New York's hometown All-Stars

Tuesday July 14, 2009 4:21 PM By Pete Catapano

Derek Jeter is making his 10th All-Star appearance tonight. (AP Photo)

By Pete Catapano

The second place Yankees will be sending three players tonight for the mid-summer classic: perennial All-Stars Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera along with Mark Teixeira, who’s making his second trip.

Just as noteworthy is who didn’t get picked for this year’s game; the biggest name being Alex Rodriguez, who wasn’t chosen for the first time after missing the beginning of the year while recovering from hip surgery.

Derek Jeter

Jeter, now 35, is on pace for one of his seasons in some time as gets the starting nod for AL SS. Making his 10th appearance, Jeter was the leading vote getter in the AL, finishing with nearly five million in votes. Jeter finished the first half with a .321 average, 10 homers, 37 RBIs and 17 steals.

Mark Teixeira

In his first year with the Yanks, the switch-hitting first baseman is making his first All-Star trip since 2005. After a brutal April, Teixeira, 29, has been his usual threat at the plate, leading the Yankees with 21 HRs, 63 RBs and scoring 56 runs. The two-time Gold Glove winner has also made just one error this season.

Mariano Rivera

Every year fans wonder if the now 39-year-old Rivera is starting to lose it. And as usual he’s quieted doubts again this season, by converting 23 of 24 saves, posting a 2.43 ERA and striking out 43 in 37 innings while walking only three. Making his 10th appearance, it’s hard to imagine AL manager Joe Maddon going with someone else with a ninth-inning lead.

Their two wins over the weekend aside, some have argued that the Mets have been playing like little leaguers for a good chunk of the summer.

Tell that to their four players chosen for the 80th All Star game.

Johan Santana, Francisco Rodriguez, David Wright and Carlos Beltran will represent the Mets in St. Louis, although Beltran will miss the game with his nagging knee injury.

Although thee Mets record doesn’t reflect it, the three All-Stars set to play tonight have helped keep the team in the playoff hunt.Johan Santana

The 30-year-old lefty is making his fourth All-Star appearance and is representing the National League for the first time. While he has dropped three of his last five starts and has just a 10-7 record, Santana is still without question one of the top starters in the majors. Nearly unhittable in the first month of the season with a 3-1 record and 1.10 ERA, Santana is tied for second in the NL in wins and is seventh in strikeouts with 112.

David Wright

His power seems to have evaporated seemingly overnight with just five homers (he had 33 last year), but Wright, 26, is still hitting at a .324 clip with 44 RBIs, 24 doubles, three triples and 20 SBs. Those numbers rightfully put him as the starting third baseman this year. This is his fourth straight All-Star appearance.

Francisco Rodriguez

The Mets right-handed closer, who set the major league record for saves last season with 62, is making his fifth All-Star appearance and fourth straight. This season, K-Rod is tied for the NL lead with 23 saves and is 2-2 with a 1.90 ERA. He’s also struck out 42 in 42.2 innings and converted his first 16 save opportunities.

Johan Santana with Josh Becket, left, and Justin Morneau (AP Photo)

Pedro close to signing with Phillies: Report

Monday July 13, 2009 6:34 PM By Pete Catapano

Pedro Martinez could sign with the Phillies as soon as Wednesday (AP Photo)

By Pete Catapano

Former Met ace Pedro Martinez is inching closer to joining the Amazin’s top rival, reports say.

Martinez, 37, is expected to take a physical with the Philadelphia Phillies today and sign with the team as early as tomorrow.

The veteran righty, who’s a lock for the Hall of Fame, hasn’t pitched since Sept. 25 with the Mets.

Martinez was reportedly looking for $5 million for this season but with few takers, he’s willing to take even less than a prorated percentage of that figure, according to Fox Sports.

Last season, Martinez missed almost two months of after straining his left hamstring in spring training, then went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts.

Desperate for pitching help, the world champion Phillies are 14th in the National League with a 4.61 team ERA, but lead the second place Marlins by four games in the NL East and the fourth place Mets by 6.5 games.

Last week, Martinez is reported to have worked three innings in a simulated game against a Phillies summer league team, with his fastball clocked at up to 93 mph.

"I feel the best I have for some time," Martinez said.

Martinez is 214-99 with a 2.91 ERA in 17 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal, Boston and the Mets. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004.

(with AP)

Mets continue to unravel

Sunday July 5, 2009 7:46 PM By Pete Catapano

Mets catcher Omir Santos, front, watches Philadelphia Phillies' Paul Bako scores on a single by Shane Victorino on Saturday. (AP photo)

By Pete Catapano

It may be only the halfway point of the season, but Mets fans are fully frustrated.

The team entered the season with a shiny new ballpark and great expectations, but the Mets are coming apart with eight losses in the last 10 games, including a sweep to the rival Phillies over the weekend in which they Amazin’s scored just three runs.

How to save the season is anyone’s guess.

“They’re playing like a minor league team,” Luis Manuel Ortiz, 27, a Met fan from Harlem said after the team’s disheartening 2-0 loss to the Phillies yesterday.

And things probably won’t get easier soon for the Mets. Now a season-high three games below .500 at 39-42, the Mets start a three-game series with the league-best Dodgers tomorrow.

One person was so fed up yesterday he proposed on the team’s official message board that fans boycott a game at Citi Field by not entering the stadium until the third inning and wearing signs that say “enough” in blue letters.“We need to figure things out and get going,” said the Mets’ All-Star third baseman, David Wright, who went 0-for-11 in the series against the Phillies.

While the team has been decimated by injuries to its star players, it had stayed in contention with grit, some good pitching and the fortunes of being in a mediocre division.

However, the team has unraveled in recent weeks with embarrassingly bad defense and other head-scratching moments.

In fact, ESPN radio host and Yankees broadcaster, Michael Kay, said that manager Jerry Manuel’s decision to throw a pitch to Derek Jeter instead of walking him immediately with a pitcher on deck during the Mets’ recent series against their crosstown rival was a “fireable offense.” Kay, however, insisted that he didn’t say Manuel should be fired, according to the Daily News.

Manuel now has been at the helm of the team for just over a year, taking over last June, after the Mets wobbled through the first half of the season under manager Willie Randolph. While questions have been raised about how effective Manuel has been, there has not been the same outcry for his dismissal that lead to Randolph’s firing.

“I cannot blame Jerry Manuel for what’s happened, because he’s not playing with a full roster,” said John Strubel, writer for Mets online magazine Flushing9.com.

As far as the errors go, it’s hard to find an explanation for the on field miscues.

“They can’t make the most fundamental plays on a day-to-day basis,” Strubel said.

But fans aren’t ready to give up with their team just four games out of first place.

“We’re halfway through the season. I’m hoping we don’t lose, but I’m not expecting much,” said fan Nes Martinez, 21, of midtown.

Anastasia Economides contributed to this story.

Report Card: Mets counting on a few utility guys

Wednesday June 24, 2009 8:25 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Shortstop Alex Cora’s defense and timely hits have helped the Mets compensate for Jose Reyes’ absence. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

With a hail storm of injuries to their stars, the Mets have come to rely on a group of utility players who have seldom, if ever, been everyday major league starters.

Here’s a look at these suddenly crucial members of the team.

Alex Cora, SS, 33

Filling in for Jose Reyes as well as any journeyman could, Cora is a slick fielder and run producer (six sacrifice bunts). He singled in a run each in the sixth and eighth innings of the Mets’ scrappy 6-4 win against St. Louis on Monday.

B-

Omir Santos, C, 28

The burly Santos beat out Ramon Martinez for the backup catcher spot. He can swat for power (4 HRs, 23 RBIs) and, hitting .290, feather his swing to get on base. Santos had played only 11 major league games, with Baltimore in 2008, before this season, but his age has been apparent in his mature management of the Mets’ changeable pitching staff.

B+

Jeremy Reed, LF, 28

Reed took over in left field for patient young hitter Daniel Murphy. While the 24-year-old Murphy has held down first base defensively and stayed in the flow offensively in Carlos Delgado’s place, true day-to-day competency has eluded Reed. Hitting .288, he’s good for the occasional timely hit at the end of the batting order.

C+

Fernando Tatis, utility, 34

Coming off a fine 2008, Tatis’ play has been abysmal in 2009. Batting .248, he has grounded into six double plays. For the most part, the Mets stash Tatis on the bench as a backup at 1B, 3B, LF and RF.

D+

Fernando Martinez, CF, 20

Until Carlos Beltran returns in about two weeks, the Mets’ super-prospect captains the outfield. Batting .185, F-Mart must continue to adapt to major league pitching and improve his dedication to the game.

INCOMPLETE

Column: This Subway Series comes right on time

Thursday June 11, 2009 7:50 PM By Max J. Dickstein

The Mets' David Wright and the Yankees' Derek Jeter, pictured last summer, are set for their first interleague game of 2009, this Friday at Yankee Stadium. (Getty Images)

By Max. J. Dickstein

Each team has had its streaks and skids, its bouts with injury and hard luck that draft the early narrative of a season and harden a team’s identity.

One-third of the way through their 2009 campaigns, the Mets and Yankees now must measure up against each other — more for the New York fan’s benefit than for their own.

Neither team’s supporters care particularly much for their crosstown rivals, but that is not to say the Mets and Yankees are nemeses. They are two grand, parallel stories that seldom converge except in the New York baseball fan’s subconscious, and, by force of scheduling, for six games in June.

This year, the enigmatic Mets and the armor-chinked Yankees are already striving hard for the top of their divisions, but regular-season failures less than nine months old haunt them still.

As our two clubs pause for a June clash in the Bronx, we revel as two new stories unfold together.

Mike Francesa goes bananas over Joba Chamberlain phone call

Thursday May 28, 2009 4:08 PM By Pete Catapano

Thanks to Neil Best from Newsday for posting this on his great sports media blog, Watchdog.

Essentially, a caller to Francesa's show on WFAN was making the argument that Joba Chamberlain was a solid starter. As the caller made his case, Francesa started getting steamed. And when the caller compared Chamberlain's numbers to Andy Pettitte's, Francesa blew his top.

Watch it here

— Pete Catapano

Column: Paul Auster, a novelist in the press box for a day

Thursday May 14, 2009 8:55 PM By Max J. Dickstein

World-renowned author Paul Auster observes pitching warm-ups on Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2009, at Citi Field, before the New York Mets lost 8-7 to the Atlanta Braves in 12 innings. (Rj Mickelson/amNewYork)

By Max J. Dickstein

amNewYork Sports Editor

Publishing 12 novels doesn’t necessarily prepare you for deadline sportswriting, but Paul Auster handled the job with ease.

(On Thursday, we published his terse recap of the Mets’ tense 8-7 loss on Wednesday.)

[NOTE: See Auster's writeup after the jump]

“It’s just a game after all, but it’s only fun if you take it seriously,” the Brooklyn-based, world-renowned writer told me at Citi Field on Wednesday, when amNewYork got the lifelong Mets fan a seat in the press box for the first time.

