-While the Mets have been busy taking care of business sweeping the hapless Nationals to move into sole possession of first place in the NL East with the rival Phillies getting swept four straight to Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, the Yankees were finishing up a disastrous 10-game road trip which saw them go 3-7 against Texas, Los Angeles California and Minnesota the other day concluding it in style by committing several blunders in the field to lose again and drop six behind the Red Sox and nine behind the Rays. Making matters worse, both AL East teams won again yesterday while the Bronx Bombers were idle coming back beaten up to get ready to host the Royals. A team the White Sox slugged a MLB-tying four consecutive home runs against in a 9-2 beatdown to pull a game up on the Twins. Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe laid out the lumber in their third straight victory.

By show of hands, who thinks the Jekyll & Hyde Yankee offense could turn that trick? Perhaps if they trick their fans by showing highlight reels of the last 13 Yankee playoff teams, they could pull it off. Anyone who’s followed Joe Girardi’s club knows that they have little heart when games get tight and they need that big hit. I don’t care if Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada are out. It’s no excuse when you still have a pretty potent lineup filled with three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez, resurgent first base slugger Jason Giambi, catalyst Johnny Damon, team captain Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu plus deadline pickups Xavier Nady and Pudge Rodriguez. There’s also Robby Cano, whose laziness sunk to new levels Wednesday. So, before anyone points the finger at the underperforming Melky Cabrera who usually hits ninth, you might want to take a look at the guys in front of him and see how they’ve performed in money situations with runners in scoring position. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell ya which big names have not delivered in those key spots.

Many have also pointed to what the pitching staff has become where after Mike Mussina and Andy Pettite, it’s pretty thin with them trotting out Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner and the latest DL victim Dan Giese. But really, how many times has it been the pitching with this team? Moose has delivered all year. Pettite while up and down usually goes six-plus giving his team a chance. Ponson has pitched quite well and at least two or three times deserved a better fate. Out of the five with the rehabbing Joba, Rasner’s been the most inconsistent while the veteran Giese has performed admirably. If not for Girardi’s brain cramp pulling him after 83 pitches a week ago when things spiraled out of control, he probably gets a ‘W’ against the Yankees’ kryptonite, the Angels.

Can you really point the finger at a pen that for the most part overperformed with Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez doing solid jobs making Kyle Farnsworth expendable before each fell back to earth? And even if you want to say Mariano Rivera’s come up small in tie games, he’s only blown one save which is less than he usually has at this time of year. Sadly, the pickup of Damaso Marte has hurt the pen rather than aided it. He’s been brutal. No other way to slice it.

Also one other thought on the pen. Only the Yanks could ruin a prospect with a good arm such as David Robertson, who by now should have been sent back down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Just more proof that the bozos who are running the asylum have no clue.

Adding to the misery is that recently exiled failure LaTroy Hawkins has redeemed himself in a big way posting a perfect ERA with the suddenly streaking Astros, who won their eighth in a row sweeping four from the Giants as they desperately try to make a big run at the Brewers. Either he couldn’t pitch in New York or perhaps was better suited for the Senior Circuit where he was a key contributor to the Rockies’ big October run last Fall.

The onus here is on the Yankee hitters who for the most part have failed miserably in clutch situations with RISP or a runner on third and less than two out. This team doesn’t do the fundamental things well. While you saw a well managed team like Ron Gardenhire’s manufacturing two runs on sac flies, the Girardi Yankees continue to get an F in that respect. Remember how well all complained about Joe Torre’s recent ballclubs becoming more reliant on the big hit? Wasn’t that supposed to change under Girardi?1?!?!?!?! So much for that.

Instead, his team looks finished with even NY Post beat writer George King writing an obituary yesterday dated 2008 Yankees: 3/31-8/13. A fascinating read with excellent examples of why this team just doesn’t have it like past teams to make that one good run and make it 14 straight years of postseason ball.

Sometimes, all runs come to an end. Let’s just say the fat lady is warming up in the pen with the quicksand in the hour glass sinking pretty rapidly.

-Ain’t it ironic that while Girardi’s club is falling apart at the seams, there’s Torre who was kicked out the door having his new team out West filled with former 2003 Red Sox in position to win the NL West? Funny how things turnout.

