 Friday, November 30, 2007
The Knicks Boston Massacre Set to the Music of the Three Tenors
The Knicks suffered their worst defeat ever last night at the Boston Garden 104-59. Had Nate Robinson not hit a last second three point shot, it would have been the Knicks lowest point total ever which was 58. The game became so unwatchable that I watched Channel 13's fundraising special featuring the Three Tenors.
Once the PBS fundraiser was over, I hoped the second TNT game with the Lakers and Nuggets was on but the suffering continued. Why did they pile on? Q Rich shot his mouth before the game that the Celtics "weren't deep". Every Celtic hustled and played hard. They didn't quit. I wish I could say the same for the Knicks. After all the Knicks players voted for Isiah to bench Starbury after he decided not to show up for the Phoenix game, Isiah played Starbury 34 minutes. The rest of the Knicks lost faith in Isiah.
Time for Jim Dolan to show Isiah the door to stop the pain and suffering.
Posted by an angry Tank in NY.
Omar Minaya says he won't trade Jose Reyes
As predicted earlier this week on this blog, Omar is not crazy and won't trade Jose Reyes for Santana. "We're very happy with Jose Reyes," Minaya said in Friday's NY Daily News. "Jose Reyes is part of our future. He's a core player for us. I don't see us trading Jose Reyes..." This does not remove the Mets from the Santana sweepstakes but it does give the edge to the Yankees and Red Sox. Posted by Steve in Vancouver
Thursday, November 29, 2007
College Football Week #14 Picks
I was 5-0 last week (touch wood) and 40-12 on the season.
This week's fearless picks:
#6 Virginia Tech wins at #11 Boston College.
#7 LSU beats #11 Tennessee.
#9 Oklahoma beat #1 Missouri.
Local Teams:
Rutgers wins at Louisville.
Army beats Navy. Go Army! Beat Navy!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Is Minaya willing to trade Reyes to get Santana?
Short answer: no. The rumors and speculation are starting already. Omar wants Santana. So will he trade Reyes for him? He is more likely to trade Beltran (the Twins need a center fielder) than Reyes. (I would say that Reyes and Wright are untouchable.) Omar will lose in the Santana sweepstakes to either the Yankees or Red Sox. He will start looking elsewhere, that that means to Billy Beane. NY Newsday says that Omar will be at Billy Beane's mercy if he wants Blanton or Haren. I disagree. Omar has the ultimate chips: Aaron Heilman and Lastings Milledge. Beane really likes these two Mets and while the price maybe high, it will be a fair deal to bring a Haren to New York. Since the Mets will lose out to the Yankees or Red Sox for Santana, Haren will have to be in their sights. Next week starts the winter meetings. With a thin free agent market expect the hot stove to be real hot this year. Posted by Steve in Vancouver.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Rumors: Twins discuss Santana trade with Yankees
The Yankees and Twins are in very serious trade negotiations over Johan Santan reports show. An anonymous Yankees front-office official told the NY Daily News that the Yankees have been engaged in on-going trade talks with the Twins since the general managers' meetings, which took place earlier this month in Orlando, Florida. The Twins almost certainly would want center fielder Melky Cabrera and a handful of prospects in return, a pitching prospect that the Yankees may not be willing to give up. If I were a betting man I would put Santana in pinstripes next year. Posted by Steve in Vancouver, BC.
The Knicks Winning Streak! How much for Johan Santana?
The Knicks finally won last night, 113-109, at the Garden over the Utah Jazz. It was the Knicks second win in a row and a win against a quality playoff opponent. I never said that the Knicks didn't have talent but they have to produce a full team effort every night to win.
In other news, Yankees are publicly courting Twins pitcher Johan Santana. As I have discussed and written in the past, you can not trade the future (Joba, Kennedy, and Hughes) for someone with one year left on their contract. The same goes for Cano and Cabrera. If the Twins want other players besides Jeter and my buddy A-Rod, I am listening but NOT mortgaging the future as Mr. Steinbrenner has forced Brian Cashman and other GMs to do in the past.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Buying a Soccer Team
You knew it was a matter of time before Steve and the Tank owned a sports team.
I recently took advantage of an opportunity to buy into an English football (soccer) club, Ebbsfleet United, as part of My Football Club. Join my fellow owners and myself as we pool our resources to get players on the open market, improve facilities, and vote on the starting line-up. Granted, we are not in the Premiership yet but it will only be a matter of time before we kick some arse on our way to the top of the soccer world.
