 Monday, October 08, 2007
The Rocket's Last Stand?
I went to a familiar place, Yankee Stadium, but sat in an unfamiliar spot, the right field loge. This is one of the few corners of the Stadium I have never sat in before. I miss my Bleacher Creature brethren and my seats which have a better view. Plus, I have a blind spot of the right field porch below me.
Coming into the game, I liked the Yankees chances. Of course, the Yankees should have won on Friday to get the split in Cleveland. However, it didn't go our way. Before global warming the Indians used to be known as June Bugs, now they are known the October Bugs.
I liked the Yankees chances because of the pitching matchups. Westbrook has a 12 ERA against the Yankees this season and the Yankees have Rocket with Hughes, Mussina, and a cast of many from the bullpen. If there is a Game 4, I like Wang over Byrd. That would setup Pettitte versus Sabbathia in Game 5. I'll roll the dice with anyone on that one.
Infield single by Cabrera scored the first Indians run. The Yankees went down in order so the Indians lead 1-0 at the end of the first inning.
I knew the Indians are going to bunt because of Roger's tender hamstring. Lofton was hitting .714 going into this at bat. I wish he could have done it when he was on the Yankees. Lofton pops out to Jeter.
According to the radio broadcasters, Nixon hadn't hit a home run in ages (July 7 against Toronto to be exact) then of course turns around and hits a home run to right field. The Indians lead 2-0.
Sizemore singles to right and then steals second. Cabrera flies out to Melky Cabrera. The Indians lead 2-0 after an inning and a half.
As I am showing my fellow fans A-Rod's photo with me, he hits to left. Posada grounds out into a ground play. Giambi grounds out to shallow right field. Darn it!
As the Indians come to bat in the third, Philip Hughes is warming up in the bullpen. Gene Monahan the Trainer, Joe Torre, Ron Guidry, and the team gather at home plate after Roger throws a few pitches. Roger convinces them that he'll be okay, touch wood. Hafner gets on with a walk. Clemens' good intentions and assurances don't work out as his left hamstring is injured and he comes out of the game to thunderous applause. Is this the Rocket's last stand?
Hughes takes his time to warm up. Hafner advances to second on Hughes' wild pitch. Peralta doubles to right field and Hafner scores from second. Lofton flies out to left.
On one good leg, Matsui hustles out an infield single. Cano works a full count but grounds out to first. Since Matsui was running on the pitch, he avoids the double play. Cabrera hits the ball in front of home plate. Martinez threw to third but Matsui hustled to third. Safe! Boo yeah! Damon works a 3-1 count and singles to right. Matsui scores and Cabrera thinks twice about going to third. Yeah!
The Captain comes to the plate with one out. He is only hitting .111 and hits into his second straight double play. At the end of three, Indians 3 - Yankees 1.
Can the Yankees bullpen hold the Indians here to get back in the game?
Hughes gets Nixon to strike out. Blake flies out to Cabrera. On a full count, Sizemore strikes out. Boo yeah!
In between innings, Disco Stu and friends are up to their dancing ways. The cameraman should have focused more on the brunette with a red top and sun glasses instead of Disco Stu IMHO.
Abreu grounded out to Westbrook. A-Rod comes to nervous cheers. He flies out to shallow left on the first pitch. You have to take pitches. Does anyone listen to me? Many people blame A-Rod but Posada is 0 for the ALDS coming into this at bat. A fan to my right starts the "Hip Hip Jorge!" chant. Posada grounds out to second to end the fourth. Indians 3 - Yankees 1.
Hafner hits a grounder past Cano. It was rightly scored an error. Martinez flies out to Cabrera. Garko is struck out on three straight pitches.
A "Bug Off Tribe Go Yankees" sign is shown on the Jumbotron in between innings. Well said! I get a family photo of similar sentiments after the game.
Giambino needs to hit a pool shot down the third baseline. He doesn't and strikes out. Darn it! Matsui hits a hard single to left. What a true professional! Cano needs to hit it the opposite way. He doubles to left. Boo yeah! Someone finally listens to me. Thank God! Cabrera comes to the plate while a deafening "Let's Go Yankees!" chant surrounds the Stadium. The Melk Man delivers and listens to me with a left field single. Matsui scores to close the game to 3-2. The Indians bullpen starts warming up with double barrelled action. During a meeting at the mound, the Beastie Boys "Fight for your right (to Party)" echoes throughout the Stadium. Damon listens to me and takes the third pitch to right field. Yankees 5 - Indians 3. Woooo! What a home run but my obstructed view from my new seats dampens the effect. Nina from work and San Diego Rich e-mail me on my office and personal Blackberries. I give double barrelled (Blackberry) action a whole new menaing. Jeter flies out to center for the second out. Abreu flies out deep show. At the end of five,
Yankees 5 - Indians 3.
