-The Rays bounced back with a 4-2 win in Game 2 over the Phillies evening the World Series at a game apiece with the next three back in Philly this weekend. Tampa Bay scored twice in the first and tacked on a couple of more runs in the second and fourth off losing Phillie starter Brett Myers while ace James Shields held their opponent without a run in five and two thirds scattering seven hits while walking two and striking out four.

A pair of RBI ground outs from Carlos Pena and rookie third baseman Evan Longoria helped Tampa Bay get off to a quick start. B.J. Upton’s two out bases loaded RBI single to the opposite field plated a third run before Jayson Werth’s throw nailed Rocco Baldelli at the plate with the right fielder crashing into Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz, who held on for the final out.

With Cliff Floyd on third, a well executed safety squeeze from shortstop Jason Bartlett scored the fourth run two innings later.

After Dan Wheeler came onto toss one scoreless frame K-ing a pair, ALCS Game Seven rookie hero David Price made things interesting by giving up a two out eighth inning pinch hit Eric Bruntlett solo blast to left breaking the shutout.

With Joe Maddon staying with the former 2007 first overall pick out of Vanderbilt, it got even tighter when Ruiz ledoff with a double and Jimmy Rollins appeared to be hit by a pitch. If the ball did touch part of the 2007 NL MVP’s jersey, plate umpire Kerwin Danley wasn’t saying and neither did the shortstop make much of it.

Instead, Price cameback to pop him up for a big first out before Werth’s scorcher off Longoria which somehow was ruled an E5 scored Ruiz for the Phils’ second run sending the tying run to the plate in Game 1 hero Chase Utley with Ryan Howard on deck. But Price dug deep getting Utley to chase and then inducing the struggling Howard into a grounder right into the shift for an easy 4-3 putout ending the game.

-A good win for the Rays who like they did in the ALCS against Boston bounced back from a Game One home defeat to even a series making it anyone’s with five potential games left. They”ll be in the identical spot they were when they visited Fenway sending ALCS MVP Matt Garza to the mound against crafty 45 year-old southpaw Jamie Moyer Saturday night. Figure the edge to go to the Rays if Garza continues to dominate. We’ll see if Howard can get untracked.

The other two match-ups at Citizen’s Bank Park pits Andy Sonnanstine against Joe Blanton and a Game 1 lefty rematch between 24 year-olds Scott Kazmir and Cole Hamels. This series shaped up to be a good one and thus far, has delivered even if ratings on Fox are probably down due to who’s in it. It’s good baseball though with solid pitching on both sides, low scores and key hits. Whoever wins the whole thing will have really earned it.

-Who cares if Brett Favre really put in a call to buddy Matt Millen before he was axed by Detroit about a game versus his ex-team. What does it matter? We’re talking about the Lions here, who need all the help they can get and that still wouldn’t be enough. What’s sad is that Favre lied when asked about whether he spoke to Millen. Why hide it? It’s not that bad to begin with but makes him look a lot worse.

Meanwhile, Favre’s sketchy play on the gridiron for an underachieving 3-3 Jets team in a weaker AFC is what should come under fire by the New York media here. He just hasn’t been the difference Gang Green expected him to be with part of the blame on conservative coach Eric Mangini along with Brian Schottenheimer, who’d rather run the ball with Thomas Jones than let one of the greatest QBs the game’s ever seen win a game at Oakland in which he was responsible for even getting it there in the first place.

You don’t treat Favre with kid gloves. That was easily one of the most poorly coached OTs I’ve ever seen with the Jets getting what they deserved. An ugly loss putting them two behind an overachieving bunch in Buffalo who find ways to win and don’t use excuses like the ones Bob Wischusen invents behind a Jets microphone over on ESPN Radio.

Bottom Line: The good teams overcome adversity to pull out games while the mediocre ones don’t which is what the Jets are right now. Mediocre.

-I’m no expert but what does changing her name to Sasha Fierce have to do with Beyonce anyway? She’s fierce anyway. We know that. Just look at her!

-Thus far, we’ve seen one team dominate the first two games with the Phillies sweeping the first pair from the Dodgers at Citizen’s Bank Park by scores of 3-2 and 8-5 by outslugging Joe Torre’s ballclub improving to 5-0 this postseason with the balance of the series hanging later tonight when it shifts to Hollywood for the next three. It’s pretty much imperative for the Dodgers to win Game 3 to have any realistic chance of coming back.

