Steve and the Tank!

NFL Week #12 Picks

Steve and The Tank — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:07 GMT

Last Week's Review: I was 2-1. The Bills were wide right AGAIN on Monday night with 38 seconds left against the Browns or I would have been perfect. Darn it! I am 9-5 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The Jets lose at the undefeated Titans. The Jets will put up a good fight.

The Bills win at the Chiefs.

The Giants win at the Cardinals. Their Arizona magic continues after this past February's Super Bowl victory.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

College Football Week #13 Picks

Steve and The Tank — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:57:21 GMT

Last Week's Review: I was 2-0 and 13-7 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks: This is Rivalry Week with some awesome matchups. These games are better than the New Year's Games because they are "play-in" games to get the New Year's Invitation. Plus, no New Year's Day hangover. :-)

#15 Michigan State loses at #8 Penn State. The winner wins the Big Ten Title.

#14 Brigham Young loses at #7 Utah. These are fierce in state rivals.

#20 Pittsburgh loses at #19 Cincinnati. The winner wins the Big East Title.

#2 Texas Tech wins at #5 Oklahoma. This is the hardest game of the week, if not season, to pick.

Rivalry Picks:
Michigan loses at #10 Ohio State.

Local Picks:
Syracuse loses at Notre Dame.

Posted by a psyched Tank in NY.

Magic Johnson and The Tank

Steve and The Tank — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:27:55 GMT

It was an honor talking again to one of my favorite athletes and people, NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson. I first met him in Los Angeles in July 1991 when I won a bronze medal in team handball for the North Region in the U.S. Olympic Festival. But, it was years before digital cameras so today I finally had my chance to get my photo with Magic. Wooo!

During our brief reunion, I told him how I predicted a Lakers championship in the 2008-2009 season. I think Bynum is a difference maker. He gave me the thumbs up. Keep the faith! Go Lakers! Go Magic!

Posted by a psyched Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.

Heidi Turns 40 and The Fumble Turns 30

Steve and The Tank — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:13:21 GMT

The "Heidi" Bowl was 40 years ago today. The Jets were leading the Raiders 32-29 with 65 seconds left. NBC decided to cut to the classic movie "Heidi" because of contractual obligations. During those infamous 65 seconds, the Raiders rallied to beat the Jets 43-32. Fans were furious at NBC for changing the game to the movie and Jets fans were even madder at the Jets for losing the game.

Wednesday will be 30 years since the "Fumble" for Giants fans and "Miracle at the Meadowlands" for Eagles fans. The Giants were leading the Eagles. Jeff Pisarcik fumbled the ball transferring it to Larry Csonka. Eagles defensive back Herm Edwards scooped up the ball and ran into the end zone for the winning touchdown. Yes, that Herm Edwards who went onto coach the Jets and currently coaches the Chiefs. "You play to win the game!" is one of Herm's many great motivational phrases.

Bottom Line:

(1) To avoid another "Heidi" Bowl, network executives think twice before ever cutting away from a game.

(2) To avoid another "Fumble" or "Miracle at the Meadowlands", football teams on all levels who are winning take a knee at the end of the game to avoid a loss.

Posted by a reflective Tank in NY.

Will Brock Lesnar Ascend to the Top of Mixed Martial Arts in UFC 91?

Steve and The Tank — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:11:34 GMT

The action returned to Prashanth's place on the Upper West Side for UFC 91. Prashanth and I are big MMA fans, especially UFC. So it's good to back at Prashanth's place. Prashanth knows MMA as well as anyone, even the broadcasters.

The first fight was in the 185 pound weight class. Demian Maia won by a rear naked choke out at 2:13 of the second round. Prashanth is high on Maia who is a big jiu-jitsu expert. That's one of the things that I love most about MMA is that you see the different styles used and which fighter can execute better.

The following fights were pretty brief including Gonzaga knocking out Hendricks in 1:01 of the first round by TKO.

Since the fights were moving along pretty quickly, the UFC put some undercard guys I had never heard of. Not bad MMA but just didn't know them. One guy is literally like a video game and can hit you from anywhere. Watch this space for them.

50 Cent was in the audience promoting his new album coming out on December 9. 50 Cent picked Brock Lesnar like I would below. Hey, we musicians have to stick together. :-)

Back to the main card. Ken Florian, or K-Flo, won by a rear naked choke submission at 4:03 of the first round over Joe Stevenson. K-Flo is a pretty articulate guy who was a former "Senior Project Manager for a Harvard based Translation Services Company for the Financial Translation Division".

Now, to the main event, former NCAA and WWE Wrestling Champion Brock Lesnar faces reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Couture is a 45 year young Hall of Famer who hadn't fought in a year because of a contractual dispute.

I picked Lesnar in the second or third round because of his 50+ pound weight advantage and Couture hadn't fought in a year. Couture is a living legend but giving up too much size to Lesnar.

