 Thursday, May 31, 2007
No Run Support for #296
Tom Glavine's 296th win is proving to be harder than ever. First he had to face John Smoltz and the Braves where the Mets gave him 1 run. Then last night Barry Zito shut down the Mets for the first time this season. So in his last two starts, Glavine gave up 5 earned runs in 14 innings but is 0-2.
That is how baseball works. No one said #300 would be easy. Maybe it is better this way since at this pace the 300th win can be at Shea. On September 11th the Mets play the Braves at Shea. What a great date for the Mets to clinch the division with Glavine throwing a perfect game for win #300. I'm ordering my tickets now.
Posted by Steve in New York.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Coping With The Yankee Emergency
At almost a third of the way through the season, the Yankees are definitely in a emergency.
Fans, players, the manager, the general manager, and ownership are not happy with the situation. The "performance enhancement" coach was already fired after a rash of injuries. Who is next? Is it manager Joe Torre or the general manager Brian Cashman?
It's hard to tell because of conflicting signals. Joe Torre was booed after Sunday's loss and Mr. Steinbrenner is always attentive to the needs of the fans. Joe held a one hour closed meeting before Monday's game in Toronto which didn't yield positive results in a 7-2 loss.
Mr. Steinbrenner has Brian Cashman on a even shorter leash. I think Cashman has done a good job rebuilding the pitching staff with young and home grown talent like Philip Hughes, Ching-Ming Wang, Darrell Karstens. Granted, Hughes was injured on a weak hamstring possibly caused by stretches from the "Performance Enhancement" Coach who is now gone. Karstens is injured because of a freak liner up the middle from Endy Chavez that I witnessed firsthand at Shea Stadium on Saturday, May 19. However, the young pitchers are a season or too from coming into their own. With Mr. Steinbrenner's health, he doesn't want to wait another year or two to rebuild.
As for Steve's suggestion of getting Yankee payroll down to $70 to 80 million. It's unrealistic because of salaries like Jeter's, A-Rod's, etc. A more realistic number is about $140 to 150 million, still ahead of the Mets $116 and the Red Sox $125 million, respectively.
Since Jason Giambi can't keep his mouth shut, he maybe traded soon or his contract voided at the end of the season so there is $20 million in savings right there. A-Rod maybe reunited with Lou Pinella next season so there is $27 million more saved. Matsui isn't paid as much as the others but there is some savings there too.
Many have suggested "blowing up" the team and starting over. I disagree. I think it can be done surgically. Trade what you can (A-Rod), void contracts where you can (Pavano and Giambi), and let expiring contracts go unsigned (Matsui).
Preserving the young (Cano, Cabrera) and experienced (Jeter, Posada) core is enough talent to contend. Granted, this year is getting late quickly. Other young prospects like Sanchez acquired for an unhappy Gary Sheffield should bear fruit in a year or two.
ESPN 1050's Jim Leyritz made a good Tuesday about the Yankees playing in Chicago. After the first loss of the split game doubleheader, the Yankees were playing dominoes and joking. I remembered back a few years ago to Paul O'Neil. He would have broken the dominoes board and thrown dominoes like missiles. If Lou Pinella were the manager, he would have broken even more stuff and maybe even burned the opposing stadium down. OK, a slight exaggeration on the latter but the players would have gotten the message. I hate to say it but it is time for Joe to go. (I would prefer at the end of the season.). He is a lame duck manager as his contract is not renewed anyway. The question is do you bring Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi, or someone else in mid season. The Yankees better improve quickly or Mr. Steinbrenner will be back to his old firing ways soon.
Posted by a panicked Tank in NY.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Yankees Problems Continue
Yankee owner George Steinbrenner went on a rampage last weekend about how the team is not winning, nor how the GM Brian Cashman seems to have a solution to the problem. The problem got worse with the Yankees dropping four in a row this weekend.
In the past Steinbrenner would micro-manage baseball decisions. A few years ago, Steinbrenner gave freedom to Cashman and has yet to see any results. Just because Cashman has not produced a World Series in the last few years, the Yankees have been in the post season for as long as I can remember.
The problem with Cashman is his buying talent. It started with Jason Giambi in 2002 and A-Rod in 2004. If you look at the Yankees success in the late 90s, most of it was with home grown talent. Bring back Roger Clemens for over $1 million a start is not the answer either. (Watch for a future post on how the Yankees should be mad at Clemens for holding them hostage.)
As I advocated with the Mets in 2002 (after mistakes like Mo Vaughn) it is time to accept that the Yankees are not as competitive as they can be and accept a few rebuilding years-two maximum. Shed some salary and build some home grown talent. When I talk to Yankees fans, their concern is not winning games, but having a 200 million salary and not winning games. Bring that down to 75 or 80 million, trade away some of the rock stars for minor leaguers and you will still be competitive in 2008 and 2009, but are really gearing for 2010 and beyond.
The Yankees are old. In 2009 when the new stadiums in New York open, Jose Reyes and David Wright will still be in their 20s when Jeter and A-Rod and company will be closer to 40 than 30. The Mets rebuilt from 2003-2004 and 2005 and 2006 were exciting years. Let’s hope the Yankees can do the same.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer with barbecues, trips to the beach, and an extra day off to enjoy other leisure activities.
Memorial Day is much more than that. Freedom isn't free; it is made possible by the blood of others who came before us.
Please take a moment today to remember the fallen in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you very much and God bless us all.
