The Yankees are busy in the hot stove season. 

The Yankees offered CC Sabbathia $140 million for 6 years yesterday according to ESPN 1050 and Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack. (Mega thanks Jack!)  This is slight increase over the Mets offer to Johan Santana last year.  Given the money the Yankees are saving on expiring contracts (Giambi, Pavano, etc), the Yankees can afford to pay CC what he wants.  I wouldn't be surprised if the final number is $145 to $150+ million.  CC will also make more in endorsements than he would in Milwaukee.  So the ball is in CC's court if he wants to pitch in New York, Milwaukee, or somewhere else.  I hope the Yankees get CC and/or Burnett from the Blue Jays.

On Thursday, the Yankees traded Wilson Betemit and two prospects for Nick Swisher of the Chicago White Sox.  I hate to see Betemit go but it gives the Yankees a switch hitter who can play first base and the outfield.  They gives the Yankees options after Damon's contract expires at the end of 2009.  2009 will be a big year to see if Gardner can hit big league pitching and/or Melky Cabrera bounces back.  Competition is good and Swisher is another option.  I don't think the Yankees will re-sign Damon in 2010, at least not to another four year contract if Gardner and/or Cabrera don't work out.  Anyway, we'll cross the 2010 bridge when we get there but we're setting the chess pieces in place.

Given the Swisher signing, it probably means that Angels free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira won't come here.  He either wants to stay with the Angels and/or the Yankees are laser beam focused on pitching.  My only concern about Swisher is that he hit .219 last season.  He needs to hit .250+ next season, God Willing.

Next week is big as we'll find out if Mike Mussina wants to come back.  You know that SATT will cover it.  Keep the Faith!

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in Hot Stove Land.

Steve and I noted many times during the season that the Mets really let Johan Santana and themselves down with anemic run support.  It cost the Mets a chance at the playoffs and Johan a better chance at the Cy Young.  Johan lost out to Tim Lincecum of the Giants who had a 18-5 record and 265 strikeouts. 

Lincecum had less to work with than the Mets.  He played on the fourth place Giants and had 25 percent of their 72 wins.  Let's hope Johan gets more run support next season.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Yesterday was a big day for New York baseball fans.  The Yankees moved home plate from the Stadium to the New Stadium.  Mega thanks to Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for the story idea.  Home Plate is covered but is pictured behind me below.

Across town, former Mets manager Willie Randolph took a job as the Brewers bench coach. 

Good luck to Willie and the Yankees home plate!  May the Yankees score many runs in the New Stadium, God Willing!  Keep the Faith!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

It was hard to tell what was more historic Wednesday evening.  Senator Obama's purchase of 30 minute of prime time TV ad time just before the game, the uniqueness of continuing a rain delayed game, or the dramatic finish?

First, congratulations to the Phillies for beating the Rays in the fifth game, 4-3.  I was unfortunately wrong in my prediction of the Rays winning in six games.

Bottom Line: The Mets and Yankees have lots of work to do as the World Series teams are teams in their division.  It is a miracle that the Mets contended as Lidge saved 51 consecutive games going back to his time with the Astros at the end of 2007 while the Mets had no bullpen to speak of.  The Mets must get K-Rod or a similar talented closer.  The Phillies clearly have the better bullpen, manager, chemistry, etc.

The Yankees have their work cut out for them too.  Mike Mussina will announce in a few days if he will return or not.  That will affect the degree of desperation that the Yankees go after CC Sabbathia or other premier starting pitching free agents. 

Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.

Last night's World Series Game 5 game looked more like a mud football game than a baseball game.  The announcers were making more football analogies "making the fair catch signal" than baseball ones.  It was so bad that one of the umpires suspended the Infield Fly Rule either because the rain was so bad (or because he couldn't see too well). 

MLB dodged a big bullet as Carlos Pena singled home Upton to tie the game at 2 with 2 out in the top of the sixth inning.  The rain was so bad that the World Series was suspended at the bottom of the 6th inning with a 2-2. 

Imagine if the Rays didn't tie the game and the rain continued.  If the umpires had the grounds crew to come out and the weather worsened which it did as forecasted.  The Phillies would have won the World Series 2-1 in a rain shortened game.  How would you have liked that?  OK, probably most people don't care about the Rays or Phillies but fair is fair.

People should demand that MLB mandate retractable roofs that I wrote way back in 2006 as climate change continues to take its toll.  Rain delays didn't help the Yankees and Mets in 2006.

