I battle the infamous Los Angeles traffic as I crawl down the I-5 to Anaheim to watch the Los Angeles (of Anaheim) Angles take on the Oakland As, to battle for the first place position in the AL West. I left the office in downtown LA early to make the game on time. I get to the big A with 5 minutes to spare. A friendly neighborhood scalper sells me a nice field box in the right field corner by the foul pole about 10 rows behind Vladimir Guerrero.

I know things are going to be good when I get an Alexander Hamilton tattoo in my Cracker Jacks, my favorite founding father is now tattooed on my left arm.

Oh yes the game. What a game! Only 7 hits, Oakland did not even have a runner advance beyond second base. The classic pitchers duel, my absolute favorite: Joe Saunders (5-0) out-pitched Greg Smith (2-1). The only scoring was in the bottom of the 3rd, when Smith issued a one-out walk to Brandon Wood, who advanced to third on Chone Figgins’ double and scored on a wild pitch. Figgins then came home on a fielders choice by Gary Matthews Jr. Smith got the complete game loss while only allowing 3 hits.

Vlad made a really cool grab in the seats right in front of me by a few rows. (I keep an eye out for the Mets score knowing that the Tank is at that game. This is my second west coast game this month and the second time the Tank and I were at games at the same time on different coasts.)

The Big A is an old school stadium and like Shea, it lacks character. It does the job and makes up for the lack of charm with the  best looking ball girls and tee shirt cannon girls in the major leagues. The hot dogs are actually grilled so they taste good.

On the way out I visit the 2002 World Series Trophy.

Posted LIVE! by Steve at the Big A.

Live! | MLB

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 12:26:12 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Steve and I co-wrote an post last year about Barry Zito.  We warned of the "caveat emperor", or buyer beware, of Barry Zito changing his delivery prior to 2007 Spring Training. 

Zito's first season with the Giants last year was a bust.  It's even worse this year and the Giants have sent him down to the minors.

Zito's greed got him on a bad team with the Giants.  The Giants are now getting burned for signing him.

The Mets were lucky not to sign Zito.  Steve and the Tank know that Mets GM Omar Minaya will be calling us soon to thank us for the advice and maybe even offer us a job.   

Posted by a philosophical Tank in NY on my way to Shea to see the Mets new real ace, Johan Santana.

Mets Analysis (MLB) | MLB

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 3:36:29 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Carlos Delgado hit two home runs yesterday turning all of the boos into cheers. Even with the two home runs, Delgado's days are numbered. He is to be 36 in June and struggling at the plate and is not a rock star fielder to justify staying at First.

How can the Mets address this? Their best Fist base prospect is still in AA and while tearing it all up, needs at least a season at AAA to mature and tone his stills. There are not too many people on the market, maybe a deal can get them a good hitter.

Or maybe they can think outside the box. Maybe Endy Chavez or Angel Pagan can play first? I am serious, I know Mets fans have visions of Mike Piazza on first base when I say this but it is worth a try. Both are young and great athletes and can lean the position very fast. When Alou comes up, send Pagan down to AAA to play a few weeks at First and then call him back up.

Some have joked that Johan Santana should play First on his off days since his batting average, slugging percentage and OBP are better than Delgado.

Posted by Steve in LA.

Mets Analysis (MLB)

Monday, April 28, 2008 8:31:01 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Second seed Rafael Nadal defeated first seed Roger Federer 7-5, 7-5 today in the Monte Carlo Masters title. Federer shows his only true vulnerability and that is clay. Federer is 1-7 against Nadal on clay lifetime.

Rafael Nadal continues to dominate the Monte Carlo Masters. Nadal has won 22 consecutive matches in Monte Carlo since he lost to Guillermo Coria in the third round in 2003. He has not lost a set in two years: Federer was the last person to take a set from him in the 2006 final.

Next major stop is the French Open, another clay surface. Having already lost Australia to the Tank's countryman Djokovic, Federer will look to wins in the US and UK this summer.
Posted by Steve in New York

Tennis

Sunday, April 27, 2008 7:34:56 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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He is human afterall.

Over 26 games, Joba Chamberlain's career had been pretty much perfect, but yesterday he gave  up the winning run in the ninth inning in the White Sox's 7-6 victory. Pushing up his ERA to 1.12 for the year.

“He’ll be fine. He’ll bounce back. He’s given up a run before in his life,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Joba.

The loss will do him good, the pressure to continue the near perfect streak is now over and Joba can get on with being one of the most dominating set up men (and eventually starters) in the league. The loss will take some pressure off and make him reflect on his role. It will mature him pretty fast.

