 Friday, February 16, 2007
The King Returns to the Yankees
Jim "The King" Leyritz returns to the Yankees in a broadcast capacity for home games and some road games like the Red Sox for ESPN 1050 AM. The Tank is psyched is always a very knowledgeable and quotable guy.
On his debut Thursday afternoon on the Michael Kaye show, Leyritz pulled no punches openly discussing John Amaechi, steroids, and of course the Yankees.
The King confirmed Tank's suspicions about Mariano's public demand for a contract because of the Bernie Williams situation. Regarding Mariano, "they are going to pay you if you are doing your job."
As Bernie was in great shape this season, Leyritz said the Yankees should have given Bernie a one year, one million dollar contract, and bring him to Spring Training. If it didn't work out, then he could bow out more gracefully than being offered a minor league deal.
Leyritz noted that Bernie could go to another teammate like former great players like Paul Molitor, Dwight Evans, and Eddie Murray who played with one team for most of their careers and then went elsewhere. I hope Yankees management comes to their senses and brings back Bernie.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Knicks Stumble into All Star Break
The Knicks had a 1-2 so-so West Coast roadtrip. The Knicks should have beaten the Jazz but blew a 10 point lead and lost in overtime this past Saturday.
The Knicks beat the team they shouldn't have, the Lakers, thanks to a great defensive performance by David Lee against Lamar Odom. ESPN's 1050 AM Mike Mansielli screwed up again by wanting to trade a good young player. Who would he bring in? Ron Artest. Yeah, the same Ron Artest who fought in the crowd in Auburn Hills. The same multi-millionaire Ron Artest who neglects feeding his own dogs. As much as I want Artest to succeed as a basketball player, hip-hop artist, and person, the spotlight of the Knicks and the temptations of being back home in the City would probably be a bad combination.
The Knicks were routed Wednesday night by former coach Don Nelson who is now coaching the Golden State Warriors. Winning back to back games is tough.
The Knicks have almost a week to rest and get ready for the stretch run. To make the playoffs, they are going to have to overtake two of the following three teams: Nets, Heat, and Magic. The Nets and Magic are vulnerable with their injuries while the Heat are getting their coach and some key players back so I don't think the Knicks will overtake them. The Knicks have enough head-to-head games against the Nets and Magic to overtake them. Will they? The first week until late February - early March will greatly influence their fate.
All things being equal, the Knicks did equal their 2005-2006 win total, 23, by beating the Lakers Tuesday evening. They have 29 games remaining to extend that total and make a playoff run.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's Day Perspective
As much as life sometimes hurts, you have to be honest with God, your friends/family, and yourself. Though not for a lack of trying, Valentine's Day has never been a good holiday for the Tank. The following reasons summarize my experiences and feelings about Valentine's Day:
(2) Since I am Eastern Orthodox Christian, I believe in a real saint, Saint Tryphon (pronounced TREE-foon), not a Hallmark Holiday like Valentine's Day. Saint Tryphon's Day is also celebrated on February 14 (February 1 on the Julian/Old Calendar). Saint Tryphon is the patron saint of farmers, gardeners, and wine growers. For all you wine connoisseurs, Saint Tryphon is your patron saint.
While at friends of the family's house for their patron saint (Saint Tryphon's Day) 1999 or 2000, I sat down after a long day of work and started to eat some delicious soup. Before my second spoonful of soup, this total stranger started asking me if married. I replied no and he criticized me for not being so. I breathed deeply, stared at him like who-the-heck-are-you, but kept my cool. This was difficult to answer because I wanted to be honest as I wanted to marry either of the daugthers in that same house including one, Z, that double-crossed me in 1996. Anyway, by the end of the night, the guy kind of confessed that he was in a bad marriage and apologized for taking it on me. We all ended up watching basketball and let by-gones be by-gones.
Coincidentally, my paternal grandfather was a farmer and wine grower and was born on Saint Tryphon's Day. I never got to meet Grandpa while he was alive but hope to meet him someday in Heaven, R.I.P. Grandpa.
(3) Valentine's Day 2005 was pretty painful as my date canceled that afternoon but at least she had the courtesy to call. By covering for Brooklyn Brian who had a date but had to cover after Kelvin called out, I made "lemons into lemonade" as Medford Bob says. I hope to cash in that good karma in some day. I used the time to catch up on some work and made some overtime just before my trip later to Antarctica later that week where I met Steve, Linda, and the rest of Antarcticamaniacs.
