I haven’t been feeling well lately so I shut it down for a couple of days. However, I did follow what is going on and I must say the Rocket is truly lost in space these days.Taping Brian McNamee although not illegal, was a sign of desperation. He was clearly trying to trap McNamee, who didn’t bite. He did get flustered, but you can understand considering his whole world is falling apart.What I can’t understand is Clemens’ reaction. If someone were lying about you and you talked to him, wouldn’t one of the first questions you’d ask, if NOT THE FIRST, is: Why are you lying about me?He didn’t ask. Didn’t come close. And, Clemens’ lawyer Rusty Hardin’s explanation about not wanting to influence a witness is pathetic. Isn’t that the reason the tape was released in the first place?Once this is over, however, he’d better take that seven-figure deal.

Roger Clemens said the people who know him will believe him, but the others have already made up their mind.

Clemens gave a lot of denials to Mike Wallace tonight on “60 Minutes,” but really didn’t have a story of his own. Congress will have a lot of interesting follow-up questions.

Among them: Why would Brian McNamee tell the truth about Andy Pettitte but lie about Clemens? Clemens gave a tepid response of not knowing what Pettitte was doing, but Wallace never pushed it. Wallace didn’t push a lot of things. Instead of asking Clemens to swear he didn’t take steroids, he should have made him “pinky swear.”

What I believe most about what Clemens said tonight was that he’s already been convicted in the court of public opinion. If anything, his hole is deeper. I believe McNamee and don’t think Clemens said anything to change my mind.

How about you?

Also, vote in the latest poll.

The Mets have traded for Chicago Cubs outfielder Angel Pagan for minor leaguers outfielder Corey Coles and pitcher Ryan Meyers. Pagan is 26, and hit .264 (39-148) with four home runs and 21 RBI.

“Angel is young, athletic and has the versatility to play all three outfield positions,” said GM Omar Minaya.

Coles, 25, played on all three minor league levels last year, while Meyers, 22, went 1-4 with 13 saves and a 2.14 ERA in 33 games with Single-A Savannah.

It really doesn’t matter if Omar Minaya is out of town for a week in Israel with spring training a little over a month away.

With phones, Internet and FAX, you can do business with anyone from anywhere.

I know Johan Santana is still out there, but does it really matter? Does anybody honestly believe he’s coming to the Mets?

Mike Wallace calls Roger Clemens a “friend,” so I’m doubting he will be as hard hitting as he would with a sleazy politician or CEO.

Even so, are you planning to watch Clemens on “60 Minutes” on Sunday.

Should have some comedic value.

GM Omar Minaya will be part of a delegation leaving tomorrow for Israel. Agent Arn Tellem (who represents Mike Mussina and Hideki Matsui) is on the board of directors of Seeds For Peace, whose objective is to improve relations between Israeli and Palestinian children.

Last year, Minaya visited Ghana.

Just got off the phone with Carlos Delgado and he said his fractured left hand has healed and he will begin swinging the bat next week.

“It’s back to where it was before the injury,” said Delgado. “I will be coming to spring training in good shape.”

Delgado hit .258 with 24 homers and 87 RBI, with the run production numbers the lowest in his career since becoming a fulltime player in 1996 with Toronto. He began the season coming off wrist and elbow surgery, but said, “I think I had a horrible year and don’t have an excuse.”

Delgado also attributed the Mets’ late season collapse to losing focus, saying, “I think we assumed we were going to win.”

Delgado also said he didn’t see anything from Roger Clemens that would cause him to think the seven-time Cy Young Award winner was using steroids when they were teammates together with the Blue Jays. He also said the Mets would be improved with Johan Santana. Those last two comments came as no surprise.

The newest Hall of Fame class will be announced next week. Here’s who was on my ballot:

Goose Gossage: A dominant closer when saves meant something.

Jim Rice: He dominated as his position for a long time.

Bert Blyleven: He has the numbers.

Tommy John: I don’t care how long he played, 288 wins is damn good.

Alan Trammell: One of the three who turned shortstop into an offensive position. Cal Ripken and Robin Yount were the others.

Tim Raines: Maybe the second best leadoff hitter of all time.

Did not vote for Mark McGwire because of the steroid issuem

OK, here’s the exercise. I’m putting you in charge of making New Year’s resolutions for the Mets, or anybody in baseball for that matter.

Here’s an example.

Jose Reyes: Not to swing at the first pitch so much.

Let’s see how creative you can be.

Good morning friends …

I wish you and your families a happy and healthy New Year.