So day one of the winter meetings in Las Vegas has produced no headlines. But there are many headlines to be written, hopefully this week. Where will free agents Manny Ramirez, C.C. Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira wind up? Will the Mets sign a reliever, or two?

Christmas comes twice a year if you're a free agent. Of course December 25th is the day we all can celebrate. Free agents can start celebrating today. Friday is the first day that free agents can negotiate with teams. C.C. Sabathia is Priority # 1 for the Yankees. The Bombers missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and watched as their 2 chief A.L. East rivals played each other for the American League Pennant. That must not have sat well with the boys in Tampa. They have made it clear that starting pitching is what they want. The Yanks already have started their team revamp, acquiring Nick Swisher on Thursday. Swisher, who hit .219 with 24 HR and 69 RBI last year with the White Sox, gives the Yankees some flexibility. They can play him at first to replace Jason Giambi or they can play him at one of the outfield positions and then go after a Mark Teixeira or another first baseman.

For those of us blessed to live in large market areas, “Hot Stove” talk in the off season, and the start of the free agent signing period, is very exciting. But otherwise, it’s another example of what’s wrong with baseball.

Hall of Fame Catcher Gary Carter will be managing in New York in 2009 afterall. Not in Flushing, but a little farther out on Long Island. Carter is the new head man for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. He was introduced at a press conference Monday. Carter managed last season in the independent Golden Baseball League. He guided the Orange County Flyers to a title. In '06, "The Kid" managed the Class-A St. Lucie Mets in the Florida State League. He has been out of the Mets system since then and from what I understand it wasn't the most amicable parting.

Yup. You heard (read) right. Bring Manny Ramirez to the Mets. Yes I know that Manny can drive a team nuts by just being Manny but the Mets need an infusion of energy. This Mets team has been eliminated on the last day of the regular season 2 years straight. In 2007 they couldn't get the big hit. In 2008 they couldn't hold a lead, any lead. So while bringing Manny to New York would not solve all the Mets problems, it would be a nice start. Omar Minaya has to justify his own contract extension by rebuilding the Mets bullpen. We know that. There are a few relievers that Minaya has his eye on, but bringing Manny to New York will kick-start the Mets quest for their first championship since 1986.

As you’ll see on our video board, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation had its annual Gala tonight at Chelsea Piers. Our MATT ESTREICH did a great job covering the event.

This Sunday the Giants travel to the armpit of the east coast*, Philadelphia, to take on the rival Eagles. But beginning this weekend, for the first time in 25 years, it’ll be different when Big Blue comes to town.

I’ve said a few times in this space that sports (especially baseball) mirror life, and based on talk radio and blogs, I believe that fact is still true. The word “change” is the buzzword that drove Barack Obama’s ride to presidential history. It also put my thinking cap on. The events in our country are far more important than sports-unless you asked the agents who represent overpriced, over hyped, under achieving athletes.

It is always such an honor to speak with former athletes who I have either grown up watching or have heard so many stories about. It is even more inspiring when these Hall of Famers and All-Stars take time away from their evenings and days to appear at charity dinners and raise funds for good causes.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria watches the final outs of his team's 10-2 loss in game three of the World Series. (Gary W. Green / Orlando Sentinel / October 26, 2008)

The Rays did not win the World Series….but you know what, it’s ok. Thinking about how far the Rays have come in just one year makes it more than ok. It was a year of firsts for the bay area, first world series, first playoff birth, first winning season! Through out the roller coaster ride that was the Ray’s historic season, a city was swept off its feet, and made to fall in love with the game of baseball.

TV executives and MLB advertisers are trembling at the prospect of a Phillies-Rays World Series. But as much as I and the rest of the Mets fans hate the Phils, you can’t help but admire them. They have scrappy, hungry players with guts that I WISH the Mets had. Rollins, Utley, Victorino and crew hustle and charge their way through each day. Cole Hamels is a big game bulldog. Ok, the rest of the staff doesn’t scare you, but Charlie Manuel holds it together. Brett Myers has gone from starter, to pen and back again just to help the team. Brad Lidge scares you as much as Billy Wagner, but hasn’t blown a save this season.

