 Monday, March 31, 2008
Nationals New Stadium Symbolizes DC's Comeback
The Washington Nationals opened the US part of the season by beating the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on a walk off home run by Ryan Zimmerman. President Bush threw out the first pitch at the brand new Nationals Park in our nation's capitol.
When I lived in DC in the mid 1990s, the neighborhood that the new stadium was pretty bad. I kept my head down hoping not to get shot while I looked for an apartment there.
I'm really happy that baseball is back in the nation's capitol. I hope politicians, public policy wonks, and others who lead our country take a chance to chill out, catch a ball game, and find a way to solve our problems. They should leave the name calling to the other team's players. 
Play Ball!
Posted by an optimistic Tank in a DC frame of mind.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
2008 MLB Predictions
It's that time of year again. Without further ado, here we go:
AL East:
Yankees
Red Sox
Blue Jays
D-Rays
Orioles
AL Central:
Tigers
Indians
White Sox
Minnesota
Royals
AL West:
Angels
Mariners
As
Rangers
Wild Card: Red Sox
Dark Horse: Blue Jays, White Sox, As
Summary: This is a very difficult year to pick. There are essentially six teams (Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Indians, Angels, Mariners) competing for four spots. Each team has its strengthens and weakness. The Yankees have the bats but not sure about Kennedy and Pettitte's back. I would have picked the Red Sox as Manny and Big Papi are healthy. But, Schilling is out for half the season and I'm not sure how healthy Beckett will be. The Tigers have the bats and arms. The Angels were a lock until their recent pitching woes. The Mariners have rebuilt and still have Ichiro.
If Halliday is healthy, the Blue Jays can challenge for the AL East. I don't know which Ozzie Guillen will show up. The White Sox are talented but he has to go back to the looseness of a relaxed clubhouse that won it all in 2005. If Ozzie goes back to the loose cannon of the past couple of seasons, the White Sox will struggle. The As still have great pitching and will be in the mix if they have consistent offense.
AL Champion: Yankees.
NL East:
Mets
Phillies
Braves
Nationals
Marlins
NL Central:
Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
Reds
Astros
Pirates
NL West: Hardest division to pick
Diamondbacks
Dodgers
Padres
Rockies
Giants
Wild Card: Phillies.
Summary: The NL East is going to be a battle royale between the Mets, Phillies, and Braves. The Cubs are better but probably not the year they win it all. They last won it all in 1908, yes, 100 years ago. Joe Torre will help the Dodgers contend but they are a year or two away.
Dark Horse: Braves, Brewers, Dodgers.
NL Champion: Mets.
World Series Champion: Yankees in seven games.
Bottom Line: My brain tells me to pick the Tigers but my heart says the Yankees have a little more magic in the last Stadium, God Willing/touch wood/lucky rabbit's foot/etc.
Local Team Outlook: The Yankees have gotten younger through an emotionally trying 2007. In the Yankees' darkest hour on July 12, I predicted 94 wins and that's what happened. I like Joba as Mariano's setup man and eventual successor. I like Hughes and Kennedy.
In 2008, the Yankees will win 98+ games. The Mets will win 95+ games. Both teams will be made or broken by how long their starters can last and how their middle relief is. Joe Smith got the Mets out of a tough seventh inning against the White Sox in the Civil Rights Game.
Posted by a hopeful Tank in NY.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Overseas Opening Day
Another season of baseball is almost upon us. It technically started with the As-Red Sox games in Japan. BTW, I don't have a problem with MLB games in Japan. I understand the money and marketing aspect though would like games to be played in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere in the spirit of equal time. The only downpart is that US based beer and other hard working stadium vendors don't get a cut of Ricoh's or the other sponsor's money for the games played overseas. It's one less game as the As and Red Sox technically played one home game each in Japan.
Posted by The Traveling Tank in Florida.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Justice for Piazza Assault
Angels fan Roland Flores threw a water bottle that hit "Metal Mike" Piazza last season. Piazza thankfully wasn't hurt. He kept his cool and didn't run into the stands like Ron Artest. Granted, it was harder to climb into the stands like in basketball but didn't answer violence with violence.
Piazza used the non-violent justice system and Flores was sentenced to 30 days. Flores can't go to the Angels Stadium for three years. Fans can boo their or opposing players but not resort to violence. Let's hope Flores' sentence discourages others from doing so in the future.
