 Friday, February 29, 2008
Johan Santana makes his first spring training start
Everything seemed to stop in Port St. Lucie. Johan Santana took his warm up pitches. Not quite a full house but close. (Someone has to work and someone has to go to school. If I did not have to go to school tomorrow, I would have flew down to the game.) The first pitch was a strike.. In the first inning, Johan gave up 3 hits, including a 3 run shot to Juan Gonzalez. While Mets fans are going berserk that Santana will do poorly with the Mets this year, a 3 run HR to a former AL MVP in February is ok. He looked sharp in the second inning. Even though Johan gave up the 3 run home run, a new era has begun.... In other news Jose Reyes beat out an infield single to open the first inning. Quite a sight to see compared the last month of the season when Jose was jogging to first. Wright looked sharp as well. Posted by Steve in New York
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Time for the Rocket to come clean
The US Congress has asked the US Justice Department to investigate Roger Clemens alleged performance enhancing drug use. They will also review his testimony and look at potential perjury charges. Major League Baseball has failed to act, so the government has to. If the government puts Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens in jail, even for perjury, it will be a major step in stopping HGH and steroid use in MLB. Next stop: investigate the commissioner. Posted by Steve in New York
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Return of Duaner Sanchez
This spring, Duaner Sanchez is more closely watched then Johan Santana is. The key to the Mets bullpen before breaking his shoulder in a taxi accident in July 2006, right-handed pitcher Duaner Sanchez has not pitched a game since July 2006. Until Monday when Sanchez pitched a scoreless inning in an inter-squad game. He has also been cleared to pitch in spring training games. A key problem last year was the bullpen. There was no 8th inning set up man and Aaron Heilman and Pedro Feliciano had to fit the bill, while they performed nicely, that lead to no 7th inning set up as well as overworked the bullpen. A healed Sanchez would be Billy Wagner's eighth-inning setup man, giving the bullpen more depth by moving Heilman and Feliciano into the sixth inning. Make no mistake, Duaner Sanchez is the second most important pitcher this spring. If Duaner Sanchez is healthy and effective and Johan Santana is as good as he has been in the past, the Mets pitching problems will be behind them. Posted by Steve in New York
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Combat in the Cage: 9th Strike, Part 2 of 3
Ok, first things first. As promised and without further ado, crowd hottie of the night honors go to:   
WOW! Is she cute or what? Like, girl next door hot right? I don’t know who she is or if I’ll ever see her again but if I do it wouldn’t be the worst thing that ever happened to me! Now, on to the fights! Bout 8
Lightweight (155)-MMA
Brett Martinez (Simrell MMA)- blue
vs.
Juan Contrarez (Jacks Kickboxing) -red Round 1 begins with Martinez dropping down for double but doesn't get it. Contrarez counters with a double leg and finishes it with a slam. Contrarez throws on a guillotine and stands. Martinez gets out and comes out on top. Martinez takes Contrarez’s back with the hooks in and begins to tee off on him. Contrarez rolls and Martinez stays on back and sinks in rear naked choke. Contrarez is saved by the bell. Round 2 starts with Contrarez attempting an armbar and then transitions into a triangle choke. Martinez gets out and winds up mounting Contrarez. Contrarez gets out and Martinez winds up in side control. The ref stands them up due to inactivity. Contrarez pulls guillotine standing and then drops guard. Martinez looks pretty safe but still in the guillotine as the round ends. Round 3 opens with Martinez landing a double leg takedown. Martinez positions into knee on belly and then claims full mount. Contrarez sweeps. The ref stands them back up and Martinez lands a takedown. The round ends with Martinez in the side mount position. Brett Martinez wins via Split Decision. Bout 9
Bantamweight (135)-MMA
Greg Albaragan (Soca BJJ)-blue
vs.
Jeff Cressman(Daddis FC)-red Albaragan comes out to a nice crowd pop. Cressman fans return the favor with a nice crowd pop of their own. Cressman comes out in what looks like women’s boyshorts underwear which is ordinarily a major turn on but in this case, not so much! Round 1 was uneventful but Cressman dominates the round. Round 2 begins with Albaragan landing a solid couple of kicks followed with some nice punches. Cressman retaliates with a series of leg kicks. Albaragan lands a nice leg kick of his own. Cressman lands a nice kick to body followed by a series of punch/kick combinations. Cressman goes for another combo and Albaragan takes him down on the kick. The round ends with Albaragan going for double leg against cage. This was a good and smartly fought round by Cressman. Round 3 opens with Albaragan going for a single leg takedown and gets it. Cressman has Albaragan in his guard and stands back up. Cressman stands. Albaragan goes for another single and winds up pressing Cressman against the cage. Albaragan tries to jump guard with a guillotine unsuccessfully as Cressman is able to pop out. The round ends with Albaragan having Cressman in his guard. Jeff Cressman wins via unanimous decision. Bout 10
Lightweight (155)-MMA
Kyle Harrington (Simrell MMA)-blue
vs.
Justin Lewis(Freestyle)-red Round 1 opens with Harrington landing a flurry of strikes and winds up on top of Lewis. The two guys roll for a second and Harrington slips on a beautiful armbar. Lewis taps. When it’s over he is really pissed off and punches the cage post. Not the smartest idea! Kyle Harrington wins at 47 seconds of round 1 by armbar. Bout 11
Bantamweight (135)-MMA
Dan Flounders (Soul Assassins)-blue
vs.
