WATCH: SUNDAY, APRIL 4 AT 7 PM ON PIX 11!!

Mets star third baseman David Wright teams up with Pirate Brands for a bit of April Fools fun. Wright became a "pirate" for a day, announcing his partnership with the Seacliff, NY based company known for its gluten-free and all-natural snacks like Pirate's Booty.

The four-time All Star and two-time Gold Glove winner tells us he "believes" in this product and wants to help people of all ages lead healthier lives. He has also decided to take an equity stake in the company. Pirate Brand will also support the David Wright Foundation, an organization founded by the third baseman in 2005 that promotes healthy development for kids in New York and Wright's hometown of Norfolk, VA.

We spoke to David from Spring Training camp in Port St. Lucie, FL about his love of the "booty" and if he is ready for Opening Day, four days away at Citi Field. Listen to him after the break or in the video player:

I have spent a lifetime of following sports at the pro and collegiate levels. Every year during the football and basketball seasons, you hear about the low graduation rates at some of the top programs in the country-that kids go to school to play first, learn later. Heck, it turns out that Bobby Gonzalez' final recruiting class at Seton Hall had three kids who were academically ineligible. So, it might be tine to pay the kids.

We've been hearing the last few days about the NCAA expanding its basketball tournament to 96 teams. GOD HELP US!! This just points to my point in the above blog. How much money is enough? Do we want to further water down a 65 team field that always features bitching and moaning from "bubble" teams? Why ruin what is already a good thing?

Once again, this is all about cash for the schools and NCAA. The quantity of teams will go up, but not the quality of the tournament. We already have useless conference postseason tournaments that bring in big bucks and try to divided the wheat from the chaff. Oh, by the way, the amount of classes these "student athletes" will miss representing and raking in beaucoup bucks for their institution of academic learning will go up too, Somehow that gets pushed aside for the Almighty Dollar.

Curtis Granderson is your opening day centerfielder, Yankee fans. Not too much surprise there, as Grandy beat out Brett Gardner for the starting spot.

Gardner replaces Johnny Damon in left field.

The only reason this wasn’t a mortal lock heading into Spring Training was Gardner’s speed. Fast Player + Vast Centerfield To Cover = Advantage Gardner.

But Granderson has proved during the course of his career that he’s a perfectly competent center fielder, whether he has Gardner’s speed or not.

I like the move for a couple of reasons. One, I think he’ll play the position just fine. Second, center is such a marquee position on the field that it helps to have a headliner there.

While that won’t mean more or fewer fly balls caught in the outfield, it should help elevate Granderson in the eyes of fans and opponents.

There’s just something about being the CENTERFIELDER FOR THE NEW YORK YANKEES that evokes something special.

Mantle, DiMaggio and Bernie Williams all played the position. Ricky Ledee was our left fielders once.

Not quite the same cache.

Anointing Granderson the opening day CF was the right move for Joe Girardi. On this team loaded with superstars, Granderson won’t have to take the entire load on his back, but when he’s looked upon to come through in a big spot, doing so as the starting center fielder might give him an extra confidence boost.

Maybe. Who knows. It just sounds cooler.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

I'm writing this blog selfishly... because I like seeing my name in the headline. Ok... the Jacobs in the headline is not me... But it's still pretty cool. Mike Jacobs, who at the beginning of spring training would have been happy just to make this Mets club, now finds himself as the opening day clean-up hitter. Of course... its not completely because of his play on the field. It's because Carlos Beltran won't be seen until at least May and now Daniel Murphy finds himself on the DL with a sprained knee. So Jacobs will play first for Murphy and bat cleanup. David Wright and Jason Bay will sandwich Jacobs in the lineup. Jacobs has cracked four homers this spring but will likely be platooned with Fernando Tatis at first base. The Mets will face three straight Marlin righties so Jake will get some a-b's in the early going. If he keeps up his HR stroke, the Mets might have to make a tough decision when Murphy is eligible to come off the D-L. Me... I'm going out to get my Jacobs Mets jersey!!

Though it won’t become official until 3:00 tomorrow afternoon, the Mets have finalized their 25-man roster.

Aside from the obvious candidates, pitchers Sean Green and Jenrry Mejia made the team, along with infielders Ruben Tejada and Frank Catalanotto.

Noticeably absent from the opening day roster, catcher Omir Santos. He didn’t make the cut because the Mets took free agent signee Henry Blanco instead. Rod Barajas, of course, will start behind the plate.

I think the Mets got it right bringing Mejia up to start the season. He certainly has the stuff to pitch in the Bigs, so why not let the kid learn on the fly? If he’s ever going to rise up to become the 8th inning setup man, we’re going to have to know if he has the guts to do it. We should find that out in his first few Major League outings.

I also like the Catalanotto move, and not just because he’s from Long Island. As a failed athlete from Long Island, I love every REAL athlete from Long Island.

The guy is a career .292 hitter who can play every position on the field. Given the Mets’ injury history, he’ll probably come in handy more than once.

While I like the above moves, I hate not having Omir Santos on this team. As horrible as it was to watch/cheer for the Mets last season, Santos was often the team’s only bright spot.

On the eve of opening day, the Mets held a team-wide workout at Citi Field in front of a couple thousand season ticket holders.

Notably AT the park was Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod left the team on Thursday, going home to Venezuela because two of his brothers were in a car accident.

It wasn’t clear then if K-Rod would be back before opening day, but his presence at practice today eased the worry of a lot of Met fans.

We caught up with three Mets in the clubhouse before the workout, Jeff Francoeur, David Wright and newcomer Jason Bay.

Click below to hear what the guys had to say….especially Francoeur, who really pulls no punches:

The Mets caught some flak last year for a lack of ball club history at Citi Field last season.

One look at the ballpark today assures even the most pessimistic fan that they didn’t make that same mistake again.

Citi Field’s exterior is covered in Mets imagery. Inside, the team added a long-awaited Hall of Fame.

So what else is new at Citi Field for 2010?

I went out to the park today during the team’s workout to find out…and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The Mets finally opened their much-anticipated Hall of Fame today at the team's final workout before the season starts Monday afternoon.

The gave the media a preview early this morning, and I have to say, the place is impressive. It's located in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda on the first base side of the ballpark.

The Mets, unlike the stuffy Yankees, have a really FUN history.

There are all kinds of kooky things in the Mets Hall of Fame...not the least of which is the life size original Mr. Met and his freaky paper mache head.

Some of my favorite displays included the "Buckner Ball" from the '86 Wolrd Series (enscribed by Mookie, "this is the ball that won it all for us."), a timeline of every jersey won by the Mets in their history, and of course, the trophies from '69 and '86.

I should also mention that a couple of the jerseys on display come from were game-worn during some notable Mets games, including David Wright's jersey from opening day at Citi Field last year...a game in which he hit the first Mets home run at the park.

We've attached some video that shows a large majority of the artifacts on display in the Hall of Fame so that you can get an idea of what you're going to se when you make it out to the ballpark.

Check it out:

Dustin Pedroia celebrates his 2 run HR in 7th inning

Alright... maybe I'm going a little overboard with my glee. My question is: Do we have to have Yankees/Red Sox on Opening Day? This is probably the most heated rivalry in North American sports... so there will be excitement for it any time of the year. Opening Day has its own excitement. Opening Day means we've made it through the long hard winter. By the way, this winter was especially long and hard. Can we save Yankees/Red Sox till maybe July. That way... there's a real hunger for those games after the Yankee feed off teams like the Indians and Tigers. Opening Day should be... in the DAY-time. Tradition says the first game should be in Cincinnati but the desire for TV ratings have pretty much knocked that out of the box. Don't you remember cutting school or calling out(cough, cough) sick to work to go to Opening Day? Opening Day is when every team has a puncher's chance to make it to the Fall Classic... or at least it feels that way. If we use our best match-up for Opening Day, what do you do for an encore?

Well... that being said... It was nice to see the Yankees blow a 5-1 lead. Dustin Pedroia's homerun left the yard to tie the game at 7 in the 7th. Then the Red Sox took the lead for good on a passed ball. Did Girardi stay with Sabathia too long? Maybe, maybe not when you don't know exactly what's in your bullpen... and the bullpen wasn't great Sunday night. Red Sox won 9-7 but again this game could have been played in July and we'd all be happy.

There were plenty of LOW expectations for the Mets 2010 season. At least for today, the formula worked-Johan Santana pitched well, plenty of run support, and the bullpen didn't cough it up. The Mets beat the Marlins 7-1. The Amazins are 32-9 on Opening Day over the last 41 years. For a franchise that has had mostly bad years in its relatively short history, that is stunning. But just as I'd caution that Yankees fans shouldn't be slitting their wrists after last night's loss to the Red Sox, Mets fans-MYSELF included shouldn't be ordering our postseason tickets just yet.

The New Jersey Nets, who all of a sudden, have deep pockets, are trying to lure one of the best college coaches in the game... But according to various reports Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski has no interest in coming to the Garden State.

I say that's too bad. Coach K has already established himself in builiding the Duke basketball program to what it is today... on the verge of winning its 4th title with him on the bench. If he were to take the Nets job, Krzyzewski would reportedly earn between $12-$15 million per year, making him the highest paid coach. That's how much soon-to-be Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov wants him. Even though Coach K has repeatedly said that he's not interested, Prokhorov still chases him.

