Mets fans aren’t the only ones who are upset with the club’s up and down play. Yesterday, the Mets were pounded by the Pirates 13-1 at Shea. Closer Billy Wagner spent a good chunk of yesterday’s postgame railing that the team has to do better -especially the pitching staff.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF WAGNER CALLING OUT HIS TEAMMATES

As a Mets fan, I’m glad that someone is stepping front and center to challenge the team. Yes, it is one game (as we pointed out yesterday), but Wagner is in the clubhouse every day. He DOES see things that we media hounds aren’t privy to. He was there during the team’s collapse last season-matter of fact, he was a big part of the Mets’ tumble to the finish. But at least he’s aware that this club can’t go through another malaise like they did last year.

If you look back at 2006, the Mets rallied early and often. Since the end of last season and so far this year, you NEVER feel the team come back once down a few runs. Sure, the Mets were down 7-zip early. But to get two-hit by Tom Gorzelanny and a couple of relievers is appalling. I’m sure if Wagner had seen my entry yesterday, he would have disagreed. Upon further review, a little hustle against the Bucs would have been nice considering they’ll see Owings, Webb and Haren (against Santana) this weekend in Arizona. Do you want to head to L-A Monday losers of three straight?

Just when we thought the Yankees were trying to pull a fast one with a phony strained oblique story, word tonight that Phil Hughes has a stress fracture in his ribs and could be out till at least July. So much for the Yanks being extra secretive.

This certainly throws a fly in the ointment. Who takes Hughes’ place? For the near future, righty Darrell Rasner was called up from Scranton Wilkes-Barre. It seems like the team will most definitely have to look for pitching help. It’s a tough setback for Hughes, no doubt his confidence shaken after a poor 0-4 start-and the Yanks, who at best wanted the kid to get a break. Just not the kind that has him out for up to two months.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON HUGHES' INJURY

A programming (and Tivo-ing) note! The Mets and Diamondbacks finish their three game series Sunday-RIGHT HERE ON THE CW-11! Johan Santana is scheduled to go for the Mets. Game time is 4:00 pm.

Let’s see: I can tape the Rangers and watch the Mets OR tape the Mets and watch the Rangers. Wait…can’t forget the Yankees. I’ll have to tape 2 at once. Oh well, I’ll figure it out.

The 134th running of the Kentucky Derby is tomorrow in Louisville. It’s a wide open field. As of this writing, Big Brown is the favorite. But asking a horse to win from Gate 20 is like asking me to climb Mount Everest. The last (and only) time its happened was in 1929 with Clyde Van Husen. I have to admit, this fact makes me a little nervous. No, I don’t think Big Brown will win. I’ll go with Colonel John, who could be the favorite at post time Saturday.

BUT: 1929 was also the year of the stock market crash that set off the Great Depression. With our economy heading to the tank (at least if you believe the media) maybe we all should band together to keep Big Brown from racing. It’s probably too late though. Even if say, Bob Costas joined in, there’s not enough time to warn the masses. =)

A national network reported the other day that the nation’s economy was growing but at an alarmingly slow rate. Isn’t growth still good? I mean. Shaq didn’t go from 3’6” to 7’2” overnight! Sometimes I think we’re so used to bad news, we WANT it to be true!

Oh well, as my friend Chris knows, there’s no such thing as jinxes. But just to be safe, my picks:

Win: Colonel John
Place: Gayego
Show: Tale of Ekati

My picks aren’t done with the same precision as our late WPIX sportscaster Jerry Girard used to employ, but he would be pleased.

Besides, the nice thing about the Derby-everybody’s got a pick, so everybody’s got a chance. I never expected to actually win with Charismatic in 1999 -but remembering Jerry’s reaction is still a fond memory to this day.

Die hard Rangers fans like Tim from Northport can breathe -at least until about Sunday at 5:30 pm. The Rangers have survived another day after winning Game 4 of their playoff series with the Penguins last night at MSG. The Blueshirts shutout the Pens 3-0. Two players come to mind:

Jaromir Jagr: Remember when fans were booing the 36 year old captain. Not now. Jagr has been inspired throughout the playoffs. He’s clearly thinking this could be the end of his NHL career. How SCARY was it when Jagr was blasted by Orpik after his first goal last night? Lose “Mario, Jr.” (Yes, you can get that from “Jaromir”) and any shot the Rangers had in the series is done. Obviously, Jagr is not the player he once was. But, he still gets double teamed a lot and can make the players around him better. To see him bickering with Crosby and encouraging other Rangers was a sight to behold.