Memo to Manny Ramirez’ teammates: It’s time for you to step up. The ex-Red Sock left fielder slugger can’t do it alone though he’s tried going 3-for-8 with a homer and four of his team’s seven runs knocked in. They must better support their emotional leader when crafty 45 year-old veteran lefty Jamie Moyer takes the mound tonight versus Hiroki Kuroda tonight.

If they get a win, then maybe they can carry momentum forward for tomorrow’s Game 4.

-The Phillies have to feel pretty good about themselves as they’ve gotten plenty of contributions from role players like Shane Victorino (4 RBI’s in Game Two), Carlos Ruiz (3-for-7, 2 runs, RBI) and Greg Dobbs (2 hits, 2 runs in Game Two start). It’s hard to remember that they were shutdown by Derek Lowe through five innings trailing by two in the series opener before a Rafael Furcal throwing error opened the door for Chase Utley’s tying two-run blast and Pat Burrell’s game-winner.

They completely took apart Los Angeles 16-game winner Chad Billingsley roasting him for seven of their eight runs in two and a third with starter Brett Myers the unsung hero going a perfect three-for-three with three RBI’s and two runs scored while going five (5 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 6 K’s) to pickup the victory.

-One other Phillie note: They’ve won the first two games without a hit from NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard along with hardly any production from leadoff shortstop Jimmy Rollins (1-for-9, 4 K’s) and right fielder Jayson Werth (1-for-8, 2 K’s).

-One of the big differences thus far is that the Dodgers haven’t made a dent with Philly’s bullpen. In fact, they have only two hits in six innings while whiffing eight times. The trio of Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero and closer Brad Lidge have been instrumental in the first two games. Not that the Dodger pen has been bad having not allowed a run yet. The problem has been taking a lead into the late innings. They really need to get the jump in Game 3 and take some pressure off. A blowout would do the trick. But so would a three or four-run lead in the seventh or eighth. Especially with Torre able to mix and match with Jonathan Broxton waiting to finish it off.

We’ll find out what they’re made of later tonight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Is there a worse team than the Lions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get ready for chaos.

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

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

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

We’ll have more playoff stuff later on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terrific Tim (Since 7/20)

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

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

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

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

-A month ago, the Houston Astros looked finished. However, a funny thing happened as they started piling up wins even sweeping the Mets once and splitting a four-game series at Shea to take the season series. And we all know how well Jerry Manuel’s rejuvenated New York ballclub has played during the second half vaulting past the Phillies into first where they are up by three with the same 17 games left that they had a year ago when things unraveled. It ain’t happening because this team has too much character!

As for the Astros, as far back as Aug.26, they stood at .500 (66-66) trailing the Brewers by 11 for the wild card. Following last night’s 6-0 shutout of the Pirates in which red hot ace Roy Oswalt needed only 90 pitches to go the distance on a three-hitter, combined with a Milwaukee 6-3 loss to the Phillies, here they are only three back with still over two weeks to play.

Oddly enough, I recall messaging Chicago Cubs buddy John “JPG” Giagnorio about Houston as I noticed they were playing better. Of course, he laughed logically indicating there wasn’t enough time. However, baseball’s a funny game and sometimes, teams can come from nowhere getting hot at the right moment a la last year (Phillies, Rockies) and make a run. Of course, they need some help and given how the Brewers and Cubs have been playing, it’s no longer a laughing matter especially for the wild card leaders. At least Chicago still has a cushion to work with with their Magic No. down to 11.

The only good news for Milwaukee is that they won’t see Houston on their remaining schedule. Though three more against Philly and six versus the Cubs won’t be any picnic. It also means they better take care of business with the other half dozen they have versus the Reds and Pirates.

The Astros have won six in a row and 14 of 15 improving their record to 80-67. Due to the threat of Hurricane Ike, they’ll get the next couple of days off with the first two home games against the Cubs postponed. It’s just something Cecil Cooper’s club will have to deal with. Center fielder Reggie Abercrombie didn’t seem to mind after a multihit night with a pair of runs and an RBI:

“You can’t control the weather. You take these days off, let our bodies rest and come back strong.”

Somehow, they’re doing this without the services of slugger Carlos Lee (.314-28-100) who was lost just over a month ago due to a fractured left finger. MVP candidate Lance Berkman has been a constant force pacing the club with a .328 average along with 28 dingers and 100 knocked in. Along with those 28 homers are another 49 extra base hits including 45 two-baggers and four triples. Overall, that’s 77 extra base hits for the 32 year-old veteran first baseman. Hunter Pence has bounced back from a poor first half to slug 22 homers and drive in 75 lately hitting behind Berkman. Veteran shortstop Miguel Tejada isn’t what he used to be with the Orioles but has picked it up this month hitting .366 with a homer and eight RBI’s.