I think Krzyzewski should re-consider. Even though the Nets have an awful record, they do have talent with Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. And if things go well... they will have the number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft and we all know that could possibly be Kentucky guard John Wall. What would Krzyzewski's legacy be if he came to New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn) and turned the Nets around? Selfishly, I say RE-CONSIDER.

Oh how I love baseball season and it gets no better than today's Opening Day. The blue skies and gorgeous sunshine added to the feel of baseball in the air. I am convinced people are happier now, like all troubles can be swept away with one good game!! This was the game that got people going after Sept. 11th and I don't make 9/11 references lightly; it's much too personal and emotional for me. 17 hour days for more than a week, all those faces, desolate and sad, it was not easy and I HAD it easy. But I digress, baseball is here and like most Aprils, I feel renewed and full of excitement for what the summer will bring. Darryl Strawberry spoke to me about all his Opening days and the "new" Mets speak about putting on the uniform and stepping onto Citi Field for Game 1. Listen to the guys in the video player ---->

Now that the world's most famous athlete has had a chance to meet the press and start readying for the Masters, here comes a thought that is on the mind of every casual and hardcore golf fan: Does Eldrick have a realistic chance to win his 5th Green Jacket?

We here at WPIX would like to congratulate Brett Favre. The 40 year old QB is now a grandfather. Favre's daughter Brittany gave birth to a healthy little boy, Parker Brett.

So I wonder: Will Favre now ride off into the sunset, or will he keep playing until Parker is old enough to supplant as QB in Minnesota? Had this been the Jets last season, I'd have said, "See ya Brett." But Favre played well in taking the Vikings to the NFC title game-bad pick late in the game notwithstanding.

We've been trying to see if any NFL player played football while being a grandfather. The League is unsure-NO CURRENT player is a grandpa. The only man I can think of who may have fit the bill: Hall of Famer George Blanda, who played till he was 48.

Will a bouncing baby grandson push Brett out the door? He'll have time to think about it while he's changing diapers.

Believe it or not it’s not easy being a Yankee fan.

When they win, Yankee haters say they bought the championship and when they lose we’re told you can’t by heart. When I was nine, I climbed on the Yankee bus. Horace Clark and Stick Michael were the heart of the infield. This was not the golden age of Yankee Baseball.

Now, it’s great when they win, but the money issue always gets in the way. My Met friends constantly tell me how unfair it is. Last time I checked, when the Mets play Pittsburgh, the Mets don’t field eight players to make it more fair.

Every team has the right to spend as much or as little as they like. Yankee fans can’t control the payroll. When asked if the boos bothered him Wilt Chamberlain said “nobody routes for Goliath”. That’s how it is with the Yanks. You either love them, or you really hate them.

As for me, I’m sticking with the boy’s who play in the Baseballs’ Cathedral in the Bronx… Sorry Met fans.

Written by David Kalmowitz

The Phillies – PHILLIES!! – have ended the feel-good story of Nelson Figueroa’s Mets career, claming the pitcher off waivers today.

The Mets were hoping Figueroa would clear waivers so they could stockpile him in Triple-A Buffalo. That did not happen.

Supposedly Figueroa had never been claimed off waivers in his career, clearing each of the six times he was put through the process.

Now Figueroa will report directly to the Phil’s big league club where, knowing the Mets’ luck, he will dominate the Amazin’s.

We all know his story; Brooklyn kid who only wanted to play for the Mets. Now he’s suiting up for their fiercest rival. He was a fringe player, yes, but a player who felt like he was one of our own. I think he’ll be missed, however much or little he contributed.

Our Lolita Lopez caught up with Figueroa in spring training where he had this to say about making the Mets: (**Kinda seems sad now that he’s gone, doesn’t it?)

I am ecstatic to hear that Jose Reyes could be back with the team as early as Saturday. I'm glad because he was excited to get back this season after his hamstring and calf troubles in '09. That hyperactive thyroid threw a wrench in his and the Mets' plans. While it was a concern to start the season without Reyes and Carlos Beltran, the offense has delivered so far.

What scares me is that John Maine looks shakier than I have ever seen and that after Johan, there is no one to rely on when it comes to starting pitchers. I watched John Lackey's Boston debut and couldn't help but think damn, he could have been ours. I might even feel the same with Jason Marquis when the Nationals come to town. All I know is that this immense faith in the starting pitchers is making me nervous...

Just like your deceased father, Earl Woods, said in your latest Nike commercial, what were you thinking? I mean really?!? You had already come out and told the world what you wanted them to know about your indiscretions. You made your apologies. We were all prepared to move on and concentrate on Tiger, the golfer. And while there were those renting planes to ask about your "bootyisms", most people, definitely most sports people (media, fans, etc.) were ready for golf...just golf. Then you come out with this commercial. Or Nike did? Nah...are we really to believe that you didn't have to approve the release of this commercial, Mr. Uber Protective? I think not. Here's is the commercial but I leave you with this first:

Tiger is selfish and pompous and learned nothing from the situation that nearly destroyed him and his family. In the Nike ad, you see Tiger's somber face (a black and white, grainy look) and hear only his deceased father, Earl Woods' voice: "Tiger, I am more prone to be inquisitive, to promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I wanna find out what your feelings are...and did you learn anything?"

All I see is a can of worms opening up all over again. Why couldn't you keep it closed Tiger? Why couldn't we be talking about your day one showing at Augusta instead of leading story after story with that dumb face of yours that tells me you didn't learn a thing? You had a chance at a true resurgence where the silly, phony press conferences would be held by the women who supposedly "loved" you and were "betrayed" by you.

Our own Larry Mendte recently asked why America is so intrigued by the success and demise of celebrities. He asked us to forgive because none of us are perfect. I actually agree but what Larry needed to point out is that many of these top notch celebrities feed off the exposure, both good and bad. They don't allow us (even those of us who could care less what they do in their personal lives) to be able to forgive anything (even if I had the responsibility to do so, which I don't). Leave the forgiving to the people who Tiger, Jesse, ARod hurt and let down. It's sick that an ego can be bigger than humility. If it were me and I was Tiger and I was approached with this ad idea, I would have said no. I would have said: "Nike, you hired me because of my golf. Let me go out and do my thing and you will make your profits on my skills rather than my personal life. Trust me you will get your money." What about Earl's words. They were about golf and your game. Now they are tainted. I can't think about it in that respect anymore, can you?

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Iona hired former C.W. Post head coach Tim Cluess for the same position with the Gaels.

It’s a good move because Cluess is a proven winner during his 20-year coaching career at various levels of basketball.

Most recently Cluess led Division II Post to a 23-6 record. He coached Suffolk Community College to the D-III tournament in his one season there. And before that Cluess was the mastermind of the New York high school juggernaut at St. Mary’s on Long Island for 14 years.

That’s where the “ruthless” part of our story comes in.

Let me set the stage: a sweltering gym on the campus of St. Mary’s in Manahasset, NY. A local high school summer basketball league game in August of 2000.

St. Mary’s roster was brimming with all-star talent and a bench nine players deep.

Then the other team walked in. Five kids from a perennially under-achieving high school program whose entry into the league was based on proximity to St. Mary’s rather than basketball acumen.

Oh - and yes - you read that right: FIVE kids. As in, no bench players. I was the center. 10 years ago I was 5’10”, 155 pounds.

St. Mary’s, led by Tim Cluess, was the reigning state champ. Herricks High school was fresh off a 5-15 campaign.

The ball was tipped. Some stuff happened in between that’s still a blur. The horn sounded. The final score:

Hey all, take a look at our tour of the New Meadowlands Stadium after the break. See you out there in the fall!

Yes, you read that right. Mets third baseman David Wright and “The Situation” from MTV’s “The Jersey Shore” did a Vitamin Water commercial together.

Check it out below.

I was skeptical, too, when I first heard about it. But I have to be honest, it’s very well done and pretty funny.

Definitely a little out of character for the normally by the book Wright. I like to compare him to Derek Jeter in that regard.

But, hey, Jeter wore a dress on SNL. I guess this is David’s foray into the world of comedy.

Like I said, not bad.

Enjoy:

So veteran umpire Joe West feels the Yankees and Red Sox are "pathetic" because they are the slowest playing teams in terms of time on the field. The Ump known as "Country Joe" because of his love for country music-even putting out an album. But before he calls teams disgraceful, he needs to look in the mirror.

It looks like Tiger Woods' competitive fire hasn't yielded to his supposed kinder, gentler, demeanor. He carded a personal first round 4 under par 68 in the opening round of the Masters-and didn't appear surprised in the least.

Every day on my drive home I pass the old Yankee Stadium, and every day there's less of the old Stadium to see. We all new it was going to happen but seeing it come down piece by piece is hard to take.

Last week, the upper deck came down and yesterday most of the third base side was missing. Soon it will all be gone.

I remember the first time I walked into the original Stadium in '67. The Yanks were playing Baltimore. It was the first time I saw the field in color. The grass was so green and the uniforms were so white. It was beautiful, (even if my seat was behind a poll). I never thought that 20 years later I'd be working there as part of the production team for WPIX. Standing on the field with Phil Rizzuto and Bobby Murcer and listening to their stories of their playing days is something I'll never forget.

