But Pacquiao wasn’t the center of attention, even if he is going for an unprecedented eighth title in another division at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas. Margarito returns to the ring after sitting out the past year due to a suspension from using tainted hand wraps in a title fight with Shane Mosley.

Margarito was recently denied reinstatement by the California State Athletic Commission. They were the governing body that imposed the suspension based on allegations and further investigation of the gloves, and wraps that Margarito used after he lost the WBA welterweight title to Mosley in Los Angeles.

So with Nevada, also out of the picture, Texas granted Margarito another chance. Top Rank was looking to keep their champion Pacquiao busy who also doubles up as a congressman in the Philippines. There is a sentiment that Pacquiao will easily win this fight. Of course, Margarito thinks otherwise as he also fights for his credibility.

“Everything is in the past and now I am in the present,” said Margaritio at the podium with an array of his Mexican supporters cheering in the gallery. “I want to thank Manny for taking this fight. It’s time to show everyone that I am still very good,” he said.

And nothing else said about one of the major mistakes made by a fighter. You have to know that your hands are being wrapped the wrong way, or that something such as plaster is being put under the wraps. Margaritio will claim innocence, so will his disposed trainers who have been handed a lifetime suspension in the states.

“You have to know, every fighter knows what’s going on but you have to give a second chance,” was the way Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach put it. Roach is respected as the best boxing trainer in the business. So he should know what goes under the boxing gloves.

But boxing goes on, and so does the mega fight that the business surly needs. Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank. Pacquiao is the major draw in boxing and once again goes for history as he awaits the hopeful showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. that could happen in the spring.

“When Floyd runs out of money, the fight will happen,” said Roach with a chuckle about the on and off again fight with Mayweather. “We will have a good training camp and go with the plan to defeat Margarito.

Said Pacquiao, (51-3-2, 38 KO’s) who returns to Cowboys Stadium for a second fight, after easily defeating Joshua Clottey back in March, defending his WBO welterweight title, “Sure he’s a cheater but I am looking for an interesting and exciting fight. He has the capability to give a good show and he is a fighter that is impressive and a talented fighter.”

Fighters like Miguel Cotto, the former welterweight champion and current super welterweight title holder can vouch how powerful Margaritio is. Cotto was pounded and dethroned by Margarito out in Las Vegas in July 2008. Cotto’s face a mess from a Margarito pounding that had everyone discounting Cotto’s ability and bragging about Margarito’s power.

So give Margarito the benefit of doubt. The three-time world champion (38-6, 27 KO’s) from Tijuana Mexico was going about his business. Or for the lore of glory went with the plan and did what the trainers asked. Boxing, not like baseball and other sports is at fault because there is no regulation with a national commissioner.

In the meantime we wait for a fight in November, though not having the implications that a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will have. Margarito will return to the ring and get his share of accolades and criticism from the expected crowd of 50,000 in Texas.

Are we to accept Margarito again as a great fighter? Pacquiao will eventually tell the story on November 13^th.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

The subsequent arrest of the New York Mets closer, which caused a two game suspension was quickly becoming a thing of the past after he reportedly offered an apology to his teammates  But to the fans at Citi Field there was no sympathy,

“No curious at all,” said Rodriguez about the loud boos that were heard when he got the call to pitch the ninth. He threw a scoreless inning and gave up a hit in the Mets 4-0 loss to the Phillies. “It’s something I can’t control,” he said about the fans reaction to the ugly incident

But Rodriguez had to expect what he heard. This is New York City, a place where domestic disputes and battery charges are a part of the daily police blotter. Except we tend to have a low tolerance when it happens at a place of work, especially at the ballpark from a ballplayer with a $35 million dollar contract.

Hours earlier, K-Rod met the media and gave his apology to the Mets organization, his teammates and the fans. It was a brief statement with no questions Comments about the incident were not addressed due to the legal matters at hand, and Rodriguez said he will be undergoing anger management sessions.

For the Mets, more importantly it is time to go forward. There is no time to dwell on the latest black eye that has hit the organization. Embarrassed and more humiliation for a team that realizes there is more season to play with the slim playoff hopes that remain.

Before and after the game Mets players went about their business. Not many were talking. Those who did, including outfielder Angel Pagan intend to speak personally with their teammate. They all offer their support as K-Rod once again goes about his business out of the pen.

“We don’t pay attention to that,” said Pagan. “We have to go out and do our jobs. We talked to him, some of the guys. I’m sure he will handle things the right way.

Other than that, it was business as usual at Citi Field as the Mets try to survive the “Dog Days Of August” and hope they have something to play for in the month of September.  “From what I know of him, I know it is a sincere apology,” said Mets manager Jerry Manuel.