If they’re to keep it going, they’ll continue to need major contributions from that middle of the order along with Oswalt continuing to dominate. With his nine scoreless last night in recording his 15th win, he’s now up to 32 and a third straight without a run surpassing J.R. Richard’s 1980 team record of 31.

“I’m feeling better than I did at the beginning of the year,” the 31 year-old much overlooked horse noted after tossing his sixth career shutout (second this season). “Seems like the fastball is running a little more, with late life. I’m kind of feeding off it.”

Oswalt isn’t alone as veteran southpaw Randy Wolf has pitched well since coming over from San Diego posting a 4-1 record in nine starts with a 3.81 ERA. Wandy Rodriguez has also pitched adequately and Brandon Backe, who struggled much of the summer has been sharper since shutting down the Mets.

The Astros couldn’t make this run without a revamped pen that includes ex-Phillie middle reliever Geoff Geary along with Yankee failure LaTroy Hawkins who have helped provide reliable setup relief for closer Jose Valverde (42 saves). The Hawkins story is one which is befuddling and just explains how bad a year it’s been for the Bronx Bombers:

NYY 33 GP  1-1 5.71 ERA .275 BAA  41.0 IP 42 H 17 BB 23 K’s

Hou 16 GP 2-0  0.00 ERA .114 BAA  13.0 IP 5 H 3 BB 19 K’s

Comical. How do you explain it? Hawkins did have success helping the Rockies make the World Series last Fall. Perhaps he just is more comfortable pitching in the senior circuit.

Whatever the reason, he’s certainly helped the cause with his new team and has made them worth following much more than his old one which is apparently still in denial about missing the postseason for the first time in 14 years (though 1994 technically doesn’t count).

-Just heard during WFAN’s Chris Carlin’s sports report on Boomer and Carton:

“There’s still a lot to play for.”-Joe Girardi

Apparently, Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.

-Speaking of which. Do we really need Hank Steinbrennerwhiner’s daily assessment on the Yankees as to why they’ve failed?!?!?!?!?! Try looking in the mirror!

-It’s a pity that Derek Jeter passes Babe Ruth for second all-time on the Yankee hit list with his 2,521 only trailing the Iron Horse Lou Gehrig by 200 and it really doesn’t mean a whole lot. Especially to the 34 year-old shortstop who’s been here almost since the beginning of the team’s run of playoff excellence. He’s never cared about personal achievements and obviously hasn’t taken much joy out of his place in Yankee history because he knows no October is a epic failure in this town even if the roster wasn’t put together well injuries aside.

The former 1992 first round draft pick (sixth overall) who helped start it all also knocked in career RBI No.1,000 with a solo home run a few games ago in a road loss to Seattle. He’s never been considered a power hitter slugging 20-or-more three times with 2004 being the last. However, since that first season that he started with a home run in a win over Cleveland en route to the Rookie of the Year and the first of four world championships in 1996, he’s now reached double digits in homers all 13 full seasons. In 1995, he batted .250 (12-for-48, 0 HR, 7 RBI) as a late September call up in 15 games.

Even though Jeter’s power numbers will never be in the same ballpark as some of the greats to play his position, there he is still with 205 long balls along with 275 stolen bases to go with a respectable career average of .316 and the 1,000 knocked in. Somehow, in a down season, he’ll probably finish with just as many homers and more RBI’s than last year. Figure he’ll also find a way to finish .300 which would be a 10th time during his career.

-Anyone who doesn’t feel bad for Billy Wagner doesn’t have any compassion.

-It’s hard to argue with the performance of Carlos Delgado who’s had almost every big hit for the Mets carrying them since Manuel took over. But will it be enough to win MVP over say Berkman, Albert Pujols or even Manny Ramirez?

-When I’m informed that Delgado’s average isn’t that high with runners on base a la Alex Rodriguez, sometimes the stats lie. Any Met fan knows the deal here. Seventh inning on. There’s nobody else you want up at the plate with it all on the line. How many big home runs has the once thought “washed up” slugger hit that either tied games or put his team ahead? I only wish Yankee fans and myself could say the same thing about our third base slugger in 2008.

