 Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Bill Walsh Remembered
The world of sports and the NFL lost one of its greatest minds, Bill Walsh, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, yesterday from leukemia. Coach Walsh was the father of the West Coast Offense, a short passing offense copied and used throughout the NFL. Walsh has many coaching disciples including fellow Super Bowl winning head coaches like Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, and Jon Gruden.
Though I was never a 49er fan, I respected Coach Walsh and learned from him. He was a perfectionist and prepared incessantly for games. He scripted the first 15-20 plays of a game. His players like Joe Montana knew when to throw a pass and receivers like Jerry Rice knew when to make the cuts. Working together, Walsh, Montana, and Rice won three Super Bowls together and went to the Hall of Fame.
Before preparing for work, writing a blog entry, or getting ready for a day, I map out what I want to do and keep a written "agenda" of what I want to accomplish. In more recent years, I have gone electronic via my Crackberries but like the pen and paper backup. Coach Walsh will be missed be many including myself but his legacy will live on.
Posted by a mournful Tank in NY.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Left for Dead on the top of Mt. Washington...
On Saturday I set out with six friends to attempt the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The traverse or Prezzie Traverse is a one day hike of about 21 miles and has you summit 9 peaks, most at about 5,000 feet, with an 8,500 elevation gain (and loss) over the day. It starts down on the Dolly Copp road and hikes up the pine link trail to summit Mt. Madison (5366), and then walk along the ridge that will take you over Mt. Adams (5799), then over Mt. Jefferson (5716), Mt. Clay (5583, to be renamed Mt. Reagan?), Mt. Washington (6288), Mt. Monroe (5372), Mt. Franklin (5001), Mt. Eisenhower (4750), and Mt. Pierce (4312). The Team Norm-the open source geek Donna-the trail nazi Ned & Laura, the ones on a mission Walter-the saint Rob-the machine 
Warm Up The trip this weekend took me through 7 states total, or 14% of all 50 states. The states were: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. On Thursday I drove up with Norm and Donna and Norm took a ride up Mt. Ascutney in Vermont on his bike while Donna and I hiked out to a hang glider launch pad. On Friday while waiting for the entire team to show up (Walter had to fly in from San Francisco), Norm, Donna, and I hooked up with Ian from Business School and went kayaking down the Androscoggin River-18 miles from a dam in New Hampshire to Bethel Maine. It was a great time despite the harsh sunburn I was foolish to acquire. The Prezzie Traverse On Friday we all go to bed by 10pm since we are to get up at 2am to be on the trail by 3am. We get to the trailhead on time and after an attempt to take a "before" photo went array, we get started with our headlamps on. The fun starts right away, we trek right up a hill to gain about 4200 feet in 3.8 miles. We make the whole way to the ridge and then watch the sunrise and attack Mt. Madison. We are all very strong and make it over the mountain and down to the Mt. Madison hut around 7:30am. We all go in and refill our water bottles and take a break. I notice that there are a disproportionate amount of super hot hiker babes in the hut and comment that I want to stay longer. The group calls me a wimp and tells me to move on. (But Norm and Ned agree with me about the pretty girls in the hut.) So we trek over to Mt. Adams. The sun is shining and the mountain, while steep is an awesome sight. There is huge amount of rock to climb over and you really have to scramble (a lot a 4.0 level scramble). The summit is awesome and you can see Mt. Madison and Mt. Jefferson (our next target). The hike over to Mt. Jefferson is a slog, I'm starting to get tired already and the bottom of my feet hurt from the downhill on the rock. I complain but Norm tells me to stop being a "Ned". I am also at the back of the bus at this point, but everyone gracefully waits for me. I get up Mt. Jefferson and there is a 15 foot hill at the top to the true summit. I drop my poles and pack (at Norm's suggestion) and trek up and down (and pee on top). When I get down Norm keeps telling me that I did not do the "real hike" since I left my pack for that 15 foot ascent. I tell him to screw himself and claim "entrapment" and he says that he is not a cop, but I say he is the trail cop. I am starting to get lightheaded and even more slow as we approach Mt. Clay. The hike up Mt. Clay was pretty easy, and I shout out many Reaganisms on the way up for sport. Once were are down there is one thing left before a nice break, Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington I tried to climb Mt. Washington a few years ago on Memorial Day. I had to turn back about 1000 feet from the summit due to a white out. Snow in late May, go figure. The world's worst weather has been recorded on top of Mt. Washington and it is the highest peak in the Northeast. There is a cog railway that takes tourists up to the top and Norm jokes when I tell him I may quit at Washington that my ride down is the cog rail. I say that the cog railway is for wimps (a direct jab at Ned and Laura who took it down last year when they were finished for the day.) Norm has to visit the men's room (a la natural) and I stay behind and we summit together. We see a sign saying that the summit is 1.1 miles and we know it is about 1300 feet gain. Ug. After about 20 minutes of hiking we hit a sign that says .9 miles. We say that THEY LIE! The summit seems to be getting further away as we climb. It starts to rain. The cog rail comes by and blows tons of black smoke at us, mocking us. (Later I learn that you are suppose to moon the tourists on the train, I wish I knew this custom beforehand-now I know for next time.) We reach the summit around 1pm and Donna is waiting for us on the top, she climbed Mt. Washington earlier that day and was going to do the rest of the day with us. Norm and I go straight to the summit and then to the tourist observatory and restaurant where the gang is waiting for us. Technically we summited first since they went straight to the observatory to get out of the cold and rain. At this point I was still very lightheaded but knowing my body well I knew I was not dehydrated or sick. (Later I would