-After watching Michael Phelps again pull away from the rest of the field with a breathtaking breast stroke before putting it on cruise control in the freestyle of a 200 individual medley for his sixth gold in Beijing for yet another world record, it becomes apparent that this cool 23 year-old American who looks poised to break Mark Spitz’ 1972 OR of seven in Munich just might be the most dominant athlete we’ve ever seen. He makes it look so easy. Almost like a video game turning it on when he needs to. The guy is a brilliant racer and is so humble despite what he’s on the fringe of accomplishing. Just maybe he really is a machine. Might be time to check the DNA!

-The floor routines of dynamic American women gymnastics duo Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson were splendid late last night. It was nice to see them go 1-2 for gold and silver in the individual all around competition as each were technically more sound than China’s bronze medalist Yang Yilin. Still, it was very difficult to comprehend how they got a few more points deducted in previous routines during the challenging four-piece exercise than their Chinese competitor. Why must judging always come into question at the Olympics? At least it didn’t factor into who prevailed thankfully. Try telling that to Roy Jones or a figure skater who was wronged. There’s just too many instances where this becomes an issue when it never should be. The story should always focus on how tremendously gifted these special athletes really are.

-Speaking of China, the Olympic host might have used too young a participant in He Kexin who helped them beat out the USA in the team gymnastics female competition for gold. For more on this story, yahoo’s Dan Wetzel had more on China’s recent history of bending the IOC rules when they must be at least 16 to take part.

Looking at the way some of these girls look leads me to believe that it’s still an issue which needs to be resolved. But will it at the next Olympics? One can never tell.

As for myself, I just like to enjoy the competition and spirit of each Games. The way NBC covers it is great for the most part except when they overdo our country’s coverage as if it’s the only one competing. Sometimes, the analysts go overboard but hey. It’s fun to watch such wonderful athletes compete on a world stage for their respective countries.

Maybe that’s why I prefer amateurs to NBA stars with the Olympic basketball.

-It’s not so much that Roger Federer lost to James Blake for the first time in nine meetings. And sure. It was a close straight sets but maybe it’s time for the former world No.1 to take a break. He just looks and sounds very stressed out which happens sometimes in tennis when such a special player dominates for as long a stretch as the 12-time grand slam winner has. You can see it in his body language now that he looks uncomfortable. Sure. He’s still a class guy through and through crediting his opponents when he loses but it just looks like he doesn’t want to be out on that court. Perhaps he erred in taking part in these Olympics. He wanted to win gold and add it to his impressive resume but maybe the rest and time off would have done wonders. Now, he’ll return home to Switzerland without the desired result and try to get any kind of momentum possible into defending four straight U.S. Opens and at least salvaging his season. Question now is does anyone believe he can?

-I really did think Serena would win gold but it wasn’t to be as Russian Elena Dementieva ousted her in three sets while big sis Venus lost to China’s Li Na meaning suddenly it’s the 28 year-old Yonkers native Blake who has the only chance to win gold in tennis. He’ll take on Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez for a berth in the final while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic do battle in what shapes up to be a great semi clash. It says here that Djokovic gets it done and delivers gold for Serbia. Of course, I’ve already been proven wrong. But that surface should be to his liking.

Regarding Blake, there’s nobody more likable and easy to root for. It would be wonderful if he finally won on a big stage. Perhaps a gold could give him that extra confidence boost to finally win a slam here in NYC. He loves the spotlight as much as Agassi did. I really like what Federer said in defeat saying he “hopes he goes all the way.” Very cool stuff from as classy a champion as there’s ever been.

-This David Murphy sure looks like a keeper on the Mets. Not bad for a 13th round pick in 2006. Just imagine this though Met fans. If Moises Alou and Ryan Church don’t go down, he never gets a chance. How does that make you feel?

-I still want to know what’s keeping Jerry Manuel from trotting out the rookie Eddie Kunz to close a game cause it certainly can’t be that vaunted pen led by Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez.

-Speaking of the Mets, I had a weird dream the other night that I concluded that Jose Reyes deserves MVP but when I woke up, I thought ‘Over Berkman, Pujols and Utley???’

-Watching the Nats is like watching the Bad News Bears. How can a team be that bad? They should have stayed in Montreal. When you look at some of the pitchers they send out, it begs the question how this could actually be a major league franchise.

-Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo had a great run as Mike and the Mad Dog but like all great things, it comes to an end after 19 years. They were the pioneers of sports radio who drew you in and made it worth listening to. It’s sad that they won’t be together anymore but that’s how it works sometimes. I’ll definitely miss listening to Russo’s classic rants. Whether it was on the shortcomings of his beloved San Fran Giants, tennis or Pacman Jones, the guy was a bundle of energy and made you laugh. He worked well as Francesa’s sidekick. I wish him the best of luck in the future and hope to hear him again.

-Anyone else think those cameramen make sure to intentionally get as many closeups as they can of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh? Just saying.

-Field hockey don’t look half bad but the ultimate intensity of power walking is where it’s at. I know my buddy Rob “Kraze” Davis can’t wait for that big Olympic event to start up.

-Weezer tix are on sale today for the Garden and somehow, I’ll be up to grab them!

-Can anyone explain that lineup Joe Girardi put out last night versus Twins lefty Glen Perkins, who previously was 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA against the Yankees before becoming a new Dad and baffling them for eight scoreless on just four hits in a 4-0 win- sending the Bronx Bombers to their fourth straight defeat?!?!?!?!?! With his ballclub struggling and continuing to lose ground in the AL East race, Girardi inexplicably sat out lefty hitters Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi against the first place Twins and then helplessly watched as his lifeless team did nothing bouncing into two inning ending double plays while wasting another good outing from Sidney Ponson (7.2 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K). They left 12 men on base and struck out seven times including the side being K’d by Minny closer Joe Nathan to end another frustrating night. To top it all off lefty Bobby Abreu had half the Yanks’ hits. What on earth convinced Girardi to start Justin Christian in left as the leadoff hitter? And why would he play Richie Sexson over Giambi? If anything, playing Christian in center over the struggling Melky Cabrera who grounded into one of the DPs would’ve made more sense. He could’ve then had Damon bat first and hit Christian ninth.

-With the first place Rays and Red Sox continuing to play well, it looks more and more like the Yanks are done. They trail Boston by five for the wild card with the White Sox ahead of them as well. Meanwhile, Tampa even with injuries to key starters Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford has a four game lead on Boston and leads the Pinstripes by nine.

Does anyone aside from WFAN’s Mike Francesa believe this bunch have it in them to make a run? It’s sure looking grim.

-While we’re on the subject, how is it that Mike Lupica can actually believe Girardi’s done a good job? Even with all the injuries to key players, his in game managing has been very lackluster. Some of his decision making has been baffling. Last night wasn’t the first time he put in a weak lineup basically giving the opponent a win. It also happened against Lupica’s Mets which allowed Oliver Perez an easy ‘W.’ From these decisions to the bullpen follies, Girardi hasn’t distinguished himself. If he really was doing such a solid job, why hasn’t he been able to get through and motivate his still talented club to perform up to capability? There are no excuses.

-Watching Michael Phelps swim is like watching someone play a video game because that’s how easy the USA Olympic gold medalist makes it look. He just glides out there and turns it on. We have to agree with record holder Mark Spitz that it’s a travesty that he wasn’t invited to Beijing. Especially if Phelps gets the elusive eight golds and breaks his record.

-Could someone please tell NBC that Americans aren’t the best at everything? There are other good countries as evidenced by China’s display in the men’s gymnastics yesterday easily taking gold while Japan got silver with the USA finishing with a bronze without both Hamms. It’s not always a disaster when our country gets beat. This is the Olympics. Where the competition aside from men’s basketball which our redeem team should win at is fairly balanced.

-Just to illustrate the big difference between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, have a gather at yahoo’s Martin Rogers’ piece on how differently each is treating their Olympic experience. It also gives you an idea of Federer’s suddenly fragile psyche while the soon to be new No.1 is having as much fun as possible.

-Serena Williams looked pretty good in her second round win this morning. It says here she’s taking gold.

-How come nobody ever criticizes Omar Minaya for not going out and getting a reliever when his pen resembles more of one filled with mud and pigs? Just wondering.

-Weezer comes to play the Garden Sept.24. Who else can’t wait?

Copyright Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply the best.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other day, I gave my view on the weekend Subway Series between what’s still a couple of mediocre New York teams which have disappointed until proven otherwise. Here’s another one on what’s taken place thus far with one game left later this afternoon:

-It’s hard to believe the Mets dropped the next couple after blowing the doors off the Yanks at the Stadium to sweep all three for the first time in the history of the series. They had the match-ups and momentum but that proved to mean zilch when somehow, they couldn’t solve Sidney Ponson allowing him to escape two bases loaded situations while a more desperate Bronx Bomber attack got to Pedro Martinez to win by an identical nine-run margin Friday night at Shea.