In his youth, Auster played shortstop and followed Willie Mays’ New York Giants. “That’s all I did,” he said. “Play, play, play.” After the Giants fled to California in 1957, he adopted the Mets. In April 1962, he was among 9,231 fans at the Polo Grounds on a drizzly day for the expansion Mets’ third game.

Heeding his own words on Wednesday (“take it seriously”), Auster jotted his crisp play-by-play into a black leather notebook.

He occasionally stifled a cheer or exhortation (both are unwelcome in the media area). “That’s good!” he exclaimed after Mets starter Jonathan Niese coaxed an Atlanta Braves groundout. “For him. I’m not supposed to root.”

After the Mets lost, Auster tore three sheets of paper from the black notebook and penned his story in the time it took for him to smoke two Schimmelpenninck cigarillos.

We had observed the Mets’ locker room after the game, but it was getting late. “I’m 62 years old,” Auster said. “It’s OK if I don’t meet Jose Reyes.”Mets K’d in seesaw tilt

Extra-inning loss a painful end to 8-2 homestand

By Paul Auster

Special to amNewYork

The Mets ended a successful homestand Wednesday afternoon with a painful 8-7 loss to the Atlanta Braves in 12 innings.

The lead changed hands for the sixth and final time with one out in the 12th, when Martin Prado homered off Ken Takahashi, the eighth pitcher used by manager Jerry Manuel.

After Tuesday night’s stirring come-from-behind win, 4-3 in 10 innings, the Mets sent young Jonathan Niese to the mound for the rubber match of the three-game series. The 22-year-old left-hander had pitched well in his only other start this season; with Oliver Perez on the disabled list, Niese is fighting for a spot in the starting rotation.

He lasted just 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and five runs and allowing Chipper Jones and Garret Anderson to go 5-for-5, with three doubles.

After the Braves took a 4-2 lead in the third, Fernando Tatis electrified the crowd of 40,555 in the fourth inning by launching a grand slam over the center-field wall.

The Braves retook a 7-6 lead with single runs in the seventh and eight innings. They were aided by a David Wright error on a potential double-play ground ball and a baserunning gaffe by Jose Reyes, who was thrown out trying to go from second to third on a slow roller to short by Luis Castillo, squelching a scoring opportunity.

Gary Sheffield, given a rare start in left field, tied the game once again at 7-7 with the 501st home run of his career in the eighth.

After Prado’s homer in the 12th, Reyes led off the Mets’ half of the inning with his third double of the day. Following a sacrifice bunt, which put Reyes on third base, Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez bore down to strike out Carlos Beltran and Sheffield.

After an 8-2 homestand, the Mets face a 10-game road trip to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. The Giants, Dodgers and Red Sox have three of the majors’ best home records.

Q&A: Baseball Prospectus co-editor Steven Goldman on Manny Ramirez

Thursday May 7, 2009 6:40 PM By Max J. Dickstein

The 50-game suspension of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez will likely set back his red-hot team, which was 21-8 entering Thursday. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

We caught up with Baseball Prospectus co-editor Steven Goldman (and Pinstriped Bible blogger) by phone on Thursday to discuss the what-if's and the broader implications of the Manny Ramirez suspension.

How does that hypothetical Manny Ramirez-to-the-Mets move look now? Is it true they would have been better off with him?

Except for a 50-game intermission, it’s kind of still true. They do have a little bit of depth there in the outfield with Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis, who you could argue should be getting more playing time anyway. They would have survived it. In an alternate history where the Mets had signed Manny Ramirez, I think that, to date, they would have been in better shape than they are now.

But what about the moral consequences of this cheating?

I’m still really agnostic when it comes to this stuff. Using steroids and getting bigger, the effect is fairly minute on hitting. I'm not convinced it's more than maybe a five-percent markup. But while I’m dismissive of the impact, but I’m not dismissive of the attempt to cheat. Maybe the rules are arcane, but that’s all the more reason for you to do the right thing. If you gave a damn about the game, you would do your due diligence. Now the Dodgers are going to have to fight through it.

Not to mention the fact that Manny had done this as a Met in New York — along with A-Rod — this would be a perfect storm with some serious off-field consequences, wouldn't it?

It’s just a massive distraction. You’ve seen this with the Yankees in the last couple of weeks. Even though A-Rod isn't even there, Joe Girardi has to devote a certain amount of his time to Alex Rodriguez, and not just talking about A-Rod's rehab. If A-Rod comes back, and he goes "O" for his first 20, everyone will say he’s off the juice. Had there been two of these scandals going, one for each team, there would have been this incredible resonance and disenchantment with both teams. They would have fed on each other if they’d both been here. You’d rather keep it to on-field stuff.

Legit? Sizing up hot MLB starts

Wednesday May 6, 2009 9:59 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Zach Duke’s efficient 2.63-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio should help maintain his early success. (Image: Getty)

By Kyle Stack

You can count on three things at the beginning of every fantasy baseball season: 1) Mark Teixeira will flirt with the Mendoza Line, 2) at least one team in your league will overpay for saves/steals, and 3) there will be a litany of breakout players whose hot starts you have to determine to be legit or facades. The first two will take care of themselves, but the third is vital to either building on your early success or fostering a turnaround. Here are six surprising players to evaluate after the season's first month:

Facade

Alberto Callaspo (2B/SS, KCR)

Callaspo, a career .266 hitter in 399 at-bats entering the year, is fifth in the Majors in batting average (.379). To his benefit, he batted .337 and .341 in consecutive Triple-A seasons from 2006-07. But he might never have met Lady Luck the way he has this year. His .388 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is unsustainable, and his 18.1 line drive percentage (percentage of batted balls that are liners) is very low for a player with his batting average.Kevin Milwood (SP, TEX)

It's not good news when a pitcher who has a 2.78 ERA has given up roughly two more earned runs per game on the road (3.80) than at his bandbox for a home ballpark (1.88). That's the quagmire Millwood faces. He has a career 4.80 ERA at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, so that 1.88 figure will correct itself in a bad way. It doesn't help matters that his HR/9 rate has significantly increased (at 1.4 vs. a 0.9 career rate) while his K/9 rate has dramatically dipped (5.0 against 7.1 for his career).

Scott Richmond (SP, TOR)

Try not to pay attention to the 4-0 record. Wins are unpredictable since pitchers have little to no control over their run support. Other stats from Richmond (2.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 7.7 K/9) are impressive at first glance, but the career Minor Leaguer hasn't suddenly cracked the code to prolonged Major League pitching success. His 3.6 BB/9 rate is abysmal, especially since three of the five offenses he's faced rank in the latter half in walks. Also concerning is the 24.4 line drive percentage he's allowed, meaning that lineups are making fantastic contact against him.

Legit

Brandon Inge (3B, DET)

You might look at his eight homers and .609 slugging percentage and think to yourself, "There's no way this guy is for real." His slugging percentage is nearly higher than his on-base percentage plus slugging percentage (.672) last year. He's only three homers off his '08 total. Even though Inge's .287 batting average might shrink to the .250s range, his power is legit. He swatted 27 long balls and drove in 83 runners as Detroit's full-time hot cornerman in '06.

Adam Jones (OF, BAL)

Despite his 20/20 potential, Jones' greatest attribute this year will be runs scored; he's tied for the league lead with teammate Nick Markakis at 29. Batting second in the high-powered O's offense could net him 100-plus trips across the plate. A .395 BABIP will ensure that his .350 batting average falls, but the 23-year-old is showing greater plate discipline. His strikeout percentage is down 3.5 percent from last year, and he's cut his number of swings at pitches outside the strike zone by over nine percent.

Zach Duke (SP, PIT)

While another Zack (Greinke) has moved past sleeper status into full-fledged elite starter territory, Duke is keeping fantasy owners skeptical of his long-term value. A 1.12 WHIP is unusually low for him -- he hasn't finished a year below 1.50 since '05 -- but he has legit stats to support the mark. His K/9 rate has improved a full strikeout from last year, to 5.2. More optimistically, he's cut his BB/9 rate to 2.0, thus opening a strikeout-to-walk ratio to a very respectable 2.63-to-1.

All stats referenced are through May 5.

Life in a minor key: Sorting out the tragic death of Mike Coolbaugh

Tuesday May 5, 2009 12:00 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Heart of the Game: Life, Death, and Mercy in Minor League America

By S.L. Price

$24.99, 320 pages (Ecco)

By Max J. Dickstein

A portrait of a man who seemingly gave his life to the game, S.L. Price’s “Heart of the Game,” to be published next week, is a searing and sweet account of the career of of Mike Coolbaugh, the minor league first-base coach killed by a sharply hit foul ball on the night of July 22, 2007.

Price, a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, does well not to falsely decorate this sad, simple tale with heroic adornments. Coolbaugh, 35, had just concluded a pedestrian minor league career the previous season.

Still, Price’s eye for emotion and detail lead to a number of ponderous and oversentimental passages.

While Coolbaugh was a muscular Texan who hit for average and power and fielded a decent third base, he was not an everyday major league talent. A classic “four-A player,” Coolbaugh’s chief weakness — an inability to hit the high, inside fastball — kept him stuck between Triple-A ball and a secure place in the majors.

In one of many tragic coincidences that led up to Coolbaugh’s death, the pitch that generated the deadly foul ball was an inside fastball.

Price devotes most of his attention to the inner circle of the Coolbaugh family, struggling to cope with a loss both senseless and, in the deeply felt reaction of the baseball world, meaningful.

But Price also delves into the terribly damaged psyche of another career minor leaguer, Tino Sanchez, who cannot escape the haunting knowledge that a ball from his bat killed a man.

Price’s chronicle sheds a brilliant light on the lower rungs of professional baseball, a shadow world of young men locked in largely unrewarded struggle.

Mr. Met originates from his own dressing room at Citi Field

Monday April 20, 2009 10:26 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

Walking through the field-level tunnels of Citi Field on Sunday — the new ballpark's sixth regular-season date — I chanced upon an amusingly labeled room a few hundred feet down the hall from the visiting dugout along the third-base line.

The placard, complete with a Braille translation, read:

"Mr Met

1.35.07"

(Photo by Max J. Dickstein)

I asked a nearby attendant why the dressing room's door wasn't higher and wider to fit the Mr. Met's head. Amused, he told me that the team mascot had no room of his own in the Shea Stadium green room. Now a Mascot Hall of Famer, the jolly baseball-headed trickster who was born in the early 1960s has his own digs at Citi Field.

And then, as I returned my attention to the dressing room, Mr. Met and his crew rolled out of the dressing room a few moments later. The game's first pitch was just 45 minutes away, after all.

(Photo by Max J. Dickstein)

From the looks of the Mets mascot's cushy situation (though I did not peek inside the room) it seems this Onion article is further from the truth than you'd think.

MLB Preview: AL East again set to be the American League's premier division

Thursday April 2, 2009 1:00 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Closer Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox ... remember them? (Getty Images)

By Ravi Shankar

Special to amNewYork

In the American League, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The league’s premier division, the AL East, will only get stronger in 2009 with the Red Sox overcoming issues, the Yankees adding talent and the Rays gaining much-needed playoff experience. AL Central teams failed to make significant offseason moves, leaving the 2009 pennant up for grabs. In the West, the Angels remain divine in their division despite the loss of slugger Mark Teixeira.