What is the next team that Steve and the Tank will buy? The Yankees and/or Mets? If I can meet and dance with a supermodel, you never know what is next. Keep your eyes peeled to Steve and the Tank and we'll keep you posted.
Posted by a psyched Tank in Football Heaven.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Kathleen Wonders Aloud if Cheerleaders Add Value at the NIT Season College Basketball Tip-Off
My cousin's friend, Zoran, and I arrived at a near empty Madison Square Garden to watch the semi-finals of the NIT Season Basketball best of 16 team tournament this past Wednesday evening. Perhaps the Knicks' pathetic performance on Tuesday evening against the Golden State Warriors scared away everyone except the hardiest of basketball souls like Zoran and myself. Steve and Kathleen would join us later.
Zoran and I made the most of it as the Texas A&M Aggie Cheerleaders warming up kept us going.
The Aggies pulled away late in the game to win 77-63.
Steve and Kathleen finally arrived for the main event, Syracuse versus Ohio State, in the nationally televised game.
I rarely root against the Buckeyes but I must focus on the young Orangemen, the home area team of my early years. The Buckeyes were in the National Final last season and I picked their point total exactly, 75, but Florida scored 84 instead of 73.
Syracuse and Ohio State opened hitting three point shots but the momentum turned when Eric Devendorf was called for a senseless technical foul. Ohio State drew away as the first half closed and took at 42-34 lead at halftime.
"If you're not excited by this, go home and watch knitting," Steve said to Kathleen. I hope this tension was NOT caused by me putting Steve on the spot to propose to Kathleen two night's earlier.
As the Ohio State cheerleaders cheered during halftime, Kathleen and I discussed some Kirsten Dunst's best pre Spiderman work in the cheerleading classic "Bring It On". It's a story of Dunst initially sternly leading a "cheerocracy" and having a change of heart later in the movie. I won't ruin it for you if you haven't watched it but it is an important
reference point for tonight's post and a good movie too. 
Kathleen is opposed to cheerleaders because of so-called lack of athleticism. She originally refused to be quoted for SATT but later said that they "[a]dd no value."
Though Kathleen enjoyed the movie, she doesn't like cheerleaders in general and Ohio State's in particular. I politely disagreed as part of my gentlemanly duty and rushed to the defense of cheerleaders. I think they have to be in great shape to jump around and do cartwheels. I'm athletic but could you see me doing splits? No and I don't think you
would want me too either.
After halftime's fascinating halftime debate, both teams retake the court for the second half. Syracuse makes a 9-4 run until the 16 minute (15:47) TV timeout to 46-43.
Steve dislikes chairs on the court. No, we're not talking about former Indiana Coach Bob Knight who used to throw chairs onto the court during games. But, Ohio State takes chairs on court to meet with greater privacy during the timeout. Steve is also against the drafting non seniors. Given my stand against cigarettes and Steve's stance against drafting non senior athletes, we maybe targets of assassination attempts from the tobacco lobby and the NCAA and pro leagues, respectively. Our administration may be short lived, it will be one based on patriotism and principle. We have the guts to make the tough calls that other candidates don't because we are real New York baseball fans and they answer to special interests not the people. Steve's tenure maybe shorter than mine as he has called for a ban of all dogs in NYC. This will no doubt force Linda to sick her dog Jake on Steve. For the record, I am a pro-dog, especially Jake who looks like my boyhood dog Simon. However, I will step up dog curbing enforcement as I almost stepped in a huge dog pile walking down Columbus and 81st Street the other day.
The game restarts and Syracuse can't hit any shots. Darn it!
But before you know it, another TV timeout.
"The six pack of Gatorade is wrong!" Steve screams out as the Ohio State water boy carries plastic bottles of Gatorade to the players.
"No cooking utensils on the court!" David a Syracuse fan near us yells.
Back to the action. Steve wants the Buckeye free throw percentage written up. It's about 100 percent so I ask him to stop paying attention to it and it thankfully drops to 70 percent.
Ohio State hits a three point dagger to make it 67-52 with 8:02 remaining in the second half.
Another TV timeout.
The Ohio State cheerleaders retake the court including Brutus the Buckeye and male cheerleaders. You may not like male cheerleaders but it's the law that Steve and I will be elected to enforce. It maybe a strange reverse interpretation of Title IX. If you don't like male cheerleaders, vote Steve and The Tank for Vice President and President, respectively, and work to get it changed. Thank you very much for your support.
