for an archive of Cramer’s “Mad Money” recaps.

Jim Cramer launched Friday’s “Mad Money” TV show by offering viewers two speculative stocks to research over the weekend — a promising medical diagnostics play and an under-$10 technology name.

Cramer’s first pick, Biosite (BSTE) , is the type of company market players should want to be in if the Democrats “storm the winter palace” in November, he said, “because then all the Big Pharma money will go into acquiring small diagnostics plays.”

“We need to find new diagnostics stocks” as the older ones get played out, Cramer continued, and right now Biosite is looking “hot.” The company makes rapid diagnostic tests — products that help the doctors do their jobs more quickly and efficiently, he said.

These tests save people a lot of money by figuring out early what needs to be done, Cramer said. But Biosite is truly a “pipeline story,” continually reinvesting its money to create new products, he said.

The reason Cramer said he’s talking about Biosite now is because “it’s sitting on top of a new product cycle,” which should create major upside for the stock. In addition, although only four analysts are covering Biosite right now, he believes it should get more and better coverage as it rolls out its new products.

Plus, the stock has a major short position, which could very likely create a short squeeze and cause the stock to bounce, Cramer said. The shorts, he said, are attacking Biosite and will be penalized for it.

Moreover, in addition to having the product cycle, backing of its own management and smart money, factors that make Cramer believe Biosite is a buy, it also has had “meaningful buybacks.” Sun Will Rise Again

Cramer’s second speculative pick, Sun Microsystems (SUNW) , is a company he has “hated for a very long time.”

However, because new management is “shaking things up” at Sun Micro, Cramer believes the stock is an “under-$10 turnaround.”

At the same time, he warned viewers against acting too fast and paying too much for the stock. Be careful and look for a good entry point, Cramer said, adding that he sees two points of upside for this stock only if people play by his rules and wait until at least Monday afternoon to buy it.

Although Sun Micro has been a “loser,” the turnaround here is real at last, he said. First, the company is cutting costs, which means higher margins, and its product sales are growing, Cramer said.

Plus, it “has a lot of upgrade potential,” with a server business that’s “en fuego” and a “strong” software business, he said, advising people to buy it patiently and carefully with limit orders. Cramer’s Game Plan

According to his game plan for next week, Cramer believes people should consider buying GlobalSantaFe (GSF) ahead of when it reports on Monday, because he believes it will have a “blowout quarter.”

However, he expects that Marvell Technology (MRVL) , which he owns for his Action Alerts PLUS charitable trust, will report a bad quarter after market close on Monday. Cramer advised viewers to buy Marvell after it gets hit on Monday, because Analog Devices (ADI) said earlier this week that there could be a bottom in the chip inventory cycle, which means the negativity for Marvell should subside.

On Tuesday, Blockbuster (BBI) reports, and Cramer recommends market players sell a little before it reports, wait for everyone to take their profits in the stock and then buy some back.

Similarly, he told people to sell a little Dynegy (DYN) before it reports Tuesday and buy it again after everyone has left it and taken profits.

Cramer suggested people take a look at and consider buying Foster Wheeler (FWLT) and McDermott (MDR) , both of which he believes will report “solid earnings.”

Further, he told people to buy Charter Communications (CHTR) before it reports and to only buy some Sprint (S) after it reports if it has an “incredibly miserable” quarter.

Other companies that report in the latter half of next week that Cramer considers good buys are Gap (GPS) , Viacom (VIA.B ) and VeriFone (PAY) .

Mad Mail

In the show’s “Mad Mail” segment, in response to a viewer who wrote in, Cramer said that he believes it’s better to buy the stronger company, like Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) , rather than the weaker company, like XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) , in an anticompetitive merger, because whether or not the deal goes through, the former should go up. Lightning Round

Cramer was bullish on Suncor Energy (SU) , EnCana (ECA) , Verizon (VZ) , AT&T (T) , Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) , Vasco Data (VDSI) , Devon Energy (DVN) , Arch Coal (ACI) , Peabody (BTU) , General Maritime (GMR) , Prudential (PRU) and Quest Diagnostics (DGX) .

Cramer was bearish on Oilsands Quest (BQI) , Cellcom Israel (CEL) , Sprint (S) , Petrohawk Energy (HAWK) , Frontline (FRO) and Tronox (TRX) .

For more of Cramer’s insights during the Lightning Round, click here.

Want more Cramer? Check out Jim’s rules and commandments for investing from his popular book by http://www.thestreet.com/tsc/cramerbook.