An apology Manuel, GM Omar Minaya and ownership accept for now, but something Mets fans by their actions have not accepted. One that will forever be etched in the unfortunate annals of New York Mets history as the dismal season of 2010 continues.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

“Back-to-backs are tough. This is the second for us, and we have another one coming up.” head coach Anne Donovan said after the game. “We had a lot of motivation against Phoenix; the last time when we were there we stumbled. Today everyone was really focused. We just stayed with the game plan. You put your mind into it and get it done.”

The Liberty did just that having five players in double-digit scoring. Leading the way for New York offensively was guard Cappie Pondexter who had 28 points, from 8-for-15 shooting from the field. The MVP candidate was 3-for-7 from the three-point arc. Also having a stellar day shooting was forward Nicole Powell, who had a career-high 23 points. Powell who certainly powered the Liberty shot 8-for-10 from the field, and 7-of-9 from the three-point range.

“We played exceptionally well today, especially going back-to-back,” Pondexter said after the game. “Our focus is absolutely great. We really pushed the tempo, ran the ball down the court, and we set the tone from the beginning.”

Nicole Powell agreed saying, “It was a great win for us today, especially going back-to-back. Everyone is just getting better. That is the most important thing is that everyone keeps getting better.”

Coach Donovan liked what she had seen from her forward Powell saying, “When Nicole (Powell) shoots the ball like that we’re really hard to beat.” Also complimenting Pondexter Donovan stated, “Cappie Pondexter is so good, the best one-on-one player in the league. Then when you add Nicole Powell’s three against the zone, it’s a pretty deadly combination.”

Center Taj McWilliams-Franklin netted 13 points to go along with five rebounds. Forward Plenette Pierson had several nice driving lay-ups for the Liberty in scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Forward Janel McCarville rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points along with grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assist.

Pierson had this to say of the teams showing tonight, “We played really aggressively tonight, we were able to focus our defense on the League’s leading scorer (Diana Taurasi) and it frustrated her.”  When asked about her brand of play in the game Pierson said, “I was just trying to be aggressive, go after the loose balls and hustled and it was contagious.”

Every single player on the New York bench provided a key moment, stop, rebound, and point in the victory over Phoenix. Guard Essence Carson cashed in on several great scoring opportunities notching eight points while grabbing six boards. Center Kia Vaughn had several strong drives to the net tallying seven points, while grabbing five rebounds.

“It was a great team win,” Carson said after the game. “We were able to get the stops that we needed to and really stepped up today as a team.” The guard would continue to say, “We want to make sure that everyone on the team is ready. That every time someone touches the floor that they are ready to play and come out with a victory.”

Phoenix for the most part was not the offensive juggernaut, having all-time scorer Diana Taurasi kept to five points. Taurasi did have two very nice assists in the game, but it wasn‘t a typical game for league‘s leading scorer.  Stepping up to lead the Mercury offensively was forward DeWanna Bonner, who had 20 points and seven boards.  Guard Temeka Johnson scored 14 points and dishing out four assists. Center Kara Braxton provided a strong inside post presence netting 11 points and grabbing eight boards.

New York played with heart and hustled from the first quarter on. The Liberty and the Mecca was rocking most of the night as the crowd as the 9,645 exploded with energy throughout.  Those fans are going to be in for one wild ride.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up where we’re going to log a lot of minutes and that locker room is not satisfied,” Coach Donovan said afterward. “Our goal of making the playoffs has been reached tonight, and now we’re going to set new goals for ourselves in the postseason.”

That ride will start on Tuesday as the Liberty square off with the Indiana Fever. The 7:00 p.m. game will be a battle for first place in the Eastern Conference. The Liberty and the Fever have had epic battles in the past and it should be another battle on Tuesday night.

One of the keys to success against the Fever, “Stopping Tamika Catchings,” Pondexter said after the game. “She is really a catalyst for the Fever on both ends of the court. Hopefully we can get her frustrated and not have her score a lot of points against us. Catchings has been on a rampage in this second half, she is a tough player. She sets the tempo of the team and hopefully we can come out and be aggressive and play really well at home.”

Nicole Powell had this to say of the Fever, “Indiana is such a great team they are both tough offensively and defensively. They got some really great offensive players; it’s going to be a challenge. For us we need to be sharp and we need to be ready.  It is going to be a fight; Indiana keeps coming at you so you need to be prepared.”

The Mets now have had back-to-back complete game shutouts as Santana and Dickey became the first pair of Mets pitchers to post shutouts since Pedro Astacio and Jeff D’Amico went the distance in consecutive two-hitters on May 14-15, 2002 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Notching their major league-leading 18^th shutout this evening, the Mets have had their last four victories all come in shutouts.