AL East

The Boston Red Sox, despite suffering from injuries (DH David Ortiz, SP Josh Beckett), under-performance (SP Clay Buchholz, C Jason Varitek) and drama (OF Manny Ramirez), posted 95 wins en route to the wild card and ALCS. A clean slate and bill of health make Boston the division favorite.

The New York Yankees saw their historic stadium's run and their 13-year playoff streak come to an end in 2008. In addition to a new ballpark, the Yanks will be sporting a new 1B in Mark Teixeira and much-needed pitching help with SPs CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett.

Make no mistake about it, the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays are good enough to compete in baseball’s toughest division. However, wild-card contention is much more likely than another 97-win pennant for 3B Evan Longoria and the league’s deepest rotation.

The Toronto Blue Jays rode their solid pitching to an 86-win season, but the loss of Burnett and their sheer lack of bats will drop them below the .500 mark in 2009.

The Baltimore Orioles will remain in the AL East basement because of their abysmal pitching staff, but look for rookie C Matt Wieters to make an immediate impact at and behind the plate.AL Central

The Minnesota Twins are as good a bet as any to eke out a pennant in baseball’s most wide-open division. A young, talented rotation and defense-oriented lineup could be complemented with another bat.

The Detroit Tigers were baseball’s biggest disappointment in 2008, slighted by shoddy defense and pitching injuries. A retooled infield and healthier pitching staff will enable them to contend again in the AL Central, but expectations of 1,000 runs are long gone.

A slow start in 2008 prompted the Cleveland Indians to deal staff ace Sabathia for prospects. If the Tribe’s future stars can arrive by mid-season, Cleveland may find itself in the race.

The Chicago White Sox will have a tough time scrapping out another division title due to a weaker rotation and aging lineup.

The Kansas City Royals may well improve their record for a fourth consecutive season in 2009, but are still several pieces away from making a run. Closer Joakim Soria, the “Mexicutioner,” has emerged as one of the league’s best shut-down men.

AL West

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were weaker than their 100 wins indicated, and that showed in a first round playoff exit. The loss of Teixeira leaves a gaping hole at 1B, but the remainder of the lineup and dependable pitching should carry the Halos to a third straight division title.

GM Billy Beane’s Oakland Athletics finally opened the war chest this offseason to acquire OF Matt Holliday and 1B Jason Giambi. Though Holliday, the former Rockie, won’t post Coors Field numbers, he’ll make the A’s competitive.

Another year goes by and the Texas Rangers still boast a Texas-sized offense with no semblance of a pitching staff. Club president Nolan Ryan’s attempts to address this issue will not bear fruit in 2009.

The Seattle Mariners spent big last offseason but were spent by season’s end, totaling 101 losses. An overhaul of the offense is likely needed to remake the M’s as a competitor.

MLB Preview: Who will be the next unexpected National League World Series representative?

Wednesday April 1, 2009 6:35 AM By Max J. Dickstein

New closer Francisco Rodriguez should help get the Mets an NL East title. (Getty Images)

By Ravi Shankar

Special to amNewYork

National League baseball has seen a trend of unexpected World Series representatives over the past several seasons, with Philadelphia, Colorado, St. Louis and Houston being the last four.

Gone are the days of perennial contenders of the Atlanta Braves variety. The new model for NL success is short-term focused: assemble a good team on paper, make mid-season trades if in contention and hope for a hot streak in October.

With more talent flowing out of the NL than into it this past offseason, expect to see similar playoff races to 2008. However, don’t be surprised if the best team isn’t the one that ultimately competes in the World Series.

NL East

The New York Mets should finally close out a division championship thanks to their new late-inning stoppers, Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz. However, holes in production need to be filled at second base, corner outfield, and the back-end of the rotation.

The Philadelphia Phillies rode a power-laden lineup and flawless bullpen to a World Series victory. But the loss of RF Pat Burrell, a shallow rotation and more realistic expectations of the relief corps downgrade Philly down to a wild-card contender.

The Atlanta Braves lost 2008 to pitching injuries and let 1B Mark Teixeira go at the trade deadline. Improved health, the addition of SP Javier Vazquez and some young batting talent will put the Braves back above .500 in 2009.

The Florida Marlins, led by the game’s best-hitting shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, are building a speedy, defense-geared squad that’s probably a year away from playoff contention.

The Washington Nationals upgraded offensively by adding 1B Adam Dunn, but the hacking slugger won’t be enough to overcome Washington's utter lack of pitching talent.NL Central

The Chicago Cubs posted an NL-best 855 runs last regular season before running out of gas in October. The addition of breakout OF Milton Bradley and a potential full season from ace SP Rich Harden will get the Cubs back into the playoffs, but whether they can overcome their 100-year championship drought remains to be seen.

The St. Louis Cardinals, carried on the shoulders of MVP 1B Albert Pujols, disproved skeptics with 86 wins. The Cards’ pitching is sound with the return of SP Chris Carpenter and a young core of skilled relievers, but Pujols’ infieldmates lack the talent needed for a playoff run.

The Milwaukee Brewers will miss SP CC Sabathia’s 11-2 record and 1.65 ERA in 17 starts. His departure to the Yankees leaves a rotation in search of an ace and a bullpen still in shambles, but the Brew Crew’s bats should serve up enough offense for a .500 finish.

The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a youth movement, with second-year GM Walt Jocketty having dealt fixtures Ken Griffey Jr. (OF) and Adam Dunn (1B). Starting pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, and OF Jay Bruce and 1B Joey Votto — all 25 or younger — are the new faces of a franchise that’s still a year away from contention.

The Houston Astros failed to add any quality arms to help 17-game-winner Roy Oswalt, a managerial lapse that won’t be compensated for by a productive ’Stros offense.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will likely set a new MLB record in futility 2009 with their 17th consecutive losing season. Last July’s trade of OF Jason Bay to Boston leaves the Bucs with no All-Star talent.

NL West

The Los Angeles Dodgers were smart to re-sign colorful OF Manny Ramirez, whose .396 avg and .743 slg in 53 games helped clinch the West for the Dodgers. With Joe Torre managing a talented roster and few threats in their division, a return to the playoffs is likely for L.A.

The Arizona Diamondbacks boast one of the NL’s best pitching staffs, but the Snakes’ young offensive core is still a year away from playoff-level hitting.

The San Francisco Giants changed the face of their franchise last year from the controversial Barry Bonds to the diminutive Tim Lincecum, and the 25-year old responded with a Cy Young performance. An inexperienced offense will keep the Giants from contending in 2009.

The Colorado Rockies further distanced themselves from their 2007 World Series appearance by trading their franchise player, OF Matt Holliday.

The San Diego Padres began a rebuilding phase in 2008 but made very little progress during the offseason, with ownership changes dominating the headlines.

Report Card: Relief for Mets, but not from 2 collapses

Sunday March 29, 2009 4:44 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Mets Manager Jerry Manuel (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

The Mets made a relatively small ripple in the free-agent market this winter, but they made it in the right place.

By revamping their season-killing bullpen with some thrifty acquisitions, the team removed the handicap that has aided two straight September collapses.

But their instability-tinged hesitation to pursue expensive free-agent solutions in other areas (e.g., starter Derek Lowe or left fielder Manny Ramirez) leaves the team flawed but still competitive in the NL East.

First base: B

Lefty slugger Carlos Delgado’s fiery finish to the second half last season kept the Mets going late in games by batting runners home. Such a tear is probably too much to expect of the 36-year-old Delgado in consecutive seasons, but if one Met has earned the right to toil without scrutiny, it is the man who stands at 30th all-time with 469 career home runs.

Second base: C-

Somehow, the Mets and Luis Castillo meet again at second base. Will Castillo bat leadoff, second, eighth? Will the 33-year-old manage to play 100 games? Is his his $25 million, four-year contract an immovable albatross? We’ll see. The fact is that the Mets are hoping for a pleasant surprise from a slow, sore-bodied slap hitter at second. And there is no long-term backup plan in place.

Shortstop: A-

The Mets need more than a fantasy baseball-friendly dynamo at short. Leadoff man Jose Reyes, 25, is a unique talent, but he can’t afford to cut short his development before he becomes a complete player and team leader.

Patience at the plate will boost his average above .300 again; a focused attitude will boost the Mets.Third base: A

David Wright continues to anchor the Mets’ infield, stopping shots to the hot corner with his golden glove, then driving Mets runs home. He tied a franchise record with 124 RBIs last season and, at 26, is only likely to improve. Despite his gaudy RBI total, Wright needs to improve his hitting with runners in scoring position. (He hit .243 in this category last year.)

Catcher: C

The post-Mike Piazza Mets continue to fill a key position with borderline players. Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro will hold some runners but add little in the way of zest to the end of the Mets’ batting order.

Left field: C

Studious hitter and improving defender Daniel Murphy won the starting job in left ahead of journeyman Fernando Tatis, but that could change if the former infielder stagnates, confirming fears that he is a less-than-everyday talent. Murphy, who turns 24 on Wednesday, is hitting .356 this spring with 12 RBIs and two triples.

Center field: A

Carlos Beltran, who turns 32 next month, should again provide about 30 home runs, 110 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Beltran’s unstinting excellence at the plate and his fine defense are especially valuable, considering the Mets’ instability at the outfield corners.

Right field: C+

Ryan Church blazed into 2008 before a series of concussions rendered him merely average for much of the season. His defensive prowess and left-side power, glimpsed last year, are not necessarily returning assets. Church has gone deep just once in 52 at-bats this spring.

Starting pitching: B-

With Johan Santana as an anchor, the Mets may have misjudged the abilities of their other returning starters. Overburdened Mike Pelfrey, overweight Oliver Perez, overanalytical John Maine and over-the-hill No. 5 starter Livan Hernandez may combine for a swollen ERA that taxes the middle relievers.

Middle relief: B-

The Mets revamped their bullpen over the winter, casting off longtime objects of scorn such as Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis. The new mix is less lefty-heavy (Pedro Feliciano is the only southpaw), and features the promise of newcomers Sean Green and Bobby Parnell. Acquired from the Mariners, J.J. Putz has a problematic elbow that has hindered his control. But if Putz stands up, he will be a dynamic setup man for the Mets’ new closer.

Closer: A-

Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets’ $37 million insurance policy, set a record with 67 saves in Anaheim last season. K-Rod’s presence will sharply reduce the astounding 29 blown saves in 72 chances that the Mets suffered last year.

Manager: B+

Jerry Manuel’s task — make this patchwork roster into a winner — may be just as unenviable as his situation last June 17. And yet when the first-year Mets bench coach replaced fired manager Willie Randolph, Manuel drove a moribund, second-place group to the brink of the postseason. In that sense, the Mets’ second consecutive final-day failure was less bitter than that of 2007, when a season-long front-runner foundered in September. Unless Manuel can again earn the team’s focus, their sordid history will handicap the Mets. Even in the NL’s highest-parity division, Manuel inspires confidence that he can manage the Mets’ fragility when September comes. If he can finally get the Mets back on track, as they were in the 2006 NLCS, the 55-year-old skipper will be welcome to stick around.

