In my mind, Omar Minaya wrote his ticket out of town with his press conference today. I tried to set these posts up in two parts...One, to give the Mets credit for making the right move in firing the cancer that seems to be Tony Bernazard.

Here's part two...

The Mets have found ways to make almost every decision they make into complicated disasters. From the firing of Willie Randolph and the way that they handled Ryan Church's concussion problems last year, to something as simple as trying to erase Doc Gooden's autograph from the walls of their new suite at Citi Field, right on through to today, the Mets have been a Classless joke of an organization.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a Yankee versus Met argument from me...The Yankees have done PLENTY of stupid things in the past, but at least with them, there are also some positive moves that are made.

After listening to sports-talk radio all day, I have gotten sick of hearing how they have to clean house, fire everyone, trade everyone and start fresh. But I truly feel that the only way for the Mets to start making better decisions, is to in fact clean house, and not only with the manager or their shortstop or the sixth reliever on the depth chart.

And with all of the controversy with Omar's comments about Adam Rubin going after Tony Bernazard's job, thus writing slanderous things about him, Omar sounded and looked like an utter jackass.

If this town wasn't calling for Omar's head before today's press conference, this defintely seals the deal. Omar, you have failed this team miserably, and whether you were behind all of these rediculous personnel moves or not, you have to go.

In what could be the first of many to fall thanks to how the Mets' season has played out, Team Executive Tony Bernazard finally got the axe.

This guy is an absolute clown. From his run-ins with players such as K-Rod and Johan Santana, to his supposed strip-down at and rant to the Mets' Double-A team, enough was finally enough.

Bernazard is also known by most to be the main reason for the firing of Willie Randolph. Well, what goes around comes around Tony.

I would never admit to being a supporter of the New York Mets (it's a long, complicated story). That said, it would take only the obvious for me to declare this team dead and out of things completely. Well, the obvious has happened and this team is finished.

Omar would be wise to start selling whatever he can. Unfortunately, anything worth selling is on the disabled list. Gary Sheffield is an obvious candidate, but he isn't even healthy enough to get on the field, thus eliminating any value at the moment. There are reports that the Mets have received several phone calls about Pedro Feliciano, who would be someone where it would make sense to move.

Younger guys like a Mike Pelfrey defintely have trade value, but for the Mets, they see themselves as getting back into things right-away next season, so trading a young pitcher with that much upside is not the route to go.

Bottom line, Omar and the Mets are in a complicated situation. They should sell whatever and whoever they can for the right deal. Their minor league system needs a complete overhaul and it needs to be run by someone other than Tony Bernazard who just continues to look like the biggest jackass in all of baseball these last few days...

A busy Saturday in July...


The Yankees and Tigers are locked in a great pitchers duel at the moment as CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander have not disappointed.

Happy Anniversary to David Cone; It was on this day ten years ago that he pitched his very memorable perfect game against the Montreal Expos on Yogi Berra day. I can remember the game like it was yesterday...Don Larsen threw out the first pitch before the game as well as David Cone dropping to his knees in disbelief after the last pitch. What I think adds to the lure of his perfect game are the stories in Joe Torre's book, 'Yankee Years,' about that great day.


---Sergio Mitre will make his season debut with the Yankees next week against the Orioles as the team's fifth starter. Suffice to say Phil Hughes has undoubtedly cemented the role of the eighth inning guy after six strikeouts in two innings of work last night, which along with Mark Teixeira's huge home run, helped lead the Yankees to a 5-3 win.

---There are unconfirmed reports that Jose Reyes suffered a setback in his rehab in Florida while running drills. This can't come as a surprise to Met fans who have to be numb to any kind of injury news with this team at this point.


---The amount of stories giving up on the Mets in the local newspapers is on a sharp incline. There may be something to this idea, especially after an 11-0 loss last night. It may be a very quiet and lonely August and September in Queens. Anyone know how many days are left until the start of Jets & Giants Training Camp?

Prized Mets OF prospect Fernando Martinez will be out of action at least 6-8 weeks after needing surgery on his torn meniscus. Just another injury in his short-unproven Major League career.

Other injury updates for the Mets:

Carlos Beltran's bone bruise has not improved or gotten worse. No time-table for his return.

Carlos Delgado seems to be on pace to return in early August. He has been able to swing the bat as well as take ground balls.

Jose Reyes apparently had a very good day in Port St. Lucie and may finally be able to return to the Mets by the end of this month.

John Maine is on track to return to throwing within the next 10 days.

The Yankees have done to the Twins what the Red Sox have done to the Yankees thus far this season. This afternoon, the Yanks completed their sweep of the Twins in Minnesota en route to Anaheim, where the dreaded Angels are waiting.

