General managers often have to make tough decisions regarding who stays and who goes. In baseball, the Trade Deadline is like a holiday for the national sportstime. Fans of teams can dream of acquiring a player that could be the difference between making the playoffs and a long offseason. More over, some moves are made with the intention of making the World Series.

Whether you’re buying or selling, there’s always players to be had in late July. As we’ve seen with the Mets, who have decided to not trade All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes in the hopes of re-signing him, they needed to slash payroll by getting rid of players that likely weren’t returning anyway. Such was the case when GM Sandy Alderson parted with closer Francisco Rodriguez earlier this month, sending him to Milwaukee for two future players they’ll choose from a list come September.

While curiosity awaits as to who they’ll get back from the Brew Crew, Alderson did as expected today by trading All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran to the Giants in exchange for pitching prospect Zach Wheeler. Even if his team under some splendid managing from Terry Collins continues to hang around seven and a half behind wildcard frontrunner Atlanta, Alderson did right by his club maximizing a return nobody could’ve envisioned at the beginning of the season.

After missing so many games the past two years due to bad knees, Beltran was finally healthy enough to play everyday. A huge question entering 2011, all the 34-year old vet did was make the transition to right field and pace the Amazin’s in home runs (15), an NL-leading 30 doubles and RBI’s (66) while being selected to the All-Star Game ironically in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. Written off by many Met fans who still blame him for the ’06 NLCS when he took called strike three leaving the bases loaded against St. Louis, Beltran worked hard to come back and that he did, putting together his best season since ’08 at Shea when he hit .284 with 27 dingers, 112 RBI’s and 25 steals in 161 games.

With his contract running out, Alderson had no choice, landing one of baseball’s top 50 prospects in 21 year-old righthander Wheeler, who the Giants hesitated to give up before agreeing in principle to a trade that will bolster their chances of repeating- adding a big bat to a weak offense that largely relies on a staff anchored by two-time Cy winner Tim Lincecum along with All-Stars Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong plus young hurler Madison Bumgarner. With not much consistent production outside of third baseman Pablo Sandoval, it made perfect sense for GM Brian Sabean to pull the trigger. Beltran immediately helps a lineup known for stranding runners, driving my Dad and other diehard Giant fans crazy.

Beltran didn’t quite deliver a third World Series to the Mets after signing a seven-year, $119 million contract, coming over from Houston off an amazing October. However, it’s easy to forget that he had three Amazin’ years, including a 41 homer ’06 campaign that tied the franchise record set by Todd Hundley. From ’06-08, he slugged 101 long balls while knocking in at least 112 with 66 stolen bases  in 74 attempts. Loose Translation: Beltran did it all even if they fell short to the hated Phillies in ’07 and ’08. That stolen base percentage is pretty special. You just don’t see that.

To hear ex-teammate David Wright tell it of that wild October night when Beltran was frozen by a 3-2 Adam Wainwright curve breaking Amazin’ hearts, it wasn’t fair to blame the All-Star center fielder for such an excruciating NLCS defeat.

“Carlos Beltran did not lose us that series,” the sizzling third baseman said before continuing his tear since returning from the DL with a three-run home run part of an 8-2 Met win in Cincinnati. “Carlos Beltran, if anything, kept us in that series longer than maybe we should have been.”

That’s the measure of a team leader who gets it. The ultimate team sport is a lot more than one player, where almost anyone can factor in. Especially in the senior circuit if it goes extras with skippers often going through the entire bench before even having to use pitchers to pinch-hit or even pinch-run. Sometimes, it’s easy to pin it on one guy when they’re getting paid the most. Ultimately, Beltran struck out. However, the Mets had plenty of chances to finish off the Cards earlier in that series and didn’t. Now, he moves on to a new phase, trying to win his first championship with the Giants, who become his fourth team. Before Queens celebrates, it won’t be easy to replace that kind of production. Is former Cyclone Lucas Duda up to the challenge? He hit a homer in tonight’s win, which at least is a good start.

As for Zach Wheeler, here’s a young arm that the Mets hope will be a big part of a future that includes 10-game sophomore Jonathon Niese, surprising rookie Dylan Gee and perhaps Dr. Jekyll and Hyde, Mike Pelfrey if Met brass decides to keep him. Ace Johan Santana will start his rehab assignment and hopefully return next month. If anyone can make it back, the crafty southpaw can.

