Johan, Mets done in by one pitch  —  Hernandez's grand slam proves to be all Mariners need  —  NEW YORK — The plan sometimes is flawed.  Other times, the execution is lacking.  Instances exist, though, when the plan is well-conceived, its execution is proper and the results are quite acceptable.

If Schilling's done, it won't be as much fun  —  A few leftover words about our guy Schill . . .  There are so many good things to say about the Big Lug.  Curt Schilling came to town and delivered like no performer in the history of Boston sports.  He signed with the Red Sox, said …

Raissman: Manuel can help defrost icy Shea  —  It remains to be seen if Jerry Manuel can lead the Mets to the promised land - or at least a trip to the playoffs.  But in the eight days since Omar (It Was My Decision) Minaya gave him the keys to his blue and orange jalopy …

Jeter showing low numbers  —  If there were ever a year when Derek Jeter could be called overrated, this has been it.  —  The Yankees' captain, the highest-paid shortstop in baseball, has a .279 batting average, a whopping 37 points below his career mark, while his 10 doubles and 39 runs scored put him well below his usual pace.

In 1960, a Series to Remember (or Forget)  —  PITTSBURGH — Typically, Herb Soltman and his legion of Pittsburgh Pirates fans have only one day a year to pay homage to the most dramatic ending in the 104 years of World Series play, when Bill Mazeroski blasted a game-ending …

A's Take Lead In Inoa Sweepstakes  —  Dominican could shatter bonus records  —  According to several international sources, Oakland has established itself as the clear frontrunner to sign 16-year-old Dominican righthander Michel Inoa when the international signing period begins on July 2.

Fred Wilpon backs Minaya on Randolph firing  —  In his first expansive public comments since the Mets fired Willie Randolph a week ago, team CEO Fred Wilpon defended the team's actions and proclaimed happiness with the job performance of general manager Omar Minaya.

PAVANO MAY RETURN BEFORE PHIL  —  Dropping him into the clubhouse might prove to be too much of a challenge, but there is a chance Carl “American Idle” Pavano could be ready to pitch for the Yankees before Phil Hughes.  —  “I haven't asked, but it's possible,” GM Brian Cashman said last night.

Baseball's Other Racial Barrier  —  Latino Players Forge a Big-League Presence, but Are a Rarity on College Rosters  —  It's hard to watch the college-baseball World Series, under way now in Omaha, Neb., without noticing how different the college game is from the major-league version.

CASTILLO'S ON HIS LAST LEGS AS STARTER  —  On Sunday it sounded like Luis Castillo was headed to the disabled list, but there he was starting last night's game against Seattle.  But even if his sore legs came through that fine, his days as a full-time player may be ending, with the Mets forced to limit him to part-time duty.

It's that time: Whither C.C.?  —  Baseball general managers are always on the spot, never more so than with the trade deadline approaching.  Decisions at the deadline can help set a team's course for years.  —  Trying to figure out what to do at the July 31 deadline …

Yankees Should Trade Melky Cabrera  —  Two key tenets of successful team building in baseball: First, deal from strength, and second, take advantage when the market overvalues your assets.  Brian Cashman may find himself in the unusual position of meeting both conditions for making a trade …

With Marshall arriving, Johnson likely to DL  —  The Cubs will make a roster move Tuesday to clear space for left-handed pitcher Sean Marshall.  —  Outfielder Reed Johnson is a likely candidate to go on the disabled list with back problems.  —  Johnson has not played since Tuesday at Tampa Bay …