Posted by Steve in New York

Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Friday, April 25, 2008 4:39:07 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Mets were is a batting slump and lost three games in a row. Mets fans (including myself) had visions of September 2007 in our head. But there are two reasons why that is not the case.

First the stopper known as Johan Santana. Seven solid innings (2 ER, 4K and only 1 BB) and even a pair of doubles at the plate. The second reason is 8th inning setup work by Duaner Sánchez, back to his old form after missing a year and a half.

In 2007 there was no stopper, someone you can give the ball to and expect a W. In the last week of the season, the Mets asked that of Tom Glavine twice and twice he got shelled. In addition there was nobody to go 7+ innings to give the bullpen a rest. Santana has pitched into the 7th inning in all of his starts (and into the 8th in one) to record 34.2 innings in 5 starts.

The second reason this is not 2007 is Duaner Sánchez. His presence with his 4 pitches in the bullpen makes him the perfect 8th inning set-up man, a role Aaron Heilman was not comfortable in, nor were Mets fans comfortable with him in.

The bullpen was one of the main reasons why the collapse occurred last year. Willie will have more depth and options in his bullpen as well as a stopper of small streaks who comes in and sets the tone the way Santana set it last night. While the Mets still have to do a lot of things right to win the NL East, but at least they won't just give it away like last year.

Posted By Steve in New York

Mets Analysis (MLB)

Thursday, April 24, 2008 8:38:35 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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I had the pleasure of meeting Baseball Hall of Famer and 1986 Mets World Champion catcher Gary Carter in Midtown Manhattan last week.  He was autographing his new book, "Still a Kid at Heart: My Life in Baseball and Beyond".
                             

Speaking of kids, I asked him to autograph a copy of the book for my 12 year nephew Elijah.  Elijah is playing Little League baseball, soccer, and other sports thank God.

Gary mentioned that many school districts across the country are cutting physical education programs.  I knew this and we discussed the alarming rate of childhood obesity.  I mentioned that I was watching a 220 pound 12 year old boy who was on the "20/20" program a few years ago.  It is scary because of the future health ramifications.
       
It was great that Gary continues to inspire and hope that school districts get with the program.  We should all be "kids at heart". 

Posted by an inspired Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.

Editorial | Halls of Fame | Live! | MLB

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:12:26 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Here is a news flash, a Steinbrenner is making rash public statements that contradict the GM, Manager, and the situation on the field. Then the next day that same Steinbrenner comes out and tones down his statements but is still pretty confrontational. Yankees of 1978?

The names have changed, but this is the Yankees of 2008. Hank Steinbrenner went on a rant in the media yesterday about the role of Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees 22 year old bullpen ace (30 career IP, 2 earned runs, 100 mph fastball.) "I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now," Hank Steinbrenner told The New York Times yesterday. "There is no question about it, you don't have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a set-up guy. You just don't do that. You have to be an idiot to do that."

GM Brian Cashman disagrees. "Joba's staying in the bullpen right now." Cashman told Newsday yesterday. He also said that Hank already knows this and was confused by his statements to the NYT.

Steinbrenner is already second guessing the pitching situation since he lost the battle to get Johan Santana to Cashman. While Kennedy and Hughes struggle early on, it would be foolish to push Chamberlain into a starting role.

While Hank was vocal all winter, this is the first time we are seeing his true stripes, and they are the same color as his dad's. This is not good news for Yankee's fans, but this is Yankee baseball.

Posted by Steve in New York

Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:51:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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MLB has conspired against the Yankees again.  They suspending Kyle Farnsworth for three games for throwing behind and high to Manny Ramirez on Thursday night. 

Why is this wrong?
(1) A-Rod was hit by a pitch on Wednesday.  Was anyone on the Red Sox was suspended or thrown out of the game?  NO.

(2) Was Farnsworth thrown out of the game?  NO.  Therefore, MLB is overruling its own umpires.
     
(3) Manny has killed the Yankees over the years, especially this season.  No Yankee, especially Mussina, has had the guts to thrown inside to, much less hit Manny.  Granted, Farnsworth misexecuted but at least was trying.  You have to give him credit for trying to stop the beaning of Yankees.

Manny understood why he was thrown at in the post-game interview.  Therefore, why the suspension? 

Bottom Line: MLB continues its anti-Yankee conspiracy.  No Red Sox or other team has been suspended for beaning Jeter, A-Rod, and other Yankees over the years.  This is on top of Senator Mitchell's conflict of interest.
           