determine it was the sunburn, since I had the same feelings on Sunday and Monday when I woke up.) I considered walking down Washington with Donna but she wanted to hike a little longer and since I was fine muscle and cardio wise I figured what the heck, so after a chili lunch on top of Mt. Washington I walked down to the Lake of the Clouds hut with the team. Norm promised "no more rocks" and that the southern traverse is "just like the Catskills." He lies. The Rest of the Peaks I was slow but the view was awesome upon arrival. It compares to the Italian alps. Donna and I decided to trek down to another path to bail out early but eventually decided to truck on. We went around Mt. Monroe (a shitty president) while the rest of the team went over the top and we waited for them at the bottom. Then we moved on to Mt. Franklin and I was going so slow that Donna was enticing me with snickers bars to move faster. We caught up with the team and later on circled around Mt. Eisenhower while they went to the top and then we all went up Mt. Pierce together. From there it was about 3+ miles to the car but it took us 2.5 hours to get there, finishing up at 9pm, coming out in the dark in headlamps. We treated ourselves to McDonalds (only thing really open) after we got the cars. Would I do it Again? Having completed the entire Presidential Traverse and 6 out of the 9 peaks (technically I did not get to the top of Pierce, there was a little run up and run down that I skipped) it was a hell of an accomplishment. In total it was an 18 hour, 21 mile hike. I felt ok the next day, just a little stiffness in my quads. That said, I see no reason to do it all in one day except for pure ego. I have had other long days, days that were necessary: summiting Mt. Rainier was an 18 hour day-but there is no other way. Climbing the Western Breach on Mt. Kilimanjaro was about a 10 hour day and there is really no other way either. The slog over Kala Pattar into Everest Base Camp was another 12+ hour day, but there is no other paths to take. So would I do it again? Honestly after about 12 hours I was not having fun and after about 16 hours I just wanted it to be over. I see no reason to do it all in one day. The only reason to do it in one day is pure ego and at the end of the day shouldn't you enjoy it more? (Also if I tell my friend's I did the Prezzie Traverse, they would say, is that in Washington DC?) I would do it again, but I would do it over 3 days and that is my advice to anyone. Take the time and enjoy it. The the Presidential Traverse has 3 huts you can stay at. Start where we did (but at a reasonable hour, like 9am) and hike to Madison hut, that will take you about 7 hours. Then stay overnight there (bring earplugs) and then trek to the Lake of the Clouds hut the next day, that will take you about 8-9 hours. Spend the night there and then do the rest of the southerns all in one day, about 7 hours or so. Was I really left for dead? No, my friends may have talked me into moving on when I was not feeling that well, but it was my call to move on. But I did have fun telling them every hour or so that I was left for dead. Posted by Steve in New York.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
To Trade or Not to Trade
Tuesday's trade deadline is almost upon us. Many major league teams face the dilemma of being buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Teams have to decide whether to give up promising prospects to contend for now or get prospects for a player another team now. Omar Minaya said last week trades have to be fair to both teams.
The Mets and Yankees are lucky to be contenders but it's not clear what they will do. Omar said that he is looking for eighth inning bullpen help. The Yankees need to get anyone for Kyle Farnsworth (AKA Yankees Team Cancer). There were rumors of a deal with Colorado to a recent Yankees radio broadcast. Ron Villone and Scott Proctor could be on the dock.
Due to the dearth of available quality starting and relief pitching, I doubt there will be a blockbuster deal unless you think Jose Contreras is an ace.
I think the Mets and Yankees should keep their cards close to their vest and not deal unless the Red Sox want to deal Okajima and/or Papelbon. You and I have a better shot of winning the Lottery than those guys being traded to us. 
Seriously, the Mets and Yankees have great team chemistry and you don't want to mess with that. Anyway, both teams will hopefully add players coming back from injury, touch wood. Hughes, Karstens, Rasner, and Giambi are expected back within the week or two for the Yankees and Pedro for the Mets in the next few weeks or so, God Willing.
Giambi should pinch hit and be happy that he is not in more trouble. Phillips is a better first baseman and more consistent hitter. Mientkiewicz is on the mend and will hopefully be a late inning defensive substitution after a Giambi at bat.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Welcome to the Baseball Hall of Fame Tony and Cal
Congratulations to Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. for their induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame tomorrow. Super Twin Gil and I attended Cal's last regular season away game at Yankee Stadium. It was actually supposed to be the last game of his career but the 9/11 attacks changed the schedule.
By all accounts especially those from San Diego Rich and friends, Tony Gwynn was an all around good guy.
Players who have played their entire careers with one team are a dying breed and Tony and Cal are to be complimented for doing that. Congratulations Tony and Cal!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Barry Bonds Is Lucky Not to Be in the Tour De France
Steve commented on Wednesday about Bud Selig doing the right thing and following Barry Bonds to San Francisco in his pursuit of Hank Aaron's mark. I think Selig was in no-man's land -- damned if he did, damned if doesn't. Like Steve, I have and will boo Bonds. For instance, Medford Bob and I were at the Giants-Mets game at Shea where Lastings Milledge hit his first MLB home run last season.
Imagine a different scenario if Bud Selig went to San Francisco and kicked Bonds off Giants. He could not break Hank Aaron's record. That's not going to happen in MLB because the players union is too strong but it just happened in cycling. For instance, Mark Rasmussen was in the lead after Wednesday's stage when his sponsor, Rabobank, kicked him off their team and the Tour de France.