Memo to GM Sather: Re-sign Jagr. He’s proven he can still be a force. It looks like he has no problem thinking of himself as a supplemental player who explodes in spots rather than just be “THE MAN” all the time. That can prove very useful to the youngsters the Rangers have on the team.

On a MUCH happier note: With A-Rod on the D-L, I have a suggestion for a potential new third baseman in the Bronx. None other than my friend Rachel, who Sunday went 2-2 with two walks and some stellar play at the hot corner and behind the plate. Plus, the Yanks (or Mets really, that’s who Daddy Rob would want to see his little girl play for) can get her at much below a $25 million, a year salary. All negotiations to be handled by Mom Theresa. The Yanks can call me at anytime -or start sending scouts to second and third grade softball games. =)

There I was with friends Saturday, watching Big Brown pull away to win. I’m thinking, ‘OK, my pick (Colonel John) didn’t win - AGAIN - but winner Big Brown has some good local story angles.

Sadly, those local sidebars will have to wait. The racing community is still reeling from the death of filly Eight Belles, who finished second. The horse collapsed shortly after finishing the race. She broke her two front ankles and was put down on the track.

Almost immediately since, there’s been calls for racing to be banned, age limits on horses. (both by PETA) and increasing safety methods, such as the new synthetic racing surfaces to keep the horses safe.

No matter what side of the fence you sit on here, SOMETHING has to be done. In each of the last 4 years, a horse as been injured and euthanized (counting Barbaro in 2006 -he survived eight months after being injured at the Preakness stakes) at one of horse racing’s premier events -the Breeder’s Cup or one of the Triple Crown events.

READ MORE AND HEAR FROM EIGHT BELLES' TRAINER AFTER THE JUMP...

I’m not sure they’ve finished scraping Chris Drury’s blood off the ice in Pittsburgh just yet. The Rangers though, are done for the year, and get a whole summer to think about ways to get the club past the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Let’s face it -the refs REALLY missed one yesterday. How they didn’t call a penalty on Ryan Malone for sticking Drury may remain as mysterious as who REALLY killed JFK. But it wouldn’t have mattered. The Rangers were beaten by a better Penguins hockey team, and now go into an off-season filled with questions, mostly the ‘Will he be back?’, variety of queries.

We start with captain Jaromir Jagr. He played inspired hockey through the last 7-8 weeks of the season. He’s 36, clearly not the star he once was. But (yesterday’s VERY quiet game notwithstanding) he was the best Ranger on the ice during the postseason. He still wants to play. GM Glenn Sather needs to sit down with Jagr ASAP. I know the free agent signing period starts July 1st, but the Blueshirts at least have that advantage of knowing Jagr and having access to him. Get it done soon.

The same goes for Steve Avery. Once his lacerated spleen heals and you know he’s OK, get him back in the fold. Others who may have played their last games at Garden ice: Shanahan, Roszival, Straka. The Rangers’ hierarchy has to get more physical players and improve the power play-their forwards don’t frighten anyone.

But there is plenty of youth, plus Gomez, Drury and Henrik Lundqvist to provide leadership. There is hope for the future.

VIDEO AND MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON THE RANGERS

Mets manager Willie Randolph and center fielder Carlos “I’m making 119 million bucks while hitting .210” Beltran just don’t get it. Seems Willie and his high priced outfielder feel a bit more at ease on the road than at Shea Stadium. I’m sure Fred Wilpon LOVES hearing that with a new Citi Field in sight next season. Oh well. At least they’ll be about 12 thousand fewer fans to boo than at Shea -while the ticket prices will be high enough to make up for the lost seats.

Willie feels “the team has moved on” after last year’s disastrous collapse, and “we’re just trying to win ballgames.” Beltran, ever the sage philosopher, told reporters, “People remember how you finished much more than how you started.” Really, Carlos? So, in YOUR mind, you’d understand how fans-rightly or wrongly-still cringe at the thought of going 5-12 to finish 2007 and miss the playoffs. With that logic, don’t mind me as I watch Ollie Perez have another mental meltdown in the first inning of last night’s loss to the Dodgers. After all. that’s my latest point of reference. Turns out I may not need a new haircut after all.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the passing of the Title IX amendment -the Education Amendment to the Civil Rights Act. The amendment states that no discrimination exist for those seeking opportunities in education. The most “public face” of Title IX is in athletics. Basically, girls and young women in high school and college must have access to sports programs as their male counterparts.