Nick Perez (Jacks Kickboxing)-red An announcement is made over the PA. Someone’s car is being towed. Two big jacked up guys run out of the arena. It was hysterical. I immediately recognize Perez as he was coaching a lot of the previous fighters’ at ringside. Round 1 opens with a grapple and Perez mounts Flounders but he is able to escape. Flounders lands a double and winds up in Perez’s guard. They stand up and Flounders gets a double. Perez throws on a triangle but needs to shift his hips in order to cinch it in. He can’t do it. Flounders reverses, mounts, and the round ends with Flounders on top. Round 2 opens with a takedown by Flounders. While on the ground, Flounders gets into the side mount position and transitions into mount. Perez rolls into turtle position. Flounders takes Perez’s back and gets the hooks in. He flattens Perez out and starts reigning down punches. Perez gets saved by the bell. The fight is called before the third round bell rings as Perez can't answer bell due to neck injury. Dan Flounders wins at 3:00 of round 2 due to failure to continue. Bout 12
Lightweight (155)-MMA
Chris Kratz (Simrell MMA)-blue
vs.
John Coxhead (Nak Muay Gym)-red Round 1 opens with Coxhead scoring with a takedown. Coxhead picks Kratz back up off of the ground and slams him back down. Kratz attempts a triangle but Coxhead is able to pass. Kratz attempts another armbar and almost has it but Coxhead is able to escape. Coxhead picks Kratz up and slams him again. Coxhead mounts and finishes the fight by unloading with strikes. The ref stops the fight. John Coxhead wins at 2:26 of round 1 by technical knockout. Bout 13
Welterweight (170)-MMA
Chris Wing (Wings MA)-blue
vs.
Kyle Hillman (Daddis FC)-red For the fighter’s entrance, a ton of smoke pours out and people in the crowd are really pissed because they can’t see the fighters or take pictures. Round 1 opens with Wing landing a hard strike. Hillman answers with a loud kick. The sound of the kick hitting Wing’s leg sounded like a cannon blast. I don’t know how he didn’t fall down. Wing gets a takedown. Hillman positions for triangle. Hillman bucks and throws Wing off with his legs. Wing starts reigning down punches and the ref comes close to stopping the fight. The round ends with Wing in Hillmans guard. Round 2 begins with a takedown attempt by Wing. Hillman lands great knee causing Wing to wince in pain. Wing gets on top lands some strikes. Hillman bucks him off with his legs again. Wing goes flying. The round ends with Hillman going for Kimura. Round 3 starts with Hillman landing a good leg kick to the body. Wing gets a single. Hillman does his horse kick thing again sending Wing flying. Hillman takes Wing’s back. Wing turns and gets a double leg takedown. Wing ends up in Hillman’s guard. The round ends with Wing punching Hillman. Chris Wing wins by Majority Decision. Bout 14
Middleweight(185)-MMA
Kevin Killian (Primal Fighting)-blue
vs.
Dave Daneki (Ground Control)-red Killian comes out to "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas and is dressed in full Judo gear. My money immediately goes on Daneki.  Round 1 opens with a lot of action but no damage and no quality technique. Daneki takes this round but it is extremely unentertaining. I kept myself busy by wondering "If the camera man fell off the ladder that would be really funny." As long as he didn’t get hurt of course! It was a tall ass ladder. See the pic.
Round 2 starts with Daneki falling on Killian after a quick grapple on the feet. Daneki gets side mount. Killian gets half guard as the round ends. Round 3 opens with Daneki landing a few ugly punches. Killian is hurt but Daneki doesn't take advantage. Killian is opened up under both eyes. Killian controls Daneki on the ground as the round ends. Terrible fight, no technique, ugly striking. This was the worst fight of the night by far. Dave Daneki wins by Unanimous Decision. Bout 15
Lightweight (155)-MMA
Combat in the Cage Lightweight Championship
David Price (Team Steele)-blue
vs.
Al Iaquinta (Miletich NY)-red Everyone should remember Al Iaquinta from the last time I covered an event for S&TT. If not, a pic from his entrance to the cage will help jog your memory.  Let me start off by saying holy shit! Fight of the night honors right here!
The first thing that is immediately noticeable is that Prince looks about 15 years older than Iaquinta. Round 1 opens with Iaquinta landing a big punch and follows with a shot. Price winds up taking Iaquinta's back. The choke looks deep and I would say I was surprised that he didn’t tap but I’ve seen him fight before so I’m actually not surprised at all. At this point, I could not believe that Iaquinta was not unconscious. Just as I am almost out of air from holding my breath, Iaquinta escapes. Iaquinta gets a huge slam and closes with a series of punches to end the round. Iaquinta goes back to his corner and actually sits down. This is the first time I have seen him not stand the whole time in-between rounds. Round 2 opens with Iaquinta landing a series of good punches on his feet. Price is hurt. The two wind up on the ground and Iaquinta controls the action. Iaquinta stands up and lets Price up. Iaquinta gets poked in the eye. It looks bad. The Doctor is sent in to check. Eventually, the fight is restarted. Iaquinta attacks Price with a vengeance as he unleashes a furious series of pin point accurate, hard, and lightning fast punches. Prince goes flying across the ring as Iaquinta knocks him out. Iaquinta retains the belt!  I was really impressed with Iaquinta’s composure, heart, and ability to overcome adversity. At the age of 20, he fights with the composure of a much older fighter. This guy is going to get better with time and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we see him in the IFL or WEC one day.
Al Iaquinta wins at 2:07 of round 2 by knock out. From left to right, Dave (the Militech NY mastermind and head trainer),
CITC lightweight champion “Ill” Al Iaquinta, and CITC promoter Ed Hsu. Stay tuned for Part 3 of 3 to see pictures of the ring girl with the flat ass (due to popular demand) and find out why the crowd threatened a fighter and the ref. I’m not a religious guy, but I was preying for both of them. P.S. for those of you asking about the Combat in the Cage website you can visit it at www.combatinthecage.com. Thanks again to Freddie “Bad Intentions” Barfield aka Fred Nice for the pics. Posted by Jason Nocco with one foot in the grave due to a devastating flu.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Will John Maine win 20 games?