Brutus the Buckeye does one armed pushups to the chagrin of Kathleen. "Someone needs to kick the sh*t out of the chestnut," Kathleen added. Has she been drinking? Is she jealous?
"Let the chestnut play for two minutes," Steve said with the hopes of his lack of vision would let the Orangemen back in the game.
Back to the action. Eric Devendorf finally hits a three point shot to close it to 72-60. Devendorf is a good basketball player but no Gerry McNamara, a recent Cuse star who went on to play professionally in Europe. McNamara single handedly carried the Cuse to the Big East Tournament Finals with clutch shooting in the 2005 and 2006 which I witnessed first hand. Devendorf has to stay within himself, increase his free throw percentage, and keep his cool.
David's girlfriend Erica weighs in on the cheerleading issue as she thinks cheerleaders "just make noise and are not synchronized."
Ohio State unfortunately holds on and wins the game 79-65.
Bottom Line:
"Skin or skirts?" Steve from South Tennessee in front of us said. Tennessee Steve is referring to the fact that the NIT Finals will feature the "skin" of the Texas A&M cheerleaders versus the "skirts" of Ohio State. (Postscript: Texas A&M won 70-41 on Friday.)
Texas A&M and Ohio State won and they had cheerleaders while the Huskies and Orangemen did not. Therefore, the evidence suggests that my argument is correct and Kathleen's is incorrect. However, it is a small statistical sample. Therefore, I must travel the country interviewing cheerleaders to see if they add value.
Youth voting levels are low and this is a perfect opportunity to meet young voters and get their vote as I run for President. I will also conduct important in depth research to prove or disprove Kathleen's premise.
In the meantime, I appreciate all beauty -- outer and inner, as my buddy Tony Robbins taught Jack Black in the movie "Shallow Hal". Therefore, I may ask all the female Buckeye female cheerleaders to marry me. In the spirit of equal time, I will also propose to all the Aggie female cheerleaders pictured behind me.
Posted by the Tank reporting live from the world's greatest arena, Madison Square Garden, in NY.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
GM Steve makes some bold moves
Every American boy dreams of being a major league baseball player when they grow up. By the time they reach high school and can’t throw at 80 mph or hit 70 mph pitching most kids give up and then figure out that they can be a General Manager. At this time of year and at the trade deadline, everyone is a GM. Being a General Manager is very hard. Steve is going to play Mets GM today. As opposed to everyone else, Steve is slightly less unqualified than the general population as a GM because he: · Worked for real GMs of two NFL teams · Has an MBA and understands numbers and business · Worked for the Mets for 10 years and is not star struck · Worked on Wall Street for a few years and is not nervous around large deals · Manages overpaid programmers-they remind him of overpaid ball players · Actually read Moneyball So Steve thinks he can be GM. Here goes! Jose Reyes No Steve is not about to move Reyes. But something was wrong with Jose Reyes the second half of the season. He stopped running ground balls. Stopped playing hard. This started exactly the time when Rickey Henderson arrived. He played that way too. Steve’s first action when he occupies the GM office: Fire Rickey Henderson and give Willie free reign over picking his coaches. Starting Pitching Pitching wins pennants. And ask Josh Beckett, it also wins World Series. Everyone blamed the bullpen for the Mets collapse. The bullpen was ok, it was just overworked since the starting pitching was not up to par. If the Mets are going to wipe the smerk off Jimmy Rollins face, they need a major starting pitching upgrade. An ace. A stopper. A Josh Beckett. GM Steve would go not for 1, but two under 30 200 inning a year studs. This will hand the Mets the NL title and make them a force to be reckoned with for years. This is what Steve would do: Talk to Billy Beane and trade Aaron Heilman and Lastings Milledge for Dan Haren. Then turn around and trade for Johan Santana giving up Philip Humber, Mike Pelfrey, Carlos Gomez, and a prospect for. Haren and Santana each had 15 wins this past year. Haren (76) even allowed fewer earned runs than Santana (81) as he posted the third best ERA in the AL at 3.07. These guys pitching in the National League with the Mets lineup will easy be 18-20 game winners. Opening day rotation will be: · Johan Santana · Dan Haren · Pedro Martinez · John Maine · Oliver Perez Wow! Take that Jimmy Rollins! Is Steve GM sacrificing the future to win in 2008? No! This rotation will have 4 pitchers under 30 years old, Santana and Haren are an upgrade from Pelfrey and Humber and only a few years older. With Green gone in the outfield, Endy Chavez becomes an everyday player and there is Fernando Martinez waiting in AAA to platoon with Alou along with Easly. What about the bullpen? GM Steve would trade for one more middle reliever and hope that the new rotation will not tire out the bullpen. Moving el Duque to the pen to replace Heilman will give the pen some depth and composure and the return of Duaner Sanchez will take some pressure off younger kids like Joe Smith. This is the plan to win a World Series in the last game every played in Shea Stadium. Posted by Steve in New York
Friday, November 23, 2007
College Football Week #13 Picks
Last Week's Recap: I was 5-1 last week and 35-12 on the season.
