-The World Series got going last night with the Phillies behind Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge edging the Rays 3-2 to take Game One over Scott Kazmir and Co. in St. Pete. All-Star second baseman Chase Utley’s first inning two-run homer to short right was the only real mistake the former Mets’ farmhand made in six solid frames of three-run, six hit ball while walking and fanning four apiece.

The 24 year-old southpaw was just good enough to lose despite battling through stranding runners while tossing 110 pitches (73 strikes) before the Tampa Bay bullpen shutdown the Phils the rest of the way including big outs by lefty J.P. Howell and Grant Balfour to keep them down a run.

Problem was Hamels, who took home NLCS MVP versus the Dodgers was his stingy self working seven strong allowing two earned on five hits walking a pair while striking out five. Given a three-run lead to protect following backstop Carlos Ruiz’ fourth inning RBI ground out, the 24 year-old former Phillies’ 2002 first round pick bent but didn’t break permitting a Carl Crawford solo shot and a Akinori Iwamura run scoring double in two consecutive innings both with two outs.

However, he did get the dangerous B.J. Upton to harmlessly pop out in foul territory to first baseman Ryan Howard, who made a nice defensive gem getting his glove extended into the stands coming away with the ball for the final out of the fifth.

If Hamels did the job handing the ball off to a pen which has dominated the late innings this Fall, then what Madson and Lidge did wasn’t all that startling with the Philadelphia 1-2 punch retiring all six Rays they faced including the latter getting the first two in only Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria swinging at nasty sliders before popping up Crawford into foul ground where third baseman Pedro Feliz squeezed the final out.

It was Lidge’s sixth straight successive save this postseason making the Phillie closer 47-for-47 including the regular season continuing to erase any doubts from his previous October experience with the Astros where Albert Pujols hit a tying homer which still hasn’t landed.

The Phils won despite another quiet night from top slugger Howard, who took the collar in four plate appearances whiffing three times. They also prevailed in spite of stranding a preposterous 22 on base. That’s what good pitching does. Tampa’s kept them afloat but the Phillies’ best was enough to pickup the win and take the home field away.

One potential turning point last night was when an E3 on Howard allowed Pena to reach leading off the sixth. He then took off on Hamels’ first move towards home but was picked off 1-3-6 despite Joe Maddon’s protests that it should’ve been a balk which Fox tandem Joe Buck and Tim McCarver accurately contended with replays confirming it.

Chalk it up to a break which went the Phils’ way and one which went against the Rays, who now really need tonight’s Game Two sending ace James Shields to the mound against Brett Myers. Especially with the next three shifting to the City of Brotherly Love.

In order for Tampa to have any shot, they obviously need to win tonight’s game and the recipe should be to score often on Myers, who has looked shaky this postseason after a strong finish to the regular season. He’s prone to walking batters and can be taken yard. Something the Rays have done during this run to their first World Series.

The Rays don’t want to let Myers off the hook and allow Charlie Manuel’s pen to dictate things cause they’ve been automatic late. It’s imperative for Tampa to swing the bats early and often getting out to a lead and taking some pressure off Shields.

Before the series began, we liked the more experienced Phillies in six competitive games. For as wrong as I’ve been on the NFL the past couple of weeks, I’m not changing my pick here. I just feel the Phils’ lineup is a little better and their pen gives them an edge despite the Rays throwing better starters outside of Hamels.

-Kudos to the Rays for overcoming a gritty determined defending champ in Boston coming back to beat the Red Sox 3-1 in the deciding Game Seven. It was truly storybook with mainstay Rocco Baldelli netting the series clinching RBI bouncing back from an exhaustion illness which has plagued him the past couple of seasons causing him to miss significant time.

That Longoria got the tying two out RBI opposite field double and steady fill-in utility man Willy Aybar added some insurance with a dinger seemed fitting considering how much of a team they’ve been all season.

We’ll see if they can pull this off becoming the first team to go from worst record the prior year to world champs. It should be a good series!

-One other thought on Game One. Enough already with these bands playing our national anthem. Last night, The Backstreet Boys made a mockery of it. I much prefer our anthem being sang/performed the way it should sound. No time to turn into a choir or hit song. You’d think they’d know better.

-Anyone really feel that the Red Sox would’ve scored only a run leaving all those runners on in the late goings if Manny Ramirez is still there batting behind David Ortiz? Try telling that to Mike Lupica.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They are what we thought they were!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I know many of us including myself were pulling for a Red Sox-Dodgers World Series just for the great storylines with Manny facing his former teammates and Joe Torre getting back to the Series after how the Yankees treated him but there’s something cool about a potential Rays-Phillies Series.