I like Pedro and always have. He’s easy to root for. Hopefully, he gets it together because when he decides it’s over, it will be a sad day. This is a great competitor who’s improvised despite injuries and has worked very hard to become one of the best pitchers this game’s seen over the last decade. I wish him the very best.

Now, for yesterday’s Yankee 3-2 win over Johan Santana with Andy Pettite outpitching the former Twins’ two-time AL Cy winner. Not that Pettite isn’t still a good starter. He has gotten it together after a dreadful first six weeks. He did what he needed giving his team a chance limiting the Amazin’s to two solo homers in six innings which also included a 79-minute rain delay.

Still, one would’ve expected Santana to rise to the occasion and shutdown the Bombers. Sure. He pitched well enough to win working six and K-ing eight looking flat out dominant at times. But the one frame where he lost the strike zone cost him two runs which the Yanks manufactured. And his balk of A-Rod to second allowed Robinson Cano to drive in the winning run. So there is some responsibility for why he’s now a .500 pitcher.

Not what the Mets are paying him for. This isn’t all on the likeable southpaw from Venezuela. It’s also on the talented Jose Reyes, who continues to baffle fans with his up and down play. Oh. The 25 year-old shortstop has turned his season around getting the average close to .300 and hitting for more power and stealing more bases. But sometimes, his lack of baseball instincts are alarming. How was it possible in a two-run game that he managed to get picked off second by Pettite with David Wright at the plate killing a potential two out rally?!?!?!?!?!

There’s just no way he should be going anywhere as WFAN radio man Howie Rose pointed out immediately when the inning ended. You have your most dangerous bat who had hit two Pettite pitches hard forcing Melky Cabrera to come up with a tough running catch near the track. You don’t go in that spot and take the bat out of Wright’s hands.

So, was it any shock that Wright ledoff the home sixth with a solo shot to cut the lead to one? Of course not. Instead of maybe tying or putting his team ahead, he made it 3-2.

From there, the Yankee pen of Jose Veras, Kyle Farnsworth (pitching bandaged up) and the impeccable Mariano Rivera closed the door to give the Pinstripes at worst a split of the four-game weekend series.

For the Mets, it proved costly as the Phils finally figured out how to win again for only the second time in 10 games beating the Rangers and gaining a game in the standings. They lead the Queens club by four (two in loss column).

Now, they’ll send out jekyll and hyde lefty Oliver Perez this afternoon trying to salvage the final game at Shea. That should be an advantage over Darrell Rasner if we’re going by paper. But these days, you can’t figure out much. Either Perez will be very good bouncing back from an abysmal outing that saw the lowly Mariners tattoo him or he’ll have a repeat performance and it will be a slugfest becoming a survival of the pens.

The Yanks meanwhile are seven over and need to keep winning just to not lose ground to Boston and Tampa, who almost never lose. They finally recalled promising relief prospect David Robertson. He was lighting up Triple-A Wilkes Barre/Scranton. We’ll see if he makes his major league debut later on.

-Like many, I didn’t realize how hurt Tiger Woods was in winning the U.S. Open this past Monday. Who knew how far golf’s best would go just to return to the golf course and partake in another major, winning a historic 14th? It’s hard to believe that he was able to play all 91 holes including the dramatic playoff sudden death where he edged buddy Rocco Mediate for a third U.S. Open. I’m not going to say I’m an avid golf fan or a big Tiger supporter after how he dissed the Stanley Cup. However, his performance was not only heroic but one of the most courageous things ever in sports. It’s true that golfers don’t take the physicality of say football, hockey or even basketball or baseball. But to think he’d return prematurely against doctors’ wishes when they said he needed to shut it down for three more weeks tells you all you need to know about Tiger’s competitive fire. When I first heard him explain after winning that he couldn’t give up with all the supporters watching, I thought it was just a typical phony answer. But that proved to be otherwise as it was discovered that he would need reconstructive ACL knee surgery and will miss the rest of the PGA season. Even more amazing is that according to ESPN’s SportsCenter, Woods’ walked over 21 miles on the greens just to complete his 14th major championship. When you have a bad knee like he did, that is far from easy. He said it would go down as one of his top two majors. I have to beg to differ. For me, it’s No.1 on the list. And he did it as a first time father too. A tip of the cap to the greatest golfer I’ve ever seen. Congrats to him and best wishes for a speedy recovery as he chases Jack Nicklaus.