This year, Wheeler is 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA in Hi-A while fanning 98 and walking 47 over 88 innings. MLB considers him the 33rd best prospect, which has to excite Met fans. A quality return for a veteran outfielder they didn’t even know would give them what he did. To get such a return is tremendous for Alderson and Co.

Overall, it looks like a great deal for both sides. For the Giants, it’s more of a rental in hopes of winning a second straight Series while the Mets look towards the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally! Well, at least that’s what Amazin’ fans are saying today. Following another disappointing season, the Mets sacked GM Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel today- confirming what had been the obvious.

So, the Wilpons finally shake things up and start fresh. Something their suffering fanbase have been dying for for quite some time.  Since Carlos Beltran took a called third strike against Cards’ hero Adam Wainwright leaving the bases loaded in the NLCS Game Seven, it’s all been downhill for a franchise that remains stuick on two championships (1969, 1986). What had looked so promising with that ’06 team fell apart in epic fashion.

Nobody could’ve predicted the ’07 and ’08 collapses, tormenting fans even more. Nor could anyone have foresaw all the injuries to key stars Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, K-Rod and Johan Santana the past two years, which killed any realistic chance of October baseball at their new ballpark, Citi Field.

Who also knew that David Wright would only hit five homers in his first season in the state of the art setting? Sometimes, you just can’t tell. Or that prize free agent Jason Bay would struggle even worse before being KO’d by a concussion. To quote a Guns N’ Roses song My Michelle, “Well, well, well, you never can tell.”

Such is how things went for the team in Queens, who were once front and center on SI with their mix master Minaya, leading credence to the SI jinx. When he changed managers two years ago in one of the worst PR moves ever, sacking Willie Randolph in the middle of the night on the West Coast, it was a black eye for the franchise. But they  responded under Manuel only to break hearts in September. Something that became a theme.

The hard truth is they were up against a better team in the Phillies, who were mentally tougher. This isn’t a knock on the Met core as much as it is giving props to Charlie Manuel’s bunch, who ran away with another division crown after acquiring Roy Oswalt from Houston. With a terrific trio of expected Cy winner Roy Halladay, Oswalt and resurgent ’09 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the Phils are the favorites to win the pennant and could very well capture a second World Series in three years. Especially given the AL uncertainty.

None of this helps the Mets or their fans, who will once again have nothing to cheer for this Fall unless you consider hoping the Reds can upset Philly while the Giants beat Atlanta are going to make up for the failure of management. The Yankees are also playing Minnesota, having limped in.

What’s most important for the Mets is to address the problems by hiring the right GM, who will be given full autonomy to bring in a new skipper. Is John Hart on the shortlist? Will a new executive really promote from within with former ’86 hero Wally Backman, who managed Low-A Brooklyn to the Penn League finals before falling? It doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. Yes, Backman is their guy but is it smart to move the fiery manager all the way up to the bigs? Our suggestion would be to give the former second baseman more time perhaps at a higher level.

Bobby Valentine would love the job but is he the right fit? His personality is fun but also can rub people the wrong way.  Joe Torre expressed interest but do they really want to bring in a man synonymous with four world titles in five years with the Bronx Bombers? It wouldn’t appease a fanbase who has to be tired of recycling names. Art Howe anyone?

The Mets need a GM and manager who’ll be on the same page- able to get the most out of a promising crop that includes first base slugger Ike Davis, catcher Josh Thole, second baseman Ruben Tejada, right fielder Lucas Duda along with pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee. Assuming Reyes and Wright are back and Bay comes back healthy along with team MVP Angel Pagan, whoever takes over isn’t getting a bad hand as long as Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez are gone.

There’s also the matter of Beltran, who finished strong before his knee acted up again. Do they retain an aging center fielder who remains a question mark in center due to his knees? Beltran turns 34 next April 24 and will be in the final year of his contract. Is there any market for the former All-Star? That’ll probably be the toughest decision the new GM will have to make.

They also don’t know when Santana will return. If he makes it back before July, that would be positive. The Mets might want to take a look at Jenrry Mejia and should definitely bring back cult hero R.A. Dickey. The staff will be young. So, acquiring another vet is a must. Something Minaya failed at.

If the Amazin’s want to get back in the ballgame, they’re going to have to roll the dice. Especially competing against the Phillies and Braves. They can’t afford to be wrong. It sets up an interesting offseason.

Carlos Beltran is only part of the solution if the Mets are to see October.

The second half of the baseball season got underway Thursday. For the Mets, it didn’t go well. Facing two-time Cy Young Tim Lincecum, their bats failed- getting shutout 2-zip. The loss tied them with the Giants, who also share an identical 48-41 record with three big games left.

