Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me a moment ago that the Red Sox traded Manny to La-La Land.  Wait, he already resides there in the theatre of his mind.   

Manny wasn't traded to the Packers as he recently joked below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seriously, I waited posting until the dust settled.  The Mets dodged a major bullet as Manny was rumored to go to the Marlins.  I am just glad he is no longer with the Red Sox as he almost always kills the Yankees.  Thank God/G-d/Buddha/Allah/Creator of your choice!

Where is Omar before the Trade Deadline?  Was he asleep at the wheel or being held hostage by other teams for F-Mart and other prospects?  If the Mets don't make the post-season this year, I will personally pay for Steve's cab ride to Citifield to swear him in as the Mets new GM.  Of course, I'll blog about it. 

Posted by a partying Tank in Tradeville. 

Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack informed me not long ago that the Yankees acquired Pudge in return for Farnsworth who pitched for the Tigers in 2005.

I think it is a good trade.  The Tigers need a reliever and the Yankees need a hitting catcher.  No offense to Molina who is a great defensive catcher but he is not a good hitter.  This also lets Posada get the time he needs to mend and be ready for Spring Training 2009 and the rest of his contract.  Pudge and Molina can rotate. 

This trade kind of came out of left field, literally from the bullpen and figuratively as neither name was bandied about in trade talks.  Expect the unexpected until tomorrow's 4 p.m. Trade Deadline. 

Posted by The Tank in Tradeville.

I couldn't see the rest of the speeches because I had to catch the last bus back to the City for work.  I was glad I spent the day with Elijah.  We made several great memories that I'll remember forever.  I hope to enjoy future ones as well, God Willing.  If Elijah's Little League team wins their next tournament, they get to burn their manager's Boston Red Sox hat.  That's enough incentive for me to get reinstated in Little League with or without Commissioner Selig's permission. 

Posted by an emotional Tank at the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. 
P.S. Elijah called me today and said he was able to get Goose's autograph on a baseball.  The "perfect game" is in good hands of the next generation.

Is Manny being Manny again?  OR, is it something deeper?  Manny wants the Red Sox's to pick up his options over the next two years or be traded.  Red Sox brass is not happy with him sitting out Friday's game and had him sent for an MRI which revealed no issues in his knees according to Suzyn Waldman on last night's radio broadcast.  Manny's teammates are also mad at him.  Even Boston fans are fed up with Manny.

I am hope that Omar makes the deal to get Manny out of Boston.  The Mets need a corner outfielder.  Yes, Manny is a defensive liability but a great offensive player.  I don't think the Red Sox will make the deal before Thursday's deadline but will probably wait till the off-season. 

Manny getting out of Boston and into a Met uniform benefits the Mets and Yankees. 

Posted by a hopeful Tank in Tradeville. 

Today Johan Santana showed what he is made of. After a 5 hour 14 inning marathon last night, Johan comes in and pitches a complete game, scattering six hits (and one Pujols Home Run). Johan even got a hit and his first RBI as a Met.

While Johan has pitched awesome this year with a 2.93 ERA, the Mets have given him no run support and he has lost games 2-1, and 3-2. Today the Mets showed what they are capable of and supported their ace with 17 hits and 9 runs. Johan will probably finish the season with 15 wins and a 3.00 ERA, but the real money is worth it if the Mets make the playoffs.

Posted by Steve in New York

The Mets beat St. Louis 7-2 and the Yankees beat the Red Sox 1-0 on Friday to continue to win.

The Yankees made a roster move and had a trade with the Pirates landing former Mets outfields Xavier Nady and left hander Damaso Marte for four minor leaguers. The Yankees made a steal. While these are not super star players, they may be enough the Yankees need to make some noise.

After taking 2 out of 3 from the Phillies, the Mets are now alone in first place in the NL East. The question is: Are the Mets for real?

If you would have asked Mets fans on Tuesday night after the Phillies came back and scored 6 runs in the 9th to win, the answer would have been no. But to come back and win the next two games and take sole possession of first place is huge. This shows that the Mets maybe are for real.

There is something different about the Mets the past month. They work the counts, they get to the bullpens, they get clutch hits. But what seems to have changed is that the team is pumped and having fun.