One of the most vocal leaders in the pursuit of equality is tennis Hall of Famer Billie Jean King. She spoke with our Sal Marchiano about Title IX’s importance and continuing impact.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO...

I know many guys (and girls) whose idea of ‘getting away’ is going to the mountains, hiking, maybe walking a beach. But if you’re REALLY into sports, New York City now has a facility that will hold it’s own with Cooperstown or Canton.

The Sports Museum of America opens May 7th at 26 Broadway, at the corner of Broadway and Beaver Streets. The museum is dedicated to ALL sports, not just the 4 majors. They’ll be interactive videos and displays, as well as treasured sports memorabilia. Want to see what it’s like to be an NHL goalie or face a 100 mph fastball-you can do that here. If you want to see video of some of the greatest moments in sports, you can do that to.

There is a poignant New York story behind the museum. Founder Phillip Schwalb’s vision for such a facility first came to him in September, 2001. But 9/11 changed his-and all our lives. Schwalb didn’t give up, and the museum is now here for all to see. “SMA” is literally across the street from the Statue of Liberty and a quick walk to the 9/11 Memorial Site currently under construction.

For more on the brand new Sports Museum of America, click here.

Forget the Democratic election race, the BIG story: A Mets pitcher actually saw the 9th inning today! I was starting to think I’d never see it happen again. Manager Willie Randolph has clearly drank a lot of the Tony LaRussa Kool Aid: There’s no reason for your starter to pitch a complete game. John Maine went a strong 8 and a thirds today-only one run-before Randolph yanked him from a 12-1 win over the Dodgers. Keep in mind, Willie pulled Maine after seven and two thirds no hit ball the final Saturday of the 2007 season. At least the bullpen wasn’t overly stretched. Duaner Sanchez threw exactly seven pitches. Maine, NOT high priced lefty Johan Santana, has the longest outing by a Mets starter this season. Maine, a career .082 hitter, knocked in two runs with his first hit of the season.

Finally, the rest of the offense showed up, pounding out 13 hits. Thank the Lord for Ryan Church, who delivered a special Thursday sermon:3-4, another homer. Church is the Mets’ MVP thus far. The Mets, who Willie Randolph claims are more comfortable playing on the road, finish 3-3 (avoid being swept in Hollywood) on a Western swing, and return home Friday to face the Reds.

So Joba Chamberlain is human just like the rest of us. But the radio talk shows were buzzing almost as soon as David Dellucci’s three run pinch hit homer settled into the right field seats at the Stadium last night. ‘Move Joba to the rotation’, OR ‘See, the Yanks are using him too much.’

Look: Entering today, Joba has seen EXACTLY 37 innings and 31 big league appearances. Just like Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, Chamberlain has to grow, has to deal with failure as well as success. The Mets’ Mike Pelfrey must learn the same. Joba hasn’t had nearly as much work with Molina behind the plate as with the injured Posada. We all have to adjust to working with others. Most of us don’t do it with more than 50 thousand people reacting to our every move.

Alright, the Indians won last night. It hurts Yankee fans because you’re just used to seeing Chamberlain and ‘Mo Rivera go into lockdown mode when the Yanks have the lead.
Relax Yankee fans. If you need a positive way to release some energy, send a donation to the people of Myanmar.

I’m sure Joba will get over this as well -though he was rightly perturbed.

I understand the lament of the fans: If the ‘formula’ doesn’t work, (Joba in the 8th, Rivera in the 9th to close things out) the Yanks don’t get a game they should have had. BUT-if fans really want to cringe, remember that the Red Sox look really good right now-and the Bronx Bombers have Kei Igawa scheduled to pitch Friday night.

I realize that sponsorship in sports is common. NASCAR drivers wear more patches on their outfits than Boy Scouts. It’s one thing to have sweetheart deals with lobbyists and major campaign contributors -that’s part of the American way. You don’t think Hillary Clinton’s just gotten by on her looks now, do you?

Sure, Tiger Woods is in every Nike commercial and uses all their stuff. David Wright uses enough Vitamin Water to flush 12 kidneys. But David Lee of the Knicks has now gone ‘a cut above’ the rest. Lee decided to let fans (through his endorsement of Vitamin Water) cast their votes on what hair style he should wear. The overwhelming choice of six thousand Internet responses: A Mohawk. Give the guy credit, Lee was true to his word. I can’t see Derek Jeter agreeing to something like this.