Professional sports, such as football, have been using instant replay for years to review questionable calls on the field. Major League Baseball will begin utilizing it today for debatable home run calls. Thank god, right? Now we no longer have to worry about teams losing games because of a foul ball called fair or a fan interference that went unnoticed.

But will MLB eventually begin to use replay for other controversial calls, making the game even longer than it already is? And of more immediate concern, does it make sense to introduce such a crucial rule near the end of the season? Read more after the jump.

As sports fans of the Earth, first thing is we all have to agree on one thing: inaccurate calls suck. And as most know, MLB began paving the way to use instant replay last fall when the GM's ok'd a plan to be sent to the commissioner's office for evaluation. In fact, the Commish himself, Bud Selig said just last week, that there's a chance replay may be added for this year's playoffs.

Well, bravo fellas, it's about time. Unfortunately, though, you're still a bunch of dolts because you're only going to use replay for "fair and foul calls and for plays that happen over or near the outfield fence" and not calls at home plate or even for when players slide into the other bases - which if you ask a fan, is where most of the really egregious umpire errors occur (save for the pitching, of course, but hey, might as well leave something for the humans.)

One would think that any sports fan anywhere would always be interested in accuracy. And up to this point in history, we've done alright without any electronic back-up, but these days the electronics exist, so why not use them if they can make your sport better, more accurate, more fair, and more fun for the fan who doesn't have to worry as much about watching his or her team or player lose because of a mistake.

Now no one wants to see R2D2 behind the plate at Yankees Stadium, but if you look at the sports world, almost every sport has benefited in some way by adopting technologies, which may not have been present when that sport began. So what's the problem, boys of summer? Why not let your sport catch up to everyone else? Read more after the jump >>>

Manny Ramirez is a vital part of the Red Sox team that has thrived for the past decade. Even so, the 2004 World Series MVP and the Sox organization have parted ways. But neither the Red Sox nor Manny will benefit from this trade at this point in the season.

The Red Sox, even with David Ortiz, are out of their minds if they think their team will be better off without a slugger like Manny. He’s consistently been the team’s best hitter and clutch performer. Without him, the Red Sox may even drop out of playoff contention in the AL East.

The Yankees have been dominant since the All-Star break, and they show no sign of slowing down. They won eight straight heading into Sunday night’s game with Boston. Days before the trade deadline, they strengthened their lineup by acquiring outfielder Xavier Nady and relief pitcher Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates. But in a division like the AL East, there is always room for roster improvement. So the Yankees will do anything to gain an extra edge as they head into crunch time in September… even consider signing the Homerun King himself, Barry Bonds!

On paper, Bonds is one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the game. (Whether steroids allowed him to break the homerun record is still an unanswered question.) Sure, he’s been a great player, but whose to say he’ll even perform after being sidelined since last season? More after the jump.

Baseball is New York’s summer game, and the locals are moving right along. Johan Santana FINALLY showed some manly virtues and pitched like an ace yesterday. ‘Bout time., even in the watered down pitching we have today.

Let’s face it, the Mets are a collapse Tuesday by the pen and a big hit on Saturday from being 4 or 5 games ahead. Carlos Delgado has rediscovered the Fountain of Youth (hopefully not steroids) and the starting pitching, minus Brandon Knight’s rough outing Saturday, has been good. A big three game set with the Marlins at the Fish Tank starts tonight in Miami. By the way, is Raul Ibanez in the Mets’ future? NOT if it means Niese and NO WAY Pelfrey. Perez for Manny Ramirez? Maybe-check back Friday.

Last night’s All Star Game was, in a word-TERRIFIC. The pomp and circumstance with the Hall of Famers. George Steinbrenner making an appearance, great. Plus, the guys played hard, played like they wanted their league to win.