This Week's Fearless Predictions:
#15 Hawaii wins at home against #19 Boise State.
#8 Virginia Tech wins at #16 Virginia.
#3 West Virginia wins at home against #20 Connecticut. Ohio State needs help from the Huskies.
#4 Missouri wins at #2 Kansas. The Curse of being #2 in the BCS continues.
Local Picks:
#24 Cincinnati wins at my beloved Orangemen.
Written by the Tank and posted by Steve.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
NFL Picks
Last Week's Picks: I was 2-1 with the loss coming from the Jets pulling one out against the Steelers. I am 13-8 on the season.
This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Jets lose at Dallas.
The Bills lose at Jacksonville.
The Giants win at home against the Vikings.
Written by a grateful Tank and Posted by Steve. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Add Insult to Injury
Jimmy Rollins edged out Holliday and earned his first NL MVP award. Enough said for Mets fans. Rollins did deserve the nod. The final tally: - Rollins
- Holliday
- Fielder
- Wright
Posted by Steve in New York
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Light of Freedom is Kept Burning as the Leadership Torch Passed from One Generation to the Next (Army Football)
Steve had MBA class on Saturday so Kathleen asked me to accompany her to West Point to watch Army host Tulsa. I was honored as I hadn't been to an Army football game since 1989, around the time that the current Corps of Cadets had been born.
It brought back lots of memories but I was able to hold back the tears. Kathleen was also pretty emotional as her parents had organized the get together in memory of her little brother Jimmy, CPT James Gurbisz, who graduated West Point in 2002 and was killed in Iraq in November 2005.
We got to the game just as the canon went off. I happened to be troubleshooting an IT issue on one of my Crackberries so I advised my colleague back at the office not to fear the background noise from the canons, attack helicopters flying overhead, and bagpipes. I successfully troubleshot the issue in short order, touch wood.
We then entered Michie Stadium, home of the Army Black Knights. The Corps of Cadets was still there in their same section as in my day. It was nice to see the 21st century additions of the "Spirit Saxes" (Saxophones), thunder sticks, and the "Michie Maniacs", cadets in yellow shirts with Devoesque helmets. Who can't love keeping the 1980s alive? I know Jimmy would as he went to a "Whitesnake" concert as a kid. We're kindred musical spirits who have yet to meet.
We settled into our seats and met Kathleen's parents and her childhood friend Kim. Mr. Gurbisz looked bewildered when I told him that I root for the Yankees and Mets. He probably didn't appreciate my anti-smoking sermon but I am about to lose my Dad and my friend Robert in Tampa from cigarette related illnesses in the near future so I don't want to lose him too. (BTW, anti-smoking will be a key plank in my presidential campaign. I plan take all the tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking nonsense and convert it into ethanol or some other useful product to stop climate change and save lives at the same time. More on that later.)
The stars of the game weren't the football players on the filed but the 18 underprivileged children in attendance. Kathleen and her parents formed a foundation in Jimmy's memory after his death. They work with kids trying to get their GEDs and/or dealing with discipline issues. Mr. Gurbisz is a no-nonsense Vietnam helicopter pilot who deals with the kids with discipline issues. Mrs. Gurbisz helps the kids returning to school to get their GEDs -- the gentle touch to her husband's discipline and strength. Kathleen's parents prove that you don't have to wear a uniform to serve your fellow man, woman, or child.
Most of the kids were seventh and eighth graders but the most special were the fifth graders who are my nephew's age. The two buddies combined their money to buy an Army mini football. What unselfish teamwork! Where did they buy the football so I can buy one too? Remember, I am 37 years in calendar years but have the emotional maturity of an eight year old. The Army Mule is a new mascot who put up with little kids hitting him/her in the head like a human/animal piñata.