Complemented with Atlanta edging Milwaukee 2-1, the Amazin’s fell five back. Even more daunting is that with wild card leader Colorado red hot entering a three-game series against NL Central leader Cincinnati, it doesn’t get any easier for New York to make October. Especially with the Dodgers, Cards and Phils all in the mix. You could argue that it would just be easier to win their division. It’s hard to see the Braves running away with it even after their pickup of shortstop Alex Gonzalez. You have to figure both the Mets and Phillies will hang around making for a photo finish.

For Jerry Manuel’s club to do its part, they must get Jose Reyes back and see quick results from Carlos Beltran, who went 1-for-4 in his return. It would also help if Jason Bay earned his hefty paycheck every once in a blue moon. They’re not paying him to imitate David Wright’s 2009. Six home runs and a paltry 44 RBI’s just won’t cut it. It’s about time he gave Wright and rookie first baseman Ike Davis some support. They could also use some of that early magic from Rod Barajas’ bat.

On the pitching front, they need Mike Pelfrey to return to form. Hopefully, the time off allowed him to recoup. For much of the first half, he was their best pitcher. If they’re to seriously challenge, Pelf must follow a rejuvenated Johan Santana and Rookie Of The Year candidate Jonathon Niese with the kinda yeoman work we saw the first three months. Speaking of the crafty southpaw, he goes in Game 2 against vet Barry Zito. Lately, he’s been money. They need him to silence the fire alarm. The Mets can’t ask for much better out of vet knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who yet again gave a quality outing tossing seven innings of one-run ball to lower his ERA to 2.62.

Of course, if Omar Minaya was able to acquire one more big arm (Oswalt, Lilly, Wolf, Myers) and add a setup man, they’d take their best shot. We’ve heard plenty about how they should consider their future. Uh. How many World Series have they won?!?!?!?!?! Beltran has one more year left. Santana ain’t getting any younger. And K-Rod has already been shaky.

How many chances do you get to win? After what’s happened the past three years, ain’t it about time Fred Wilpon made a statement? Save all the talk about how they got no money. What’s their payroll again? It’s not like they sold off players.

The Met slogan is “Believe In 2010.” What better way to do that than to go all out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jose Reyes has finally returned to lead the Mets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-On a steamy late May afternoon in NYC, we at least got one good hoop series going on thanks to the Suns’ second straight ‘W’ over Kobe’s Lakers last night in The Desert. Thanks to a strong fourth quarter in which they outscored LA 30-22, they took Game Four 115-106 to level the best-of-seven Western Conference Final.

This time, Alvin Gentry’s squad got nice balance with six different players netting double digits with plenty coming from a productive bench that outscored the Lakers’ bench 54-20. Channing Frye finally found the range (four 3′s) and Leandro Barbosa added 14 with Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic (8 Pts, 8 A) delivering money performances. Louis Amundson also was effective going for seven points and seven boards as the Suns hammered LA on the glass 51-36.

In a game where Nash, Amare and J-Rich didn’t dominate while Kobe did what he could registering a game high 38 along with 10 assists and seven rebounds, it didn’t matter because Phoenix’ bench was the difference. Only Lamar Odom contributed for LA with a double double (15/10) and three dimes. Bryant didn’t get enough from Pau Gasol or Ron Artest. So, the series goes back to Hollywood all even with the pressure squarely on the defending champs. How will they respond to Bryant’s criticism regarding the lack of defense? See ya Thursday night at Staples.

-Meanwhile, in an hour-plus, D-Howard and the Magic go for two in a row when they host the Celts. Can they get a repeat performance from Jameer Nelson? Will the ghost of Vince Carter reappear? Boston can’t play much worse than the other night. Figure KG, Pierce and Rondo to be determined to get it done.

-The Mets look to carry momentum forward from an 8-0 drubbing of the suddenly slumping Phils, who’ve dropped three straight. The Amazin’s have reeled off three in a row and at .500 (23-23), are just four off the pace. This team is resilient and seems to enjoy playing for Jerry Manuel. If Jason Bay and Jose Reyes remain hot, they should be fine. Do the Phils have a response at Citi Field?

-As for the Yanks, they completed the postponed game with a 1-0 shutout over the Twins. Runs have come at a premium lately. They’ve been leaving too many runners on and paying dearly. Even a lineup as potent as the Bronx Bombers can’t survive a power outage. We’ll see if the domination of their favorite opponent continues.