In between innings, Yankees fans give Johnny Damon another curtain call as he goes out to left field.
In the top of the sixth, Peralta grounds past Jeter to left. Lofton comes to the plate while the bullpen starts up. A beautiful brunette in front of me, Troi, asks where Lofton played before. I tell her that he played for several teams including the Indians in the mid 1990s. As I promised to her, Lofton's stats and teams are here. (Don't get too excited for me folks, she's taken. Aren't they all?). Nixon works a full count and thankfully flies out to Damon. Blake flies out to Abreu. Boo yeah!
As A-Rod comes to the plate, I tell my fellow fans that I have a good feeling. That's all I have to say. After a broken bat on 1-2, A-Rod hits an infield single to short. Yessss!
The Indians go to their bullpen to turn Posada to the right side. Posada hits a single to left. Mientkiewicz comes into bunt for Giambi sent via Western Union and the Indians couldn't intercept it.
A-Rod advances to third and Posada to second. Matsui is intentionally walked to try to force the double play. The Ducks are on the pond indeed as the screen flashes across the way. Cano hits a shot to right field. It gets past Nixon in right and Cano advances to third. Yankees 8 - Indians 3. As my fellow Bleacher Creatures derisively cheer for Trot Nixon, I wait for the cheers to die down and I tell Trot that he is my favorite opposing right fielder. Cabrera grounds out. Damon strikes out to end the sixth inning. Yankees 8 - Indians 3.
I totally disagree with pitching Joba in the seventh inning with a large lead. Save him for the eighth or preferably tomorrow. If the "Joba Rules" are to pitch him and then give him a day off, will he be available for tomorrow?
Joba says his prayers at the mound and I do in the stands. Joba's first pitch is a 98 mile per hour fastball. Sizemore strikes out swinging on a slider. Cabrera strikes out on three straight pitches. Hafner works a full count while the crowd chants "Joba! Joba!". Hafner steps out of the box but pops out to Abreu.
Roland Tynan does a great job of singing "God Bless America!" Indeed and well done.
Jeter comes to the plate hitting a very unJeterian .091. Jeter strikes out but at least works a full count. Abreu strikes out. A-Rod comes to the plate hitting .222 and the crowd chants MVP but A-Rod strikes out to end the seventh. Yankees 8 - Indians 3.
Why is Joba pitching the eighth with a five run lead? With a one or two run lead, yeah, but this doesn't make sense. It's overkill. Save him for tomorrow and bring in Vizcaino or even Farnsworth. If they get in trouble, bring in Mariano. Even on a pitch count, 16 pitches in an inning is pushing it. Martinez singles to right field past Cano. Garko grounds out into a 6-4-3 double play. On Joba's 29th pitch, Peralta walks on a full count. Lofton singles to left. Nixon doubles in Martinez and Lofton holds at third. Yankees 8 - Indians 4. Gutierrez pinch runs for Nixon. Blake gets a 2-0 count and the crowd chants "Joba!". He throws a strike and then lines out to Abreu. At the end of seven and a
half, Yankees 8 - Indians 4.
I still don't like Joba pitching two innings and 38 pitches. If he pitches Monday, how effective will he be?
Posada leads off the eighth and walks. Mientkiewicz flies out to center. Matsui walks. Cano hears thunderous applause as he comes to the plate. Cano flies out to center. Cabrera flies out to Lofton in left center.
"Enter Sandman!". Mariano come in to pitch to the top of the Indians order. Sizemore pops up to Damon. Cabrera strikes out. Chop broccoli! Hafner strikes out. Ballgame over, the Yankeeeesss win!
Bottom Line: Awesome win! Don't worry about the George's nonsensical about Joe Torre's job. As I said and wrote long ago, this is Joe Torre's last season with the Yankees -- win, lose, or draw. He isn't signed next season and I wouldn't sign for next season if I were Joe. Spend some time with his young daughter and do broadcasting. He is always invited to Studio 86 to podcast with Steve and The Tank. It's not worth the stress of dealing with the Boss anymore.