Intangibles: D

Early hope reigns for the Mets each season, even after consecutive September collapses. But until the franchise can shrug off its penchant for harsh disappointment by winning the NL East or a wild-card postseason entry, the franchise will become increasingly mired in self-loathing.

Fans: A

Fans of the city's No. 2 team never have it easy in that regard, but the indignation of the the past two seasons does't seem to have caused fans to throw up their arms and give up. Resiliency is an essential quality for fans of the team from Queens. Extra credit to Mets fans for taking the high road when Yankees fans bludgeon them with the 26-titles-to-two business.

Stadium: A

The reviews are in, and Citi Field looks like it's a hit. For a competitive, big-market team, Shea Stadium was an inadequate home for too long. Hopefully, the Mets' classy new home will be an additional boon this season for the Amazin's.

Report Card: Yankees contend again as big signings spice up an aging roster

Sunday March 29, 2009 9:57 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Mark Teixeira holds down first base for the Yankees now. (Getty Images)

By Pete Catapano

In the offseason, the Yankees filled glaring holes in the pitching staff and at first base. However, competing in a tough American League East division with an aging roster, this team falls short of perfection. Nonetheless, if the team stays healthy, it should eclipse the 89 wins the Yankees posted last season.

First base: A+

The Yankees got better-than-expected production last year from Jason Giambi, who had 32 homers and 96 RBIs. But Giambi’s departure via free agency means the Oakland A’s now must deal with his defensive shortcomings. Replacing Giambi is arguably the most coveted offensive player on last winter’s market: Mark Teixeira. The 28-year-old slugger, signed to an eight-year, $180 million contract, gives the Yankees their first complete player at the position since Tino Martinez. A power-hitting, slick-gloved switch hitter, the seventh-year major leaguer is a lock for 30 homers, 100 RBIs and an average around .290.

Second base: B

Suffice to say, Robinson Cano has a lot to prove despite being three years removed from his .341 average in ’06. But, unlike others Yankees’ underwhelming 2008 performances, we’re going to say that Cano’s “down” year last year was exaggerated. He had an atrocious start, but got better as the season went along. In April, Cano hit .151, but he hit .327 in July and .290 in August. What’s more worrisome is Cano’s often maddeningly complacent defensive play. Cano should rise back to around .300 this year.Shortstop: B

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Derek Jeter is the Yankees’ heart and soul and their spark plug. He is indispensable in that regard. But let’s be realistic about his declining talents. Jeter is nearly 35, and his range at shortstop ranks him near the bottom of the league. His offensive numbers have also waned, with his average falling from .344 to .322 to .300 over that last three years.

Third base: C+

Things will change in mid-May when Alex Rodriguez returns from hip surgery, but for now, the Yankees will rely on journeyman Cody Ransom as a fill-in. In the preseason, the 33-year-old’s numbers have been rather pedestrian, hitting .270, with one homer and four RBIs through Saturday's games. However, if Ransom plays solid defense and hits anywhere over .250, that will be good enough. If he stays healthy after his return, A-Rod should provide 25 HRs and 80 RBIs.

Catcher: B

Since this is generally a weak position in the sport, it’s safe to say the Yanks still have one of the league’s top catchers in Jorge Posada. But Posada is 36 years old with a rebuilt shoulder, so it’s hard to expect him to put up his usual numbers. It will be a bonus if the career Yankee manages to start 120 games behind the plate. Jose Molina is a serviceable albeit light-hitting backup.

Left field: B

Johnny Damon is coming off his best season with the Yankees, hitting .303 with 17 homers, 71 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. Expect those stats to come down a little for the 35-year-old, whose miserable throwing arm makes him average at best defensively. Nonetheless, Damon is still a top-notch leadoff man when healthy — and a clubhouse leader.

Center field: C

Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera have been vying to start at the biggest question-mark postionas the 2009 season opens. Melky has three pluses: His arm, his switch-hitting ability and his experience. However, Gardner had a great spring and has great speed. Also, he hasn’t displayed the mental lapses Cabrera has. Gardner will likely get the bulk of the playing time.

Right field: B

Surprisingly productive since he was acquired last year, Xavier Nady will take over for Bobby Abreu, who, over two-and-a-half years as a Yankee, proved to be a quality No. 3 hitter with his automatic 100 RBIs and runs scored. Nady won’t get near those numbers, but expect .280, 20 Hrs and 70 RBIs. Nick Swisher will also contribute when he gets time here.

Designated hitter: B

Hideki Matsui is expected to be the regular DH, with Damon and Swisher spelling him. Injuries and knee surgery will keep the 34-year-old Matsui out of the field for most of the season. But if he can swing the bat like he’s shown in the past six years in New York, expect numbers around .290, 18 HRs and 85 RBIs.

Starters: A

By signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees have assembled their best rotation in a decade. Rounded out by a healthy Chien-Ming Wang, flame-throwing Joba Chamberlain and veteran Andy Pettitte, the Yankees’ staff should feel confident no matter who takes the mound. And in case of injury, 22-year-old Phil Hughes should comfortably fill the void.

Middle Relief: C+

The Yankees have a well-balanced relief corps that will include maybe Kei Igawa as long man, two lefties in Damaso Marte and Phil Coke and Brian Bruney stepping up as the eight-inning guy. If Jonathan Albalajo stays healthy (13 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings last year), the middle to late innings should leave the Yankees with plenty of options, as long as each pitcher reaches full potential.

Closer: A

Let’s put it like this: Mariano Rivera pitched most of 2008 with an injured shoulder and still converted 39 saves out of 40, struck out 77 and walked just six.

Intangibles: C

This team is crawling toward a decade without a championship, and has the pressure of a huge payroll and star acquisitions tinged with the A-Rod sideshow. As always, there’s a lot more to the Yankees than what happens on the field, and this often works against them.

Manager: B+

Sure, the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time since 1993 under first-year skipper Joe Girardi’s watch. However, Girardi delivered 89 wins in the toughest division in baseball despite losing Wang, his ace, for two-thirds of the season, working without Posada and Matsui for a good chunk of the year and getting zero wins out of Hughes and Ian Kennedy, each expected to tally double-digit wins — not to mention injuries to A-Rod and Chamberlain. Girardi may be robotic, but he knows the game as well as anybody.

Fans: A

Despite exploding ticket prices, Yankee fans have been heading to the Bronx in droves the past few years. Early playoff exits and disappointments haven’t affected their devotion and downright obsession.

Stadium: A

The purists are going to miss the old stadium, but from the looks of it, the Yankees’ beautiful new ballpark is a combination of the original (renovated) stadium and modern accoutrements. The downside is that there are more than 4,000 fewer seats, making always hard-to-come by tickets that much more scarce. But there’s a dozen restaurants and, thank heavens, more bathrooms.

Column: Needling Clemens. Imagined encounters between Brian McNamee and Roger Clemens

Thursday March 12, 2009 4:45 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Brian McNamee, left, accuses Roger Clemens of using steroids. Clemens denies it. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

"Was this usually how it went?” we asked. “Get the drugs, lay them out and then Roger drops his drawers?”

“Yes, sometimes it was in his apartment,” McNamee went on. “Sometimes it was in the Jacuzzi at Yankee Stadium. Sometimes I injected him while he was on the road.”

— from an interview Brian McNamee gave to a Web site called SportsImproper.com

According to an interview conducted this week by a less-than-reputable Web site, Brian McNamee injected Roger Clemens with steroids in a number of settings. The ex-trainer’s claims led me to fabricate a few scenarios to appease my own imagination.

Feb. 13, 1998

Clemens: So you’re the new Toronto Blue Jays trainer I’ve heard about?

McNamee: I am. Brian McNamee. Call me Mac.

C: I just did a military-style workout of my own design. Really grueling. Jacuzzi time! But first, if you would be so kind ...

M: Hey, what are you — come on. Pull your pants back up, Roger.

C: Perhaps we’ve misunderstood each other. Since you’re a trainer, I thought you’d know what to do with this syringe.

M: OK, yeah, I know. Just let me keep the waste. In my basement.

Feb. 13, 2008

C: Mac, I know this is unexpected, but before I testify to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that I never took steroids or HGH, and that you’re lying when you say I did, could we do one more for old times’ sake?

M: And ... there go the pants. “Unexpected” isn’t the word I would use, Roger. Still, I don’t see why I couldn’t help you out this one time.

C: Good. But this doesn’t change anything.

M: Right. My lips are sealed, as long as I have dibs on the trash.

Feb. 13, 2018

C: Brian friggin’ McNamee! How the heck are you, brother?

M: Rodge? Rodge! What brings you to Arby’s?

C: Ah, you know, looking for work. What are you doing here?

M: You’re looking at the general manager!

C: Wow, it is truly great to see you, Mac. Um ...

M: Uh-oh. Not the time or the place, Roger. Really.

C: Right here, right now, Mac.

M: Well ... OK. Dibs!

Column: What if they gave a baseball season and nobody came?

Monday March 2, 2009 10:47 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Getty Images

By Budd Mishkin

Special to amNewYork

There was a famous poster in the 1960s that read: “What if they gave a war and nobody came?”

No one is expecting nobody to come to New York's two new ballparks this year. But the major question of the New York baseball season does not concern the Mets’ bullpen, the Yankees’ free-agent signings or even Alex Rodriguez (is that possible?). With the economy falling faster than a certain team in September (no names necessary), the most intriguing question of the upcoming season is: Will people come?

The month of March represents a waiting game, even for those of us who love the winter sports. It's been another uninspiring season at the Garden, albeit with flashes of excitement from Nate Robinson and the general feeling that things will get better under coach Mike D'Antoni. The Rangers are fighting for a playoff spot because they have lacked one skill rather crucial to a successful hockey team: scoring goals. Martin Brodeur reconfirmed his brilliance by posting two shutouts after missing 50 games with a shoulder injury, but the Devils have never had a big impact on New York's sports consciousness.

And so we wait for baseball.It won't take much to remind Mets fans of the convergence of the economy and baseball this season. Every time they walk into their new ballpark, they'll see one of the major financial players at the core of our economic woes: the bank whose name adorns the new stadium. If they would dare, the Mets could bring back their old Banner Day on that subject alone. But the health of the game this season will be determined by millions of difficult decisions made in homes affected by the economic storms raging outside — e.g., “I've lost my job,” or, “I fear I'm about to. Am I going to pony up for four tickets for my family for the game?”

The two new ballparks were created at an economic time that now seems like ages ago. And the Yankees spending this off season, all perfectly legit and legal, feels like it took place in an alternate universe apart from the one most of us are living in. We all grew up reading stories of how baseball served as a diversion during the Depression and World War II. Now we get to experience the role the game will play during this modern economic disaster. The buildings have been built. But will people come?