Yankees Early Outlook:

Bad: Mussina is nowhere near a #2 starter but had to because of Pettitte's back injury.  He hasn't been an ace since Bay Ridge Bob, Howard, Ronjon, and myself saw him pitch a perfect 8.2 innings at Fenway Park on Sunday, September 2, 2001.  Mussina needs to be reassigned as a #4 or #5 starter, made into a long man, or traded.  (I don't think he will be traded because no one will want to take the contract.)  Granted, he'll complain but the Yankees are his last best chance at a ring so he has to play ball because he's doesn't have it anymore.

Good: 
Joba, Hughes, and there some young guys in the minor leagues are great.  I am so-so on Kennedy because he is a location guy like Mussina, though younger.  We need power pitchers.  The only exception is if we get a proven knuckle baller like Boston's Tim Wakefield to throw batters off in between starts.

The Yankees won more games in April 2008 so far, 10-10, than all of April 2007, 9-14.  The Yankees should have at least two more ones (one against the Red Sox as Pettitte should have been pitching those games rather than Mussina).  The Yankees should have one more each against the Royals and Orioles.  Anyway, not bad but the rotation needs to be Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Mussina, Kennedy.  That adjustment will hopefully start to be made with Monday's off-day.  Pettitte is going to be inserted between Hughes and Kennedy to stop overworking the bullpen according to ESPN 1050 last night.  Well, it's a start.    

Future:
It will be a challenge to contend this year but we have enough hitting and better pitching than last year.  Moreover, I am excited about next year and beyond because we'll be able to get some key free agents, compensate the kids, and save luxury tax money as $53+ million will be coming off the books (Mussina's $11 million, Farnsworth's $10 million, Pavano's $10 million, and Giambi's $20+ million).

Posted by The Tank in NY.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Monday, April 21, 2008 12:44:31 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Memo to Knicks management: bring Mark Jackson home. After ending our pain and suffering by finally firing Isiah Thomas as NY Knicks Head Coach, Knicks management has a chance to win the fans back by bring back Brooklyn born, Bishop Loughlin High School and Saint Johns University educated New York native Mark Jackson.

Jackson was drafted by the NY Knicks at the 1987 NBA Draft. I was there and witnessed the dramatics live when they called his name. There was an excitement in the air, an excitement that Jackson will bring some change. We need this excitement back now.

Jackson went on to be the 1988 Rookie of the Year and have a great career with the Knicks during those years where the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan had a great rivalry with the Knicks, back when basketball in New York was fun to watch.

Mark is a native New Yorker who has played on great teams and knows the pressure of New York and the pressure of the playoffs. Like Willie Randolph he has no coaching experience. Like Willie Randolph he can achieve great success.

Bring him home.

Posted by Steve, waiting for Mark Jackson

NBA

Sunday, April 20, 2008 9:11:44 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Last night the second-place Mets headed into Citizens Park with an 8 game losing streak there. There has been talk that the Phillies are "in the Mets head."

The Mets needed a win to set the tone for the year that this is not 2007. The Phillies and Citizens Park are not in the Mets head.

Citizens Park is a classic hitters park and the Phillies have one of the most devastating lineups in the National League.The Phillies had their ace, Cole Hamels, starting, who had an ERA less than 1.The Mets countered with Johan Santana. Big game, big money pitcher.

This is why Johan Santana is worth the money. Johan was awesome, not intimidated by the boos and the hitters park. Johan over 7 innings allowed only 2 hits (one a homer to Utley), walked none, and stuck out 10. Willie allowed him to pitch the 8th where he allowed 2 hits and Aaron Heilman gave up a three run home run, so the final line on Santana is 7+ innings, 4 hits and 3 ER, 10K and 0 BB. An economical 105 pitches.

Last year the Mets had nobody to come in and set the tone. (Or alternatively stop the bleeding in a losing streak.) Santana set the tone. The Mets are armed and ready to take on the Phillies. They set the tone and took over first place. The Phillies are on notice.

Posted by Steve in New York

Saturday, April 19, 2008 9:30:02 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Donnie Walsh made a great move in firing Isiah as the Knicks Head Coach a few moments ago in a conference call. 

But, Isiah remains in the organization in some unknown title according to ESPN 1050 AM.  What's Isiah going to do?  Scout? 

