Scott Rolen makes for a decent stopgap at 3B.

Back and forth. Back and forth.

No--- I’m not referring to a potential Kobe/Lebron NBA Finals matchup.

Nope---I’m not referencing the now classic 2009 Capitals/Penguins NHL semifinal series.

And nada---there’s just too much going on to think about a grueling five set Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer French Open Final.      

What I am talking about is the manner in which I’ve operated my television remote control throughout the past week.  With at least two high-energy playoff games on EACH evening, it’s channel volleying at its best.

Back and forth. Back and forth.       

Therefore, in honor of such a chaotic yet exciting time of year, let’s run today’s blog in a fast-action, channel-switching, random-thought style.

In other words--- just as always.

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I’ve never been more sure that actor Jason Segal is destined to land the role of Brad Hamilton in the yet to be written Fast Times at Ridgemont High remake. Led by director Judd Apatow’s raunchy humor and James Franco’s stoner Jeff Spicoli, it’s a virtual certainty that 2012’s Fast Times becomes an “instant classic.”  Make it happen, Hollywood! Do it.

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With 3B Aramis Ramirez out two months with a dislocated shoulder and Mike Lowell most likely long gone from the free agent pool, take a look at Casey Blake or Scott Rolen if you’re in need of a 3B stopgap. Owned in only 24% of Yahoo leagues, Blake is a well-respected character guy (unless of course you’re Giants RP Brian Wilson) with the ability to step up his play when relied upon. Rolen (33% owned) seems to be healthy, is hitting the ball well and has a better chance of the two at replacing some of Ramirez’s power (as part of the currently lethal Toronto lineup). 

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Just an FYI: Not since the 2000 & 2001 has a Canadian team failed to make the NHL conference finals in back-to-back seasons. Well---with Vancouver eliminated on Monday---make that “not since 2008 & 2009” as we’re now guaranteed an all-American Final Four for the second straight year. Oh Canada. Not good. Not good at all. Hey, but at least Alanis Morissette has a new album dropping soon!

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As noted in past blog entries, add P Chien-Ming Wang NOW! With his successful Tuesday rehab start in AAA now behind him---six shutout innings, an effective slider and a 93-MPH fastball--- run, not walk,  to the computer if you’re weak at the SP position. It’s only a matter of time before he reclaims a starting spot in the Bombers rotation and his 32% ownership in Yahoo Leagues rises significantly. 

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Forget Drew Barrymore. It’s NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell who deserves the lead role in the 50 First Dates sequel---because I’m sure he wakes up each morning with no recollection of the day prior. Honestly, is this someone fit to dish out suspensions, especially during such an important part of the season? Just a week after handing Caps F Donald Brashear six games for a hit on Blair Betts while giving Mike Brown of the Ducks a free pass for mauling Jiri Hudler, Campbell went a step further “off the reservation” Sunday by fining Carolina F Scott Walker 2,500 measly pesos for sucker-punching Bruins D Aaron Word. Seriously? No suspension?  $2,500 fine? I just don’t get it, but apparently neither does Campbell. Maybe he’s the Montgomery Burns type from the Simpsons who simply plays Rock Paper Scissors with his lowly assistant before deciding a player’s fate.

“Paper covers rock---looks like we’ll give Walker a break.”

“But Mr. Campbell---Walker punched a defenseless Aaron Ward in the face.”

“Do as I say, lowly assistant!”

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Hurting at the OF spot? Need a quality bench guy? Keep an eye on Yankee’s OF Xavier Nady, owned in only 26% of Yahoo leagues. Scheduled to begin rehab (elbow) in the next week, Nady’s in a contract year and has handled the pressures of New York quite comfortably since arriving last year via trade. In 2008 he hit at a clip that would have produced 36 HR & 120 RBI over a full season and started 2009 with at least one hit in each of his first seven games (before heading to the DL). Although it may take some time for Nady to become comfortable at the plate, I’m confident he can reestablish himself as one of the Yankees more consistent hitters and become serviceable in all league formats. 

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Speaking of non-punishment, Bobby Jenks owners must feel untouchable this morning after the reliever was fined a whopping $750 for throwing a pitch behind Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler on Saturday---and then afterwards admitting to reporters that he had done it on purpose to send a message. In response to the fine, Jenks, will lose approximately 0.000133% of his 2009 salary, proudly shouted, “I can do whatever I want. I’m Bobby Jenks, bitches!”

Actually---no--- he didn’t say that. It’s a complete fabrication. But it would be interesting if he had, because he can.

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According to police reports---yes---the angry, torch-laden mob surrounding the house of Mets manager Jerry Manuel on Monday night was indeed the owners of P Johan Santana. Manuel, who pulled the ace after 108 pitches in the 7^th inning of a 1-1 tie, immediately saw his bullpen implode for four runs in what would result in an 8-3 loss to Atlanta. Why Manuel yanked Santana with one out in an inning he was cruising through and close to finishing is quite fascinating. If it was solely a pitch-count decision, why not give Santana ten extra pitches to end the inning and in the process potentially lessen the strain on a battered bullpen? But hey---regardless---what’s done it done; the Mets lost the game and Santana suffered his second loss this season when not allowing an earned run.

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Where have you gone, Peter Gammons? Baseball nation turned its lonely eyes to you (woo woo woo)……and you blew it!

The ultimate MLB insider, you suckered millions of kids who read your old Boston Sunday Globe column into believing the truth (at least in baseball) was always obtainable. You were our national pastime leader---our Cameron Alexander from American History X---minus of course, the whole white supremacy aspect. But over time---as more and more evidence of widespread steroid use become known----we realized you, our ultimate insider, had morphed into the ultimate steroid apologist. Instead of sharing the truth on the juice---which you most definitely knew---you swallowed it, presumably to preserve the sanctity of the game.  

So now, as you break news as you always have and discuss Manny’s past, present and future--- I choose to not listen.

You had your chance to change the game--- the game you so love--- and you blew it.