Sure. It might not have quite the appeal of Boston vs Los Angeles. But think about it. It would feature two teams which aren’t associated with winning. You have the Phillies who haven’t been to the WS in 15 years when Joe Carter was last seen circling the bases celebrating the only walkoff home run in Series history for the Jays’ repeat. It’s also a city associated with losing with nobody winning since the 1983 76ers. The Flyers lost three Stanley Cups and the Eagles lost in the Super Bowl. Plus the exasperation of Mitch Williams’ implosion during that 1993 Series which led to a six-game defeat with Carter winning it.

Then you got the Rays who before this year were always associated with losing becoming baseball’s laughingstock franchise. They won only 66 games last season giving no indication they could go from worst to first similarly to how the 1991 Twins did when they edged the Braves in another improbably yet riveting Series which went seven and had its own dramatics. Those two teams were last place clubs the year before who turned it around and gave us a memorable conclusion.

Now with both teams up 3-1 in winning positions, the reality could be here of a surprising Tampa Bay-Philadelphia series which probably would be excellent due to each ballclubs’ grit and perseverance. It wouldn’t be the ratings bonanza a Boston-LA series could bring.  But just maybe these are the best two teams and either way we’d see something we hadn’t in a while. A fresh champion.

Ain’t that better than watching the Red Sox win another Series? But their potential downfall ain’t got nothing to do without Manny Ramirez. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone that including a few choice local columnists who keep advising the Mets and Yanks not to go after the best righty slugging hitter in the game. I don’t care about all his baggage and don’t approve of how he got his way out of Massachusetts. However, even at 36 going on 37, he’s still a constant threat at the plate. Nobody’s figured out how to get him out since he became a Dodger. And this postseason, the guy’s been money.

For all the talk that teams shouldn’t commit three or four years to a player who doesn’t always give his best, were they saying that a few years ago when the Mets overcommitted for Pedro? Ramirez has a lot more left and while he might not be as great in say the final year, he can put a team that’s close over the top. Don’t you think Manny would look awfully nice batting cleanup behind David Wright with Carlos Delgado fifth and Carlos Beltran either second or sixth?

Correct me if I’m wrong here. But isn’t it about winning with the Amazin’s cause I’m not sure that’s the case anymore with the Yankee management team? Manny can win you a championship. Just look at the impact he had with a weak hitting Dodger club immediately making young emerging players like James Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp better players. Before he arrived, they were under .500 despite a nice roster and were looking at missing October.

Then the slugger came and carried them with a huge September making up over six games on Arizona to win the NL West going away. With him such a factor, the Cubs never had a prayer despite owning the NL’s best record.

Understand this. For all the risks with an aging player of Manny’s caliber, there’s still no other hitter in baseball you’d want up in a key situation at this time of year. He certainly has done his part for the Dodgers who find themselves a game from elimination due to some mismanaging from Torre and a pen implosion.

Manny’s loose personality has been seen as uncaring and unmotivated. But if that were really the case, he wouldn’t have such a well disciplined approach at the plate taking his hacks. You know he’s either going to walk or hit the ball hard somewhere. It’s that same cool persona which allows him to swing free and easy because the guy doesn’t feel any pressure. He doesn’t care what’s written and is just going to let it hang all out there.

That approach works a lot better than a couple of third base sluggers’ recent track records in this area.

For five innings, it didn’t look like the Phillies would solve Derek Lowe but trailing by a pair in the home sixth, fortunes turned their way when a Rafael Furcal throwing error allowed Shane Victorino to reach leading off. Chase Utley then followed by taking Lowe yard on the next pitch suddenly tying Game One of the NLCS.

Just like that, Joe Torre’s Dodger two-run lead was gone and so was Lowe’s rhythm as a couple of batters later, he fell behind 3-1 on Pat Burrell, who then deposited the next offering into the left field seats much to the sellout crowd’s (45,839) delight.

The three-run two-homer inning were enough to give them first blood in the NLCS as Phillie ace Cole Hamels settled in nicely to go the first seven allowing two earned on six hits while walking a couple and fanning eight to pickup the victory.

It didn’t start well for the southpaw who three batters in fell behind when sizzling left field slugger Manny Ramirez laced the second pitch he saw to the deepest part of the ballpark with only the high wall keeping a rocket from being a two-run home run. Instead, the former Red Sock World Series MVP wound up on second with an RBI double driving in Andre Ethier.

Following a two out James Loney walk and wild pitch, Hamels toughened up getting dangerous center fielder Matt Kemp to fly out harmlessly to right limiting the damage. That was huge for the Phillies psychologically who didn’t fall behind by too much.

With Lowe looking strong, rookie second baseman Blake Dewitt’s fourth inning sacrifice fly gave him a two-run lead to work with. The sinkerball righty responded by retiring the Phils in order K-ing his only two batters of the night. At one point, he retired nine straight keeping the ball down in the zone.

However, momentum’s a funny thing in baseball and it all changed when his shortstop Furcal threw too high to get Victorino in the Phils’ sixth starting the deciding rally. Before you knew it, Lowe had served up two long balls and was out of the game replaced by Chan Ho Park.