The first time I brought my kids to the Stadium was for Little League day. We sat in the upper deck with a great view of the Stadium. I'll always remember the looks of excitement on their faces.

The new Yankee Stadium big, modern and beautiful, but it feels like home. Some people say that the old Stadium isn't the "original" Stadium anyway.

No matter how the remodeled stadium looked, or where home plate was placed, I know The Babe, Mickey, Lou, Joe D and Donny Baseball all played on that field. I know you can't fight progress, but as I drive by today and see the next stage demolition. I really wish you could.

Written by David Kalmowitz

My parent’s birthplace, Waterbury, Connecticut, is the theoretical demarcation line that indicates if you are born to root for the New York Yankees, or be subjected to the grind of heartbreaking summers as a fan of the Boston Red Sox.

Rooting for Beantown goes back for over a century as a masochistic chore, programmed to break your spirit and make you want to come back for more. It would have been so easy for me to be a Yankee fan, to be spared the wrath of the Baseball Gods- but just like in love, it doesn’t work that way. The most difficult part of losing was not the surrender of hope on another squandered season, or the inevitable conclusion of summer. It was the taunting shameless confidence of the Yankee fan, filled with the haughty grandeur of winning, and the obnoxiously correct endorsement that the Sox would always lose.

I resented the Yanks smarty pants and the swagger, but I still tolerated the fans yearly onslaught of irritating blusters filled with snickers and snipes. Over the years I grew tired of coming up with upbeat one liners as an antidote to disperse the crowing and clucking.

But then in 2004 something amazing happened. The Red Sox won their first world championship in 86 years. While Yankee fans silently talked strategy and recovery, I realized there was a new evolution to the rivalry. It was the contemptuous conceit and cavalier cackling of the Red Sox fans. It was ugly and embarrassing. I started to realize that the very thing I did not like about the Yankee fan, was the shoe on my other foot.

Now that I have had the good fortune to know what winning finally feels like, I approach a new baseball season with a different mindset. I just want to root for my team, enjoy the magic of the game, and find humor in watching all the fans fighting it out being as graceless and as rude as their rivals.

WRITTEN BY BOB PRONOVOST

After two rounds at Augusta, I'm starting to believe that perhaps Tiger Woods is "The Man of Steel." Either this guy has the greatest mental stamina we've seen this side of Michael Jordan, or he is a machine.

Jose Reyes

It's been a long time in coming but Jose Reyes will finally make his season debut for the Mets on Saturday. He is the Mets "Igniter" and they need him in the lineup... desperately... We checked out Jose on the eve of his return and got his thoughts and those of some of the other Mets... Listen in after the jump!

Jose Reyes takes field before season debut

Jose Reyes played a major league baseball game for the first time since May 20th, 2009. He was a little rusty, botching a few plays in the field that he would normally make. He went 1 for 4 with a strikeout and the Mets lost to the Nationals 4-3. Reyes admitted he was nervous but he was glad to be back on the field where he belongs. Our Glenn Petraitis worked the locker room. Listen in after the jump.

It’s a question that has baffled me ever since the Devils became an NHL power: Why does it always seem that the Rangers either making or missing the playoffs is always a bigger story than the Devils (more often than not) locking up one of the top seeds in the East?

The obvious answer is that the Rangers are Broadway and the Devils play in the swamps (and now even further from NYC in Newark).

The Devils earned the second seed in the East today with a win over Buffalo while the Rangers missed the playoffs after losing in a do-or-die shootout against the Flyers.

Imagine if it was the Rangers clinching the #2 spot. This town would be going nuts for all things Blueshirts.

Instead we treat the Devils like second-class citizens.

And I say “we” because I’m to blame, too. I’ve put together my share of sportscasts here at Ch. 11 that bury the Devils late in the ‘cast if not omitting them (and simply reading a score) altogether.

When are the Devils going to get some respect? You could argue that the Devils have been the most dominant Tri-State area team of the last decade.

Phil Mickelson accepts Green Jacket from Angel Cabrera

I don't know if I'm being "pollyanna" about this... But when Phil Mickelson won the Masters on Sunday, I think the good guy won. For the whole week preceeding the Masters all the talk was about Tiger Woods' return to golf. Return from what? Not an injury, but a self imposed exile because of his "sex addiction." We all know the story by now. Tiger has a car accident on Thanksgiving night... It later comes to light that he slept with a lot of different women who weren't his wife... The public's perception of the world's best golfer will forever be different.

Sunday, a real nice script was written. Mickelson played great golf and won his third green jacket. After hugging his caddy, "Lefty" went straight to the gallery and found his wife Amy.

Mrs. Mickelson has been battling breast cancer and was in bed all weekend at Augusta. But she found the strength on Sunday to make it to the golf course and root her husband on and she was rewarded big time. A year ago Mickelson’s mother and wife diagnosed with breast cancer. So you know today's victory was special for the Mickelson family. During Mickelson's champion’s speech, he said: “It means a lot to share some joy together.”

It was good to see Mickelson and his wife in a truly heartfelt embrace especially when we've been dealing with all the salacious details of Woods' escapades over the past few months. Let's just hope that Amy's health continues to improve and we don't learn that Phil had an affair. That would be a definite buzzkill for me especially now while I'm feeling the love.

I had a chance to see the Mets up close and personal on Saturday. Obviously, I wasn't happy.
The Mets blew some opportunities to take control of the game before shutting down midway and leaving the bases loaded in the 9th after a great catch by Willie Harris ended the game.

Sunday, Johan Santana struggled early, Livan Hernandez looked 25 instead of 50 something and the Mets go 2-4 on their opening homestand. Too early to freak out. Yes-and no.

Okay so Johan had a terrible start....Mike Jacobs is still at first base despite a young but productive first baseman named Ike Davis tearing it up in Triple-A....Jason Bay has been slow at the plate...blah blah...I know I know, it's difficult NOT to worry when you see the Mets losing series to the Marlins and Nationals and being at the bottom of the East (yes, even after six games). The recent demise of the Mets makes it hard for them to even stump a toe without fans thinking the season is over.

Then it seems like everything orange and blue is terrible. I have a friend talking about how empty Citi Field was on Saturday and that the Mets must be lying about their attendance records. More than 32,000 on hand this past Saturday. Don't give up now! It's just the beginning. Things will get better. HOWEVER, here is one thing I recently learned from Twitter (oh yea that amazing news tool) that DOES need to change NOW! Apparently the taco stand at Citi Field ran out of chicken and corn. There were no tomatoes at the burger place either. Um...no, no! The only way we fans survive a tough game is on a FULL stomach. So, the short of it is, relax...there might be time to freak out later but right now, don't think the world is going to end, all you Chicken Littles out there. We will be in touch when you SHOULD freak out!

The new VH1 series, "Basketball Wives" is the newest attempt at slowing killing our brain cells. It's not like I don't watch ANY reality shows. Some crack me up...who doesn't love Flava Flav?...others make me think, this can't be true...anyone ever seen "Seventeen and counting"? Are you kidding 17 kids...AHHHH!!! "Basketball Wives" follows seven best friends who are either the girlfriend, wife or ex-wife (or in at least one case the "baby's mama")of an NBA superstar. Shaq's ex, Antoine Walker's ex and Eric Williams' current wife among the ladies on the show.

Here is part of the description of the show from the VH1 website:

"...While many people may view the wives of professional athletes as being lazy and entitled, these women are proof that those stereotypes are often off the mark. From starting a high-end shoe boutique to managing a dance company to building a fitness empire, these women are chasing and realizing dreams and goals that underscore their place as empowered woman and not just the wife of a celebrity..."

ARE YOU SERIOUS? You have got be kidding me?! Even, the Nets Chris Douglas-Roberts find this all a joke, commenting on his Twitter: Wait wait wait wait...is this Royce?? Aka "whoevers choice"??? She's on TV??!!!! Oh noooo. I'm done. Finished. Over. No mas. Douglas-Roberts is referring to Royce Reed, the former Orlando Magic and Miami Heat dancer and mother of NBA star Dwight Howard’s son.

Look I know REAL professional athletes' wives...the women who I have PERSONALLY seen struggle and take on all of the responsibilities at home when Daddy is off on the road. The beautiful but classy Laura Posada, who has taken her share of "sexy" pictures, comes to mind immediately. She is an attorney who runs a foundation connected to her son and will tell you that SHE raises her children, not a nanny. She is definitely financially stable, but she remembers the times she and Jorge were not so fortunate. You don't see her flaunting her booty at pool parties etc. See what I mean in the following clip...and please let this be the last time you watch "Basketball Wives":

Http://tv.yahoo.com/show/45647/videos/19044528

Ok... So the Jets trade with the Steelers to acquire Santonio Holmes is anything but elementary but I was looking for a catchy title and that's what came to mind. Sue me! How much did you pay to read this blog anyway?

The Jets got Holmes for just a fifth round pick in this month's NFL draft. Why so cheap? Because he has a lot of off the field issues. A woman in Florida is suing him for allegedly throwing a glass at her. He also had drug and domestic violence issues. But he is a great talent and it seems the Jets are now foregoing character for talent. Who knows? It may get them a Super Bowl title. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum talks about trading for the troubled wide receiver after the jump.