John Maine went 15-10 last year with 191 innings and a 3.91 ERA. He was the best pitcher in September and had a few games taken away from him by the bullpen. According to the NY Daily News Billy Wagner said yesterday: "He can win 20," Billy Wagner said. "Heck, he could have won 20 last year if the bullpen had helped a little more and he didn't let an inning get away from him here and there. Johnny just needs to believe he's that good, that he can be as good as guys like Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz, because we've all seen how he can go out and dominate." John Maine was a different pitcher in 2007 than in 2006 when he started Games 1 of the NLDS and must win Game 6 of the NLCS. Those experiences matured him and propelled him to start the home opener in 2007 as well as pitch near perfect in April very well during the September collapse. If you remember the day before Tom Glavine gave away the farm, Maine pitched 7.2 innings of 1 hit ball, walking only 2 and striking out 14. This was a must win game and Maine brought his A game. A serious win in the clutch. In 2006 Carlos Beltran performed much better than in 2005. The reason? Carlos Delgado arrived and took a lot of pressure off Beltran. I think you can see the same thing happen with Santana. Santana can reduce the pressure on Maine and allow him to shine. Plus with a better pitching staff in 2008 then 2007 and a slightly upgraded bullpen, the bullpen should be less worn down and can save more wins for Maine. Pitching wins pennants. If Santana and Maine both flirt with 20 game seasons, Pedro says healthy, and Oliver Perez earns his raise and wins 17 games or so, you can see a very good 1 through 4 punch. Posted by Steve in New York
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Mets-Phillies Rivalry is boring
Yankees-Red Sox is a rivalry. Mets Phillies is just plain old boring. While the players are talking trash, there is just not enough history involved nor any real bad blood. They players should keep their mouths shut and focus on playing the game, why add additional pressure that is not necessary. Posted by Steve in New York
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Where is the arrest warrant for Roger Clemens?
Roger Clemens testified under oath to the US Congress that he did not attend a party in 1998 at Jose Canseco's house. Not only did he deny it he claimed to have proof by showing the world his golf receipts. He also claimed that this was proof that Brian McNamee was not only a liar but out to destroy Roger. Now a photo has surfaced of Roger Clemens at the party. In addition, his lawyer is backtracking already: "Roger was playing golf at the time of the party, and has stated that he may have stopped by the Canseco house after playing golf before heading to the ballpark for the game," read Rusty Hardin's statement. Time for Roger Clemens to go to jail. Posted by Steve waiting for Roger Clemens to go to jail.
Friday, February 22, 2008
King James' New Court Jesters
LeBron James got some much needed help on Thursday before the NBA Trade Deadline. The Cavs got Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith, Delmonte West, and a draft pick in a three team trade with the Seattle Sonics and Chicago Bulls according to NBA.com. Are you kidding me? This is legalized theft. OMG! Unbelievable. I am speechless.
In other news, I am happy for Bobby Jackson who has another chance to contend with the Houston Rockets. (I like the Hornets but this can help the Rockets escape the first round.) The Rockets just won their tenth game in a row and got even better with Bobby. I met Bobby at the Garden after a Kings-Knicks game in 2002. He was a really nice guy. Good luck Bobby!
I don't follow Portland and Seattle that closely because their games aren't broadcast that often here in the City. But, watch out for these teams in the future. Portland beat Seattle on Thursday night on TNT and is only 4.5 games out of the 8th spot in the Western Conference. This is without the injured Greg Oden. How scary will they be when he is healthy? Don't sleep on Seattle. Their record isn't that good now but they will be getting some draft picks plus veterans like Barry and Elson from San Antonio. Watch when they start to gel with Rookie of the Year candidate Kevin Durrant.
The NBA has to make a change. Since the Western Conference is so good, I have to agree with TNT analyst Reggie Miller that the Top 16 NBA teams, NOT eight from the East and eight from the West make the playoffs. It's just not fair to deserving teams like Portland and Seattle in a couple of years.
Bottom Line: I am so happy for King James. The Cavs now have enough to beat the Pistons and/or the Celtics, touch wood, and anyone who survives in the Western Conference. I am even happier than I was yesterday. I am coming out of my steroid and HGH blues. Woooo!
Posted by The Tank in Basketball Heaven.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Shaq's Suns Debut "Eclipsed" by the Lakers
Shaquille O'Neal played his first game with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night against the visiting LA Lakers. Former teammate Kobe Bryant ruined Shaq's Suns debut with 41 points and the Lakers "eclipsed" the Suns 130-124.
Wednesday also happened to be a solar eclipse of the moon by the sun. I viewed it about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. NYC isn't the best place to see celestial sightings because of all of the lights but it was still pretty cool.
Where Do We Go From Here: Wow! Tough one.
It is going to be a great stretch run for the NBA. Only 4.5 games separate seeds 1 through 8 in the Western Conference. Everyone tried to make moves to improve themselves like the Lakers getting Pau Gasol from Grizzlies, the Suns getting Shaq from the Heat, the Spurs getting former Sonic (and Knick) Kurt Thomas, and the Mavs getting Jason Kidd from the Nets.
I think the Mavs and the Nets got better from the trade. The Mavs window to contend for a championship is closing. (Their best chance was being up 2-0 against the Heat in the 2006 Finals but we all know how that ended up.) The Nets benefitted because they got rid of someone who didn't want to be there anymore, Jason Kidd. Kidd is a great talent but his off the court (migraine) and other issues are well documented. He's going to the Hall of Fame but it wasn't cool how he left. The Nets got two first round draft picks, Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, and $3 million in cash. Keith Van Horn hasn't played since 2006 but was included to balance the salaries. Don't expect Keith to play as he didn't officially retire but been spending time with his family and building his businesses. He is going to get $4.3 million for not playing. Hey, not bad work if you can get it. God bless and good luck Keith!
As for the Knicks, ugh is pretty much all I can say. No one wants their players and their huge contracts. The Knicks and the Eastern Conference is so bad that you can take any five people and be a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. For instance, "No Tip Vic" and I talked a couple years ago about fielding a team with his wife Michele and their two young children. We would beat the Knicks and probably be competitive with some other teams in the Eastern Conference. (BTW, "No Tip Vic" is a good person but he got his nickname from Brooklyn Brian and Brooklyn Pete after he didn't tip a waitress a couple of years ago at Ulysses, a Wall Street area bar/restaurant. Come on bro, get with the program.)