I like the matchup in Game 4 -- Wang versus Byrd and I'll roll the dice in Game 5 with Pettitte versus Sabbathia. Remember, Jeter is 1 for the ALDS. He is due to break out as are others. Keep the Faith! Go Yankees!
Posted by the Tank reporting Live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Jello Wrestling tonight - Sunday, October 7, at Arlene's Grocery
What is Amateur Female Jello Wrestling?
This is a Female-run Sports Satire. We mix showmanship and sportsmanship into a fun event where women get to show off their sense of humor as well as their bootie!
Want to come to the show?
Anyone can come to a show, but only girls can wrestle. This show takes place once a month in New York City. Check the website for location and details, or join our Mailing List!
Want to wrestle?
Females of all sizes, shapes, and skill levels are encouraged to participate. Just come to our "Wrestle Lesson," which is always at 6:30pm before our 8pm show. At that time, you will meet the other wrestlers and learn some fun stunts. Our wrestlers have stage personalities and names and often dress to fit their character. We will help you to find yours. Please invite your friends to the show to cheer for you as you achieve your wrestling glory!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Week #5 NFL Picks
The Bills lose at home to the Cowboys.
The other "New York" teams meet in the swamps of Jersey with the Giants beating the Jets in a tough fought game.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Rangers Opening Night
New York maybe a baseball town but its hockey fans are the most rabid. My friend and ex-boss John exemplifies the rabid Ranger fan. His two sons and one daughter all play hockey in high school and college. His wife is also a fan and they proudly fly the Ranger flag proud at their suburban Rockland County home.
They have suffered through 54 years without a Stanley Cup from 1940 to 1994 as well as ineptitude management by both the Garden and NHL. If that isn't three strikes, I don't know what is.
Former NJ D*vil, Scott Gomez, gets loud cheers. The cheers grow even louder goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Finally, the loudest cheers are for 1994 hero Brian Leetch who drops the ceremonial first puck.
The real puck is dropped moments later.
At 37 seconds, Rozsival scores assisted by Drury and Jagr. Whoa! Is this a repeat of my last Ranger game, 7-0.
Carl the Bell Hop is dressed in goalie gear. Friend and former co-worker Rich explains that the Rangers were looking for someone to wear goalie gear all about town. They filmed various spots around town from rowing a boat with a hockey stick in Central Park, riding a pedicab, riding in a cab, etc. They are all funny moments but why didn't they ask me? Didn't they see me in a Frosty the Snowman outfit trying to cheer my colleague up after 9/11 at my firm's 2001 company holiday party . Anyway, Carl the Bell Hop now has season tickets. Good onion Carl.
Julia Stiles and Peta Nemcova are the celebrities featured on the Garden Jumbotron. Getting a picture with A-Rod is cool but I would rather have my photo with either one of those beautiful ladies. 
Nina from work asks me for the score and it was Indians 4 - Yankees 1. While waiting in the food line, I hear screams coming from fans watching the TV down the way. The Yankees thankfully score a run and close the margin to 4-2.
The food line is taking forever. The Panthers tie the score and then take the lead 2-1 just after I got to my seat. What do you expect being outshot 14 to 6. Darn it!
The fans behind me start comparing the Rangers to the Mets. Their language is unrepeatable and make Steve and Linda look like the happiest people in the world. This is beyond sad. I don't know even if my positive energy can help them.
Former Saturday Night Live star Jimmy Falon is holding a Rangers program with James Dolan face on it. The camera shot is quickly ended we'll see how quickly he is escorted from the Garden. Falon should have taken to the freight after appearing in the Red Sox movie.
After 2 periods, Panthers 2 - Rangers 1. Indians 9 - Yankees 3 in the bottom of the 5th. Double darn!
The Rangers tie the game at 6:07 of the third period on a goal by Petr Prucha and assisted by Malik.
The Rangers fans have more fight than the team. Even radio ad star Bobby Granger pictured below is escorted from the Garden by security after fighting in the stands.
The third goal was scored by #23 Chris Drury assisted by Jagomir Jagr and Malik at 8:46. Malik has three points and still gets booed.
The Garden announcer didn't even have time to announce the third goal by Ryan Callahan at 8:58. Rich called it. Well done Rich! Rangers 4 - Panthers 2.
