 Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Goose Gets Closer
Since Tuesday, the media has focused on the election of Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. to the Baseball Hall of Fame (BHOF) near the Tank's hometown in Cooperstown, New York. No argument here. By all accounts, they are good guys who stayed true to their teams. In the era of free agency, they are a dying breed. Congratulations Tony and Cal!
Mark McGwire, the other best known first-time player up for nomination to the BHOF, was thankfully not elected to the BHOF and only received 23 percent of the votes. Where do I begin about the case about McGwire? There was his infamous March 17, 2005, Congressional testimony where he didn't want to talk about the past only to be outdone by Sammy Sosa needing a translator and Rafael Palmeiro waving his finger in front of Congress ala President Clinton during the 1998 Monica Lewinsky Scandal. The Tank noticed that MLB tried to put it on Saint Patrick's Day while everyone was drunk (except the Tank) and/or watching March Madness (ok, I was). Ever since his Congressional testimony, McGwire has been less visible than Osama Bin Laden. Did McGwire murder thousands of innocent people? No, but he did cheat on baseball.
However, just in case McGwire got elected, Steve and The Tank have made the necessary preparations to protest his election and block his induction to the BHOF. The only question was where we would protest first, i.e. the BHOF, outside MLB offices, Congress, or the United Nations. Since the Tank is from the Cooperstown area, I already started mapping out the road blockades and double-checked some of the routes while coming back from Christmas services that past Sunday. Road blocks will be manned by the Tank's State Trooper and other law enforcement friends. The local airports will be patrolled by agents of SteveAndTheTank.com. Lake Otsego would be patrolled by the Tank's brother-in-law's Jim's fishing boat. Hey, it's a very scenic lake but not big enough for a Coast Guard vessel sailed by the Tank's college friend Bill. You don't even want to know what I have in mind for Pete Rose if he gets in while alive, God Forbid. Since Pete is serving a lifetime ban, I may consider letting him in after he passes from the Earth since I am a compassionate person and idolized him as a player even though he betrayed me and others by betting on baseball.
I could go on all day about McGwire and even longer about Pete Rose who I protested at the 2001 BHOF Induction Ceremony. However, I want to focus on a more worthy candidate, Goose Gossage. Goose was a lifesaver of a CLOSER for the Yankees of the late 1970s. Goose didn't always strike out Hall of Famer George Brett everytime but he got Brett out most of time, usually with lots on the line. (BTW, The Tank attended Brett's BHOF induction in 1999. It was a great class along with other Brett and Gossage contemporaries like Nolan Ryan, Robin Yount, and overdue inductee Orlando Cepada.)
Goose is discriminated against because he got the two or three INNING, not out, save. He sometimes had more wins than starting pitchers because he worked so hard and often. Therefore, he doesn't have as many saves as even Mariano Rivera, the greatest reliever of all time, nor Trevor Hoffman, the so-called greatest reliever of all time according to once great but now journalist rag "Sports Illustrated" which the Tank still boycotts including the Swimsuit Issue.
In my research, it's hard to find writers who publicly vote against Goose as opposed to Red Sox slugger Jim Rice who also belongs in the BHOF but who had a very acerbic relationship with the media. The Tank finds some solace and hope for Goose. In 2006, Rice had one more vote than Goose but Goose overtook him in 2007 to have 71 percent of the vote, just short of the necessary 75 percent for induction. Whoever has gotten 70 plus percent one year normally gets in the next, touch wood. Barring a tearful McGwire mea culpa on Orpah or ESPN and the writers drastically changing their minds (you have to keep in mind who else is on the ballot and garnering votes), Goose will hopefully get in 2008, God Willing. Whenever you argue on behalf of Goose, please keep his career statistics and against opposing batters in mind and please keep lighting the candles and praying for Goose's BHOF induction -- many thanks in advance.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
P.S. Since the Tank is a firm believer in freedom of speech, please check out "Medford Bob Says..." in the next post for an alternative view -- many thanks in advance.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Florida-Ohio State BCS Championship Game Report and Photos
Steve and The Tank were blessed to have Columbus Craig's relatives to report live from the BCS Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona. They captured the party mood outside the stadium with these great photos of Gators fans tailgating and Buckeye fans entering the stadium, respectively.
The game gets off to a fast start as Ted Ginn Jr. returned the opening kickoff 93 yards and the Buckeyes take a 7-0 lead.
The Gators strike back with touchdowns from QB Chris Leak to Dallas Baker through the air and Harvin on the ground to take a 14-7 lead.
As Ginn is limping to the locker room to check an injury, Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is sacked with 3:34 left in the first quarter. The Tank's football instincts tell him that this is a turning point.
Gators 14 - Buckeyes 7 at the end of the first quarter.