Result: Not the best work with scissors, but infinitely better than that ancient stylist Delilah and her most well known client, Samson. Lee was more fortunate-he had male barbers clipping his tresses, and won’t require a stint on the DL. Lee wound up with a combination Mohawk/Punk look -and he donated some cash to the Garden of Dreams charity.

It looks like Donnie Walsh has decided Suns’ coach Mike D’Antoni the man he wants behind the Knicks bench next season and beyond-a 5 year deal. But here’s reason #1 why I DON’T want D’Antoni here: He’s giving the Bulls the weekend to make a counter offer.

Understand: I don’t doubt D’Antoni’s ability. Averaging 57, 58 wins a season is nothing to shake a stick at. BUT: D’Antoni is pitting the Bulls and Knicks against each other while still under contract as the coach in Phoenix. If Mike can’t get along with Steve Kerr, how do you think he’ll deal with having Jim Dolan over his shoulder? (not to mention the employee mandated attendance at concerts where Dolan’s band is playing) If D’Antoni wants out of Phoenix because he and Kerr are at odds-then quit. But D’Antoni wants his cake and the chance to eat it too. If he quits, the Suns don’t owe him a cent. But if D’Antoni is fired, Phoenix owes him nearly 9 million bucks over the next two years. Sorry Mike: but that’s wrong. Plus, D’Antoni has won NO titles. New York was ticked when Pat Riley and Mike Keenan played the Big Apple for the fool, and so should Walsh. Really, after all the problems Isiah Thomas caused, do we need another ‘me first’ guy here? Former Sun Charles Barkley, never one known for his mainstream ideas, bashed D’Antoni during a radio interview.

What is all the hoopla over Joba Chamberlain pumping his fist in the Bronx yesterday? Was it wrong? Yes. But not to the point where it’s topic #1 on everyone’s lips. We are just fickle folk here in New York. Fans bash Eli Manning for NOT being fiery. The Giants win the Super Bowl, he’s a hero. In ’96, Joe Torre was a steady influence for the Yanks. In 2007, since the Yanks hadn’t won a World Series in 7 years, he was too soft.

I’m all for showing emotion -when it’s warranted and IF that is the personality of the person involved. So, in Joba’s case, that really is ‘Joba being Joba.’ I DISAGREE with the timing. Let’s review:

Tuesday night, David Dellucci takes Chamberlain deep with two on. A potential 3-2 Yankee loss turns into a 5-3 Indians win. Joba is near tears and pulling his hair out in the dugout. It’s one of the few times the kid has failed in the big leagues. He has had a tough time this season off the field, as dad Harlan recovers from illness. Not many of us have our private lives made public. Fewer still have our mental state analyzed on radio and TV: “How will Harlan’s health issues influence Joba’s performance? Let’s go to Billy in Hoboken and see what he has to say…”

It looks like former Patriots’ video assistant Matt Walsh could become the Brian McNamee of football. Glauber’s reporting that the tapes Walsh turned over to the NFL included the Pats’ taping and (presumably) stealing offensive signals. One of the game tapes turned over: the AFC title game between the Pats and Steelers in 2002. Remember last September, coach Bill Belichick and the team were fined a total of $750,000 and lost a first round draft pick for taping the Jets’ defensive coaches in the season opener won by the Patriots at Giants Stadium. The NFL won’t make any kind of ‘official’ announcement till next week. But this could cause Belichick (rightly) his job. Commissioner Roger Goodell has a major problem here. Pats’ owner Robert Kraft was able to keep the commish from more discipline eight months ago. If Walsh’s tapes prove even more damning, Kraft will need to be a magician on par with Harry Houdini.

Newsday’s Bob Glauber and ESPN are reporting that the ‘Spygate’ scandal won’t be going away anytime soon.

Assuming Friday’s weather passes and a guy named Noah isn’t seen driving a large boat through Queens, the Mets and Reds go at it this Sunday at 1p.m. only on the CW11.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with the press today, sharing with the media that former patriots employee Matt Walsh shed no light on any new allegations of “Spygate.” You remember last September, the Pats were found to be stealing defensive signals from the Jets. The Pats and coach Bill Belichick were fined a combined $750,000 and New England lost its first round draft pick.