As Steve noted, Bonds has NOT been indicted or even convicted, much less formally charged. Therefore, he has a right to play on. Reading between the lines and reviewing various media outlets, Bonds is winning the game of chicken. Bonds knows he took steroids but knows MLB is even dirtier. If MLB presses him, Bonds will take MLB down with him. If there is an explicit gentlemen's agreement between thieves, MLB will let Bonds break the record in return for Bonds stepping aside after the season is over. I don't have confirmation from Bonds and/or MLB offices because this is something they would never admit to.
If Bonds doesn't step aside at the end of the season, don't be surprised if the feds step in and try to bring up the fact that Bonds may have perjured himself. With the 2008 Presidential Election upon us, you don't want politicians of all stripes tampering with baseball, especially MLB's anti-trust monopoly exemption. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) needs an issue to energize his lagging presidential campaign and don't be surprised if he redoubles his past commendable efforts in cleaning up steroids, the perfect non-partisan issue that doesn't go against special interests like campaign finance reform does.
As Steve blogged a couple of months ago, cycling has been plagued by doping performance enhancing scandals but is trying to clean it up. Both sports need to be cleaned up and cycling is taking the right steps in cleaning up its image. If Selig, MLB owners, and the players union are smart, they'll do the same because they don't want to play chicken with Senator McCain, a man who spent seven years in a North Vietnamese prison.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
#299 for Glavine and #499 for A-Rod
Steve and I hoped to travel to Shea last night to watch Tom Glavine win his 300th but he couldn't hold the lead in LA last week.
However, Tom did the next best thing and won his 299th game last night. Tom Glavine fought through a tough bases loaded jam in the first inning to lead the Mets to a 6-3 victory. His batterymate and Greenwich, Connecticut, neighbor, Paul Lo Duca, had four RBIs.
Congratulations are also in order for A-Rod for his 499th home run in Kansas City last leading the Yankees to a 7-3 victory.
A-Rod will get his shot at his 500th home run tonight in Kansas City while Glavine will have to wait for wait for his first attempt at 300 will come next week in Milwaukee. Good luck A-Rod and Tom!
Posted by an excited Tank in NY.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Bud Selig Made the Right Call
With so many scandals in the world of sports, I decided to comment on the Barry Bonds scandal. Now that MLB commissioner Bud Selig has decided to come to San Francisco games there is a little less suspense in the air, but Bud did not really give Barry a ringing endorsement, he said: "I felt it was the right thing to do," Selig said of joining the Bonds chase Tuesday in San Francisco. "I decided I would rather be here than sitting at home watching the game on TV and listening to my wife grumble about me watching the game on TV." The bottom line is this. The home run record is the most sacred of all sports records in the USA. The baseball commissioner has to be there, even if we get Barry Bonds-756*. Last time I checked we are not living in the Soviet Union, but in the USA where everyone is innocent until proven guilty. The media has convicted the man already. Everyone thinks he has cheated, even Patrick Arnold. While I personally believe that Barry Bonds has been cheating and I also feel that in the late 90s after the strike Selig turned a blind eye to the cheating, so he is at fault as well. At the moment, there is no clear and convincing proof that Barry cheated. Until that proof surfaces, we have to treat Barry with the respect he deserves. That said I will still boo him at Shea. Posted by Steve in New York.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Playboy's Miss November 2007
Life is about beating the odds and I recently beat them in Los Angeles -- I met a supermodel. Yes, on July 4 of all days celebrating America beating the odds as the 13 fledgling colonies declared and won independence from England.
I was on vacation but had to file this report as another SteveAndTheTank.com exclusive. Months before the rest of the world will know her name and face, I met Playboy's Miss November 2007, Lacey Von Erich. Lacey is the daughter of wrestling legend Kerry Von Erich. Kerry was another of the many professional wrestlers to tragically die young.
What's Lacey like? She's really nice and down to earth. We are pictured below at an LA bar.
We hung out with mutual friends and I spun her around to the tune of Lynyrd Skyrnyd's "Sweet Home Alabama".
Life is about living your dreams and I am thankful to live one of mine and meet a supermodel. To quote "Journey", "Don't Stop Believin'" -- see you at the Playboy Mansion.
Posted by the Tank reporting Live from Los Angeles, California.
Monday, July 23, 2007
D-Rays Versus the Yankees "300"
Before the Yankees' great offensive displays on Saturday and Sunday, I witnessed the Yankees 14-4 loss at the Stadium on Friday night.
The Yankees had early chances on Friday night but D-Rays made some good defensive plays. Mike Mussina gave up four runs in the third inning including a two run upper deck home run to B.J. Upton. He must have pitched 30 plus pitches in the inning. Moose only went 4.2 innings. Ramirez gave up a grand slam home run. D-Rays 9 - Yankees 0 at the end of five. Edwin Jackson pitched a four hitter through six innings and lowered his ERA to 6.65. His record is improved to 2-9. He gets his second win against the Yankees. Just our luck.
Time for the Tank to put on his rally cap. You know I did.
After the D-Rays added a run in the top of the seventh, Andy Phillips hit a solo shot in the bottom of the inning to make it 10-1. Jeter singles with two outs but Abreu struck out swinging on a full count.
The D-Rays added another run in the eighth off Brian Bruney and another two off Ron Villone.
In the bottom of the eighth, Will Nieves hit a double off the right field wall to drive home Miguel Cairo. Cano singles home Nieves. Shelley Duncan's first career hit and RBI drives home Cano. Damon singles to center. "The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor!" John Belushi's character in "Animal House" says as the D-Rays go to the bullpen. D-Rays 13 - Yankees 4 with two out in the eighth inning. Out of a hearly full house of over 53,000 at the beginning of the game, there are MAYBE 5,000 people left total (more like "300") and we are going wild. Tampa brings in their closer to strike out Cabrera looking. (Cabrera was batting for Villone.) D-Rays 13 - Yankees 4 at the end of eight innings.
