Lance Berkman

NEW YORK - A's manager Art Howe yesterday learned the first lesson of New York's media reality: Drop a pebble in a pond and the next morning brace for the tsunami. Howe found himself the star attraction in the media circus before last night's 5-3 win over the Yankees in Game 1 of the Division Series. Howe stated honestly and accurately that the three-time world champions would have to play well to beat his team, which finished the season with seven more wins and a 6-3 advantage head-to-head.