-You know. Lost amidst all the deserved criticism Mets management is receiving for their awful mishandling of Willie Randolph’s firing is that they’re just four and a half behind the suddenly struggling Phillies for the division. And three in the loss column. Omar Minaya did come off like a puppet at that bizarre press conference explaining the ridiculous timing after one road game which was the final ‘W’ under Willie. But the move had to be made because the questions only would’ve lingered hanging over the players’ heads. The pressure’s off even if it’s on because they no longer have to worry about who’s managing them. Now they can just go out and play baseball under Jerry Manuel which is the best thing they’ve needed all season. As I’ve echoed before in this space, this under .500 ballclub after last night’s 7-1 loss in Colorado is perfectly capable of going on a run and overtaking the Phils for the NL East. They boast the better staff and have enough talented hitters in that lineup to compete with anyone. The choice is theirs.

-So much for the Yanks’ seven-game win streak, huh? How do you lose two at home to the hapless Reds? It’s getting more difficult to take them seriously. Especially if the Rays keep winning. Tell you something else. Derek Jeter better get it going soon. He and Robinson Cano haven’t produced. When Melky Cabrera has more homers than both, that’s not a good sign.

-Mike Mussina has really pitched unreal this season and deserves a spot on the AL All-Star squad at the Stadium. It’s amazing to think how well he’s pitching at age 39 when he looked all done last year.

-I still say that Jose Reyes can carry the Mets back in it. There are few players who can impact the game more.

-Novak Djokovic sure has a big mouth for someone who’s won one grand slam. He beat Roger Federer at less than 100 percent back in January. You don’t think the rating five-time Wimbledon champion wants revenge if they meet in another slam semi? Here’s hoping Roger kicks the Serbian’s ass.

-It’s finally okay to tell the Lakers to guard a wide open Celtic. Jack Nicholson would’ve put up a better fight in Game Six.

Photos Copyright Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We got a long way to go.

-Nice response by the Mets this weekend in Arizona taking two of three. Ya don’t think Billy Wagner had something to do with it? Jose Reyes had a real good series going 5-for-11 with three extra base hits including two triples, three runs scored, two RBI’s and a  stolen base in each game. It’s the first time all season he’s had steals in three straight.

-Ryan Church continues to impress with four hits and his fourth homer in the series opening 7-2 win. The 29 year-old right fielder who was acquired with catcher Brian Schneider from the Nationals for Lastings Milledge is looking like a steal. He leads the team in hitting with a .318 average, four home runs, 22 RBI’s and 23 runs. Church also boasts a respectable .382 on-base percentage and has played solid defense which included a key toss out of Chris Burke, who was trying for third in a tie game with nobody out in the eighth Sunday. It was Church’s fourth assist of the season.

-How about Melky Cabrera’s sudden power boost. With a two-run dinger in yesterday’s 8-2 Yankee win over Seattle to complete their first three-game sweep of 2008, the 23 year-old center fielder now has six homers in 103 at bats. Last season, the Melk Man hit only eight in 545 ABs. The switch hitter had a very good Spring Training and has carried it over so far. You just wonder if it’s legit. In this day and age, that’s what it’s come to sadly.

-The Yanks also have to be pretty happy with Darrell Rasner’s first start. He went six strong permitting only a two-run Adrian Beltre homer in the first while scattering five hits and striking out four to pickup his first win. Most importantly, he didn’t issue a walk.  Just maybe the 27 year-old from Nevada can give the staff a boost. 

-Roger Clemens is sorry because his personal life is in ruins and there’s virtually no way to recover that no matter what statements he makes.

-It’s amazing how well Oakland is playing. Despite retooling by unloading stars Dan Haren and Nick Swisher, here they are playing solid ball winning 19 of their first 33 games with the third best record in the American League. I criticized him but it turns out that GM Billy Beane does know what he’s doing. Greg Smith, who was one of the players acquired in the Haren deal from Arizona is off to a 2-1 start with a 2.54 ERA allowing 27 hits in 39 innings with 13 walks and 31 strikeouts. As evidenced by their 18 homers, the A’s don’t hit for much power which is why reclaiming veteran slugger Frank Thomas could be a wise move. He’s had success there before.