Sincerely,
The Tank
Sunday, May 27, 2007
David Wright Is Ca$hing In
I blogged last Saturday that David Wright was dialed in with two home runs plus two intentional walks against the Yankees at Shea. I read in yesterday's (Saturday's) NY Post that David's 0.5 percent stake in Glaceau is now worth about 20 million dollars after Coca Cola bought out the Whitestone, Queens, based company for $4.1 Billion. David has believed in Glaceau's Vitamin Water since he was in the minors. There is a lesson for other young stars out there like Lastings Milledge. Take care of your business on and off the field and there will be plenty of money in salary and endorsements. Play hard, don't objectify women, and good things will come to you. As for Lastings' time on the Mets, it maybe too late as he is persona non grata with Willie Randolph and his teammates but he can learn before he starts with his new team. As David is Steve's favorite Met, I entered him in a Vitamin Water contest to meet David last year but he unfortunately did not win. Let's hope Steve's luck is better the next time the contest takes place. Congratulations again to David for his on and off the field success! Posted by the Tank in NY.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Cycling needs to clean up its act!
The 1996 Tour de France winner, Danish cyclist Bjarne Riis, finally admitted Friday he used performance-enhancing drugs during the 1996 tour. (True fans always knew this to be true.) The second and third place finishers in 1996 were also dogged by drug allegations. The uber cyclist and Armstrong arch rival Jan Ullrich of Germany was second and Frenchman Richard Virenque was third. Ullrich retired in February after being implicated in Operation Puerto, the Spanish investigation into an alleged blood doping ring. Last month, German authorities matched Ullrich’s DNA sample to blood bags seized in Spain. So who should the 1996 title go to, the 4th place guy? He was probably doping too.
Lance Armstrong has always faced allegations and last year Floyd Landis failed a drug test after his victory, his innocence or guilt not yet determined.
You think Professional Baseball has issues, Professional Cycling has a major problem. If Cycling does not clean up its act, it will lose all its fans. I think that there has to be independent oversight since so many people seem to have been getting away with doping. The International Cycling Union seems to have been asleep at the wheel.
Posted by a raging mad Steve in New York.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Medford Bob's Dinner at Whitey's
I was up in Ocean Park, Florida, near Jacksonville visiting my friend Robert and his family and they suggested we have dinner at a place called “Whiteys Fish Camp, Restaurant and Campground”. Seeing as I had no clue where I was, I figured what the hell. We drove down 17 south and there it was on the right located next to a creek. Now Whitey is not a social commentary on who is welcome here but the nickname of the guy who founded this place back in 1961 (of course we all remember 1961 as the turning point in race relations in the South. ). Seems he was a retired Navy guy who started this place with “a bait shack and nine bar stools”. Even then, before GPS’s, this had to be a point of interest, a vacation destination, somewhere you just had to go. Anyway, we pull into the parking lot and on the left is the restaurant next to the creek, on the right is a row of motor homes (why do my friends think I’m enthralled with restaurants with RV’s next door?) and in the middle of the parking lot, in what could only be called a large shack, was a hair salon. Two chairs. It reminded me of my uncle Carl and his wife Mabel.
Carl and Mabel owned a house in South Boston next to the Andrew Station subway line. About, oh, twenty five years ago, the transit authority thought they would expand the station. Even though it was available, they didn’t use eminent domain to grab the land on the houses next to the station and instead offered what they thought was a fair market price for the homes on the street. Now calling this a street is extremely generous. It was more like an alley with a bunch of rundown buildings and a host of garbage cans. Anyway, everyone on the street was extremely pleased with the offer of real cash for this small shanty town, everyone, that is except Carl and Mabel. Maybe it was bad advice, maybe it was greed, maybe they thought this was their one shot at the brass ring I don’t know. But while all their neighbors jumped at this more than generous offer, Carl and Mabel held out. The transit authority offered more. They held out more. They were threatened with legal action. Their legal aid lawyer started a delaying tactic. Eminent domain was raised. My uncle knew someone in the state house. And so it dragged on, much to the chagrin of the MTA who had a construction deadline. Finally, they were given what they were told was the final offer, that there would be no more negotiating, that they had the opportunity to get twice what their neighbors got. So what did Carl and Mabel do? They turned it down. And what did the transit authority do? They expanded the train station, around Carl and Mabel’s house. Where before you could glimpse their house from the front of the alley, now all you saw was a walkway and a break in the cement wall which made no sense unless you went to investigate what was there. But, I digress.
The first thing you notice about the place when you walk in is the stuffed fish. Lots and Lots of stuffed fish, on the walls, from the ceiling, even in the rest room. Now I have always found stuffed game fish to be a little strange. If you’ve ever seen a fish in the water they don’t look like this. Maybe it’s the shellac job that makes all the colors pop out and helps preserve the thing but I don’t know, it just looks like they picked them up in the decorating fish department at Sears.
We walked to the host/greeter/seater station to be presented with a sign that told us to seat ourselves anywhere. Now, there were choices. Do we go to extremely large bar area where later that evening the poker games would begin, the screened in porch that had a hole cut in the roof to let the tree that was growing in the middle go through (I guess Florida bugs are so stupid that they can’t figure out that there’s a huge entrance for them if they would only fly up a little. One thing I do know. They have a death wish on a massive scale. Every windshield has hundreds, nay, THOUSANDS of dead bugs that just crash into it and then somehow embed themselves so that ordinary windshield washer has no effect. I’m still looking for the little suicide notes as to why they did it), or the air conditioned dining room with the really good pastel colors of all kinds with the fake palm trees and the Christmas decorations. It was a no brainer. I mean, who doesn’t love Christmas?