The 15 inning affair was the longest in history-nearly 5 hours long. NL Manager Clint Hurdle was ready to use David Wright as a pitcher if the game went to the 16th inning. That hideous word ‘tie’ was making used car salesman Bud Selig choke on his hot dog in the later innings.

Honestly, there was NO reason for there to be any thought of a tie. To state the case, just compare to the 1967 All Star Game that also went 15 innings.

In 1967, 12 TOTAL pitchers were used, last night - 23. In ’67, pitchers went longer-Catfish Hunter twirled the final 5 innings of the game.

Therein lies the biggest problem-you DON’T need 12 pitchers on each staff. Seven or eight is fine. If you want to honor guys like Kazmir and Webb that pitched Sunday, great, but only 8 active guys on a staff. If guys who are normally starters aren’t ready to go

Let the big stars play longer. Here’s a tidbit: Willie Mays played 11 full All Star games. Jeter and A-Rod should be willing to go 7-8 innings. Wouldn’t you rather have the biggest stars playing with the game on the line? You DON’T need every team represented either. Just take the best 25-28 guys, period.

One of the benefits of working at a TV station is that you get to see some out of town games. Last night: the Tampa Bay Rays finished off a three game sweep of the Boston Red Sox. Can you say first place? Now to my Aunt Patricia and Uncle Jim who claim loyalty to the Yankees (Yes, Patricia goes back all the way to Bucky Dent) this is not a good sign. Like many transplanted New Yorkers now living in F-L-A, they brought their rooting interests with them. They just didn’t figure on the Rays causing them any problems.

For those of you unaware, the Yankees draw as much attention in Tampa as the Rays do-at least till now. The Yankees train in Tampa. George and Hank Steinbrenner have issued directives from the family compound. TV sports highlights almost always include the Yankees during the baseball season.

So it must BE KILLING all those Red Sox, Yankees, and I’ll say it, Mets fans in Florida that the Rays are suddenly so good. Before this season, I cared about the Rays chances of winning about as much as Adulter-Rod’s affair with Madonna. It had no bearing on my life. Now though….

I see a Tampa team with 5 starters that have a chance to win every night. My Mets, even with Santana, can’t say that. With Neither can the Yankees. The Rays? Kazmir (UGH-I’d love him with the Mets. Oh, that’s right-I HAD him) Shields, Sonnanstine , Garza and Jackson are all good-none is 27 as I type this today.

I know it’s July 2nd, but I will say it NOW-the Mets and Yankees can start planning for 2009.

The Yanks have too much ground to make up and are too inconsistent-as age creeps in and they have to get younger. At 34, Jeter has had a disappointing year. Will Pettitte and Mussina, Damon and Matsui (is Godzilla done for the year?) even be back next season. Even with his bounce back this year, Giambi probably won’t be back. Melky hasn’t had hit in forever-WHY didn’t Girardi have him bunt last night?

The Mets: Not much different. Pedro, Delgado, Castillo, Alou-all done. None should be back next year. Ollie Perez and Mike Pelfrey aren’t consistent enough. Right now, the Mets’ farm system couldn’t grow organic eggs, never mind major league talent. For this season, the Mets can thank the Lord they’re in the N-L’s LEAST-ern Division. Once the All Star Game is done in a few weeks, we can talk football. Best news of all: Somewhere Joe Torre and Willie Randolph are smiling. It isn’t-and-wasn’t-their fault.

Speaking of greatness, for my money Tom Seaver is one of the top 2 righthanded pitchers of all time. Take your pick between Seaver and Greg Maddux. Sorry Roger Clemens-steroid cheats need not apply.

Monday night, Seaver spoke with our Sal Marchiano about his favorite memories of Shea Stadium.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

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.

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.

I agree in principle with Jim Baumbach's Monday column in Newsday.

