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.

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.

-It didn’t take long for the Dodgers to silence Wrigley smashing three homers in a come from behind 7-2 Game One win earlier tonight. Given a two-run lead on Mark DeRosa’s two-run job, Ryan Dempster didn’t come close to duplicating his home success which saw him go 14-3 during the regular season. Instead, a brutal loss of control saw the former Cub closer walk a season high seven including loading the bases in the fateful fifth. He needed just one more out though to escape but couldn’t get James Loney, who barely stayed alive just getting a piece of a splitter.

Unfortunately for Cub fans, TBS analyst Ron Darling was right on the money indicating that continuing to rely on the splitter could result in a pitch being up which was eventually what happened allowing Loney to get his bat around on one for a go-ahead grand slam to dead center. A couple of innings prior, a pair of walks and a single had seen Dempster escape by fanning Andre Ethier. But he lost the plate against him and Loney made him pay the price. If you continue putting batters on, it’s usually a recipe for disaster.

The Cubs didn’t do much with Derek Lowe, who settled in nicely working six solid innings of two-run ball scattering seven hits while issuing just one walk and K-ing six including an overmatched Alfonso Soriano twice to boos. Soriano continued to struggle in the postseason turning in an 0-for-5 performance leaving three on which won’t get it done this series. They need him to get on base and wreak havoc.

Meanwhile, Manny Ramirez did as expected finishing with a pair of hits, a walk and a solo blast to left center golfing a Sean Marshall offering 20 rows up. Casey Blake added an eighth inning RBI single and Dodger catcher Russell Martin went yard in the ninth to close the scoring.

Joe Torre’s pen tossed three scoreless closing it out to take a 1-0 series lead putting the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Cubs Game 2 starter Carlos Zambrano, who will be battling 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. They desperately need a big performance from Big Z. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge.

-In the third and final opening game of the night, the Red Sox and Angels are scoreless in the second with Jon Lester taking on John Lackey. Can the Halos finally get a win over Boston in October. We’ll have a better answer by the end of the night.

-I realize Brad Lidge escaped by the hair on his chinny chin chin notching the save stranding the tying runners in scoring position but would it have killed Charlie Manuel to stick with his ace Cole Hamels, who dominated the first eight innings against the Brewers permitting two hits and fanning nine on 101 pitches? What’s wrong with allowing a big starter to finish what they started?

-WFAN’s Chris Carlin says the Yankees rewarding Brian Cashman with three more years aren’t about winning World Series anymore and how can we argue given the Yankee GM’s recent track record. Until proven otherwise, the Yanks are heading the wrong way with Boston, Tampa and maybe even Toronto making the AL East baseball’s toughest division.

-There’s been a lot of discussion about this but if the Mets trade either pair of 25 year-old stars David Wright or Jose Reyes, they’ve lost their minds as much as some of their fans along with Mr. Know It All Mike Francesa.

-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.

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

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

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

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

Precisely why managing by the book is vastly overrated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lately, I just haven’t felt like writing about sports. I’ve stopped covering games and just don’t have the passion to write about what everyone knows. The Yanks suck and have zero heart while the Mets are the polar opposite and resilient as ever evidenced by last night’s eighth inning comeback over the Phillies. Kudos to them as they haven’t played like dead men walking as opposed to what’s taken place in the Bronx in what will be a very quiet and sad chapter closing the only Yankee Stadium.
One of these days, I’ll get motivated again and give everything and more. I just don’t want to half ass it. For now, another lyrical writeup waxing poetic which is how it’s gone lately.

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

-Maybe it hasn’t been echoed before but there really is a huge difference between how the Yankees and Mets go about their business on the field.  In the past, the Yanks were always looked up to as the model franchise doing things the right way and having success on the field making the postseason 13 straight years. It was during last year that we saw the Queens club come apart at the seams in colossal fashion losing the division to the Phillies with key players not performing up to capabilities leading to heavy criticism.

Fast forward a year later and it’s the Mets who are now the primary example of what the Yanks used to be not making excuses after a poor first three months along with injuries. Instead, under new manager Jerry Manuel, they have fought back from seven down and are playing a crisp brand of ball continuing to lead the Phils by a game and a half after rallying for five runs with five outs to go in a 7-4 win over the Braves at Shea last night. Carlos Delgado delivered the big hit with a go-ahead two-run double followed by a Damion Easley two-run hit and then a Ramon Castro base knock as they maintained their lead in the NL East.

Even if Jose Reyes’ celebrations can be a little over the top in the dugout, when’s the last time you saw that sort of fire from the Bronx club? One New York ballclub has heart and edge while the other lacks it which once again rared its ugly head last night in a crushing 2-1 loss in Toronto. This time, Joe Girardi’s Yankees couldn’t support Darrell Rasner, who pitched splendidly matching Yankee killer A.J. Burnett, who as usual had the Yankee lineup baffled due to his blazing heater and wicked curve which froze batters all night to the tune of a season high 13 strikeouts. The ex-Marlin also tossed a season best 120 pitches but never looked worn down in winning his 16th thanks to the Jays pushing across a run in the home eighth on a two out Marco Scutaro gift run scoring two-base hit which center fielder Johnny Damon couldn’t haul in for the final out letting it go off his glove near the wall allowing the run to come in from first. It was Damon’s second bugaboo of the night as he also dropped a routine deep fly in the first putting runners in scoring position with one out but Rasner pitched around it.

You have to question why Girardi chose to keep Damon in center that late in a game which was tied an inning prior on Rasner’s only mistake resulting in an Adam Lind tying blast to right. Especially with Melky Cabrera down with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Still, the first-year Yankee skipper had two defensive choices at his disposal in Brett Gardner and Justin Christian but opted not to make a defensive change. It was Hideki Matsui’s first game back. He DH’d and hit seventh taking the collar in three at bats with a strikeout. Xavier Nady was in left and it forced Damon to center where he’s not as fleet of foot since his injury crashing into a wall.