We choose a booth and are immediately approached by twin waitresses in black t-shirts (whom we immediately name Mumbles and Ha Ha. Do the math) who want to know what we want to drink and did we want to see a menu. Steady now. We order iced tea which comes in the bucket size germane to the South and is accompanied by the menu which gives the history of the place which I have already touched on, the only other thing worth mentioning is that Whitey slowly expanded the place over the years to it’s present size, (except for the beauty parlor) and that the restaurant, inadequate to handle the business that was starting to grow exponentially to the expansion, miraculously burned down in 2002 and was replaced by this behemoth less than five months later. (I assume the renovation plans were already in place and that this was God’s way of helping the Whitester).
We look at the menu and I choose gulf shrimp and crab cakes with a remoulade sauce with rice pilaf and a fresh vegetable medley, which turns out to be amazingly good. (Fish camp kitchen’s got chops!). In the middle of this we are approached by a very large person in an orange tank top (the state color) who informs us that she is really our waitress, that the twins, Mumbles and Ha Ha are really just trainees, and that we may see any of them at any time. And so it begins.
Our food arrives at the table (brought by a gentleman who asks “Which of you dudes has the fish cakes.”) and as we are admiring the presentation, Mumbles stops by to see how everything is. And then Ha Ha. And then tank top. And then Mumbles again, and then, well, you get the idea. I usually have a low tolerance for this because after you’ve said it’s ok, how many times does the dish suddenly go bad? (“The food was really good when you brought it but I just realized it’s awful now.”) But after awhile it started to be fun. We were doing an over and under on the time between visits and who would appear. I had Jimmy Buffet playing in my head while we waited (“Wasted away again in Margaretville.” “How’s your food? Cha Cha Cha, one two.). We finish dinner, Mumbles clears the plates and Ha Ha drops the check, at which point I ask if there’s anything else they’d like to say. They stand there for a minute and I say “anything for dessert”? Ha doesn’t miss a beat and recites, “Chocolate cake, cheese cake, key lime pie and Yummy cake.” I’m intrigued. “What’s Yummy cake?” “It’s like wedding cake” “That’s it?” She reaches in her apron and takes out a take out menu and starts to read, sotto voice, “white cake with a hint of amaretto, buttercream and strawberry filling..” at which point I ask for the menu so I can read this. What I really wanted to know is if this was some leftover from a banquet gone bad. I mean, who’s ever been to a wedding where there is cake leftover? Sure enough, this is a menu item. Tank top now comes flying over to find out why I’m reading a takeout menu. “They said you guys were finished and they were dropping the check” “We wanted to see what the dessert menu was” so she recites the same thing as the others but with a description borne from experience. I asked if they made them there and she said no, that they have a woman who makes them for them from her home. We order the key lime and coffee. But I can’t get the Yummy out of my mind. I mean, to get wedding cake you usually you have to dress up, buy a gift, and commit to at least a half of day of your time. What an opportunity. I call tank top over and ask for some Yummy to go. If nothing else I figure it will be the cheapest wedding cake I’ve ever had. And it was really good!
I gotta say the whole experience at Whiteys was really great, from the food, to the atmosphere, to our tag team of servers. I would definitely go there again and if you’re near Orange Park, Florida, stop on by and ask for Mumbles or Ha Ha. But try to go soon before they figure out how to run up a check.
Written by Medford Bob in Florida and posted by the Tank in NY.
Carl Pavano
In violation of yogic principles and thinking positive thoughts, I was unfortunately compelled by Yankee radio broadcasters John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman Wednesday night to think about Carl Pavano for the first time in a month. Pavano had four medical experts review his arm and all agreed that he needs Tommy John surgery. This will keep him out for the next a year and a half through the end of his four year contract.
Therefore, in Pavano's four year Yankee "career" which will end after his contract ends in 2008, he will have been paid $8 million for each of his five wins or $40 million total.
Say what you will about Roger Clemens but he at least isn't driving around Florida getting into accidents with his supermodel girlfriend and then trying to cover it up. If you want to be angry, be angry at Pavano.
For the sake of the Yankees, let's hope insurance covers his salary. Let's hope I can get his ex-girlfriend's phone number. 
Posted by a hopeful Tank in NY.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Two Out of Three Ain't Bad
To quote the immortal rock singer Meatloaf, the above song reference in the subject line summed up the Yankees finally winning a series and beating the arch-rival Red Sox, thank God.
The Yankees are within 9.5 games of the Red Sox. It is a wide margin and this is home to come back. The Yankees are 21-24 and there are 117 games left in the regular season. If the Yankees win two out of three games in each series, that equals 78 victories. 78 victories plus the current 21 victories equals 99 and should win the AL East or at least garner the Wild Card.
In the meantime, I think the following will happen:
(1) The Angels will win the AL West. I need the As, Mariners, and Rangers to beat up on each other and keep each other out of playoff contention.
(2) The Indians or Tigers will win the AL Central. I need the other team (probably the Indians) to start losing immediately. I am rooting for the Royals to beat them tomorrow night.
Winning two out of three is a large task but if the bats continue to heat up and the pitching (Pettitte, Mussina, Wang, Clemens, and rookie starter du jour) is healthy, God Willing, two out of three is very doable. Keep the faith!
Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in NY.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Onto the Games That Count the Most
Much ink was spilled in all about the Subway Series bragging rights. However, both teams had to get down to business and deal with bitter division rivals, the Braves and Red Sox, respectively.
The Yankees had a good start Monday evening from Wang but Manny made the Yankees pay on Tuesday night. The Mets unfortunately had a tough loss in Atlanta.
Even though the Mets still have a 1.5 game lead on Atlanta, they have lost five out of seven games to the Braves. The Yankees have lost six out of eight games to the Red Sox.