Citizens Bank Park in Philly is a brand new stadium.  They have no excuse.  When will MLB learn?  Maybe when TV ratings go down as people don't want to watch rain delays and watch other things like I did on Saturday night (Ohio State versus Penn State) or last night (C-Span).

Posted by a frustrated Tank writing in the pouring rain.

After a 90 minute rain delay to start the game, 45 year young Jamie Moyer pitched a great game for his hometown Phillies.  He was in line to get the win but the Rays tied the game at 4 in the 8th.

Taking a page from the classic movie "Major League", Bruntlett took one for the team and was hit by a pitch.

With Victorino trying to bunt, Balfour threw a wild pitch and Bruntlett advanced to third on the wild throw to center field.

Joe Madden brought in right fielder and former infielder Zobrist to play in the unorthodox five man infield.  Zobrist traded his outfielder's glove for an infielder's glove   

After two intentional walks, Ruiz came to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs.

Ruiz chopped a ball half way down the third baseline.  Longoria scooped the ball up, dove, and overthrew Navarro.  Bruntlett scores and the Phillies won 5-4.  The Phillies unfortunately lead the World Series two games to one.

Tonight's / this morning's game ended at 1:48 a.m., a few minutes after Steve and I left the best All Star Game ever in July.

Posted by a tired and disappointed Tank in NY.

Yes you read that correctly. After long deliberation, Steve has decided to let bygones be bygones and root for the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. The reason is very simple, the Phillies represent the National League, and the National League East for that matter. They clearly were the better team this year down the stretch zooming past the Mets and taking care of business in the NLDS and NLCS.

This is a holdover from childhood. You root for your league. This year is very hard, but I am doing it. (While still hoping that Jimmy Rollins goes 0-entire series.) Last year I rooted for the Red Sox since I wanted it to enhance the rivalry with the Yankees and in 2006 I was still too shell-shocked to root for anyone. I am back supporting the National League.

The Tank picked the Rays to win the World Series and he may be right. The Rays have better pitching, but the Phillies have a rock star line up. Good pitching shuts down good hitting so the Rays may have an edge. The Rays don’t have any super duper stars in the lineup, but rather a ton of young guys who all seem to hit .300 and have speed.

Last night Philly ace, 24-year-old lefty Cole Hamels, won the game 3-2. Yesterday was a must-win game for the Phillies since Hamels is their ace and the Rays have more depth compared to the Phillies in the back end of the rotation. Hamels can’t pitch each game, so the Rays have to win tonight if they want to stay in the game. However, the Home Run park up in Philly may give the young Rays hitters a chance to explore. Anything can happen.

Posted by Steve in New York

Unlike the other major two party Presidential candidates, The Tank is taking a stand that the Tampa Bay Rays will win the World Series in six games over the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Senator McCain claims that Senator Obama is flip-flopping on the issue as both states represent important swing states:

"At a small rally at a factory in Bensalem, Pa., McCain said, "'I'm not dumb enough to get mixed up in a World Series between swing states, but I think I may have detected a little pattern with Senator Obama. When he's campaigning in Philadelphia, he roots for the Phillies, and when he's campaigning in Tampa Bay, he shows love to the Rays.'"

If there is a Game 6, Senator Obama has purchased 30 minutes of TV on Fox which will broadcast the World Series.  The start time of the game will be delayed.

The Rays have the momentum and home field advantage gained when Steve, Kathleen, Jack, and I attended the greatest All Star Game ever at the Stadium in July.  We'll see how cold the Phillies bats are after a long time off as the Rockies were last year and the Tigers in 2006.  

Senator McCain should take a stand and Senator Obama should stop his alleged flip-flopping.  That's why I launched this Baseball Integrity Presidential bid.  If there is no baseball integrity, what can we expect on other issues of the day? 

Posted by The Tank on the road to the White House.

Averted Apocalypse #1: After blowing a seven run lead on Wednesday night with only seven outs left, the Rays lost to the Red Sox in a possible ALCS clincher in Game 5 and in Game 6 on Saturday night. 

As Steve blogged the other day, I feared the Rays would lose Game 7.  Given my loyalties to the Yankees and Mets, I would face the worst baseball apocalypse, a Red Sox - Phillies World Series. 

I would be faced an emotional challenge as formidable as the one I did last month in Nepal.  But, I would have nowhere to run or hike to.  How would I cope?  Who would I root for?  I have always rooted for a team in some game, except Georgetown versus Notre Dame in the 2007 Big East Tournament.

