The Mets were is a batting slump and lost three games in a row. Mets fans (including myself) had visions of September 2007 in our head. But there are two reasons why that is not the case.

First the stopper known as Johan Santana. Seven solid innings (2 ER, 4K and only 1 BB) and even a pair of doubles at the plate. The second reason is 8th inning setup work by Duaner Sánchez, back to his old form after missing a year and a half.

In 2007 there was no stopper, someone you can give the ball to and expect a W. In the last week of the season, the Mets asked that of Tom Glavine twice and twice he got shelled. In addition there was nobody to go 7+ innings to give the bullpen a rest. Santana has pitched into the 7th inning in all of his starts (and into the 8th in one) to record 34.2 innings in 5 starts.

The second reason this is not 2007 is Duaner Sánchez. His presence with his 4 pitches in the bullpen makes him the perfect 8th inning set-up man, a role Aaron Heilman was not comfortable in, nor were Mets fans comfortable with him in.

The bullpen was one of the main reasons why the collapse occurred last year. Willie will have more depth and options in his bullpen as well as a stopper of small streaks who comes in and sets the tone the way Santana set it last night. While the Mets still have to do a lot of things right to win the NL East, but at least they won't just give it away like last year.

Posted By Steve in New York

Mets Analysis (MLB)

Thursday, April 24, 2008 8:38:35 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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I had the pleasure of meeting Baseball Hall of Famer and 1986 Mets World Champion catcher Gary Carter in Midtown Manhattan last week.  He was autographing his new book, "Still a Kid at Heart: My Life in Baseball and Beyond".
                             

Speaking of kids, I asked him to autograph a copy of the book for my 12 year nephew Elijah.  Elijah is playing Little League baseball, soccer, and other sports thank God.

Gary mentioned that many school districts across the country are cutting physical education programs.  I knew this and we discussed the alarming rate of childhood obesity.  I mentioned that I was watching a 220 pound 12 year old boy who was on the "20/20" program a few years ago.  It is scary because of the future health ramifications.
       
It was great that Gary continues to inspire and hope that school districts get with the program.  We should all be "kids at heart". 

Posted by an inspired Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.

Editorial | Halls of Fame | Live! | MLB

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:12:26 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Here is a news flash, a Steinbrenner is making rash public statements that contradict the GM, Manager, and the situation on the field. Then the next day that same Steinbrenner comes out and tones down his statements but is still pretty confrontational. Yankees of 1978?

The names have changed, but this is the Yankees of 2008. Hank Steinbrenner went on a rant in the media yesterday about the role of Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees 22 year old bullpen ace (30 career IP, 2 earned runs, 100 mph fastball.) "I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now," Hank Steinbrenner told The New York Times yesterday. "There is no question about it, you don't have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a set-up guy. You just don't do that. You have to be an idiot to do that."

GM Brian Cashman disagrees. "Joba's staying in the bullpen right now." Cashman told Newsday yesterday. He also said that Hank already knows this and was confused by his statements to the NYT.

Steinbrenner is already second guessing the pitching situation since he lost the battle to get Johan Santana to Cashman. While Kennedy and Hughes struggle early on, it would be foolish to push Chamberlain into a starting role.

While Hank was vocal all winter, this is the first time we are seeing his true stripes, and they are the same color as his dad's. This is not good news for Yankee's fans, but this is Yankee baseball.

Posted by Steve in New York

Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:51:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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MLB has conspired against the Yankees again.  They suspending Kyle Farnsworth for three games for throwing behind and high to Manny Ramirez on Thursday night. 

Why is this wrong?
(1) A-Rod was hit by a pitch on Wednesday.  Was anyone on the Red Sox was suspended or thrown out of the game?  NO.

(2) Was Farnsworth thrown out of the game?  NO.  Therefore, MLB is overruling its own umpires.
     
(3) Manny has killed the Yankees over the years, especially this season.  No Yankee, especially Mussina, has had the guts to thrown inside to, much less hit Manny.  Granted, Farnsworth misexecuted but at least was trying.  You have to give him credit for trying to stop the beaning of Yankees.

Manny understood why he was thrown at in the post-game interview.  Therefore, why the suspension? 