Bottom Line: If the Yankees want to get back in it, Wednesday is a must win because it would symbolize winning of the rubber match of the three game set. Furthermore, the difference between winning and losing Wednesday is 9.5 or a very psychologically high 11.5 games. The Mets can also hold the Braves at bay. Even though the Wild Card is probably going to come from the NL East, the Mets can't take any chances. The Yankees need to take one pitch and one game at a time.
Let's Go Mets and Yankees!
Posted by an anxious Tank in NY.
Monday, May 21, 2007
David Wright Dialed In While the Yankees Fight the Good Fight. (Subway Series Game 2)
Light rain started to fall as I entered Shea. Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine was on the hill versus Yankee youngster Darrell Rasner.
The Yankees get off to a good start as Damon walked, Deter struck out looking, Matsui singled to center, A-Rod walked to load the bases. With the bases loaded, Posada's ground out to Reyes scores Damon. With a full count, Abreu flies out to just short of the warning track in center. At the end of a half an inning, Yankees 1 - Mets 0. Glavine is pitchered below pitching to A-Rod.
The announcer announces that Josh Phelps is playing first. Nothing against Phelps but Jason Giambi doesn't need two caddies at first, Mientkiewicz and Phelps. "Bern Baby Bern" Williams should have his roster spot.
Reyes singles off the top of Jeter's glove. Friday night's hero Endy Chavez is up and hears it from the Shea faithful. Even though Posada's throw was high, Reyes is safe at second with a stolen base. Chavez hits it hard off Rasner's pitching hand, right on the wrist from my laser vision candidate eyes. Not another injury to the beleagured Yankee pitching staff. Reyes advances to third.
Rasner throws four practice pitches while Joe Torre, Ron Guidry, and the Yankee trainer look on. On the fourth pitch, Rasner has to leave with terrible pain and jogs off the field to the jeers of the Shea faithful. Rivalry is one thing, but injury is another. Ouch!
Rasner's broken finger makes it almost two painful to blog. It is also a great opportunity with my friend John. Like the Tank, John is the Yankees fan first but also roots for the Mets. For instance, he was at Game 6 in 1986 when the Mets beat the Red Sox.
As we catch up, David Wright hits two incredible two run home runs including one which hits the top of the Universal Express sign in left field. DW is also intentionally walked twice later in the game.
"I still love you even though you are my son," a 40 something year old Mets fan behind me said to his ten year old Yankee fan son. The Subway Series takes no prisoners.
As the rain continues to fall, the Tank is thankfully staying dry in his seat in the Mezzanine overhang at Shea. John has other plans for the evening and has to go. He asks me if I want to leave with the Yankees down 8-2. I tell him that I can not with injuries, rain, etc. My faith in the Yankees is tested. I feel like Scarface alone at the end of the movie when all comers besieged his home. The Yankees and I must make our stand.
A-Rod homered to open the eighth inning. Posada hammered a solo shot to right center. Bobby Abreu walks. Schoenweis is pulled. Cano is out on a ground out to second which advances Abreu to second. Phelps doubles Abreu home. Yankees 8 - Mets 6.
Giambi's groundout to first advances helps to third. Damon walks. With first and third with two outs, Willie Randolph goes to the pen to get Derek Jeter to ground out.
If anything, Lastings Milledge should start singing more family friendly tunes like Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" which is the XM Satellite Radio Song of the Game during the 8th Inning Stretch. It would be an acceptable side project like Jose Reyes' Spanish Academy. (BTW, today's phrase is "No soy mariano, soy capitan". "I am not a sailor, but the captain.")
Endy Chavez's perfect 4-4 ends with a groundout to Farnsworth to start the bottom of the 8th. Beltran walks. Delgado thought the ball hit his foot so he doesn't run to first. David Wright is automatically walked again. With two outs, Julio Franco pinch hits for Scott Schoenweis. Comedian and Mets Chris Rock fan tries to get the "Let's Go Mets" cheer going to hardy few left at rain drenched Shea.
Both Beltran and Wright steal. Franco hits it to Cano who slips and throws it away. Franco advances to second as Beltran and David Wright score and the Mets lead 10-6. Lo Duca struck out to end the 8th.
"Enter Sandman" blares out over the speakers as Billy Wagner, not Mariano Rivera, enters the game. Wagner has 10 saves in 17 appearances with a 0.50 ERA coming into the game. Hideki Matsui flies out to center. A-Rod singles to right center for his second hit of the game. Jorge Posada singles to right center. Posada is now 4 for 5 and hitting an American League leading .383.
Abreu hits to Wagner. Wagner fumbles the ball, recovers it, and throws wide of Lo Duca. A-Rod scores and the Yankees cut the Mets lead to 10-7. Will my faith in the Yankees be rewarded? Cano strikes out swinging on a 2-2 count. Josh Phelps strikes out swinging. The Mets win 10-7. Congratulations to Tom Glavine for his 295th win. BTO's "Takin' Care of Business" blares over the speakers.
Bottom Line: David Wright is definitely dialed in. As bad as this season is going, the Yankees didn't quit and the Yankees aren't mailing this one in. The Tank isn't quiting either. Keep the faith!
Posted by the Tank reporting live from the Subway Series at Shea Stadium.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Glavine 295
Tom Glavine and the Mets beat the Yankees 10-7 at Shea yesterday. Tom Glavine earned victory #295 in his quest to be maybe the last pitcher to win 300 games. David Wright hit a pair of home runs, and A-Rod finally got out of his slump with a HR as well. Endy Chavez continued to be a Yankee killer with four hits and David Wright smacked a pair of 2-run home runs.
Both bullpens imploded and I will chalk that up to the rain and cold. That said, this game and series could have been a turning point for the Yankees. They are currently 10.5 games out of first and could have come back against the imploding bullpen, once down 8-2 and fighting back to 8-6 in the top of the 8th with a go-ahead run in the form of Jeter at the plate. Good news for the Yankees is that Boston split a DH with Atlanta yesterday. (Too bad for the Mets to gain another .5 game.)