-Even with some questionable calls and non ones, the younger Pens were the better team. They just had too much speed, size and skill for the Rangers even if Jaromir Jagr turned back the clock with 15 points (5-10-15) in only 10 postseason games. If this was the last of him in the NHL, he’ll be sorely missed. No.68 truly is one of the most fun players to watch. He never complained about how many times he was hacked and didn’t take Oscar Award winning dives to draw calls unlike a certain superstar. He just played the game which is how it’s supposed to be. Too bad the NHL doesn’t seem to think so.

-Evgeni Malkin was the best player in the series and dominated the puck. The no-look backhander he scored on to beat Henrik Lundqvist was ridiculous. It’s the 21 year-old Russian who deserves all the accolades along with some endorsements. Though his slewfoot of Paul Mara was uncalled for. Pull that in the next series against a tougher Flyer team and he could pay the price.

-Has anyone ever complained more than Michel Therrien despite winning the series in five games? Apparently, he learned well how things are done on his club.

-He doesn’t always do the right things on the ice but we’re wishing Ranger Sean Avery the very best as he recovers from a lacerated spleen. The NHL needs more Averys in the game who are willing to mix it up. They’ve become a bland league with boring intermission segments and blah quotes from even their best players. That doesn’t get ratings. They need more colorful analysts who will speak their mind instead of being afraid of their shadows like the hypocritical league. Sucking up to stars doesn’t work. Neither does being serious all the time. We suggest they watch TNT’s NBA coverage cause it doesn’t get much better.

-He can say whatever he wants but until Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in the best three-of-five at Roland Garros, the No.1 ranked Swiss player isn’t as good on the red surface.

-Anyone who doesn’t watch Spurs/Hornets will be missing a great series. Even if Bruce Bowen bitches about every call against him. Tony Parker against Chris Paul is worth every penny. And could someone please explain to me why the Spurs are boring? Why? Cause they execute in the halfcourt and play solid D unlike teams such as the Nuggets and Suns. Parker and Manu Ginobili are fun players to watch. Tim Duncan might not show a lot of emotion emulating a robot but he’s one of the game’s greatest players.

-Unless he performs up to expectations against the Pistons, Dwight Howard doesn’t deserve to be tossed around with the Duncans, LeBron’s and Kobe’s.

-It’s okay now to tell the Avalanche to cover Detroit’s Johan Franzen. Oops. Too late!

-Ditto the Canadiens and finding the Flyers’ R.J. Umberger. After the way Carey Price performed, maybe Canada really is jinxed.

-That four overtime epic between San Jose and Dallas was as good as it got. You talk about great hockey and awesome goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco, it was the kind of game which anyone could enjoy featuring great skating, hitting and awe inspiring battles. So much for that magic 33 theory. Maybe next round!

When one looks at the AL East standings from the first month, a couple of things will stand out. The Orioles are playing good ball over .500 and the Rays are in first place having won eight of 10.

That also means the Yankees are once again off to a slow start under new skipper Joe Girardi. Something which has become a weird tradition for a team which prides itself on perfection and the pursuit of winning a 27th world championship.

It would be easy to point to the DL stints of MVP Alex Rodriguez and perennial All-Star Jorge Posada for why the Bronx Bombers find themselves two games under .500 (14-16) and three behind both Tampa Bay and Boston. That still doesn’t explain being swept at The Stadium by the Tigers for the first time in 42 years.

Jim Leyland’s resurgent club completed a three-game sweep last night by scoring eight of the last nine runs to turn back a 3-0 Yankee deficit courtesy of a Bobby Abreu three-run first inning blast. No worries for the Tiger bats who pounded out eight extra base hits to the Yanks’ one in rallying back for their eight win in 10 to suddenly pull within a game of .500 (14-15). They started 2-10.

AL MVP runner-up Magglio Ordonez led a balanced 11-hit attack against struggling rookie starter Ian Kennedy. Given a three-run lead, he gave it back when Detroit pushed across four in the third including a tying two-run Ordonez double and a go-ahead Miguel Cabrera RBI triple.

The 23 year-old former first round pick out of USC was looking for his first victory this season but didn’t get much help from Abreu in the field, who according to a few peturbed Bomber fans on WFAN strayed away from the right field wall on two triples in the game. That included a two-run Ramon Santiago three-bagger which was valuable insurance off ineffective losing Yankee reliever Jonathan Albaledejo.