The Rays spared me and the world such a fate by winning Game 7 last night by 3-1.  I am really grateful to the Rays for that.  I agree with Editor in Chief and Perma Guest Outlaw Jack and grateful to him for pointing out the magic factor, the Zim, AKA Don Zimmer.  Zim was an under appreciated factor in the Yankees success in the past decade.  He was the "check and balance" in many of Joe Torre's decisions.  Torre knew how to manage the players' egos and keep the media in check.  Torre was a true manager and Zim was the chief strategist whose baseball instincts were impeccable.  After Zim was unceremoniously let go from the Yankees, the Yankees have yet to win another World Series.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Zim resides in Tampa and is currently a senior consultant to the Rays.

Given the Rays small market and fans nationwide focused on Mannywood versus the Red Sox, Fox TV executives are officially on suicide watch.

Go Rays!


Averted Apocalypse #2: Joba Chamberlain was arrested on Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges over the weekend in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Joba was wrong and apologized for his reckless actions.  Most importantly, no one was hurt, thank God!  The innocent citizens of Lincoln, Joba, and the Yankees dodged a big bullet, touch wood.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

This is Steve checking in from Novi Sad, Serbia in complete disbelief. First off, Steve is in denial about the Phillies going to the World Series. Having been in Europe since October 3rd, I missed most of the playoffs and it seems for good reason. A Phillies-Rays World Series, come on? How boring. In addition how much more would hurt a Mets fan, Jimmy Rollins holding the MVP trophy or Scott Kazmir? No, I was rooting for LA vs Boston to rub it into the Yankees face that 1. Boston is still the better team and 2. the Yanks should never have fired Joe Torre. Plus the added bonus of watching Boston freak over Manny playing against them. With the Red Sox were down 3 games to 1, a Rays-Phillies World Series looked rock solid.

But something happened on the way to the Rays-Phillies World Series. Boston woke up and forced a game 6.Sounds familiar? Seven outs away from the World Series the Rays have one of the worst post season chokes of all time and give up a 7 run lead.

Can the young Rays team recover from such a crushing loss? Probably not. Watch for a Red Sox-Phillies World Series. Nightmare for the Tank who claims to be both a Mets and Yankees fan. :)

Posted by Steve in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The Phillies finished off the Dodgers last night in Mannywood, I mean Hollywood.  Manny Ramirez wasted no time and filed for free agency today.  Wow!  Manny joked that he deserves more money because gas costs more.  Manny hasn't stopped being Manny.

Fox's worst nightmare will come true if the Rays win tonight or over the weekend.  Fox wanted Manny going against the Boston.  Boston is down 3-1 but if anyone can come back, the Red Sox unfortunately have and can. 

However, props to Editor in Chief and Perma Guest Outlaw Jack for the bringing up the possible omen of the fire at the famous Citgo sign that towers over the Green Monster. 

Go Rays!

Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.

I'm not a Dodgers fan.  But, Kurt Gibson's home run against the As won Game 1 of the 1988 World Series exactly 20 years ago today.  The magic of baseball is that it can change with the swing of a bat. 

The late great Jack Buck's call of the home run "I don't believe what I just saw!" was equal to the feat itself.  Gibson limped around the bases and pumped his arm.  The As were favorites to win the World Series but Gibson's home run propelled the Dodgers to victory.

I was a freshman in college when it happened.  Wow!  Time flies!

Posted by The Tank in Nostagliaville.

The Tampa Rays routed the Red Sox 9-1 this afternoon at Fenway Park this afternoon.  This is huge because the Red Sox are tough at home AND the Rays took a 2 games to 1 lead over the Red Sox. 

As I write this post, the Dodgers have 5-3 lead on the Phillies.  The Phillies have a 2 games to 1 lead over the Dodgers.  Last night's game featured a benches clearing incident which resulted in fines for seven players and coaches.  Manny was held back from a fight.  Nothing unifies a team like a fight and Manny may have increased his value in Mannywood, I mean Hollywood. 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

I'm not quoting Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in her recent Vice Presidential debate against Senator Joe Biden.  But, the old adage is directed at former Yankee and current Dodger manager Joe Torre.

The Dodgers have fallen behind the Phillies 2-0 in their best of seven NLCS.  To their credit, the Phillies defended home field advantage.  The Dodgers need to go home and defend their turf.  We'll see what happens. 

Posted by a somewhat apathetic Tank in NY.  I'm still not yet totally ready for football, hockey, and basketball.

The MLB post-season has witnessed a perfect storm for the New York baseball fan. 

(1) The Yankees and Mets didn't make the playoffs.

(2) Arch-rivals like the Red Sox, Phillies, and Dodgers remain.  How can you root for those teams?