Tuesday will be a big day in the Bronx. The World Series Champion Yankees will play their home opener against Hideki Matsui and the Anaheim Angels. The Yanks will celebrate their 27th World Series title with a ring ceremony before the game. Former Yankee outfielder and current jazz guitarist Bernie Williams will throw out the first pitch. You know the Yankees will pull out all the stops when it comes to history and pageantry. We talked to Joe Girardi and starting pitcher Andy Pettitte about any and all subjects Opening Day. After the jump, they talk about what they expect the day will be like.

With the Rangers season coming to a premature end Sunday in Philadelphia, the next thing to think about is Tuesday's Draft Lottery. The Blueshirts are guaranteed no lower than the 11th pick but could pick as high as the sixth. The Rangers began the season winning seven of eight games. They ended their season winning four of six. It was the in between part that bit them in the butt. The Blueshirts inconsistent play and shootout loss on the last day of the regular season helped them miss the playoffs for the first time in five years. Tuesday at their practice facility in Greenburgh, the Rangers reflected on their season and what they could have done to make it better. Of course, we were there. Listen in after the jump.

The Yankees played started their 2010 home season in much the same way they ended 2009-with a win.

The Yanks topped the Angels, 7-5 in a game that shouldn't have been that close. Once again, the "Core 4" of Jeter, Pettitte, Posada and Rivera ruled the day. The Captain homered. Jorge had three hits. Andy was dandy and Mariano did what he does best: Close out the game. All is well in Yankeeland, and there seems to be no reason this team can't win it all again.

I recently returned from Yankee Stadium after a full day of rings, ceremonies, home runs, strikeouts, and post game interviews...oh yeah and a live shot for the 6:30pm PIX News. Now it's on to the Mets in Denver and the News at 10 but I couldn't close out the day without writing about some of my experiences. While you might think it's all glamour and glitz and that people roll out the red carpet for the media, UH...NO! We actually hustle and hustle to get things done. Don't get me wrong, it's the best job ever! I don't take it for granted but I, like many fans, were in the stands watching the World Series ring ceremony because only the "host" cameras were allowed on the field.

I would have had it no other way! There's nothing like being in the stands with my friend, Veronica Contreras from Telemundo (awesome sports anchor!) cheering with the rest of the crowd and taking in the moment without the video cameras and the immediate responsibility to "get the shot". Well if you know me...I can't help BUT "get the shot" so I did as I took a picture of all that Hideki love.

Then, there is that RIDICULOUS ring! Nick Swisher was all too anxious to tweet about it and gush over the moment and express his emotions at how amazing it was to be there and get that ring. He tweets: First let me say,that was amazing. I have never been part of something this awesome. I am so proud to be a Yankee! . Follow me at pix11lolita to see who else is tweeting...

Look at these two...living, breathing, baseball legends. Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. Just amazing...still gushing. They were so kind and would it be rude to say "cute". They spoke with us about the guys getting teary-eyed after receiving their rings. Whitey spoke about coming to games with his dad at age 6 and now at 81 being at the new Yankee stadium. If I closed my eyes, these could have been the words of the 80-something year old fan I spoke to when the old Yankee stadium was closing down and he got to touch the field for the first time. It's amazing how even THE Whitey Ford, THE Hall of Fame Pitcher, has the same overwhelming feelings. Ahhh...so cool!

Here we are in the press room. Everyone getting a quick bite and watching the game. We have monitors all around but get the plays, scores and stats from the Yankee stadium PA announcer.

This was the craziest thing all day, walking by the old Yankee stadium reduced to rubble. People were in awe, a somber amazement, of what is really almost fully gone. It's eight decades....more than 80 years...wild. Hey but the bat is still standing...for now.

6:30 came quick...as did our live shot...a whole day of work for nearly two minutes of on air. Worth it? Absolutely!!!! Back to PIX for the 10PM.

Met fans who double as Yankee haters no doubt were conflicted this afternoon rooting for the Angels’ Joel Pineiro to handcuff the Yankee offense.

Conflicted because Pineiro should have been a Met this off season.

We all knew (except the front office, apparently) that this Met season was going to hinge entirely on the team’s starting pitching.

So far in the early going the starting pitching has been disastrous and the team has stumbled out to a 2-5 start.

That’s where Pineiro comes in. He along with Jason Marquis and assorted others were among the gaggle of starters the Mets DIDN’T sign this off season; instead opting to keep the rotation in house.

That, predictably, appears to be a huge mistake. A season-costing mistake.

It seems obvious, even this early in the season, that the Mets missed the boat not signing Pineiro.

I argued in this space during the winter that Pineiro – if anybody – was the free agent pitcher the Mets should have pursued.

In case you didn't notice (and judging by the TV ratings, you haven't) Matt Estreich's fine points the other day have come to fruition once again. This time, TV fails to give the Devils proper respect.

The Yanks lost to the Angels 5-3 this afternoon at the stadium.

The game was notable for who was on the mound; Javy Vazquez for the Yanks and Joel Pineiro for the Angels.

Vazquez is pitching under a microscope this season (however fair or unfair that may be), and he has not performed particularly well so far.

Javy’s line this afternoon: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. He was booed off the field when he was lifted from the game and eventually earned the loss.

Pineiro was notable because, as argue a few blog posts down, his signing with the Angels was a major miss for the Mets. He pitched seven innings for the win.

We were in the locker room after the game to hear the troops circle the wagons around their struggling teammate, Vazuez.

Circling the wagons are: Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Vazquez himself.

Check it out:

Jerry Manuel spoke about it all spring training. Now, it will happen. Leadoff man Jose Reyes, the fastest Met this side of Mookie Wilson, will be hitting third in the lineup as early as this weekend against the Cardinals. This move, if Manuel sticks to it, is wrong-even if only until Carlos Beltran returns.

Hey Yankee haters, the next time you call Yankee fans spoiled brats who only care about winning, check out the ovation the crowd gave long time Yankee trainer Gene Monahan.

He has been fighting cancer since last year. He’s been part of the Yankee organization for 48 years, 38 as the Yankees trainer.

Most Yankee fans can’t remember the team without him. As you watched the ring ceremony on opening day you couldn’t help but be moved by the crowds response to seeing Monahan take the field.

One-by-one each player hugged him as he, and many of the players fought back tears. Yankee Manager Joe Girardi said “It was a thrill for me” presenting Monahan with his World Series ring.

Monahan has no timetable set for his return to the team. He hopes it’s sometime very soon. As do all the Yankee players and their fans

Written by David Kalmowitz

Alright, the Mets snapped their four game losing streak. They beat the Rockes this afternoon 5-0. Great. But I still cannot be totally happy. Managers continue to think their starting pitchers are more fragile than David Hasselhoff's psyche. I hate it!

Now that the Knicks got that pesky ‘regular season’ out of the way with another loss last night, the real fun starts today.

Can you feel it? Today, Knicks fans, is the first day of the rest of your Knicks fandom life.

To prove as much, the team held a powwow with Team President Donnie Walsh and Head Coach Mike D’Antoni.

They refused to talk free agents by name for two reasons:
1. It’s against league rules to talk about players currently under contract
2. It’s just plain stupid to show your hand so early in the process

However, the Dapper Donnie did give us a sneak preview of what his pitch to potential free agents might sound like.

Mike D’Antoni also answered the question of whether or not he considers himself a reason players might consider New York over other teams. His answer might surprise you (depending on if you’re easily surprised or not).

Check out what the brain trust had to say:

I’m all for Major League Baseball honoring Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color barrier by having every player and coach wear #42.

But I must say, the tradition just confuses me.

First of all, the Mets: I grew up in the age of Mo Vaughn, not Jackie Robinson. So when I see the Mets all wearing #42, all I can think of is big Mo chasing down a foul ball at first base and then falling down the dugout steps.

That’s probably not the glowing memory MLB had in mind when it gave every Met the opportunity to wear the number.

Then there’s the Yanks: The only player left in baseball who still wears #42 every day is, of course, Mariano Rivera. So imagine how off-putting it is for a Yankee fan to watch them play today and see every player on the field wearing #42.

I know Mariano thinks he can play every position on the field…and he’s probably right. But it’s a little weird to see Randy Winn wearing Mariano Rivera’s jersey. Ditto A-Rod and Jeter in matching Mariano jerseys.

And does Mariano get a special #42 jersey like everyone else or does he just wear the same old dingy one he’s been rocking since Opening Day??

It’s just strange. Not really a big deal, but just a tad weird. I know I’m being nit-picky.

Then there’s the issue of every other team in baseball whose players I have no idea what they look like.

I was lost today while watching the Rockies play the Mets. How am I supposed to tell Clint Barmes apart from Ryan Spilborghs apart from Ian Stewart apart from Seth Smith.

Like I said, lost.

So here’s to Jackie Robinson day. A great idea that I’m happy only comes around once a year.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

Last year's Yankees World Championship victory was colorful, exciting and now frozen in art. Famed sports artists Opie Otterstad and Stephen Holland unveiled their original artwork of the New York Yankees today. We went to the gallery for a look back at the great moments of '09...as if you needed any reminders! I know those memories are still fresh and will be for years to come. Enjoy the video after the break.