Scott Procter gives up a solo shot to B.J. Upton in the top of the ninth. D-Rays 14 - Yankees 4.
After Matsui hit a popfly in the bottom of the ninth, I yelled "drop it" from the left field bleachers and the D-Rays second basemen dropped it by the first base line. Matsui advanced to second. Gotta love the Little League "drop it" cheer!
After nearly four hours, Nieves struck out to end the game with a 14-4 loss. It would be Nieves next to last day. It would be Nieves next to last day before assignment. It's a shame to see him go but nice to see the Yankees acquire veteran Angels catcher Jose Molina.
Bottom Line: Though the Yankees lost, we didn't quit, especially the backups and diehard fans. Most encouraging were the five year old girl and her six year old brother a few rows in front of me in my section who led the Y-A-N-K-E-E-S cheers. They give me hope for the future in a world gone mad. Fueled by the youth who will lead us in the future, the Yankees to come back and capture the next three games. Just what the doctor ordered.
Keep the faith! Go Yankees!
Posted by the Tank reporting Live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
How Much Will Referee Tim Donaghy Hurt the NBA's Integrity?
I follow the NBA pretty closely but am shocked to learn of the latest accusations of an NBA points fixing scandal. 40 year old referee Tim Donaghy is the son of a college referee.
From different accounts that I have heard, it is very difficult to fix games because every referee is graded on every call they make and don't make. How he shaved points is beyond me and possibly the NBA and the FBI.
After low television ratings in last month's NBA Finals, this scandal is the last thing the NBA needs. The integrity of the sport is at stake.
I hope to write less about scandals and off the field nonsense and get back to on the field stuff in the near future.
Posted by a puzzled Tank in NY.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
All Dogs Go to Heaven and Michael Vick Is Going to Jail, H*ll, ....?
You have to be living under a rock to not be aware of the alleged Michael Vick animal cruelty story.
I read the indictment and am repulsed. As a lover of animals (especially dogs who are man's best friend), I am about to throw up and get violent. I am even more upset than when my family's dog, Pesly, was killed by a motorcyclist who accidentally ran over our dog when I was seven. When I was 14, another family dog, Archie, was accidentally killed was by a car whose driver didn't have the decency to stop and apologize. Those were accidents, NOT electrocuting, shooting, and breeding dogs through rape stands according to the indictment. This makes me even more angry because Vick and his associates allegedly engaged in intentional acts.
Not as inhumane but just as glaring is the NFL's lack of corrective action on this issue. The NFL tried to clean up its act during this off season with a Personal Code of Conduct to police in appropriate actions. Pacman Jones learned the hard way as he was suspended for the season WITHOUT being indicted like Michael Vick (a/k/a "Okkie" named in the indictment).
Was Vick not yet suspended because he is one of the faces of the NFL? The second highest paid player? I am not a mind reader but you have to be a fool not to follow the money. At least Nike had the decency to suspend the launch of his shoe.
Yes, Vick deserves his day in court but the NFL doesn't need to be distracted by this scandal and should suspend Vick for the season like Pacman Jones. You can't have one standard for superstars and another for everyone else. It's not a good example for kids, sponsors, etc. Training camp opens in a few days. Your move Commissioner Goodell.
Posted by an angry Tank in NY.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Talking Baseball With Mets GM Omar Minaya
Along with Kathleen and Linda, Steve and the Tank were honored to listen to and meet Mets General Manager Omar Minaya in Midtown Manhattan. I was enroute to this special meet and greet event when the NYC Steam Explosion occurred.
Omar talked about his humble beginnings after an introduction by and during a question and answer session with a New York Times writer. His cousins were involved in the fighting against former dictator Rafael Trujillo. He got his first pair of sneakers after his Mom won in a numbers game with the numbers 545. He and his family moved to the City where he was eight years old. His Dad worked on the Brooklyn docks. Omar compared his life with all of its good and bad choices to Z in "A Bronx Tale". The only differences is that Omar lived in Queens and thankfully made the right choices.
Omar was all City at Newtown High School. (Steve's Dad, Big Al, is also an alum of Newtown.) Omar was drafted was drafted in the 14th round by the Oakland As. He traded his aluminum bats of high school for the wood bats of Oakland's minor league Oregon affiliate. Though he didn't get to the majors, he played baseball in Tuscany, Italy, for two years. He came back home and worked as a model, bouncer, and actor appearing as a catcher in an ad with Willie Randolph. There paths would cross later in life. To make ends meet, Omar even applied to be a flight attendant.
He got his break in baseball's executive ranks as Dominican Republic scout for the Texas Rangers. He discovered Sammy Sosa in 1986. He also discovered Fernando Tatis and Richie Arrellia who he is most proud of drafting in the 25th Round. While working for the Rangers, he got to know George W. Bush, the owner long before he became a born again Christian and President. "He was great to work for. He has a passion for baseball." Omar said that President Bush wanted to be Major League Baseball's Commissioner instead of President. They are still friends and thinks the Mets will go to the World Series this year. (President Bush thinks Detroit will win the World Series which I respectfully disagree with.)
Omar has had to make some tough choices over the years. He was interviewed eight to ten times as the mandated "minority" interviewee when the job was going to someone else. For instance, he was offered the Co-GM spot of the Mets alongside Jim Duquette in 2003. His dream job in his home town but he chose to stick to his guns and wait for the top job. Though "very enticing", he didn't want "half a GM." This was an anguishing choice as he had only six employees in the soon to be relocated Montreal Expos. Six employees is a fraction compared to the Mets and other clubs have about 150 or so employees. Omar only had 72 hours to field a team with no trainers and the lowest payroll. He respected the tradition of the Montreal Royals with Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente. Even though the Expos were based in Montreal, they played many of their "home" games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Omar weathered all the challenges and his patience and persistence paid off when he became the Mets GM in 2004.