Then along came Walsh, who claimed to have ‘evidence’ that the club had been doing this for a long time. Certainly Jets coach Eric Mangini MUST have known something-he was with the Pats for several years and joined Gang Green over “The Hoodie’s” objections. Mangini was one of those who alerted the league of the Pats’ misdeeds last September.

One thing I find comical: Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter was to talk to Walsh. Why? Seems that one of the other games in question was the January 2002 AFC Championship between the Pats and Steelers. Obviously, Specter feels the Steelers got a raw deal. BUT: Unlike baseball which needed congressional hearings to rid the sport of steroids because of incompetent commish Bud Selig and a too powerful players’ union, this as far as we know, involves one team-the Patriots. So let Goodell do his job. I’m sure Goodell will hear it from team owners if they’re not happy about the investigation. After all, time will tell if:

So Mike D’Antoni is the new coach of the Knicks. Here’s a thought: Is questionable ethics questionable ethics, or “just” doing business? It’s very clear that former Knick Mark Jackson and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf are upset with the pick. Reinsdorf thought he had his man to lead the young, talented Bulls.

Meanwhile, various reports had Jackson so sure he was going to get the job, he was interviewing potential assistants. Recently fired Mavericks coach Avery Johnson was also interviewed and also felt confident about his chances. In the end, the Knicks took who they thought was the most experienced guy, and D’Antoni went for the money.

As I said last week, ANYONE is better than Isiah Thomas. I know for certain one guy, Reggie from Queens, who would be more vocal than Magic Johnson and Dick Vitale behind the bench. D’Antoni has a nice resume, but the usual questions remain:

Will he adapt his up tempo style to the current Knicks team? Will he stress ANY defense? Will he be patient with the idea of LOSING, which we all know will happen as the team tries to get out of salary cap hell? Will Jim Dolan be patient? All reasons why that while I don’t doubt D’Antoni’s knowledge, Mark Jackson, a New York guy who understands the need to be patient and let the team grow, would be a better fit. Unlike D’Antoni, Jackson clearly wanted the job-he quit the YES Network to go after the Knicks.

The Justice Department has reworked its perjury charges against Barry Bonds. Now 14 counts of lying plus 1 of obstruction of justice against the Home Run king, er sham. So much for any collusion by MLB not signing him this season. Bonds will have much more on his mind. His arrogance was his undoing. The Feds-and the public-don’t mind mistakes. Just tell the truth. Bonds is too much of a jerk to do admit he used steroids when interviewed by the government in 2003, and we won’t hear from him again-unless its in court.

My only regret: These charges should have come LAST YEAR, so that Bonds couldn’t have broken Hank Aaron’s true home run record.

The Yankees aren’t exactly blasting their way into the Subway Series. A day after Hank Steinbrenner ripped into the team, the Bombers bombed in Tampa, losing 3 of 4 to the Rays. 5-2 the final on Thursday. The Yankee bats managed only six runs in the 4 game set with first place Tampa.

The Yanks are demonstrating just how important A-Rod and Posada are to the team. Without that production, pitchers can be extra careful with that good but not great lineup. Be patient Yankees fans. Rodriguez will be back soon=thankfully for Mets fans not during this weekend. For the Yankees-it’s only May. They’ve started poorly and turned it around. We’ll see if Joe Girardi can guide this club as they tread water. The Mets on the other hand, have a track record in the OPPOSITE direction-see the end of 2007.

While I’m here, I have to say I’m NOT a big fan of interleague play, especially since the Mets and Yanks face each other 6 times. Depending on the season, the Braves don’t get the Yankees six times, or the BoSox the same with the Mets.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Another listless performance by the Mets-this one in an afternoon game at Shea. The Mets shutout by Rutgers product Jason Bergmannn and that ‘stellar’ Nationals bullpen. That’s three straight losses to a last place team, and 3-4 on a seven game home stand to National League bottom feeders.

As if the bad play wasn’t awful enough, there may be some issues in the clubhouse. Closer Billy Wagner openly bashing the team after the game. At one point, Wagner looked over toward the area of Carlos Delgado's locker and blurted: "Someone tell me why the (expletive) you're talking to the closer. I didn't even play. They're over there, not being interviewed. ... I got it. They're gone. (expletive) shocker."

Not exactly the things you say in a healthy work environment. Wagner isn’t even the first person to say such things. Remember Paul LoDuca and his “They speak English too” sound bite?