Dancing Larry grooves to "Strike It Up". Enough said.
Straka scores at 13:02 assisted by Malik and Drury. Rangers 5 - Panthers 2.
You can't go wrong with "Potvin sucks" chant nor with Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" during a TV timeout at 4:15.
"Hey Don" I shout out to ESPN 1050's Don LaGreca as he walks by. He nods and waves back.
In a game that truly had three acts -- a strong beginning, unspired middle, and a strong finish. I tell Rich if the Rangers don't make the Eastern Confernence Finals with a chance of winning it all, the season is a failure.
The last minute of the game is marked by "We want the Cup!" chants. Final score: Rangers 5 - Panthers 2.
The Stars of the Game:
#3: With three assists, Marek Malik finally gets cheers instead of boos.
#2: Jagomiar Jagr had two assists.
#1 With a gooal and two assists, Chris Drury lives a dream for a hometown kid to be the first star in the first game as a Ranger.
Sinatra's "New York, New York" serenades the departing fans.
Posted by the Tank reporting live from the World's Greatest Arena, Madison Square Garden.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Week #6 College Football Picks
Last week's recap:
I had another losing week at 1-2 (darn it!) and 6-5 on the season.
My fears about a bad week for Rutgers were confirmed by the "trap game" against an unranked but tough Maryland team.
Syracuse almost pulled it out against Miami (OH).
At least Cal beat out Oregon in a great game as I had predicted.
This week's fearless picks:
#11 South Carolina beats visiting #8 Kentucky.
Syracuse hosts and loses to #13 West Virginia.
#10 Oklahoma beats #19 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, a game I want to go one of these years.
#22 Clemson hosts and beats #15 Virginia Tech. This is the toughest game to pick this week.
#21 Rutgers avenges last week's loss and beats #20 Cincinnati in NJ.
#1 LSU hosts and beats #9 Florida in the game of the week and possibly the season.
#4 Ohio State beats #23 Purdue in West Lafayette.
#17 Missouri hosts and beats #25 Nebraska.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
MLB Divisional Playoff Predictions
Yankees beat Indians in four games.
Red Sox beat Angels in five games.
Phillies beat Colorado in four games.
Cubs beat Diamondbacks in five games.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
The Tank's Taxi Strike Commentary on Fox 5 NY
Lightning strikes twice in a little over 24 hours. I met A-Rod on Monday and then I was interviewed by Fox 5 last night about the taxi strike. I was on the Upper East Side last night buying a my new pair of running shoes for next month's marathon. After recognizing my friend and co-worker Jim on the street and catching up with him for a few minutes, I was then asked by star Fox 5 reporter Andrea Day to comment on the looming taxi strike.
I don't know how long the interview will be on the website but a snapshot appears below.
Video courtesy of Fox 5. Posted by the Tank interviewed Live by Fox 5 TV from Upper East Side of Manhattan in NY.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Mariano Rivera is the Best Reliever of All Time, NOT Trevor Hoffman
Someone at Sports Illustrated had the gall to put Trevor Hoffman on the cover as the so-called best reliever of all time a few years ago. Since that time, I have yet to buy an issue of Sports Illustrated including the annual Swimsuit issue. I feel that strongly about this glaring oversight. Are their editors drug tested? Are covers proof read before publication?
My theory was proven correct last night at Hoffman blew a lead in the 13th inning against the Colorado Rockies and the Padres lost 9-8. OK, it's not easy to pitch at Coors Field for anyone. But Hoffman also blew a save on Saturday at Milwaukee. Had he saved Saturday's game, there would NOT have been a one game playoff.
Sure, no one is perfect and Hoffman belongs in the Hall of Fame based upon his entire career. But, Hoffman has no World Series rings and Mariano has four World Series rings including the 1998 Classic against Hoffman and the Padres. Furthermore, when you need a save in the clutch, there is only one candidate for the best reliever of all time, the one and only Mariano Rivera. Go Yankees!
Posted by an emotional Tank in NY.
Monday, October 01, 2007
A-Rod and The Tank Global Exclusive Photo
During my lunch break today, I took a taxi over to the East Side for physical therapy after running 18 miles in yesterday's New York City Marathon Tune-Up. Once I got out of the cab, I walked one block north to Fifth Avenue and 66th Street. I saw A-Rod and his business colleague across the street. Is it really A-Rod? (I really need laser vision surgery more than I thought. I do need to get rid of my geeky glasses and not being able to see well.) Yes, it was A-Rod, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Once the light turned to the Walk Signal, they crossed the street and I asked if I could get a photo. A-Rod graciously agreed and the photo of us is below. He was really cool and I wished him the best of luck in the playoffs. Keep the Faith ! / Go Yankees!