DeShawn Wynn scores on a two yard run to open the second quarter. The Gators lead 21-7.
The Buckeyes strike back with a key pass and an unwise Gator penalty to get the Buckeyes to the Gator 36. Antonio Pittman scores on a 18 yard run a few plays led to cut the Gator lead to 21-14 with 13:32 left in the second quarter.
The Buckeyes must make a stop on this drive. The Buckeyes are going to have to change defense to more man-to-man from zone and get pressure on Leak. Florida has the ball much longer than the Buckeyes. Though the Gators get a couple of first downs from the short passing game, the Buckeyes step up, get press, and force the Gators to punt.
When the Buckeyes get the ball back after the ball bounced out of the end zone on the punt, Ginn is still on the sideline from his injury. The Buckeyes fail to capitalize on their momentum and go three and out. The Gators lead 21-14.
The Gators drive down the field and Chris Hetland splits the uprights on his first and 42 yard field goal attempt of the game. Coming into the game, Hetland was only 4 of 13 and one of the Tank's keys to the games. The Gators extend their lead to 24-14.
The Buckeyes are going for it on fourth down inside their own 30 and don't get the first down.
Hetland converts his second and 40 yard field goal of the game to extend the Gator lead to 27-14. He has half as many field in the first half as he did all season. You've got to be kidding me!
After the kickoff, Moss strips the ball from the scrambling Smith and Harvey recovers the fumble and the Gators are first and goal from the Buckeye five yard line.
On third and goal from the two, Tim Tebow converts a short left handed pass to Jenkins to take a 34-14 lead.
An unwise Gator penalty gives the Buckeyes a chance from the Gator 45. However, Smith's "Hail Mary" pass is deflected out of bounds. At the half, the Gators lead the Buckeyes 34-14.
Will the Buckeyes be able to mount a second half comeback? The Gator get the second half kickoff. Will Buckeye native Urban Meyer get the national championship his so lobbied and lusted for? Will Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel climb the ladder to coaching immortality?
Kudos to the rival Buckeye and Gator fans in the Tostitos for building a Habitat for Humanity home in a week's time for Fred Banks and his daughter Natalia.
As psyched as the Tank is for the start of "24" (the best show on TV) to start this Sunday, he is saddened that age discrimination prevents him from competing for the "American Idol" crown he so richly deserves.
After the second half kickoff goes out of the end zone, the Gators fumble the opening snap and Leak throws it away. A penalty to force 2nd and 15 and a key third down stop by Freeman forces the Gators to punt. Wilbur doesn't replicate his first 59 yard punt and only hits a 20 yard rugby style punt. Remember, this is college football, not time for cuteness or a beauty contest.
Can Ohio State put a drive together? No, the helmet less Earl Everett sacks Smith to end the Buckeye drive.
The Buckeyes get a key stop and a penalty on the punt return gives the Buckeyes the ball near mid field. The Buckeyes can't convert and the Gators get the ball back.
The Gators don't score but run most of the time off the clock in the third quarter.
Smith is sacked for the fourth time tonight and the Buckeyes have to punt again.
Tebow scores on fourth and goal to take a 41-14 lead. I just lost some respect for Florida Coach Urban Meyer. A field goal would have given them a 37-14 lead with 10:20 left in the game. Three touchdowns is plenty at this point of the game.
Though Urban Meyer is from Ohio, he was never a candidate for the Buckeye head coaching job. Does he want to coach there next? (He has jumped from Bowling Green State University to Utah to Florida in less than four years.)
Leak takes a knee to end the game. The Gators win the BCS Championship 41-14. Congratulations to the Gators and their fans. They are now the defending basketball, football, and "Dancing With the Stars" (Emmitt Smith) champions. 
Conclusion: The Gators offensive line dominated the Buckeyes. Gator Coach Urban Meyer came up with a great game plan to utilize the short passing game underneath the Buckeye zone defense. Ginn's early injury exit didn't help the Buckeyes either. The Gators also put lots of pressure on Smith. I guess the Heisman Trophy jinx continues.
Football condolences to Columbus Craig, his family, and Buckeyes fans everywhere.
In the meantime, the Boise State Broncos are undefeated but won't have a chance to play for a national championship. The Broncos beat the Oklahoma Sooners 43-42 in a great overtime game on the same field less than a week earlier. If Broncos to play the Gators, the Gators would probably win nine out of 10 times. But, doesn't it make you wonder what if there was a playoff system?
Division I-A college football is a great game but desperately needs a playoff. Until then, the Tank won't have closure. May the off season go quickly and the "Powers that Be" institute a real playoff system.
Posted by the Tank in NY and mega thanks to Columbus Craig's Family for the photos.