Bottom Line: MLB continues its anti-Yankee conspiracy.  No Red Sox or other team has been suspended for beaning Jeter, A-Rod, and other Yankees over the years.  This is on top of Senator Mitchell's conflict of interest.
           
Yankees Early Outlook:

Bad: Mussina is nowhere near a #2 starter but had to because of Pettitte's back injury.  He hasn't been an ace since Bay Ridge Bob, Howard, Ronjon, and myself saw him pitch a perfect 8.2 innings at Fenway Park on Sunday, September 2, 2001.  Mussina needs to be reassigned as a #4 or #5 starter, made into a long man, or traded.  (I don't think he will be traded because no one will want to take the contract.)  Granted, he'll complain but the Yankees are his last best chance at a ring so he has to play ball because he's doesn't have it anymore.

Good: 
Joba, Hughes, and there some young guys in the minor leagues are great.  I am so-so on Kennedy because he is a location guy like Mussina, though younger.  We need power pitchers.  The only exception is if we get a proven knuckle baller like Boston's Tim Wakefield to throw batters off in between starts.

The Yankees won more games in April 2008 so far, 10-10, than all of April 2007, 9-14.  The Yankees should have at least two more ones (one against the Red Sox as Pettitte should have been pitching those games rather than Mussina).  The Yankees should have one more each against the Royals and Orioles.  Anyway, not bad but the rotation needs to be Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Mussina, Kennedy.  That adjustment will hopefully start to be made with Monday's off-day.  Pettitte is going to be inserted between Hughes and Kennedy to stop overworking the bullpen according to ESPN 1050 last night.  Well, it's a start.    

Future:
It will be a challenge to contend this year but we have enough hitting and better pitching than last year.  Moreover, I am excited about next year and beyond because we'll be able to get some key free agents, compensate the kids, and save luxury tax money as $53+ million will be coming off the books (Mussina's $11 million, Farnsworth's $10 million, Pavano's $10 million, and Giambi's $20+ million).

Posted by The Tank in NY.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Monday, April 21, 2008 12:44:31 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Memo to Knicks management: bring Mark Jackson home. After ending our pain and suffering by finally firing Isiah Thomas as NY Knicks Head Coach, Knicks management has a chance to win the fans back by bring back Brooklyn born, Bishop Loughlin High School and Saint Johns University educated New York native Mark Jackson.

Jackson was drafted by the NY Knicks at the 1987 NBA Draft. I was there and witnessed the dramatics live when they called his name. There was an excitement in the air, an excitement that Jackson will bring some change. We need this excitement back now.

Jackson went on to be the 1988 Rookie of the Year and have a great career with the Knicks during those years where the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan had a great rivalry with the Knicks, back when basketball in New York was fun to watch.

Mark is a native New Yorker who has played on great teams and knows the pressure of New York and the pressure of the playoffs. Like Willie Randolph he has no coaching experience. Like Willie Randolph he can achieve great success.

Bring him home.

Posted by Steve, waiting for Mark Jackson

NBA

Sunday, April 20, 2008 9:11:44 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Last night the second-place Mets headed into Citizens Park with an 8 game losing streak there. There has been talk that the Phillies are "in the Mets head."

The Mets needed a win to set the tone for the year that this is not 2007. The Phillies and Citizens Park are not in the Mets head.

Citizens Park is a classic hitters park and the Phillies have one of the most devastating lineups in the National League.The Phillies had their ace, Cole Hamels, starting, who had an ERA less than 1.The Mets countered with Johan Santana. Big game, big money pitcher.

This is why Johan Santana is worth the money. Johan was awesome, not intimidated by the boos and the hitters park. Johan over 7 innings allowed only 2 hits (one a homer to Utley), walked none, and stuck out 10. Willie allowed him to pitch the 8th where he allowed 2 hits and Aaron Heilman gave up a three run home run, so the final line on Santana is 7+ innings, 4 hits and 3 ER, 10K and 0 BB. An economical 105 pitches.

Last year the Mets had nobody to come in and set the tone. (Or alternatively stop the bleeding in a losing streak.) Santana set the tone. The Mets are armed and ready to take on the Phillies. They set the tone and took over first place. The Phillies are on notice.