1 What would best describe your stance heading into the coming week of trading?

Bullish
Bearish
Neutral

2 Which of these sectors do you think is set to move up in the coming week?

3 Which of these sectors do you think is set to move down in the coming week?

Portsmouth have signed former Charlton defender Hermann Hreidarsson on a two-year deal.

Hreidarsson, the 32-year-old Iceland defender, exercised a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave the Valley on a free transfer if the Addicks were relegated.

He has moved to Fratton Park two days after Pompey secured the services of former Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin on a three-year deal.

“I’ve always liked Hermann,” said Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp. “I tried to buy him before and I’m delighted he’s now here at Portsmouth.

“He’s got great experience at Premier League level, he’s big, quick, very good in the air and a good competitor. He can play at left-back and in the centre of defence so he gives us plenty of options.”

Hreidarsson revealed: “I was very close to joining a few years ago, but now this club is a very different one with big ambitions. I’m very happy to be here and I’m sure the club will be pushing for a place in Europe next season.

“I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere at Fratton Park but I’d much rather the fans were on my side than against me. I’m looking forward to playing in front of them.”

To its potted shrimps and statue of one of Britain’s most famous comedians - Eric Bartholomew changed his surname to that of his home town - Morecambe can add one further claim to fame: a Football League club. Sammy McIlroy’s team won a full-blooded Nationwide Conference play-off final at Wembley yesterday as the Lancashire club earned League status for the first time in its 87-year history.

For the second day in succession blue got the better of red at the English game’s new home, but the similarities ended there. There was none of the caginess of the previous day’s FA Cup final as a vibrant contest ebbed and flowed.

It was a personal triumph for McIlroy, the former Manchester United midfielder and Northern Ireland manager. He took over at Christie Park in November 2005 and has bounced back after losing in the play-offs last year.

Exeter, who dropped out of the League four years ago, had more than twice as many supporters in the 40,043 crowd - a record for a Conference final - and appeared the stronger team, but McIlroy’s men played the better football. Danny Carlton led the line intelligently, Wayne Curtis and Garry Thompson provided guile on the flanks and Jim Bentley marshalled his defence superbly.

Within nine minutes of the start, however, Exeter were ahead, Lee Phillips heading home Jon Challinor’s cross.

Morecambe played their way back into contention and Paul Jones was soon the busier of the two goalkeepers. He saved a 30th-minute penalty, guessing which way Curtis would shoot and then blocking the rebound.

The equaliser came three minutes before half-time when Thompson pounced on a defensive error to curl a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Exeter, who had Matthew Gill sent off for violent conduct in injury time, were beaten by a magnificent 82nd-minute winner, Carlton thumping a glorious 25-yard shot into the roof of the net. The 23-year-old striker, who has been at the club since he was 15, described it as the best goal of his life.

McIlroy said he ranked Morecambe’s promotion among his greatest achievements. “Today was a great advert for Conference football,” he said. “We had to stick in there after they scored, but in the end I thought we bossed the majority of the match.”

Goals: Phillips (8) 1-0; Thompson (42) 1-1; Carlton (82) 1-2.

Exeter (4-4-2): Paul Jones; Tully, Todd, Edwards, Billy Jones; Carlisle (Logan, 53), Taylor, Gill, Elam (Mackie, 57); Challinor, Phillips (Stansfield, 37). Substitutes not used: Richardson, Buckle.

Morecambe (4-4-2): Davies; Yates, Blackburn, Bentley, Adams; Thompson (Brannan, 86), Stanley, Sorvel, Curtis; Carlton (McNiven, 88), Twiss (Hunter, 72). Substitutes not used: Neal (gk), Howard.

Bookings: Exeter Todd. Morecambe Carlton.

Sendings-off: Exeter Gill.

Referee: M Oliver (Ashington).

Man of the match: Carlton.

Attendance: 40,043.

ATLANTA - For only the second time in a regular-season game, John Smoltz sensed an extra excitement that normally only comes in the postseason.

Euphoria, Smoltz said.

For baseballs all-time leader in postseason wins, the added edge made him feel right at home.

Smoltz became baseballs first pitcher with 200 wins and 150 saves, achieving the feat by throwing seven shutout innings to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 2-1 win over the New York Mets on Thursday night.

Smoltz talked Wednesday of treating his third start of the season against his friend and former teammate Tom Glavine as a normal game, but the milestone changed that.

