas catcher didn’t cheat his way to an MVP season in 1999 and was still producing fairly well just a few years ago? I’ve always liked Pudge and he does belong in Cooperstown when it’s done but it’s very hard for me not to think he did something out of the ordinary to manufacture those numbers.

-Whoever would’ve believed that Carl “DL” Pavano would actually be 2-0 after two outings even outpitching Yankee killer A.J. Burnett last night?

-It’s not often you see Andy Roddick outslugged from the baseline but finding a way to persevere and pull out a well earned four set win over the other birthday boy six years younger talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis. Especially when the now 26 year-old American was dangerously close to being down two sets just a couple of points before reeling off the next seven games to assume control. Who knows. Maybe this big win gets the former 2003 U.S. Open champ going for a run and possible quarterfinal against No.3 ranked Serb Novak Djokovic. Who wouldn’t want to see that come down with probably Roger Federer waiting in the wings for the semis? In a year where the final tennis grand slam doesn’t have quite as much appeal on the women’s side with former champ Maria Sharapova sidelined and French Open winner Ana Ivanovic losing in the second round to a little known Frenchwoman, they sure could use the best players on the men’s side to go far.

-I don’t care about who Djokovic “hooked up” with at the Olympics in Beijing. What I want to know is why hasn’t he asked countrywoman Ivanovic out yet? At least it might better explain her poor second half bad thumb and all.

-When Osi Umenyiora went down during last week’s meaningless exhibition versus Brett Favre and the Jets, of course it was said not to be that serious due to the first MRI coming back negative. But anyone who saw the way the Giant sack leader landed had to know better. By the next day not surprisingly, he was done for the year putting a damper on Big Blue’s Super Bowl defense. There ya had it again. Just another reason there are too many NFL preseason games. How many times have you seen a big name star go down before the first real snap? Football more than any other sport can be brutal to its fans. This was just the latest example. Does it all end for the Giants now? Not really cause even if Michael Strahan doesn’t have his “heart in it,” they can move Mathias Kiwanuka back to his original position and get plenty from rising pass rusher Justin Tuck. I still think Steve Spagnuolo finds a way to keep his attacking D a step ahead. Especially with a secondary which should be improved with promising rookie Kenny Phillips. As much as we look at the D, the offense doesn’t have any injuries and should put up points. This is now Eli Manning’s team and time. I expect him to step up.

If there’s an area to be concerned over, it’s the kicking game where they don’t know if NFC championship hero Lawrence Tynes will be ready for next week’s opener versus the Redskins. Given how poorly Josh Huston has performed, they better get Tynes back sooner rather than later.

-It ain’t often they do something right but kudos to the Knicks for acquiring Patrick Ewing, Jr. from the Rockets in exchange for <gulp> all-time draft bust Frederic Weis. Where’s Ed Tapscott these days anyway?

-Is Chad Johnson plain crazy having his name legally changed to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco or just taken too many hits to the head? Here’s the link.

-Mike Lupica’s correct that the Yanks salvaging that final game versus Boston felt more like “saving face” than saving their season. However, the Daily News know it all columnist is quite wrong if he actually believes the best way for them to field a World Series contender in their new Stadium next year is to spend, spend, spend. That change in philosophy is what turned a once modern day dynasty into a colossal disappointment with little to no chemistry continuing to head the wrong way.

-Only in the NL West could the defending NL champion Rockies who improved to eight under .500 (64-72) thanks to a pair of Garrett Atkins homers and five RBI’s in a 9-4 road win over the Padres still be within six of the first place Diamondbacks. Who says history can’t repeat?

-I liked Barack Obama’s speech 45 years to the day after Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech in accepting the Democratic Presidential nomination in Denver. However, what the heck were they thinking turning it into that fake Washington cathedral stage?!?!?!?!?!

-And finally, here’s a cool sports video on YouTube I just can’t get enough of of Olympic triple world record gold medalist Jamaican runner Usain “Lightning” Bolt featuring hilarious commentary.

I’m just guessing but those two innings weren’t exactly what the Yankees were looking for from Ian Kennedy. Does this mean <gasp> Carl Pavano might actually see a start again in the Bronx. You remember him. The $40 million investment which went all haywire since he helped the Marlins beat the Yanks in 2003. Easiest money anyone’s ever made stolen. At least Barry “Baked” Zito pitches every fifth day for the Giants.

-It was a mixed night for both New York ballclubs. Let’s start with the positive if you can call hanging on for dear life against the lowly Padres that as the Mets did in a 6-5 win to kick off a vital six-game homestand on the right foot. Most of the offense was supplied by resurgent left fielder Fernando Tatis, who slugged two home runs including a huge two out three-run go-ahead shot in the home sixth which put the Mets up 4-2. The Mets tacked on a couple of key insurance tallies including a Nick Evans eighth inning run scoring double which wound up being the difference due to the pen. Though Aaron Heilman wasn’t helped much by his defense as he attempted to close out the game with Billy Wagner on the DL, he still served up a three-run homer to Jody Gerut which suddenly made it a nerve wracking one-run game with still a couple of outs to get. Jerry Manuel opted for Joe Smith to get the second out and then lefty Scott Schoeneweis came on to pop out Brian Giles to deep center on one pitch notching the save.