With their ace now throwing better, Hamels retired the Dodgers in order getting a couple swinging in his final inning before giving way to the bullpen. Including a pivotal 4-6-3 double play, he retired nine of the last 11 before setup man Ryan Madson replaced him for the eighth.

The setup man got the first two including Ramirez, who had a couple of hits but lined out to third. He then worked around a Russell Martin single by getting Loney to bounce out routinely to second ending the inning.

Following a quiet Phillie eighth versus Hong-Chih Kuo, out came closer Brad Lidge, who didn’t show any anxiety getting the side in order on a couple of fly balls and then made DeWitt chase a pitch in the dirt with catcher Carlos Ruiz tossing perfectly to Ryan Howard for the 2-3 putout. The former Houston closer is now a perfect three-of-three in save opportunities this postseason making him 44-for-44.

Not bad for a guy who seemed to have lost his way following that towering Albert Pujols drive which extended the 2005 NLCS seven before the Astros prevailed.

Most importantly, the solid finish allowed Hamels and the Phillies to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven NLCS with Game Two this afternoon where Brett Myers will oppose Dodger 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. First pitch is 4:35 at Citizen’s Bank Park on Fox as part of a Friday night doubleheader with the defending champion Red Sox and Rays getting underway later tonight.

A couple of quick thoughts on last night’s game:

-Very well pitched game which went quickly taking only two hours and thirty six minutes to play meaning it actually ended before 11 PM here on the East coast. Fan friendly. Imagine that!

-Veteran righty Greg Maddux came out of the Dodger pen tossing a scoreless seventh. Weird to see the former Cy Young future Hall of Famer in that role.

-The Dodgers left nine on base while the Phillies stranded seven.

-Ethier and Ramirez each led Los Angeles with a pair of hits while Philadelphia got multi-hit nights from the trio of Utley, Burrell and Ruiz.

-With his homer, that made it three in his last two games for Burrell who began the postseason 0-for-8 with a balky back before smashing a pair and knocking in four in the Phils’ elimination of Milwaukee. He’s 5-for-7 with three dingers, five RBI’s and three runs since.

-Games 3, 4 and 5 are at Chavez Ravine beginning Sunday night with an extra day off between Games 4 and 5.

-Red Sox will send out 18-game winner Dice-K Matsuzaka to the mound against 14-game Tampa winner James Shields tonight with Josh Beckett opposing Scott Kazmir in Game 2.

Watching the Red Sox show incredible poise despite a strong late challenge from the Angels in pulling out a 3-2 win on rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie’s walkoff base hit to right knocking in a sliding Jason Bay for the ALDS clincher at a pumped up Fenway, it was just the latest example of how clutch this team has become since being down 0-3 to the Yanks in the 2004 ALCS.

Nothing fazes them. Not even unloading one of the truly great hitters of our time in Manny Ramirez for Bay and having the former Pirate who never came close to October fitting right in with a pair of homers and big hits plus a one out ninth inning double off Scot Shields and the winning run last night to setup an all AL East ALCS versus the Rays- who earned their place with a 6-2 Game Four road win at Chicago featuring two homers from B.J. Upton plus two RBI’s from Carlos Pena with much overlooked setup Grant Balfour closing out the White Sox in style getting Ken Griffey, Jr. swinging on some outside cheese.

It should be a great series. However, will Tampa’s inexperience show despite home field against a team that never panics? There they were having dropped a great Game Three in 12 innings four outs away from making the amazing Jon Lester a winner after he did enough to outpitch John Lackey, who again had shoddy D which allowed Boston to cash in their two runs. The unlucky Angel ace did everything to keep his team there though second baseman Howie Kendrick muffed a double play ball having to get Jacoby Ellsbury at first instead allowing the Red Sox to go ahead.

Dustin Pedroia made them pay with a clutch two out RBI double making it 2-0 for his first postseason hit in 19 at bats dating back to last year’s World Series. The second baseman still got the love from the crowd who chanted, “M—V—P, M—V—P, M—V—P!”

Game over? Not exactly cause tho Lester finished strong retiring the last eight, he was done for the night after the seventh having tossed 109 pitches (69 strikes) forcing Terry Francona to opt for Hideki Okajima, who got the first two of the eighth before walking Mark Teixeira on four pitches. Francona didn’t wait bringing in rookie Justin Masterson to face Vlad Guerrero. After getting ahead 0-2, he couldn’t finish off Guerrero, who fouled off pitches before drawing a walk putting the tying runs on base.

Masterson also didn’t get strike three against Torii Hunter instead crossing up Jason Varitek with a wild pitch moving the tying runs into scoring position. The ex-Twin center fielder then delivered an opposite field tying two-run single making it a brand new game.