Anyway, enjoy the stretch run. Watch recovery from key injuries. When will Bynam return to the Lakers? Will Parker be 100 percent? How will Kobe's hand hold up? How will Shaq's hip hold up? I am still sticking with my pre-season picks of a Spurs-Celtics Finals because the Spurs have the best coach in Popovich and the veterans. As much as I like Doc Rivers, KG, and some of the other Celtics as human beings, I can't root for the team for obvious reasons. Good luck everyone except the Celtics!
Posted by The Tank somewhere between the Moon and New York City.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Happy Birthday Steve!
Today marks Steve's birthday and I think he is celebrating it in Egypt.
For my birthday last year, Steve offered to shave my head like David Wright. I won't do that to Steve. However, if he wants to contribute hair from his next haircut to my upcoming hair transplant, I would greatly appreciate it. 
Wherever you are bro, I hope you enjoy the day!
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Manchester United Versus Arsenal
JH, Tony, and I got together at Clancy's on 52nd and 2nd this past Saturday to watch an important match, Manchester United versus Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup. It was a pleasant distraction from steroids and preparing taxes.
For the uninitiated, Man U versus Arsenal is like Yankees versus the Red Sox. In fact, Man U had a cross sport marketing agreement a few years ago with the Yankees and NJ Nets.
Tony and I bonded instantly as we are both Man U fans. JH is a great person and friend but is an Arsenal fan. However, we agree on watching world class soccer.
J.S. Park missed on a cross at 13 minutes. Darn it!
Rooney finished on a header at the 16th minute. Man U 1 - Arsenal 0. Yeah!
No one likes Lehmann, the Arsenal goalie. He's a dirty player.
"Your steak and eggs are ready!" the bartender yelled from the bar. Hey, I have to eat too.
Fletcher scored on a header from Nani in the 20th minute. Man U 2 - Arsenal 0.
We had a spirited discussion of SWAGS - Soccer Wives And Girlfriends. In our small and unscientific sample, the French have the best SWAGS in this small sample. J'accord! Agreed!
Rooney couldn't finish on a brilliant cross from Fletcher in the 34th minute. Darn it!
Nani's goal in the 38th minute passed an outstretched Lehmann. Man U 3 - Arsenal 0.
During halftime, I informed Tony of my partial ownership in Ebbsfleet United. My fellow owners and I plan to take Ebbsfleet from the English Fourth Division and take them to the highest heights of global soccer.
We all agree that Nani should stop diving.
Rooney almost added more goals in the 47th and 49th minutes.
Eboue of Arsenal was given a red card foul on Ezra. Ouch! Buh bye.
Not be outdone, Rooney was given a yellow card to Rooney in the 61st minute. Let the ball go Rooney!
As boneheaded as Rooney can be at times, he just missed on the 62nd minute. Nice block by Lehmann. Hey, I am a former goalie and have to call it as I see it.
JH's friend and co-worker Sheila stops by in the 68th minute. Very nice!
Fletcher scored his second goal in the 74th minute. Man U 4 - Arsenal 0.
As the camera pans the crowd, I thought I saw my friend Manchester Sam in the arena. I met Sam at the 2005 Great Wall Marathon.
Adebayor gets a yellow card for a real bad flop in the 76th minute. The announcers were incredulous.
Nani juggles just like they teach at the Brasilian soccer school for kids in Riverdale. Man U won 4-0. Yeah!
Posted by The Tank reporting live from Clancy's on the East side of Manhattan.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Combat in the Cage: 9th Strike, Part 1 of 3
I would like to take this time to note that Steve gave me a t-shirt with a Norwegian saying on the back that his Norwegian friend would not translate for us. However, he did laugh at us a lot. Can one of our Norwegian readers get in touch with me to translate so that I know exactly who I am offending when I wear the shirt? Thanks. OK, on to the battle tales! Fighting was in there air at the Greater Newark Boys' & Girls' Club in Newark, Delaware. I’m not quite sure when they removed Newark from New Jersey and placed it into Delaware but I’ve been to Newark New Jersey and I’m not so sad to see it go. The drive was about 3 hours from Queens NY to Newark DE. 
It felt like 2.5 of those hours were spent getting through the Lincoln Tunnel. I was accompanied by Freddie “Bad Intentions” Barfield, a.k.a. Fred Nice. Fred came to take photos of the fights and of course, the women! We were in Delaware for a night of mixed martial arts (MMA) at Combat in the Cage: 9th Strike. This event was the best event that I have been to in the Combat in the Cage series. The line went around the building and the parking lot was packed out. Thanks to the promoter Ed Hsu, I was able to skip the line and get my press pass. It’s good to know people! There were 21 fights in all and I have to go on a date later so I can’t write them all up today. This will be the Part 1 of 3 and you’ll get the other two parts over the next few days. And yes, my date is very hot! See below: 
Bout 1
Bantamweight (135 lbs)-MMA
Philip Jean
vs.
Andrew Ham Ham opens with a superman punch and then a throws a good knee. Jean gets a takedown. Jean gets off a slam. On the ground, Ham attempts and arm bar. Phil gets a reversal and gets a takedown. Ham throws on a tight kimura lock that forces Jean to tap out. Ham wins by Ude Garami (a.k.a. kimura lock) at 1:54 in round 1. Bout 2
165 lbs-Muay Thai
Suneagle McNeely (Choice MA)-blue
vs.