-Who’s more unclutch on the Phillies? Chase Utley or Pat “I Can’t Field” Burrell? Sadly, you know someone will overpay the latter committing too many years.

-When you see how the Rays responded against Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox with first place on the line, that’s when you realize just how special that group is. They might still be without Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford but somehow, they still afloat and deliver the big hits to take the final couple of games at Fenway and leave two and a half up. That’s real managing! Try telling Girardi and the Yankees who make excuses and mail it in while lesser talented teams like the Astros continue to fight without a 100 RBI guy and Kaz Matsui missing time. I wonder if Met fans ever thought that Matsui would become relevant on other NL teams.

-Tom Brady might be done for the season but somehow, you know Bill Belichick is going to find a way to rally his team keeping them in this thing because they still have a guy named Randy Moss and a decent enough ground game to alter their philosophy and simplify things for Matt Cassell.

-T-Ho says he got too big for former Eagle teammate Donovan McNabb but that’s where he’s mistaken. He got too big for everyone else because of his selfish ego and pride which is why he plays on Dallas. Here’s hoping McNabb tosses four TDs and Owens drops a couple in their primetime Monday night match-up in Big D.

-At least his teammate Tony Romo has it together. That story about him stopping to help a couple change a tire coming home from from a blowout of the Browns is a great read and shows what a class guy the Dallas QB is. Here’s our fave part:

“Look, we’re driving a 10-year old car that is sitting in a parking lot with a flat tire in the dead of night. He could tell by that we’re nothing special. But here’s a young man making millions of dollars, and he’s got all this fame and glory, and he does this? But if I ever had the opportunity, I’d also like to thank two other people. His mom and dad. They obviously raised him right. …”-Bill White who along with wife Sharon praised the star quarterback

That sorta unselfishness from a star athlete is something we don’t always see. We need more Tony Romos.

The Olympics are wrapping up finally this weekend in Beijing and the pennant races are heating up. Plus football is actually back with the annual Giants/Jets preseason tilt tonight. So, what’s floating around my brain? Shall we:

1.It’s pretty pathetic how bad our men’s and women’s relay teams performed botching routine handoffs of the baton to not even give themselves a shot of winning gold. Passing the baton is something which is taught during high school outdoor track as I can recall learning it along with teammates. You want to make sure to get the baton in the next runner’s hands. Making sure they secure it is vital. Of course, sometimes, as they begin to pull away, they don’t have it tucked away safely which also can lead to problems. It’s really all about communication and teamwork. If you work together, then it shouldn’t be an issue. Practice makes perfect. This was something NBC track and field analyst Otto Bolden referenced as unlike other countries, Team USA always has a wealth of options when choosing four runners. Perhaps that’s a disadvantage because there won’t be a lot of consistent reps going in which might be why our country embarrassed themselves a couple of nights ago.

Whatever the reason, we’ll never know if our Olympic men could’ve pushed the new world record 4×100 Jamaican holders, who led by triple gold medalist record holder Usain “Lightning” Bolt and Asafa Powell blitzed the field producing a record time of 37.10 easily beating out Trinidad and Tobago and bronze medalist Japan.

It should also be noted that botched handoffs also were the Jamaican women’s undoing in their 4×100 race opening the door for the Russian Federation to take the gold. Not only was their mishap brutal but it interfered with England’s lane forcing them to be disqualified too. What ashame.

2.Watching Bolt fly during that third leg putting distance between him and the other competitors to setup Powell’s final 100 for an easy victory was breathtaking. He also didn’t get a good handoff either but made sure to secure it and then just took off like an eagle soaring through the sky past everyone else. The 22 year-old is a freak of nature taking advantage of his 6-5 wingspan flying on the track. His Beijing performance will be remembered forever. Three Olympic golds. Three world records. Automatically a place with the greats. For more on what Bolt accomplished along with his country in track and field, yahoo’s Mike Powell had a good take on this along with the USA failures which produced the least gold medals since 1992 at Barcelona.

3.That USA men’s semifinal five set volleyball win over Russia was tremendous. Especially considering that they blew a two set cushion and allowed their opponents to gain momentum. But when the chips were down even after an iffy missed call, they persevered and came up golden with an awesome block to reach the gold medal round for the first time in 20 years. Great stuff!

4.Maybe next time Bernard Lagat will represent Kenya. Think he would’ve performed this miserably his home country? Just call it the American jinx as our long distance runners never seem to fare well.