Suddenly, here was Mike Scioscia’s pesky club refusing to go so quietly like the Cubs did versus Manny’s Dodgers. If they somehow could push across one more run, it looked like they’d sweep the two road games at Fenway which seemed impossible and get that final home game back in Anaheim. There was pinch hitter Kendry Morales coming through with a leadoff double off Masterson to start the ninth. Kendrick then sacrificed pinch runner Reggie Willits over to third. That was all for Masterson as Francona handed the ball to another farmhand Manny Delcarmen to face unlikely Game Three hero Erick Aybar.

It was obvious after Delcarmen missed badly inside twice what the Angels’ strategy would be with Aybar at the plate and the speedy Willits leading off third. I said they’d squeeze trying to get the run in. Sure enough. Delcarmen came with his third pitch and the LA shortstop went to lay it down only he missed entirely leaving his teammate hung up in a rundown. He tried to get back to third ahead of Jason Varitek’s tag and nearly did but the hustling veteran Boston catcher wisely put the ball in his glove and lunged forward applying the tag before the ball fell out of his glove afterwards. Of course, Scioscia came out to debate it but TBS replays showed that he got the tag down and as he fell to the ground, that’s when the ball finally jarred loose making it the right call.

Such is the luck of these Red Sox who never seem to be in trouble or have much go against them anymore. A big part of it is that they’re really that good. They execute at the plate in money situations with an amazing 15 of 18 runs in the series coming with two out. Something that used to be the Yankees MO. Even when a diving Teixeira made the defensive gem of the night robbing ex-Brave teammate Mark Kotsay of a certain one out walkoff extra base hit, they had the Halos right where they wanted them. Here came rookie Lowrie, who knocked in more runs in the second half than any other AL shortstop swinging at Shields’ bread and butter curve which caught too much of the plate allowing him to place it perfectly between the hole into right. Here came Bay around third with Willits charging and coming up throwing but a little too late as Bay slid in safely with teammates piling out of the dugout to celebrate the latest Boston hero.

This is who the Red Sox have become. Sometime shortly after David Ortiz reversed their fortunes forever against the Yankees in a memorable Games Four and Five, they suddenly traded places with the team that’s won the most world championships in baseball history. Only those 26 the Pinstripes won no longer matter and have now turned into a chant from the Fenway supporters mockingly saying, “20—00, 20—00, 20—00″ during the final meaningless regular season series.

As silly as it sounds compared to the old reliable “19—18″ fans in the Bronx used to own like the familiar “Potvin” chant at the Garden, they have every right. Especially when you look at how pathetic the Yanks have been since the biggest choke in sports history.

2005. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Angels/Rally Monkey again this time in 5 games. Same team the Sox own having now taken 11 of 12. Will another first round win mean a third World Series title in five years?

2006. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Tigers including a humiliating performance versus former Yankee stiff Kenny Rogers and a no show in Game Four with ALCS Game Six goat Alex Rodriguez batting eighth. Think Boston fans aren’t counting their blessings these days he never became a member of the Red Sox?

2007. Eliminated in Rd.1 by Indians with help in the form of gnats in Game Two causing Joba Chamberlain to lose focus when it looked like they’d even the series. Stiff Paul Byrd beats them in Game Four at Stadium.

2008. Under new skipper Joe Girardi, who clueless Yankee Mgt. including buffoon Hank SteinWhinebrenner were convinced would make the team play with more enthusiasm than the disrespected Joe Torre, team suffers injuries but quits in August allowing even the Blue Jays to pass them before finally saving their best baseball for too late in what Marv Albert refers to as, “Garbage Time,” missing their first October since 1993.

Yankee October Futility

Record After Game 3 vs Red Sox ALCS 2004: 4-13

Since that point, Boston’s won two World Series sweeping both in dominating fashion. Ironically, they cameback from 3-1 down versus Cleveland in last year’s ALCS drawing on their ‘04 experience eventually reeling off seven straight with a sweep of the Rockies who prior entered a perfect 7-0 versus the Phillies and Diamondbacks. In 2004, they took the last eight finally ending The Curse in St. Louis.

Maybe, it’s now reversed when you see the dissension from Yankee brass not appreciating Torre for what they had continuing to build the wrong way with way too many voices from Tampa including nerd Randy Levine having say.

Just look at the Red Sox. They got a great GM in Theo Epstein, a calm influence in Terry Francona, who’s similar to Torre running the dugout. And a great owner in John Henry who lets his baseball people do their jobs without any circus-like distractions.

It all adds up to a great team who gets it done on the field and doesn’t miss a beat even when they rebuild bringing in the right prospects like Pedroia, Lowrie, Lester, Jonathan Papelpon, Ellsbury, Delcarmen, Masterson along with another MVP candidate Kevin Youkilis. And why are they able make it work? Because they still have an experienced championship caliber core which includes Big Papi, J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell, who tried to play with a torn labrum in his hip before they shut him down. There’s Varitek too who isn’t the hitter he once was but there he was delivering a hit and run single in a two-run inning and making a great defensive play to save his team’s bacon when the series could’ve been in jeopardy.