I didn't like Isiah as a player on the Bad Boys with the Pistons.  They were dirty but champions.  Isiah's success as a player didn't translate into the executive ranks as he ran the CBA into bankruptcy and the Raptors and Knicks into the ground.  Granted, he did have some success with the Pacers but already had a ready built team and it's hard to lose with a coach on the court like Reggie Miller.   

Isiah must be blackmailing the Dolans and/or has some kind of magical powers.  How can he get away with running the Knicks into the ground?  AND not even being contrite during a sexual harrassment suit?  Isiah literally thinks he is above the law.  What is going on?  I may have to continue my Knicks boycott until Isiah is totally gone. 

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.

NBA

Friday, April 18, 2008 4:22:47 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Astronaut and Yankee fan Dr. Garrett Reisman threw out the first pitch from the International Space Station.  He recited "Hip-Hip Jorge" and made references to other Yankee players and the Bleacher Creatures.  Thanks bro!  

Yes, indeed, it is a Yankees Universe he adds. 

I say walk Manny.  Otto disagrees.  Manny doubles to Death Valley.  Red Sox 1 - Yankees 0.  Youkilis couldn't check his swing and called out.

Damon is out.  Jeter singles.  El Como Dulce homers to the right field bleachers.  Yankees 2 - Red Sox 1.  I predicted A-Rod's home run. You can ask my buddy Otto.  It went 100 feet to my right away from me.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.  Matsui flew out and Posada grounded out to second to end the first.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.

Wang loads the bases with no outs in the top of the second as Lugo comes to the plate.  Lugo grounds out to A-Rod.  Ellsbury grounds out to Wang who throws to Posada or Molina who gets Varitek in a run down.  Varitek eludes A-Rod's tag but is out since he went out of the basepath.  Pedroia grounds out to Cano to end the top of the second.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 2.

Otto and I discuss the Pope's upcoming visit to NYC.  Many thanks to Linda for the permalink.  Though not Catholic, I pray/hope that the Pope doesn't go on the grass.  One jinx will be resolved this season -- either the Popemobile going on the grass at the Stadium or the Yankees winning World Series without Don Mattingly.

Veteran catcher and newest Yankee Moeller hit to second ate up the RS second baseman.  Cabrera couldn't check his swing so the Yankees couldn't extend their lead. 

It's about 50 minutes in and only the end of the second inning.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 2.  (Photo courtesy of PermaGuest Outlaw Jack whose seats were "slightly" better than mine.)

Otto and I discuss the merits of pitching inside.  Hey, everybody is friends today.  Manny called out on 3-2. 
           
The Red Sox tied the game while I went to get something to eat.

Moeller hit a double down the left field.  Scores.  Yankees 4 - Red Sox 3.  Jeter's single scores two.  Yankees 6 - Red Sox 3.  Terry Francona pulls Bucholz for Ramirez.

Ramirez's wild pitch scores Cabrera.  Yankees 7 - Red Sox 3.  Abreu strikes out looking but the four run lead is huge.

Pedroia hits a ground rule double down the left field line.  I tell Otto that Big Papi is due and sure enough, he singles home Pedroia.  Yankees 7 - Red Sox 4.  Manny singles up the middle.  The bullpen starts while Pitching Coach Dave Island goes to the mound.  Youkilis singles to left.  Bases loaded and no one out for JD Drew.  Drew singles to center and the Red Sox close it to 7-6.  Wang is pulled after 4+.  Ohlendorf comes out of the bullpen.  Varitek struck out.  Casey's single ties the game at seven.  Lugo called out on strikes.  Ellsbury walks on four pitches.  Pedroia doubles past Jeter.  Red Sox 9 - Yankees 7.  Ortiz comes to the plate for the second time in the inning.  Big Papi mercifully strikes out swinging.  Ugh!  Half-way through at 2 hours and 15 minutes in, this game will finish around midnight.

A-Rod grounded out to second.  Darn it!  Matsui singles to right.  Posada lines a double down the left field line.  Matsui scores and Posada advances to third.  Red Sox 9 - Yankees 8.  Giambi is up.  Three Red Sox are in between first and second.  OMG!  Otto calls for a hit up the middle.  A home run would really help my chi.  Anyway, Giambi walks.  Cano is quick enough to beat a double play, touch wood, I reply to Otto.  Cano singles to right and Posada ties the game at 9.  Exactly even at 9-11 for both teams an older gentleman in front of me remarks.  Moeller walks to load the bases.  Cabrera grounds out to second but the throw was wide.  Two runs score.  Yankees 11 - Red Sox 9.  Cabrera steals third on the first pitch to Jeter.  Jeter grounded out.  At the end of five innings (and 2.5 hours),

Manny walks on four pitches.  LaTroy Hawkins strikes out Youkilis.  Drew lines a single to right center.  Varitek strikes out looking.  Casey flies out to Matsui along the left field line.  Whew!  No runs thank God!