I totally understand Carlos Delgado's rationale to NOT come out for a curtain call against the Braves Sunday afternoon. But the Mets aging 1st baseman clearly backed himself into a corner that he may not be able to escape from.

Let's get a few things straight: Delgado has been awful this year. I can't wait for Mark Teixeira to be a free agent. (Thanks to 'theauthor' for setting ME straight) Plus, the chances are MUCH better that Carlos will go into another 4-for-49 stretch as opposed to getting hot.

Mets fans—unruly as they've been towards Scott Schoenweis and wrongly Johan Santana—are perfectly within their right to boo Delgado. He's a guy making $16 million this season and like the suddenly hot Luis Castillo (let's see how long THAT lasts) hasn't been productive. Still, I acknowledge the human side of this: Delgado has been booed all year. After that 2nd home run he's thinking, "NOW they love me? Bleep them." If you saw the CW-11 telecast, it SURE looked like David Wright told him to stay in the dugout too. (Wright denies this. If he's lying, shame on him)

So I see Carlos' point. In most areas of life, false praise (and that's what was coming from the 53 thousand at Shea) is properly ignored.

But by doing so, right or wrong—Delgado gets no grace, no rope to hold onto. If he goes 0-5 against the Pirates and leaves two men on in scoring position in the 8th, he will be lambasted. Any time he makes an out in a big spot, he'll wish he were playing in Kansas City. The insults for Delgado will make the boos for Alex Rodriguez look like a tent revival meeting. Fans are fickle, especially when you look at how baseball salaries are so out of whack compared to the average guy. Carlos made his bed. For his sake, he better play well the rest of what will be his final season with the Mets—or he could have the least enjoyable experience of his baseball career.

You have to feel badly for Jorge Posada. Derek Jeter may be the pretty boy Captain of the boys in the Bronx, but Posada, like Jason Varitek with the Red Sox, has been the real fiery leader.

Jorge is one of the few catchers in baseball that can put up good numbers consistently. Last season, he hit .336, 7 of the last eight years he's knocked in more than 80 runs.

The Yanks should still score a lot of runs. Where Posada will be missed the most is in the clubhouse. He's worked very hard to be a better catcher and a handler of pitchers. Unlike Jeter, who picks his spots to be a "leader," (speaking out for steroid cheat Jason Giambi but holding his tongue when fans wrongfully gave A-Rod a hard time) Posada is one of the few standup guys in the Yankees clubhouse who doesn't have a problem speaking his mind. It's too early to see what effect Posada's loss will have on Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Young pitchers need a steady hand behind the plate and Jorge is now valued in that role.

An interesting note on Posada: He was near tears after yesterday's game in Cleveland, practically apologetic for signing the big four year contract in the off season. You wish all players cared that much-Tom Glavine being the exact opposite after last season's disastrous Mets season finale.

For further reading, check out Kat O'Brien's column on Jorge Posada.

I don't know what frightens me more—the idea that all three Presidential candidates appeared on WWE Raw Monday night—OR the state of pitching in baseball, especially the bullpens.

Having elected officials connect themselves with some of the most stupid and absurd elements of our society is scary and questions character in their desperation to get votes. Ralph Nader and Grandpa Al Lewis are looking great now. Can you imagine John Adams, Abe Lincoln or Harry Truman—guys who clearly didn't care about what people thought; only about doing what they thought was right—appearing on a wrestling show?

The thoughts of managers these days can't be too stable either. Friday night, Johan Santana goes 7 great innings. Two batters get on in the eighth, and Santana—the 137.5 million dollar man—comes out of the game. The bullpen nearly blows the game.

Saturday: after having a horrible Friday night, Aaron Heilman redeems himself, getting out of a bases loaded jam. The Mets win the game. Sunday: Andy Pettitte throws 7 shutout innings, and is removed. The same day, the Rangers remove Kevin Millwood after two runs over six, and the BoSox rally to beat the Rangers. The same day, Olson allows 1 run over 7 and is taken out by the Marlins. The Fish DO AT LEAST go on to win the game.
Monday night, Carlos Zambrano—18 game winner last season-holds the Mets to 1 run over 7 and is lifted. Meanwhile, the Rockies pen allows 5 runs to the Phillies in the final two innings of the game.