Who said these games are "just another series"? Evey fan stayed in the cold rain yesterday day at Shea to watch the final out.
The Mets have won nine of 11 overall and finally have put some distance between them and Atlanta, but just 2.5 games. The Mets go for the sweep tonight with John Maine (5-1, 2.15 ERA) on the mound against Tyler Clippard, who'll make his major league debut. While he is a rookie making his first start, Clippard does have the advantage that noone has seen him before so the hitters don't have a scouting report. Maine is coming off his first loss of the year against the Cubs on Tuesday, however, the Mets bats were asleep that game, Maine did pitch well. A lot hinges on this game, a sweep by the Mets builds even more momentum (upward for the Mets, downward for the Yankees.)
Posted by Steve in New York.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Milledge Must Go
I agree with Steve that Lastings Milledge must be traded by the Mets to the As for young pitching. The As have plenty of young arms -- enough in AAA to start on most major league teams. If the As aren't still interested, get the most you can for him and cut bait.
I happened to be at the game where Lastings high fived everyone after hitting a key home run against Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds and the San Francisco Giants. I didn't think much of it at the time because it happened to be his first big league home run and I liked the enthusiasm that he brought to the Mets.
However, as his off the field and off season comments have suggested, Lastings appears to be more focused on off the field activities rather than baseball. His hip hop lyrics are much more graphic than Shaquille O'Neal's ever were. (I am going to hold Lastings to same standard that I did Don Imus a few weeks ago.) After making hip hop albums and movies early in his career, Shaq put on weight and fell short early in his career. Shaq wised up and focused on winning championship rings.
As I can attest to, there is always time for music and movies later or after one's career. Let's hope Lastings doesn't go as bad as Ron Artest who was focused on music, neglected his animals, and let his anger consume him on the court.
The Mets have great chemistry and a potential good player gone bad like Lastings can ruin it for all. Lastings' time has come and gone.
Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Mets 3-Yankees 2
The Mets beat the Yankees 3-2 at Shea.
While Steve and the Tank love interleague play, it is unfair to the Mets and Yankees. The Yanks are looking to make up ground and have to play 6 hard games against the Mets while Boston plays an inferior team. The Mets have to play every playoff entrant from last year! (The only team to have to do that.)
That said both Steve and The Tank will loudly protest if MLB ever does away with the Subway Series. The Mets and Yankees can be both below .500 and the Subway Series will always be a sellout.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Lastings Milledge Must Go
Top prospect Lastings Milledge has to go. This guy has Darryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden written all over him: great talent but a sense of entitlement and will eventually piss away his career.
My dislike for Milledge started last year after his call up when he high-fived the fans, then when he was late for a game and then when he was called up again in September his attitude as if he were going to be the starting right fielder in the playoffs. Now his rap song and label. Milledge recorded a song, "Bend Ya Knees" and it was posted on the Web site www.souljaboirecords.com, the record he founded. He uses racist and sexist lyrics.
I think there is tension between Omar and Willie. Omar really likes Milledge and I can tell that Willie can’t stand him. David Wright is not a Milledge supporter, ever since Milledge’s minor league days. When Wright was in the minors Milledge was called up to the championship and sat on the bench since he was all of 19. When the team won nobody partied harder than Milledge. Wright and several other teammates locked him in the bus bathroom for the drive home!
The same thing was happening last September. Near the end of the season, a sign was posted in his locker at Washington -- "Know your place, rook. Your teammates."
Time for him to go.
Mets Win, Jose Reyes Out
The Mets won Thursday night, however, Jose Reyes left the game early with a muscle cramp in his left leg. No word yet on his condition.
Jose Reyes Update-
Thursday 8am. Reyes says he is a-ok and will play in Thursday's day game.
Posted by a nervous Steve in New York
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
What to do about Guillermo Mota?
Last year Guillermo Mota had a positive steroid test and is currently serving a 50-game suspension. Even with this knowledge, the Mets gave him a two-year, $5 million deal last year.
Guillermo Mota is a cheater. He is a bad example for young Mets fans and should have been released. I know the Mets bullpen needs him, but I would rather lose then win with a cheater. Apparently the Mets' front office disagrees with me. Unless there is a canceled game, Mota will be activated May 30, for the Mets' 51st game. Mota made his Mets AAA (Zephyrs) debut Monday night where he pitched a scoreless eighth.
I will boo Mota at Shea this year.
Posted by a disappointed Steve in New York.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Jose Reyes Too
So Jose Reyes joined in and shaved his head too. "That is so cool, a young team doing that-it really is special" was the quote of one Yankee fan.
Being part of a team is something special, and the Mets are a special team. They are exciting and fun to watch. Yesterday they were down 4-0 early and you just knew that they would come back. That has a lot to do with teamwork. There is no one superstar on the Mets like on some other teams that carry them. Oliver Perez is the hero on Sunday, David Wright the hero on Monday, and how knows who will be the hero on Tuesday.
Yankess-Mets This Weekend
Steve boycotts the subway series games in person. Since the whole city roots for the Yanks, Steve retreats to the comfort of his living room and his HD TV. Looks like the Mets pitching lineup will be Oliver Perez on Friday, Tom Glavine (going for #295) on Saturday and (MLB ERA Leader) John Maine going on Sunday. SInce the Yanks have a day off, their rotation is not set up yet for the weekend. No Rocket v Glavine since Roger Clemens is scheduled to make a minor league start this week.
Posted by Steve in New York
Monday, May 14, 2007
"I wish the Nets were already in Brooklyn."