Dickey (8-5) was just what the doctor ordered for the Mets in throwing a complete-game shutout against the National League East Rival Phillies. The righty was able to baffle the Phillies batters, striking out seven while only giving up one walk and one hit. The lone hit for Philadelphia came from opposing pitcher Cole Hamels, who laced a single to right field. Hamels (7-9) went eight innings for Philadelphia in a fine start, striking out eight Mets hitters. What hurt the lefty were the five hits that he gave up to the Mets with four of them falling in for extra base hits.

In speaking about his starter Mets manager Jerry Manuel had this to say, “Today he (Dickey) was very impressive for us. He is very much a competitor and he knew what he needed to do and he did it.”

After the game Manuel continued to say how he felt that pitching and defense was also a part of that Mets prescription for leading them to victories in the rest of the 2010 season. Well the Mets got plenty of great defensive plays in the game as in the first two innings shortstop Jose Reyes made two very nice diving plays for New York.

“We put an emphasis on pitching and defense, and we think that is our formula to win games,” Manuel said after the game, “Guys have responded very well to that formula so far.”

Mike Hessman also had two very nice defensive plays for the Mets, both coming in the bottom of the second inning taking care of two very hit ground balls and was able to make the outs against two very speedy runners. Hessman also recorded his first major league triple in the bottom of the fifth inning, but not without help of instant replay.

It seemed as if the rookie was able to hit a first pitch changeup into the crowd in left field which fell for what was originally called a home run.  That call was immediately protested by the Phillies players and manager Charlie Manuel as a fan interference play. In doing the right thing the umpiring crew immediately went into the replay booth inside of Citi Field to make the correct call. The umpires came out after a six minute delay to tell the rookie that he was going to get a triple. After the umpires call was made the 35,440 in attendance very upset immediately voicing their displeasure at the reversed call.

“The umpiring crew went to Major League Baseball for the official ruling,” Manuel explained of the overturned call. “They look at all of the different angels and they made that determination.” Hessman was awarded third base because, “When the ball hit the wall, Mike was already past second base and on his way to third; so I thought it was the right call for us.”

New York wasn’t able to cash in on that extra base hit as Hamels worked out of trouble. It would not stay that way for the Philadelphia starter as consecutive doubles in the bottom of the sixth inning by David Wright (29) and Carlos Beltran (6) was all the Mets needed to win the game.

“Having Beltran and Wright get hits tonight for us was a huge boost to our offense,” Manuel said after the game. “If we can get them both going at the same time it will be a positive thing for us offensively.”

Also contributing to the Mets offense was left fielder Angel Pagan who out hustled a very strong throw by shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Pagan continued to show off his speed by stealing second and third base (28). Catcher Henry Blanco was another part of the Mets offense in the bottom of the seventh inning, when scorched a ball down the left-field line for a ground-rule double (5).

The Mets will try to continue to ride this shutout momentum, and keep to the doctor’s prescription in game two against the Phillies on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. Philadelphia will send out their own doctor in Roy “Doc” Halladay (14-8, 2.34 ERA) takes on Pat Misch. The 28-year-old lefty was 11-4 with a 3.23 ERA for Triple-A Buffalo will be called up to make the first start of the 2010 season. Mish had a taste of action with the Mets last season posting a 4.12 ERA in 59 innings.

Rodriguez took his anguish out on reporters in the clubhouse when asked “If he was ready to pitch.”  Because the Mets bullpen imploded and squandered a lead, as K-Rod with two outs in the eighth inning was not called on by manager Jerry Manuel to get a four-out save.

“I didn’t pitch,” said an angered Rodriguez. “I don’t have to talk to you guys,” as he stormed out of the clubhouse and is now known, he assaulted his father-in-law. With the bases loaded, Manuel opted to use the seldom used Manny Acosta who threw a 2-2 curve to Melvin Mora that went over the left field wall.

The grand slam for Mora, the fourth of his career and a National League leading ninth given up by Mets pitchers this season, also epitomized another night of frustration that may have also put a final dent in any hopes for a Mets postseason. The Mets failed to win back-to-back games for the 42^nd straight time, and the K-Rod incident also indicates a frustration and implosion of a season gone bad.

Acosta followed the grand slam with a walk and two singles, including a run scoring single hit by Clint Barmes to short left. “It was a slider, a good pitch,” commented Acosta about the home run ball thrown to Mora.

“I’ve been in this situation many years, and I know the pressure isn’t on me it’s on the pitcher,” said Mora about his grand slam. The former Met added, : “I love that pressure and I love that situation.”

