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.

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.

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.

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:  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.

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.

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.

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.

Last Week Recap: I was 0-3 last week. Darn Texas Tech and Florida! I am 6-7 on the season.

The Week's Fearless Picks:

#12 TCU loses at #8 Utah.

#20 Georgia Tech loses at #19 North Carolina.

#1 Alabama wins at #16 LSU. This could pit this year's national champion against last year's national champion. Add in former LSU and current Alabama Coach Nick Saban comes home. Expect the Tigers to be extra super duper fired up for this Bayou Battle. Go Tide!

#9 Oklahoma State loses at #2 Texas. Watch for Texas to rebound after last week's classic against Texas Tech.

#21 Cal loses at #7 USC.

Written by The Tank and posted by Steve in NY.

Lost in all of the election and football hoopla, the Yankees declined the options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. This frees up $35 million in salary and is probably a good move (well Pavano is a no brainer.) Giambi may still come back at a cheaper price. Andy Pettitte wants to be back, but we will see what the Yankees decide.

After losing Johan Santana last year, the Yankees need to make a big move. I don’t think that CC Sabathia will land in New York, he will either go to LA or stay in Milwaukee. That leaves Jake Peavy. The Yankees are considering trading Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson according to the NY Daily News.

In other NY baseball news, Carlos Beltran and David Wright won the gold glove.