I downplayed it as long as I possibly could, Smoltz said. I tried not to think about it in any different fashion, but it was just a different game.

It was different because so much was on the line, including Smoltzs 200th career win, but it was the same because the Atlanta ace extended his string of strong starts this season.

The Turner Field crowd of 36,660 gave Smoltz a standing ovation after the game. Smoltz lifted his cap to acknowledge the crowd.

I dont come out for many things, but I wanted to show them I appreciate it, Smoltz said.

I tried to approach games like this as just another day, but when I walked out there, it was different.

Smoltz, who has 15 postseason wins, said hes experienced a similar thrill in a regular-season game only once.

The first time I came out of the bullpen and the crowd went nuts, he said. Euphoria. It felt like that again.

Making his third start of the season against Glavine, his Atlanta teammate from 1988-2002, Smoltz (7-2) became the NLs first seven-game winner.

The Braves won two of three in the series and improved to 6-3 against the Mets this season while cutting New Yorks lead in the NL East to 1 games.

Were not concerned, said New Yorks Shawn Green. Were in first place. Its going to be a battle all year.

The 40-year-old Smoltz gave up seven hits without a walk and struck out five. In back-to-back wins over Boston and the Mets, Smoltz has thrown 14 scoreless innings while allowing 10 hits and one walk.

Smoltz, 4-1 in May, lowered his ERA from 2.85 to 2.58.

Hes beyond a Hall of Famer, said Braves catcher Brian McCann. Hes amazing. It was awesome. Its amazing to catch someone like that.

Said Green: Smoltz pitched a great game. Hes a tremendous pitcher as a starter and a closer. You have to tip your cap to him.

Glavine also pitched well, giving up only five hits and two runs in six innings for the Mets, who were denied their sixth straight series win.

Its tough to swallow, but you have to put it behind you, Glavine said.

When you pitch well and things dont go your way, its hard to put it behind you.

Bob Wickman pitched out of trouble in the ninth. After a leadoff single by Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green hit a grounder to second base that Kelly Johnson bobbled. Ruben Gotay bunted the runners to second and third, and Delgado scored on a ground out by pinch hitter Julio Franco. Wickman got Reyes to pop to short with the tying runner on third to end the game for his seventh save in nine chances.

Smoltz became the 106th pitcher to reach 200 wins and the first with at least 200 wins and 150 saves. He saved an Atlanta-record 154 games as the Braves closer from 2001 through 2004. Dennis Eckersley entered the Hall of Fame in 2004 with 197 wins and 390 saves.

The only pitchers with more wins in Atlanta history are Phil Niekro (266) and Glavine (242).

Im happy for him personally, Glavine said. Im not happy it came against us and against me.

Smoltz is 17-13 with 24 saves in his career against the Mets. This year, he is 2-0 in three matchups with Glavine. The Braves won all three.

Smoltz gave up five hits in the first four innings before retiring 10 straight batters. The streak ended when he gave up seventh-inning singles to Shawn Green and pinch-hitter David Newhan, but Smoltz pitched out of the jam when Jose Reyes ended the inning with a grounder to second baseman Kelly Johnson.

Glavine (5-2) failed in his bid for his 296th career win. The left-hander fell to 3-11 in 18 starts against the Braves despite retiring the last eight batters he faced.

Johnson led off the game with a single up the middle and later scored on Jeff Francoeurs fly ball to center. The Braves pushed the lead to 2-0 when Diaz led off the second with a homer into the Atlanta bullpen beyond the right-field wall.

The Mets loaded the bases but could not score in the third. Glavine and Carlos Beltran reached on infield hits and Jose Reyes singled to left, but with two outs David Wright was called out when first base umpire Larry Young ruled he did not check his swing on strike three. Wright protested, throwing his bat and helmet in frustration.

Notes: 3B Chipper Jones was held out after having a cortisone shot in his sore right thumb. … Johnson made a diving stop in shallow right field and threw out Ruben Gotay to end the fourth inning. Paul Lo Duca was on third base, so the play saved a run. … As is their custom, Atlanta fans greeted Glavine with a mixture of boos and cheers. … Wright had three strikeouts. 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Updated from 4:12 p.m. EST

Stocks in the U.S. surged early following upbeat sessions overseas, then survived a brief afternoon scare before managing to close moderately higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 100 points during the morning before losing momentum. Around 2:30 p.m. EST, it showed a gain of only around 30 points. However, the Dow recovered and finished up 68.25 points, or 0.56%, at 12,260.70.