You can see in person at Pop International Galleries, 473 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012, 212-533-4262

Today’s athletes have everything. They are bigger, stronger, faster and much wealthier. The one thing they don’t have is great nicknames. Sure, there’s Rocket Clemons (special fuel not included) or Air Jordan even Big Papi. These names pale in comparison too Ted William’s Splendid Splinter or the Detroit Lions’ Night Train Lane. Where did all the "Lefty’s" and "Whitey’s" go? A-Rod can’t hold a candle to Mickey Mantle’s The Commerce Comet. No offence Derek Jeter but your nickname is... Derek Jeter.

When I was a boy my father would tell me about the old Yankees. What made stories great were the nicknames, Jumpin’ Joe Gordon, The Super Chief, Allie Reynolds, The Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig and especially Babe Ruth.

Unfortunately sports today is as much about money as it is the games. All we ever hear about are payrolls, salaries and ticket prices. Much of the joy has been taken out of sports. So tonight I’m going tell my boys about Pee Wee, The Galloping Ghost, Tom Terrific, Hammerin’ Hank, The Scooter, Old Reliable and of course The Sultan of Swat…

Written by David Kalmowitz

Ben Roethlisberger will not face any charges from the legal system in connection with his March 5 incident with a 20 year old woman in a Georgia nightclub. Doesn't mean he didn't do anything wrong. According to an interview with the police, the woman said Roethlisberger encouraged her and her friends to take numerous shots of alcohol. Then one of his bodyguards escorted her into a hallway at the nightclub, sat her on a stool and left. She said Roethlisberger walked down the hallway and exposed himself.

"I told him it wasn't OK, no, we don't need to do this and I proceeded to get up and try to leave," she said. "I went to the first door I saw, which happened to be a bathroom."

According to her statement, Roethlisberger then followed her and shut the door.

"I still said no, this is not OK, and he then had sex with me," she wrote. "He said it was OK. He then left without saying anything."

Not much wrong in Yankee land right now... They're 6-3, winning three series against three tough teams. Friday night, they start a series at home against the Texas Rangers. We talked to Yankees Manager Joe Girardi before the game. And don't worry... If you're watching this after the game has already started, there still is some topical stuff to listen to. A little news that Joe will tell you about... Chan Ho Park has been put on the DL... Boone Logan will be called up from AAA. He also talks about his early impressions of Curtis Granderson... Listen in... after the jump.

By: Caroline Kovach

The surging Yankees completed their fourth successive series win of the season.

Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run of the season, more notably, his 584th career home run to pass Mark McGwire for eighth place on the all-time list.

If A-Rod can stay healthy, he could surpass Frank Robinson (586 home runs -- 7th place) and Sammy Sosa (609 home runs -- 6th place) this season, leaving him outside of the top five all-time.

Derek Jeter went 3-for-4 and smacked his third homer of the season. Meanwhile, A.J. Burnett pitched seven shutout innings to propel the Yanks to a 7-3 win over the Rangers.

We were in the locker room after the game.

Take a listen after the jump...

Maybe this is the game that Mets fans will point to as the turnaround... This is the optimistic Mets fan in me. The Mets beat the Cards 2-1 in 20 innings in a game that took almost seven hours to complete. Think about it... I could have flown from New York to Los Angeles in less time.

Yes they are taking off... Taking off for California, that is. The Yankees will begin a nine game, three city road trip with a series in Oakland against the Athletics. They hit the road in very good shape, winners of four in a row and four series in a row. They're 9-3 and tied with the Rays for the best record in baseball. Andy Pettitte is 2-0 and pitching well... Slumping Mark Teixeira finally hit his first homer of the year. The Yankees are getting great pitching, errorless defense and timely hitting. What more do you need. We were in the locker room after their sweep of the Texas Rangers. We hear from Joe Girardi, Andy Pettitte, Ramiro Pena, Jorge Posada and Mark Teixeira after the jump.

With Mike Jacobs’ dead weight shipped out of Flushing, the time is right to bring Ike Davis to Citi Field.

Actually, the time was right two weeks ago. But hey, Met fans will take what they can get.

And tonight they’re hoping that’s a power-hitting, defensive vacuum of a first baseman.

Word is that Ike probably won’t be up tomorrow night when the Mets host the Cubs. That’s because the team has too many sore arms from the 20-inning game to send a pitcher down and bring up a hitter.

That’s fine. But as soon as the bullpen returns to normal Ike better be playing first at Citi.

Davis’ numbers at Triple-A Buffalo; .364 (12 for 33) with two homers and four RBI.

I’m sure there will be an adjustment period when he finally gets to the Bigs, but why shouldn’t we believe the kid can contribute right away.

Hey, leave it to a Yankees day off for the Mets to matter-at least for a day. For whatever the reason: the realization that Fernando Tatis and Mike Jacobs are marginal big leaguers at best, to generate life into their fan base OR (this would be the best reason) that they realized they made the wrong move out of spring training:Ike Davis is a New York Met.

I am glad young Ike Davis is up with the team. Lots of people are saying ABOUT TIME and I totally get it, but I like the fact he is coming up now. He has a good start under his belt at Triple A which bodes well physically and mentally. When we spoke in the Spring, Ike seemed well beyond his 23 years. He is an all business type of player who is not going to let being good go to his head. Physically, he is the total package: tall, strong, agile, and smart...the smart being key! Listen to our interview and tell me what you think after the break:

The New York Mets called up first baseman Ike Davis from Buffalo Bisons (AAA) of the International League and optioned righthanded pitcher Tobi Stoner to the Bisons. Davis will wear #29 and will be available for Monday's game.

Davis, 23, hit .364 (12-33) with three doubles, two home runs and four RBI in 10 games with the Bisons. He drew nine walks and was tied for the best on-base percentage in the International League (.500). The 6-4, 215-pounder reached base twice in nine of his 10 games with Buffalo and was in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak (.348, 8-23).

Davis played for the Mets in spring training. He hit .480 (12-25) with seven runs scored, three doubles, three home runs, 10 RBI, three walks and eight strikeouts in 12 games. The Mets are hoping that Davis adds some power to a Mets lineup that has hit just nine homeruns, tied for third fewest in the majors.

Stoner was recalled Sunday and pitched 2.1 innings Sunday night at St. Louis suffering the loss. He allowed three hits and one run with three walks and one strikeout.

The Nets have a lot of work ahead of them this summer... and apparently Rod Thorn will be on hand to do it. The Nets president said in a conference call on Monday that potential new owner Mikhail Prokhorov has given no indication that he won't be back. That's a good thing. When you have stability in the front office, that leads to stability on the court... And any NBA fan knows, there wasn't always stability in the Nets front office. Who can forget the Secaucus 7?

How many guys can say they went 2-for-4 in their big league debut ? I won't check with the Elias Sports Bureau, but looking at the thousands of men that have played MLB, not many percentage wise. Ike Davis, though DID go 2-4 plus his first career run batted in during the Mets 6-1 win over the Cubs. Jeff Francoeur topped the night by introducing the kid to shaving cream.

What types of emotion was the 23 year old going through? What surprised him? Did he feel the pressure? Listen to our video board to hear Davis and Davis Wright reflect on the rookie's opening act.

Cincinnati Reds all star pitcher Edinson Volquez was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for using performance enhancing drugs. Volquez said in a statement he received a prescription in the Dominican Republic as part of treatment to start a family with his wife. He said the drug was banned by Major League Baseball.

Okay football fans...we are not even into summer but already, we are getting you ready for the action on the gridiron in 2010. Here are the schedules for the Jets and Giants:if better teams can be rated by how many games they have late night, as I like to call it, the Jets beat out the Giants this time around. (not including the TBD games)

Preseason
8/16 Monday vs. NY Giants 8 p.m. ESPN
8/21 Saturday at Carolina 8 p.m. WCBS
8/27 Friday vs. Washington 7 p.m. WCBS
9/2 Thursday at Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. WCBS

Regular Season
9/13 Monday vs. Baltimore 7 p.m. ESPN
9/19 Sunday vs. New England 4.15 p.m. CBS
9/26 Sunday at Miami 8:20 p.m. NBC
10/3 Sunday at Buffalo 1 p.m. CBS
10/11 Monday vs. Minnesota 8:30 p.m. ESPN
10/17 Sunday at Denver 4:05 p.m. CBS
10/24 BYE
10/31 Sunday vs. Green Bay 1 p.m. FOX
11/7 Sunday at Detroit 1 p.m. CBS
11/14 Sunday at Cleveland 1 p.m. CBS
11/21 Sunday vs. Houston 1 p.m. CBS
11/25 Thursday vs. Cincinnati 8:20 p.m. NFLN
12/6 Monday at New England 8:30 p.m. ESPN
12/12 Sunday vs. Miami TBA* TBA*
12/19 Sunday at Pittsburgh TBA* TBA*
12/26 Sunday at Chicago TBA* TBA*
1/2 Sunday vs. Buffalo TBA* TBA*
*Subject to NFL Flex Schedule