(3) That only leaves the Tampa Rays.  Though I like Manager Joe Madden and many of the players, it's hard to root for the Rays given my friend Robert's personal row with the owners after the 2007 season and the poor customer service he has received over the years. 

I have attended several Rays games over the years since 2002 including Mariano's 300th save in May 2004.  Most fans are fans of out of town teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, etc.  It's so bad that Rays players complain that there are more fans of other teams than the Rays fans in their building, Tropicana Field.  Maybe success in this post-season will change this trend in future years. 

Who Should The Tank Root For: I really can't root for any of the teams but the Rays are the least odious.  In the meantime, I am trying to transition into football, basketball, and hockey. 

Posted by a conflicted Tank in NY.

ESPN 1050 AM reported a few moments ago that Yankees GM Brian Cashman received a three year contract.  Terms are not yet announced. 

Given the job he has done rebuilding the Yankees farm system, I think Cashman deserved a new contract.  You can't blame Cashman for this year's injuries.  I have agreed with most of Cashman's decisions except for dealing with Bernie Williams which emotionally scarred me.

I do think Brian has lots of work to do.  He has to get committments ASAP from Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte if they are returning next year.  I think Mussina is 50-50 and Andy is probable.  Joba's role has to clarified.  Is he a starter or a setup man (and eventual successor) to Mariano? 

Will the Yankees go after and get AJ Burnett and/or C.C. Sabbathia and/or another big free agent pitcher?

Will Cashman trade Robinson Cano (maybe), Phil Hughes (probably not), and Ian Kennedy (if anyone wants him)?  Maybe Kei Igawa can pitch for my 12 year old nephew's Little League team.   

How quickly will Carl Pavano clean out his locker?  Will fans be refunded for him quitting and not playing most of his four year contract?

Will the Yankees get another catcher to backup Jorge Posada? 

Will Jason Giambi be re-signed?  I think the Yankees should go after Texeira. 

Will Hideki Matsui be re-signed?  It depends upon his surgery and rehab.  Arn Tellum is a good agent and very professional.  He's much easier to deal with than Scott Boras or Drew Rosenhaus. 

This off-season will be longer than usual.  Cashman has lots of work to do.  Good luck Brian! 

I'll trouble-shoot the Mets soon.  The Mets need to be shook up.  I don't think Omar should have gotten a four year extension, especially to be leaked before the end of the season.  Given Wagner's injury and the theoretical lack of bullpen, the Mets must get K-Rod and sign my friend Nina.  Heilman and Schoenweis must be deported from the country and possibly planet.  I have to call my NASA friends.       
  
Posted by The Tank in NY.

The Royals and Yankees went to extra innings.  Youth was served when rookie Brett Gardner drove in Robinson Cano for the game-winning run in the 13th.  The Yankees won 3-2.  It helped sooth Friday's heartbreaking loss where Mariano gave up the go-ahead run in the ninth in a non-save situation.  He has given up seven of his nine runs in non-save situations.  He nor anyone else can explain it.  The Yankees have to keep winning while Wang, Joba, Hughes, and I rehab our injuries.

As for the Mets, they continue to roll as they beat the Pirates for their fifth straight win. 

Posted by The Tank barely keeping the faith for a Subway Series to close out Yankee and Shea Stadiums in NY.

After a great start following the All Star Break and great trade deadline deals, the Yankees have fallen on tough times.  Joba is out injured on the DL.  Ian Kennedy had attitude issues after melting down on Friday in Anaheim.

The Yankees were swept by the Angels over the weekend.  This is morally devastating because two of the three games were winnable, especially Saturday. 

It is still mathematically possible to catch Tampa as they have a 8.5 game lead but the Yankees will need help.  The Red Sox are still in striking distance with 4.0 games with 6 head-to-head games remaining.  The Yankees have to leap frog the Twins who have a 2.5 game lead.  The Yankees can help their cause in a four game set in Minnesota starting tomorrow night.

Can the Yankees weather the storm until Hughes and Wang return?  I like the offense but the Yankees can't afford any more bullpen meltdowns.  We have to keep the faith in the darkest hours.

Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.

After a long week of work, it was great to get out to Shea on a beautiful summer Friday night.  Thanks to Linda for joining me for Mets-Marlins game!

If you ever watched "All in the Family", you'll remember Archie Bunker's wife Edith.  Well, her biological or spiritual daughter sat behind us.  Substitute "Archie" for "Perez" or anything else Mets and your taken back to Queens sometimes in the 1970s. 

"Perez has gotta get 'em out!" she yelled in classic Edith fashion.

DW's hit run two blast put the Mets ahead 2-0 in the first.