So I ask: WHERE is the stud starter who says, "Skip, you ain't going to the bullpen today." That's what happened in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series. Jerry Koosman spotted the Orioles an early 3-0 lead, and told the team, "That's it boys, they get no more. The Mets chipped away, and finished off the Birds.

So Miguel Tejada unburdened himself today -admitting to the Houston Astros that he is really 33 rather than 31. Tejada claims that he’s lied about his age dating back to signing with Oakland at age 16 because of his impoverished background.
My buddy Matt from Manhasset Hills wonders if Tejada will soon be as forthcoming to the feds about his steroids use while with the Orioles. No wonder he was such an easy target to blame after Rafael Palmiero failed his drug test three years ago.

READ MORE IN NEWSDAY >>>

Today marks the 61st anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut in the Major Leagues -breaking baseball’s color barrier and changing America forever.

The New York Mets honored the occasion by officially unveiling plans for Citi Field's Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The large hall named after the baseball great will serve as the entrance to the Mets' new ballpark.

Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon were both present at today's unveiling.

PHOTOS: Jackie Robinson Rotunda and Citi Field

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH RACHEL AND SHARON ROBINSON, AFTER THE JUMP...

Today is Jackie Robinson Day around the Major Leagues -rightly so, for Robinson’s impact on baseball and ultimately race relations in this country, 'land of the free and home of the brave’ cannot and should not be forgotten. Robinson and Branch Rickey (the man who signed Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers) are the subjects of the first ever book reports I wrote in elementary school. (I KNEW there was something good about a Catholic education, even though I wouldn’t mind a theological discussion with Pope Benedict).

But like John Adams to George Washington or Buzz Aldrin to Neil Armstrong, being number 2 at something can be tough to handle.

In a more serious vein, such was the case with Larry Doby. Born in South Carolina, but raised in New Jersey. Doby debuted for the Cleveland Indians in July of 1947, less than 90 days after Robinson -the first African American player in the American League. 61 years later, much like Adams among The Founding Fathers or Aldrin among astronauts, Doby is an afterthought.
Even Doby said, “I guess the media didn’t want to tell the same story twice.”

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

So there will be more drug testing in baseball-good. But amnesty for all the players named in the Mitchell report? Sure. It’s Bud Selig at his best-smoothing over baseball’s steroid’s era. “Sorry for the last few years boys and girls.” That’s what your commissioner is saying. “From now on, we’ll be good. It wasn’t as bad as it seems. We can make it all go away.”

This means LoDuca, Pettitte and company walk free-no accountability for their actions. Nothing that says “We have to make sure the game is clean for our fans.”

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Like many teams yesterday, the Red Sox had their home opener. It was a joyous time as the Fenway faithful celebrated the Sox 2nd title in 4 years.

Then, out of the dugout, Bill Buckner stepped to throw out the first pitch! To a raucous standing ovation, Billy Buck threw the ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Dwight Evans.

For most of the last 20 years, Buckner was the greatest symbol of Calvanistic predestined failure in New England. You know the drill -Game 6 of the ’86 World Series. The heavily favored Mets down 5-3 in the 10th, were one out away (actually twice they were ONE STRIKE AWAY twice in the inning) of losing the Series. But with two outs-Carter singled, Mitchell (who had undressed and was booking flights to San Diego) singled (wearing no cup, no less. Ray Knight flared an R-B-I single, scoring Carter, Mitchell to third. Calvin Schiraldi was lifted for Bob Stanley. With Mookie Wilson at the plate-Stanley uncorked a wild pitch -SHOULD have been a passed ball on catcher Rich Gedman) scoring Mitchell with the tying run. Then, on the most famous play in Mets history, Mookie Wilson’s groundball bounced through Buckner’s legs-Mets win and stay alive, 6-5. Two nights later, the Mets beat the Sox in Game 7.