Monday, January 08, 2007
European Blog posts the Tanks' Knicks-Nuggets Fight Article
Sportingo, a European sports blog, published The Tank's Knicks-Nuggets fight article. Sportingo realizes the value of eye witness reporting and published my article here.
In the pursuit of truth, justice, freedom, and the American way, the Tank posted his Knicks-Nuggets video on AOL UnCut Video after YouTube unconstitutionally pulled our eyewitness, non-network video.
For the first week after the Knicks-Nuggets fight, our video was #1 on YouTube with 161,000 plus views. It was then pulled just before New Year's and bumped from #1 with 223,000 plus and counting views of David Letterman's "Knicks Basketball: We're Coming For Your Next". The Tank doesn't pretend to be as funny as Mr. Letterman who he grew up idolizing but wants YouTube to consistently apply intellectual property law for my and other's videos. It sadly failed the constitutional and fairness consistency test.
Furthermore, since YouTube recently sold out to Google, they have forgotten that videos from fans like myself has made them what they are. It's a shame that they are getting away from what made them great.
Posted by Steve for The Traveling Tank to Upstate NY.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
BCS Championship Preview
The 12-0 Ohio State Buckeyes meet the 12-1 Florida Gators in Monday night's BCS Championship.
The Buckeyes have the advantage on both sides of the ball and special teams. Florida's Chris Hetland has only made 4 of 13 field goal attempts this season and will have to step it up if the Gators have any hopes of winning the game.
Gator Defensive Back Jones is great and probably going to the NFL after his Junior season according to his Mom but he can't cover Buckeye All-Ten receivers Ginn and Gonzalez at the same time.
Though Gators Coach Urban Meyer is a great young coach, the edge goes to Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel because he has more experience. If the Buckeyes win Monday night, Tressel's reputation will continue to climb toward that of his idol, the legendary Woody Hayes.
I do give the Gators the edge in that they are less rusty than the Buckeyes who haven't played since the "Immortality Bowl" on Saturday, November 18, 2006. They have also won the SEC which is the best top to bottom football conference in the country. The Gators haven't always won big or pretty but college football isn't a beauty contest, it's more important than life itself.
The Gators need to keep their turnovers to an absolute minimum or it will be a Buckeye Blowout.
Prediction: The game will be hard fought and close until the second half when the Buckeyes start to pull away. The Buckeyes win the BCS Championship Game 27-17.
Posted by Steve for the Travelling Tank going home to Upstate NY.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Miami Dolphins and Heat Coaching Vacancies
On Wednesday, Miami Head Coaches Nick Saban abruptly quit the Dolphins and Pat Riley took a medical leave of absence from the Heat.
Though I coincidentially spent the last few days in South Florida, the Tank wants to clarify that he is not a candidate for the Miami Dolphins nor Heat jobs. However, for the $5 million per year that Coach Saban was making last season with the Dolphins, the Tank will gladly coach the Dolphins into the ground.
As the Tank is a big fan of the 1980s Showtime Lakers and Pat Riley is also a student of Tony Robbins life changing technologies, best wishes to Pat for a speedy and healthy recovery.
Posted by Steve for the Travelling Tank.
Friday, January 05, 2007
NFL Wild Card Picks
The Tank was 10-5 in his picks last week to close out the regular season strong, touch wood. I excluded the Giants-Redskins game because of my protest against the Giants.
For new readers, my picks are designed for you to win the highest number of games in your office pool which are normally predicated on wins and losses, NOT the Vegas line. I do not bet Vegas lines because they are subject to change and Vegas knows more than everyone except God. Furthermore, Vegas lines are designed for the "vig" or the balance of the betting money which is why you see ridiculous double-digit lines to get people to take chances and care about potential blowouts. Whereas, I want you to win your office pool and be the talk of your office.
Remember, bet within your limits, past performance is not indicative of future results (mutual fund speak legalese disclaimer), and have fun. The predicted winning team is in bold. The Jets went into Foxboro and beat the Patriots during the regular season. Expect the
Patriots to make the necessary adjustments and win wth the home field advantage.
The Colts "dome" field advantage and do enough on run defense to beat the visiting Chiefs.
The Eagles let victory slip through their hands earlier in the season against the Giants
at home. The Eagles won't make the same mistake twice. For all my Eagles friends like
Coach Emily, Jennifer, and Lisa, this one is for you. Eagles win.
In the hardest game to pick in the weekend, the Seahawks home field advantage overcomes
the Cowboys who are due to bounce back after the inexcusable loss to the Lions.