During the question and answer session, Omar clarified that he does not have a riff with Manager Willie Randolph. Willie is very loyal to his friend like hitting coach Rick Down who was fired last week. It was a very tough decision. He admired Willie's professionalism and there is "nothing going on" between them. He only disagrees with Willie if the bullpen isn't warming up or putting Smith in the game who is a better fielder than Feliciano when the other team is trying to bunt. Omar works with the manager to pick the coaches but reserves the right to say no. Omar says other GMs sometimes put the coaches out there without consulting the manager. Speaking of tough choices, Omar broke the news to the crowd that he had to trade his friend Julio Franco to the Braves. Julio wasn't getting enough bats with the Mets.
Steve and the Tank asked questions about Jose Reyes and Gary Sheffield, respectively. I complimented him on the great job with Ralph Kiner Night last Saturday at Shea. Moreover, he has succeeded in internationalizing the Mets both locally and abroad. I asked him about "idiots" like Gary Sheffield referring to Latin players being "easier to control" than African Americans. I asked him if Sheffield is missing the boat in the fact that (a) Dominican and other Latin players play year around in beautiful weather in baseball academies like the Mets instead of playing other sports and video games and (b) buscones (finders) are always looking for talent. Omar said that Sheffield is a loyal teammate according to sources he has heard. Omar did not condemn Sheffield as harshly as I hoped but I got the point. The New York Times writer agreed that it would be a news day when Sheffield didn't say anything. Steve asked about Jose's good points. Omar agreed that his improved at bats comes with maturity and good coaching. Jose's new contract makes it easier not to focus on individual things and focusing on winning games.
Omar likes to be direct in working with his colleagues. For instance, if Omar wants a player from another team, he will call his counterpart and ask "Is Dontrelle (Willis) available?" instead of beating around the bush. As for current deals, Omar is not going to trade Carlos Beltran for Grady Sizemore. He said he was in Trenton to watch the Yankees Philip Hughes pitch a rehab start. While there, he spoke to his crosstown counterpart Brian Cashman. He said that Roy Oswalt of the Astros is not available but Omar would be interested in him if he were. Omar is looking for an eighth inning pitcher and someone sarcastically shouted out Kyle Farnsworth. It wasn't me but it got a few laughs. No one is perfect and Omar admitted to not taking David "Big Papi" Ortiz when he had a chance.
Bottom Line: Omar is an example of "taking a chance, getting outside that box." Omar is the living embodiment of the American Dream. Let's go Mets!
Posted by the Tank reporting Live from Midtown Manhattan.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
NYC Steam Explosion
I was enroute to attend a very special presentation Wednesday evening when I saw people gathered around television screens at around 54th and Park Wednesday afternoon. People were watching television screens of the steam explosion in Manhattan. Since I am a uber geek, I have an audio television feed on my walkman which has AM/FM/TV/Weather feeds as well as plays CDs and MP3s. (Mega thanks to SuperTwin Gil for that tip.) Anyway, I picked up the action and walked toward Lexington Avenue and 51st where the presentation was held, ten blocks north of the unfortunate accident. (Thank God Linda, Steve, and Kathleen were okay as we met up for the presentation later!)
As I went to take a picture of the steam and smoke, a CNN photographer took a picture of me which appears on CNN.com (I included a JPG snapshot below because CNN.com continually updates the site as my photo was fifth earlier today and now it is eighth as more photos are added.)
My photo of the steam and smoke appears below:
Posted by a grateful Tank thankful to be alive, thank God, in Midtown Manhattan.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Is Rick Down the Mets Hitting Scapegoat?
The Mets fired their batting coach Rick Down last week after the Mets vaunted AL type line-up hadn't been hitting. However, I didn't think he was the cause of all of their issues. The Mets have had a number of injuries to position players like Alou, Chavez, and Gomez who are on the DL, Green was on the DL, and Delgado isn't 100 percent amongst others. Plus, the Mets rarely take pitches and work counts.
The Mets chose to go with Howard Johnson who is a fine replacement. Someone had to be fired and you can't fire players. The Yankees fired their "performance enhancement (strength)" coach earlier this season after his new stretching regime reportedly caused numerous Yankees injuries. Speaking of the Yankees, Down used to be the Yankees hitting coach.
For now, I'll give HoJo the benefit of the doubt. Let's hope the Mets build upon last night's 7-0 win over All Star Jake Peavy and the Padres.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Father's Day Jello Wrestling
Welcome to Crash Mansion in the Bowery for Father's Day Jello Wrestling. (Sorry for the late post but I've been busy at work and had poor Internet access on vacation.) Anywho, this is NOT your father's wrestling nor your mother's feminism. It's the world premier sports satire and 21st Century Feminist Fight Club!
I arrived just as the red and white jello was poured in a perfect "Taoist Yin-Yang formation" according to Allen. What can be more harmonious than Amateur Female Jello Wrestling? Nothing, I tell you.
The closed caption Crash Mansion monitors showed clips from previous jello wrestling competitions. Crash Mansion is a really cool setting with large stage and nice couches to sit down. (I pulled my right and left calves this morning at the Father's Day Run Against Prostate Cancer so the couches are a welcome way to take a load off.)
DJ Xerox spins the tunes. Annie is your bartender. Please tip her generously.