Even Coco Crisp have been part of the success. There’s Josh Beckett, who when right is the best pitcher you want on the mound in October. Dice-K turned out a lot better than Kei Igawa. Don’t ya think?!?!?!?!?! And then you wonder why everything’s so right in the Red Sox world while the Yanks has suddenly become too confusing for words with only the Mets saving them from real embarrassment.

Does it really matter which big names the Yankees chase in November and December? They’ll never be on par with what Boston has in place. A potential dynasty in the making. If they win the required eight more games this postseason, you have to consider it almost on par with what those Torre clubs did winning four in five years.

You look at how these playoffs have evolved with the Red Sox facing the Rays in one championship series while the Phillies prepare for Torre’s Dodgers for the NL pennant and wonder how the Yankee hierarchy feels knowing three of the four are teams they don’t want to see win it all.

Tell ya something else. It’s not much better for a Met fan having to see Jimmy Rollins take his hacks against the Dodgers knowing full well that the Phillies are the team with real character as they’ve proven the last couple of Septembers. Now, they’re aiming for their first World Series in 15 years.

Speaking of those Phils, which roster would you rather have? Theirs with young established stars like Rollins, probable NL MVP Ryan Howard, Chase Utley along with underrated grinders Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth plus ace Cole Hamels or what the Yankees have with Derek Jeter aging and A-Rod not getting any younger with their one young hitter Robinson Cano becoming a headcase. Then there’s still uncertainty surrounding Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy and the same Yankee-esque indecisiveness on whether Joba should start or relieve. I’m only taking ageless wonder Mariano Rivera over Brad Lidge.

Is this what you want running an organization which once was about winning? Oh. They’re running it alright. Right into the ground with an overpriced new Stadium on deck.

Whatever happens between AL East rivals Boston and Tampa over the next couple of weeks, neither are going anywhere.

So, where does that leave the Yankees? Not exactly where they envisioned.

Say It Ain’t So is one of my favorite songs and I got to see Weezer 10-11 days ago at MSG. And boy does it apply to Lou Piniella’s Cubs who were unceremoniously swept out by Joe Torre’s Dodgers last night ending yet another disappointing October for the lovable Chicago club who plays in the amazing scenery known as Wrigley Field. It’s now a full century of frustration for friends like John “JPG” Giagnorio and Mike Rosen and I really do feel for them.

Their team gave such an awful account of themselves in the three games getting outscored 20-6 while failing to hit in the clutch or field in Game Two or do anything better when they won the most games (97) in the National League- second to only the 100-win Angels who are about to be swept again by the Red Sox unless they figure out a way to solve Josh Beckett later today. Much easier said than done.

I really want to say so much about the Cubs and the lack of energy they displayed really reminding me of the Torre Yanks from a couple of years ago and how uncompetitive they were in those two losses at Detroit.

I’ll have much more on this later.

-Or maybe I should say Day Two since that really is what it is at this juncture. In case anyone missed it, the Red Sox again took care of the Angels coming back to defeat them 4-1 out on the left coast late last night. The big blow came off the bat of Jason Bay, who delivered a sixth inning go-ahead two out two-run home run off losing Angels’ starter John Lackey. The ex-Pirate was the man they got in return for Manny Ramirez. So, it was a great night for both as they each hit homers and helped lead their respective teams to Game One victories.

The Sox added two runs in the ninth off LA setup man Scot Shields with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz adding RBI base hits for the final margin giving the defending world champs home field with Josh Beckett waiting to go in Game Three at Fenway. At worst, the Red Sox come away with a split. Game Two isn’t till tomorrow night with Dice-K taking on Ervin Santana.

Boston’s Jon Lester rewarded Terry Francona with a solid seven frames allowing only a run on six hits while walking one and striking out seven to pickup the win.

-Meanwhile for the Angels, the question becomes can they overcome Boston’s psychological edge which has seen them take 10 straight, matching a major league record for consecutive wins in the postseason over one opponent tying Oakland’s dominance over Boston (1988-03). Ironically, it was in 2003 when the Red Sox overcame an 0-2 deficit winning three straight over the A’s including the deciding game on the road advancing to the first of two memorable ALCS versus the archrival Yankees.

Can the Halos recover psychologically to get back in this series or will they continue not to hit in money situations stranding 14 Wednesday. They need Santana to deliver tomorrow but must deliver big hits as well to take pressure off. We’ll see what Mike Scioscia’s ballclub is made of

-The Rays got off to a good start today in their first ever postseason in the franchise’s 11-year history posting a 6-4 Game One home win over the White Sox. The big story was rookie third baseman Evan Longoria, who hit homers in his first two at bats off losing Chicago starter Javier Vazquez. With the game scoreless, he started the second inning by taking Vazquez’ first offering deep to left center for his first career postseason dinger.