Perez had a bases loaded jam in the second.  We almost died laughing as "Edith" cheers Perez on.  Perez being Perez is why I don't have my physical and stress test during the season.  There were some stressful moments but he thankfully got through them, touch wood.

Delgado hits an opposite field solo shot to left in the fourth inning made it 3-0.

"Are you writing a book?" Edith asks.

"No, I'm writing a blog post," I reply.

"I work enough with computers," Edith says.

Perez threw 120 pitches on a two hitter through seven innings.  DW pats him on the shoulder.  Mets 3 - Marlins 0.

Schneider hits a single to right with one out in the bottom of the seventh.  Argenis Reyes strikes out when he pinch hit for Perez.  Jose Reyes singled to right.  The Mets don't add a run and still lead 3-0 going into the eighth.

Is a three run lead enough for the Mets? 

Mets Bull Pen Coping Mechanism: Linda drinks more beer and I take off my glasses for the 8th and 9th innings.  Since I am a laser vision candidate, I am going by Linda's and the crowd's reaction with the occasional squint.  I tell myself I can't see Heilman screw up if I don't wear my glasses.

Beltran makes a great catch to end the game.  Heilman gets the two inning save, touch wood.  The Mets win 3-0.  High fives to Edith, Linda, and everyone all around.

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium in Queens.

The Mets and Yankees were on a roll going into last weekend.  But, the injury bug hit local teams hard like a plague.

The Mets were first victims as John Maine went on the DL.  Billy Wagner had arm pain on Sunday and then went on the DL today.  Aaron "The Human Rain Delay" Heilman is now the closer.  OMG!

The biggest injury could be Joba Chamberlain who had shoulder soreness during last night's loss at Texas.  He will be examined by Dr. James Andrews.  The Yankees may have lost the battle AND war, God forbid.

Steve and I may have to get stress tests during our next annual physicals with Dr. George.  Ugh!

Posted by The Tank hanging on the thread of his bad shoulder in NY.

The Yankees could have laid down and play dead after the Angels took a 5-0 lead yesterday.  They didn't.  They came back twice and won 14-9.  Nady was awesome with six RBIs.

The Yankees finally had timely hitting, sacrificed runners, and did all the things they used to in the late 1990s.  Is the magic back?  I'm not sure yet but I like the chemistry.  The Yankees have a little less than a third of a season to execute with a retooled team.  Texas is not a great team but the Yankees recently lost two out of three to them.  The Yankees must win at least three out of four.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Yesterday marked 29 years since the passing of Thurman Munson in a tragic air crash.  It went by in a 
blink of an eye.  (August 2 is also the date of the ascension of the Old Testament Prophet Elijah into 
Heaven thousands of years ago.)  

When I pass from this earth (hopefully not for many years to come), I have asked to be buried in my 
Thurman Munson jersey.

Thunder and lightning passed through the area in the lead up to the game.  Would they be able to get 
the game in?  Why was CBS 880 AM only giving news updates and not going to the ceremony?

A record number, 72, players make it for the farewell.  

Super Twin Gil joins me for the first game in over a year at the Stadium.  The Angels who have won five 
in a row including sweeping the Red Sox and winning the first two at the Stadium.  Can the Yankees 
bounce back?  It did not look good early as the Angels scored two runs in the second.  The Yankees 
fought back with a bloop and a blast to tie it at 2.

Moose get his rhythm and shuts the Angels down in the third.  Molina hit a lead off single.  I go crazy.  
Damon singles him to third.  I suggest putting him on the 4x100 meter Olympic relay team.  Jeter hits into 
a double play.  Molina scores.  Yankees 3 - Angels 2.  As Brooklyn Brant check in, Bobby "El Como Dulce" 
(Just Like Sugar) Abreu hits a solo shot to right center.  Gil asks for silence but 54,000 plus fans and 
yours truly are screaming our lungs out.  Yankees 4 - Angels 2.  A-Rod singles to center.  Giambi 
grounds out to end the third inning.

Molina hits a lead off home run in the fifth.  Yankees 5 - Angels 2.  I call Robert in Tampa but I think he 
is in shock.  Damon grounds out to second.  Jeter flies out to center.  Abreu does the same.

A-Rod hits a solo home run to the netting in left field.  Yankees 6 - Angels 2.

Molina singled to lead off the seventh.  The Jose Molina Fan Club is growing by leaps and bounds.  Damon 
walks.  Jeter singles home Molina and Damon advances to third.  Yankees 7 - Angels 2.  Abreu grounds out
to second to get Jeter but Abreu is safe at force and Damon scores.  Yankees 8 - Angels 2.  The Angels 
go to the pen.