The big bat of Ike Davis has changed the Mets season.

-The Met season didn’t truly begin until Ike Davis was recalled. Since, the Amazin’s have turned it around going 5-1 on a huge homestand, including an impressive sweep of the Braves which only featured the big first base slugger’s first home run. A moon shot that went 450 feet. Still amazing to think they played the first dozen without him, opting for Mike Jacobs and Fernando Tatis. Makes you question what the thinking was. Well, that and Jerry Manuel’s decision to bat Frank Catalanotto cleanup. But hey. At least they didn’t wait till May.

-Is Mike Pelfrey really this good or will he hit a rough patch? In Year 3, the true test won’t come till July-August. Still have to love what they’re getting from a guy who was a huge question mark entering the season.

-Jose Reyes third at least gives them a solid middle even with David Wright scuffling.

-Jonathon Niese has pitched well meaning maybe 1-2-3 are good but Oli Perez and John Maine remain sore spots.

-Amazing what happens when Robby Cano takes advice from Alex Rodriguez on hitting in key situations. He’s finally starting to look like the player we always envisioned. MVP year??? Ironic too because A-Rod’s struggles were well documented till last October. Well, at least the Yankee second baseman hasn’t followed Alex’s other oddities. Some things are better off not being explained.

-I was in favor of bringing Javier Vazquez back. Especially for Da Melk Man. But here he is in phase II emulating the nightmarish 2004 that ended with one swing of the bat from Johnny Damon. He’s pitched well everywhere else including the White Sox. So, the AL argument is weak. Yes, Javy serves ‘em up but maybe it’s a New York thing. Uh oh.

-Joba’s better in the pen while Phil Hughes is better in the rotation. Just what we thought all along.

-How come I think of the Curtis Granderson trade as not just for Austin Jackson and Phil Coke but also Damon? Nice to see Jackson off to a good start in Motown.

-If only the rest of Melo’s Nugget teammates had the same kind of determination he does. He did all he could before they woke up which turned out a little too late to get it even against the harder working Jazz coached by Jerry Sloan. Coincidence? We think not. Especially with Denver minus George Karl. Charles Barkley’s right. They need a good kick in the ass. Adrian Dantley was a great player but he’s way too passive. Just look at his press conferences. Still, what a disappointing series for the Nuggets. Can they save it? It says here they win Game Five big and won’t lose Game Seven. All comes down to Salt Lake. We’ll see what they’re made of.

-Anyone else surprised that the Mavs are down to the super experienced Spurs 3-1?!?!?!?!?! Quoting 2Pac, “Some things will never change.”

-Watching Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s Thunder is refreshing. It’s also what young legs are capable of against older ones. Especially the banged up Lakers. Figure Kobe to will them through.

-Gotta love D-Wade, whose team trailed 3-0 to the Celts. With it tight and it essentially over, all he did was set a franchise playoff mark with 46 points, including five from downtown and a couple of monster jams including a poster on KG, who looked like he was biting his lip after getting victimized. Considering what a cheap shot artist he is, it was perfect.

-Everyone talks about the Magic who derailed LeBron and the Cavs last year. But the Hawks also could make some noise. First, they have to get Game Four at Milwaukee and ice this series. We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.

-The Garden is quiet with little going on in May. Great job Jazzy Jim! When the Knicks don’t get LeBron, Wade or Chris Bosh, what will they think?

-I’ve always been a big fan of Jameer Nelson and now he’s showing why. How do you think all those teams that passed on him feel these days?

-Gotta love Joakim Noah. The dude is a great interview. That stuff he said about Cleveland following Game Two was classic:

But also, the kid from the Bronx can also ball. He’s developed into the Bulls’ leader. Yep. They got that one right.

-I still say the Celts are too old and can be picked off in the second round.

-One chance to win or lose. Who do you want with the ball? Kobe, LeBron, Wade or the Spurs big three: Duncan-Parker-Ginobili?

Happy Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-MVP caliber:

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

All while batting leadoff for the surprising first place Rangers.

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

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

“I wish [Jose Reyes] was leading off on our team, playing on our team. “That’s fun to watch. Anytime you have that type of speed. I mean, we have a guy in [Brett] Gardner that’ll be fun. That’s probably the most you can have, watching those guys run.“-Alex Rodriguez

Ever since Alex Rodriguez became a Yankee, it’s been a three-ring circus. Arguably the game’s best player who during his time here has won two MVPs including a memorable 2007 eclipsing Joe DiMaggio for the greatest season by a right handed hitter in Bronx Bomber lore, it’s always something else with this guy that makes him such a distraction.