Yankees and Mets spring training: Weaknesses? Not this year

Thursday February 12, 2009 3:23 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

For the Mets and Yankees, last year’s 89-73 records — and postseason misses — spurred offseason action to shore up the weaknesses that produced the twin disappointment.

Several acute changes during this winter of discontent could usher in a contented spring, summer and fall.

Yankees

The Bronx Bombers shook the earth beneath Major League Baseball with their $423.5 million free agency outlay to first baseman Mark Teixeira (eight years, $180 million) and starters CC Sabathia (seven years, $161 million) and A.J. Burnett (five years, $82.5 million).

These bold new faces join a club already stocked with franchise cornerstones.

Shortstop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and catcher Jorge Posada, on restricted duty with a surgically repaired throwing shoulder, are in their mid-30s, just exiting their considerable primes. Along with the adept glove of Teixeira, they will hold down the infield and juice the offense.

Sabathia and Burnett top off a pitching rotation that already features formidable lefty sinkerballer Chien-Ming Wang and right-handed flamethrower Joba Chamberlain, opening his first season as a full-time starter.

Baseball’s pre-eminent closer, Mariano Rivera (39 saves, 1.40 ERA last season), insures the steady bullpen.

With so many reliable elements in the fold, second-year manager Joe Girardi’s top roster concerns will be the question marks dotting the outfield — with a jumble of starting candidates — and second base, where Robinson Cano regressed badly last year.

Mets

Philadelphia eclipsed the Mets again in the NL East because of last season’s September collapse — the team’s second consecutive choke job.

Signing single-season saves leader Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year, $37 million deal, trading for Seattle reliever J.J. Putz as K-Rod’s eighth-inning man and reconstituting the rest of the bullpen, general manager Omar Minaya provided the antidote.

As has been the case for three seasons — before each of which the Mets were a World Series favorite — the rest of the roster, including a star-filled offense to rival any other big-league team’s, is mostly unchanged.

Ace Johan Santana, arguably the game’s best pitcher, leads a familiar staff that features several 15-win-type starters: re-signed righty Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine.

Yankees and Mets spring training: Optimism mingles with a few concerns

Thursday February 12, 2009 3:14 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Ryan Chatelain

Reasons for excitement abound, but so do causes for caution this season for the Mets and Yankees.

3 reasons to be excited about the Yankees:

• Mark Teixeira brings another powerful, consistent bat to the lineup, and don’t overlook last year’s midseason acquisition Xavier Nady, who hit .305 with 25 HRs in 2008.

• CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, who combined to win 35 games last season, could make the rotation the Yankees’ strongest in a decade.

• Fan favorite Joba Chamberlain is in his first full season as a starter. He started 12 games last year with an impressive 2.60 ERA overall.

3 reasons to be concerned about the Yankees:

• Questions about A-Rod’s admitted steroid use may distract the team and result in boos from the stands when the new Yankee Stadium opens April 16.

• Age may catch up with a star or two. Six key players (Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter) will be at least 35 in 2009.

• The AL East is a bear. The Red Sox are tough each year, and there is no reason to believe 2008 pennant winner Tampa Bay will return to the cellar.

3 reasons to be excited about the Mets:

• No more leaky bullpen. Newly acquired Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz are All-Star relievers who should protect leads.

• The heart of the lineup — David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran — is together for a fourth straight season. That familiarity could pay dividends in a tight playoff race.

• The free-agent signing of Freddy Garcia could be one of the steals of the offseason if the two-time All-Star can return to the winning form he hadwith the White Sox in 2005 and ’06, when he went 31-17.

3 reasons to be concerned about the Mets:

• The Mets should have lobbied the Gregorian calendar to have September removed. They might not want to admit it, but you’d better believe the last two seasons’ collapses will weigh on players’ minds if they drop three straight at crunch time.

• He might have belted 38 homers in 2008, but Delgado has a .265 batting average in three seasons as a Met, a sign that his career may be on the downward slope. The Mets cannot afford for their first baseman, who will turn 37 in June, to take another step backward.

• The world champion Phillies remain in the Mets’ division, and Philadelphia’s strong nucleus is back.

Q&A: Former New York Times columnist Ira Berkow says he'll still cast a Hall of Fame vote for admitted steroid user A-Rod

Tuesday February 10, 2009 10:48 AM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

Some baseball minds say that the best players of the Steroid Era should not be denied enshrinement in Cooperstown based on alleged or admitted doping.

That point of view has a strong advocate in Ira Berkow, the author and retired New York Times sports columnist, who casts a Hall of Fame ballot each year. Berkow's latest book, "The Corporal Was a Pitcher: The Courage of Lou Brissie," was published by Triumph Books this month. The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer spoke to amNewYork on Monday afternoon.

What do you think about A-Rod’s admission?

So many players were doing it — pitchers and batters — that in my view, the playing field, to a great extent, was level. If you have [accused user Roger] Clemens pitching to A-Rod, who has the advantage?

So you don’t take a moralistic point of view?

Not in the slightest. I played high school and semipro baseball; I know how hard it is to hit a baseball. Beyond steroids, it takes incredible ability to succeed in the major leagues.

Will you vote for A-Rod when he becomes eligible?

I voted for Mark McGwire. I will vote for Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, and I will vote for Alex Rodriguez. Unless we’re wearing blinders, it was part of the culture of baseball for that era.

Is A-Rod already a Hall of Fame-level player?

Is there a question, really? Excluding some critical moments in playoff

series, for 162 games a season and for 14 or 15 years, he has been arguably the premier player in baseball — pitcher or hitter. He and Bonds. I also believe that Pete Rose should be in the Hall because there’s not a shred of evidence that he bet on baseball as a player. His record on the field apparently is pristine.

Pettitte's back with Yanks at bargain price

Monday January 26, 2009 11:34 AM By Pete Catapano

(AP Photo)

By Pete Catapano

So Andy Pettitte's first loss of the 2009 season has come in January.

The Yankee fan-favorite is putting the finishing touches on a $6 million, one-year contract with the Bombers.

If Pettitte does reach incentives, however, he could make up to $12 million.

Now, it's time for some math, everyone. In December, the Yankees offered the left-hander a $10 million deal, which he rejected.

"They weren't happy with our offer, and we weren't happy with what they wanted," Hal Steinbrenner said at news conference earlier this month.

So, Pettitte and his camp, which my have set out false rumors of interest in him from other teams, bungled horribly and overestimated his value on the market.

Once Houston backed off on their interest in Pettitte on Friday, his value sunk even lower. So now, instead of taking a $6 million pay cut from last year, its now more than $10 million.

While it's fair to say the most Yankee fans are thrilled to have him back, it's also probably fair to say $6 million is about right for a pitcher who went 14-14 last year with a 4.54 ERA.

Now that's settled. Here's our projected starting rotation for the Yankees:

CC Sabathia

Chien Mien Wang

A.J. Burnett

Joba Chamberlain

Andy Pettitte

Not too shabby.

Torre tell-all: A-Rod was 'A-fraud'

Sunday January 25, 2009 8:56 AM By Pete Catapano

In his soon-to-be released book on his time with the Bombers called "The Yankee Years," a bleak picture of the team's relationship with star Alex Rodriguez is painted.

According to two published reports, teammates frequently called Rodriguez "A-Fraud."

In addition, the book details how A-rod was obsessed with teammate and friend Derek Jeter.

The 477-book, written with Tom Verducci, will be released on Feb. 3. Torre, who last managed the Yankees in the 2007 season, is beginning the second year of a three-contract as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

— Pete Catapano

(AP Photo)

Column: Let’s check some of that Yankees, Mets fever

Thursday January 15, 2009 3:15 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

The champion Giants have left the scene, joining the colossal folly of the Jets on the NFL postseason sidelines.

So we all see it coming: “Pitchers and catchers.”

The preseason baseball prattle will soon flow from New York fans’ mouths, the speakers intentionally heedless of so many years of waiting till next year.

After an offseason — and fortune — spent addressing last season’s deficiencies, Yankees and Mets players may begin reporting to their spring training grounds in Florida on Feb. 14.

The teams’ additions seem to call for giddy, carnival-barker praise.

“Admire the pinstriped pair of aces, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, as good as 40 games won!”

“Behold sure-gloved slugger Mark Teixeira, the second coming of Don Mattingly at first base!”

“Hearken to Mets bullpen beasts K-Rod and J.J. Putz, ready to seal up a World Series Game 7 victory in six strikeouts!”

Please.Free-agent pickups held effusive news conferences and two new stadiums will glitter on opening day in April, but before the season actually begins, let’s allow ourselves a note of caution.

Roster upgrades don’t forgo the need for another season of surprises and streaks, disappointments and injuries — all far less predictable than a new signee’s pledge that he’s in New York to win a title.

Because for these two teams, problems persist.

The Yankees own 26 World Series titles, but none since 2000, when millions misplaced on sour talent began to crush the franchise underneath its own bloat.

The Mets, fine-tuners of the agonizing September collapse, just watched the archrival Phillies enact the title run they seemingly can't.

A long season on the field will allow us to measure hope against reality.

Bring on the baseball.

Carl Pavano: Reborn in Cleveland?

Tuesday January 6, 2009 10:00 AM By Pete Catapano

By Pete Catapano

This sounds like move right out of classic baseball flick "Major League."

According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Indians might be looking to sign former Yankees disaster Carl Pavano.

Apparently, Florida and Toronto are also considering him.

This says a lot about the state of pitching in the major leagues. Here's a guy who signed a four-year, $39.95 million deal with the Yanks, only to spend most of the time on the disabled list. He made just 26 starts over those four years because of injury.

He also tried to hide two broken ribs he got in a car crash from the team in 2006.

This is all I can say to the Indians: Good luck with that.

Red Sox to sign Brad Penny: Report

Sunday December 28, 2008 11:57 AM By Pete Catapano

Brad Penny (AP)

It's not a particularly explosive signing, but the Red Sox are about to add some pitching depth by signing righty Brad Penny to a one-year deal, Foxsports.com is reporting.

Although Penny struggled with the Dodgers last year, going 6-9 with a 6.27, he a total of 32 games in the two prior seasons. In 2006, he went 16-9 with a 4.33 ERA, and in 2007 went 16-4 with a 3.03 ERA.

— Pete Catapano

MLB Network launches New Year's Day

Tuesday December 23, 2008 2:09 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Kyle Stack

Special to amNewYork

It has become commonplace for sports leagues – and, in general, various sports – to have official television networks. The NFL Network, NBATV and The Golf Channel are three examples of a trend which has burgeoned in the past decade. Not to be left behind, Major League Baseball will officially launch MLB Network Jan. 1, widely available from New York's cable providers for no additional fee.

Although MLB is the last of the perceived four major professional sports leagues to launch its own network (the NHL has NHL Network), MLB Network will benefit from the largest debut in cable television history. Approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes will initially receive the network, an unprecedented move for a 24-hour sports network.