The White Sox responded thanks to Dewayne Wise’s three-run homer off Tampa starter James Shields in the third to go ahead 3-1. However, the pesky Rays came right back with three in the bottom frame thanks to Akinori Iwamura’s run scoring triple, replacement first baseman Willy Aybar’s sac fly (came in for Carlos Pena who left with eye injury) and then Longoria drilled a two out solo shot for his second homer in two at bats allowing the Rays to reclaim a 4-3 lead.

The former 2006 No.3 overall pick’s big day wasn’t done. With two runners on, he drove home his third run of the day with an RBI single plating B.J. Upton increasing the lead to 5-3. Carl Crawford singled home Aybar making it a three-run lead. What a brilliant start to Longoria’s playoff career!

Shields, who settled down after Wise’s homer ran into trouble in the seventh walking a couple to load the bases with one out forcing Joe Maddon to go to his pen calling on hard thrower Grant Balfour to get out of it. It proved to be a great move as Balfour dialed up his mid-90’s heater striking out an overmatched Juan Uribe and Orlando Cabrera with the latter allowing the reliever to get extra pumped up due to the White Sox shortstop’s foolish kicking of the dirt after ball one as the two exchanged heated words. Balfour responded by getting him swinging and telling him to take a seat. Good to see such intensity under big circumstances. Though we’re still not sure what provoked it. But it made for entertaining playoff baseball like you’ve seen in Major League I and II.

With veteran closer Troy Percival unavailable for this round, the Rays got a 1-2-3 eighth and two K’s from J.P. Howell and then veteran Dan Wheeler worked around a leadoff Paul Konerko solo blast retiring the next three for the save in their 6-4 win.

The Rays aim to go up 2-0 sending Scott Kazmir against Mark Buehrle in a battle of lefties tomorrow.

-In the second game today, so far it’s been mostly Phillies as they used a Shane Victorino two out second inning grand slam following a Pedro Feliz RBI double to score all five of their runs off Milwaukee ace C.C. Sabathia, who’s shown some exhaustion in his fourth consecutive start on three days rest. Staked to a one-run lead on a J.J. Hardy RBI walk off Philly starter Brett Myers, the potential NL Cy Young ran into trouble having a loss of control with two outs in the second. With a run already in on Feliz’ two-bagger, he lost Myers walking him and then walked Jimmy Rollins on four straight pitches loading them up for scrappy center fielder Victorino. I could tell he was in trouble and when he fell behind, I told buddy Brian Sanborn I felt a bases clearing triple coming. With the count 2-1, Victorino did one better drilling the next pitch over the left field wall for a huge grand slam suddenly making it a five-run inning to put the Phils in control up 5-1.

That’s where they still are after a scoreless fourth from Myers, who settled down after loading the bases early walking in one before getting Corey Hart to chase grounding into a 1-2-3 inning ending twin killing.

Entering the fourth, Sabathia’s thrown 72 pitches. We’ll see if he can keep the deficit at four and give his team a chance.

-In other MLB news, no surprise as both Brian Cashman and Omar Minaya were renewed by the Yanks and Mets respectively a day apart. Yesterday, Cashman re-signed for three years, six million and today, Minaya got his much rumored four-year extension through 2012 that includes options for 2013 and 2014.

After seeing his team miss on the final day of the regular season against the Marlins at home a second straight year blowing another division lead with 17 left, Minaya’s being given yet another opportunity to make fans forget this mess and improve the team enough to finally get back to October and compete for a World Series.

Ditto for Cashman, who saw the Yanks miss the postseason entirely for the first time in 15 years with him passing on Johan Santana, who performed very well in his first season at Shea even overcoming a torn cartilage in his left knee to toss one of the best games in Met history- shutting out Florida on three hits while fanning nine on the second last game of the season giving his team a chance. The 29 year-old veteran southpaw underwent successful knee surgery yesterday and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. He finished 16-7 with an NL best 2.53 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 234 and a third- eclipsing 200 K’s for a fifth straight time.

A quote from Mets owner Jeff Wilpon pretty much applies not just to his team’s situation but to Cashman’s as well as he attempts to restore order in the Bronx moving forward in what promises to be a busy offseason for both NY teams:

“Hopefully, the fans understand that as owners, we’re here as the voice of the fans, and we’re asking all these questions. And after some intense review this offseason, we’re going to find out why we fell short the last two seasons. And it’s up to Omar and his staff to correct that. But we are asking those tough questions.”

-The Phils have them loaded again with a gassed Sabathia coming out. We’ll update what happens later.

-Don’t forget a must win for the Cubs who send Carlos Zambrano to the hill tonight against Dodger 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. Sweet Lou’s club needs a win for their psyche.

-The baseball playoffs kickoff today with three of the four Division Series starting up with the Phillies hosting the Brewers, the defending champion Red Sox visiting the Angels and the Cubs taking on the Dodgers.