We could cite all his postseason failures resulting in only one Yankee playoff round victory but what’s the point? It’s old news around these parts with the admitted steroids user creating a whole new reason for teammates to hate him.

Oh. They won’t say it to his face or publicly as with that phony press conference with him faking tears while pausing a couple of weeks ago in Tampa looking totally uncomfortable reading a written statement he didn’t even write.

Anything for needless PR even in a time when Mr. Rodriguez should’ve been more sincere not worrying about his image which already had been destroyed by the stunning discovery forcing him to come clean even if he protected his cousin. Of couse, that became a running joke around here with the “My Cousin Vinny” references. If only it were as amusing as Joe Pesci’s classic character from the 1992 box office hit.

Nothing A-Rod does is ever funny. Have you ever heard him try to make people laugh? They had him speak at a University of Miami dinner for their baseball facility which he donated thousands having it named for him. All well and good for the kid who grew up in South Florida. It just was a little awkward watching him attempt humor referencing his tough week leading up. Sometimes, it’s better not to say anything.

In that spot, the focus wasn’t performance enhancing drugs but something one of the game’s greatest stars did out of kindness. Perhaps he should’ve stuck to the topic leaving the other stuff for the media vultures when Spring Training continued at the Yankee complex.

It’s true that nobody’s perfect no matter what the Mike Lupicas of the world tell you acting all high and mighty while cashing in on a fake home run race with books and then acting all stunned when the truth comes out. Everyone makes mistakes. Rodriguez committed a bad one making a poor choice which he was forced to fess up to because his Player’s Association didn’t destroy some random positive tests in 2003. The general public was never supposed to know proving you can’t rely on anyone.

It hasn’t been entirely fair to A-Rod whose name has been kicked around in the mud ever since while 103 other players haven’t had their reputations damaged. You almost want to feel bad for the guy because a dark storm cloud seems to follow him no matter what he does.

If only he’d let us in and not come off so fake. It’s why the whole notion of him being referred to by former bench coach Larry Bowa in Joe Torre’s book The Yankee Years as A-Fraud wasn’t a surprise. It just reaffirmed what we already knew even if it was meant to lighten the mood taking pressure off.

Alex Rodriguez is a magnet who will always attract a large crowd. That’s what happens when you go from a 10-year $252 million deal to 10 years $300 million while becoming the youngest slugger to reach 500 home runs in line to chase down another cheat Barry Bonds who has his own battle in court coming. Speaking of circuses.

So, was it any shock that on a day Rodriguez learned he had a cyst in his hip which could sideline him from competing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic that he’d make another silly comment indicating that he wished Mets shortstop Jose Reyes could play on the Yankees and bat leadoff?

While it was a nice notion paying tribute to how great and exciting Reyes is, it probably wasn’t the brightest idea given that Rodriguez is a teammate of Derek Jeter and another pretty good leadoff guy in Johnny Damon.

Predictably, it created another big story for the New York media to discuss while panicked Met fans already have the sky falling due to their ace Johan Santana being pushed back from Opening Day to the fifth game of the season due to his elbow which the club won’t take an MRI on. That is a whole other topic about a franchise which clearly needs a good kick in the ass. Maybe they’ve been hanging around A-Rod.

Is it bad to say what he did about the rival shortstop in the big city? Probably not. Jose Reyes is a very fun player to watch. The way he worded it wasn’t the best and immediately put him on the defense indicating that’s not what he meant.

New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro had a good column entitled, “Alex Not In Same Class As Captain America ” about the big difference between Jeter and him when it comes to leadership.

This excerpt sums up why so many respect the declining Jeter including Phils’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins who will sit out most games despite being a better player:

A leader? Would you like to know what a leader does? A leader, when asked the other day about David Wright, says something like this: “I have a great deal of respect for him, because he’s talented and he loves to win, and he plays hard. It’s a great challenge playing against him, so I’m happy to have the chance to play with him for a little while.“

That’s what Jeter said about Wright. He didn’t say how wonderful it would be if Wright joined the Yankees – even though there have to be moments when he feels exactly that. He has been criticized for not publicly defending A-Rod more, but it is on days like this that you realize his silences are as loud as any words he might employ.

You can’t be appointed to that kind of leadership. You either have it or you don’t.

 

Some friendly advice for Rodriguez. Next time, think before you speak.