Posted by the Travelling Tank in South Florida enroute home.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Breaking News: Randy No Longer Dandy
The Yankees and Diamondbacks reached an agreement Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona. Arizona would send relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino to the Yankees along with minor league right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez. Sounds like the Yanks wanted to really get rid of him. Full story on Yahoo Sports here.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
On this day in New York Yankee History
Every year on January 3rd, I get this email from mega-Yankees fan Jack. He likes to remind us of the rich history the NY Yankees have. Specifically, he likes to remind us of Babe Ruth.
--
From: Jack Prilook
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:48 PM
To: Stephen Forte
Subject: On this day in New York Yankee History.
Jan 3, 1920. The Yankees purchase the contract of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for $125,000 and a $350,000 loan against the mortgage on Fenway Park.
On Jan 3, 1973 A group led by Mr. George Steinbrenner III buys the Yanks from CBS for $10 million.
--
Jack
So who made out better, the Yankees or the Red Sox? Everyone thinks the Yankees since they won a gazillion World Series since and the Red Sox only won 1 and had Bill Buckner let the ball go through his legs in 1986. Putting aside the 26 World Series rings for a moment, let’s look at the numbers.
While Yankees fans like to claim the Curse of the Bambino, I'll call it Supply Side Economics.
Yankees had more money and spent it well. Considering the Per Capita GDP of the World Economy in 1920 was a mere $965, the Yankees spent more money than God to bring Babe Ruth to New York. Was it really such a bargain?
Adjusted for inflation Babe Ruth's contract was $1,375,000 and the loan against Fenway was at $3,850,000. That is $5,225,000 spent for the privilege of paying someone (Babe Ruth) $110,000 a year (or $10,000 in 1920 dollars.)
Babe Ruth played on the Yankees for 14 years. In that time the Yankees made the playoffs 7 times and won 4 World Series. We are going to ignore the annual contract figures for two reasons, one is that they would have to pay the market price anyway for a star player, and two we are only concerned about the contract that they purchased since it is the legend and quote we hear about all the time.
So, for a $5.2 million investment the Yankees netted 4 World Series in seven appearances over 14 years with Ruth. Contrast that to Derek Jeter who came up through the Yankees’ farm system. The Yankees drafted Jeter in 1992 and paid him $700,000 or just a hair over $1 million in today's dollars. So for a $1 million investment, the Yankees won 4 World Series in 11 appearances over 11 years. That is $250,000 a World Series Ring with Jeter vs over $1.3 million for Ruth.
All you naysayers who think I am not fairly comparing Ruth and Jeter, Jeter has 100% playoff appearances at 11 to Ruth’s 50% at 7. Back then it was actually *easier* to make the playoffs, all you had to do was win the division to make the World Series. (The NLCS and ALCS were introduced in 1969 with divisional play.) Based on that statistic, if Jeter’s stats are extrapolated to Ruth’s, Jeter would statistically have won 6 World Series since in 10 years the Yankees have won the American League East 10 times and by 1920s rules, would have went to the world Series 11 times.
So the Yankees should start to celebrate June 1st, 1992, instead of January 3rd, 1920. That was the day Jeter was drafted by the Yankees. I'll expect an annual email from Jack. I created an Outlook reminder on May 30th to remind him.
Funny, all this from a Mets fan who hates Jeter. J
Posted By Steve in New York.
Nick Saban Going to Sweet Home Alabama
The Tank traveled to South Florida Tuesday night for some r and r and to visit some friends for a few days. It was also perfect timing to witness firsthand the reaction of Miami Dolphins fans to Nick Saban's quitting the Dolphins to become the Head Coach at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AKA The Crimson Tide.
The Tank couldn't be more thrilled for the following reasons:
(1) The Tank grew up an Alabama fan because of the late great Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, R.I.P., and former Jets quarterback Joe Namath. Though Gene Stallings thankfully won a national championship in the 1992 season with a great defense, it hasn't been the same in Tuscaloosa since Coach Bryant has been there. Nick Saban is young enough to have a chance to hopefully return Alabama to its greatness for a long period of time, God Willing.
(2) As a Bills fan (and still jilted Jets fan after they left NY for the Meadowlands), I am glad that I don't have to face the Dolphins coached by Nick home and away each season. Coincidentally, "Trader Lou" Saban, Nick's cousin, coached the Bills to AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.
(3) At upcoming Julian / Old Calendar Christmas Dinner at my parents house Upstate this upcoming Sunday, I'll have a chance to remind my brother-in-law Jim who is a Dolphins fan about Nick's departure.
Bottom Line: Alabama has a chance to return to national prominence and the Dolphins lose a great coach. Could 2007 get off to a better start?
Don't get me wrong, it is harder in some ways to win in the SEC, the best college football conference in the country, than in the NFL. Every conference game is a battle but Coach Saban gives Alabama a chance to return to the Promised Land.
Until next time, Roll Tide!
Posted by the Tank in South Florida.
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