I'm Sorry, which NY Team Played Yesterday?

So, despite the back pages of today's papers, the Yankees did not play yesterday, while the Mets did, defeating the Phillies 8-3 behind John Maine and the bats. I did not see the game, as I was working, but thanks to the magic of ESPN Gamecast, as well as the commenter's at Metsgeek, I was able to get somewhat of a flavor for the game.

Angel Hernandez may be shedding his most hated umpire label among Met fans. He seems to have given the Mets a few calls of late, including a disputed single by David Wright yesterday, which pushed the lead to 4-0. Despite some protestations by Charlie Manuel, it appears the ball did hit the third base bag. Given David's "scuffling" (his words) he will take it. Jose Reyes continues to get the job done, as do the Carlos' and Shawn Green. David also chipped in a Sac Fly. Pat Burrell hit a 2 run home run in the 4th, cutting the lead to 6-2, but then gave it back by misplaying a ball, allowing Reyes to get his triple. That's 16 for the season.

All in all, a nice win for the Mets, who are now 15.5 games up on the Philles, with a Magic Number of 18. But, judging from the early sports editions I picked up today, you would never know the Mets went 9-1 in their last ten, because of an earth shattering revelation in Yankeeland.

It seems Carl Pavano, he of the variety of ailments including a painful ass, was involved in a car crash a couple of weeks ago in Florida, which he did not inform the Yankees about. Now Carl is not exactly a star since stealing $40 million... I mean, signing a $40 million contract with George. He has been often injured, and has missed all of this season. The Yanks were apparently hopeful he could contribute towards the end of the season. Why, I have no idea, since he went all of 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA in 100 innings last year. Not exactly stellar numbers.

All three dailies decided that the status of Pavano was worthy of back page coverage, as well as numerous stories and speculation (will he be fined, will they suspend him, will they void his contract). Again, this is a guy who has yet to throw an inning for the team, and cannot be considered that much of an upgrade over the other starters the Yankees have thrown out there (well, except Sidney Ponson, who they already released). Further proof that the NY Sports Media is Yankee biased.

Here is what I want. I want Chris Russo to spend the afternoon today beating up on Pavano for having the gall to drive in the rain. Hey, he spent 5 hours beating up on Filthy Sanchez when he got hit by an alleged drunk driver, he could do the same here. After all, Pavano was driving, and it was his car that went out of control. Odds are against this happening, since Yankee lapdig Mike (His Pompous-ass) Francesa is back from vacation, and would not allow Chris to go off on the Yankees like he did the Mets. More than likely there will be some in depth discussion on the horse races in Saratoga.

In other news:

The media in Dallas (abetted by ESPN) keeps trying to start something between bill Parcells and Terrel Owens. Tuna ain't biting (groan), saying basically he is not gonna fall into their trap. TO is playing along with Bill, saying he agrees that if he doesn't practice, he can't play. Now, I have little love for Tuna, as he left my Jets in a lurch, but I hope he succeeds here in his battle with the press. Nothing would please me more than to see ESPN and others not get the cage match between the two they are looking for. As for whoever leaked the info that TO was fined, Jerry Jones all but promised to fire them if he found out who it was.

Eric Mangini still refuses to name a starting QB for week 1. As I noted here Saturday, Chad did not look all that bad Friday night, though not quite good. Patrick Ramsey has not distinguished himself (no surprise there), Brooks Bollinger is, well, Brooks Bollinger, a nice guy by all accounts, but not an NFL starting QB. Kellen Clemens is too green to be given the nod. Chad is the obvious choice. I love how the media is getting all bent out of shape over Mangini not being forthcoming with information. Look, he is the coach, if he doesn't want to tell you something, that is his right. If he wants to ban players from talking to the press, fine by me, less distractions. Whining about it press guys, isn't going to make him change his way of doing things. Let him coach the team his way.

As for my Isles, not much there. Training camp opens soon. I have my fingers crossed that Ted Nolan can wake up Alexi Yashin. I hope Wang has a contract ready for Rick DiPietro.