There seem to be ‘issues’ all over this team. Jose Reyes hasn’t been the same since Willie Randolph benched him for NOT hustling last season. Randolph ‘seems’ to love riding Reyes and Perez, but not unproductive Carlos Delgado or up and down David Wright and Carlos Beltran. Willie and GM Omar Minaya and assistant GM Tony Bernazard have some sort of weird ‘love/hate’ relationship. Randolph hasn’t always had a say in his coaching staff, most notably pitching coach Rick Peterson and the now fired Ricky Henderson. Delgado said he was “bored” last season as the Mets collapsed and missed the playoffs. Aaron Heilman clearly isn’t happy -and he stinks right now. Even Johan Sabtana is in the mix-not speaking to the NY media in the days prior to tomorrow night’s game BUT did speak to Spanish reporters and FOX national press. He told the press Monday “It was no big deal”, to face the Yanks and refused all other interview requests to local scribes.

WATCH METS POST-GAME INTERVIEWS AFTER THE JUMP...

Let’s review boys and girls. Here are the words of Mets closer Billy Wagner following the team’s 1-0 loss to the Nationals Thursday:

"Someone tell me why the (expletive) you're talking to the closer. I didn't even play. They're over there, not being interviewed. ... I got it. They're gone. (Expletive) shocker."

Before the Mets and Yankees were rained out at the Stadium Friday, the Mets got more media attention than Britney’s latest appearance on How I Met Your Mother.

There’s definitely one show the Mets WON’T be on anytime soon: The O’Reilly Factor and its infamous ‘No Spin Zone.” As you can see on the video on this site, Billy the Kid CLEARLY is pointing somewhere. Who are the ‘they’re’ in his last sentence? When asked today, Wagner said this was the creation of someone’s imagination. Who is he kidding? No one created these comments except Wagner himself. You wonder if the Mets (read Omar and Fred) intervened. Remember several years back when Keith Hernandez said the Mets quit on the season? Mike Piazza was so upset, Mex had to retract his comments on TV the next day. This reeks of meddling by the front office. YES, we all don’t want to see our dirty laundry in public. Wagner could have just kept his mouth shut. BUT HE DIDN’T-even pausing before dropping the F-bombs.

This past Sunday, sports anchor Lolita Lopez and producer Caroline Kovach brought you the inspiring story of 19-year-old Brad Hennefer, the Cherry Hill East High School Senior believed to be the only high school athlete in the country with Down Syndrome who letteres in golf and basketball. He’s also a Special Olympics Gold Medal Winner in golf and a member of his high school’s Hall of Fame. Such accomplishments would be notable for any teenager. However, not only has Brad achieved on the court and on the golf course, he and his parents have made it their mission to encourage others to achieve. Most junior golf programs end at age 18. But The Brad Hennefer Golf For Life Foundation was founded to providing a “lifetime of golf opportunities for individuals of all ages who have Down Syndrome.”

You wish all athletes gave back to the community like this young man, who has given of his time to coach youngsters with cognitive disabilities and spoken at national Down Syndrome conferences. His positive attitude and drive to achieve have encouraged family, friends and coaches. I very proudly encourage you to watch Lolita and Caroline’s story on Brad Hennefer. To reach The Brad Hennefer Golf For Life Foundation, contact Brad and Nancy Hennefer by e-mail: golfforlife@comcast.net or CLICK HERE.

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Horse racing in the U.S., and in New York especially, got a big boost with ‘Big Brown’ winning the Preakness Saturday. Even without his New York connections, racing NEEDS a star-especially coming off Eight Belles death at the Kentucky Derby. For the next three weeks, you’ll be hearing stories about ‘Affirmed’ the last horse to win the Triple Crown-in 1978. I realize a mile and a half at the Belmont is a tough go. But ‘Big Brown’’s easy win at the Derby from post 20 made me rethink his abilities.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE ON THE 133RD PREAKNESS STAKES

Like all Mets fans, I am thrilled with the results of this past weekend’s abbreviated two game series between the Mets and Yankees. Jose Reyes, David Wright, Ryan Church, Carlos Delgado (missed homer aside) Johan Santana and Oliver Perez all figured prominently in the two days. I will ask this though, fello Met rooters: How scared were you after Delgado’s homer was wrongly taken off the board AND Perez almost immediately gave two runs back?

Thank God Willie Randolph showed some emotion -AND the play didn’t byte the Mets in the butt.