“I knew he had a chance when he swung the ball, it was a big hit, a big win,” said Carlos Gonzalez,” ranked in the top five of the National League in average, home runs, RBI and ruins scored.

Manuel defended his reason for not using K-Rod in the situation, way before his closer had his eruption in the clubhouse and then taken into custody. “Usually when we use K-Rod the night before we wouldn’t take that shot,” he said referring to Rodriguez working the previous evening when he notched his 25^th save with a perfect ninth inning.

“We have to find a way to get that out,” he said. “We have no margin of error.” And Mets fans, many of the 30,554 who left after the bullpen implosion let Manuel know they were displeased not bringing in K-Rod by chanting a “Fire Jerry” chant. The Mets trail first place Atlanta by 9-1/2 games and need to jump over six other teams in the wild card race.

“That’s part of it,” Manuel said. “When you make decisions and they don’t work out New York will let you know.”  The Mets were limited to three hits as the offense continues to struggle. David Wright also heard it from the fans, striking out four times which tied a career high. Since the all-star break, Wright is hitting .196 and .061 in the month of August.

After a first inning where the Mets scored their two runs on the 10^th home run of the season hit by Angel Pagan, a career high, the Mets would produce one walk and one other hit.  At one point Rockies pitching struck out seven straight, including winning pitcher Matt Belisle (5-4) who came out of the pen and struck out three in the seventh.

The Mets did not get a base runner after the fifth inning. “I’m not having much fun right now,” said Wright, its rough.” As for the fans also getting on his case, he said “They are obviously frustrated as we are. The fans have every right to voice their opinion.”

Jonathon Niese gave up one run in seven innings and struck out seven failing to get the decision as the Mets bullpen gave up five Colorado runs in the eighth inning with two outs. “This is rough,” said Niese. “It’s tough to watch.”

Manuel said Niese was complaining about pain in his lower hamstring, a reason he did not come out for the eighth, But, like so many negative conditions that exist with the Mets, Niese contradicted what his manager said when asked if there was a problem again with his hamstring.

More so, much tougher to watch a team implode as they may be without their closer. Rodriguez has more pressing issues to deal with as Johan Santana (9-6) takes the mound Thursday afternoon and tries to earn the Mets a series win in what will probably be a very hush Mets clubhouse.

A season on the brink and very little to save, no pun intended.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Because it was havoc at the conclusion and something loyal boxing fans don’t deserve.  A main event for the bogus alphabet soup New York State junior featherweight title, one of the participants, Reinaldo Lopez was advertised from Miami Florida. His opponent (35-0-1) Mauricio Martinez, from Brooklyn the former WBO bantamweight champion who was the heavy favorite.

So what happens?  After nearly waiting an hour after the last fight, watching the awful comeback of Staten Island favorite Gary Starks Jr,, who took a pounding and took a decision over Leopoldo Arrocha of Panama City. Lopez hit the canvas three times in the first round before referee Steve Willis stopped the content at 1:21 by TKO.

Starks, a once promising lightweight was on the comeback trail after an 18-month hiatus. He needed medical attention and supposedly was taken by ambulance for further observation.  Here is the point of contention that is not fair to the ticket holder that anticipates and expects good boxing.

In between the Lopez stoppage the loud and abusive rap music continued to blast from the speaker systems in the arena. We wait and talk, fans continue to lose interest and leave the venue.  In the meantime there is no announcement made in the ring pertaining to the delay.

We waited and waited with nothing to do. Just like a rain delay at the ballpark and waiting for the rain to stop until the grounds crew can remove the tarp. Except during extensive rain delays, ballparks show out of town games on the video boards and here it was continued loud nonsense from the sound system.

The Havoc was so appropriately returned to Brooklyn, and in this case unfortunate it happened at a boxing event. Because fans were asking, “What was going on,” at least those who decided to wait and get their deserved value for a highly anticipated main event,

In the meantime, Martinez and Lopez are sitting in their respective dressing room area with hands wrapped and also waiting. Both at the Aviator complex hours before the doors opened for the first fight that got underway way after the scheduled 7pm start.

So this reporter, also tired of the wait seeks out New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan, the political appointee of Governor David Patterson who should have the proper explanation as to causes for the delay. Is there a last minute medical issue with the fighters?  Is this a matter of stalling time as the clock past 11pm?

Said Lathan, annoyed about being interrupted in the middle of a social conversation, “We are waiting for an ambulance.” That was it.  Obviously the standby ambulance that is required had taken Starks to a nearby hospital for observation. But that could also not be confirmed because the commissioner had other pressing issues to discuss obviously not related to the boxing matter at hand.