Posted by The Traveling Tank in Florida.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bruised But Not Broken Brackets
I took some hits last weekend with the losses of Duke, Georgetown, and other favorites.
According to ESPN, only 2 out of 3,000,000+ brackets in their competition had all Sweet 16 teams in tact. I only had eight correct Sweet 16 teams but my Final Four is still intact, touch wood. More points per game are awarded in later rounds as the Final Four approaches.
Posted by a cautiously optimistic and Traveling Tank in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Did My Buddy A-Rod Take Steroids?
Jose Canseco is up to his old tricks. In his new book, "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball", Canseco says that he introduced A-Rod to a steroids dealer named "Max". The book coincidentially comes out on Tuesday, which happens to be April Fool's Day. Let's hope it is a gag.
Posted by a concerned and traveling Tank in Florida.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Are Isiah's Days Numbered at the Garden?
PermaGuest Outlaw Jack e-mailed Steve and myself earlier today about Donnie Walsh leaving the Indiana Pacers to join the Knicks. Please join me in praying that Donnie succeeds Isiah as President of the Bricks ASAP to end the suffering.
Posted by the Traveling Tank in South Florida.
Monday, March 24, 2008
My Baseball Buddy Roy, R.I.P.
I met Roy at my friend Robert's house in Tampa, Florida, in May 2004. We went to a Yankees at D-Rays game that night at Tropicana Field. Mariano happened to get his 300th save that night and I did my best impersonation of the "Yankeeees Win!" I was so enthusiatic that Robert asked me to settle down because he had to do business with the clients he brought along.
Roy needed a new liver and was on the waiting list for years. He should have passed a couple of years ago but he fought the good fight, stayed positive, and inspired all who met him. He finally got his new liver over the weekend but he passed on Easter morning.
Though we rooted for opposing teams, we always liked and respected each other and our love of baseball. You'll be missed Roy. You'll be going to a place where everyday is Opening Day.
Posted by a grieving Tank in NY.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pettitte's Pain
Andy Pettitte was scratched yesterday from his Spring Training start with back spasms. The Yankees and I are relying on Andy to be a solid second starter as he has been a clutch big game pitcher over the years. The move is precautionary and he is supposed to make his next start next week, God Willing.
Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Graig Nettles
You know you are getting older when your childhood heroes get diagnosed with cancer. One of mine is Graig Nettles. Graig was the reason I played third base in Little League. His outstretched lounging catch against the Dodgers in the 1978 World Series Graig is still etched in my mind like yesterday.
Prevention and checkups are key. Graig's brother Jim advised him to get tested as it runs in their family. After the Father's Day Run Against Prostate Cancer in 2005, I was tested for prostate cancer and thankfully didn't have it. The doctor told me to come back in 2010 when I turn 40, God Willing.
Graig is going to under prostate cancer surgery on April 8 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York according to Yankees.com and ESPN 1050 AM. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
I plan to run the NYC Marathon a fifth and final time this November, touch wood, as a member of Fred's Team raising funds for cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. I will do so in honor of the living like Graig and in memory of the passed on like Doug Stern.
Posted by a somber Tank on the road to defeating cancer.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day 1 Recap of the Madness
I had a good start and won the first eight games. There are always upsets and tried to pick a couple. 13 out of 16 correct picks, touch wood. Here's where I went wrong:
(1) Notre Dame recovered after a bad Big East tournament. George Mason had two returning players from the Final Four two years ago so I thought this might be an upset.
(2) West Virginia surprised me. I overestimated Arizona. Bob Huggins is a great coach and Lute Olson isn't back until next season.
(3) I thought USC's Mayo would have gotten the better of Kansas State's Beasley in the battle of top freshmen.
Duke was nearly upset by Belmont. That would have hurt my (and almost everyone else's) picks but I didn't have them go to the Final Four. Upsets happen but you have to weather the storm and hope your Final Four picks advance. I was tied for second and in third out of 100+ brackets a couple of years ago at a prior job. I would have been in the money had if Villanova or UConn made the Final Four. They lost in the Elite 8. Darn it!
It's nice to see everyone get in on the fun, except for Senator Clinton who didn't fill out a bracket according to reports. That is one of the reasons I am running against her for President on the Baseball\Sports Integrity Ticket with Steve as my VP. Senator Obama ate chicken wings with fans at a bar in West Virginia. Senator Obama picked UNC, possibly to gain favor from Senator Edwards who is a huge UNC fan and ahead of the upcoming primaries in North Carolina. Senator McCain also picked UNC and his picks are here.