PRESEASON
Monday, Aug. 16 at Jets, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday, Aug. 21 vs. STEELERS, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28 at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 2 vs. PATRIOTS, 7 p.m.
REGULAR SEASON
Sunday, Sept. 12 CAROLINA 1:00 PM (FOX)
Sunday, Sept. 19 at Indianapolis 8:20 PM (NBC)
Sunday, Sept. 26 TENNESSEE 1:00 PM (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 3 CHICAGO 8:20 PM (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 10 at Houston 1:00 PM (FOX)
Sunday, Oct. 17 DETROIT 1:00 PM (FOX)
Monday, Oct. 25 at Dallas 8:30 PM (ESPN)
Oct. 31 BYE
Sunday, Nov. 7 at Seattle 4:05 PM (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 14 DALLAS 4:15PM (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 21 at Philadelphia 8:20PM* (NBC)
Sunday, Nov. 28 JACKSONVILLE 1:00PM* (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 5 WASHINGTON 1:00PM* (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 12 at Minnesota 1:00 PM* (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 19 PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM* (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 26 at Green Bay 4:15 PM* (FOX)
Sunday, Jan. 2 at Washington 1:00PM* (FOX)

**Last Giants note: three Giants linebackers have changed their uniform numbers for the 2010 season. Michael Boley has switched from No. 52 to 59 (worn last season by Gerris Wilkinson). Wilkinson will wear No. 58 (which previously belonged to Antonio Pierce). Clint Sintim has turned in the No. 97 he wore as a rookie to wear No. 52.

The Giants signed two veteran safeties this offseason. Antrel Rolle is wearing No. 26 (worn last season by Aaron Rouse) and Deon Grant has been assigned No. 34. New backup quarterback Jim Sorgi has jersey No. 19.

After weeks of courting, the New York Jets have landed Defensive End Jason Taylor. The former Miami Dolphin has agreed to a two year deal with Gang Green.

Taylor is a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker/defensive end, a strong pass rusher that the Jets had been searching for this offseason. Taylor is 35 years old and had a productive 2009 season with 42 tackles and seven sacks. The 13-year veteran has spent all but one year of his career in Miami where he was viewed as a nemesis to many NY Jets fans. Last November, Taylor made a comment about Jets fans saying they take the "cl" out of the word, class. OUCH!

Fireman Ed still hates the guy and I don't know how many people can really forgive him for calling Jets fans dumb. How dumb will the same fans be to root for him NOW? Not dumb at all...instead very smart. Look... he is a good player with gas in the tank and should help the defense. I like that he is feisty and pro-team. Granted he doesn't have to be nasty but some guys/gals like to rile people up with their mouths...thank goodness, JT (sorry Timberlake, there's a new JT in town) can deliver on the field.

This will help Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets be more flexible with their draft picks on Thursday, too...beginning with #29 in the first round.

Here is Coach Ryan's comments after today's developments:

Opening Statement…
Hello, everybody. First off, about the schedule, I'm excited. We have five prime time games coming up this season and that opening night game against Baltimore ought to be a triple chin strap game. I know Harb (John Harbaugh) is going to have his guys popping out of their skin. I have a funny feeling we're going to play with some emotion also that game, but that one's going to be a great game. Really, you look at the schedule, the only disappointment is I was assuming that the Cleveland Browns game would be a nationally televised game because clearly everybody wants to see the Ryan brothers do battle. So, I was a little surprised by that not being a nationally televised game. Overall, this is not a surprise to us. We expected a lot of prime time games because we're a team that people want to watch. The expectations now throughout the league and through the football fans are becoming closer to our own expectations, which is to have an outstanding football team and a team that can battle for a Super Bowl.

On Jason Taylor…
First, my expectation is that Jason will be a Jet tomorrow. We feel great about that. Clearly, this is one of the premiere players in the game (and) one of the premiere pass rushers in the game. You look at the acquisition of Jason Taylor, along with the trade for Antonio Cromartie, and Brodney Pool is a young man that people forget we signed. We expect great things from Brodney. You get a healthy Kris Jenkins, along with, oh, by the way, the number one defense in the National Football League last year (and) we're really excited about our defense. It's going to be on and the great thing is we're going to get to play soon enough, and I can't wait for it.

On what he expects from Taylor…
We expect Jason to play a bunch and be a major contributor to our defense. We have an outstanding group already at that position in our base defense, but you can expect Jason to be out there a bunch. Quite honestly, we want to take some snaps away from Calvin (Pace) and B.T. (Bryan Thomas) because it's a long season and you want to keep everybody fresh. You've got to be able to rush the passer in the fourth quarter and I think those things are something that we really wanted to get better at this year. We lost a lot of close games late in games (in the) fourth quarter, so we (have to) stay fresh. We've got to be able to get people off the field in critical situations and I think adding Jason Taylor to what we already have is really going to be something for us.

On Taylor being a hated rival while with the Dolphins…
Well, I look at it this way: What was the kind of impact that Roger Clemens had? He was a Red Sox. He went over to the Yankees and helped out there. I look at Johnny Damon, the same type of deal. If Jason can have the same impact on the Jets as those players had on the Yankees and we win a championship, I think we'll all be happy.

Fordham University shortstop Brian Kownacki goes airborne over Iona catcher James Beck last night. It was all part of a nine-run rally in the eighth inning that gave Fordham a 12-9 victory. This is just awesome!! We are going to the Fordham/St John's Game tonight so stay tuned to hear from the eagle himself a little later on...

Jason Taylor met the New York media Wednesday afternoon and we’ve posted the entire press conference after the jump.

Given this guy’s history with the Jets and their fans, it’s a MUST listen.

Me, I like the deal. If Taylor has a few solid games to start the season, Jet fans will be lapping it up and all will be forgiven.

And my mom – a big Dancing With The Stars fan - she LOVES the deal. Though she’d probably rather see him with his shirt off than in a Jets jersey:

Plus, the Jets have a new stadium, so this infamous quote from last season won’t be an issue:

“To score a touchdown in New York against the Jets in the last time I'll be in the hellhole they call a stadium…it was outstanding.”

Like I said, no problem there – they have a shiny new hellhole next door.

I give it three weeks into the season before Jet fans give him a standing ovation.

Anyway, enough commentary; here’s the man himself:

The New York Mets today announced the launch of the Mets Alumni Association as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to honor its history and serve the community. Dozens of Mets players spanning all eras will visit Citi Field throughout the season, interacting with fans at the ballpark and participating in community events around New York City. The Alumni Association will establish an open dialogue with the nearly 1,000 players who have played for the Mets through newsletters and other forms of communication.

Mets favorites Tom Seaver, Mookie Wilson, Ed Kranepool, Bud Harrelson, Rusty Staub and Al Jackson kicked off the program today at Citi Field by joining 25 U.S. military veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project for a tour of the new Mets Hall of Fame & Museum. The veterans and their guests will enjoy lunch with the players and then stay for tonight’s game. Check our video from the day on our video board

Contrary to what the many pro-Mets/anti-Yankee voices on this blog might have you believe, the Yankees do have some good people in their organization.

Well, at least one; Brian Cashman.

Cashman traveled to Citi Field unannounced before tonight’s game to deliver to current Chicago Cub Xavier Nady his 2009 World Series ring.

Never mind that Nady only played in seven games for the Bombers last season; that’s still a pretty cool gesture on the part of Cashman (and, by extension, the Evil Empire).

According to the Associated Press, Nady said the ring was “gorgeous.” Not bad for seven games’ work. Plus dude gets a World Series share….I assume if he got a ring.

See, even when you’re done being a Yankee they’re still throwing cash and jewelry at you.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

Hey all, get in on the Huddle and send us your questions for Michael Strahan. I will be interviewing the Former New York Giant defensive end Thursday about the NFL Draft, who the Giants should pick, his new campaign (you know he loves to promote stuff) and anything YOU can think of...YES, we are asking you, our loyal contributors, to send in some questions.

We will review them and ask Mike the very best ones, of course, giving you credit! That's how we roll! Put your question(s) in the Comments section below (with a name we can say on air, please) and check the PIX 11 News at 10 and the blog on Thursday...

Michael Strahan stopped by the studio today to talk about all things football and then some. Of course, the NFL Draft was top of the list including if drafting a LB is the priority (thanks "Jeff NYC").

We also spoke about Osi Umenyiora's REAL desire to stay a Giant, the impact to the NFC East Donovan McNabb has now that he is a Redskins (thanks "Michael Jordan"), on how much professional athletes' lives should remain private, on his obsession with tweeting and whether he will he be "Dancing with The Stars" anytime soon. He was talkative (uh you think) but very insightful and a lot of fun! Take a listen!

(Strahan, Dennis-set director, and me)

Here’s one undeniable fact about television; you can cram as many fancy graphics and special effects as possible into a story, but if you get the old-fashioned facts wrong, you just end up looking foolish.

Case in point, today’s ESPN “Sport Science” segment featuring eventual #2 draft pick Ndamukong Suh.

The piece was meant to illustrate Suh’s tackling power, but when explaining that Suh tackles more ferociously than the Jets’ Kris Jenkins, they showed this side-by-side image:

Hey Jet fans…notice anything wrong with this picture?