Point of contention was asked. “Then why not make an announcement” to the remaining few that were roaming around ringside and in the back of the spacious Aviator complex. No response from the commissioner who should know better to address the issue for the interest of good paying boxing fans.

And after an hour or so of delay, we get this bogus main event that lasted all about 80 seconds.  Oh, nothing spectacular to report about the previous fights. Except some of the former champions of the sport, who once made boxing great in New York proudly stepped through the ropes and were introduced to the crowd.

Junior Jones, Monte Barrett, among the great fighters when boxing was a premiere sport in New York, Havoc Boxing Promotions tried to help the starved boxing fans of New York  But how many will return after witnessing havoc and being a part of the waiting game?

e-mail Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com

Most would wonder why Pena had to even step in today, well before Friday’s game even got started some sports reporters were on hand to witness a moment that would make most Yankees fans heart drop. As All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who was shagging baseballs during batting practice was drilled by a Lance Berkman ball. The ball made a bee line for Rodriguez’s leg and would leave the slugger on the ground for a good five minutes before paramedics and trainers could attend to the injury.

“I hit it and obviously had a great view of it. I was just [saying], ‘Look out!’” said Berkman who was taking some right-handed at bats at the time. The switch hitter continued by saying, “It was on him. I just remember hitting it and cringing. It was headed right for him. It was hard. I hope he’s not out very long.”

The newly acquired designated hitter felt bad saying, “I just told him when he was coming off the field, ‘Sorry about that.’ I clearly didn’t mean to it wasn’t like I was trying to hit him. That is just one of those things about batting practice. I think we’ve all been hit before.”

Rodriguez finally got up and walked slowly into the New York dugout, to get X-Rays which later turned out to be negative. Thankfully for the 49,716 in attendance Ramiro Pena stepped in and has done what he has all season long, produce with runners in scoring position. Pena who has hit safely in five of his last eight starts, going 7-for-25 for a .280 batting average, with four runs batted in and three runs in those contest.

In Friday’s huge start against the Red Sox Pena was 1-for-3 while driving in two runs. The second run that Pena drove in gave the Yankees the 5-2 lead and the eventually victory. There were other highlights in same game as the utility player put on a display of speed and fine defensive plays helping to turn several ground ball outs for New York.

“Pena has done a tremendous job for us this season,” manager Joe Girardi said of his young utility player after the game. “He has done a really good job for us in many key situations without getting much playing time and it is amazing to see.”

The utility player had this to say of his performance today, “I feel good about it, it was good to be given the opportunity, and it’s tough because of Alex’s injury. You just want to help the team win and that is it-that is my job.”

Pena along with a fifth-inning rally helped to propel the Yankees to a huge Game Two victory over the Red Sox. As the team now improves to 2-3 on their current home stand, that coupled with Tampa Bay’s loss to Toronto helps to extend the Yankees lead in the American League East to 1.5 games.

Also monumental in the victory today was the pitching of lefty C. C. Sabathia, who in recording his 150^th win of his career, benefited from not only a day off but a birth in his family. The starter went eight innings that were of the grind it out variety, giving up six hits, striking out four batters while only giving up two runs one walk and one home run. Two of the biggest strike outs for Sabathia in today’s game were both against designated hitter David Ortiz.

“Sabathia is a guy with a high winning percentage,” Girardi said after the game. “He eats up a lot of innings so usually the bullpen isn’t going to be used on most of the days that he starts.

For Sabathia he was able to snap a two-game losing streak, while winning for the 10^th time in his last 13 starts. The lefty is now undefeated in his last 18 starts at Yankee Stadium since the 2009 All-Star Break, going 13-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

“Sabathia really stepped it up for us today, he only gave up two runs in that first inning and for the most part he shut them down,” Girardi said after the game. “This Boston team still has a lot of dangerous bats and for the most part he was able to shut them down.” The manager would continue to say, “C. C. is a really special pitcher. Who knows maybe by getting this win today he will be on a roll now.”

When asked after the game how he felt the lefty had this to say, “I feel good, my fastball was working today along with my secondary stuff. Overall my command was good and it helped us get the win.” The lefty would also go on to say about the extra day, “It did help, it is an exciting week for us and I am glad to have been able to go out there and get us the win.”

On his milestone Sabathia said, “It is very cool and is something that I will celebrate later on. Right now I am worried about the next start and continue to pitch like I did today.”

Also contributing to the Yankees offense in the victory over the Red Sox was outfielder Curtis Granderson. Who before the game started Girardi had hoped would start to go on a hitting streak. Well nothing starts a hitting streak better than a 2-for-4 day, which includes a hard hit triple (8) off the center field bullpen wall, to set the stage for Pena. The utility player would hit a ground out which would plate Granderson and tie the score 2-2 in that inning.