It's great to see Captain Zorikh, Jolie Voltaire, and Ann. Ariel from Kindergarten starts the show by playing the harmonica. They then play Dead or Alive's "Spin Me Around".
In the monthly men's hoola hoop contest, I did better than in past months but did not make the finals. It's Andrew versus Dave the Kitten Man and Dave the Kitten Man won.
Ariel from Kindergarten does a great intro for Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister and Kindergarten's new CD went on sale on Sunday, June 24. Good luck Kindergarten!
Match # 1: Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix versus the H. Katrina.
Katrina is "going to f*ck these b*tches up!". Hey, kids, I can't make this up.
Katrina starts on top. The Dominatrix reverses. The Domantrix throws Katrina. They then roll around. Katrina head slams the Domantrix. They roll around then Katrina spanks the Dominatrix.
They return to their feet. Katrina side tosses the Dominatrix. The Dominatrix spanks and mounts Katrina. The Dominatrix tries to seduce Katrina with a kiss but Katrina rolls out.
The Dominatrix body slams Katrina and she stuffs jello down Katrina's shirt and gets the pin.
Katrina is a good sport and gives the Dominatrix a nice sportswoman kiss. Katrina promises to "hump" the Dominatrix in a future match.
The Domantrix notes that her "daddy taught me well."
Match #2: The Mime versus Our Lady of Perpetual PMS (AKA The Italian Princess of Power).
"As the patron saint of PMS, I like everyone and want to buy everyone a drink. I am really bloated," PMS reports to her followers. Even too much information for me but I am your fearless blogger/journalist/historian.
"Lack of sound (Mime) versus the Fury of PMS," Allen notes.
Both wrestlers lock up. The Mime side tosses PMS. PMS rolls out. The Mime umps in between PMS' legs.
"I love PMS!" the Dominatrix shouts.
PMS rolls the Mime. "It's a silent scream," Allen says.
Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls" cranks over the speakers.
PMS get on top of the Mime and gets the pin. The wrestlers embrace. What sportswomanship!
In the post-match interview, the Mime puts up her fists and is ready for the next match.
"Of course, I have been bitchy for a week and a half!" PMS reports.
Match #3: The Virgin Princess versus Tatter Snatch.
Jolie Voltiare is your referee.
Snatch fights those who would "destroy cute outfits." Snatch jump rolls into the ring.
They lock arms and runs around. The Virgin throws jello. Snatch gets on top of the Virgin and they roll around as Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" plays.
Snatch throws the Virgin and then slams her into the side of the ring. Snatch pulls the Virgin by the pigtails.
Both wrestlers start throwing jello. They embrace but the Virgin is on top. Snatch reverses as Allen shouts "bring her down."
Snatch goes for the rear pin and wins.
"Remove your white dress!" the Dominatrix commands after the Virgin loses.
"All of you are supporters of the violence which ruined my skirt," Snatch cries.
Match #4: The Mime versus Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix.
The Dominatrix is not afraid of the Mime's invisible weaponry. In fact, she doesn't "feel threatened but excited." The wrestlers size each other up.
The Mime gets off to a quick start with a clothesline and then a hair pull. The Mime is a new jello wrestlers but you wouldn't know it after she executes a waist hold and body slam.
The Dominatrix enjoys the fact that the Mime is "in control and that's how she likes it." "I don't like sluts who are too easy!" the Dominatrix declares.
The Mime continues her offensive and waves finger in D's face. She hair pulls and throws down the Dominatrix. The Dominatrix enjoys being controlled and is smiling when others would grimace.
The wresters again size each other up. The Dominatrix clothesline and bodyslams the Mime.
The Mime rolls out and side slams the Dominatrix. She goes for the pin but only gets a one count.
The Dominatrix recovers and grinds the Mime in the far corner.
The Mime stays on her stomach and avoids the pin. Both wrestlers are both exhausted. Allen compliments the Mime's mastery of the "secret mimic arts."
The Dominatrix slaps the Mime. She executes a leg pull and pins the Mime. The Mime is a good sport and makes the sign of a telephone with her pinky and then points to the Dominatrix to call her.
Allen says that the Dominatrix "is going to take it all the way."
"It's clean fun," the Dominatrix observes. "Family fun for everyone," Allen replies.
Match #5: Tatter Snatch versus H. Katrina.
"You devastated New Orleans fashion b*tch!" Snatch screams.
Katrina promises to smack Snatch down.
They roll and jump around the ring, er kiddie pool. Snatch throws Katrina down.
Snatch rolls around. Katrina is on top. Snatch tries to roll and pin her with a submission leg pull. Snatch rages at not getting the pin.
Katrina reverses and pulls her by the hair. Katrina gets her in a head lock. Snatch tries to spank her way out of trouble. Katrina continues the offensive with a body slam. Katrina is relentless in applying a spanking to Snatch. Snatch barely overcomes this newcomer's onslaught and somehow escapes.
Snatch regroups and starts throwing jello. Snatch distracts Katrina who is used to blowing water around but can she deal with jello?
Katrina has a petite build but is strong and goes for the pin. Snatch rolls out and both start spanking each other.
Snatch loses part of her skirt. Katrina thought she won and started to walk out of the ring. Her rookie mistake costs her as she flips as she goes back into the ring and Snatch pins her.
"I'll blow her away," Katrina says in her post match commentary.
"Nothing can compensate all those New Orleans for losing their Mardi Gras feathers," Snatch cries.
Allen tries to empathize that he had to go topless to get his beads in New Orleans. You learn something new everyday.
Match #6: The Virgin versus Our Lady of Perpetual PMS.
Royal Pink takes the stage.
"I'm bloated as it is," PMS demurs.