The S&P 500 rose 9.92 points, or 0.71%, to 1401.89, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 13.09 points, or 0.55%, at 2387.73.

Twenty-six of the Dow’s 30 components finished in positive territory, with Verizon (VZ) , AT&T (T) , American Express (AXP) and Honeywell (HON) leading the gains.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq, meanwhile, benefited from rises in KLA-Tencor (KLAC) , Nvidia (NVDA) , Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) and Akamai Technologies (AKAM) .

Many subdivisions of the market improved. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector Index climbed 1.8%, the NYSE Financial Index gained 1%, and the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index was higher by 0.6%.

About 3.03 billion shares changed hands on the New York Stock Exchange, where advancers beat decliners by an 8-to-3 margin. On the Nasdaq, volume reached 1.75 billion shares, as winners outpaced losers 3 to 2.

Last week, stocks took a nosedive amid a massive selloff around the world, but the major indices are performing better this week. Over the past four session, the Dow is higher by 1%, the S&P 500 has risen 1.1%, and the Nasdaq has added 0.8%.

“We’re trading very well today on tempered optimism,” said Jay Suskind, head of institutional equity trading with Ryan Beck & Co. “We’ve had sideways trading for the last few days, and after stabilizing we’re now higher ahead of tomorrow’s employment number.”

The Labor Department will post February’s jobs data on Friday at 8:30 a.m. EST. Economists expect that the U.S. economy added 100,000 workers last month.

In the final report before the jobs data, the Labor Department said that initial jobless claims fell by 10,000 last week to 328,000. The less volatile four-week moving average rose by 4,750 to 339,000.

“Today’s jobless claims number doesn’t change our view on tomorrow’s payroll number, which is good,” said Art Hogan, chief market analyst with Jefferies. “The number was in line with expectations, so tomorrow’s nonfarm payrolls number shouldn’t stray too much from expectations. Friday’s report will return our focus to fundamentals, away from global markets, which is what we need to do.”

The global markets helped spur Wall Street’s buying Thursday, as bourses across Asia posted solid gains overnight. China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 Index climbed 1.5%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 1.4%, and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 was ahead by 1.9%.

Europe was also on the ascent, with London’s FTSE 100 better by 1.2% and Frankfurt’s Xetra DAX up 1.4%. The Cac 40 in Paris rose 1.3%.

“Global markets look to be stabilizing, which should put us back in a positive trend,” said Hogan.

Headlining the U.S. session were the nation’s retail stores, which posted their February sales results. The world’s biggest retailer, Wal-Mart (WMT) , said same-store sales rose an anemic 0.9% in February. Analysts had expected Wal-Mart to post a 1.5% rise, and the stock finished down 5 cents, or 0.1%, at $47.88.

On the other hand, rival Target (TGT) beat expectations after posting a 5.7% increase in same-store sales last month. The retailer said it expects March comp sales to surge 11% to 13% because of the earlier Easter holiday. Target gained $1.09, or 1.8%, to $61.69.

Among others, Pier 1 (PIR) said its February comparable sales dropped 8.4%. Same-store sales were down 5.7% at Pacific Sunwear (PSUN) .

Limited’s (LTD) comps were up 3% last month, while Gap (GPS) posted a better-than-expected 4% decline.

Both Costco Wholesale (COST) and Federated Department Stores (FD) reported same-store sales growth that came in below estimates, while Nordstrom (JWN) blew away the forecast.

As for earnings, TiVo (TIVO) posted a narrower-than-expected fourth-quarter loss after the prior close, but still traded lower. TiVo fell 5 cents, or 0.8%, closing at $6.09.

Later, homebuilder Hovnanian (HOV) is expected to report a fiscal first-quarter loss of 69 cents a share, according to Thomson First Call. Hovnanian was 0.3% higher ahead of the report, up 8 cents at $30.48.

On the research front, Ford (F) was lifted to neutral from underperform at Credit Suisse. Ford rose 31 cents, or 4.1%, to end at $7.93.

At the New York Mercantile Exchange, energy futures were falling. Crude oil was down 18 cents to close at $61.64 a barrel, and natural gas was off 12 cents at $7.24 per million British thermal units.

Metals prices inched higher. Gold rose $2.60 to close at $655.50 an ounce, and silver tacked on 1.5 cents at $13.12 an ounce.

Bond prices were under pressure. The 10-year note was down 10/32 in price, yielding 4.52%, and the 30-year was losing 15/32 to yield 4.66%.