Malik Kamara (Daddis FC)-red Kamara came out in full Thai garb; a Thai headband, music, and traditional "Whai Ko" ceremony around the cage. I don't know what that translates too but I'm pretty sure its "one who is about to get his teeth knocked into the front row." First round was pretty uneventful. A Weird thing happens right before end of round one; Kamara goes down, gets up holding leg and limps cage side. Must have been a cramp or something. Round 2 starts with McNeely's friend screaming "punch him in the face Sunny." McNeely lands vicious shots, bullying him all over ring, gets a big knockdown. Crowd goes crazy. McNeely stands back up, Kamara gets battered and "Sunny" knocks him out sending Kamara flying across the cage. McNeely wins KO in round 2. Bout 3
150-Muay Thai
Mark Caserta (Jacks Kickboxing)-blue
vs.
Jackson Galka (Daddis FC)-red Galka comes out with the same Thai headband that Malik Kamara was wearing. We all know how that went. I immediately predict he gets abused like one of those contestants on The Moment of Truth. I note to myself that this Thai dance should probably be replaced by a Hulk Hogan like ring entrance to get a better crowd reaction. As the fight starts, I notice something that I've never seen before. Caserta is wearing headgear and Galka is not. I immediately switch my prediction to Caserta. To open round 1, Caserta takes a powerful kick to head. He is so lucky for that headgear. The rest of the round is slow. In between rounds, A "Sponsored by Thaisportgear.com" announcement is made. The guy who owns Thaisportgear.com was sitting right behind me and I give him props for supporting this great event. Round 2 has a lot of Thai clinching going on and is also kind of slow. Round 3 begins with both fighters coming out swinging. Mark gets the better of the exchange. Galka delivers a series of hard knees. Caserta answers with a flurry of hard punches and kicks. As round ends, Galka slams Caserta... Too bad it’s a Muay Thai fight and slams don't count. Caserta wins by split decision. Bout 4
Bantamweight (135)-Muay Thai
Akil Walker (Semper Fi MMA)-blue
vs.
Tim Van Duyke(Jacks Kickboxing)-red Walker mean mugs Van Duyke in the center of the cage and refuses to touch gloves. He looks like someone stole his lunch money when he was 6 and he’s been holding it in inside for all of these years. My moneys on him. The round opens with Van Duyke slamming Walker. Van Duyke throws kick and punch combos. Van Duyke slams him again. Again, keep in mind slams don't count in a Muay Thai fight. Van Duyke has a shirt on and I'm reminded of a fat kid in a pool. What’s up with that? Another first. 
Van Duyke is doing some dirty boxing when the round ends. Round 2 starts with Van Duyke slugging it out. Both guys look very tired. Round 3 begins with a good leg kick by Walker. Van Duyke gets a Thai clinch and lands three vicious knees and a flurry of punches to the head. The ref steps in citing fighter safety. Van Duyke wins at 36 seconds in round 3. TKO by ref stoppage due to strikes. Bout 5
Featherweight (145)-MMA
Anthony Losorelli (Bushi Karate)-blue
vs.
Kyle Jacoby (XFC)-red Anthony comes out to More Human than Human by White Zombie. Kyle comes out to Rage, Killing in the Name... I am all fired up and I want to fight everyone in the event center at the same time. Round 1 opens with Jacoby attempting three takedowns and gets pushed aside like a bull in a bullfight going for the matador and getting the red blanket waved in his face. Jacoby finally gets a takedown. Losorelli throws on a triangle. Losorelli wins! Jacoby gets up with blood pouring out of his nose. Losorelli wins at 1:27 of round 1 by triangle choke. Bout 6
Featherweight (145)-MMA
Josh Rudinski (Primal Fighting)-blue
vs.
Jerome McLane (Simrell MMA)-red McLane comes out to Eminem and gets a huge crowd pop. He lands a flurry of vicious shots to open round 1. The two go down and they fall McLane puts Rudinski in a guillotine and pulls guard. Rudinski has an arm in but the choke is very deep. Josh goes to sleep. It takes him one full minute to wake up with the ref holding him up because he was completely limp. McLane wins at 32 seconds of round 1 by guillotine choke. Bout 7
175-MMA
Charlie Joseph (Renzo Gracie)-blue
vs.
Joe DiFranco (Daddis FC)-red Joseph's nickname is "Fight Monkey". If you think that is funny, go see him and let him know. Wear a helmet, elbow and knee braces, and bring a weapon. Actually, it probably still wouldn't matter. This guy has devastating power as you'll find out in a second. Round 1 is one of the most entertaining rounds I've seen in an MMA fight. "Fight Monkey" Joseph fights with his hands totally down, continuously taunting DiFranco. This is usually not a recommended practice as you leave your chin susceptible to being punched out like Glass Joe in Mike Tyson’s Punch-out. It is very easy to get knocked out like that unless you are extremely talented or extremely luck. Joseph is bobbing and weaving at angles that would be hard to duplicate by most fighters and he kind of reminds me of the boxer Prince Nassim Hamed when he was in his hay day. Joseph keeps knocking DiFranco down, picking his punches with devastating power and accuracy. These are "one and dones" as in after you take one of these punches to the chin, you’re done for the night. Joseph lets DiFranco get up after he knocks him down four times by four separate bombs and Joseph is really swinging for the fences here. Joseph keeps waiving his fingers at DiFranco like Morpheus in The Matrix (fast forward the following link to 1:02)"... Video Here Joseph slips on a guillotine and cinches it in from the guard position. DiFranco taps and afterwards gets up bleeding from his nose. Joseph wins at 1:23 of round 1 by guillotine choke. 