Last night, the White Sox became the eighth and final participant thanks to splendid pitching from John Danks, who limited the Twins to two hits over eight shutout frames en route to a 1-0 win in their one-game playoff last night in the Windy City to clinch the AL Central. Jim Thome’s 34th home run of the season off Minnesota starter Nick Blackburn which ledoff the seventh was the difference in a game that saw both teams combine for a run on seven hits.

The White Sox got a big defensive play by veteran center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. who with the game scoreless tossed out Michael Cuddyer at the plate on a short fly to complete a 9-2 inning ending double play. The much likable future Hall Of Famer deflected attention paying homage to veteran backstop A.J. Pierzynski for catching the ball and in one motion applying the tag on a throw which he caught on the third base side of the plate:

“That play, all I had to do was make a good throw. The credit is all A.J. I put a two-hopper in there and he was able to get it and block the plate. That’s the key there. He put his body on the line for us.”

“He did a heck of a job,” Thome added of Griffey, who’s making his first postseason appearance since 1997 with Seattle. “I’m so happy for him, too.”

Closer Bobby Jenks came on to work a perfect ninth for his 30th save.

For the Twins, who dealt away ace Johan Santana for a four-player package which included speedy center fielder Carlos Gomez, it was a disappointing conclusion to what was a good year where they came oh so close to still making October.

“You never want to put 162 games all into one game, but that’s what ended up happening,” Twins first base slugger Justin Morneau lamented despite a great second half finishing one RBI shy of AL leader Josh Hamilton. “It’s going to hurt for a while and it’s going to be a long night for sure.”

Even in not the most productive lineup, the 27 year-old former 2006 AL MVP had a terrific season finishing at .300 with 23 dingers and 129 RBI’s- one shy of his career best two years ago. Morneau’s proven himself as one of the best young sluggers in the game and along with great hitting catcher and teammate Joe Mauer, whose .328 mark was good enough for the batting title should continue to lead Minnesota forward into their new stadium.

Ron Gardenhire did another tremendous job and should merit some AL Manager of The Year consideration though ultimately, Tampa’s Joe Maddon will justifiably take it home. One of these years, it’s all going to come together for the Twins which is a credit to Gardenhire and his staff.

-In assessing the four series, here’s who I like:

A.Cubs vs Dodgers- LA matches up well despite getting in via the most pathetic division. Their potent lineup has vastly improved since Manny Ramirez came over strengthening teammates James Loney, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. The key will be for Cubs pitchers to keep the guys in front of Manny off base so he can’t do much damage. Lou Piniella won’t let him beat them. So, it will be up to Manny’s teammates to come through.

The Cubs have a balanced attack with Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Mark DeRosa and certain NL ROY Geovany Soto. The pitching is about even with the red hot Derek Lowe taking on Ryan Dempster, who went 14-3 at Wrigley Field this year. Chad Billingsley faces Carlos Zambrano in Game 2 with Rich Harden battling Hiroki Kuroda in Game 3 and Greg Maddux getting the ball against Ted Lilly for Game 4. If it goes five, Lowe and Dempster would face off again.

The pens are about even with Chicago using the trio of rookie Jeff Samardzjia, setup man Carlos Marmol and closer Kerry Wood to shut the door. Rookie Cory Wade sets up while either Jonathan Broxton or Takashi Saito closes depending on Joe Torre.

The Cubs should have an edge in experience which could be huge at the plate if some of the younger Dodgers aren’t patient. This shapes up to be a good series but there’s too much at stake for the Cubs here.

Series Prediction: Cubs in 5

B.Phillies vs Brewers- Last year, the Phillies had a remarkable run to their first division title in 14 years stunning the Mets. The euphoria from that comeback was too much as the Rockies swept them. This October should be different because of last year’s experience. The goal wasn’t just to get there again but to win. This time, the Brewers are playing that role after winning five of six to slip past the Mets for the wild card clinching their first playoff berth since 1982 when they were in the AL East.

With C.C. Sabathia unable to pitch until tomorrow, that should be an edge for the Phils who even seem to have an advantage in starters with ace Cole Hamels dominating today’s first game fanning nine in eight innings. Not surprisingly in just his fourth outing this season, Yovani Gallardo struggled allowing a three-run third with Chase Utley’s two-run double and Shane Victorino’s bases loaded walk the difference. With Ben Sheets out for this round, the pressure falls on Sabathia who again will go on short rest against Brett Myers tomorrow. Jamie Moyer faces Jeff Suppan in Game 3 and Hamels returns for Game 4 against Dave Bush. If it goes five, it would be Myers against Sabathia with all bets off.

It’s hard not to like the Phils in this series due to a lethal attack of Utley, possible NL MVP Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins along with underrated contributors Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino. They should hit. Taking nothing away from Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart but this just isn’t their time.