Fortunately, Ollie righted the ship and went seven and two thirds (once again, can Willie Randolph let a guy see the 9th inning?) for his 4th win against the Yanks in 5 decisions.
Now comes a key stretch for both NY teams. The Mets play the Braves and the Rockies on the road this week. Their wins against the Yanks won’t mean a thing if they don’t have a good trip (say 5-2) in Atlanta and Colorado. The Mets are only three above .500. The Amazin’s must find some consistency. You’re only as good as that days starting pitcher-John Maine starts the opener of a day/night doubleheader tomorrow.

Quick: Who won the Indy 500 last year? Chances are you don’t know. That may sadden Indy racing League officials, but they still have no problem promoting Danica Patrick, who has one win in more than 50 career starts. Danica was at Times Square with all the other drivers for Sunday’s race. But she gets all the attention: even to the point of answering questions that she may leave Indy Racing for Formula One in Europe. Like Michelle Wie on the LPGA, let’s see Patrick prove she belongs behind the wheel of a race car first.

By the way, Dario Franchitti won last year’s race at the brickyard.

All the good feeling Mets fans desperately wanted to have after bashing the Yankees this past weekend appear out the window. Manager Willie Randolph doing mahjor backpedaling after he bashed Mets fans and SNY’s treatment of him Sunday, even suggesting there are racial overtones to how he is treated in the Big Apple.

On Wednesday’s Mike And The Mad Dog radio program, Randolph apologized to ownership, the team and SNY for being a distraction to the team. Randolph told the radio hosts that he thought the interview with respected newspaperman was off the record, that race is not an issue in his mind, and that he blames no one but himself.

First, I’d be a fool to deny that there aren’t racial overtones to just about everything in this country-from what we think of our managers to how we select our next president. I cannot comment on Willie Randolph’s thoughts on race. He’s an extremely kind and intelligent man. It’s not fair of me to comment on how someone perceives their treatment. It sure wouldn’t surprise me to know that race played a part in why Randolph had to wait so long for a managerial job in the first place. But I DO think he was told to say that he does NOT see race as an issue. That is major spin cycle coming from ownership, trying to squelch controversy.

So the Yankees made it official after Wednesday night’s win over the Orioles. Joba Chamberlain went two innings. Afterwards, Yankees manager Joe Girardi made it official: Baby Boss Hank Steinbrenner gets his wish. The team will start stretching Joba out to enter the starting rotation.

I totally disagree with the move-THIS YEAR. When you have a guy who is one part of the best 8th-9th inning tandem in baseball (Joba and Mo Rivera) you don’t mess around with it. I’ve always been taught that if you’re REALLY good at something, stick with it. The thought of Kyle Farnsworth or LaTroy Hawkins coming in with a game on the line reinforces this idea, and I’m not a Yankees fan. Red Sox fans are rejoicing from Bangor to Boston.

Yes, Chamberlain wants to be a starter, and yes, the Yanks want him there long term. But why mess with a good thing NOW when it’s tough just to tread water around .500?

Another point: If this was 15-20 years ago, it might make more sense. Not now. Starting pitchers barely go 5-6 innings-and with the exception of Chieng-Ming Wang, that is true with the Yanks. What happens if Joba goes 6-7 innings with a lead. In comes Hawkins, Farnsworth or Ohlendorf? You just KNOW they’ll be a night where Girardi will start thinking “Damn, I want Joba in there.” Remember when Joe Torre used to swear that Mariano would never get a two inning save. Then came those big games-and there was Mo.

After a much-anticipated meeting with team ownership, Willie Randolph will keep his job as manager of the New York Mets.

Today Randolph met with team owner Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff, the club's chief operating officer, and general manager Omar Minaya to discuss of all things: the team's far from impressive record (23-25) and comments Randolph made last week about his portrayal on Mets broadcasts in which he raised the issue of race.

Although Willie will remain manager for another day, his future with the Amazins is still uncertain. We want to know what you think: Should Willie stay or should he go? Post a comment and tell us.

POST YOUR COMMENT & WATCH VIDEO OF TODAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER THE JUMP...

Yesterday’s big sit down with the Wilpons and Omar Minaya did nothing for Willie Randolph, the team or the fans of the Mets. Willie’s still the manager, Minaya is the GM and the ownership is “supporting” Randolph. AS you can hear in our video, Minaya sasys “Willie is the manager, we support him, he has a contract thru next season and I hope he is the manager for a long time.”