I uttered the comment in the subject line to Linda and Sara while we were at the Brooklyn Pig Roast in DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) on Saturday afternoon. I am grateful that I didn't say it too loud as to avoid a beat down from NIMBYites (Not In My Back Yard) opposed to construction of the new stadium for the Brooklyn Nets.
The "Brooklyn" Nets would have saved me schlepping out to the swamps of Jersey to watch the Nets host King Lebron James and the Cavaliers. To watch the pre-game intro, I was flashed back to Cirque du Soleil with all the pyro that the Nets flashed for their faithful.
The Nets are down 2-0 after losing in Cleveland to start the series. To get back in the series, the Nets needed to get off to a quick start and did. Jason Kidd hits a couple of three point shots. Nets led 14-4 at the 7:11 mark. Cleveland came back but the Nets lead 22-15 at the end of the first quarter.
Timeouts featured great cameos from bigtime Nets fans like James Gandofini. For a guy who has been mistaken for Mr. Soprano by Americans, Brasilians, Dominicans, and even Italians, you better root for the Nets or else. Capiche?
The Cavs take their first lead, 38-37, with about three minutes left. Vince Carter jogs past my location in the 23rd row. He winces as he holds his left shoulder with about a minute remaining in the third quarter. At half, the Nets lead 45-43.
Not all fans rooted for the Nets. There were quite a few Cavs fans. While the crowd would chant "Defense", a guy in front of me changed "Offense". His wishes didn't come true as the Nets expanded their lead to 73-64 at the end of the third quarter.
Lebron hits a three to close the lead to 77-73 with 9:46.
I hate thundersticks that the Nets gave out before the game but love the Nets dancers pictured below.
After a back court violation with 8:26 left, the Nets still lead 77-73. The Cavs must have been distracted by the Nets dancers.
Jason Kidd grabs a rebound, throws a football pass to Vince Carter who slammed it home. The was the straw that broke the camels back. During a TV time, the PA system blares out, "I don't want to work". The "Cheers" crew starts playing "We Will Rock You" on the main screen while a spotlight highlights a kid hitting on his plastic cans with drums. WWE superstar Mick Foley is then shown on the screen.
With a 13 point lead with 2:59 left, WNBC's Bruce Beck heads for the exit. Beat the traffic, eh Bruce? Of course, I stay until the end to watch the crowd give a standing ovation to Jason Kidd who in now in second place on the NBA playoff triple double list with 11. Jason only trails Magic Johnson who I was privileged to meet in Los Angeles in July 1991.
The Nets substitute in their reserves and seal the 96-85 victory.
Posted by the Tank reporting live from the Continental Airlines Arena in the swamps of Jersey.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Birthday to the Tank!
Today is both Mother's Day and the Tank's b-day. I would like to wish him a very happy birthday and for his birthday, I am going to shave his head like David Wright!
Posted by Steve in New York.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
I know it's a day early, but I wanted to wanted to wish all the Moms, especially my Mom, a happy and healthy Mother's Day.
Moms are special and my Mom is the most special of them all. My Mom wasn't born in America and didn't understand all the sports that I grew up playing and watching. But she always supported me through good times (Yankees victories) and bad times (Bills four consecutive Super Bowl losses). She would call after the latter to comfort me and ensure that I wasn't too depressed.
A mother's love is unconditional and my Mom's is the best. I love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day to all!
Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Fight Like a Girl - Girls Only Pillow Fighting League
Continuing in the spirit of reporting underrepresented women's sports, SteveAndTheTank.com bring you the latest entry into the local scene, Girls Only Pillow Fighting League, from Toronto, Canada.
After reading Linda's e-mail in mid January about the event, I immediately ordered eight tickets and tried to rally the Gang together. Scorers Mike, Johnny Versace, Peter, Linda, and I entered the Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. I sold the last minute "no show" tickets to the overcapacity crowd and covered the cost of my ticket. I am not only a blogger, but an entrepreneur.
One of the great things about SteveAndTheTank.com is that you can be whoever you want to be. For instance, fashion designer Johnny Versace was killed almost a decade ago but comes back to live in a special afterlife experience performed by new friend John. Scorers Mike is none other than international playboy Mike. Scorers Mike currently dates an adult performer from the world famous Scorers Gentlemen's Nightclub.
To take a step back, you may ask yourself what is Girls Only Pillow Fighting League (GOPFL)? GOPFL is the Toronto based brainchild of Stacey P. Case. You may think of your sister and her friends who used to have slumber parties and playfully hit each other with their cute pillows when they were kids. Not here, these are grown women who are angry, studied martial arts, and ready to kick your arse. Be afraid, very afraid.
In preparation for GOPFL, I printed out profiles of each pillow fighter and studied each one. Linda and the Gang thought the Tank was a stalker but I am a well prepared blogger who takes his craft seriously. Would the Persian Princess from Tehran, Iran, fight tonight or would her love of "enriching uranium" keep her out of the country given the tense relations between the US and Iran?
The Tank's preparation paid off as he immediately identified Betty Clocker and her fellow competitors as they marched down the stairs from the attic by the Gang and myself to the main area of the
Galapagos Art Space.
"Good luck Betty!" I cheered. Betty smiled and waved to me. It's a tough job balancing journalistic integrity and being a fan of women's sports.
We get to the main area just in time as the rules are being explained. According to the website, the rules are as follows:
(1) Female pillow fighters only. No exceptions.
(2) Professional pillow fights are won via pinfall, surrender, or referee stoppage. If a pillow ends at the time limit with no winner, a winner is declared by a three-judge committee, using the traditional 10 point system. Pillow fighters are judged based on Style, Stamina, and the Eye of the Tiger.