“The most important thing [for starting a network] is distribution and we’ve got the 50 million homes,” said Tony Petitti, CEO of MLB Network, in a telephone interview from the network’s Secaucus, N.J.-based studios. “One of the luxuries we have is being able to focus on the content and know that we’ve got those homes.”The content will be wide-ranging, with Hot Stove leading off the network’s off-season coverage. Hosted by ex-San Diego Padres and FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, the show will provide news and analysis of the relevant off-season moves made by all 30 MLB clubs. MLB Tonight, also hosted by Vasgersian, will provide live look-ins of games, highlights, updates, reporting and analysis once the regular season begins in April. Petitti, the former Executive Vice President and Executive Producer at CBS Sports, noted the incorporation of a primary CBS product into MLB Tonight, MLB Network’s signature program.

“The goal is to take what’s done during March Madness and bring that same production sensibility to baseball on a nightly basis,” Petitti said. “That’s the thing we’re trying to do that’s really unique.”

Other programming includes Prime 9, a countdown program which evaluates the all-time top nine in categories such as home runs hitters or great comebacks; Cathedrals of the Game, which presents behind the scenes footage of MLB ballparks; Baseball Seasons, a historical show that reviews significant MLB seasons; and AL and NL Awards Shows, which highlights the 2008 winners of the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards.

Building off that original programming will be MLB Network’s live broadcasts of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, for which the network will exclusively televise 16 games, and MLB regular season games.

“We’ll pick them on 10 days notice,” Petitti noted of the Thursday-slated regular season contests. “We’ll showcase all teams, but as the pennant races heat up, we’ll start focusing on teams driving towards the playoffs.”

The June amateur draft, Hall of Fame ceremonies and fantasy baseball-related content are also among the network’s program goals.

One of the most impressive facets of MLB Network is the studios from which the programming will be produced and presented. Studio 3, named after Babe Ruth’s jersey number, is the home of MLB Tonight and it houses 62 HD video displays across 5,600 square feet, including 108” and 103” monitors. A Perceptive Pixel touch screen display will allow on-air personalities to change graphics and images on-screen. The primary desk on set can rotate to six distinct broadcast areas and the studio’s lighting can be adjusted to represent day or night.

Studio 42, named in honor of Jackie Robinson’s jersey number, was designed to replicate a baseball field at half-scale. It includes an outfield wall, an infield, a pitcher’s mound and a scoreboard which will update league scores in real-time.

“What I think we’ve done is given ourselves a lot of options for a long period of time,” Petitti said. “The initial buildout is robust and [has] a lot of flexibility, but that’s gonna play to our advantage over time.”

Even with the glitzy studios, full slate of original programming and impressive list of on-air talent – ex-MLB players-turned-respected broadcasters Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds are two of the network’s analysts – MLB Network will be challenged to avoid the rocky starts faced by other sports league networks.

Petitti emphasized that one of his primary roles to ensure a successful start is strong leadership. “In a creative environment like this is, you want people to feel like they are impacting decisions,” Petitti said. “People always ask what’s my vision. It’s not my vision. We have a lot of creative production and programming people working here that are all contributing to what goes on-air.”

Imagine Teixeira in the Yankees lineup

Monday December 22, 2008 2:58 PM By Pete Catapano

Let's fantasize for just a sec.

So the Angels an Red Sox say they're dropping out of the bidding war for gold-glove switch hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Now, that opens the door for the Yanks' to open up their very huge, massive wallet to sign the slugger.

So. here's my guess of what the line-up could look like if things go that way (assuming Girardi alternates left and righty hitters)

Johnny Damon LF

Derek Jeter SS

Mark Teixeira 1B

Alex Rodriguez 3B

Hideki Matsui DH

Jorge Posada C

Robinson Cano 2B

Xavier Nady RF

Brett Gardner CF

And while we're at it, here's the starting five if Pettitte re-signs:

CC Sabathia

Chien Ming Wang

AJ Burnett

Joba Chamberlain

Andy Pettitte

Is someone offering Andy Pettitte a three-year deal?

Tuesday December 16, 2008 10:21 AM By Pete Catapano

By Pete Catapano

While it appears that the Yanks and have reached a stalemate on a contract next year (he wants $16 million, they want to pay $10 million), the 36-year-old lefty's camp is apparently spreading rumors that he's been offered a three-year deal from some mystery team, SI.com is reporting.

It's unclear if the offer is true, or just a tactic to make the Yanks budge.

If there's an offer out there, my guess it could be one of the following teams:

1. The Braves - Missed out on A.J. Burnett and the rotation is a big question mark after TIm Hudson

2. The Dodgers - They'll be losing Derek Lowe, and a Torre-Pettitte reunion just makes sense

3. Rangers - From Andy's home state, they're always starved for pitching

4. Brewers -They need to replace Sabathia

Jamie Moyer: The Yoda of major league baseball

Monday December 15, 2008 11:06 AM By Pete Catapano

By Pete Catapano

Jamie Moyer has been pitching into the big leagues since 1986 (the last year the Mets won the world series); he's 46, and the Phillies just signed him to a new two-year contract.

A finesse pitcher, Moyer really defies his age, going 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA this season.

Moyer, who's the oldest pitcher in baseball, has pitched for seven teams.

In his career, he's 246-186 with a 4.19 ERA.

Hot Stove Report: Yankees and Mets pursue pitching

Tuesday November 18, 2008 1:45 PM By Max J. Dickstein

The Yankees have an offer of $140 million on the table for 290-pound CC Sabathia. (Getty Images)

By Kyle Stack

Special to amNewYork

The Mets and the Yankees entered the off-season in search of solutions to the problems that denied them postseason appearances in 2008.

Each team went a respectable 89-73 last season, but injuries, overpriced veterans and depleted farm systems created nightmarish problems for squads with title aspirations.

Both clubs need major roster adjustments to remain contenders next year, and their deep-pocketed owners intend to make most of those upgrades through free agency. Here are some players each team could target:

Mets seek No. 2 starter and closer

Even after the trade for Johan Santana last winter shored up the top of the Mets’ starting rotation, other roster areas sprung leaks, including left field, second base and, yet again, the bullpen.

With Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez hitting free agency, starting pitching depth could be another glaring hole for the Mets.

Fortunately for the Mets, starters such as Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett and even Ben Sheets would serve as outstanding No. 2 or No. 3 pitchers behind Santana. Lowe is the most reliable option among the three, both durable (seven straight seasons of at least 182 innings) and accustomed to high-pressure environments (seven seasons in Boston). Burnett and Sheets are near-dominant when healthy, but both have been wracked with injury concerns throughout their careers.

Perez and Martinez (whose agent has said Martinez wants to play for the Mets next year) are possibilities to return.

Francisco Rodriguez, who saved a record 62 games in 2008, has been the popular choice to become the Mets’ closer now that Billy Wagner is likely out for all next year after elbow surgery.

However, a deal with K-Rod would probably require $10-$12 million per year. More pressing concerns revolve around the Venezuelan’s decreased velocity last season, evidenced by his 10.14 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate in 2008 following a 12.4 K/9 figure from 2004-07.

Another option is Brian Fuentes, whose asking price could be more reasonable. The three-time All-Star posted a career-best 1.10 WHIP last season and posted his third 30-save season in four years.

Left field, second base and bullpen depth are also question marks, although the bullpen probably draws top priority after two disastrous seasons. Jeremy Affeldt already signed with the Giants, but the Mets could target relievers Juan Cruz, David Weather and Brandon Lyon as valuable seventh- and eighth-inning options.

Yankees go all-out for starters, big bat

Much like the Mets, the Yankees are prioritizing starting pitching. Last week, the team offered a six-year, $140 million deal to CC Sabathia, perhaps the biggest free-agent prize on this market.

That signing would give the Yankees a true No. 1 starter, pushing Chien-Ming Wang to the No. 2 role — or possibly lower if the Yanks also sign Lowe or Burnett (the Yankees are reportedly preparing a five-year, $80 million offer for Burnett).

Both starters loom large on the Yanks’ radar, although Lowe seems again to be the safer option given Burnett’s health risk and his questionable temperament in pressure-packed games. San Diego ace Jake Peavy is also a trade option, but the Yanks would need to give up at least two of their few remaining big-time prospects.

Damaso Marte, signed to a three-year, $12 million deal, provides a steady, if unspectacular, left-handed option in the ’pen. If the Yanks do sign two of the Sabathia/Lowe/Burnett triumvirate, they could have enough starting depth to use Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes in the bullpen.

Nick Swisher’s acquisition from the White Sox last week cost little, and his defensive versatility and outstanding ability to reach base are valuable. With Bobby Abreu expected to go unsigned, Swisher can play all three outfield spots and serves as first-base insurance in case superstar free agent Mark Teixeira remains an Angel or signs elsewhere.

The 28-year-old Teixeira is a true No. 3 batter who offers stellar defense and a powerful bat that the Yankees could combine with Alex Rodriguez to form a devastating 3-4 combo. However, Teixeira’s price tag of $150-$200 million may be too high for a team looking to invest so much in starting pitching.

Catcher and center field are other question marks, but Jorge Posada’s healthy return to the backstop and a Brett Gardner/Melky Cabrera center-field duo might have to suffice.

The Yankees, like the Mets, ultimately view upgrading their starting rotation as their best shot at returning to the playoffs.

My grandfather in Philadelphia revels in the Phillies' title

Friday October 31, 2008 11:00 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Dr. Benjamin Dickstein, 93, receives a late-evening congratulatory phone call for the Phillies' success. (Photo by Max J. Dickstein)

By Max J. Dickstein

The Phillies’ run to a World Series title — in which they dropped just three games in three series — showed how far ahead of the absent Mets their NL East rivals were this season.

More importantly, Philadelphia’s first major sports title in 25 years — and just the second crown in Phillies history — warmed the heart of my grandfather, Benjamin Dickstein, a retired doctor who lives with my grandmother, his wife of 68 years, in Jenkintown, Pa.

On Thursday, the day after the Phillies won the decisive Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays, I spoke to my grandfather about the good news.

You must be in a good mood.

Boy, I’m in a good mood! And it’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to be in a good mood. It’s years since I have seen as exciting an ending as we had in this game.

Did you know how good the Phillies could be this year?

No, I didn’t. I didn’t think that they would end up the way they did.

What do you think made this Phillies team champions?

They came on very strong. I think they had an excellent manager. He managed well at the end, [Charlie] Manuel. They were guided into this win.

Who was the key player?

They had an unusual closing player (Brad Lidge). They had to bring him in [the ninth inning of Game 5]. They knew he probably would carry on and take the game under control and win it. The percentage of games he won is unusual. Just stepping in cold at the end of the game and the odds being that he was probably going to continue to do it.

You’re talking about saves, not wins, right? Lidge was 48-for-48 in save opportunities this season.

Saves, yeah. Well, saves end up to be wins.

So people have been calling?

A lot of people have been calling me. They knew they could cheer the victory with me. Also, it happened to be my [93rd] birthday the day before. So they kind of wished me a happy birthday and shared with me the pleasure of the victory.