Stay tuned for Part 2 of 3 to find out who the crowd hottie of the night was and to see what happened to see “Ill” Al Iaquinta, who defended the lightweight belt that he won during my initial fight blog foray. Posted by Jason Nocco in the water gap as he awaits Johan Santana’s cy young award ceremony later this year.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Why Congressional Hearings Are Ok
The Tank (and everyone else I know) oppose Congress investigating the Steroids and HGH issue in MLB. The Tank even wrote a dramatic piece on it saying he wants a tax refund. Most people say that the government has better things to do. I am a laissez-faire guy, one who thinks that less government is better and one who thinks that government regulation of business is in general bad. A capitalist at heart. Baseball is a business, a private business. I testified in front of the US Congress telling them to leave Microsoft alone 10 years ago. You would assume that I am opposed to the government holding hearings about MLB, right? Wrong. Private business is suppose to regulate itself, make sure that it provides a fair environment for competition, a good marketplace for consumers, and follows the law. I believe in government intervention in two scenarios: monopoly and market inefficiencies. Market inefficiencies exist in business all the time and the government has the expectation to come in and defend the consumer or workers. A good example of a market inefficiency is automobiles. Without governmental regulations, we would all be driving cars running at 15 miles per gallon. A market inefficiency exists in MLB with large markets and small markets and MLB tried to address that on its own. While the solution is not perfect, I am in favor of the luxury tax since it represents the industry self-regulating. That is the free market at work. Yankee fans who complain (and Mets and BoSox fans who will soon be complaining) I tell them, think of the alternative: Government controls over MLB payrolls. Since the workers are unionized, there are few market inefficiencies-even thought the players tend to be underpaid- from a purely economic point of view, not a "holy crap, he makes that much?" point of view. Remember that these players have a window of 10-15 years to make all the money in their life. Take a time value of money economics class and realize that some of the contracts are not as large as you think they are. There are other inefficiencies, like someone like A-Rod or Santana really only can work for a few employers (Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, maybe Cubs), giving the few employers the power, not the player. Look how A-Rod came crawling back to the Yankees, and despite the large contract, look how few options Santana actually had. This leads to players strikes every so many years, and that is ok too, I'll take a strike every decade or two rather than government price controls. MLB is a monopoly. There are no other professional baseball leagues in the USA. Combined with a handful of other sports (NFL, NBA, NHL) the MLB is also part of a professional sports oligopoly. This means that we have to hold baseball to a higher standard then say the corner grocery store. Baseball is expected to enforce the law of the United States and Canada and HGH and Steroids are illegal. Baseball is doing a bad job at policing itself, it lacked a drug policy until recently. Without a drug policy, then the government must step in. For example, if you were a drug dealer at a Wall Street firm, and your company had no policy to deal with your drug dealing and your customer's usage, the government would step in and arrest those who are involved. This is not that much different. Allegations are showing up that the league turned a blind eye on it all that was happening. MLB was not policing itself. Even the Mitchell Report has many questions as to its fairness. This my fellow sports fans is a clear case of an market inefficiency. A market inefficiency by a monopolist no less. Where else does the consumer go for remedy? The government. I don't like that is has come to this, but it has. If it takes the government to clean up baseball, then so be it. For its credit, the Government does not want to police baseball, but has simply held hearings. That is a warning shot. The next step will be to institute legislation. Baseball better get its act together before it comes down to that. It has been suggested that the commissioner needs to be investigated. I don't agree. I think he should be fired. Posted by Steve in Cairo, Egypt.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Mets Start Arriving to Camp and Put Last Year Behind Them
Pitchers and Catchers have arrived and position players show up to Spring Training next week. Jose Reyes arrived in camp 4 days early and said that he is ready to win. Reyes took responsibility for batting .205 in the stretch in September and not being on base to mount rallies. But then he moved to 2008: "We have to do it this year. That's it!" he said. Willie had a press conference and addressed the issue. "I didn't really start feeling like myself until probably holiday time," manager Willie Randolph said. "We were one of the best teams in the National League, or probably the best team in the National League last year, until we went into a funk." In other news, Orlando Hernandez expressed his desire to start and not be in the bullpen. It looks like he will leave camp the 5th starter, but anyone who thinks he can deliver 175 innings is out of their mind. He will probably deliver 100 max and you will see Mike Pelfrey start in AAA and make spot starts as well as fill in whenever Hernandez or Pedro Martinez goes on the DL. Expect Pelfrey to see at least 15 starts this year and be a regular started in CitiField. Posted by Steve in New York
Friday, February 15, 2008
Steroids Ruin Valentine's Day
PermaGuest Outlaw Jack mentioned a rumor about President Bush pardoning Roger Clemens. Steve replied that it originated from McNamee's lawyer. This misinformation is part of this "trial by media" which Jack, many others, and I dislike. This is one of the many problems with this entire Clemens' Congressional Circus. More disturbing than Clemens' guilt or innocence is the way that the many procedural and structural issues that I wrote about yesterday. I am sad for everyone who was there and sadder for our country. I'll take a good old fashioned "trial by jury" than "trial by media" anyday.
Gotta get back to doing taxes. Ugh!
Posted by a depressed Tank in NY.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Clemens' Congressional Circus
I really hoped to sit down Wednesday and do my taxes. I really lost a day of my life and want a huge tax refund as I felt my tax money wasted by our elected representatives.
It was painful watching Roger Clemens, Brain McNamee, Charlie Scheeler (Senator Mitchell's representative), and our elected representatives. I can live with a innocent or guilty Roger Clemens. What I disliked was the trying of this case in the media prior to yesterday's testimony. What ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" Everyone deserves their day in court, even one as unusual as a non-traditional courtroom like Congress.
I started taking notes for a post but felt like I was scoring a boxing match. I had hoped to save the boxing report for the Klitschko-Ibragimov fight next Saturday night at the Garden. Here's how I scored it:
Hurt Clemens: (1) Andy Pettitte's and Chuck Knoblauch's testimony. When your best friend goes against you, it's hard to survive it. Pettitte even testified that his Dad gave him the HGH. (2) Contacting his nanny. This doesn't look good as potential tampering of a witness. Helped Clemens: (1) Brian McNamee has much less credibility than Clemens. Where do I start? Congressman Waxman said that "Mr. McNamee has twice failed to tell government investigators the truth."
(A) In the decade since the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal in 1998-1999, we have gone from trying to figure out the meaning of "'is' is" to "It is what it is." If you figure out the new meaning of "is", please feel free to comment in our blog. Many thanks to Steve to troubleshooting the dasBlog issue last week.