Abreu returns the favor and lines it down the line to Manny.  A-Rod is hit by a pitch.  My Blackberry battery died from all the action.  The bottom line is that the Yankees won a wild game 15-9 to tie the Red Sox for first in the standings, touch wood. 

I grab my gym bag from the bowling alley and go to the Subway.  After entering the final car, Otto points out actor Robert Klein.  I ask Mr. Klein for a photo and he obliges.    

Posted by a psyched AstroTank reporting Live from Yankee Stadium and on the Subway from the Boogie Down Bronx. 

Live! | MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Thursday, April 17, 2008 11:55:40 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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I traveled to Safeco Field with Richard (from Canada) and Remi (from the Netherlands). It was Remi's first baseball game ever and my first time in Safeco field. The first thing that I noticed is that Safeco is right in the middle of town and has an open air aspect to it and has a retractable roof. This is needed in all baseball stadiums to prevent the early April rainouts that have plagued the league in recent years.

Richard goes to the box office and we are able to get some 6th row seats in the field boxes, not cheap, but we are happy that it is a day game in April and the seats are available. I start to explain the rules to Remi. It is also Jackie Robinson day so I explain the importance of Jackie to Remi and Richard.

\

It was a cold day, about 38 degrees when the Mariners took the field. We were very excited to see Ichiro Suzuki up close (and that is him running out in the photo below.) Kansas City took an early 1-0 lead and Remi was into it. In the bottom of the 1st Seattle tied it up. Both runs in the first inning came on sac flies, so we really had to get technical for Remi. (He is a fast learner, also his Dutchisms were cute, he called a Walk "Four Wide".) What was cool is that both teams were playing small ball so we were able to explain the awesome fundamentals of Baseball that make the game exciting and expose how strategic it is (fouling off bad pitches, stealing, pickoff moves, infield in, sac flies and bunts, etc).

Remi and I go to get some good old fashioned stadium hot dogs and an attempt for some Starbucks (since Seattle is the home of Starbucks and it was too cold for beer.) Striking out with the Strabucks we get to walk around the stadium and check it out. It is a very awesome stadium, I just hope that CitiField will be as nice.

Jose Lopez became the 12th player in major league history to hit three sacrifice flies in a game and Yuniesky Betancourt drove in three runs. As the game progresses, the Mariners go to put up 11 runs and KC 6. Just about all of the runs were small ball runs, sac flies, etc. Remi is getting aggressive, saying that the team should steal and tag up far more than even super-aggressive always run manager in training me. We even witness Richie Sexson getting caught in a rundown, as I said a perfect first game for the Dutchman!

The ticket taker gracefully took our photo, you can see I am already getting frozen. Richard and Remi sing "Take me out to the ballgame" for the 7th inning stretch and don't understand its importance. I said that will only come with time.

Alas we have to get back to Microsoft Campus (hopefully they did not realize we took a 3 hour afternoon break) for our meetings and we leave in the bottom of the 8th after the Mariners have it locked up. Remi says that it was far more exciting than he thought and wants to come to NY this summer and take his 9 year old son to at Mets game. He won't admit that baseball is better than soccer but he kept saying how "exciting" the game was. Maybe after he sees Jose Reyes this summer he will change his tune.

Posted by Steve at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.

Live! | MLB

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:23:20 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Red Sox 4 - Yankees 3 with two outs in the top of the ninth at Fenway on Saturday night.  Cano had a full count against Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.  The pitch and

NASCAR

WTF?!!!  What the Fox!

Fox pulled the 21st century version of Heidi.  NBC cut from the Raiders-Jets playoff game to Heidi in the 1970s.

Fox didn't even apologize.  They said the game was over on FX, a cable station that many people don't have.  They didn't even wait for the next batter.

I stood in disbelief.  What's even worse is that the NASCAR race went into an early caution like on the second lap.  So everyone lost.

Fox owes everyone an apology.

Posted by a fuming Tank in NY.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:23:30 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Mets and Yankees are off to an ok start, but are both 1 game under .500. While the Yankees in recent years have started very slow only to win the division or wild card well after the all star break, they mostly took advantage of Boston collapses.