(3) Pillow fighting is Fun. No biting, scratching, or hair pulling. Malicious intent and blatant disregard of your opponent's safety (or your own) may result in immediate suspension and/or dismissal from the League.
(4) Moth guards, knee pads and elbow pads are mandatory.
(5) Bearing in mind Rule #3, most anything goes in a pillow fight, as long as there is a pillow at the point of contact. Preventing your opponent's offense by holding her pillow is not allowed.
(6) Pillow fighters must practice good sportswomanship. No rude, lewd, or suggestive behavior.
(7) A pillow is not a weapon. Deliberately compressing the pillow fibres to increase the density of the pillow is not allowed. Loading a pillow with any foreign object is strictly forbidden.
Number One Contender Matches:
Professional Match #1: Jane Doe versus Sailor Gerri versus Roxxy Balboa.
Referee Matt Patterson blows his whistle and shouts "Fight Like a Girl!". The pillow fighters run into the ring to grab their pillows with the Girls Only Pillow Fight League labeled on them.
The action in the three way match is fast and furious. There is mixed martial arts combined with pillow fighting. You can't go wrong with that.
Sailor Gerri wins the three way match.
Professional Match #2: Ursula Anvil versus Lynn Somnia.
Being a sleep deprivation victim, Lynn Somnia yawns as she walks into the ring. Lynn Somnia awakens from her slumber to take Ursula Anvil down with a pile driver.
They exchange one handed pillow slugs. Lynn Somnia goes for the pin. "Put her in the sleeper hold!" Johnny Versace yells.
Close but no three count as the referee calls for a resumption of the action. Ursula Anvil recovers and puts Lynn Somnia in a headlock.
Lynn Somnia someone gets out of it, falls asleep on Ursula Anvil, and wins the "barn burner" of a match.
Professional Match #3: Boozy Suzy (sporting spiked hair) versus Scrapula.
"No biting" Scorers Mike and referee Sarah Bellum warn the fighters.
Scrapula fights with fangs in her mouth. Scrapula connects combos but starts to tire. Boozy Suzy gets in a quick headlock.
They roll around and Boozy Suzy has the upper hand. Scrapula's fangs come out. Real punches are thrown.
Random shouts like "Pile driver", "Figure 4", and even "Doggy style" are heard from the excited crowd.
The time limit is reached and there is no winner by pin fall. The judges score the match 10-9, 9-10, 9-9. Commissioner Stacey P. Case decides one more minute of fighting.
The crowd shouts "Let's Go Boozy!"
Boozy Suzy goes for the quick hit and sudden death pin. Suffocation. Scrapula's fangs are knocked out and Boozy Suzy gets the win. Referee Sarah Bellum announces the unanimous decision.
The announces prepares the crowd for amateur matches featuring women from the crowd. A desperate man (not me) shouts "What if you are a guy?" Sorry, sir, no pillow fighting for you.
Professional Match #4: Sarah Bellum versus Sister Resistor. Sarah Bellum has an opportunity for revenge from a previous bout. Sister Resistor has the height and weight advantage.
Sister Resistor goes for a crab pin.
A man shouts "Sarah Bellum, that's using your head!"
Sarah Bellum is good at parrying the blows. Sarah Bellum goes for the pin and takes Sister Resistor down twice.
Sister Resistor uses her size advantage to win 10-9, 9-10, 9-10 on the judges cards.
If it's any consolation, Sarah Bellum pictured below is my favorite pillow fighter.
As the Amateur Matches are about to begin, Linda escapes and goes for a beer. The amateur matches are only three minutes long.
Amateur Match #I: "Jersey Girl" versus "Orange Crush".
GOPFL Champain weighs in.
Jersey Girl gets off to fast start but Orange Crush slugs back. The referee warns Orange Crush about using her elbows.
As Linda returns from her beer run, Johnny Versace tells that "I'm going to sign you up as 'Luscious Linda'." Linda's eyes start rolling like slot machines.
As the action resumes, Orange Crush blocks the blow and rolls down Jersey Girl.
"Forget the pillows!" Scorers Mike shouts.
"Go back to Jersey!" Johnny Versace commands.
As the judges tabulate the score, the ring announcer asks "Was it harder than you thought?"
"Oh, yeah!" Jersey Girl responds. Orange Crush agrees with a "F*ck yeah".
In a split decision: 10-9, 9-10, 9-10, Orange Crush wins the match a GOPFL DVD.
Amateur Bout #2: Underage versus Sugar Gligghter wearing a reddish dress. Amazing.
"Why is the guy wearing an Elvis wig?" Someone asks.
Underage goes low and then high. They are too close to get extended blows.
"Eye of the Tiger" chant from the crowd.
Underage pushes away to try to break the stalemate.
"Take off your maternity dress!" an anonymous person yells.
"Fetal position!" Johnny Versace replies.
Sugar Gligghter is holds Underage down for the pin.
ESPN Magazine's Neil Janowitz is a celebrity judge.
Professional Match #5: Special two on one match: Trashley and Vic Payback VERSUS Eiffel Power the 8th Wonder of the World. Wow, she is taller than me and I am standing on chairs to cover the story for you.
Vic Payback pulls Eiffel Power's pillow while Trashley goes for the side slam. "Wishbone!" Scorers Mike shouts.
"Tear off her pants!" a woman yells (not Linda).
They finally pull her down. "Say it ain't so Eiffel!" Johnny Versace exclaims. Vic Payback gets the reverse pull down that Chris "The Crippler" Benoit would be proud of.
"Fight like the French!" Scorers Mike shouts.
Vic Payback and Trashley go for the two on one pin, get it, and win.