Back to the game. It was an offensive barn burner as both teams traded the lead. Whenever Army got a first down, the PA announcer would say "First Down Army. Mr. Referee, move those chains." And the crowd would respond, "Go Army!" It's great how some things stay the same.
Army kept it close till late in the game until Tulsa pulled away for a 49-39 victory.
As I left Michie Stadium, it was great seeing the kids light up and talk to Kathleen's parents about the Academy, serving the country, and improving themselves. These kids need our attention and guidance as they will be our next generation of leaders. The light of freedom is kept burning as the leadership torch passed from one generation to the next -- from our parents' generation to us and to today's and future kids.
Posted by a inspired Tank reporting live from Michie Stadium at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Paul LoDuca's Price Just Went Up
Jorge Posada, is back with the Yankees. As the week progressed, the Mets looked like they would sign their second choice, Yorvit Torrealba. But by the weekend, it fell through. Why are the Mets wasting time in this department, they should just resign Paul LoDuca. Sure he is a hot head at times and gets suspended. But he has passion, can catch, can hit, and wants to win. When Willie Randolph said yesterday that he believed in his players' character right to the final game, but was wrong he said: "I definitely gave them too much credit. I was looking for them to reveal to me that they were ready to be champions, but they showed me they weren't ready.'' LoDuca is ready. He has the passion and the fire and the hunger. Resign him and then go after some rock star pitchers who also share his passion. Posted by Steve in New York.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
NFL Week #11 Picks
I was 1-1 in my picks last week and 11-7 on the season. The Giants didn't "get 'er done" against the Cowboys and the Bills thankfully pulled it out against the Dolphins.
This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Bills lose at home to the Patriots.
The Jets lose at home to the Steelers.
The Giants bounce back and win at the Lions.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Friday, November 16, 2007
My Buddy A-Rod Comes Back Home
Lots of ink has been spilled about my buddy A-Rod. Will he stay or will he go? If you have been a faithful reader (which I thank you for), you will remember that I predicted long ago back in the summer that A-Rod will stay with the Yankees. How did I know this? Yes, I met A-Rod recently. Moreover, I also know how the business of sports works. If I learned one thing for working for different law firms in paralegal, IT, and other capacities for over a decade is that there is lots of anger and shouting but most cases settle at the last minute before going to trial. This wasn't much different in the A-Rod situation in that there was lots of huffing and puffing and bluffing. As Steve correctly noted a couple of days ago, Scott Boras overplayed his hand by opting out during Game 4 of the World Series. When the dust settled, the deal got done because A-Rod wanted to be a Yankee and they were the only team willing to paying him $275 million plus incentives. (It would have been closer to $300 million because of the $21 million Texas Ranger subsidy over the next three years.) For that kind of money, most everyone would "crawl back" to their former employer.
I don't expect other teams to send the Yankees thank you notes but I think the humbling of Scott Boras is good for teams around Major League Baseball.
The most important thing is that A-Rod will help the Yankees get back to Baseball's Promised Land over the next decade and break the all time home run record held by his friend, the newly indicted Barry Bonds (as I discussed long ago). As Thanksgiving approaches, A-Rod breaking the home run record (God Willing) will make me very thankful in the years to come. This year's Thanksgiving will be complete if the Yankees re-sign Mariano Rivera and hope Pettitte comes back. Keep the faith! Go Yankees! Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Week #12 College Football Picks
I was 3-0 in last week's picks. I am 30-11 on the season.
This Week's Fearless Picks:
#7 Ohio State wins at #21 Michigan. Both teams are trying to "salvage" an otherwise promising season.
The Big Ten title, a trip to the Rose Bowl, interstate pride, and an outside chance at the BCS Championship if Ohio State wins and other teams ahead of it falter over the next few weeks in regular season and conference championship play. The stakes were even higher for both teams like last year's "Immortality Bowl" which I thankfully picked the margin of victory, three points, and wasn't far off on the final score, 41-38, touch wood.
#9 Georgia wins at home against #23 Kentucky.
#6 West Virginia wins at #22 Cincinnati. Ohio State needs West Virginia to lose this game.
#15 Clemson wins at home against # 17 Boston College.
Local Picks:
Syracuse loses at #24 Connecticut.
Rutgers wins at Pittsburgh.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Did Boras Overplay His Hand?