(4) Valentine's Day 2003 was more dangerous than painful. I wanted to date someone in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day but disappointed that it didn't work out. That was the least of my problems. As I was riding to work that fateful day, my D (now Q) train was stopped at Parkside Avenue because of "electrical problems" at the next stop, Prospect Park. I was about 45 minutes late to work and really pissed off. I found out later from my roommate and NYC Subway Motorman, MTA Ray, that the "electrical problem" was really a "b*mb scare". No one was hurt thank God.
(5) Valentine's Day 2007. I was hoping to go out with a friend from Church but she had to travel to San Francisco for business at the last minute. I asked a couple of other lady friends that I know if they wanted to go out as friends but one is spending time with her uncle who is dying of cancer and spending his final days in hospice. Another lady friend's brother died in a fire the other day and she is still mourning his passing. I have had women who haven't wanted to go out with me before but this is so next level if they are pulling my leg. In a couple of weeks, I can imagine hearing "And the Oscar for the woman who doesn't want to go out with the Tank..." Seriously, they both seemed sincere and hope they aren't pulling a "Terrell Owens overdose" while his publicist happened to be at his house. My prayers are with them and their families.
Not wanting to risk causing any more tragedy, I am not going to ask anyone else out. I am trying to sell my Rod Stewart Valentine's Day tickets at Madison Square Garden (Section 310, Row D, Seats 9 and 10, $99.50 each, face value, if you are interested). The tickets aren't cursed, I am. Since I couldn't go to Rod Stewart's February 8 concert because I had to cover for Dominican Luis and I can't make the February 21 concert because I am out of town on vacation, I bought a single backup ticket a couple of hours ago as I have never seen Rod Stewart in concert. The show must go on because you never know how many years he going to be touring.
For all the heartache I have shared with you, I think I am destined to get into the relationship advice business. I can offer more perspective than Dr. Phil, Dr. John Gray (AKA the Mars/Venus Idiot), eHarmony.com, etc. I can help heal the world. Like the aforementioned, I may even be able to monetize this pain. I have to talk to Steve about setting up the premium part of the site. Please keep watching this space for more relationship advice. To paraphrase former President Clinton, "The Tank has felt your pain (and then some)."
As Cubs fans always say, there's always next year. For those of you who observe Valentine's Day and/or Saint Tryphon's Day today, enjoy! Happy Chinese New Year!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Extend Mariano's Contract Now
The Tank was shocked to read and hear that the Yankees have yet to extend the contract of the best reliever of all time, Mariano Rivera. Mariano has one more year on his contract but asked for an extension. Why did the quiet and always well behaved Mariano ask for extension? Who else are the Yankees going to sign? Promote Kyle Farnsworth? Sign Brandon Looper? Please God no.
Was it the way the Yankees treated Bernie Williams? The Tank is very hurt and insulted by how the Yankees treated Bernie who came through in last year in the clutch. If Bernie had an off year in 2006, I could understand. Do the Yankees need two first basemen in addition to Giambi? Having one caddie is bad enough, but two?
Speaking of Mariano, Stephen A. Smith of ESPN 1050 AM's has a new noontime co-host, Mike Masanielli. Masanielli had the temerity to question Mariano's greatness earlier today. Even with elbow issues (because of the most innings he pitched), who is a better closer than Mo? Why did ESPN 1050 hire this clown? The Tank believes in free speech but is Mike on drugs or blind? Even Stephen A. gave Mike a chance to recant and apologize but he didn't.
Stephen A. should bring back Gordan Damer who transformed from a middle aged New Jersey golfer into the next big hip hop star in a matter of weeks. If Jay Z signed Gordan to his label, then Stephen A. should get Brendan Tierney back. However, BT is doing a great job doing Knicks pre and post game, Saint John's basketball, and his own 7 to 10 p.m. shift.
There is only one logical candidate left, SteveAndTheTank.com. As Steve wants to overthrow Steve Phillips, the Tank wants Masanielli to resign or be fired.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Syracuse Beats Saint John's; 9 Feet of Snow in Oswego
The Tank's sports withdrawal was aided yesterday by Syracuse's incredible 76-74 victory over Saint John's at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. This is the toughest week of the year as (1) football is over, (2) baseball has yet to begin, (3) Valentine's Day is Wednesday (more then), and (4) it's the coldest week of the year.
Syracuse's victory was as big boost to their March Madness bid and to the Tank's spirits. Speaking of Syracuse, my thoughts and prayers are with my former Central New York team handball (Empire State Games and club) teammates just north of Syracuse in Oswego.