Posted by Steve in New York

Saturday, April 19, 2008 9:30:02 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Donnie Walsh made a great move in firing Isiah as the Knicks Head Coach a few moments ago in a conference call. 

But, Isiah remains in the organization in some unknown title according to ESPN 1050 AM.  What's Isiah going to do?  Scout? 

I didn't like Isiah as a player on the Bad Boys with the Pistons.  They were dirty but champions.  Isiah's success as a player didn't translate into the executive ranks as he ran the CBA into bankruptcy and the Raptors and Knicks into the ground.  Granted, he did have some success with the Pacers but already had a ready built team and it's hard to lose with a coach on the court like Reggie Miller.   

Isiah must be blackmailing the Dolans and/or has some kind of magical powers.  How can he get away with running the Knicks into the ground?  AND not even being contrite during a sexual harrassment suit?  Isiah literally thinks he is above the law.  What is going on?  I may have to continue my Knicks boycott until Isiah is totally gone. 

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.

NBA

Friday, April 18, 2008 4:22:47 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Astronaut and Yankee fan Dr. Garrett Reisman threw out the first pitch from the International Space Station.  He recited "Hip-Hip Jorge" and made references to other Yankee players and the Bleacher Creatures.  Thanks bro!  

Yes, indeed, it is a Yankees Universe he adds. 

I say walk Manny.  Otto disagrees.  Manny doubles to Death Valley.  Red Sox 1 - Yankees 0.  Youkilis couldn't check his swing and called out.

Damon is out.  Jeter singles.  El Como Dulce homers to the right field bleachers.  Yankees 2 - Red Sox 1.  I predicted A-Rod's home run. You can ask my buddy Otto.  It went 100 feet to my right away from me.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.  Matsui flew out and Posada grounded out to second to end the first.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.

Wang loads the bases with no outs in the top of the second as Lugo comes to the plate.  Lugo grounds out to A-Rod.  Ellsbury grounds out to Wang who throws to Posada or Molina who gets Varitek in a run down.  Varitek eludes A-Rod's tag but is out since he went out of the basepath.  Pedroia grounds out to Cano to end the top of the second.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 2.

Otto and I discuss the Pope's upcoming visit to NYC.  Many thanks to Linda for the permalink.  Though not Catholic, I pray/hope that the Pope doesn't go on the grass.  One jinx will be resolved this season -- either the Popemobile going on the grass at the Stadium or the Yankees winning World Series without Don Mattingly.

Veteran catcher and newest Yankee Moeller hit to second ate up the RS second baseman.  Cabrera couldn't check his swing so the Yankees couldn't extend their lead. 

It's about 50 minutes in and only the end of the second inning.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 2.  (Photo courtesy of PermaGuest Outlaw Jack whose seats were "slightly" better than mine.)

Otto and I discuss the merits of pitching inside.  Hey, everybody is friends today.  Manny called out on 3-2. 
           
The Red Sox tied the game while I went to get something to eat.

Moeller hit a double down the left field.  Scores.  Yankees 4 - Red Sox 3.  Jeter's single scores two.  Yankees 6 - Red Sox 3.  Terry Francona pulls Bucholz for Ramirez.

Ramirez's wild pitch scores Cabrera.  Yankees 7 - Red Sox 3.  Abreu strikes out looking but the four run lead is huge.

Pedroia hits a ground rule double down the left field line.  I tell Otto that Big Papi is due and sure enough, he singles home Pedroia.  Yankees 7 - Red Sox 4.  Manny singles up the middle.  The bullpen starts while Pitching Coach Dave Island goes to the mound.  Youkilis singles to left.  Bases loaded and no one out for JD Drew.  Drew singles to center and the Red Sox close it to 7-6.  Wang is pulled after 4+.  Ohlendorf comes out of the bullpen.  Varitek struck out.  Casey's single ties the game at seven.  Lugo called out on strikes.  Ellsbury walks on four pitches.  Pedroia doubles past Jeter.  Red Sox 9 - Yankees 7.  Ortiz comes to the plate for the second time in the inning.  Big Papi mercifully strikes out swinging.  Ugh!  Half-way through at 2 hours and 15 minutes in, this game will finish around midnight.