Most likely on the advice of his agent, Scott Boras, ARod opted out of his record setting contract with the Yankees on the final moments of the World Series. The Yankees are the team with the deepest pockets and said that they will not negotiate with A-Rod if he opts out. Boras figured that a large contract was out there and displayed a lot of hubris. There has been no record breaking deal yet. Maybe it is not out there, epically now that teams know that they don't have to compete with the Yankees. But Red Sox fans indicated they don't want him. The Mets obviously opted out telling David Wright that he can do his winter workouts on 3rd base. Maybe the Angles will pick him up or the Dodgers or Cubs, but that is it, smaller market teams can't afford him. NY Daily News columnist Mike Lupica, quoting sources close to A-Rod, wrote yesterday that A-Rod may return to the Yankees. The Yankees? Is Luplica nuts, a reversal like that would lose Hank Steinbrenner a lot of credibility. But maybe A-Rod is nervous that he will not get the money and that Boras overplayed his hand? Lupica writes: "It would mean Rodriguez has figured out that even Boras can over-promise sometimes and under-deliver, that there is no $350 million offer out there and was never going to be. More importantly, he realizes how much Boras damaged him and damaged him a lot by having him walk away from his Yankee contract without even giving the Yankees a chance to come to the table." I think Lupica is wrong. A-Rod is afraid of playing in New York under the spotlight. Posted by Steve in New York
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bob Costas
I recently had the pleasure of meeting fellow journalist and 19 time Emmy award winning journalist Bob Costas. Bob talked about different experiences watching sports since his childhood. Today's school children face a problem with late night baseball games as they have to go to sleep around the third inning. When he was a kid, Bob had the same problem with a twist as World Series games were played during the day. His sixth grade teacher knew this and brought in a television with rabbit ears so he could watch Whitey Ford pitch against Sandy Koufax in 1964.
He joked about sitting in between Joe Morgan and Bob Uecker during a baseball game. Morgan was one of the best second baseman of all time and a Hall of Famer while Uecker bounced around on six teams over a seven year career and hit a mediocre .200. Costas asked Morgan for World Series insight which he then asked Uecker for his. Uecker replied that he was on the disabled list in the 1964 World Series. Costas asked Uecker what was his injury. Uecker replied hepatitis. Uecker sensed that it was a sensitive issue and noted that the trainer injected him hepatitis.
Costas brought up one of his own faux pases and the crowd applauded. He said that broadcasting is not brain surgery. We briefly discussed Syracuse basketball as he is an alumnus and I am a huge fan. Coach Boeheim's successor appears to be Mike Hopkins when the time is right in the future -- hopefully not for a long time. Long live Coach Boeheim! Let's go Orange!
Earlier that week, Costas interviewed Joe Torre for HBO Sports. Costas' producer was wise enough to pull his ten year son out of school. After the interview, Joe met the young boy and wrote a note to the boy's principal saying that he spent the day with Torre. That shows Torre's class and going the extra mile for young people even though he was going through a difficult situation himself in the public limelight. (True and related story: This was reminiscent of my friend Ned who was a broadcasting major in college. He needed to get an interview for a journalism class and he saw Ned waiting to interview him during Spring Training. He stopped the interview with the rest of the media and talked only to Ned. As a result, Ned aced his class and is now a sports producer at a major network. Wow, I miss Joe Torre already.)
Posted by the Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Posada Likely to Return to Yankees
The Yankees look like they are closer to signing Jorge Posada, "My first priority is the Yankees," Posada told reporters Sunday at halftime of the New York Knicks' game against the Miami Heat. "I would like to stay with the Yankees. My heart is with the Yankees, so hopefully we can get something done." After losing their manager, MVP 3rd Baseman, hitting coach, 3rd base coach, and pitching coach, Pettitte on the fence, the Yankees can't afford to lose Posada and his numbers. Next stop on the resign train is Mo. Posted by Steve in New York.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Trouble Maker
"I don't take anything he says to heart. Obviously I think I can be better defensively. But I have a Gold Glove, and that's the bottom line, and that's something I'm very proud of, and I feel like I'm getting better and better defensively, and obviously managers and coaches have seen that." --David Wright Yesterday Chipper Jones lashed out in "shock" that David Wright won the Gold Glove: "When I find out [Wright won] I was speechless, for quite some time... Certainly the guys with the least amount of errors and best fielding percentage quite obviously didn't win it.... I wouldn't have been disappointed had someone like [Pedro] Feliz or [Aramis] Ramirez won it. I'm a little confused by the final tally, that's a head-scratcher for me." Chipper is just making trouble. Pedro Feliz is a utility player and while Aramis Ramirez had 10 fewer errors than David Wright, he also played in 40 less games and turned less double plays. David Wright makes a lot of great plays, some truly amazing dives, and I suspect that the number of games played (almost all of them), the depth of the plays, and contribution to his team were taken into consideration, subjective votes, rather than pure statistics. If pure statistics decided the Gold Glove and MVP, then it would be boring and done by a computer. Time for Chipper to Shut Up. Maybe he will name his second daughter Citi. Posted by Steve in New York.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Disco Crisco Twister at Arlene's on Sunday, November 11, at 7 p.m
Disco Crisco Twister .com  Nov 11 (Sun) at 7 PM at Arlene's Grocery 95 Stanton St. , New York, NY (Map)
Next Sunday: Disco Crisco Twister at Arlene's Grocery
Dana Sterling presents:
Disco Crisco Twister
Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 7pm
Join us for a night of fun, games and live music!