New York would have that bottom of the fifth-inning rally, as four batters all were able to lace singles. Nick Swisher, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada were all involved in giving New York a 4-2 lead. Posada was able to steal his first base of the 2010 season during Lance Berkman’s at bat to try to force in another run. Unfortunately for the designated hitter, Berkman continued to struggle and heard some boos from the Yankee Universe.

The Skipper is not concerned about his new acquisition saying, “He seems like an even keel guy, I am sure he (Berkman) has been through slumps before and knows how to work his way out of it.”

Leading the way for the Red Sox was starter John Lackey, who did well but could not make it through a very daunting Yankee lineup. The righty went six innings, giving up eight hits while striking out seven batters. Lackey gave up five runs and walked three in what was a solid outing. The lone offense for the Red Sox came off the bats of Victor Martinez who clubbed a home run (10) to left field over the State Farm sign. Adrian Beltre (2-for-4) ripped a double (33) down the left field line to set the stage for Mike Lowell who would bring Beltre home with a double (6) of his own.

Game three of this four-game series will take place on Sunday, August 8 as righty A.J. Burnett (9-9, 4.93 ERA) takes on righty Josh Beckett (3-1, 5.70 ERA) with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. for the ESPN televised game.

Story originally posted on www.latinosports.com

The Yankee captain and shortstop Derek Jeter set the stage by driving a single to left field. With two outs in the inning the crowd started to chant, “Let’s go A-Rod” in the hopes of witnessing a milestone moment. The third baseman strode to the plate digging into the batter’s box, and was greeted with two fastballs outside the strike zone. Finally the third fastball found the strike zone as the slugger lifted it into Monument Park for a monumental milestone moment. That homer also gave the New York Yankees a 2-0 lead over the Blue Jays.

“It is a special number to be able to reach 600 homers for my career,” Rodriguez said after the game. “I am really proud to have been able to reach this milestone and it is something that I am going to treasure.”

Rodriguez seems to like August 4^th for his milestone moments as three years ago today, he was able to lift his 500^th career home run in similar circumstances, today was different because it was a different team and because Rodriguez the player is a different person.

“Earlier on in my career I would do a lot of talking and my play would not match that,” the third baseman said. “Now I am really trying to walk the walk and talk the talk. So much has changed like the way I play the game and go about my business. I try to do the little things more that help the team win games and win a World Series. There is no personal achievement that compares to winning a World Series.

The 2-0 lead was enough for starting pitcher Phil Hughes (13-4) to help him go on and pitch brilliantly in spite of a head cold. The righty went five and one-thirds innings giving up four hits and striking out five batters. For Hughes today must have felt like déjà vu, as the last time he was on the mound was when Rodriguez hit career home run 500 three years ago.

“It feels like something great is always happening with this team,” Hughes said after the game. “Especially with all of these great players on the team, you are expecting something great to happen.”

When asked about the slugger’s monumental homer Hughes had this to say, “It is nice for Alex to get the weight off of his shoulders and to get the home run at home.” Of his performance with the head cold the righty had this to say, “I didn’t feel great today but I was able to keep their guys off base and fortunately we were able to get the win.”

Rodriguez who dreamed of playing in New York one day and had one part of his life growing up in the city had a lot of compliments of the fans and making history at home. “There is nothing more special than to be able to hit a home run here in New York. “It really makes you wish that ‘The Boss’ George Steinbrenner was around, because he loved big moments like this.” On the fan support throughout the quest he said, “The fans have been remarkable throughout this whole thing. I kept them waiting quite a while and they were just remarkable and so patient towards me throughout. I am really thankful for their support.”

It seemed as if the weight was off the Yankees as well as they were able to add on run support as first baseman Mark Teixeira, went 2-for-3 in today’s game and drove in three runs. Also having a good day at the plate was the captain Derek Jeter collecting a season-high four hits, his most in a game since 7/10/09 versus the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim. Both players helped to lead the Yankees to the 5-1 win and snapping their season-high-tying three game losing streak, while also avoiding a sweep against Toronto.

Jeter had a conversation with Rodriguez that went a long way into the monumental homer. Rodriguez shared the story after the game. “Jeter was telling me to just get a base hit, to drive someone in, even try laying down a bunt. But after I got the home run he said to forget about bunting.”

The Captain had this to say of his teammate’s moment, “He got a good pitch to hit and he was able to do what he’s done 600 times already. He’s got a long career ahead of him and a lot of great moments to come.”