Were you concerned about the two-day weather delay in the middle of Game 5?

I thought the fact that the game was stretched out a little bit would take the excitement away from the Phillies winning — and that it might deprive them of a win. It didn’t work out that way. It would not be as enjoyable to see this thing end up in St. Petersburg, Fla., as it would if they were fortunate enough to win and have it end up in Philadelphia.

The Broad Street parade is a very important thing. We always end up great athletic events that we win with a parade down Broad Street. This time, the parade was in action about 10 minutes after the game ended.

How did this World Series win change your life?

It made me feel kind of warm and good inside.

Friendship, friendship, friendship

Monday October 20, 2008 2:24 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, right, hugs manager Joe Maddon after winning American League baseball championship series over Boston Red Sox in St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. The pair then flew to Massachusetts to make it official. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Merkle Game 100th anniversary today

Tuesday September 23, 2008 9:51 AM By Max J. Dickstein

I dare you to download and read every word of this intensive newsletter treatment of the game that featured the original bonehead play. Cubs vs. Giants, Sept. 23, 1908. It features a disquisition by Keith Olbermann. "[I]t can justifiably lay claim to being the most memorable

baseball game ever played," he writes of the key game in the 1908 pennant race.

— Max

Reds owners to fans: I'm sorry we suck

Wednesday August 20, 2008 11:58 AM By Pete Catapano

Seems like it was centuries ago that the Reds were actually good

Perhaps Hank Steinbrenner can learn something from the Reds.

In a strange move, the owners of the last-place team wrote a letter to fans that was both emailed and posted on the Reds web site apologizing for their awful year.

"We had high expectations for the 2008 season," the letter says. "Unfortunately, the team has not played up to our expectations and we have sustained injuries to key players within our starting lineup and rotation."

The letter asks fans for "your continued trust and patience as we build the roster that will get us back on top."

Perhaps the Yanks can send a letter to fans that goes like this:

Dear Fans:

"I'm sorry you had to take out loans to pay for tickets to watch a team that sucks"

yours truly,

Hank

— Pete Catapano

The Mets are hurting for corner outfielders

Friday July 18, 2008 1:04 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

The skies are blue, birds are chirping, and everything seems to be clicking for the New York Mets, winners of their last 10 games and now co-leaders of the National League East.

But all is not as well as it appears. Here is what their starting lineup looked like last night in their win against the Cincinnati Reds:

Jose Reyes SS

Endy Chavez RF

David Wright 3B

Carlos Beltran CF

Damion Easley 2B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Fernando Tatis LF

Brian Schneider C

Johan Santana P

This has pretty much been their lineup, with a few exceptions, during the entirety of their win streak. While their pitching has been lights out, their offense certainly hasn't let them down either. Let's compare this lineup, however, to the one they fielded on opening day:

Jose Reyes SS

Luis Castillo 2B

David Wright 3B

Carlos Beltran CF

Carlos Delgado 1B

Angel Pagan LF

Ryan Church RF

Brian Schneider C

Johan Santana P

Luis Castillo is currently rehabbing an injury. Angel Pagan, who was replacing an already injured Moises Alou, is also on the DL and shows no signs of returning soon. Alou has been on and off the disabled list all year; his season and quite possibly his career are over. Ryan Church has suffered from several different injuries, including a serious concussion, and it remains to be seen how much, if anything, he can contribute to this team. Not even Trot Nixon, signed mid-season, is healthy enough to play right now.

While losing Castillo is certainly not a positive thing, Easley (and more recently Argenis Reyes) has filled that gap in nicely. Fernando Tatis and Endy Chavez have both performed well above expectation, but with their recent run to the top of the division, the Mets have a decision to make in regards to their outfield.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

(click below to continue)Option A: Make a trade to sure up the outfield

With the July 31st trade deadline looming, the Mets will likely be looking seriously at several different players who might be on various teams' trading blocks, including:

Matt Holliday, Colorado Rockies: The defending National League champions are hurting in a big way, eight games behind the sub-.500 NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks.

Holliday won't come cheap, as Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd will likely want quite a bit in return for the All-Star outfielder. If the Mets are willing to give up several top-level prospects, they would obviously have to lock Holliday up with a multi-year deal before the trade could go down.

Jason Bay, Pittsburgh Pirates

Bay, who spent a short time in the Mets minor-league system, would be a very solid pick-up for the Mets. The 2004 Rookie of the Year was an All-Star in '05 an '06, before struggling in '07. His '08 numbers have jumped back up; he's currently hitting .287 with 19 HRs and 53 RBIs.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington is notorious for over-valuing his prospects and talents, and asks for too much in return. There is some history, however, as the Mets and Pirates made a deal two years ago that sent Xavier Nady to the Pirates in exchange for Roberto Hernandez and Ollie Perez.

Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh Pirates

The previously mentioned Nady has had quite a bit of success with Pittsburgh since landing there mid-season in '06. He's having a similarly successful season to Bay, with a .321 average, 12 HRs, and 56 RBIs.

As was previously stated with Bay, it might take a hefty sum of players and cash to bring Nady back to the Big Apple

Option B: Bring up Fernando Martinez

The switch-hitting 19-year old is hitting right-handed pitching with authority at AA Binghamton, currently sporting a .331 average against righties. Widely regarded as the top prospect in the Mets system, Martinez could be another element in a platoon at the corner outfield positions.

The only fear is that the Mets don't want to bring Martinez up too early and knock his confidence. His career and future look bright, and the last thing the Mets want to is ruin a player who has the potential to be a cornerstone of the outfield for a decade or more.

Option C: Leave things as is

The Mets have won ten straight games, and adding additional players to the mix might disrupt the chemistry that this team has developed over the past several weeks. Tatis and Chavez are doing a great job holding down these positions, and Ryan Church could be back for the stretch run in right field.

The problem is a seriously lack of depth. Beyond Tatis and Chavez, Marlon Anderson and recent call-up Nick Evans are the only other active outfielders on the Mets' roster. Church and Nixon should be back at some point, but there's no way of knowing what, if anything, they can contribute.

There are 13 days until the trading deadline, and another month after that to make roster moves. Omar Minaya is on the clock, and the season is hanging in the balance, and with so many possiblities, it's tough to say what the right decision will be. Only time will tell.

Hank and Willie on the good ol' days

Thursday July 17, 2008 6:56 AM By Emily Ngo

By Emily Ngo

At 74 and 77, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays are far too old to play nine innings of baseball.

But at a town hall edition of “Costas Now,” filmed last night at NYU's Skirball Center, the two legends proved they are never too old to talk baseball ... for hours.

Aaron and Mays, arguably history’s greatest athletes, shared stories of their Negro league days, the blatant discrimination they faced in the major leagues and even admitted they can’t keep track of this generation’s young players. (Mays didn't recognize the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins.)

Aaron said he had no problem with the controversial Barry Bonds overtaking his home run record, but asked that Bonds carry the honor “with dignity” as Aaron had.

Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants celebrates career home run No. 756 with Willie Mays after a game against the Washington Nationals at AT&T Park on August 7, 2007 in San Francisco. With his 756th career home run, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron to become Major League Baseball's all-time home run leader. (Photo by Missy Mikulecky/San Francisco Giants via Getty Images)

Mays, whose charming rambles are reminiscent of most grandfathers with tales to tell, disclosed the iconic images of his cap flying off as he rounded the bases was due to his hitting it off with his hand. He alluded to having taken enhancement medicine from his doctor to keep him going on the road.

Several other big names stayed after Tuesday's All-Star game to discuss the sport’s most heated topics — performance-enhancing drugs (a subject that crept into every panel) and Hall of Fame honors, the decline of African-American players and the affordability of attending games as newer, more extravagant stadiums pop up around the country.

Among the town hall’s other participants were: pitching great Jim Palmer, multi-sport athlete Dave Winfield, Bob "Gibby" Gibson, All-Star Evan Longoria and even Billy Crystal, who posed a question as a "fellow player."

I can't feel my hands or face

Tuesday July 15, 2008 9:44 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Workers spray the Yankee Stadium field Wednesday morning. The reset scoreboard tells the time: 2:08 a.m. Several on-air media members were on the field recording live hits and standups.

The floor of the AL dugout at Yankee Stadium just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. (Photos by Max)

The long National nightmare is not over.

Far from it. If anything, it’s more scary than ever.

Texas’ Michael Young hit a sacrifice fly to right in the bottom of the 15th inning, scoring Minnesota’s Justin Morneau to extend the American League’s unbeaten streak to 12 years with a 4-3 win All-Star game at Yankee Stadium last night.

The game was the longest All-Star game ever at 4 hours, 50 minutes.

Good night ... or good morning.

— Max

Life in a tie All-Star game

Tuesday July 15, 2008 6:49 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Maybe if I write a blog entry someone will score and break this 3-3 tie. It nearly happened here in the bottom of the 11th — at 12:23 p.m. EST — but adroit Pittsburgh outfielder Nate McClouth threw out Evan Longoria at home plate.

That's not to say this game hasn't been exciting. We've just seen a great deal of missed opportunities.

Now we go to the top of the 12th inning with no end in sight. I would curl up here with cup of cocoa and settle in with my media friends in the loge seating area, but I already did.

Mmm.

3-3 is the score ... for ever more?

If the NL holds onto this 2-0 lead and wins...

Tuesday July 15, 2008 6:35 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Here is my amazing game story, if this ASG were to end right now, after six quick innings.

By Max J. Dickstein

amNewYork

The long National nightmare is over.

Matt Holliday slapped a home run to right field in the fifth inning and Hanley Ramirez scored on a Lance Berkman sacrifice fly in the sixth to stake the National League to a 2-0 win in Yankee Stadium's grand swan song last night.

The National League had not beaten the American League since 1996, and now its World Series representative will have home field advantage this October.

The scoreless tie through four innings came despite five total hits. The last All-Star Game that was scoreless through four innings was in 1990 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Derek Jeter singled in the first and then stole second — the Yankee shortstop’s first steal in nine All-Star appearances.

Alex Rodriguez left via substitution after four innings.

The pleasure of having binoculars when you need them

Tuesday July 15, 2008 5:14 PM By Max J. Dickstein

I'm binoculating tonight. I brought my lovelies and they're affording me enhanced views of tonight's game. The impressions of a television camera are probably better visually, but at least the points of view I choose through my binoculars are self-generated. Like when A-Rod and Derek Jeter were playing a very long-range game of catch from backstop (Rodriguez) to behind first-base (Jeter) before the game. Through my binoculars, I watched the ball snap from their hands, hang and drift in the stadium's pocket of air and then reach glove.

Dustin Pedroia just hit a deep fly ball to center to end the second inning. Joe Saunders is relieving Cliff Lee (2 innings, 1 hit, no walks, three strikeouts, 20 pitches, 16 strikes) to start the third inning. Scoreless tie.

Sarah Jessica Parker — SJP — up in here to announce an MLB cancer initiative. She's in tight black pants and she keeps swinging her left foot behind her right heel in an adorable way. I do not need binoculars to see this sweet motion, but I choose to use them.