Teams that dominate do one thing and they do it well, they win games in April. The 1990s Atlanta Braves and the late 90s Yankees won tons of games in April, building out a big lead and never looked back.

The Mets and Yankees both lost series this weekend that they should have won. These games may come back to haunt them, last year the Mets lost the playoff spot by 1 win and the Yankees lost the division by a slim margin. Wins in April of last year would have made the difference.

Steve and the Tank are not pushing the panic button, but the teams need to start winning games in April.

Posted by Steve in New York

MLB

Monday, April 14, 2008 4:46:20 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Johan Santana made his long awaited Shea Stadium debut yesterday. He came into the game with a 1-1 record, and an ERA lower than 1.8 and the one loss was a dominating appearance in Atlanta where he gave up 1 run in 7 innings.

Johan had a shaky first inning giving up two hits. Mets fans booed him. Mets fans need to have their heads examined. I know that Santana has come in with high expectations, but come on, give the guy a break. He is on track this year, despite his bad outing at Shea (4 earned runs and a botched fielding play) yesterday, give the guy a chance. Don't give him the A-Rod treatment. Steve and the Tank will continue to support both MVP A-Rod and Cy Young in waiting Santana until they give us ample reason not to. So should the rest of New York.

Posted by Steve in Seattle

Mets Analysis (MLB)

Sunday, April 13, 2008 12:57:48 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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A cold foggy mist descended over Shea for Friday's Brewers-Mets game.  The Brewers were one of my pre-season dark horse picks.  The Brewers really surprised last season with young players like Tony Gwynn, Jr, Prince Fielder, and others.             
                   
The Yankees and Red Sox are both 5-5 coming into this first game between both teams of the season.

DW singles to start the bottom of the fourth.  Brewers pitcher Manny Parra throws over to first.  It almost makes you wish for Aaron "The Human Raindelay" Heilman.  Almost.

I am multi-tasking as usual and listening to the Yankees game on the radio.  Wang is perfect through three innings, touch wood.  Gotta love technology. 

Beltran walks.

Wang gives up his first hit to Pedroia but Big Papi grounds into a double play.  Yeah!  At the end of four, Yankees 0 - Red Sox 0. 

Delgado singles to right and DW scores.  Mets 1 - Brewers 0.

Adam Sandler starts the "Let's Go Mets!" cheer.  Like The Tank, Sandler is a Yankees fan who roots for the Mets.

Easley flies to left center, Beltran tags, and scores.  Mets 2 - Yankees 0.

The Fenway official scorer takes the hit away from Pedroia.  Wang has a no-hitter and A-Rod is charged with the error.  Touch call according to John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Wild pitch to Ryan Church.  Delgado advanes to second.  Church singles to center, Delgado advances to third.

Matsui walks. 

Casanova singles to left.  Delgado scores and Church advances to second.  Mets 3 - Brewers 0.
         
Posada lines a foul ball down the left field line.  Darn it!

Figueroa is safe on his own bunt.  Bases loaded with one out.  Talk about helping your own cause.  Jose Reyes steps to the plate and grounds out into a double play on the first pitch.  Darn it!  Mets 3 - Brewers 0 at the end of four.
                             
Giambi strikes out.  Molina hits to left center.  Matsui scores, Posada goes to third and Molina to second.  Yankees 1 - Red Sox 0 with one out in the fifth.  Gonzalez please don't hit into a double play.  Yes, he walks and the bases are loaded thank God. 

Figueroa gives up his first hit to Hardy who doubles to left to score the first run.  Mets 3 - Brewers 1.

The Yankees only score one run.  Darn it!

Dillon strikes out on 3-2.  He threw away his helmet and started running to first but the ump called him out.  Mets 3 - Brewers 1 going into the bottom of the fifth.

Manny flies out to deep right.  Whew!  Unfortunately, JD Drew's hit to deep right hits off of Abreu's glove for the first hit and home run.  At the end of five innings, Yankees 1 - Red Sox 1.

The Cowbellman performs near me at Shea while A-Rod comes to the plate at Fenway.  A-Rod singles to left with two outs.  Yeah!

Matsui doubles to the Green Monster.  A-Rod advances to third. 

Gross flies out to right at Shea.  Prince Fielder doubles to left center.  Braun hits a bomb to center but Beltran sprints and catches it.  In the middle of the sixth, Mets 3 - Brewers 0.

Yankees are out of the sixth.  Darn it! 