-Still, it was an important win snapping a four-game skid and allowing the Mets to regain some momentum as they also gained a game on the first place Phillies, who dropped an 8-2 contest to visiting Florida, who pulled within a game and a half while the Amazin’s are two behind. They need to go at least 4-2 on this stand against the Padres and Marlins to feel good about themselves as the stretch drive nears closer.

-There was no such encouraging news for the other New York team as the Yankees again lost in Texas- this time falling 8-6 despite a Richie Sexson eighth inning grand salami which at least made the outcome respectable. Truthfully, the Rangers aren’t a bad team and in fact are just a game and a half worse now than those Yanks in that wild card race. AL MVP candidate Josh Hamilton did some damage hitting his 27th home run off an ineffective Andy Pettite, who lasted only five while permitting five earned. Struggling rookie David Robertson and Brian Bruney provided little relief allowing three more Rangers to come home highlighted by a Chris Davis two-run double in the seventh that was the difference. The rookie knocked in half his team’s output as Texas captured the first two of the four-game set.

-That combined with a damaging walkoff defeat the previous night where Marlon Byrd got the better of Damaso Marte for a winning slam has New York seeing red. Boston won as Jason Bay had four hits and four RBI’s in an 8-2 win over the Royals increasing their WC lead to 3.5 over the Bronx Bombers. Oh btw…with the Twins and White Sox deadlocked in the AL Central both with superior records, the Yanks will also have to jump over them as well with Texas hot on the trail and even Toronto lurking in the background. They better get it in high gear soon or it really will be first October in 14 years without the Pinstripes closing out the House That Ruth Built for good earlier than expected.

-The worse news is that budding young ace Joba Chamberlain left Monday’s game in the fifth with shoulder tightness and already will miss his next turn in the rotation. Following an MRI, he’ll be reevaluated by Dr. James Andrews later today. Yankee brass and supporters better keep their fingers crossed it’s not too serious as they can ill afford to lose the 22 year-old former No.1 draft choice for an extended period. Especially when their staff is so thin after Pettite and rejuvenated vet Mike Mussina. Are you putting a lot of faith in veteran Sidney Ponson and the unheralded Darrell Rasner? Speaking of Ponson, he’ll face his former team tonight trying to give the Yanks a much needed jolt. So, who gets Joba’s next start? Ian Kennedy? He’s pitched well lately in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. You’d think it would make sense to recall the rookie and give him another shot over say Japanese failure Kei Igawa or <gulp> Carl Pavano.

-I’m no genius here but good California buddy Brian Sanborn informed me that ESPN SC showed the replay of Prince Fielder getting into it with teammate Manny Parra over and over again. Why must they always show such replays of something negative when a younger audience just might be watching all their shows? Because if you know the biz as I have come to, it’s all about the most evil word in TV. RATING$. They don’t care just as you watch. When is enough enough? Sad to say but we all know the answer…

-Brett Favre’s back with Green Bay but won’t be for long. The question is if you were them, would you deal the legendary quarterback who’s meant so much to their franchise to the bitter rival Vikings? Tough question to answer. Personally, I think they should call the shots here for the reinstated 38 year-old future Hall of Famer. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Don’t expect a happy ending made for Hollywood.

-Remember when the Phillies were supposed to miss former center fielder Aaron Rowand, who left for greener pastures in San Fran? Truthfully, he’s not performing badly but given how well the gritty Shane Victorino is swinging the bat these days, they aren’t missing Rowand all too much:

Aaron Rowand

Shane Victorino

-Who would ever believe that Evan Longoria would become the leader of the first place Rays during his rookie season after signing a big extension? What a player!

-Alfonso Soriano missed all those games yet still leads the first place Cubs in homers slugging his 20th on a three hit, four-RBI night in an 11-7 victory over Houston. If he hadn’t gone down, 40 homers and 30 steals probably would have been locks.

-Daily News columnist Mike Lupica had another good piece in yesterday’s paper on long time Yankee catcher Jorge Posada having to be reduced to spectator status the rest of the way after undergoing successful surgery on his torn right labrum and capsule last week. It’s a good read with some very solid quotes from the 37 year-old veteran who’s been a huge part of the team’s success.

-As I noted in another entry, I really enjoyed the festivities of the final Yankee Old-Timer’s Day Saturday but when WCBS play-by-play man John Sterling actually referenced the weather holding off due to a rainy forecast as, “Once again, the sun is shining down on the Yankees,” that even got me. Talk about being overly dramatic.

Gee wiz.