New Line Cinema Premieres "Sex and the City: The Movie" - Inside Arrivals

NEW YORK - MAY 27: Actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick attend the premiere of 'Sex and the City: The Movie' at Radio City Music Hall on May 27, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Damn you, Broderick!

— Max

What we mean when we say, “This is something”

Tuesday July 15, 2008 4:50 PM By Max J. Dickstein

An august assemblage if ever there was one. Forty-nine baseball Hall of Famers, on the pitch of Yankee Stadium, and paired with tonight’s starters. Even to a casual baseball fan such as myself, words fail, my friends. Yogi Berra, Ryne Sandberg, Willie Mays, Dave Winfield, Wade Boggs up in this piece.

NBA's 50 Greatest Players

CLEVELAND - FEBRUARY 8: The Fifty Greatest NBA players poses during a photo shoot during the 1997 NBA All-Star Weekend at Gund Arena on February 8, 1997 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

There hasn’t been assemblage like this since the NBA turned 50 in 1997 and everyone had one those unforgettable white leather-sleeved jackets. Except Shaq —he missed the event because of some film promotion in Los Angeles, as I recall. Maybe he got a jacket. But he didn't deserve it. He'd only been in the NBA for like five seasons by then and was a serious stretch for the team. Then he lows off this historic event in Cleveland to promote "Shazaam" or some such thing.

By the way, I'm back in the loge press area tonight, and I'm entering blog news and views as I did last night for the Home Run Derby.

First pitch was a 8:47 p.m. American League starter Cliff Lee mowed down the first three NL batters, then NL starter Ben Sheets stranded Derek Jeter at second (single and a steal) by getting A-Rod to tip a ball up and into the catcher's mitt for the third out. Second inning, 82 degrees, Yankee Stadium.

— Max

Justin Morneau wins Home Run Derby on a night Josh Hamilton owned

Monday July 14, 2008 9:06 PM By Max J. Dickstein

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins holds the trophy for the 2008 MLB All-Star State Farm Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers reacts after comming in second place during the 2008 MLB All-Star State Farm Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Josh Hamilton loses Home Run Derby: There is no justice but it doesn't really matter

Monday July 14, 2008 6:53 PM By Max J. Dickstein

The greatest thing Josh Hamilton gave the crowd tonight was his soaring first-round performance in the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.

Never mind that Hamilton came up nearly empty in the final round, following his 32 first-round home runs with just 3 blasted souvenirs in the final and losing to Justin Morneau.

Minnesota's Morneau had 17 home runs in the first round — barley more than half of Hamilton's total. But Morneau needed just five home runs in the final round to earn the trophy, which he accepted before only the sparsest remainder of the hordes that had thrilled to Hamilton, the golden runner-up.

"I was lucky it got reset after the first two rounds," Morneau said sort of sheepishly of Hamilton's gripping 28-run outing. "That was one of the best performances I've ever seen."

So congratulations Justin for hanging on for a credible win, and, Josh, thanks for the thrills. See you in a Yankee uniform in about three years. Who cares that you lost?

Okay, that's probably all for the blogging tonight. I hope I offered you as few links as possible.

Now I'm going to go ride my bike home to north Brooklyn. It was great to spend an evening in the Bronx, when our fine northerly borough took a night to really shine on the city.

See you back here tomorrow night.

I'd better leave before a broom-wielder comes and sweeps me under the seat.

Night.

— Max

Five things Josh Hamilton has accomplished so far tonight, before the final round

Monday July 14, 2008 6:25 PM By Max J. Dickstein

(Getty Images)

Even before the finals, which begin after the State Farm "Call Your Shot" promotion, Josh Hamilton has accomplished five things I'd like to note:

1) He pretty much locked up a 2008 Home Run Derby title in one towering round.

2) He’s made himself and excellent candidate for the Yankees to target and somehow pry from Texas, as the Bombers did with Alex Rodriguez when they traded for A-Rod on February 15, 2004.

3) He has turned in one of the top All-Star skill event performances in the history of any professional American sports league (up there with Dwight Howard and Vince Carter’s Slam Dunk performances, or Larry Bird's 3-point contest, for example).

4) He has made Justin Morneau, a pretty good slugger and his opponent in the final, pretty much an afterthought.

5) Finally, Hamilton has made the Home Run Derby worthy of the high cost for tickets to this pre-All-Star Game event.

— Max

Some advice for a person in my situation: Bring your binoculars

Monday July 14, 2008 5:47 PM By Max J. Dickstein

(Courtesy bhphotovideo.com)

What’s far out is knowing that I own a terrific pair of binoculars.

I’m going to throw a link right up here for you: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488933-USA/Nikon_7253_7x35_Action_Binocular_Black_.html . So I guess Click Here to go to that web page.

I own those puppies. Bought them at B&H several months ago.

If, say, Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton were to scorch a tightly spun vessel up into the night and down quickly into right field for his fourth home run against only 3 outs (out of 10), it’s cool to see that action through a great set of glasses like those.

Now it's 10 home runs and still just 6 outs made!

He's the outright first-round leader now!

Now, he's friggin' taken over the all-time home run hitting mark for this event.

Bobby Abreu hit 24 home runs in 2005, in the first-round.

Now Josh Hamilton, with a constant grin and a stadium crowd in his corner, has belted 28 home runs before making his ninth out. He hit a bunch in a row with 8 outs. I'll find out how many.

Hamilton is already in 10th place all-time in the Home Run Derby home run list.

But the point is, hey, bring your binoculars.

I DID NOT FOLLOW THAT ADVICE.

I am without binocs.

Aaaah.

— Max

All-Star Home Run Derby Live Blog INITIATED

Monday July 14, 2008 4:58 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Welcome to Monday evening at Yankee Stadium.

With amNewYork's sports editor, Max J. Dickstein.

That's me. I'll be observing and writing this evening.

The first four big batters have not abused the ball much yet in the first round.

Lance Berkman was just up at No. 5. He just passed Dan Uggla and Grady Sizemore with his 8 big flies. Those first two hitters had set the standard at hitting in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, slugging 6 home runs each. Chase Utley (5) and Evan Longoria (3) are pretty much goners now.

— Max

Okay, okay. Here's the A-Rod news you're starving for:

Alex Rodriguez sooo amused while practicing fielding today at Yankee Stadium (Getty Images)

By RACHEL COHEN

AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The first Madonna reference came about 10 minutes in.

Alex Rodriguez didn't snarl or duck away. He answered with the same relaxed expression and casual tone he used to describe the honor of playing in the final All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.

His personal life has been splashed across the local tabloids in recent weeks, but Rodriguez insisted he doesn't resent such intrusions, that he has learned to embrace "the gift and the curse" of sports stardom.

"You have to take the good with the bad and not take yourself too seriously," he explained later. "I think that's the one thing that over the first four or five years (in New York), I kept knocking myself over the head, and trying to re-explain myself.

"If this gentleman asked me that question, I probably would've been here for three or four hours trying to explain my personal life — and kind of made an ass out of myself, really."

Rodriguez appeared determined to not make a, um, fool of himself Monday when the All-Stars met the media, each seated at podiums scattered across a hotel ballroom. Nobody drew as many reporters and cameras as the Yankees third baseman, who had about two dozen people pressed around him for the entire 50-minute session.

Old star celebrates All-Stars

Monday July 14, 2008 6:32 AM By Lauren Johnston

It's the final countdown to tomorrow night's All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, and in just one of many events around town to help you pass the time until the starting pitch - former Yankees captain Don Mattingly will be in Manhattan today to take a group of NYC kids on a tour of the

Sports Museum of America at 26 Broadway at 11:15 a.m.

Other events today:

Vote early... and often

Wednesday July 9, 2008 11:14 AM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

With the All-Star game just 6 days away, voting for the final member of each league's team has seen an overwhelming turnout.

23.2 million votes have already been cast, but it's not too late to vote one more representative each to your hometown teams.

Mets third baseman David Wright is up against outfielders Corey Hart, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and Carlos Lee on the NL side. Yankees slugger Jason Giambi is trying to beat out Rays infielder Evan Longoria, White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, Brian Roberts of the Orioles and Jose Guillen of the Royals.

You can vote here, and there is no limit to the amount of times you can cast your ballot for your favorite players.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

The 1977 All-Star game

Wednesday July 9, 2008 10:27 AM By Pete Catapano

Since the Yanks are playing this afternoon, the YES network will be taking a step back in time to show the last midsummer classic played in the stadium in 1977, tonight.

Taking a look at the box score from the game, here's some observations:

• NL starter Don Sutton pitched three innings. Nowadays, pitchers throw one at the most

Rich Gossage

• The game ended in a duel between Yankee closers. Then-closer Sparky Lyle and Rich Gossage, who was at the Pirates at the time but would be on the Bombers the following season.

•Â AL starter Jim Palmer got rocked, allowing five runs and three HRs in just two innings.

• Yankee 2B Willie Randolph played the whole game, going 1-for-5 with one RBI

— Pete Catapano

Baseball's 'Statues of Liberty'

Monday July 7, 2008 8:17 AM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

30 statues of Lady Liberty splashed with paint have popped up all around town, but it's not random acts of vandalism.

With the All-Star Game coming to Yankee Stadium July 15th, Major League Baseball commissioned artist Stephen Holland to create replicas of the Statue of Liberty, adorned with the colors of each MLB team.

Check out all the photos and find your favorite team here--our faves are the Pirates and the Oakland A's.

See where all the statues are located on our map, here.

And our complete guide to the All-Star game, with thousands of photos and hours of video to get you ready for the big game, is here.

1959 Home Run derby

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:07 PM By Pete Catapano

So A-Rod won't compete in the Home Run derby this year because he doesn't want to ruin his swing.

This inspired us to go back and check out this home run derby match between Mickey Mantle in Willie Mays back in 1959. Enjoy watching to hall of famers go at it.

— Pete Catapano

Bedard could be on block midyear, columnist says

Sunday June 8, 2008 2:59 PM By Pete Catapano

(AP)

This should get the interest of the Yankees... and the Mets... and the Indians... and the Angels ... and the Braves ... and the Dodgers.. and the..

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Seattle lefty Erik Bedard could be available at the trade deadline if the Mariners continue to flounder.

Bedard, whom the Mariners acquired from the Orioles in the off-season, is 4-4 with a 4.27 ERA this season, but's coming off 13-5 season to go along with a sparkling 3.17 ERA.

One things for sure, he won't come cheap.

— Pete Catapano

Howard near the Mendoza line

Wednesday June 4, 2008 4:59 PM By Pete Catapano

(AP)

The Phillies are an offensive machine and his power numbers are high, but what's happened to Ryan Howard's batting average? In 2006, he hit .305 and last year he hit .268. But in the current campaign the All-Star first basemen is hitting just .205 and is mired in a 2-for-14 stretch. Sure he has 15 homers and 43 RBIs, but his struggles can't be ignored. The worst part? He has 82 strikeouts in 215 at-bats, projecting to over 200 for the season.

— Pete Catapano