Part of the job description for being a closer in New York not named Mariano Rivera is that the fans will hate you. Mets fans had a big love-hate thing with John Franco, and he was pretty damn good too. Everyone hates Armando Benitez, and that’s fair, but even he was good for three of his four seasons in New York. Braden Looper? Well, screw him. But Billy Wagner’s actually good. We always forget that.

The only thing we’ll bash Billy Wagner for, besides being a bit of a redneck and a clubhouse babbler, is his choice of entrance music. We know he’s been using Enter Sandman as long as Mariano Rivera has and all, but Wagner didn’t even choose it himself. He deferred to obvious metalhead Jeff Bagwell, who must have taken time away from romantic evenings with Craig Biggio to pick Wagner’s song. How ’bout this, Billy? Let us pick:

• Ramblin’ Man by the Allman Brothers: Not only is the song musically teeming with Southern charm, but its title works as a description for Wagner. Seems like a no-brainer.
• Why Can’t We Be Friends? by War: Intimidation by the total lack of intimidation. Think of the confidence inherent in extending the olive branch to the other team before you strike them all out. Hey man, we’re cool, I’m just going to blow a bunch of fastballs by you. Then we can hang out or something.
• Flight of the Valkyries by Richard Wagner: We know the pronunciation is different, but how about a little love for your boy Vah-gner. Classical music — especially this song — would be totally epic with a fireballer coming in from the bullpen. Think Apocalypse Now. How badass was that scene?
• The Ave Maria (traditional): OK, a bit out of left field. We just think it would really get into opposing hitters’ heads if the closer came out to a song generally used as a death knell. It’d be like the requiem for the other team’s chance of winning.
• Complete silence: This, too, would be pretty badass. You’d have to make sure the fans were on board, and would keep quiet while Wagner warmed up. Plus, it’d be a really ironic entrance for a guy who never shuts up.

Mike Mussina pitched eight scoreless innings on Wednesday, leading the Yankees to their sixth win in a row, and a sweep of the Twins.  Moose, a well known crossword puzzle enthusiast, said that anyone who claims to have predicted the stellar year he has enjoyed thus far is: Four letters, “Full of ____.”

John Maine allowed only 3 runs en route to his first win since June 25, and a 6-3 Mets victory over the Phillies.  The raucous Shea crowd was anything but short on barbs about the sordid past of Phillies’ starter Brett Myers, who was making his first appearance since a four game stint in the minors.  You know, for such a seemingly docile fellow, it’s hard to believe Myers could really be such a mega-scumbag.

The Newark Star-Ledger has reported that Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano’s deal with the school involves several hidden clauses and gaurantees, including an extra $250,000 that had previously not been  disclosed.  Shady, under the table dealings in the heart of New Jersey?  Say it ain’t so.

Infamous Cubs fan and scapegoat Steve Bartman has reportedly been offered $25,000 to show himself in public and sign a single autograph.  Bartman, who has been MIA at a Bin Laden-type level since the day of the incident, can expect a crowd resembling this one should he choose to make the appearance.