First Down

HE SAID WHAT?

“When tomorrow comes, hopefully the sun comes up. It might not.” — Manager Jerry Manuel after another Mets loss

BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

PENNANT RACES

Most of the spots are locked up (or close to being so), but it’s worth watching for the AL Central duel and the race for the NL wild card. Actually, scratch that last part — the demise of the Mets. Only a bad weekend by the Ned Yost-less Brewers can keep New York from a second straight September collapse. It’s a shame one of these teams has to make the playoffs.

CHASE FOR THE CUP

NASCAR’s Chase continues with the RV 400 at Kansas Speedway. Greg Biffle, who has three top-five finishes at Kansas Speedway, goes for the trifecta. If this were golf’s FedEx Cup, Biffle would eliminate everyone else by just finishing.

NFL WEEK 4

There’s plenty of reason for the local hoopla, with the Redskins visiting the undefeated Cowboys on Sunday. No Jason Taylor but Washington can show it’s for real in the NFC East with a win (or even a close game). Also, the 2-0 Ravens visit the Steelers on Monday night.

JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP

OK, for casual sports fans this isn’t a big one — but there’s an intriguing story line in this week’s headliner horse race. Curlin, the 2007 horse of the year, could break Cigar’s North American winnings record ($9,999,815) with a victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. A well-run race also could set Curlin up for a showdown with Big Brown at the Breeders’ Cup.

TWT FIVE: REASONS JIM BOWDEN DESERVES TO STAY

1. The Mets gave general manager Omar Minaya an extension this week — at least the Nationals haven’t collapsed in September.

2. It will keep him off ESPN … forever.

3. Brilliant player extensions — who wouldn’t have given Dmitri Young a ton of cash?

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