Omar BETTER think that way-this is the guy that hired Randolph after Willie originally lost the job to Art Howe. Omar’s the guy that sent Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore from the Expos/Nationals to the Indians. The guy that signed Pedro Martinez , Carlos Delgado and Luis Castillo to Knick-like ridiculous contracts. Yes, he bought in Johan Santana, but that was a no brainer. Minaya has to be able to see into the future. Anyone past age 10 can tell that Moises Alou, Pedro, Castillo and Delgado are done. That’s on Omar. The team’s lifeless play the last year-THAT’s on Willie. Remember how the team always rallied, even in 2005 when it was only a few games above .500? There was that never say die attitude through 2006 and the first part of 2007. NOW-you didn’t have to be a mind reader wondering if you got too much sun on Memorial Day to tell the team wasn’t gonna rally last night. They fell behind 6-3 after Carlos Beltran (I’ll get to him in a second) let a ball get past him for a bases clearing double. Game over. The last 15 Met hitters were retired. That’s 5 innings where no one reached base. Even by accident SOMEBODY should’ve gotten on-a walk, hit by pitch-SOMETHING.

After the game, there was Willie-“We have to keep battling.” Sounds like Rich Kotite on his best day.

One of the great NY sports icons is back in Gotham. Joe Torre, who walked away from the Yankees with his dignity in tact after the Yanks treated him so poorly the last few years, leads his Dodgers into Shea for the start of a four game series with the Mets.

For those of you who only remember Torre as the Yankees skipper, the New York portion of ‘Saint Joe’s’ career actually started in 1975 when he was traded from the Cardinals to the Mets. In ’77, Joe was made a player-manager, staying in the dugout for good in 1978. Those Mets were NOT very good. His final season with the Mets was actually his ‘best’: The strike shortened season saw the Mets go 41-62.

After stops in Atlanta, Anaheim (as a broadcaster) and St. Louis, Torre made his mark with the Yankees. Remember the “Clueless Joe” headlines when George Steinbrenner made him Yankees manager? Torre proved the Boss-and most of us wrong. He won six AL pennants and 4 World Series, never finishing lower than 2nd, never missing the playoffs in the Bronx. Despite his class, dignity, and ability to deflect New York’s media circus away from his players, the Yankees really didn’t want him back after last season-and made a lukewarm offer to him to prove it.

Now Torre is on the left coast, where, the Dodgers come in at .500, closer to first than the staggering Mets. I wish Torre well-except over the next 4 days.

There was FINALLY some rejoicing last night in Flushing. Fernando Tatis provided the Mets’ first real big hit of the season and the Mets actually won a game in come from behind fashion, 7-6 over the Marlins in 12 innings.

So twe ask-AGAIN: WILL this FINALLY allow the Mets to start the roll we have been waiting for? My thought is always to wait and see, because you’re only as good as your starting pitcher. Brad Penny of the Dodgers has NEVER done well (5-12 lifetime against the Amazins). Claudio Vargas is scheduled to throw for the Mets.

While there is still plenty of time to turn this season around, I think Newsday’s Ken Davidoff may have something: The club’s chances of being a successful long term playoff contender may not be too great after this year.

Ever since last February 3rd, when the Giants upset the Patriots and won the Super Bowl, I had hoped that this meant that Eli Manning and Jeremy Shockey would finally wind up on the same page. Shockey, the talented yet self-centered tight end, was hurt in December and missed the last two regular season games and the memorable 4 game ride to the title. I commented a while back that it seemed like once Shockey was gone, young Eli could relax and just play football. That’s all rookie tight end Kevin Boss seemed to do. He never moaned and groaned about not getting the football. He never showed up his QB on a miscommunication or ill timed pass. All Boss did was make some key grabs when his number was called.

Shockey has made it clear that he wishes a greater role in the offense or to be traded by Big Blue. His actions from the time he was hurt demonstrate this. At the Super Bowl, Jeremy was in a box knocking back beer rather than on the sideline while his teammates won a world championship. Once again, he has failed to show up at any off season conditioning workouts. Last night, Shockey was a no show at Tiffany’s as the team was handed out their Super Bowl rings.

READ MORE AND WATCH VIDEO FROM THURSDAY'S CEREMONY AFTER THE JUMP...

PHOTO GALLERY: Giants get their Super Bowl rings.