"Grace and class," Allen says in describing the Virgin.
Jolie Voltaire is your referee.
They arm lock at the shoulders. PMS takes the Virgin down and they roll around. PMS tries to take off the Virgin's dress. The Virgin reverses and pulls PMS' leg -- literally. PMS throws jello and pulls the Virgin in.
The Virgin takes off her dress and Tatter Snatch runs away with it.
The Virgin pulls PMS down by her hair. PMS counters with a back throws of jello. Genius I tell ya. The Virgin side tosses the Princess and then body slams PMS.
The Virgin dives in between PMS' legs.
"I don't know how she is so adept at diving in between legs," Allen
quips.
PMS flips the Virgin. The Virgin has her in a leg lock. PMS is on top of the Virgin and gets the pin in the far corner.
PMS proudly displays her PMS Crown of various women's health products. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I can't make this stuff up.
"Tonight's my night to fight back!" PMS shouts to her adoring fans.
Let's have a big hand for Allen, Dana, and JV. Kudos to Church for his ring work and working the merchandise table. Billy is the sound man.
Royal Pink is releasing their CD on July at Lit Lounge. For their last song ("Truth or Dare"), Daddy's Little Dominatrix, H. Katrina, PMS, and the Mime dance in front of the stage with a bunch of unidentified with fans. Allen summons Royal Pink into the jello who "may" wrestle.
Seated next to Dave the Kitten Man, Shara is already carrying a bra above her head. Katrina tries to recruit Shira and her friend. Maya should definitely jello wrestle. Maya recently competed at Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister. H. Katrina and Daddy's Little Dominatrix spank Allen. Allen promises discipline later.
Captain Zorikh explains that he is "Pepe El Pollo (Pepe the Chicken)". Jolie Voltaire is "Arroz Que Salta". Together, they are the unbeatable couple "Arroz Con Pollo.
-------
Championship Round
Match #7: The Virgin Princess versus Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix.
The "Rocky" theme plays.
Jolie Voltaire is your referee.
The Dominatrix slithers into the ring. "I am really drunk," she slurs.
"Some discipline is in order," the Virgin retorts.
"I love sluts!" the Dominatrix exclaims. The Princess throws off the her white jacket. Tatter Snatch runs and grabs the jacket.
The Dominatrix inebriation catches up with her as the Princess throws and flips her. The Virgin falls but quickly recovers to pull the Dominatrix down by the hair. The Dominatrix jumps in between the Virgin's legs. The Dominatrix tries a side pin but the Virgin kicks out.
The Virgin leg grabs and throws the Dominatrix. The Virgin body slams the Dominatrix and spanks her. "I like it!" the Dominatrix shouts.
"Does this qualify as a wrestling match?" Allen asks. Close enough for government work I say.
The Virgin throws the Dominatrix. Not to be outdone, the Dominatrix kicks out with solid hip thrusts that would make any WWE Diva proud.
Both wrestlers roll around. The Dominatrix spanks the Virgin and the Dominatrix returns the favor. Enraged, the Virgin pulls down the Dominatrix panties and puts jello in them.
The Virgin almost has a wardrobe malfunction of her own. The Dominatrix tries to pin the Virgin on her back but she resists. The Virgin puts up a good fight and pulls the Dominatrix panties down again.
The Dominatrix somehow regains her composure and gets the pin. "You're my Virgin!" the Dominatrix declares upon her victory over the Virgin.
"Drunkenness beats sobriety!" the Virgin concedes.
"Drunkenness and sex beats sobriety and chastity," Allen astutely concurs.
Match #8: H. Katrina versus the Mime.
Katrina takes her shirt off and side steps into the ring. The Mime takes off her shirt.
The Dominatrix wants Katrina to take off her shorts but Katrina cautions public viewing of her "hairy m*ff".
In the spirit of compromise, the Dominatrix removes Katrina's jean skirt and then spanks her. This is a match within the match.
Back to the match at hand, Katrina is literally wound up and tries to spear the Mime. They roll around but the Mime gets a quick pin on Katrina.
Katrina pulls the Mime back into the ring and pins her. Just goes to show you that it's never over till its over.
Katrina doesn't stop and tries to pull down the Mime's shorts.
"I want your babies!" the Dominatrix cries. Katrina jumps into the Dominatrix arms. All's well that ends well.
Match #9: Tatter Snatch versus Our Lady of Perpetual PMS.
These are the two angriest women here.
PMS is not easy to cope with once a month (or so they say) and Snatch is on a mission of her own.
"Nothing has worried more clothing than PMS!" Snatch shouts.
Both PMS and Snatch run, jump and roll into the ring.
Snatch is on top but not for long. Snatch pushes PMS down. Snatch then pushes her away.
PMS dives Snatch's legs. "Many women have been brought down by PMS!" Allen declares.
Snatch mounts PMS from behind. Snatch gets an arm hold around PMS' neck and body slams her.
Both women yell at each other. Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix takes the mike and shouts that she is rooting for Tatter Snatch because I love snatch!"
Snatch tries for a back pin and half nelson. Snatch lams PMS's head into the side ring. PMS counters by spanking Snatch.
"I'm on the rag and you can't tear it off!" PMS tells Snatch.
Ariel cheers on PMS.
Pepe weighs in and says that "Gringo jello lucho is different from Mexican jello lucho. I can not trust a woman who can bleed for five days and not die."
Snatch gets the pin.
Pepe tries to recruit PMS and Snatch but Snatch does not like Arroz's mask.
"You can't get rid of me!" PMS informs all who will listen to hear her post-match interview.
"Stop fighting to save the clothing!" Snatch beseeches the crowd.