Moose's day is done as Veras comes out for the 8th.  Nice job.

Bruney wraps up with Mariano watching as the Yankees go down in order in the bottom of 8th.  Bruney 
knocks off the rust and does a great job.

Posted by The Tank reporting live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.

"Everything Counts In Large Amounts" is a great Depeche Mode lyric.  It unfortunately applied to the Yankees and Mets last night as they lost games they should have won, especially the Yankees.  Mariano let the only run in the ninth and K-Rod came in to preserve the 1-0 victory.  It was a waste of a great performance by Ponson.  Mariano doesn't pitch the same way in non-save situations as he does in save situations.  Most relievers are that way, including the Mets' Billy Wagner.

The Mets lost 7-3 at Houston last night but they need to beat up on the Astros to keep pace with the Phillies. 

"Everything (and Every Game) Counts in Large Amounts."

Posted by a Philosophical Tank in NY.

I wrote yesterday that Manny killed the Yankees over the years.  Kai quoted ESPN that Manny’s stats against the Yankees are .321 BA, .1.029 OPS, 55 HRs, 163 RBIs in 200 games.  I am so grateful that Manny left Boston but someone created a movie poster about it.  Gotta love the Internet.   

 

Mega thanks to Kai for the stats and Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for the movie poster. 

 

Posted by the Still Partying Tank in NY.

 

Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me a moment ago that the Red Sox traded Manny to La-La Land.  Wait, he already resides there in the theatre of his mind.   

Manny wasn't traded to the Packers as he recently joked below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seriously, I waited posting until the dust settled.  The Mets dodged a major bullet as Manny was rumored to go to the Marlins.  I am just glad he is no longer with the Red Sox as he almost always kills the Yankees.  Thank God/G-d/Buddha/Allah/Creator of your choice!

Where is Omar before the Trade Deadline?  Was he asleep at the wheel or being held hostage by other teams for F-Mart and other prospects?  If the Mets don't make the post-season this year, I will personally pay for Steve's cab ride to Citifield to swear him in as the Mets new GM.  Of course, I'll blog about it. 

Posted by a partying Tank in Tradeville. 

Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me not long ago that the Yankees acquired Pudge in return for Farnsworth who pitched for the Tigers in 2005.

I think it is a good trade.  The Tigers need a reliever and the Yankees need a hitting catcher.  No offense to Molina who is a great defensive catcher but he is not a good hitter.  This also lets Posada get the time he needs to mend and be ready for Spring Training 2009 and the rest of his contract.  Pudge and Molina can rotate. 

This trade kind of came out of left field, literally from the bullpen and figuratively as neither name was bandied about in trade talks.  Expect the unexpected until tomorrow's 4 p.m. Trade Deadline. 

Posted by The Tank in Tradeville.

I couldn't see the rest of the speeches because I had to catch the last bus back to the City for work.  I was glad I spent the day with Elijah.  We made several great memories that I'll remember forever.  I hope to enjoy future ones as well, God Willing.  If Elijah's Little League team wins their next tournament, they get to burn their manager's Boston Red Sox hat.  That's enough incentive for me to get reinstated in Little League with or without Commissioner Selig's permission. 

Posted by an emotional Tank at the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. 
P.S. Elijah called me today and said he was able to get Goose's autograph on a baseball.  The "perfect game" is in good hands of the next generation.

Is Manny being Manny again?  OR, is it something deeper?  Manny wants the Red Sox's to pick up his options over the next two years or be traded.  Red Sox brass is not happy with him sitting out Friday's game and had him sent for an MRI which revealed no issues in his knees according to Suzyn Waldman on last night's radio broadcast.  Manny's teammates are also mad at him.  Even Boston fans are fed up with Manny.

I am hope that Omar makes the deal to get Manny out of Boston.  The Mets need a corner outfielder.  Yes, Manny is a defensive liability but a great offensive player.  I don't think the Red Sox will make the deal before Thursday's deadline but will probably wait till the off-season. 

Manny getting out of Boston and into a Met uniform benefits the Mets and Yankees. 

Posted by a hopeful Tank in Tradeville. 

There is one week to the trade deadline.  What does it mean for the Yankees and Mets?

(1) Though the Yankees acquired Sexson last week, will they make a big deal?  I doubt it as CC Sabbathia and Rich Haren are no longer available.  More importantly, Bruney should be back in the next week or so which should really help the bull pen, touch wood.  Kennedy threw seven innings in AAA last week.  Amazing!  Wang is scheduled to be back in September.  Those returning players are as good as a trade.  Expect the Yankees to stand pat unless they get a deal they can't refuse.  For instance, if the Mariners offer Jerrod Washburn for Kei Igawa, expect the Yankees to try to make it work, even if they have to eat some or most of Igawa's big contract.  Washburn is a good #4 or #5 starter for this and/or next year if Ponson or Rasner run into issues. 