Posted by The Tank in the middle of March Madness.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Spring Healing
The Yankees traveled to Virginia Tech yesterday to help with the healing there caused by a deranged gunman last April.
The Yankees met with students and visited the 32 stone memorials remembering each victim. It was a very sobering moment the players. I watched Derek Jeter on TV last night and he referenced the healing after the September 11 attacks.
The Yankees played the Virginia Tech baseball team and won 11-0 in a seven inning game. Life is more important than baseball. May the Virginia Tech, September 11, Oklahoma City, and victims from other tragedies never be forgotten.
Posted by a somber Tank in NY.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Who is the Mets 5th Starter?
El Duque has stated that he is not going into the bullpen. He has also been injured all spring and has yet to pitch a game-but yesterday he pitched a simulated game and will make is spring debut on Sunday. Mike Perfrey has made several starts this spring and has been very effective. Who does Willie go with, the aging veteran or the kid? El Duque always breaks down, and is only good for about 125 innings, so long relief work of say 75 innings this year will keep him healthy and effective. While this sounds like a no brainier, as a starter El Duque could make an argument that he was the most effective started behind John Maine all year and definitely the most effective during points in early September. While Mike Pelfrey was effective this spring, he was effective last spring and earned a spot on the rotation and went 0-5 before being sent back to AAA ball. Will the same happen this year? What to do? Willie has 2 weeks to decide. Posted by Steve in New York
Monday, March 17, 2008
Georgia does the impossible
After doing the impossible on Saturday, beating two higher ranked teams in one day, Georgia held on for a 66-57 victory over Arkansas to win the SEC tournament and head to the NCAA championship tournament. Georgia sliced down the nets on the home court of their bitter rival, Georgia Tech, which was a replacement venue for the tournament after the Atlanta Dome was damaged Friday night by a tornado-causing Georgia to play an improbable double header on Saturday. Georgia remained on the court after the ceremony, watching the NCAA selection show on the video board above the court. This is a great story for Georgia and an even better story for the NCAA. I will be rooting for Georgia to make it to the final four! Posted by Steve in New York
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Georgia Double Header
A tornado hits the Georgia Dome and throws the SEC tournament into a crisis since Friday's games were canceled. An amazing decision was made, basketball was put before money. The games would be played at the smaller venue Georgia Tech-and no tickets would be honored for the games since Georgia Tech's venue is quite smaller than the Georgia Dome. Only friends and family were allowed inside, under 1,000 spectators. There was one catch-the winner of the Georgia vs Kentucky game in the morning would have to play again at 8pm against Mississippi State (22-10). This double header would be a first in NCAA tournament history. Of course, the Georgia (16-16) vs Kentucky (#2 ranked) game went into overtime. Georgia came out ahead 60-56. The kids had great spirits, saying "we'll go back and rest now and fight hard tonight." The player took it in stride, “To win two games in one day at the SEC tournament is not easy,” said senior Sundiata Gaines, who held an ice bag on his sore right hip but insisted “I’m not tired.” The coach was livid making rash comments. Had he not seen the tornado? Cut the SEC some slack dude. So Georgia pulled it out in overtime and that was impressive, but few figured that they could come back and beat Mississippi, the top team from the West. That is exactly what they did. “We came in expecting to win this thing,” Georgia senior David Bliss said. “A lot of things didn’t go our way this year. But we were not going to quit.” Georgia faces Arkansas (9-7) today at 3:30pm at Georgia Tech. Posted by Steve in New York
Saturday, March 15, 2008
March Twister
A tornado in Atlanta last night rocked the rafters, lights, and other parts of the Georgia Dome last night. It interrupted the end of the Alabama and Mississippi State game. After an hour, the final 2:11 of overtime was completed and Mississippi State won 69-67. The Kentucky-Georgia game was postponed to today and moved to Georgia Tech.
This tornado brought back bad memories as my parents, brother, and his then girlfriend were almost killed by an unseasonable 155 mile-per-hour tornado on May 31, 1998, during El Nino-La Nina. (The last tornado in my hometown was 1932.) No one was hurt thank God.
Posted by a concerned Tank in NY.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Len Elmore
I had the pleasure of meeting NYC basketball legend and ESPN analyst Len Elmore right outside of the Garden near where I currently work a couple of hours ago.