(B) His medical credentials: I have heard of correspondence degrees. But PhDs to a university that has no building? Come on. Maybe Congressman Issa was right when he said that PhD stands for Piled Higher Deeper.
(C) Holding onto syringes is the ultimate "get out of jail card." As Congressman Soulder pointed out, what is on them? Are they admissible? (Suggestion: Let's get some conclusive results on these syringes before admitting them as evidence.)
(D) Jose Cancesco's barbecue/"luncheon": Clemens has Blue Jays radio announcer and Roger's golf receipt hurt McNamee's claim that Clemens was at Jose Canseco's house.
(2) Why didn't Senator Mitchell's staff contact Roger Clemens? David Justice went through the same thing on Michael Kay's ESPN 1050 Radio show the day after the Mitchell Report came out. The Players Union did a bad job of representing the players and Clemens paid the price. Andy didn't find out that he was going to be in the Mitchell Report until five or six days before its release. (3) Abscess on Roger's behind: The trainers didn't find it but McNamee did. I can't address this further, more than I want to know. TMI.
(4) The LA Times was wrong with Jason Grimsley's testimony and had to issue an apology last year. Will Senator Mitchell have to issue one if McNamee's credibility continues to be brought into question?
Verdict: This is hard to say because of the following:
(1) This did NOT take place in a real courtroom.
(2) How admissible is the evidence? Not only physical but the "he said, he said" nature of the proceeds.
(3) Cross examinations: Roger's counsel tried to stand up for him but were NOT allowed to address the panel.
(4) Conflict of interest: As I have stated months ago, baseball is bereft with conflict. It starts with Commissioner Selig who transferred ownership of the Brewers to his daughter Wendy. He still maintains an office in the new Miller Park in Milwaukee. He is a fox guarding the chicken coop.
The next fox guarding the chicken coop is Senator Mitchell. As I mentioned months ago, Senator Mitchell has a conflict of interest as a Red Sox Director. How can Senator Mitchell be impartial?
Even Congressman Kanjorski who has known Senator Mitchell for over 25 years and wanted him to be a Presidential candidate had his doubts on other issues. I agree with Congressman Kanjorski that "We would have liked to talked to God." Me too.
(5) What does the House Government Oversight Committee have to do with any of this? Congressman Chris Shays was quoted in Wednesday's New York Post as saying "I feel we've gone beyond our mandate. Our mandate is not to decide the legacy of individual baseball players."
Where Do We Go From Here:
(1) I don't know. We are going into some unchartered territory.
If you can get an impartial jury, is Clemens guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? Will he be indicted?
In a weird way, this makes me look forward to a Barry Bonds trial because it will be a circus but in a more traditional legal framework. OK, I am trying to somehow comfort myself and it's not fully working. I will have to get a prescription for Prozac.
(2) Will this really clean up steroids amongst kids? Probably NOT because there are NO enforcement exercises. This is an exercise in futility and another waste of our tax dollars.
(3) Does this better Commissioner Selig's legacy or worse it as he closed the barn door AFTER the horse got out? MLB owners should NOT have extended Commissioner Selig's contract this year. MLB owners should NOT have extended Commissioner Selig's contract this year. Get a truly independent commissioner.
(4) Baseball better clean up or they will have to deal with the Congressional Circus on a regular basis. Just ask anyone affected by Sarbanes-Oxley what government overregulation can do to destroy your industry.
Posted by a disappointed Tank in NY.
P.S. The Senate isn't going to let the House have all the fun. Watch for Spygate hearings in the near future. More wasted tax dollars. I better go back and finish my taxes before the Congress wastes my refund.
 MLB | Steroids
 Thursday, February 14, 2008 12:33:19 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
|  Trackback
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Who is lying: Andy Pettitte or Roger Clemens?
According to the AP: Roger Clemens told Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte almost 10 years ago that the Rocket used human growth hormone, Pettitte said in a sworn affidavit to the US Congress. Pettitte also testified that a few years ago he asked Roger what to say when asked about HGH and Clemens replied that Pettitte misunderstood the previous exchange in 1999 or 2000 and that, in fact, Clemens had been talking about HGH use by his wife in the original conversation. So Pettitte came clean. Pettitte exposes Clemens as a liar and a cover-up artist. McNamee made accusations about both Pettitte and Clemens and team Clemens has went on a smear campaign, saying that McNamee will do anything to discredit the Rocket. Is best friend Pettitte next in the smear campaign? Pettitte has implicated himself, and validated McNamee, in his testimony. Pettitte has everything to lose, nothing to gain, and absolutely no reason to lie about Roger Clemens. I believe Andy Pettitte. Roger Clemens better come clean soon. He testifies in front of Congress today at 9:30 AM EST. If he tells the truth, maybe we can forgive him. But there better be some answers in that testimony. Posted by Steve in New York
MLB | Steroids
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:44:20 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
| Trackback
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
D-Day for the Rocket
Roger Clemens has to testify in front of Congress, under oath, about his involvement in the performance enhancing drug scandal. He has to be careful, any false move can land him in jail for perjury. Roger's former teammate, Andy Pettitte will not have to testify today, he testified last week and testified counter to what Roger Clemens is suppose to say today. One of them is lying. Considering that Pettitte said he tool illegal drugs and confirmed what was in the Micthell report, my money is that Clemens is lying. Posted by Steve tuned into C-SPAN.
MLB | Steroids
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:25:18 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
| Trackback
Monday, February 11, 2008
Why Is Pedro the Fox Guarding the Chicken Coop?
I didn't want to believe my eyes when PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me of a YouTube video showing Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez participating in a cockfight in the Dominican Republic.
As I said and wrote about Roger Clemens, Pedro is innocent until proven guilty. The video could have been (a) doctored, (b) used a celebrity impersonator, (c) done long ago before Pedro learned the errors of his way, or (d) some of the above.