Who??? Exactly.

If you’re a Yankee fan, you know by now that it’s way too early to push the panic button. A-Rod will be back. As for Posada, our guess is as good as anyone’s. Rest is the best thing for the valuable veteran leader.

Even without them, there’s still enough bats to be producing more than what Girardi’s getting. When Melky Cabrera is tied for the club lead in dingers (5), that’s not a good sign. I’m a Melky backer and he’s improved but where the heck is sidekick Robinson Cano?

As usual, Cano’s off to an atrocious start. It’s been the second baseman’s trademark. However, that shouldn’t be an excuse for a talented player capable of winning both a batting title and Gold Glove. Isn’t it about time the 25 year-old who hit .306 with 19 dingers and 97 RBI’s (.343-13-57 Post All-Star in 2007) was held to a higher standard? He now makes more bucks and must start being a more consistent performer because he’s the Yanks’ youngest star in an All-Star lineup with untapped potential.

Getting Cano untracked would certainly be a big step in the right direction. Here’s a suggestion for Girardi. Try hitting him higher in the order. Could someone please explain why he batted eighth last night behind Cabrera and has been Morgan Ensberg with Chad Moeller as batting protection? It makes about as much sense as trying recently recalled Shelly Duncan cleanup.

Jason Giambi also is more washed up than Cher. Unless he’s bopping the ball out, there’s no place for him in the lineup. He shouldn’t hit ahead of Cano.

The only Yanks who are doing their job at the plate are the aforementioned Cabrera and Abreu along with Hideki Matsui. That means they need more from team captain Derek Jeter. And by that, I don’t mean just singles. He has no stolen bases in 24 games. He’s been back long enough to at least attempt steals and set the tone.

Leadoff hitter Johnny Damon has come around after a slow start. The Pinstripes need the gritty 34 year-old former Red Sock to continue getting on base.

While the depleted lineup is one story, the other is the continued problems with the Yankee rotation. Outside of ace Chien-Ming Wang, it’s been pretty mediocre. The 28 year-old Wang won five of his first six starts entering Friday’s home game against Seattle. He’s done his part even striking out 27 in 39 innings.

Andy Pettite’s been up and down. Some outings, the crafty southpaw veteran has done the job winning half while getting into the seventh. The others have seen the 35 year-old 200-plus game winner show his age giving up five long balls. The good news is that when he’s won, that hasn’t been an issue. The bad is that he’s allowed four homers the last two times out. Not coincidentally both Yankee defeats. Is this what you want from your second starter?

Mike Mussina’s performed admirably as the No.3 winning three and losing three in similar fashion to Pettite permitting seven long balls. He’s basically a five inning pitcher. The problem is that taxes a pen which isn’t very good. Especially when Girardi continues to roll out Ross Ohlendorf (Woh-len-dorf) and latest free agent bust LaTroy Hawkins. Instead, he’s reminding Yankee fans of Andy Hawkins. At least they’re not related.

We’ve already documented Kennedy who after last night is still winless in five starts with Girardi non-committal on whether he’ll stay in the rotation. Like the alternatives are any better? Who’s longing to see Japanese failure Kei Igawa?

The Yanks already have to replace an injured Phil Hughes, who it was discovered had a broken rib along with a right oblique strain. That might help explain a miserable start in which he’s 0-4 with a team worst 9.00 ERA. Somehow, he started his sixth game of the season this past Tuesday getting tattooed by Detroit for six earned runs, eight hits along with the first two homers against in just three and two thirds before coming out.

You got to wonder about the 21 year-old former first round pick’s ability to stay healthy. This is the second straight year he’s gone down and will miss significant time. He shouldn’t be expected back before he turns 22. Maybe that’s a good omen.

The Yanks must be right about Kennedy and Hughes because they passed on Johan Santana putting a lot more emphasis on the younger shoulders of the two hurlers while Joba Chamberlain remains a perfect bridge to Mariano Rivera.

Hank Steinbrenner can bark all he wants but keeping Joba in the pen is best for now. Kyle Farnsworth has pitched better lately but let’s be serious. He can’t be trusted in the eighth inning.

What else is alarming? What the heck are Ensberg and reliever Billy Traber doing on the active roster? Better questions for Girardi and Brian Cashman to answer.

For now, the Yanks will have to make do with what they have. No one ever said it would be easy.