"Eiffel, I still love you!" Johnny Versace and Scorers Mike shout.
Professional Match #6: Carmen "Don't sleep with the door open" Monoxide VERSUS Lady Die: Lady Die is sporting black gloves. I wonder if the Cure or another goth band is sponsoring this match. Johnny Versace asks if it is his grandmother.
"Beauty versus the Beast!" Johnny Versace exclaims and he gets booed by the crowd.
They start slugging the pillows at each other.
After shouting "Kick her in the b*lls!" Johnny Versace is again booed by the crowd.
Both pillow fighters are worn out but somehow push on.
"Show her hair to mommy!" a stranger bellows.
Goes for a backwards pin. Arm bar and smother.
"Tickle her!" Johnny Versace quips.
The match ends and the judges score the match 10-9, 9-10, 10-9. Lady Die is victorious.
Professional Match #7: Betty Clocker versus Kilkelly.
Betty Clocker, the #1 contender from last night, is wearing her trademark apron versus Kilkelly wearing an Irish skirt with lucky charms.
Kilkelly gets off to a fast start with a take down.
"Betty is baking those cakes!" a stranger shouts.
Back and forth they go. Betty Clocker retaliates with a spear.
"Have her for lunch!" a stranger shouts.
"Betty, make me some shepherd's pie!" Johnny Versace bellows.
Betty goes for the smother but can't get the pin. Both go for the side take down. Betty falls on Kilkelly. Johnny Versace still wants shepherd's pie.
"Kilkelly Betty!" a stranger shows.
Both pillow fighters slug to the bell. The crowd chants Betty. Betty Clocker wins unanimously.
Amateur Match IV: Anna Conda versus Bonnie Bunny.
"I'm in love," Scorers Mike says. Now, I think that's a first. I'll have to double-check with Linda as she went to college with Scorers Mike.
"Bite me!" Johnny Versace beseeches.
Anna Conda hits Bonnie Bunny in the head. Bonnie Bunny returns with body blows.
"Sweep the legs!" someone coaches.
"Show her the venom!" Scorers Mike beckons.
"Show me that tongue again!" Johnny Versace pleads.
Anna Conda swings repeated blows and parries Bonnie Bunny's counter pillow attack.
This is like Rocky and Clubber Lang.
The referee has to catch the last blow as Anna Conda reloads.
"I just like to hit!" Anna Conda shouts.
"Rematch in my apartment," some guy exclaims.
10-9, Draw by Commissioner Stacey P. Case. Let's have a rematch in my apartment.
Amateur Match V: Pretty Pretty Princess versus Kuala Lampur versus Brooklyn.
I inform the Gang that he sees Extra Special Agent from Amateur Female Jello Wrestling near the doorway. Extra Special Agent and the Doom Maidens would clean up in the amateur or professional pillow fighting ranks. Are the Doom Maidens tonight's pillow fighting invasion angle?
Pretty Pretty Princess, Kuala Lampur, and versus Brooklyn.
The amateurs scramble to make alliances. First pin fall wins. The referee gives final instructions.
They start slugging Kuala Lampur.
"Go Southpaw!" a stranger shouts.
"Go for the throat" a woman in the crowd shouts. "Take her shirt off!" another woman shouts.
Pretty Pretty Princess won.
Amateur Match VI: Phlyliss Killer versus Southern Comfort versus Ninja the Bartender.
Sarah Bellum is your referee.
Chaos ensues as Ninja pushes off the alliance of Ninja and Southern Comfort. Ninja tries to kick out.
Ninja is pinned to the dismay of the crowd. They know who pours their drinks.
Amateur Match VII: Apillow Creed versus Axis of Evil versus Maj.
After the initial push and pull of pillows, Apillow and Maj get the upper hand. Maj then gets on top while the Axis of Evil slugs away.
In the words of WWE announcer J.R. (Jim Ross), it is a "slobber knocker."
The Axis of Evil bow out with a tooth ache. Therefore, it's down to Apillow versus Naj.
Apillow takes advantage of the break to reload to spin around and slug the Axis of Evil.
The judges score the match a draw, 10-9 Apillow, 10-9 Apillow.
Apillow spikes her pillow down like a football player spiking a football after scoring a touchdown.
Professional Match #8: The Semi Main Event: Scrapula versus Ursula Anvil for $100 Canadian.
Ursula Anvil extends early on. They alternate blows which causes a pillow malfunction. The referees send both fighters to their respective corners.
A couple of guys start chanting "Eye of the Tiger" and "Knock her teeth out".
Scrapula pulls down Ursula Anvil and then side slams her. Ursula Anvil reverses and pulls down Scrapula.
Scrapula somehow gets up and tries for the armbar. Her offensive continues with a leg pull and the match ends.
In the post match interview, Ursula Anvil thinks she is victorious and wants to buy beer and Scrapula wants to buy blood.
The judges score the match 10-9 Scrapula, 10-9 Ursula Anvil, and 10-9 Ursula Anvil.
Ursula wins by split decision and demands "American, NOT Canadian!" dollars. As pictured below, Ursula Anvil is a no-nonsense woman.
Professional Match #9: The Main Event: A demanage a tois of Sailor Gerri versus Lynn Somnia versus Boozy Suzy.
"Evil Elvis" is the celebrity judge for Champian.
Lynn Somnia puts out her cigarette in a cupcake. Boozy Suzy sporting a black eye and drinking a Grolsch beer.
Lynn Somnia and Sailor Gerri gang up on Boozy Suzy. Sailor Gerri swings to the top and Lynn Somnia swings down and behind Boozy Suzy. The pillow fighters are fast and furious in their efforts to become the #1 Contender for the GOPFL Championship Belt.
|