Games include:
* Live Musical Chairs: just like when you were four, but with a live band!,
* Sing That Tune: let your karaoke/musical Jeopardy freak flag fly!,
* Intimate Orange Relay Race: pass a citrus between your neck and chest to a complete stranger/new friend!,
* Pop Culture Trivia: Do you know what Hollywood bad girls are up to this season?
* Flip Cup: show off your dexterity & drinking skills!
* Twister (with a twist): grapple 1/2 drunk teammates while reaching for that red dot! Come with your friends and play as a team, or just bring yourself and we'll introduce you to your new teammates. Live at Arlene's Grocery
95 Stanton Street (between Orchard & Ludlow)
Subway: F to 2nd Ave.
with special musical guests:
Neo folk rock & roll The New Surreal
Alternative funk-rockers The Vinyl Stash
and Bringing the fun electro stuff DJ Skintight
Hosted by Ariel (of KiNDERGARTEN) & Stephanie (of Rotten Cheri)
21+
Admission $8 at the Door.
Get in for $5 when you RSVP to rsvp@annierock.com
www.discocriscotwister.com Sunday Nov 4th 8pm come to...Amateur Female Jello Wrestling
going.com/jellowrestle Sunday Nov 11th 7pm come to Disco Crisco Twister
going.com/discocriscotwister Read more about this event (and see who's going)
Friday, November 09, 2007
NFL Week #10 Picks
Last Week: I was 1-1 and 10-6 on the season. However, I am psyched that the Bills beat Cincinnati.
This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Bills beat the winless Dolphins in Miami. It's a potential trap game because the Dolphins played better in London and are coming off a bye week.
The Giants beat the Cowboys in a barn burner at home
Written by the Tank in the Bahamas and posted by Steve.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
College Football Picks
Last Week: I was 6-0 and 27-11 on the season. This Week's Picks: #18 Auburn loses at #10 Georgia Local Picks: South Florida wins at Syracuse. Rutgers wins at Army. Anyway, I'll be rooting for Army. Go Army! Written by the Traveling Tank in the Bahamas and Posted by Steve in Barcelona. We're global!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Scottish Football (Soccer) Hooligans in Barcelona
Last night I was out for dinner on las Rumblas in Barcelona, early by Spanish standards at about 11pm. As I stepped off the metro I thought I walked into the middle of a riot. Was there a massive government protest? Did George Bush decide to visit? No, Barcelona is host to a match tonight between the Rangers of Scotland and local hometown favorite FC Barcelona. To say that tonight's match is a huge one is an understatement. The Rangers and FC Barcelona are tied in the E Group in the Championship League with two wins and 1 draw apiece. The Scottish Soccer hooligans were out in full force on the Rublas last night. I have experienced some crazy European soccer experiences in the past, including being in Paris (by accident) when France won the World Cup, but nothing could prepare me for this. The hooligans took over the square and were separated by police barricades, Scots on one side, Spaniards on the other. They were drunk (of course!), dressed in team colors and singing at the top of their lungs the songs of their team and country. Chants of intimidation in unison were shouted over and over again and at one point the crowd gathered into two groups (separated by police) and were throwing beer, food, and clothing at each other (over the line of police separating them.) It was a lot of fun to be a part of. What amazes me is that life just stops for soccer fans in Europe and they travel to the city where their team is playing an important match and just go to bars, sing, dance, get in trouble, and watch the game on TV since there is usually no chance of getting a ticket. (I tried, but going rate is 350 euros on the scalper market, too high for our budget, I will be watching at a bar on las Rumblas, hopefully with a camera this time!) Tennis: Football is not the only thing going on in Spain this week, the Sony Ericsson Championships are going on in Madrid. With her ailing shoulder clearly healed, Maria Sharapova looked like her usual self. She won her first match in more than two months yesterday in Madrid, a 6-4, 7-5 win against Daniela Hantuchova. Posted by Steve in Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Yankees' Problems