After one round of the NFL Draft lots to talk about locally... The Giants picked 15th... they chose Jason Pierre-Paul, a defensive end from Florida. After all the 40 point games the Giants had, they needed to strengthen their "D." The Jets picked 29th... Kyle Wilson a corner from Boise State. He's a local product, from Piscataway, New Jersey... Speaking of Piscataway... Rutgers boasts two first round draft picks. Anthony Davis, an offensive tackle went to the Niners. Devin McCourty is a corner back and he went to the Pats. After the jump, listen in... We hear from proud coach Greg Schiano about his students turned pros... Also we'll hear from the Giants and Jets picks. And as the second and third rounds of the draft progress... we'll update all local interests...

Second Round

Giants Pick 14(46) Linval Joseph (DT) East Carolina
Jets Pick 29 (61) Vladimir Ducasse (G) Massachusetts

Third Round
Giants Pick 12 (76) Chad Jones (S) LSU

What is going on with the Jets? It seems like they are trying to win the Super Bowl this weekend! In the last couple weeks they have gotten rid of great teammates in Thomas Jones and replaced him with LaDainian Tomlinson. Next it was kicker Jay Feely, off to Arizona. Even formerly "the most hated Dolphin " Jason Taylor is now a Jets Linebacker! Saturday, Pro-Bowl guard Alan Faneca was released, 2 year into his 5 year deal with the jets and then to top it off, the Jets traded RB Leon Washington to Seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
This all apparently was part of a handshake deal between Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum to attack the offseason harder than they ever have before.
It seems like the Jets are going for the gold, now, but, at what expense? Already, with Faneca and Washington gone, there are grumblings amongst some of their teammates begging the question, why? Why them, what about our great chemistry?
The Jets had that "it" factor last year, at least at the end of the season, when they made their run to the AFC Championship, and I know sometimes you have to replace a player or 2 to make the next step, but it seems like, to me at least, the Jets are replacing too many of the key players and this could ruin their chemistry, not to mention, now all of a sudden you get guys wondering, if Faneca and Washington can go, what about me? I could be next! That's not good for anyone.
Slow down fellas! No one's giving you a trophy for the best offseason. Let the dust settle.

We have Joe McKnight's (new Jets RB) Conference Call... listen in.. and by the way... here is the complete list of the Jets and Giants picks:

Jets:

RD 1 Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
RD 2 Vladimir Ducasse, OT, UMass
RD 4 Joe McKnight, RB, USC
RD 5 John Conner, FB, Kentucky

Giants:

RD 1 Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
RD 2 Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
RD 3 Chad Jones, S, LSU
RD 4 Phillip Dillard, LB, Nebraska
RD 5 Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas
RD 6 Adrian Tracy, LB, William & Mary
RD 7 Matt Dodge, P, East Carolina

I've been listening to some sports talk radio. This play where Alex Rodriguez was returning to first after a foul ball is getting a lot of air time. If you're unfamiliar with the play... Here's what happened: Thursday afternoon in Oakland... Yankees and A's... Robinson Cano fouls a pitch off down the third base line. It was a pop up that had a chance of landing fair so Rodriguez ran from first. When it landed foul, A-Rod went back to first, touching the pitcher's mound as he passed it. A's pitcher Dallas Braden made a big stink about running on "his" mound.

Now I've watched baseball for almost all my life... and I'm not a 20 year old. I've never heard of the "unwritten rule" of not touching the mound. Never heard of it! I do know this... baseball is full of tradition and history. I do know about not stealing a base in the 8th inning when you're up 9-zip. I do know about... you throw at my guy, I'll throw at your guy... But those make sense. You can understand why these "unwritten rules" are in place. This business about not touching the mound is stupid and petty. It plays no factor in the game's outcome, therefore doesn't matter... So I totally understood A-Rod when he laughed it off. Everyone has their panties in a twist over nothing. I am all about sports etiquette... I hate to see a guy who has a breakaway layup go up and do something fancy when he's down 20 in the final two minutes of a basketball game. Check the scoreboard man!! And I once fouled a guy really hard who dared attempt a three pointer when his team was waxing my team by a good margin late in the game. That's running the score up! But crossing the mound?? C'Mon!! I guess the only thing that was accomplished is that we now know who Dallas Braden is... At least for another couple of days. Maybe someone should write down these "unwritten rules" so everyone knows them.

Raise your hand if – after the horrible spring training he had – you saw Mike Pelfrey as one of the hottest pitchers in baseball throughout April.

Exactly. Nobody saw this coming.

Pelfrey was solid again tonight, though he wasn’t exactly economical with his pitches.

At this writing the Mets and Braves are in a rain delay with the Mets leading, 1-0.

Pelfrey, who has run his scoreless innings streak to 24, is arguably the team’s best pitcher right now. And amazingly, pitching is this team’s strength.

It reminds me last year of when we all counted out the Giants’ inexperienced wide receiving corps, only to have them be the bright spot of the team.

Same thing with this Mets pitching staff and Pelfrey has been the leader.

If you had tickets for tonight's Mets-Dodgers game, you won't be using them. While there wasn't enough rain for a guy named Noah to go passing by in a large boat, there was enough precipitation to call off the game. You can exchange TONIGHT'S tickets for another game during the year.

So, Tuesday we get AREAL SINGLE ADMISSION doubleheader. Just when you thought a "real doubleheader" had gone the way of rotary phones, dinosaurs, and Kodak cameras, you get 2 for the price of 1 tomorrow. Johan Santana and Oliver Perez will pitch for the Mets. Johan is scheduled to throw out the first pitch of Game 1 at 4:10. Game 2 starts a half hour after the first game. That's enough time to take a gander at the Mets Hall of Fame and buy a $40 New Era baseball cap or a $6 pretzel.

Only the weather seems to have rained on the Mets recent winning streak-4 in a row and six out of 7 on their home stand. They've gotten decent pitching, just enough hitting and some sloppy play from the Cubs and Braves to make a nice little run. Jose Reyes has helped jump start the offense. Pelfrey has been awesome. Niese and Perez not great but workable.

Manager Jerry Manuel tries to keep things in perspective. A few weeks ago people were calling for his head on a platter. Now, things are brighter at Citi Field. Take a listen at our video board.

To the Victors go the Spoils... To that end, the Yankees got to visit the White House. Only the Champions get that honor. So on an off day before the Yankees go to Baltimore, the Yankees visited President Obama at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. There was no talk about health care or the Middle East, just baseball. The President is a baseball fan, he likes the White Sox. He'd like nothing better than to invite them to the White House and he made that pretty clear. But since they are not the Champs, President Obama had to speak glowingly about the Yankees, which he did. We divided the Yankee visit into four parts... Listen in after the jump.

I am not sure if this was the smartest thing way back in the day but at this point, Bobby Bonilla is sitting pretty. Back in 2000 when the Mets placed him on conditional waivers, Bobby agreed to defer the remaining $5.9 million due to him. Fast forward to today, where this little known but apparently not rare deal is coming to light. Every July 1, from 2011-2035, Bobby will receive $1,193,248.20

Yes those numbers are correct. The Mets will begin paying Bonilla nearly $1.2 million a year just as he turns 48 years old. I am sure he will be changing yet another channel on his cable box (Google his comment), sitting on his couch, up in Greenwich, CT. He will be 73 when he gets his last check. That's the life! Now things could have ended differently. The Mets could be in the poor house, after jumping on the Madoff train. Then deferment would be infinite. So, I get to thinking: what could the Mets do with $5.9 million in 2011? (You tell me what you would want) The Mets certainly could have used it in 2010. Oh well, Bobby Bo...enjoy it...a risky deal that paid off.

What team is THIS we're suddenly seeing at Citi Field? It's early yet, but if you were to tell me the Mets would go 9-1 on a home stand after this afternoon's 7-3 win over the Dodgers, I'd have told you to find an appropriate 12 Step Program:

"Hi, my name is Bobby and I am starting to believe the Mets can be a halfway decent team. Bring on the Phillies! "

Bud Selig and Major League Baseball tweaked the rules for this year's All Star Game to be held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on July 13. The new changes have also been agreed upon by the Players Association.Tell us if you agree:

* There will be a designated hitter regardless of which league is hosting the game. For the National League, the DH is chosen by the manager. So it will be up to the Phillies' Charlie Manuel this year. The American League DH continues to be based on fans votes. Sorry, Joe (Girardi)

* There is now a restriction on pitchers who have pitched in a regular game the Sunday before the All Star game.

* There will be one more position player (21 position players and 13 pitchers) elected and a unique re-entry rule. In addition to the existing injured catcher rule, the manager is now allowed to select one position player to re-enter a game in the event that the last available position player at any position is injured.

It’s late October 1979. I’m in my frontyard with a friend playing Wiffle ball. The previous night, I had watched the Pittsburgh Pirates win the World Series over the Baltimore Orioles. My new favorite player was Willie Stargell and my new cap was that hideously ugly round black Pirates cap with the yellow stripes going around it. My home team was the Red Sox. My real favorite player was Jim Rice. At that time, he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. He had recently signed a new contract with the Red Sox that would pay him annually over a million dollars a year. I was dumbfounded that a baseball player could make so much money, but felt if anyone deserved it it was Jim Rice.