Match #10: Daddy's Dirty Little Dominatrix versus the Mime.
Kindergarten plays "Eye of the Tiger" which really gets the crowd and the wrestlers into the action. Wasting no time, the Mime pushes the Dominatrix into the ring.
The Mime flips the Dominatrix. The Dominatrix counters and tries to seduce the Mime. (The Dominatrix had me seduced hours ago.)
The Mime has a side head lock and flips the Dominatrix. The Dominatrix staggers around the ring like Rocky and Clubber in Rocky.
"Is she up for the challenge of her life?". I wonder.
Yes, she is as the Dominatrix body slams the Mime. The Dominatrix goes for and gets the pin.
In her anger, the Mime puts jello down the Dominatrix's top.
When asked in the post match interview if she will return, the Mime nods her head which means she'll be back.
The Dominatrix puts jello down the back of the Mime's shorts. The Dominatrix enjoys it when the Mime puts jello down her top. "I am only afraid of *ss jello," she says in her post-match interview.
Match #11: Tatter Snatch versus a Wild Card Opponent.
Who will it be? The Virgin Princess, PMS, and H. Katrina?
"Death, taxes, and PMS!" PMS promises in her candidacy for the slot. But in verbal vote of the crowd, H. Katrina is your Wild Card wrestler.
"Regardless of your clothes, I'm taking you down!" Snatch boasts. In her response, Katrina takes off her jean skirt.
Snatch is enraged and insulted. She dive rolls into the ring and flips Katrina.
Not to be out, Kindergarten cranks up the "A-Team" theme. Gotta love it, it just keeps getting better.
They roll and jump around as I am hit by jello. Katrina tries to head slam Snatch but she somehow escapes. Snatch uses her momentum to pull Katrina down. Katrina reveres. She doesn't let up when she puts jello down Snatch's shorts. Snatch is now enraged as her panties now show. Katrina uses Snatch's pique to her advantage and body slams Snatch. Snatch get up while Katrina slips and Snatch goes for the pin.
Katirna blows wind on Snatch and they slip and roll around to my ringside location. All for you our loyal readers.
Snatch tries to remove her bra. Snatch confiscates it. Katrina pull off Snatch's bra. Both women are bra less and my Dad is thankfully out of the hospital so this has to be the best Father's Day ever.
They roll around. Katrina tries to take off Snatch's waist garment. Snatch side scoops jello into Katrina's face.
"Hey lady, take off your shirt!" Jolie Voltaire shouts.
"These titties are going to blow away the competition next time," Katrina exclaims.
"You created a hurricane in my panty region," Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix seductively says.
Match # 12 - The Championship Match: Tater Snatch versus Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix.
"I'm just sick of people pulling off clothing," Snatch declares as she and Jolie Voltaire make out.
Not to be outdone, H. Katrina and Daddy's Dirty Dominatrix are in each arms.
Who will lose their clothes? Are there any losers in Amateur Female Jello Wrestling? I think not, we are all winners.
The Dominatrix flip rolls into the ring and Snatch dives in.
They stare each other down. Kindergarten cranks Europe's classic "The Final Countdown".
"We're leaving together!" Ariel sings as both wrestlers roll to my ringside location. I can only hope.
Arroz is your co-Announcer.
The Dominatrix hip thrusts Snatch off of her.
The photographer gets kicked in the groin.
Snatch pulls in the Dominatrix and pulls part of her top off. Snatch's top rolls off. Arroz is speechless at this development.
Snatch is on top of the Dominatrix. Snatch goes for the infamous arm through the groin pull.
The Dominatrix takes off her top.
I almost get kicked in the groin by Snatch.
The Dominatrix tries to lick Snatch's nipple. Snatch pulls the Dominatrix down. They roll around again.
Snatch mounts the Dominatrix from behind but "that won't get the pin" as you have to pin the wrestler on her back Allen reminds the audience.
The Dominatrix slams Snatch's head into the side ring. Jello flies all around including at me.
The crowd gets into it and shouts "The Final Countdown" following Ariel and Kindergarten's great lead.
"I'm disappointed," Katrina sighs.
The Dominatrix promises Allen a "private tutorial."
"If you can't keep it in your pants, keep it in the family!" Allen exclaims. Amateur Female Jello Wrestling is more "pro family" in ways the Sopranos could never dream of.
Allen has to discipline the Dominatrix and spanks her three times. Allen is speechless and I am about to faint. The night just started to get interesting...
Posted by a flush and exhilarated Tank reporting Live from Crash Mansion in the Bowery of Manhattan.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Welcome to Kiner's Korner
No, it's not Channel 9 or 11 on your television but everyone is invited to Kiner's Korner for Ralph Kiner Night at Shea Stadium. For the uninitiated, Kiner's Korner is the Mets post-game show where Ralph interviewed the star of game.
The Mets really threw a great celebration for Ralph on Saturday night at Shea. Ernie Harwell, Ed Kranepool, Bud Harrelson, Rusty Staub, Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, Bob Feller, Yogi Berra, and Tom Seaver were among the legends who showed up to pay tribute. During the game, the left field television screen showed video tributes from fellow legends like Harry Kalas of the Phillies, Vin Scully of the Dodgers, and Jon Miller of the Giants.
As great as broadcaster that he was for the past 45 years, Ralph was a Hall of Fame player with 369 home runs in ten seasons in a career that was cut short by back injuries. He had 50 plus home runs in two seasons which was unheard of in his day. He had more home runs on a per at bat basis since Babe Ruth. All this while playing on some pretty bad Pittsburgh Pirates teams.
When it was his turn to take the stage, Ralph told Casey Stengel |