Upon further research, I was shocked to read in AM New York that Pedro admitted to it. He was an honorary soltadore, the person who releases the chickens to fight. The chicken that Pedro released reportedly died. Fellow Dominican and Hall of Fame Pitcher Juan Marichal also participated as a soltadore in this shameful event.
Animal cruelty is wrong and shouldn't be tolerated, much less celebrated. Though cockfighting is legal in the Dominican Republic, I will have to boo Pedro the next time at Shea. As an honorary Dominican, he let me and others down.
Posted by a disappointed Tank, animals and humans best friend.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Spring Training This Week
The Mets and Yankees pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in Florida this week. The key to the Mets is is Carlos Delgado going to bounce back from an off year, will Pedro Martinez stay healthy and will the bullpen and new ace Johan Santana come through. The Yankees face a bit of a question mark with left field and first base and the rotation will see some competition from the kids. We'll see how it all works out, but with the Knicks a laughing stock and the Super Bowl over, it is time to start thinking about baseball! Posted by Steve in New York
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Amateur Female Jello Wrestling Sunday at 8 p.m. at Arlene's Grocery
Dana Sterling Presents:
Amateur Female Jello Wrestling!
Sunday, February 10th, 8-11:00pm
(6:30 Wrestle Lesson)
at Arlene's Grocery
95 Stanton Street (between Ludlow & Allen), NYC.
Subway: F to 2nd Ave
Hey Ladies, want to wrestle? RSVP at
danasterling@gmail.com
"Think the days of female empowerment through mortal combat were over? Think again--as this tongue-in-cheek sporting event brings ready-made deserts back to the ring where they belong." - TimeOut New York
"Sterling has successfully created a space that gives women permission to forget the hassle of deflecting criticism for their bodies' inadequacies and regress to a time when they felt comfortable being ridiculous. All it took was a creative impulse and the help from a little gelatin." - New York
Press
"After the match all the girls felt exhausted, but empowered (like the feeling you get when you watch the 'Charlie's Angel's' movie- watching fabulous females fighting evil and kicking some badguy ass.) Really makes ya wanna be a Rockstar Fighter Chick and change the world!" – Uncoolkids.com
Friday, February 08, 2008
Shaq Shakes the Suns and NBA
Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns officially on Thursday after passing his physical.
Shaq has had his share of injuries which have been caused by weight as well as wear and tear which The Tank can unfortunately relate to.
However, this trade gives Shaq time to get healthy and in shape for the playoffs which a couple of months away starting in mid April. With Shaq on the floor, the Suns might not run as much but he's there for his low post presence on offense and defense.
Even if Shaq isn't ready this season, watch him push hard in the last two years of his career and possibly Hall of Fame career.
The Heat benefitted by getting younger with Sharion Marion and Marcus Banks to help Dwayne Wade contend again in the near future. We can only hope that they and others stop the third part of the Boston Sports Apocalypse, the Eastern Conference leading Celtics.
As for local teams, the Nets are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Jason Kidd to Dallas trade rumors continue to linger. The Eastern Conference is so bad that the 14-35 Knicks are only six games out of the playoffs with 33 games to play. I don't think they'll make it, especially with their inconsistent play, but you never know.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
It is getting harder to believe Roger Clemens
I love to read spy novels. There are a few things that are always the same in every spy novel, even if it is written by Tom Clancy or John Le Carre. The spy has a drop box or safe deposit box with states evidence against everyone. He has arrangements with an unknown third party to release the contents of that box if "something ever happens to him." The contents of these drop boxes are also the equivalent of a get out of jail free card if the sh*t ever hits the fan. You get arrested for doing something illegal, you turn states evidence. Sports fans, Brian McNamee has one such drop box. He gave federal prosecutors syringes and other physical evidence his lawyers say back the his allegations of illegal drug use by Roger Clemens. Apparently the syringes were used to inject the Rocket with steroids and HGH. McNamee has turned over the physical evidence. Of course Clemens denies the evidence is real. "Brian McNamee is obviously a troubled man who is obsessed with doing everything possible to destroy Roger Clemens," Clemens' lawyer said in a statement. yesterday. "Roger is looking forward to testifying before Congress next week to set the record straight. He will not waiver, nor will he shrink from this because he is telling the truth. We ask all fair-minded people to listen. It is time for Brian McNamee to be subject to the same scrutiny as Roger Clemens." But after Andy Pettitte confessed to taking HGH injected into him by McNamee, the same McNamee that was introduced to Pettitte by Clemens, it is not looking good for the Rocket. Posted by Steve in New York.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Johan Santana Meets the Mets...
Today the Mets held a press conference at Shea Stadium to introduce Johan Santana to the New York media. Omar started the conference with a congratulations to the NY Giants. Classy. Johan got on the stage and said that "New York is the capital of the world." When asked about adjusting to NY, Johan was very calm and focused and said that he will rely on his teammates for advice on life in the big apple. When Johan was asking about hitting in the NL, he said, "Well I came here to pitch." Then he took a question in Spanish. Steve only caught about ever other word, but he was asked about the Yankees. He said that his preference was to come to the Mets. When asked about the World Series, he said: "That is why we are here. It has to be this year and beyond. We are going to make it very special." Asked about the number of Latino players on the Mets he said while that is cool, playing the game is key. Asked again in Spanish if his arrival makes the Mets a favorite to win the NL, Johan replied: "Johan said that it is a team effort and is looking forward to winning the championship with the Mets." Does Santana make the Mets the favorite in the NL East? David Wright said no, since the Phillies won last year. David Wright, who was on hand today at the press conference, is just hedging his bets, Santana gives the Mets a major boost in an area where they had a major hole. Johan was asked about the pressure of the collapse and the huge contract. He answered with confidence. (Hopefully he will not get booed like Carlos Beltran.) Asked if Shea Stadium will help his numbers he said he is not thinking about that. Overall Santana seemed very comfortable with the media and happy to be here. Posted by Steve in New York (and trying to fix the server problems.)
|