While I was coincidentially mailing Steve my deposit for our upcoming Everest Base Camp trip (touch wood) from the nearby Post Office on 32nd and Eighth, I happened to see Len.
It was great to meet him as I had listened to him recount his personal favorite moments as a player and a fan during the Marquette-Seton Hall game broadcast last night on ESPN. His recount of the Knicks 1970 championship was inspirational and mere days before I was born. I hope to live to see those Knicks glory days again, God Willing.
Len was cool and down to earth.
Posted by a grateful Tank reporting Live from outside the World's Greatest Arena, Madison Square Garden.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Orange Crushed
My beloved Syracuse Orange lost to the Villanova Wildcats, 82-63, today in the opening round of the Big East tournament at the Big East Tournament at the Garden.
The Orange started strong but played poorly in the second half. Their collapse before the half was similar to the recent second half collapse against Pittsburgh.
The only consolation is if the Orange play well enough in the NIT (Not In Tournament) to make the Finals at the Garden in a few weeks.
Posted by a depressed Tank reporting live from right outside the Garden at 2 Penn Plaza in NY.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Billy Crystal a Yankee?
The Yankees are signing up a new player: comic Billy Crystal. He will work out with the team today and play in the spring training game against the Pirates on Thursday. This is a gift from the Yankees to Crystal for his 60th birthday.
While this is cute, it is a disaster. First what happens if Crystal gets injured. He is a 60 year old man playing baseball with men half his age and in world class shape. Second it sets a bad precedent. Who will be next?
Do the Yankees really need a publicity stunt like this? Do they need the distraction? What is next, allowing some hedge fund manager to sponsor third base, have his photo on the bag at Yankee stadium to play in three spring training games next year?
Posted by Steve in Lisbon.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Mets on the mend
Last week the Mets got in trouble from MLB for not fielding a "representative" team. That was because only David Wright and Jose Reyes were not on the DL. They are slowly starting to come back. It started with Ryan Church, coming back after his brutal concussion. Then Brian Schneider and Endy Chavez came back this weekend from their hamstrings.Even Damion Easley (ankle) and Jose Valentin (who was out most of last year) are back. That gives the Mets more depth if Chavez will replace Alou in Left Field for the beginning of the season. Los dos Carlos (Beltran and Delgado) were in today's lineup. So things are slowly getting better. We are waiting on the health of el Duque and Pedro Martinez while also hoping that Luis Castillo recovers soon. The real question mark is setup reliever Duaner Sanchez. The Mets need him back in a big way.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Rockets are on a Roll
The Houston Rockets are the hottest tean in the NBA. The Rockets, no relation to Roger Clemens, have won 18 in a row and are now the third seed in the Western Conference. And the last seven games have been without Yao Ming. Incredible.
Who knows if they can win it all? My cousin Mirko does but I am still sticking with the Spurs. As long as the Celtics don't win, I don't care. I am going to enjoy the stretch run and the playoffs.
Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Banged up Mets
While the addition of Johan Santana was a key component to the 2008 plan for the New York Mets playoff plan. Some other areas that have to fall into place are Moises Alou and Carlos Delgado. Unfortunately they are both a question mark in spring training. Moises Alou will be out for 4-6 weeks and not return to the lineup until early May. Carlos Delgado is banged up with a bad hip, a hip that can effect his swing. Even more than Johan Santan, Alou and Delgado hold the key to the Mets playoff fortunes this year. Let's hope that they heal fast. Posted by Steve in New York
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Perfect Spring Game
Yankee pitchers combined to pitch a rain shortened six inning perfect game on Tuesday.
Opening Day is a little over three weeks away. I can live with the following starting rotation:
Chien-Ming Wang
Andy Pettitte
Mike Mussina
Philip Hughes
Ian Kennedy / Kei Igawa
The loser of the fifth starting job can be an emergency reliever and/or long man.
If Igawa hasn't fixed his mechanics, send him to AAA to continue working and/or someone gets injured, God forbid. He was part of the perfect game so he'll hopefully be okay, touch wood.
Of course, I have not included Carl "The Cavalry" Pavano. (Super Twin Gil, Please make sure Medford Bob hasn't fallen out of his chair.) Seriously, I don't know if Pavano will ever throw another pitch for the Yankees. His contract is the closest thing to legalized theft this side of the Tax Man.