You may have heard that Oswego received over nine feet of snow a few days ago. In the mid 1990s, I traveled through Parrish, Mexico, and other hardhit towns. I hope the white stuff doesn't melt too quickly to cause flooding and soil erosion. Though a way's from the City's water table, properly melted snow in Oswego also helps reservoirs refill for the upcoming summer season.
Posted by the Tank in the City but whose heart is in Upstate (AKA "Appalachia" according to Governor Spitzer) NY.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Knicks Lose a Heartbreaker to the Jazz
The Knicks had a great opportunity to equal their win total from last season, 23. They had a ten point lead against the Utah Jazz last night but lost in overtime 104-102.
In the post game press conference, Knicks Coach had "no comment" according to the soundbite the Tank heard early this morning on ESPN 1050. The Tank is also very disappointed and will end my commentary here before going over the edge.
Posted by a dejected Tank in NY.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
One Week to Pitchers and Catchers!
It's the hardest week of the year as the NFL season officially ends tonight with the Pro Bowl (for me as I try to extend the season as long as possible), Valentine's Day is on Wednesday (more on that next week), and then onto pitchers and catchers. It's sports withdrawal and anticipation at their most pronounced. A true emotional roller coaster. Stay tuned.
Posted by an anxious Tank in NY.
 MLB | NFL
 Saturday, February 10, 2007 12:20:33 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, February 09, 2007
Farewell to Friends and Colleagues
Friday marked my final day with my current company. After almost nine years, it was difficult to say goodbye so I said farewell to friends and colleagues.
I especially want to thank those most supportive and understanding of SteveAndTheTank.com at work, i.e. Director Steve, Maria, Daniel, Gil, and Medford Bob amongst others. At Friday's farewell party, I was awed by Candace's framed Yankees jersey. It was signed by my friends including "Go Mets" by Jeff. It's all good as I hope to get Subway Series closure this season.
The Tank is an alter ego to my regular personality which is also misunderstood at times. It is not negative or dark, just more crazy and fun loving, letting my receding hair down while I still have it. Even though the Bears lost, Rex Grossman is still getting my restoration bill.  Because of Grossman's inconsistent play, even professional prognosticators like Brandon Lang is like 3-15 in Bears games this season. (Lang is an excellent handicapper as he is 16-0-2 in the past 18 Super Bowls according to a recent interview on ESPN 1050 AM.)
SteveAndTheTank.com is a good way to convey my sports passion in written form which I already do to anyone who will listen to me vent when I am walking around working and talking about sports. I am grateful for the artistic freedom.
To quote Morrissey in the Smiths' classic song "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out", "...the pleasure, the privilege, has been mine."
Best wishes for happiness and health to all.
Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
San Diego Rich Meets Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jerry Coleman
Since I work evenings, I listen to Yankee and Met games on the radio via MLB.com. It is the best $14.95 I spend every year. After the Yankee and Met games are over, I normally turn the dial to the late games broadcast on San Diego's XPRS Radio to listen to Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jerry Coleman. Fans of Yankee history should remember him from the great Yankee teams of the 1950s and his announcer days with the Yankees afterwards. After his playing days, he moved back to California to broadcast for the California Angels and then became an institution for "my San Diego Padres" as he often exclaims. His enthusiasm for baseball and life are infectious.
Mr. Coleman was also part of the "Greatest Generation" serving America in WWII and Korea. He is truly a great American and should be honored and respected for his service to America and baseball.
Without further ado, please find San Diego Rich, his friend Scott, and Mr. Coleman's photo below:
Mega thanks to San Diego Rich for the photo and permission to post it by the Tank in NY.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
San Diego Rich Meets Greg Maddux
As some of you know, the Tank is close friends with San Diego Rich as we are big Beatles, baseball, and football fans. San Diego Rich and the Tank are also fellow marathon runners.
San Diego Rich has sent me photos with Adam Sandler, former California Governor Gray Davis, and other luminaries over the past few years. He was kind of enough to share this priceless photo with none other than the Greg "The Professor" Maddux. The Tank was fortunate enough to see the Professor pitch for the Cubs against the Washington Nationals a couple of years ago on my birthday road trip weekend to DC.
Without further ado, please find San Diego Rich and new Padres pitcher Greg Maddux with the beautiful San Diego skyline in the background.
San Diego Rich reports that The Professor is the coolest and nicest guy (right after San Diego Rich of course).
If you ever have a chance to meet San Diego Rich, tell him "Ringo (Starr) Rules" and he'll know you know the Tank.
Until next time, San Diego Rich, Greg Maddux, and Ringo Rule!
Mega thanks to San Diego Rich for the photo and permission to post it by the Tank in NY.
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