WATCH VIDEO OF BILL BUCKNER'S STANDING OVATION AND FIRST PITCH AFTER THE JUMP...

Who needs soap operas on TV when we have the Mets and Yankees? Around here, instead of a 162 game season, we get 162 ONE GAME SEASONS. Fans have mood swings that fluctuate more than mortgage rates the last few months. Relax guys; we’re barely out of the 1st week of the season.

First off, pitching, at least when the starters are left in the game, is often ahead of the hitting in the early going. The Mets left 15 men on base Sunday in their loss to the Braves. The Yankees stranded 16 runners in only eight innings against the Blue Jays, but managed to win.

With the offenses struggling, it makes it even more important that the starters go as far as they can -ESPECIALLY the Mets. Johan Santana could have and should have started the 8th inning. He was under 100 pitches, and I’ll take my chances with Johan over Aaron Heilman any day. What are you paying your ace $137 million for if not to get big outs?

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Today is a day every American should remember. Forty years ago tonight, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. To this day, his impact on our nation cannot be overstated or under-appreciated. Tonight at 10:30 p.m., the CW11 proudly presents Justice, Equality and Hope: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here to see a preview.

Today is also a day of history and social significance for Major League Baseball. On April 8, 1974, Henry Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s home run record, homering off Jack Billingham in Cincinnati. The Braves’ future Hall of Famer was righty, given a lengthy standing ovation by the fans in Cincy.

That was a far cry from Jackie Robinson’s reception through the National League. Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in April of 1947, and Cincinnati was no different than most cities. Listen as Hank Aaron discusses Jackie Robinson’s influence on his life and on America itself.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

In another one of those ‘Strange But True’ incidents, 13-year-old Alexa Rodriguez (no doubt known as A-Rod to friends) was clawed and cut by a hawk during a school field trip tour of Fenway Park Thursday.

Fortunately, the girl wasn’t seriously hurt. Apparently she was close to a red tail hawk nest near the press box-and Mommy Hawk decided to defend her turf.

Massachusetts Wildlife officials removed the nest and a few eggs. You have to wonder: The press box at the Fens isn’t too far away from third base. Could this have been a dry run-until a more infamous A-Rod makes this way to Boston? Hey, when it comes to Yankees-Red Sox, like the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s -NOTHING is beyond the realm of possibility.

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE ATTACK AFTER THE JUMP

“Too many pitchers, that's all, there are just too many pitchers, 10 or 12 on a team. Don't see how any of them get enough work. Four starting pitchers and one relief man ought to be enough. Pitch 'em every three days and you'd find they'd get control and good, strong arms.”- Cy Young, Hall Of Fame Pitcher

Did you check out yesterday’s Pirates-Braves game? A 12-11 final. The relief pitchers gave up 17 of the 23 runs. Eric Gagne and Kerry Wood both blew leads for the Brewers and Cubs respectively. Old Cy has it right. Bullpens are so overrated. There was a time when it was a disgrace for a pitcher to be relegated to the pen rather than be a starter. Yesterday’s debacles:

Johan Santana goes 7 strong for the Mets-Willie Randolph uses 3 guys in the eighth-with the Marlins a hit away from tightening a 6-2 game. Keep in mind, Santana had 15 K’s in a game last season and only went eight innings.

In L-A, Brad Penny goes 6 and 2 thirds-comes out in the 7th with a shutout. Joe Torre, who played with guys like Warren Spahn and Bob Gibson, should be ashamed of himself.
Don’t get me wrong-every team could sure use a Papelbon or Mariano. But is Jorge Sosa better than any Mets starter? Yankee fans, does Kyle Farnsworth bring you excitement after say, Pettitte or Wang go six innings?