ESPN 1050 AM reports that Hank "Honky Tonk" Steinbrenner is considering acquiring Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds.  I don't think the Yankees should or will.  First, it will take Bonds a while to get in shape.  Furthermore, it will distract the chemistry which is pretty good.  If the Yankees are going to bring anyone out of retirement, it should be Bernie Williams.  A piper dream perhaps, but I wanted to get it out of my system.

Expect the Yankees to try to get help at catcher since Posada won't be catching for the rest of the season.  Molina is good defensively but as good as an out at the plate. 

As for the Mets, they need a bat, especially at corner outfielder, but Billy Wagner's shoulder may force them to get a reliever.  Will Omar give up F-Mart?  If he has to, he will as his job is now on the line after firing Willie Randolph.

(2) We like to look ahead at SATT.  But, it's always nice to look back.  Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reminded us that it's been 25 years since the infamous pine tar game.  George Brett had too much pine on his bat.  After Billy Martin appealed, home plate umpire McClellan called Brett out.  Brett ran furiously out of the dugout and wanted to get a piece of McClellan.  Brett was thrown out of the game.

MLB reviewed the game.  They ruled that it had to be continued on another day and the Royals unfortunately won 5-4.  White Fedora Mike remembers Ron Guidry catching a ball in center. 

Brett now laughs whenever he and his kids watch the video.  I watched a TV report a while back when Brett said he would rather be known for the Pine Tar Incident than being a spokesman for Preparation-H.  Time heals all wounds, literally and figuratively. 

Posted by a philosophical Tank in Tradeville and Memory Lane.

Mets closer Billy Wagner hurt his shoulder yesterday as the Mets re-tied the Phillies for first place ahead of their big upcoming series at Shea.  He is scheduled to get an MRI today.

In good news, the Yankees swept the As.  The Yankees gained three games on the Red Sox courtesy of the Angels who exacted some revenge for last season's ALDS loss.

Post by The Tank on an emotional rollercoaster.

The fourth and final All Star Game at the Stadium need its own introduction and cast of characters. 

Cast of Characters:

Steve and The Tank
Kathleen
PermaGuest Outlaw Jack
Andrea and her brother Matt from Indiana (Andrea is a Yankee fan and Matt is a Cubs fan)
Steven: Eight year old Yankee fan there with his father
Patrick: Cubs fan from Chicago with his son
Vendor Steve
Linda via SMS Text
Robert in Tampa via Telephone
Cast of 55,000+ at the Stadium and millions watching on TV around the world

The build-up has been tremendous.  There was to be a swan song for the Baseball Cathedral, Yankee Stadium. 

All the VIPs were there.  There was a great reception for Tim Russert's widow and son after they showed footage from the Yogi Berra Museum.

West Point cadets unfolded the American flag.

From mlb.com via PermaGuest Outlaw Jack "This year's All-Stars were introduced at their fielding positions along with 49 of the 63 living Hall of Famers."  It was one legend after another.  Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, and the list went on and on.




Mr. Steinbrenner presented the baseballs for the first pitch.




"Too many Red Sox!" Steven, an eight year behind us shouts about the current All Stars.  Agreed I reply.

Steve, Kathleen, PermaGuest Outlaw Jack, and myself sit together in the Tier.  Mega thanks to Steve for buying the tickets. 

Andrea and her brother Matt from Evansville, Indiana, sit to my left.  Andrea won the tickets after her drunk boss promised them to her.  Her brother owns her big time.  She is raising her three year old son right as a Yankee fan.   Matt is a Cubs fan and seems like a pretty good guy. 

Andrea and I talk about Donnie Baseball who is from Evansville and gives back to the community.   Too bad about Donnie's wife's drug and alcohol demons ended his career as he couldn't rehab his back properly as he had to go home to take care of their kids.  This will probably cost him a possible chance at Cooperstown.  As I tell my young Godchildren, nephew, and Steven, "Hugs, NOT drugs" are the answer.   Drugs have a negative ripple effect through society of destroying lives and shattering dreams.  For every Josh Hamilton, there are millions like Donnie's wife struggling from the downward spiral of drugs.  Let's hope she gets her life back on track after their divorce.  If that doesn't wake her up, nothing will.

After the ceremonies which took almost an hour, the first few innings were a let down.