As Joe Torre donned his new LA uniform yesterday at Dodger Stadium, he announced that longtime fan favorite Don Mattingly will serve with him as hitting coach. This will be the first time Mattingly will wear a uniform other than a Yankees one. In addition Larry Bowa will come over as bench coach or third base coach, dealing a loss to the Yankees with two valuable coaches as Ron Guidry looks to leave as pitching coach. As GMs meet in Florida for the winter meetings the Yankees will be in search for a 3rd baseman. Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option, still uncertain whether he wants to pitch next season or retire. The Yankees need him to stay one more year as the young pitchers get up to speed. In other news: it is reported the Maddux has re-signed with the Padres and Shilling has re-signed with the Red Sox. Posted by Steve in Barcelona.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Why the Mets Should NOT Sign A-ROD
The Rumor Mill is that the Mets brass have been thinking about getting into the ARod sweepstakes. Management has spoken to current third baseman David Wright recently. The rumor mill is spinning.
Sure A-Rod will hit 50 home runs and drive in a gazillion RBIs.But do the Mets really want the baggage? We all know he cracks under the pressure (Playoffs) and that the media seems to dislike him, picking on him every step of the way. If I were the Mets I would pass.
Posted by Steve in Barcelona.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
2007 NYC Marathon
Hello sportsfans, this is the Tank checking in with you after running the 2007 ING NYC Marathon earlier today. I ran it in a personal best of 4:39. It's not a great time but am grateful given being on the mend most of the past year. For instance, I did not run for five months after last year's NYC Marathon because of injuries to (1) gastroknemesis or the muscle that goes into the right calf, (2) water on my right knee, and (3) strained soleous muscle and tendon around my right ankle.
This year's injuries include a slightly tore my left calf on the Japan Day on Sunday, June 2, and retore it at the Fred's Team workout on Thursday, July 12. After a second opinion, my physical therapist Dr. Dan wanted to check for a stress fracture. I had my first MRI in late July and it was negative thank God! Against the advice of Linda, Steve, Kathleen, and many others, I ran this year's race even though I am 15 pounds heavier than last year BUT ran it 17 minutes faster than year. I didn't run a great race but I ran a smart run with 26 one mile runs instead of one 26 mile run. I walked each water stop to proper hydrate and recover my legs. It helped me in later miles and feel better than last year thank God. Woooo!
Speaking of later miles, I want to thank great and treasured friends like JH for showing up on 82nd and First Avenue. Soon thereafter, Fiona ran the last 7.2 miles with me. I also want to thank the great fans of NYC, especially those in the Boogie Down Bronx who allowed me to take the microphone at their music stage to throw down a hip-hop rhyme that I recently wrote for a colleague for a national conference. The crowd went crazy. As I transition out of marathon running over the next 18 months due to unbearable pain and fear of long term injury like not walking well. I'll still do fitness running God Willing so I can tour the world with the healing power of my unique blend of music. I don't have studio time lined up yet but you will all be invited to the album release party.
Lastly, I want to thank Steve, Columbus Craig, Kal, JH, Aussie Rod, Buffalo Steve, LI/Vermont Bill, Maria, John the European, and everyone else who sponsored me this past weekend. A big shout out to friend and Fred's Team Coach Antarctica Jeff. If you still wish to sponsor me, please do so before December 15. As I am only $775 short of my goal, any and all contributions are greatly appreciated, no monies go to me, and are tax deductible.
https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=userHome&user_id=35640&event_id=53
OR
https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=donateForm&user_id=35640&event_id=53
Posted by a grateful Tank on the road to beating cancer in the 2007 ING NYC Marathon.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
NFL Week #9 Picks
Last Week: I was 1-1. (Though the Jets loss hurt my record, the Bills won so I won in another way.) I am 9-5 on the season.
This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Jets lose at home to the Redskins.
The Bills lose at home to the Bengals because J.P. Losman is quarterbacking again.
The Giants have a bye this week.
Posted by the Tank in NY.
 NFL | Predictions
 Friday, November 02, 2007 5:55:31 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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