A-Rod grounded out to second.  Darn it!  Matsui singles to right.  Posada lines a double down the left field line.  Matsui scores and Posada advances to third.  Red Sox 9 - Yankees 8.  Giambi is up.  Three Red Sox are in between first and second.  OMG!  Otto calls for a hit up the middle.  A home run would really help my chi.  Anyway, Giambi walks.  Cano is quick enough to beat a double play, touch wood, I reply to Otto.  Cano singles to right and Posada ties the game at 9.  Exactly even at 9-11 for both teams an older gentleman in front of me remarks.  Moeller walks to load the bases.  Cabrera grounds out to second but the throw was wide.  Two runs score.  Yankees 11 - Red Sox 9.  Cabrera steals third on the first pitch to Jeter.  Jeter grounded out.  At the end of five innings (and 2.5 hours),

Manny walks on four pitches.  LaTroy Hawkins strikes out Youkilis.  Drew lines a single to right center.  Varitek strikes out looking.  Casey flies out to Matsui along the left field line.  Whew!  No runs thank God!

Abreu returns the favor and lines it down the line to Manny.  A-Rod is hit by a pitch.  My Blackberry battery died from all the action.  The bottom line is that the Yankees won a wild game 15-9 to tie the Red Sox for first in the standings, touch wood. 

I grab my gym bag from the bowling alley and go to the Subway.  After entering the final car, Otto points out actor Robert Klein.  I ask Mr. Klein for a photo and he obliges.    

Posted by a psyched AstroTank reporting Live from Yankee Stadium and on the Subway from the Boogie Down Bronx. 

Live! | MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Thursday, April 17, 2008 11:55:40 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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I traveled to Safeco Field with Richard (from Canada) and Remi (from the Netherlands). It was Remi's first baseball game ever and my first time in Safeco field. The first thing that I noticed is that Safeco is right in the middle of town and has an open air aspect to it and has a retractable roof. This is needed in all baseball stadiums to prevent the early April rainouts that have plagued the league in recent years.

Richard goes to the box office and we are able to get some 6th row seats in the field boxes, not cheap, but we are happy that it is a day game in April and the seats are available. I start to explain the rules to Remi. It is also Jackie Robinson day so I explain the importance of Jackie to Remi and Richard.

\

It was a cold day, about 38 degrees when the Mariners took the field. We were very excited to see Ichiro Suzuki up close (and that is him running out in the photo below.) Kansas City took an early 1-0 lead and Remi was into it. In the bottom of the 1st Seattle tied it up. Both runs in the first inning came on sac flies, so we really had to get technical for Remi. (He is a fast learner, also his Dutchisms were cute, he called a Walk "Four Wide".) What was cool is that both teams were playing small ball so we were able to explain the awesome fundamentals of Baseball that make the game exciting and expose how strategic it is (fouling off bad pitches, stealing, pickoff moves, infield in, sac flies and bunts, etc).

Remi and I go to get some good old fashioned stadium hot dogs and an attempt for some Starbucks (since Seattle is the home of Starbucks and it was too cold for beer.) Striking out with the Strabucks we get to walk around the stadium and check it out. It is a very awesome stadium, I just hope that CitiField will be as nice.

Jose Lopez became the 12th player in major league history to hit three sacrifice flies in a game and Yuniesky Betancourt drove in three runs. As the game progresses, the Mariners go to put up 11 runs and KC 6. Just about all of the runs were small ball runs, sac flies, etc. Remi is getting aggressive, saying that the team should steal and tag up far more than even super-aggressive always run manager in training me. We even witness Richie Sexson getting caught in a rundown, as I said a perfect first game for the Dutchman!

The ticket taker gracefully took our photo, you can see I am already getting frozen. Richard and Remi sing "Take me out to the ballgame" for the 7th inning stretch and don't understand its importance. I said that will only come with time.

Alas we have to get back to Microsoft Campus (hopefully they did not realize we took a 3 hour afternoon break) for our meetings and we leave in the bottom of the 8th after the Mariners have it locked up. Remi says that it was far more exciting than he thought and wants to come to NY this summer and take his 9 year old son to at Mets game. He won't admit that baseball is better than soccer but he kept saying how "exciting" the game was. Maybe after he sees Jose Reyes this summer he will change his tune.

Posted by Steve at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.

Live! | MLB

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:23:20 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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