Hitting Back

-All that the Yanks accomplished has vanished quickly. They've followed a five-game win streak out of the All Star Break with three consecutive losses. So after cutting Boston's lead to half a game, they now find themselves four games out in the loss column. The only saving grace is that the suddenly reeling White Sox dropped their third straight, remaining just 2.5 in front for the wild card.

-Don't look now. But with Toronto taking the first two of four this weekend, they've crept to two behind the Bronx Bombers. The Blue Jays got outstanding pitching from A.J. Burnett. The free agent bust went into the eighth inning, allowing just three runs on A-Rod's 450th career dinger. He also fanned seven by mixing in a lethal fastball with a ridiculous curve. YES Network's Michael Kay couldn't understand why Burnett was permitted to throw 121 pitches given his arm history. A night after manager John Gibbons pulled ace Roy Halladay after 93 pitches, Kay made a lot of sense. But Burnett made his skipper look brilliant to notch his second win.

-This whole controversy between Gibbons and former Jay Shea Hillebrand is entertaining. The two got into it after the first baseman was aggravated over not being in the lineup a few days ago. He was also peeved over the organization's lack of well wishes on his adoption of a girl. Aside from that, he reportedly wrote "play for yourself" and "ship be sinking" on a board. Not exactly the best way to win support. Gibbons supposedly challenged Hillebrand to a fight. I would've liked to see that. Where's YouTube when you need it? It didn't take long for Toronto to ship the embattled slugger to San Francisco for reliever Jeremy Accardo Friday night. Got to applaud the Jays for their quick response. Guess Hillebrand and Gibbons won't be exchanging Christmas cards.

-The Mets got a great effort from emergency starter John Maine Friday night at Shea tossed a much needed shutout in their 7-0 win over Houston. Subbing for El Duque due to rain, he went the distance needing only 98 pitches. Such a performance was huge for Willie Randolph's ballclub. With a taxed bullpen, that kind of outing was exactly what the doctor ordered. It was also an eye opener, especially with the Amazin's searching for starters on the trade market. Maine definitely earned another start.

-Jose Valentin continues to be a revelation for the Mets- slugging a grand slam for his 11th home run in the big win. It's amazing what the 36 year-old veteran has accomplished. Especially after struggling mightily the first six weeks as a backup. The ex-Brewer has been an unsung hero playing a fairly new position of second base. Kudos to GM Omar Minaya and Randolph for sticking with him.

-As Mark Prior continues to struggle for the God awful Cubs, when are they finally going to pull the plug on Dusty Baker? That organization really needs to reassess things and start over. Prior and Kerry Wood can't seem to stay healthy. It really is ashame what's happened to one of the most popular teams in baseball. Those diehards have suffered enough. It's time to give them a real team back.

-This whole Barry Bonds thing has dragged out long enough. Either indict him or leave the guy alone already. Not for nothing but this whole thing looks more and more like a witch hunt against an unpopular star chasing Hank Aaron's home run record. Yes, Bonds cheated. We get it. But how come you don't see them making a big deal out of anyone else? Why aren't Mark McGwire or Sammy Sosa being investigated for sabotaging the game just as much back in 1998? Don't bring up last year's BALCO hearing, which was an absolute disgrace.

-Is it any surprise that Tiger Woods is tearing up the British Open 12 under par leading by a stroke over Ernie Els heading into the weekend? Woods is a winner and is out to prove he still is the man to beat after failing to make the cut at the U.S. Open following his Dad's death. If he wins, it's his 11th major and a repeat in London. If he prevails, will anyone mention Phil Mickelson again in the same breath as Tiger?

-I love how ESPN's NFL panel of experts didn't mention Tiki Barber at all when it came to the game's top running back. Not that I believe he's the best but he's been doing it a heck of a lot longer than Sean Salisbury's "league MVP" Larry Johnson. One season doesn't make you the best. For the record, I'd put LaDainian Tomlinson at the top with Barber second, Shaun Alexander third and Edgerrin James fourth. Rounding out my top five wouldn't be Johnson but another more proven commodity in Clinton Portis. Let Johnson repeat last year's performance before we annoint him the second coming of Priest Holmes.

-Someone should tell Reggie Bush that he hasn't accomplished anything before he holds up the Saints for more money. This is what's wrong with sports. The guy hasn't played one down in the NFL and already he's considering sitting out an entire year. All cause he's already made over $5 million in endorsements. This isn't USC. Quit your yacking and earn respect on the field.

-Props to Donovan McNabb for finally letting loose at former teammate Terrell Owens. T.O. recently released an autobiography on the 2005 season in which he got his ass rightfully suspended by the Eagles after bickering with teammates and bitching out his QB. McNabb had it right when he referred to Owens' latest work as a "children's book." He should be in the next Child's Play. I hear Chucky's calling.

-Scott Gomez is entitled to get what he wants at arbitration but we just don't think he's worth more than the $4 million Devils' GM Lou Lamoriello offered. If he really wants to remain a Devil, stop listening to Dad.

-How long before "new Islander GM" Garth Snow trades himself to a real NHL team?

-Do the Red Bulls really believe former USA World Cup coach Bruce Arena can bolster their offense?

-This whole Peter Cook affair with an 18 year-old Diana Bianchi is kind of creepy. A wealthy man married to Christie Brinkley 28 years older than an attractive teenager he meets at a South Hampton toy store woos her to work for his architecture firm. Out of curiosity, what kind of toys was he searching for when they met? Couldn't resist. It really makes for a good Hollywood script.