Three of the most revered teams of my youth were the Pirates, Reds and Royals. They were annually in the running for the playoffs. Dave Parker, Stargell, Bill "Mad Dog" Madlock, John "The Candyman" Candelaria, George Brett, Willie Wilson, Frank White, Amos Otis were some of my favorite players from the Pirates and Royals. The Reds had Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Dave Concepcion but I didn't like them because they had beat the Sox in '75. The Pirates had seemingly made a smooth transition from those players to Bobby Bonilla and Barry Bonds.

I have always said that the only way I will talk about Tiger Woods is when he is playing golf. All the other stuff is just nonsense that has nothing to do with me or anyone else for that matter. I have also said that Tiger has to play well if he is to redeem himself and have people forget about his indiscretions and fall from grace. No one will care about Tiger if he doesn't become the Tiger of yore on the golf course.

Tiger shot a 2-over-par 74 at Quail Hollow, his second tournament of the year, following a five month hiatus to deal with other things. After his first round he said: "One good round tomorrow and I can get back in it." Tiger will forever be trying to get back in it because he will always have to prove that he, WE, are passed his past! If nothing had ever happened and Tiger was having a bad tourney, people would be concerned and asking golf questions. That is still happening but in the back of your head, I KNOW you are thinking, is it because Elin has left? Are there more ladies out there? Will he ever get over the "Tiger Gone Wild" era? Play well Tiger because now more than ever you have a lot to prove. Tiger will always be one of the best golfers ever. He is amazingly talented but before today, I never questioned his struggles without relating it to his workouts or weight training, etc. Not anymore...

With all the joy over the Mets 9-1 home stand and 7 straight wins, there's the realization that despite the good work the last 10 days, this weekend's series against the Phillies in Philly could be an early look into whether or not the Mets will be a legitimate contender this season. Too early to call this "a big series?" Absolutely not.

So there I was yesterday afternoon at Citi Field, thinking I was OVERDRESSED in two fleece jackets, only having to leave after three innings because I was shivering uncontrollably.

Fast forward to late last night, and there I was with a fever, chills and pounding headache – all because I got sick taking in an AFTERNOON Mets game.

Imagine if I was there at night!

All in all, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s FREEZING at Mets games. I’m no expert in stadium design, but I’m guessing the relentless wind at Citi comes from the open design of the stadium facing Flushing Bay.

Whatever breeze comes off the water is funneled directly into the stadium. If the weather report says there are 5 MPH winds where you live, you can probably assume they’ll be 15-20 at Citi.

This also creates the ridiculous issue of garbage swirling around the Stadium, but that’s a rant for another day.

Even if you REALLY hate them, LOVE to hate them or just HATE them because you are jealous...you would think that the Yankees are the most hated team in baseball. Believe it or not, they aren't even number 2! Come on, the President knows there is no love lost for the Yanks, saying "And you wonder why the other teams don't root for you." Of course, that came after Asst. GM Jean Afterman quipped "Let him hold it; he may not get a chance again" as Obama prepared to hold the trophy at the White House ceremony earlier this week. OUCH! (she apologized for the comments) I guess there is something about Cleveland that just doesn't rock! Who's from there; why so much hate? Tell me!!!

The Hatred Index

Using an algorithm designed by Nielsen Co. that measures positive and negative reactions on the Internet, here are the 10 most despised teams in baseball (scale is -5 to 5).

Team Score
1. Cleveland Indians 0.9
2. Boston Red Sox 1.1
3. Cincinnati Reds 1.5
4 Houston Astros 1.8
5. New York Yankees 1.8
6. Washington Nationals 1.9
7. Chicago White Sox 2
8. Baltimore Orioles 2
9. New York Mets 2.3
10. Los Angeles Dodgers 2.4

(Courtesy: WSJ)

Forbes magazine used some “scientific” formula or something to figure out the top 10 mascots in sports.

I think you can tell from my use of quotation marks the credibility I put in this “study,” but still, one of our local guys-in-costumes made the list….so I will mention it.

Mr. Met and his freakishly disproportionate body-to-head-size ratio made the list.

To find out where he ranks (and who else made the list), click below!:

Newly appointed Hofstra men's basketball coach already has a mugshot and a suspension without pay...what?! Talk about a bad way to start your career at a new school! Tim Welsh was arrested early Friday morning on drunk driving charges. His Breathalyzer test...double the legal limit! Police noticed Welsh passed out behind the wheel at a green light and bingo!, arrest and quick suspension by the school as it investigates the incident.

How are you supposed to be a role model for your young players? These are the types of things they might do that then, YOU, would have to deal with. Look I am no saint! Who is? Everyone has made mistakes. Does Welsh deserve a second chance? If there is no track record, sure, absolutely. However, why does it always take a "I got caught" to make people think a little harder about their actions. If you are in that position and know you drank a little too much (we ALL know when there was one too many) then get a cab, call a friend, whatever! When I go out as a group with my friends, it might suck but one of us stops (or doesn't even start) so that we all get home safe.

My father is a world renowned track & field coach. He was at the helm of the women's track program at Rice University for more than 30 years. Not once, did any incident like this ever happen. Did I ever see my dad "having a good time" with his buddies and family? UH ...yeah! Still, he always kept it together. He would NEVER drive. I remember times when he was picked up or slept it off at a friend's house and we would all just stay over. He knew that he would lose respect with "his girls" if he didn't live his life the way he expected them to live theirs, number one: stay out of trouble. It's hard. Whether you are a coach, a professional athlete, a TV Sports Anchor, and more importantly a parent, you must always have the "I am a role model" in the back of your mind. BUT there is something even MORE difficult. People will forgive errors; redemption is always possible. The hard part is making up for it. Next time Welsh might think of how easy it is to not get behind the wheel...hopefully there is NO next time!

Boxing's latest "SUPER FIGHT" that on it rides the hope that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Shane Mosley (AND HE IS NOT "Sugar" Shane-"Sugar is reserved for 1 man-Ray Robinson-the BEST fighter of all time) the Sweet Science will return to the forefront of American sports. I'm just hoping for a fight worth the hype.

He spent 22 seasons in the National Football League and never missed a game. He has a Super Bowl ring, a couple of Pro Bowls under his belt, and a slew of records but today, Giants Punter Jeff Feagles hung up his cleats and said goodbye to the game he has lived and breathed for decades.

Feagles admits his body felt like his 44 years of age. One day this off season, he awoke to aches and pains and a swollen knee and called Coach Tom Coughlin to say he was done. The father of four boys adds he has always wanted to leave the game while "on top" and plans to spend more time with his family and coach his sons.

Coughlin told members of the media at Friday's press conference that Feagles is "totally reliable", "totally dependable", "honest" and has a "tremendous attitude", insisting that the Giants punter for the last seven seasons, loved to be coached. He is one of just four players in history to play at least one game in each of the 22 seasons, including a record 352 games in a row in the regular season and 11 post season games. His 352 games played is the third-highest in history behind Morten Andersen (381) and Gary Anderson (353).

Feagles owns the NFL record for most punts: 1,713 or 312 more than another former Giant punter Sean Landeta. Feagles is credited with creating the directional punt. Early in his career, he began to develop a strategy to kick the ball away from prolific punt returners, punting toward the sidelines, out of bounds or dropping the ball in the opposing team's territory. His biggest advice to all future punters is to learn the directional kick.

Feagles got cut only once in his career, in 1990 while with the New England Patriots. Feagles explains he always played as if he could lose his job. Coughlin points to Feagles' work ethic and humility as assets to his lengthy career. Feagles, who insists he will not pull a "Brett Favre" and return to the game following retirement, has come a long way from being an undrafted free agent in 1988. He played through three decades, five teams, eight head coaches, three NFL commissioners and five presidential administrations.

Pop quiz... How many 40 point games did the Giants give up last season? Five!! That's "un-Giant-like"... Well... the Giants addressed their defensive needs in last week's NFL Draft. Mini camp started on Friday and the Giants coaching staff, including new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, got their first look at the rooks on the field... up close and personal. We were there and we have a look at the team as they practiced... and we also hear from Coach Tom Coughlin and three of his newest additions. Listen in after the jump.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend. A few hours before tomorrow night's game, manager Joe Torre will be anxiously watching his horse in hopes of seeing a thoroughbred he owns win the Run For The Roses. Torre owns 10 percent of "Homeboykris", a 50-1 shot that finished 5th in two races this year. This is Torre's third try as a part owner at horse racing's greatest event. Watch his horse and hear him speak on "The Sport Of Kings." Watch Torre's horse work out and listen to Joe compare baseball and horse racing.

My picks:

1. Jackson Bend
2. American Lion
3. Lookin At Lucky

Remember: Gamble responsibly. One horse race shouldn't mean you lose home or family.

Can they keep it going? The Mets roll past the Phillies 9-1 in Philly. You hope it keeps going. Niese seven strong innings. 8 extra base hits-4 of them homers. Rod Barajas makes Brian Schneider a bad dream thus far.

Only bad news: Jeff Francoeur (he homered too) hit on the elbow by a pitch and banged his knee making a catch. Even Jenrry Mejia stood up, protecting Frenchy by hitting Chase Utley. Mets take no prisoners in this one.

Let's see Pelfrey out pitch Halladay tomorrow.