Lesnar was smart not to start the first round rushing out and expend lots of energy. Couture is too smart and would wear him down. Lesnar had the points advantage in the first round but Couture hung in there.

Things changed in the second round when Lesnar hit Couture in the temple. Couture was knocked down. Lesnar immediately pounced and then hit Couture with at least 20 "fists from hell" according to the announcer. Lesnar won the fight and the UFC Heavyweight Champion at 3:07 in the second round.

Congratulations to Brock for successfully making the transition from the Greco-Roman and pro wrestling rings to the top of UFC! Thanks to Prashanth for hosting me!

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

The Yankees Offer CC Sabbathia $140 Million for 6 Years

Steve and The Tank — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:53:38 GMT

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.

Jets Barely Bury Patriot Demons

Steve and The Tank — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:02:30 GMT

Since I don't have the NFL Network, I was psyched that Channel 11 bought the rights to last night's Jets-Patriots game. WPIX rides to the rescue one more time with great sports programming. The NFL promotes its Network as must see TV but it's hard to get in cable plans because it's on the Dish Network. You have to have a Dish and most buildings in the City don't allow Dishes. Or you have to buy the NFL Ticket TV plan. Don't expect any help from the cable companies. That's the Catch 22. It's time for the SATT Army to take action by contacting your local elected officials. Many thanks in advance for contacting your representatives and bringing justice to long suffering football fans.

Anyhoo, what a game! The Jets took a 24-6 lead in the first half and were about to run the Patriots out of their own stadium. But, the Jets let the Patriots back in the game with a late first half touchdown. The Patriots chipped away in the second half and tied the game late in regulation at 31.

The Jets won the coin toss in overtime and drove down the field. Brett Favre played a flawless game and led the Jets to the winning field goal. I predicted a Jets victory and was really happy about that. More importantly, the Patriots lost. The Jets are in first place and the Patriots aren't. Life is good, touch wood.

Posted by a psyched Tank in NY.

College Football Week #12 Picks

Steve and The Tank — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:59:45 GMT

Last Week Review: I was 5-0 last week (woo, touch wood) and 11-7 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks: There is only one game where both teams are ranked.

#25 South Carolina loses at #4 Florida.

Local Picks:
Connecticut wins at Syracuse.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Lack of Run Support Costs Johan Santana the Cy Young

Steve and The Tank — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:43:16 GMT

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.

Veterans Day Remembered. NFL Week #11 Picks

Steve and The Tank — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:08:10 GMT

Veterans Day Remembered: It is always important to thank all those who have served our country, especially in combat. For those who have passed in the line of duty, may their memories be eternal.

Last Week Review: 3-0, touch wood, and 7-4 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks: Since the Jets are playing on Thursday night at the Patriots, I have to make my predictions earlier this week so you can make money. Good luck! :-)

The Jets win at the Patriots. This is a national NFL Network game with first place on the division on the line. No Tom Brady for the Patriots and the Jets have Brett Favre. Yes, the game is in New England but I think the Jets defense will force Cassel to make mistakes. Given Thomas Jones' success, watch the Jets to try to mix it up with Brett taking chances with some long passes as part of the Mangini-Belichick chess match. The winner is in the driver's seat to make the playoffs.

The Ravens lose at the Giants.

The Browns lose at the Bills on Monday night.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

Break Up the Bricks/Knicks?

Steve and The Tank — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:52:50 GMT

The Bricks/Knicks beat the undefeated Utah Jazz at the Garden yesterday, 107-99. The Jazz were my pick to win their division and were undefeated going into yesterday's game. The Knicks are now 4-2.

This is all without the Knicks' best player, Stephon Marbury (AKA Starbury), who has been benched. Starbury marches to his own drummer like me. According to ESPN 1050's Stephen A. Smith, Starbury does not have an agent. Starbury is very religious and only answers to what God tells him too. Starbury used to play for Coach Mike D'Antoni so I am sure that there is something more to D'Antoni benching Starbury.

If the Knicks aren't going to play Starbury, then they should trade him and get some players in return. This will also help free up cap space to go after LeBron James, D-Wade, or another top player in two seasons. I think D'Antoni has shown that he is in charge and that it is his team, not the players. Cut bait with Starbury either in a trade or buyout.

I want retire the Bricks name to described the Knicks as Isiah Thomas is no longer the coach, the players' attitude is better, and the team is playing a better up tempo style. However, I reserve the right to call the Knicks as the Bricks if they go back to their bad old ways.

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in NY.

Yankees Home Plate and Willie Randolph Are Leaving Home

Steve and The Tank — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:46:34 GMT

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.

Week #10 Picks

Steve and The Tank — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:38:04 GMT

Last Week Review: I was 1-1 last week. I am 4-4 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The Bills lose at the Patriots.

The Rams lose at the Jets.

The Giants win at the Eagles.

Written by The Tank and posted by Steve in NY.