It is obvious that the Mets and Yankees are headed in completely opposite directions. Maybe nothing proves this point better, than what happened tonight.

The Mets, with yet another very ugly inning (the 4th) and another mediocre start from their ace, Johan Santana lose their fifth straight game in Milwaukee. Following the game Manager Jerry Manuel held a closed-door meeting, and given his style and demeanor, it couldn't have been very loud or rousing.

The Yankees won a hard-fought game in the Bronx, beating the Mariners 8-5. Sure you can question Joe Girardi's decision to not leave Phil Hughes in the game after he only threw nine pitches in the seventh inning. Brian Bruney is defintely struggling and it might not be long before we see Hughes become the eighth inning guy. Add in an A-Rod home run and a couple of clutch hits by the bottom of the order (Matsui, Swisher and Cabrera) and it was a nice win. It is also their sixth straight.


---In other MLB news, what a game in Baltimore (especially if you are a Yankee fan). The Orioles came back to beat the Red Sox 11-10, scoring five runs in both the seventh and eighth innings after falling behind 10-1.

---Albert Pujols continues to be just unstoppable as he hit two home runs tonight in a losing effort to the San Fransisco Giants, who both Barry and I believe are here to stay, thanks to their stellar young pitching.

---The Cubs' offense continue to remain dormant as former Yankee Ross Ohlendorf dominated them for seven innings en route to a 3-0 shutout. The Pirates made just as big of a splash earlier in the day, acquiring Lastings Milledge from the Nationals along with Joel Hanrahan for Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett. They also dealt Eric Hinske to the Yankees for a few minor leaguers. More on that deal tomorrow during the show.


-Be sure to tune in tonight from 5-7 pm on WRCR 1300 AM in Rockland County, or on the web at speakingofsports.org for a complete wrap-up of tonight's action as well as a preview of tomorrow's games. With the Mets playing an afternoon game later, there will undoubtedly be PLENTY to talk about when Barry and I kick things off tomorrow night.

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.

The second round of the Subway Series got off to an interesting start last night. A sloppy second inning by the Mets was key in helping the Yankees win their third straight overall and against the Mets by a score of 9-1. Alex Rodriguez passed Reggie Jackson and moved into sole position of 11th place on the all-time home run list, something that would have meant a whole lot more if this past spring's events never unfolded.

Gary Sheffield represented all of the Mets' offense with a solo home run. Other than that, CC Sabathia didn't make many more mistakes. He certainly earned his money last night.

Game two of the series takes place tonight, hopefully without any rain delays, but I wouldn't bet on that. AJ Burnett takes on Tim Redding.


---The Islanders have certainly made a splash, selecting John Tavares with the number one overall pick in last night's draft. Over 10,000 people filled the Nassau Coliseum for the Islanders' draft party. Defintely a good sign, as both the team and (hopefully) the Lighthouse Project look to a brighter future.

---The Ducks trading Chris Pronger, one of the game's most physically imposing defenseman to the Flyers, certainly makes Philadelphia a much stronger competitor in the Atlantic Division.


---It will be interesting to follow the storyline that is the Knicks and Ricky Rubio. Rubio's father has expressed displeasure in the fact that his son was drafted to a cold-weather climate and has more than hinted that he intends on playing out the remainder of his contract in Spain. Defintely a move by his people to get him out of Minnesota and into a big-time market, say New York?

---Meanwhile, Rubio may not be the only top-10 draft pick to be on the move. Several reports yesterday stated that the Warriors and Suns were in talks that would send Amare Stoudemire to Golden State for Stephen Curry, who was picked 7th overall by the Warriors. Curry looked just as disgusted and disappointed to be drafted by a failing franchise as Rubio did.

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...

Welcome to the Knicks, Jordan Hill. Certainly not the first draft pick by the Knicks to be booed, Hill didn't exactly get a standing ovation once his name was announced.

New York fans were and probably still are very bitter at the fact that they were just one pick away from Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, I think the Timberwolves just drafted ANOTHER guard. Interesting draft to say the least. Tonight, it is the NHL's turn.

ESPN is reporting that the Nets and Magic are close to a deal that would send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. This obviously helps the Nets' financial situation as it clears a huge number off of their payroll. Alston and Battie are in the final years of the contracts and Courtney Lee could prove to be a nice match with Devin Harris in the backcourt.

As for the Magic, adding Carter into the mix that already has a star center (Dwight Howard) and emerging star guards (Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis would help their chances of winning a title next year significantly.


(UPDATE) Vince Carter has officially been traded to the Magic.

The Knicks have reportedly bought the Lakers' first-round pick (29th overall) for close to $3 million. The Knicks had been actively pursuing picks late in the first round. Expect a VERY busy day in the NBA. Another rumor that has begun swirling around the league as we head into tonight's draft is the Rockets sending Tracy McGrady, Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry to the Suns for Amare Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa.

The Suns have traded Shaq to the Cavs for Sasha Pavlovic, Ben Wallace and a 2nd round pick. A lot of this deal comes down to money more than anything else. As we said last night on the show, having a big body like Shaq can defintely help make a difference if LeBron and company face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic again.