It was when the Angels paid a visit to the Bronx in late April, where one of the worst streaks the Yankees have endured all season began. We shall see how much of an impact a banged up Vladimir Guerrero has and if Torii Hunter winds up on the disabled list which is most likely to happen. One things for sure; if the Yankees can win this series heading into the All-Star break, they truly have all the momentum in the world, going into the second half of the season.


Then there's that team in Queens. Tonight they lost the rubber match of their three-game series to Joe Torre's Los Angeles Dodgers. Once again, it was an inept offense coupled with another poor (or is it the expected) performance from start Livan Hernandez. Word on the street (or on the internet) is that the Pirates are looking to deal all-star second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Omar, make the call. Luis Castillo is nothing but a bench player. Just don't give up too much.

To add insult to injury (no pun intended), the Mets placed outfielder Fernando Martinez on the DL with knee inflammation. It was either the DL or a trip back to Buffalo (again), as the prized prospect has struggled in his first months in the big leagues.


---The Phillies are reportedly in serious talks with Pedro Martinez. I'm willing to bet that even if he does wind up signing in Philadelphia, it is not the last pitcher added to the Phillies' roster.

---Keep it up Kansas City. They have come from behind to take the lead on the Red Sox as Manny Delcarmen and Justin Masterson have been off. Obviously a Boston loss means a tie for first place in the AL East with the Yankees.

---It looks like Carlos Boozer will be on the move after all. A three-team trade looks to be in the works that would send the all-star forward to Chicago. Kirk Hinrich would go from Chicago to Portland and Tyrus Thomas would go from Chicago to Utah.


---This is officially the last mention of Brett Favre until there is a contract signed between him and the Minnesota Vikings. Apparently the Vikings' trainer was sent to Mississippi to work him out.


---Perennial hockey all-star Joe Sakic has officially retired from the game after 20 years. He was the active scoring leader and retires with 1,641 points (625 goals), which puts him eighth on the all-time scoring list.

Today was very much a battle of Triple-A baseball teams in Pittsburgh as the Mets and Pirates played a makeup game from their series last month. In the three games that were played, the Pirates swept the Mets and even caused Carlos Beltran to open his mouth and say something.

The Mets showed something, battling back from five runs down to take the lead with two in the fourth, four in the fifth and two more in the sixth. However, their lead was short-lived as K-Rod blew his third save of the season, giving up a two-run home run to Adam LaRoche. He then gave up two hits, but was able to get out of the jam, as the game is now headed to extra innings.

Headed into the city for the rest of the night, let me know how this one plays out, won't you?

(UPDATE) Well that didn't take long. Having K-Rod blow the save, and still coming back to win may prove to be a better win than if it hadn't happened at all. The only down-side to this is that his availability tomorrow may be in question after having to pitch two innings today. Have to go for real now. Enjoy Yankees-Mariners.


--Will try to blog as much as possible throughout this holiday weekend, have a safe and healthy holiday.

They came, they saw, they conquered. The Yankees went into Citi Field and swept a depleted Mets team that has countless stars on the DL. Yankee fans really need to keep things in perspective and not go over the top in celebrating the sweep. What those fans can celebrate, is Chien-Ming Wang notching his first win of the season.

Mets fans on the other hand, need to avoid dwelling on the past three games and remember that this team has done a great job keeping their heads above water, especially when they won three-out-of-four against the Cardinals.

The ninth inning in tonight's ball game was especially entertaining. It started with a sloppy play between Alex Cora and Luis Castillo, letting a bloop fly drop between them, and ended with Mariano Rivera getting walked and earning his first RBI in just his third at-bat in his 13+year career. Did anyone else think it was really cool to see two of the game's best closers literally facing off?

Mariano went on to close the game out, a 4-out save which has become quite common lately. Tonight's save was number 500 for Mo, just another milestone in what is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Fame career.

Islander Nation (all 6 of them) are indeed rejoicing tonight as the Islanders selected John Tavares with the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft. Garth Snow and company are not done as they have traded with the Colombus Blue Jackets for the 16th overall pick as well.


---Meanwhile in Flushing, the Mets are enduring a very sloppy second inning. Bloop singles and plenty of errors have helped the Yankees take an early lead.

Just a few hours away from Yankees-Mets Round two at Citi Field. Both teams come off of series wins. The Mets played a tremendous series against the St. Louis Cardinals, taking three-out-of-four. As far as the Yankees are concerned, we shall see if the bats can stay alive after last night's 11-7 win over Atlanta.

On paper, the Yankees have a huge advantage, especially when it comes to the starting pitchers. But as the Mets have proven lately, they don't pay much attention to their chances on paper.



---The other major question of the night in New York sports would have to be if and how badly Garth Snow messes up the draft for the Islanders. As an avid fan, part of me has faith in the backup goalie turned general manager. But then there is that other part, that is just used to the idea of this franchise projecting things poorly...