The NL takes a 1-0 lead on a solo shot to right.

Ichiro strikes out.  Haren is nasty.  With two on and two out, the Captain comes to the plate in the 5th.  He works a full count.  Jeter grounds out to the athletic Haren.  Darn it!

The Marlins Hanley Ramirez gets on first.  Chase Utley singles him to third.  Berkman's sacrifice fly to center field scores Ramirez.  NL 2 - AL 0.  Pujols singles to center.  Steve and I cheer Chipper Jones' strikeout.  Steve asks for DW to enter the game.  Matt Holliday pops up to end the top of the 6th inning.

Josh Hamilton singles to center.  I agree with Steve and Andrea on the reform of the home run contest.  The two players with the most home runs after the first round goes to the finals.  Crede pops up to second.  Hamilton steals second as Sizemore takes ball one.  A foul ball comes my way but it lands 15 rows in front of me.  Sizemore strikes out.  Milton Bradley flys out to center. 

The real Village People lead the "YMCA" before the top of the seventh.   I didn't think they were still alive.  Jack says they have become like Menudo with new performers replacing the old ones. 



Vendor Steve stops by to say hi.  He coincidentally vends in this section during the regular season.




Morneau hits a stand up double in the bottom of the seventh.  Kinsler sacrifices him to third.  Navarro strikes out.  J.D. Drew hits a two run home run.  Yes, he is a Red Sox but playing for the American League.

Steve diagnoses the Stadium as psychio.  Yes, my name is The Tank and I am bipolar.  In that spirit, I boo Papelbum.  How dare you challenge  for the closer role?  Boo! 

Jack and I lead the "Mariano" chant as Papelbum gives up a leadoff single to Miguel Tejada in the 8th.  Tejada steals second and then goes to third on the wild throw.  Tejada scores on Gonzalez sacrifice fly to left center.  NL 3 - AL 2.  Good job, Papelbum.  "Face it Francona, Mariano is better!" Steven says.  I couldn't say it better.

Quentin flies out.  Guillen was out while I went to the restroom.  Mets closer Billy Wagner gives up a single to Sizemore with two outs.  Longoria gets on.

"DirectTV is the HD ace" is displayed on the blimp.  Sizemore goes to second on defensive indifference.  Longoria doubles in Sizemore.  NL 3 - AL 3 at the end of the 8th.

Corey Hart comes up to "(I Wear) Sunglasses at Night".  I love the song.  I wonder if he gets royalties.

PermaGuest Outlaw Jack was right.  K-Rod gets an appearance out before the greatest closer of all time in, Mariano Rivera.



To lead off the ninth, Ian Kinsler faces Dempster who has a weird disco move that he picked up from the Village People as he rotates his glove.  Kinsler strikes out.  Navarro strikes out.

I may have to root for a Red Sox, J.D. Drew, who is on deck.  This is the ultimate conflict of interest.  JD strikes out looking.  This is why I don't play fantasy baseball.  I have enough stress in my life.

To the tenth we go.

The first guy from the Pirates strikes out while I buy programs.  Gotta love the hustling vendor, one of Vendor Steve's colleagues.

Martin singles to right.  Tejada singles Martin to third.  Uggla hits into a double play to end the top of the tenth with a 3-3 tie.  Whew!  Andrea, Steven, and I go crazy.  Steve is dejected and Kathleen is tired.

Disco Stu gets his due. 

Michael Young hits an easy ball to Uggla who drops it.  Steve is upset at him for hitting into a double play.  Quentin hits it to Uggla who drops it again.  Two errors in as many at bats.  Runners at the corners with no outs in the bottom of the tenth.  Cook is pitching good but no help from his defense.  Guillen is intentionally walked.  Steven disagrees with it but Andrea and I explain the force out at home.  Sizemore comes up but grounds out to first who goes home for the force.

Longoria is on Steven's Dad's fantasy team.  Longoria grounds out to third.  Force again at home.  Two out.  Morneau comes up to Steven's cheer of "Come on Home Run King!"  Morneau grounds out short to first.  So close, darn it. 

Time for All Star Game Match Game as we go to the top of the 11th.

Soria comes out to pitch the 11th.  Gonzalez singles to left.  DW is up.  Steven thinks the Mets are "stinky".  Matt wants DW to take one for the team.  Steven's Dad is afraid it will ruin his perfect face.  DW strikes out.  Guzman pops out.  Corey "Sunglasses at Night" Hart lines out to right to end the top of the 11th. 

Stand up to Cancer.  You know The Tank is and will again this fall in the NYC Marat