Joe Smith starts to warm for the Mets while Ryan Church flies to right center for the second out of the sixth.  Casanova flies out to the double

Speaking of great defense, the Rangers and D*vils are tied at 0 in the second period.  Wow, what a New York sports night!

Joe Smith takes the mound in the top of the seventh.

Timlin relieves Buchholz to start the 7th.  Giambino hits a bomb to center.  Molina hits a double off the Monster.
         
DW's throws is wild of first.

Gonzalez sacrifice bunts to Timlin and Molina advances to third.  Timlin gets the hook.  Yankees 2 - Red Sox 1 with one out in the seventh.

Craig Counsell grounds out to Reyes to end the top of the seventh.  Mets 3 - Brewers 2.

Melky sacrifices Molina home.  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1 with two out in seventh.

Get up and stretch!  It's the Seventh Inning Stretch at Shea.

Cano strikes out.  Get up and stretch (at Fenway)!  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.

Chavez walked.  Anderson sacrifices Chavez to second.  Last night's hero Pagan comes to the plate hitting .600 with Runners In Scoring Position.  He singles to right.  Mets 4 - Brewers 2.  DW singles to center.  The center fielder fumbles the ball and Pagan advances to third.
             
Pedroia grounds out to A-Rod.  Yeah!

Big Papi grounds to first.

Beltran hits into a double play.  Darn it!

Aaron "The Human Raindelay" Heilman is booed.

Manny strikes out!  Yeah!  Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1 at the end of seven. 
                               
Javier Lopez comes out of the bullpen for the Red Sox.  Abreu grounds out to Casey who flips it to Lopez.

Heilman strikes out Weeks.  OMG!

A-Rod singles to center. 

Heilman gets out of the eighth.  Time for the 8th Inning Sing-Along.  Tonight is Billy Joel's "Movin' Out".  Good selection, but not as good as Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" from Opening Day.    BTW, I met Billy Joel during the Sting and Annie Lennox concert a Jones Beach in July 2004.  This before I bought a digital camera.  Darn it!
                           
Matsui grounds to second to force A-Rod.
                               
Rangers 2 - D*vils 0 in the third period just flashed on the left center score board.  Yeah!  The crowd at Shea goes crazy.

Delgado strikes out.  Easley comes up to MC Hammer's "2 Legit to Quit" but he grounds out.
           
Giambino walks to load the bases.  Francona brings the hook for Lopez.

Wagner comes into the game the tune of "Enter Sandman".

Fielder grounds out to Wagner.  Braun flies out to right.  Two out in the top of the ninth.  Hall flies out right.  It's great to hear "Takin' Care of Business" again.  Mets 4 - Brewers 2.

Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1 in the middle of the eighth.

Abreu makes a great catch on Youkilis.  Three up, three down in the 8th.  At the end of eight innings, Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.         
                   
Gonzalez doubles to left.

Melky sacrifices Gonzalez to third.

Cano grounds out to third.  Gonzalez holds at third. 

Abreu hits an infield single to Pedroia.  Gonzalez scores.  A-Rod grounds out to end the inning.  In the middle of the ninth, Yankees 4 - Red Sox 1.

Casey lines out to Melky to start the ninth.  Lugo grounds to short.  Coco Crisp bunted to third but Wang can't get it.  Crisp is safe at first.  Crisp advances to second on defensive indifference on the first pitch to Pedroia.  Pedroia lined to Matsui to end the game.  Ballgame over, Yankees win, the Yankeeeees win!         

Wang pitched a two hitter and the Yankees won 4-1.  Wow!  All without Jeter.  Double wow!

This is one of the many great things about New York.  Mets win, Yankees win, and Rangers win 2-1 according to Don LaGreca reporting live on the ESPN 1050 AM post-game report.
                         
Posted by The Tank in a New York State of Mind reporting Live from Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens.

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Friday, April 11, 2008 10:44:18 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Mets and Yankees endured their fair share of rain last night.
             
A mist early in the game turned into a slight rain but nothing that couldn't prevent playing the Phillies-Mets game at Shea last night.  The Mets 8-2 victory was their first in nine games against the Phillies going back to last season.  The Mets' bats combined with four Phillie errors and a solid pitching performance from Pelfrey got the job done.

On the other hand, the Yankees played in monsoon like conditions in Kansas City last night.  The start was delayed and Joe Girardi managed in reverse pitching relievers then starter Ian Kennedy later in the game.  Bruney pitched solid.  Bruney's loss of 20 pounds (note to self) and a great attitude have been making all the difference, touch wood.  I think Bruney will go down as one of Brian Cashman's better picks if this year is indicative of future performance.
       
