Ian Kennedy was filled with big talk before his recent start in Triple A. Last night, he felt there was improvement in his return outing for the Yankees but the results were not splendid–five runs in five innings. The Yankee offense, dubbed “the Dead Bat Society” by N.Y. Post writer George King, mustered just two runs as the Rays won the game (5-2) and the series and sent the uninspired Bronx Bummers into last place. Scott Kazmir, fresh off a three-year extension, got the win.

Things aren’t much rosier in Queens as the Mets lost an agonizing 1-0 game yesterday afternoon (and three of four to the lowly Washington Nats). Mike Pelfry had a no hitter going into the seventh inning; Carlos Beltran got doubled off third base to end it in the ninth. After the game, outspoken closer Billy Wagner let rip in the direction of one Carlos Delgado. According to Adam Rubin in the Daily News:

“Someone tell me why the — you’re talking to the closer. I didn’t even play. They’re over there, not being interviewed.”

Wagner paused for dramatic effect. Then, in a scene reminiscent of last year’s Paul Lo Duca comments, minus the racial overtones, the closer sarcastically added: “I got it. They’re gone. —ing shocker.”

The forecast calls for steady rain today and then thunderstorms tomorrow. Maybe both teams could use an old-fashioned rainout. The way they’ve been been going recalls the title of Jimmy Breslin’s famous account of the ’62 Mets, Can’t Anybody Here Play this Game? Just goes to show, a collective $300+ million don’t buy what it used to.