Philly’s pen is also stronger with Scott Eyre and J.C. Romero setting up closer Brad Lidge, who took NL Comeback Player of The Year by going 41-of-41 in save opportunities. It’ll still be interesting to see how the ex-Astro fares in October with memories of Albert Pujols taking him yard. He didn’t look great today giving up a run while putting the tying runs in scoring position before K-ing Hart to save it for Hamels. The Brewers rely on Guillermo Mota to setup closer Salomon Torres who was very shaky in September. It might be wise to use Todd Coffey and Mark DiFelice more. Starter Manny Parra also is available.

All signs point to the Phillies. They have a better offense, more pitching, a solid bench and valuable experience.

Series Prediction: Phillies in 4

C.Angels vs Red Sox- This is the hardest match-up to call as it pits the experienced defending champion Red Sox against baseball’s best team during the regular season, the Angels who hit the century mark in wins.

For Mike Scioscia’s club, the pressure is on to get the monkey off their back versus a team that’s historically owned them in October. Dating back to 1986 when they rallied from 3-1 down to advance to the World Series, Boston’s won nine straight postseason games against the Halos. Something’s gotta give.

Their lineup is improved with first base slugger Mark Teixeira added to a middle of the order featuring vets Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero trying to get in table setters Chone Figgins and Garret Anderson. They better hit because even post-Manny, a Red Sox lineup that includes MVP candidates Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis along with always dangerous slugger David Ortiz will. They also got good news as J.D. Drew pronounced himself ready to go if needed for tonight’s first game. Mike Lowell probably should be back too. Toss in deadline pickup Jason Bay and speedy rookie center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and Boston’s loaded.

The pitching match-ups are intriguing with John Lackey facing Jon Lester tonight, Dice-K versus Ervin Santana Friday and Joe Saunders taking on Josh Beckett in Game Three. Lackey and Lester will also go in Game 4 and ditto for Daisuke Matsuzaka and Santana if it goes the distance. Both teams possess good starters but I’ll give a slight edge to the Red Sox trio.

The Angels will have an edge in the pen with Scot Shields setting up record setting closer Francisco Rodriguez (62 saves). Rookie Jose Arredondo and Darren Oliver also are frequent contributors. Terry Francona will rely heavily on the duo of Hideki Okajima and closer Jonathan Papelbon, who was up and down in the final month due to coming in a few games in the eighth. He might be gassed. Manny Delcarmen and Javier Lopez should also be called upon out of the pen along with promising rookie Justin Masterson.

This series could depend on if the Angels hit. They never have had much success against Boston. Either way, it shapes up as a five-game series.

Series Prediction: Red Sox in 5

D.Rays vs White Sox- You have the new kids on the block against a very experienced bunch who have been here before. If the AL East winning Rays aren’t fazed by their first ever October, they should have enough to get through the White Sox.

Joe Maddon’s scrappy bunch pitch better and find ways to win games despite only two consistent power threats in certain AL ROY Evan Longoria and 101 RBI man Carlos Pena. The good news is that Carl Crawford is back which should give the lineup a boost. Speedy center fielder B.J. Upton (67 SB) and backstop Dioner Navarro also are part of the mix. Veterans Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske provide leadership. Hinske usually comes off the bench as does utility specialist Willy Aybar.

The White Sox will have a huge power advantage with veterans Ken Griffey, Jr., Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Nick Swisher all threats to go deep. Toss in talented rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez (21 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB) and Ozzie Guillen’s club has plenty of offense. A.J. Pierzynski might be universally hated but can get the job done. Just imagine if they had first base slugger Carlos Quentin.

The question is are the White Sox too reliant on the home run? The Rays boast a good pitching staff with 14-game winner James Shields matching up against Javier Vazquez in Games 1 and 5. Scott Kazmir goes against Mark Buehrle in a battle of southpaws for Game 2. Game 3 pits Matt Garza against Gavin Floyd in what promises to be a good match-up between young hurlers. Andy Sonnanstine gets the ball in Game 4 versus White Sox hero John Danks.

The White Sox pen is basically Octavio Dotel handing off to closer Bobby Jenks. Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink also contribute. Tampa has a distinct edge with the trio of Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell and veteran sidearmer Chad Bradford setting up for veteran closer Troy Percival. There’s also Dan Wheeler who saved 13 while Percival was out. Plus lefty Trever Miller. If a starter gets into trouble, Maddon can also bring in former 2007 first overall pick David Price, who was very sharp after being recalled posting a 1.93 ERA fanning 12 in 14 innings with opponents hitting just .176.

If a game is tight late, you have to like the Rays.

Series Prediction: Rays in 4

Here are the rest of my October picks:

ALCS: Red Sox over Rays in 6

NLCS: Cubs over Phillies in 5

World Series: Cubs over Red Sox in 7

WS MVP: Aramis Ramirez, Cubs

-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.