Every move or non-decision Girardi makes in which his team falls short will continue to be magnified here in NYC. He just hasn’t had the magic touch. Say what you will about all the injuries to the rotation along with the disappointments of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy but he still had enough in his arsenal to do a better job. You just don’t get that vibe from this veteran-laden club. The middle of the order continues to fail in big spots with A-Rod and Jason Giambi striking out while leaving Bobby Abreu at second after he ledoff the fourth with his second double of the night. It was the No.3 hitter who back in the first on a hit and run drove a Burnett high outside fastball down the left field line for the Yanks’ only run. Then with him on second and one out, Alex Rodriguez was frozen on a curve and Giambi was overmatched on a 2-2 heater.

Speaking of which, how in the world does Girardi get away without explaining why he continued to hit that dynamic dud 4-5 when they rarely deliver big hits with runners on base? If they’re both stinking it up in those spots, isn’t it time to make a lineup change and perhaps move up Xavier Nady, who has torn the cover off the ball since coming over from the Pirates? Sometimes, you wonder if the bulb will go off in Girardi’s head. Just amazing.

As for A-Rod getting nailed trying to get the extra base on a perfect defensive play by Lyle Overbay to start the ninth, what can ya do? Initially, I yelled probably just like every other Yankee fan. But really, it was the right play on what was a dunker just over the first baseman’s head and rolling to the wall before Overbay dove and then in one motion made a perfect throw to get Rodriguez. Chalk it up to just bad luck which sums things up. Not surprisingly, the Yanks went out with a whimper as B.J. Ryan K’d Giambi and then got Nady to harmlessly fly out to right putting them six and a half behind the Red Sox, who got Kevin Youkilis’ 24th dinger in a 7-2 win over the Orioles extending their lead.

The Twins also won and remained a game behind both Boston and the White Sox. And the Rays won again despite not having certain AL Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford rallying for three to get past the Angels for a second straight day. Want to know why? Cause they got plenty of heart.

Sadly, the Yanks have morphed into a bunch of Tinmen. A word I once used to describe Peyton Manning before he stood up and rallied the Colts past the Patriots and then won a Super Bowl MVP. That’s how a once proud franchise rich in history and tradition looks like it will bow out in the final season at the House That Ruth Built. They now trail Tampa by 11. And really, what’s the point of even tracking it? They’re deader than the people who were on The Titanic.

Ya know what also gets me. How a Girardi managed team could be so unclutch despite what’s supposed to be a tougher manager. You would’ve thought he’d lace into them and they’d snap out of it. But that’s never been the case. Apparently, all they had was that strong second half start where they even got within three of the Rays making us believe they could again turn it on and make a 14th straight October. But that was all. Even if you point to Joba Chamberlain on the DL, the Yanks have gotten plenty from retread Sidney Ponson and even Rasner gave them every opportunity to win last night. But again, the offense came up small which has been the broken record all season.

When they write the obituary for this team, it should mention how an offense led by a three-time MVP fizzled and not talk much about a banged up staff which for the most part kept them in games. Whoever would’ve believed it? Not even the biggest Yankee hater.

-Whatever happened to Pudge Rodriguez putting the Yankees over the top?!?!?!?!?!?! They should’ve just kept Kyle Farnsworth. Guess the message never got through that Pudge is done as a productive player now that he’s off the juice.

-I’ve seen more intensity from Brett Favre in his press conferences with the Jets than the Yankees.

-Considering how shaky their pen remains without closer Billy Wagner, perhaps the Mets should dial up 1986 hero Jesse Orosco.

-It was nice to see the USA gymnastics tandem of Shawn Johnson and all-around champion Nastia Liukin finish 1-2 in the final competition on the balance beam. Both were terrific as usual and for once, the scoring was about right with the 16 year-old Johnson taking home her first ever Olympic gold while Liukin added another silver to an impressive list making it five total medals. Congrats to both!

-Speaking of Liukin, we came across an interesting piece featuring former NFL star corner Deion Sanders swinging by her family house in Texas to follow a day in the life of her Olympic training which included two gym workouts over three hours between four half hour sessions at school. Talk about dedication. Definitely worth the watch.

-Whoever thought it was a novel idea to roast Bob Saget and why? The man’s never been funny even if he did star on Full House with Dave Coulier and John Stamos. It’s also just a tad weird for them to be cracking jokes about the Olsen twins all these years later. Still, if they’re roasting the guy who hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos and is just very dull, then you know it’s completely gone to Hell in Hollywood.

-I’m not a big NFL preseason guy but that was quite a first half performance by Domenik Hixon the other night in Big Blue’s 37-34 home win over the Browns. Speaking of which, should Cleveland be concerned when former Heisman candidate Ken Dorsey is outperforming Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn?!?!?!?!?!?! Just saying.

-I have to admit that it’s still a little odd seeing Roger Federer’s name as the No.2 seed at the upcoming U.S. Open while Rafa Nadal assumes No.1. And when you see a No.8 next to former 2003 champ Andy Roddick, this isn’t quite how you pictured it five years later.

-I like how those quirky NBC announcers stole my Usain “Lightning” Bolt nickname before the 200 M semi-heat. It’s my opinion that this time, he could be pushed by defending Olympic champion Shawn Crawford and Churandy Martina in the final. We’ll just have to anxiously wait and see later today.

-I like Method Man but what the heck’s he doing on a SC set for a stupid fantasy football draft discussion? Talk about a wasted segment. Click.

-If you haven’t caught Little Children, see it.

-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