5.Maybe it’s just me but doesn’t anyone really care if the Redeem Team takes gold? They’re supposed to.

6.Did anyone in the Yankee brass ever think their season would come down to Carl “DL” Pavano? Amazingly enough, he made it through one inning at Camden Yards unscathed and didn’t hurt himself yet. Don’t hold your breath!

7.Hey. When A-Rod and Giambino deliver clutch two out base knocks, maybe it explains how Pavano could be starting.

8.All the Mets do is keep winning games despite no Billy Wagner with even Luis Ayala tossing a perfect ninth last night fanning a pair to notch a save in a game Johan Santana maxed out tossing a career high 121 pitches during seven scoreless fanning eight. Best of all, the southpaw wanted to be out there begging Jerry Manuel to send him out for the seventh due to counterpart Roy Oswalt keeping it close and going the distance despite the loss:

“He pleaded, begged. ‘I don’t want to come out of this game,’ he said. … I had to give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s only fair to him what he’s brought to the team.”

When you’re a big ace with your team in a pennant race, that’s how it should be. About time.

9.DL Pavano Update: Pavano’s already given up four hits and they’re only in the second. He’ll be begging out by the next inning before he injures his pinky finger. I wish I was kidding.

10.I like how the Rays keep finding ways to win games despite two of their best players Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford out of action. Joe Maddon’s your Manager of the Year by a wide margin even if Ron Gardenhire somehow gets the Twins into the postseason minus Santana.

11.With a home run and five RBI’s, Pat Burrell became the third Phillie to reach the 30 home run mark this season joining teammates Chase Utley (31) and Ryan Howard (34) yet it still probably won’t be enough to beat out the Mets and make October. The Phils just don’t have enough pitching and really need last year’s MVP Jimmy Rollins to wake up. When Jayson Werth’s contributed more, that’s not a ringing endorsement for the mouthy shortstop who dissed Phillie fans. Isn’t it about time he shut up and played?

12.He slugged a three-run homer off John Maine for No.26 to go with over a .330 average and now more than 90 RBI’s. Yep. Even if Lance Berkman’s team isn’t going to see October, he’s right up there in the MVP race with Albert Pujols and Utley. David Wright should also get some consideration as he’ll finish in the top five in RBI’s and should eclipse 30 again. But figure teammate Jose Reyes to take away some votes with his huge second half.

13.DL Pavano Update: After loading the bases, the Birds cashed three in to go ahead 3-2 and now have six hits off the $40 million Man. So much for an awe inspiring outing with a certain YES Classic in the making.

14.Have you ever heard a broadcaster make as many excuses as Michael Kay does? After Johnny Damon made that second drop for the Jays’ winning run a few nights prior, he actually indicated it was because the center fielder didn’t tap his glove like he normally does to make catches. Give me a break. Between him and John Sterling and the irksome Suzyn Waldman on the radio, you can go nuts. Is this really what the Yankee broadcasts have become? A charade of buffoonery tooting their own horn.

15.Where are the American ‘contenders’ in this men’s Olympic marathon? Just saying.

16.DL Pavano Update: After surviving inning two, he’s already thrown 50 pitches with only 28 for strikes. The growing question is will his arm fall off?

I know his last two outings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre stunk but you’re telling me Phil Hughes couldn’t have done better? Boy. Do the Yankees look foolish now not taking the Santana deal. As much as I was against it, they sure messed up and screwed up Hughes and Ian Kennedy’s development. They can still bounceback from this but who exactly is calling the shots? They don’t have a clue.

17.I wonder what Joe Torre thinks about all this as he tries to get his new team into the playoffs. Must be a relief to be away from the circus.

18.He’s been performing much better but Lastings Milledge still isn’t going to have a better season than Ryan Church, who missed so much time due to a concussion. Is that still a bad trade considering the loud ovation Church received in his return last night?

19.If C.C. Sabathia goes undefeated, he just might sneak in and win the NL Cy Young from Brandon Webb. Speaking of Cy contenders, good thing the Giants didn’t agree to trade Tim Lincecum for Alex Rios. Just imagine what he could do on a good team.

20.Doesn’t look like we’re missing much in the first half of this Giants/Jets battle.

21.Here are our U.S. Open picks:

Men’s Semis: (1) Nadal vs (6) Murray, (2) Federer) vs (3) Djokovic

Champion: Djokovic over Nadal in four sets

Women’s Semis: (6) Safina vs (7) V. Williams, (2) Jankovic vs (5) Dementieva

Champion: Safina over Jankovic

-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!