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Ok, by the time this entry goes up, the local baseball season will be underway. The Yankees open the final season at The House That Ruth Built. In all the hoopla about the last season for the big ballpark, sentimentality and revisionist history are the norm. The ‘current’ Yankee Stadium is really The House That George (Steinbrenner) remodeled, only somewhat resembling the ball yard the Bombers of Babe Ruth’s time played in.

The Mets, with lefty gun Johan Santana starting in Florida Monday afternoon, are saying good bye to Shea Stadium after the season.

Both teams will be LUCKY to make the playoffs.

What would a website be without SOME sort of cheesy advertising plug? Here’s mine: Check out the CW11 this Saturday, March 29th at 7:30. The 2008 Mets: Built to Win, sponsored by Audi. Sal Marchiano, Lolita Lopez and John Muller preview the 2008 contingent of Flushing’s Finest. Can the Mets rebound from the biggest collapse in baseball history? Will Johan Santana do EVEN BETTER in the NL? Can the Mets close out the 45 year run of Shea Stadium (a park only a mother or a Met fan could love) with a world Championship? Tune in Saturday night to get the info on all things ‘Amazin.’

More on the Mets: As all Met denizens know, this is the final year in the 45 year history of Shea Stadium. During our Mets preview, we’ll hear from Ron Swoboda, Ed Kranepool, Rusty Staub, Art Shamsky, Ed Charles and Keith Hernandez on their recollections of the biggest landmark within LaGuardia Airport’s flight pattern. We want to know: What are YOUR favorite memories of Shea? Opening Day in 1964? Perhaps you were stuck in line as several restrooms weren’t functioning! Tom Seaver’s ‘Imperfect Game’ against the Cubs in July of 1969-serving notice the ‘Miracle Mets’ were a force to be reckoned with. Did you run on the field after the Mets shocked the Orioles to win the World Series? Did you leave game 6 in ‘86 against the Red Sox EARLY, thinking Boston had the title? Maybe your memories are more personal—the first time your Dad took you to a game. he foul ball you caught the day you skipped school. Whatever...if it brings forth passion and recollection, leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Howard Johnson looks back at some of his favorite moments playing at Shea, including the crucial error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner that gave the 1986 Mets the momentum they needed to win the World Series.


VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Hi Everyone:

With baseball about to get underway in the good ol’ USA, I thought I’d drop a note to baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

Dear Bud:

I know things have been kind of tough for you lately. Barry Bonds, Congress on your back, what to DO about all those guys in the Mitchell Report. Let’s face it, if the boys on Capitol Hill hadn’t taken time away from the Iraq war, health insurance and how I’ll pay for my next house-you’d be talking about your ‘legacy’ again-how the game has grown internationally and attendance is going up. Hey, you and I BOTH know that you wanted to convince the owners something was wrong in ’98 with McGwire and Sosa hitting 3 homers a day. We’re all to blame-fans and media alike. As that old MLB promo ran, “Chicks Dig The Long Ball.”

For our first ‘official' item of business: The Yankees did a nice thing this week by re-naming Legends Field in Tampa to Steinbrenner Field, after owner George Steinbrenner. Over his 35 years, ‘The Boss' has brought 6 titles and glory back to the Bronx. It got me thinking Yankee fans: Should Steinbrenner get a bust in Cooperstown? My immediate reaction: No. That goes for any owner of say, the last 60 years or so. Here's my take:

A sports owner is no different than any other investor. You buy a house and hopefully watch the investment grow. You landscape your lawn, remodel the den, so that the value goes UP. The value goes up, and you or your family earns a large profit when the house is sold.

Steinbrenner is no exception. He turned a laughingstock of a franchise into a perennial power—nearly abandoning his ship building business to do it. How? George threw lots of cash into the team. There are owners that don't—just like the guy on your block who doesn't paint his fence or mow his lawn. The decision to spend or not spend cash is a choice at the individual and corporate level. There are fans in Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Minnesota who wish Fred Wilpon, George Steinbrenner or John Henry signed the checks.

MORE AFTER THE JUMP...