Posted by an ecstatically grateful Tank reporting Live from Fifth Avenue and 66th Street in Manhattan.
P.S. Life Lesson: I am glad I recently bought a new and small digital camera that I carry almost everywhere. Wooooooooo!!!!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Can John Maine, The Tank, and Paperbag Kid Save the Mets Season? (Saturday's game)
I am running on fumes -- four hours of sleep after the Aussie Rules Football Grand Final late Friday night (early Saturday morning) and having to troubleshoot an issue at work early Saturday morning.
The Mets early runs came with two outs. Beltran singles home Castillo. The Mets lead 4-0. The Marlins change pitchers but Alou singles home Delgado. The Mets lead 5-0.
"The Natural" movie song and inspirational video comes on in between innings.
Castro singles. Milledge homers over the left field fence. Mets 7 - Marlins 0. Four Phillies fans with "Choke '07" on the back of their t-shirts parade around Shea in front of my Mezzanine position. They are booed and showered with beer, food, and rubbish.
Reyes bunts Maine to second. Castillo doubles home Maine. Mets 8 - Marlins 0. Wright grounds out. Beltran flies out to center. At the end of three, Mets 8 - Marlins 0.
With two out in the fourth inning, a lady behind me almost jinxes Maine's no hitter. Aussie Rod is forgiven for his earlier reference because this is his first visit to Shea. Aussie Rod and I exchange comparisons between cricket and baseball. In cricket, if the ball hits the batter's hand while he is batting, the ball is considered in play while it would be a hit by pitch or possibly a foul ball depending where and how it hit. Quite fascinating.
Milledge hits his second home run of the game to the Mets lead to 9-0. Maine strikes out. Jose doubles down the first baseline. Castillo is almost hit by a pitch and a fight almost breaks out. Tempers are momentarily calmed.
Castillo then walks on four pitches. Another pitching change. A few pitches later, a real fight breaks out after Jose and a Marlin exchange words.
Harvey Garcia is the new pitcher and his first pitch is way inside to DW. His second pitch was hit past the shortstop. Reyes scores. Mets 10-Marlins 0.
Beltran strikes out. The "A-Lou" cheers are lead by the Paperbag Kid pictured below.
Alou flies out to shallow left field. Speaking of Alou, he makes a great catch to preserve the no-hitter to end the top of the sixth.
Castro hits a home run to extend the Mets lead to 11-0. Milledge hits a sure out dribbler down the first baseline but the pitcher misses it and overthrows first. Milledge advances to second. Maine pops up to
first. The crowd rises to its feet as Jose comes to the plate. Jose pops up to short and lead 11-0 at the end of the sixth.
Andino hits a ball off DW's glove but Reyes recovers to throw out Andino at first. Uggla hits a ball that DW can't field but the third base umpire rules it foul. Uggla unfortunately works out a walk. Jeremy Hermida strikes out after being up 3-0. Amezaga pops up to DW. Through the top of the seventh, Mets 11-Marlins 0. Get up and stretch, it's the Seventh Inning Stretch.
The Mets add another run as I go to the restroom. Mets 12 - Marlins 0.
The Paperbag Kid is wilting in the sun but the nearby fans urge him NOT take the bag off his head. Asphyxiation is a high price to pay to but the Mets have never had a no-hitter. Not Ryan, not Seaver. Is today the day that history is made? When will the Paperbag Kid ever breathe (regularly) again?
The first batter strikes out after 3-0. The second flies out to Alou. Hoover hits a dribbler down the third baseline but DW didn't throw it. Darn it! To the din of the crowd, Willie pulls Maine and brings in Willie Collazo.
A "Let's Go Nationals" cheer rocks Shea as the Nationals score an early run in the first inning against the Phillies
Newhan singles home a run in the bottom of the eighth. Mets 13 - Marlins 0.
Gomez makes a great sliding catch on Andino in center. Muniz gets Abercombie out and the Mets win 13-0.
Posted by the Tank reporting Live from Shea Stadium, Queens.
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