Joba: Lots of people want him to start as he did back in college at Nebraska. I think he is more effective in the bullpen as a setup man to Mariano as Mariano was to John Wetteland in the mid 1990s. When I was at Game 3 of the ALDS, he pitched 2 innings but was more effective in the first of those two innings. If he was a starter, he would win 18-20+ games, God Willing. Another starter like Kennedy or Igawa could win about 15 games, touch wood. However, if Joba is in the bullpen, he has a chance to help close out 40+ games. Therefore, the difference between Joba's 18-20+ games and Kennedy/Igawa's 15 games is about 3-5 games. But, the difference is more games to win 40+ games in pen is greater than the 3 to 5 games as a starter. How many saves did Mariano blow because he was overworked, injured, etc.? I'll address this more in the future.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
The Gunslinger Rides into the Sunset
Brett Favre retired from the Green Bay Packers yesterday after 17 years. He won a Super Bowl and three MVPs. I actually remember his first game when I was in college in Buffalo in 1992. The local radio stations talked about him replacing local player Majikowski from nearby Cheektowaga. Majikowski was the local Wally Pip. Brett went onto play 275 consecutive games from that day in 1992. Wow! I have graduated college in 1994 and traveled the world.
Brett is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and owns all major records. I remember him beating the Raiders after his father's death. His wife is a breast cancer survivor and he lost a relative in a ATV crash. His home area of Mississippi was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He's been through lots and it's time to rest and enjoy the rest of his life.
Congratulations Brett! Happy retirement.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Knicks Starting to Promote Other Team's Players
You know your team is bad when they starting to promote the other team's players. I received an e-mail today from the Knicks about LeBron James' last game at the Garden this season tomorrow night. I have been lucky to see His Majesty King LeBron James play at the Garden and in the Meadowlands last season. Steve and The Tank will continue to boycott the Knicks until the change the error of their ways and do not plan to attend a Knick game this season.
Posted by a vigilant Tank in NY.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Andy Pettitte Takes the Mound
Andy Pettitte looked sharp yesterday when he took the mound for the Yankees against the Philadelphia Phillies in spring training. He pitched two scoreless innings while striking out one, walking one and forcing an inning-ending double play in the first. He threw 13 of 21 pitches for strikes and only allowed one hit. “All in all, I was real happy,” Pettitte said. “It definitely was a good day.” All eyes were on Pettitte since he announced that he took HGH and testified to the US Congress against what Roger Clemens has said. Hopefully the Clemens affair will not be too distracting for Pettitte. Posted by Steve in New York
Sunday, March 02, 2008
March Meltdown Madness
March Madness got off to an early start as University of Michigan Women's Basketball Coach Kevin Borseth lost it Thursday night after the Wolverines blew an 18 point lead against the Wisconsin Badgers. I happened to watch the early part of the game on the Big Ten network on my JetBlue flight back from Florida. BTW's JetBlue TV's rule! If you haven't seen the video, it's kind of sad but shows the passion that makes college sports special.
I can unfortunately relate to Coach Borseth's passion. My beloved Orangemen were leading by 11 points, 75-64, late in the game before losing to Pittsburgh 82-77 on Saturday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. I didn't have a meltdown like Coach Borseth as I was trying to stay steady in my chair at the barber shop. The barber accidentally cut my face as he was shaving my goatee. He never cut me before, perhaps he watched Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Anyway, my "Color Me Bad" looking goatee is thankfully intact after light bleeding. Let's hope the Orangemen can stop the bleeding and make the Dance with wins over Seton Hall and Marquette and make at least the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament at the Garden.
Posted by The Tank on the bubble in the barber's chair.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Take One for the Team
"Take one for the team" is a line from one of the greatest movies ever, Major League. Brady Clark did his part on Saturday for the Mets. Clark was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. This scored the winning run in the Mets first win in Spring Training, 1-0, that I watched a few minutes ago on the WB11.
The game also marked a reunion of former Yankees, Willie Randolph for the Mets and Joe Torre and Don Mattingly for the Dodgers.
On the injury front, Church and Anderson collided in the outfield and both were taken to the hospital for precautionary MRIs. Speaking of MRIs, Delgado's hip is being evaluated in the City. MRIs are not fun. I had one last summer after I tore my left calf. My doctor was afraid that it was a stress fracture but it thankfully was "only" the tear. With lots of blood, sweat, prayers, and tears, I ran the NYC Marathon last November thank God. I hope and pray that Church, Anderson, and Delgado get better soon.
Posted by a hopeful Tank in NY.
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