-The Mets pen actually didn’t fall apart for once in a Johan Santana start holding a one-run lead the final two frames for a hard fought 4-3 series opening win over the Nationals last night in the nation’s capital. After giving up a leadoff single to Austin Kearns on his first pitch, reliever Joe Smith buckled down striking out the next former Met pair Lastings Milledge and Jesus Flores swinging around a Kearns steal. He then got Ronnie Belliard to ground out to second setting the stage for lefty Pedro Feliciano to record the final three outs. He retired the side in order fanning the last two for his first save of the season and third career.

It allowed Santana to pickup his 10th victory. He permitted a tying pinch hit Ryan Langerhans solo shot in the seventh but got support thanks to Damion Easley being plunked with the bases loaded and an out in the eighth forcing in the deciding tally. Trying for more, Jerry Manuel sent up pinch hitter Brian Schneider for his ace, who went the first seven on three runs, eight hits, two walks, six K’s and just 94 pitches. Schneider struck out to end it. Some might wonder why he didn’t just have Santana bat there as the catcher isn’t a great hitter. But Manuel played by the book and came out on top anyway thanks to Smith and Feliciano, who didn’t make it the seventh time a Santana lead was blown.

Instead, the Amazin’s win allowed them to get within a game of the first place Phillies, who fell in Los Angeles for a second consecutive time losing 4-3 on an Andre Ethier walkoff hit. The Phils blew a 3-1 lead and wasted second baseman Chase Utley’s 30th home run. Manny Ramirez drove in a run and Casey Blake a pair including the tying sac fly in the eighth.
Meanwhile, the Marlins also gained ground with a 4-3 home win over the Cards scoring all their runs in the first two innings including Hanley Ramirez’ three-run homer (26th) which held up as the difference. Kevin Gregg pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 26th save allowing Florida to remain half a game behind the Mets and a game and a half out of first.

-The Yanks got a much needed win last night in the Metro Dome 9-6 in 12 innings. They had led 4-3 on a Derek Jeter two out RBI base hit to center and increased to 6-3 on Bobby Abreu and Wilson Betemit RBI’s. But when struggling lefty Damaso Marte put a couple of runners on in the eighth, Joe Girardi called on Mariano Rivera to get a five out save. But he wasn’t up to the task serving up a tying three-run Delmon Young dinger off the foul pole to blow his first save in 29 chances. Rivera tossed a scoreless ninth and then Jose Veras came on for two perfect innings and a pair of K’s setting up the 12th. All season, Alex Rodriguez has struggled money situations but this time delivered a huge solo blast to dead center off Matt Guerrier putting his club ahead. Xavier Nady, who already drove in two on a double then added his sixth home run as a Yankee connecting for a two-run shot to give them some insurance. The former Pirate is batting .344 with six HR and 17 RBI’s in 17 games since they acquired him.
Edwar Ramirez closed it out for his first save.

The win snapped a four-game skid and allowed the Yanks to gain a game on first place Tampa Bay, who lost to Oakland 2-1. The problem is they still trail by eight and are five behind the Red Sox for the wild card after they won a wacky slugfest 19-17 over the Rangers at Fenway. The first inning saw Boston score 10 runs including two three-run homers by David Ortiz (both to right). However, they couldn’t hold leads of 10-0 and 14-2 allowing the Rangers to come all the way back due to eight in the fifth and five in the sixth highlighted by an Ian Kinsler three-run shot along with a barrage of hits and sac flies. Despite Marlon Byrd’s five hits and three knocked in, the Red Sox got the last laugh as Kevin Youkilis slugged his second long ball of the night- a three-run job in a four-run eighth to give the home club a football like 19-16 lead. Brandon Boggs’ pinch hit made it interesting giving the Rangers two shots to tie the game but Jonathan Papelbon got the final two batters for save No.32 to finally end a game which featured a combined 36 runs on 37 hits and four errors. Somehow, it took less than four hours to play.

Terry Francona would later remark:

“At some point, you’re thinking about going for a field goal.”

Texas skipper Ron Washington on his team’s resolve though they ultimately came up short:

“After that first inning when they had us down 10-0, I think everybody in the ballpark and everybody in all of Massachusetts thought that the game was over.”

According to Elias Sports Bureau, the last time a team rallied from 10 runs down to win was on May 8, 2004 by those Rangers, who turned the trick in a 16-15 10 inning win.

Simply amazing.

-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?