In what was a great moment for both the Yankees and one lucky security guard, who was able to grab the milestone baseball. The young man who was later identified as Frankie Babilonia, kept the ball safe and gave it to the All-Star after the game. “I feel blessed that one of our guys was able to get the ball. It is very generous of him to give it to me and I am sure I will do something special with it.”

Babilonia, who is in his second season with the Yankees as a part of the security staff, has been stationed in center field for most of the season.  When asked where this moment would rank he said, “This is going to be ranked at the top of my list. I am going to be able to tell my kids that I was able to be a part of Alex Rodriguez’s milestone moment is awesome.” The guard who received an autographed bat from Rodriguez was even able to take a picture with the slugger after the game. “I am sure my phone is blowing up right now.” Frankie who told numerous jokes to the journalist afterward said, “I just hope there aren’t too many people knocking at my door right now.”

For the Blue Jays were kept off the board until the top of the fourth inning. Outfielder Jose Bautista got the inning going with a single to left field. Three batters later Lyle Overbay hit a double (12) off the right field wall, which plated Bautista and plated the lone Toronto run. Starter Shaun Marcum (10-5) went six innings gave up eight hits, five runs, one while, while striking out five batters.

“Well overall our guys played good.” Toronto manager Cito Gaston said after the game. “The Yankees are a tough team. You always want to take the last one, but we’ll take what we can.”

After a rare off day on Thursday, the New York Yankees look to continue their winning ways. New York opens up a huge four game set against the Boston Red Sox to close out this week. Game one will take place on Friday at 7:05 p.m. as Javier Vazquez (9-7, 4.61 ERA) takes on Clay Buchholz (11-5, 2.59 ERA).

“We felt that it was important that we won today,” manager Joe Girardi said after the game. “We have an important series coming up so it was good to get that positive momentum going our way.”

This season marks the 30^th anniversary of the Mets Hall of Fame. During the thirty years, the Mets have only inducted 25, including this week’s foursome, into the Hall. The most recent ceremony took place in 2002, when outfielder Tommy Agee was added. The group of four inducted on Sunday was the largest contingent added in an individual season.

A plaque of each of the newest members was added to the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the Rotunda area of Citi Field. The plaques were unveiled during the ceremony, and fans were able to view them during the regularly scheduled game that afternoon. The Mets museum was opened this April in another action designed to recognize the history of the organization and salute its past heroes.

The ceremony was ably emceed by the radio voice of the Mets, Howie Rose. He began his introductions by stating, “We honor four truly iconic figures in the history of the New York Mets, men who played pivotal roles in the Mets second world championship in 1986.”

Rose introduced each who came onto the field from the outfield to receive his plaque from a previous member of the Mets HOF. A short film of the highlight of each recipient’s experiences with the Mets was shown, and then each responded with a short acceptance speech.

Although his name may be the least familiar to current Mets fans, Frank Cashen is the most responsible of the four honored guests for the success of the Mets in the 1980′s. Cashen was hired as general manager in 1980 by the team’s new owner, Nelson Doubleday.

Cashen brought success to the Mets as he previously did as an executive of the Baltimore Orioles from 1965-1975. The other three inductees were brought to the Mets through Cashen’s efforts. Godden and Strawberry were drafted by the club and Johnson was hired as manager in 1984. Cashen also obtained catcher Gary Carter, first baseman Keith Hernandez, third baseman Ray Knight and pitcher Ron Darling, all instrumental in the Mets achieving a World Series championship.

The Mets next won a division title in 1988, were competitive for several seasons, but did not become a dynasty. Cashen summarized the success of the team during his decade as general manager in a press conference at Citi Field on Saturday, “We drew three million people before anybody on the East Coast did it, did it twice. We had a great run. I appreciate it, and I appreciate going into the Mets Hall of Fame with all these distinguished gentlemen.”

After receiving his plaque from Rusty Staub, Cashen thanked all who helped him with emphasis on his wife, “The real Hall of Famer is my wife, Jean. She was the Most Valuable Player in my house.”  The 88 year-old and his wife are the parents of seven children and nine grandchildren.

Distinguished was not a word often, if ever, used to describe the 1986 Mets. The team was ranked 13^th in a poll published by SI.com on Saturday of the most hated individual teams. The unpopularity reflected on many factors including the club’s success and arrogance on the field.

Davey Johnson, who Cashen knew as an outstanding second baseman in Baltimore was hired as manager in 1984. Johnson, who remained as Mets skipper throughout the decade, compiled the most wins, 595, as a manager of the team. Of 1986, he said, “I thought we really had a perfect team. We had big egos, big personalities on this ballclub, but they all loved to play baseball.” One of the 1986 Mets, Gary Carter, presented his plaque to him.