-The Mets lost a marathon 14 inning affair to the Cards 10-8 at Shea. A game which featured 18 runs, 37 hits and a preposterous 55 runners left on base took over five hours to decide with more than 53,000 rooting on the first place club in Queens. Despite two Carlos Delgado home runs and Fernando Tatis’ tying dinger in the ninth off St. Louis closer Ryan Franklin, the Amazin’s fell short due to Albert Pujols going yard off the last man standing Aaron Heilman for a two-run shot for the Cards’ first homer of the night. The final Met reliever predictably ran out of gas in his third inning finishing with 57 pitches (41 strikes). Try explaining that to a few Met fans who still want to kill one of their best setup men for what was an understandable loss.

New York had plenty of opportunities for someone to be the hero in extras but stranded all seven runners including the bases loaded on walks in the 12th before Tatis grounded back to Kelvin Jimenez. They went quietly in the 13th and 14th allowing Brad Thompson to pickup the win in relief. That he hails from Vegas seemed appropriate given how crazy this game was which featured 16 pitchers (eight apiece) and 24 position players plus ex-Met closer Braden Looper as a pinch hitter for the opposition.

Met manager Jerry Manuel summed it up best:

“We had chances, we just couldn’t push it across. It was just one of those nights.”

Still, the Mets showed plenty of resiliency after falling behind immediately 4-0 as veteran Brandon Knight struggled before steadying the next four while teammates picked him up even getting the lead on Jose Reyes’ 12th dinger. The Cards cameback with a four-run sixth off three Met relievers to go back ahead 8-5. But the big bats of Delgado and Tatis made it a very long night and ride home for supporters who stuck it out.

-The loss dropped the Mets’ division lead to a game over both the Marlins (3-2 in 12 over Cubs) and Phillies, who used a seven-run fifth to rally past Atlanta 10-9. Greg Dobbs slugged the go-ahead pinch hit three-run home run which allowed the slumping Phils to overcome a nine-run Brave fourth in which they shelled ace Cole Hamels. He was charged with all nine with five unearned due to a couple of errors including by Chase Utley and himself. It didn’t matter because six Philly relievers combined to shutdown Atlanta the rest of the way tossing five and a third scoreless with closer Brad Lidge going 1-2-3 for his 23rd save.

The Marlins got two solo homers from Jeremy Hermida and a Jorge Cantu run scoring double which plated Hermida for a 3-2 extra inning win in Wrigley. They’ve taken the last two from the Cubs with the fourth game later today.

-Meanwhile up in Beantown, the Yankees ran their perfect post All-Star mark to 8-0 by defeating the Red Sox 10-3 at Fenway. Trailing on two early runs, they used a Bobby Abreu RBI single and a Robinson Cano solo shot to tie it. Center fielder Melky Cabrera then manufactured a run by beating out a bunt down the third baseline, swiping second and then coming around to score on Johnny Damon’s two out base hit in the fourth.

They broke the game open with a four-run sixth including a Derek Jeter RBI single, an Abreu RBI two-bagger followed by an Alex Rodriguez run scoring base hit. Though All-Star MVP J.D. Drew went deep for his 19th in the sixth, the Bronx Bombers poured it on with three more off Craig Hansen highlighted by the hot hitting Cano’s two-run double as they pulled within a game of the wild card while remaining three behind Tampa, who prevailed 5-3 in Kansas City.

Andy Pettite rebounded from a tough opening inning working six allowing three runs (1 ER) while walking three and fanning seven in improving to 12-7. Four Yankee relievers including new lefty Damaso Marte (0.1 IP, 1 K) held the Sox to one hit over the final three frames.

Also debuting in left field batting seventh behind Cano was Xavier Nady, who took the collar in three trips with a walk and caught stealing.

-The hottest Yankee has been Cano, who after a dreadful first half which saw him hit just .246 has erupted to go 18-for-35 (.514) with three home runs and 10 RBI’s. Interestingly enough, the 25 year-old second baseman has done his best work in the second half hitting .341 following the break the past three campaigns. To hear Damon tell it, the timing couldn’t be any better:

“The All-Star break came at a good time for this team. Robinson was able to gather his thoughts. He was swinging the bat well. He’s a big reason we’re on the streak we’re on now.”

The Yanks are clicking on all cylinders and will aim for the sweep and a tie for the wild card if Sidney Ponson can outduel Jon Lester later tonight.

-The Brewers won for the 10th time in 11 scoring two each in the seventh and eighth including a tying Ryan Braun homer along with a Bill Hall go-ahead single and run scored as they rallied to defeat the Astros 6-4 pulling into a tie with the Cubs for the NL’s best mark. Both teams are 60-44 with 58 left.

-The Rockies used a four-run fifth to get past the Reds 5-1 for their fourth win in a row pulling to 11 under (47-58) and remaining six behind Arizona, who took their second straight over the Giants 5-3 to stay a game in front of the Dodgers (6-0 over Nats). NL ROY runner-up Troy Tulowitzki had three hits including the game-winning RBI single for Colorado. For the Diamondbacks, ace Brandon Webb went seven innings of three-run ball allowing four hits while walking two and striking out eight for his 14th win. The former Cy winner who eclipsed 1,000 career strikeouts was overshadowed by second-year Giant star Tim Lincecum, who struck out career high 13 while allowing two runs in seven innings.