Anyway, the game should have been postponed.  It's not like it's September and they need to get the game in.  They could have made it up on Thursday or another day later in the season.  You don't want to risk injury as Jeter and Posada are already injured.  MLB and the umpires should have postponed the game.
                                       
Posted by The Tank in Building an Arkville.

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Thursday, April 10, 2008 4:35:34 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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It was a cool but sunny day for the last home Opening Day at Shea. 

DW hit it to the wall.  Two out.  Darn it!  It's better to see him in person than on the 7 train as a wax statue.  (Many thanks to Linda for the DW permalink and for joining me at the game.)

Moyer kept throwing it over to first to keep Castillo at first.  I yelled at him like "he's not Reyes!"  Beltran grounded out to third to end the inning.  It's scoreless at the end of the first.

Delgado hit a solo blast to right center.  Pagan flew out to left center.  Mets 1 - Phillies 0.
             
Time for a new feature, Verizon Wireless' Dancing with the Fans.  "It's so bad," Linda says.  I concur but it's so bad, it's good.  More later on how I can improve this later.
                             
Moyer is the oldest "official" player in the majors at 45 years old and 4 months.  He's almost as old as Jessie Orosco a few years ago on the Yankees but not as old as El Duque who is probably is my Dad's age.  BTW, Happy Belated 76th Birthday to my Dad a couple of days ago on Sunday, April 6th.                   

Drinking a gallon of water a day is good for you but you have to go to the restroom.  The good news is that my superstition of running to the restroom works because the Mets scored a run while I stepped away from the action.

Perez walked Moyer in the top of the fifth but got out of the jam.

After DW's "Wright Way" advised all kids to wear a helmet, he hit a double down the left field line.  A fight broke out between Mets and Phillies fans near the third baseline.  Beltran unfortunately grounded out to end the evening.  BTW, where is Jose Reyes' Spanish Language Academy.

Castillo is out with a strained right knee.  Ouch!

Perez gave up three hits in 5.2 innings but runners on the corners.  Joe Smith walked another batter but got out of the jam.
           
The seventh inning was where it fell apart.  Schoenweis loaded the bases.  Delgado's throw to Reyes at second hit Utley in the back and the Phillies scored two runs on the play.  Darn it!  The Phillies added another run to make it 3-2 at the Seventh Inning Stretch.

Schneider hits a single up the middle.  Chavez grounds into a double play.  Reyes hits a single up the middle.  Easley hit the ball a ton to left but it was caught the left field warning track.  Darn it!  At the end of seven, Phillies 3 - Mets 2.

Stephanie from Franklin Square, Long Island, beat out Vinnie from Staten Island to win Verizon Wireless' Dancing with the Stars.

The Phillies scored another run in the top of eighth to take a 4-2 lead. 

Aaron "The Human Raindelay" Heilman keeps looking back to second and then gives up an RBI single.  Darn it!

The RickRollers strike again to the tune to the great Rick Astley song "Never Gonna Give You Up". 

I ask all of you to please call the Mets to demand that they have me sing this classic song during the Verizon Wireless Dance with the Stars contest.  I maybe a few years too old for "American Idol" but this is a nice consolation prize.  To quote Milli Vanilli, "you know it's true."

While everyone cheers Mr. Met, Linda boos him.  She is still emotionally scarred from a ferry trip from the City to Shea a few years ago where Mr. Met had all the kids singing "Meet the Mets".  It drove her to near insanity and almost prompted her to throw Mr. Met overboard.  It's a good thing that on the Antarctica Marathon trip three years ago that she didn't see nor hear Steve and I singing karaoke or we could have been thrown into the freezing Antarctic waters.  Whew! 

Mr. Met's handler unfortunately prevented me and others from getting our exclusive photo with Mr. Met.  I've got photos with A-Rod and Playboy's Miss November 2007 but my photo album isn't complete until I get a photo with Mr. Met.

Nice to hear the Twilo music for Brooklyn Pete.  Where you at bro?  Yeah, my Blackberry is on the fritz.  It has a Java error and doing a cold reboot could cause the lose of all the data on my Blackberry.  You know life will suck if anything bad happens to my Blackberry.

DW struck out looking on a questionable call.  Beltran doubled down the left field line.  Delgado grounds out and Beltran advances to third.  Brady Clark walks to first.  The Mets don't score and lose the game 5-2. 

Posted by a dejected Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium.

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Wednesday, April 09, 2008 5:18:42 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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