The two players enshrined, Gooden and Strawberry, have always been linked. Both began their careers in the majors with the Mets in the early 1980′s after being drafted by the organization; each earned the Rookie of the Year award in his first season in the bigs with the Mets; both showed outstanding talent on the field, and appeared to be sure bets to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame when their playing careers ended; both played with the Yankees successfully later in their careers; both were embroiled in controversies involving substance abuse and marital difficulties. Finally, both entered the Mets Hall of Fame together on Sunday.

Each of the two Mets stars spoke glowingly of entering the Mets HOF on Sunday. Strawberry dismissed the disappointment of many fans of his for  never having lived up to his initial expectations as a player and not being elected into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, “We’re going into the Mets Hall of Fame, and that’s what’s important. That’s all I really care about.”

Gooden, who later played on four other teams, admitted, “When I played on other clubs, I always called the Mets first and tried to come back here.” Gooden expressed his gratitude to the fans, “It wouldn’t have been possible without all of you [fans].”

The first Hall of Fame Achievement Award was presented to Bob Mandt. The recipient has worked for the Mets since 1962 in a variety of positions.

On a day the four men were honored for their contributions to the Mats 1985 championship, the 2010 Mets players showed how much improvement would be needed to reach that pinnacle. In describing the 14-1 drubbing by the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Jerry Manuel remarked, “We didn’t pitch; we didn’t hit; we didn’t catch the ball.” That has been the story during too many games during the 2010 season.

However, Mike Pelfrey continued to have his first inning struggles and Arizona picked up where they left off last week taking the opening game of a three- game weekend set 9-6. Another loss for the Mets that left them at 52-51, 7-1/2 games behind first pace Atlanta and in a fourth place tie with Florida in the NL East.

It is starting to get dismal at Citi Field.  And the Mets also have to wonder what has happened to Pelfrey who surrendered three runs in the first inning. The Mets would get even in their half of the first on the first of two home runs from David Wright. It was a three- run blast off winning pitcher Ian Kennedy (6-8).

As for Pelfrey (10-5) who failed to get the decision, the Mets have to hope their right hander can return to form if they have any chance of making the postseason. And once again the Diamondbacks had his number, 0-5 in his last seven starts against them. In his last start at Arizona on July 19^th he threw 51 pitches in the first inning and was removed after getting four outs in the shortest outing of his career.

“Everybody else in the rotation has been throwing the ball great and I’ve kind of taken a step back from early in the year,” said Pelfrey. In his last six starts, he’s worked 25.1 innings, allowing 54 hits, 28 runs, 27 earned with 14 walks and 13 strikeouts.

“I definitely plan on getting this thing turned around and back on track so we can plan on winning some games,” he said.  Mets manager Jerry Manuel said adjustments will have to be made. There is the high pitch count, “still confident we have a young pitcher and don’t think it’s demoralizing,” said Manuel about his starter.

Wright drove in five runs and with his second home run in the third off Kennedy, 17^th of the year with two on, gave the Mets a 5-4 lead. After retiring seven straight D-backs with one out in the sixth, Kennedy reached first on an error from shortstop Jose Reyes.

“A routine ground ball, I have to make that play,” said Reyes who extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the first. Pelfrey after throwing 118 pitches had a chance to win. Enter Raul Valdes (2-3) who failed to retire the four batters he faced. The home run to center off the bat of Kelly Johnson gave Arizona a 6-5 lead.

Two more singles and on the 14th pitch thrown by Valdes, Miguel Montero hit a home run off the second deck in right field, a five-run Diamondbacks inning that helped his team snap a seven-game losing streak. “I’m swinging  at better pitches, I think,” said Montero about his fourth home run.

As to why the Diamondbacks have the Mets number, he said, “I honestly don’t know; it’s just baseball I guess.”  Montero has hit two home runs and driven in six in his last two games. Thursday evening he connected against the Phillies and has now hit a home run in consecutive games for the second time this year.

Manuel said it was the right situation for Valdes who warmed up in the pen four times before coming in. “It was a good match up in that situation,” said Manuel about the home run ball thrown to Johnson.

But the Mets still have two more games with the Diamondbacks and have to figure out how to take this series against the second worst team in the National League. If not the road trip next week against Atlanta and the surging Philadelphia Phillies could determine their season.

“Anytime one or two of their hitters gets hot they can give us trouble,” explained Manuel about his team troubles with Arizona.

Notes:  Before the game outfielder Jason Bay was laced on the 15-day disabled list from the minor concussion he sustained crashing into the outfield wall out in Los Angeles last Friday evening. The Mets recalled outfielder Jesus Felicano from Triple- A Buffalo.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com