Inside: The Week In Sports

Baseball
Even with a $138 million payroll the Mets can't get on track, but manager Willie Randolph 's job appears safe—for now ? The Brewers aren't scoring enough: too many righthanded hitters?

Olympics
An Australian teen surprises Natalie Coughlin , but the U.S. swimmer remains confident she will prevail in Beijing ? Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius gets the go-ahead for a qualifying bid

Motor Sports
Richard Childress Racing , a consistent if not aggressive finisher, puts new financial backing to work in a bid to keep up with the big boys ? Five drivers who are due for a win in a Cup points race

BUBBLING OVER
In the backstroke, at least, Aaron Peirsol owns Michael Phelps ; Peirsol topped his American teammate again last Saturday, setting a meet record of 1:55.81 for 200 meters at the Toyota Grand Prix in Santa Clara , Calif.