Yesterday was Carlos Delgado's big 2-out 2 RBI off J.C. Romero (who owns Delgado). Not only did the Mets make the Phillies pay for the intentional walk to Wright, but the attitude and excitement was there. When Delgaldo made contact Jose Reyes ran out to the field and jumped up and down with the signal to Wright to come home. When Wright scored, he made a fist pump like the one he made in Game 1 of that NLDS in 2006. Oliver Perez even had a fist pump of his own after striking out Ryan Howard to end the 6th.

All of the fist pumps and celebrations and clutch hits show that the Mets are enjoying themselves. The NL East is ripe for the taking. Yesterday's win and the recent dominance of Philly (5-2 in July, 9-4 on the year) show me that the Phillies are not a championship team, they played well last September to take advantage of the Mets historic fall, but did not follow it up this year with solid play. There are still two full months left and as we saw last year, anything can happen. But as we stand today, the Mets look like they can take the NL East.

David Wright celebrating at home. (Photo AP)

There is one week to the trade deadline.  What does it mean for the Yankees and Mets?

(1) Though the Yankees acquired Sexson last week, will they make a big deal?  I doubt it as CC Sabbathia and Rich Haren are no longer available.  More importantly, Bruney should be back in the next week or so which should really help the bull pen, touch wood.  Kennedy threw seven innings in AAA last week.  Amazing!  Wang is scheduled to be back in September.  Those returning players are as good as a trade.  Expect the Yankees to stand pat unless they get a deal they can't refuse.  For instance, if the Mariners offer Jerrod Washburn for Kei Igawa, expect the Yankees to try to make it work, even if they have to eat some or most of Igawa's big contract.  Washburn is a good #4 or #5 starter for this and/or next year if Ponson or Rasner run into issues. 

ESPN 1050 AM reports that Hank "Honky Tonk" Steinbrenner is considering acquiring Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds.  I don't think the Yankees should or will.  First, it will take Bonds a while to get in shape.  Furthermore, it will distract the chemistry which is pretty good.  If the Yankees are going to bring anyone out of retirement, it should be Bernie Williams.  A piper dream perhaps, but I wanted to get it out of my system.

Expect the Yankees to try to get help at catcher since Posada won't be catching for the rest of the season.  Molina is good defensively but as good as an out at the plate. 

As for the Mets, they need a bat, especially at corner outfielder, but Billy Wagner's shoulder may force them to get a reliever.  Will Omar give up F-Mart?  If he has to, he will as his job is now on the line after firing Willie Randolph.

(2) We like to look ahead at SATT.  But, it's always nice to look back.  Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reminded us that it's been 25 years since the infamous pine tar game.  George Brett had too much pine on his bat.  After Billy Martin appealed, home plate umpire McClellan called Brett out.  Brett ran furiously out of the dugout and wanted to get a piece of McClellan.  Brett was thrown out of the game.

MLB reviewed the game.  They ruled that it had to be continued on another day and the Royals unfortunately won 5-4.  White Fedora Mike remembers Ron Guidry catching a ball in center. 

Brett now laughs whenever he and his kids watch the video.  I watched a TV report a while back when Brett said he would rather be known for the Pine Tar Incident than being a spokesman for Preparation-H.  Time heals all wounds, literally and figuratively. 

Posted by a philosophical Tank in Tradeville and Memory Lane.

Johan Santana answered the bell last night and pitched eight great innings against the Phillies at Shea.

The Mets carried a 5-2 lead into the 9th inning.  The bull pen, sans Billy Wagner, imploded and gave up six runs.  It's beyond words and blogging.  Editor-In-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack was at the Yankee game and was in disbelief when I reported the info to him.

The Mets scored one run in the 9th but lost 8-6.  You try not to read too much into one game but this one hurts.  Ouch!

Posted by The Tank in a "Land of Confusion" (title of a great Genesis song).

Shock Therapy was an economic theory used by Jeffrey Sachs that shocked former communist countries into capitalism during the 1990s.

It wasn't so much a shock that the  Giants traded Tight End Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints for a couple of draft picks.  I was surprised by the timing of it.  I thought Shockey would have been traded before April's Draft.

Shockey is talented but a distraction on the field and off.  The Giants proved that they could win the Super Bowl without him.  Kevin Boss was a great replacement while Shockey was injured.  It's now Eli Manning's team.

Posted by a surprised Tank in NY.

Mets closer Billy Wagner hurt his shoulder yesterday as the Mets re-tied the Phillies for first place ahead of their big upcoming series at Shea.  He is scheduled to get an MRI today.

In good news, the Yankees swept the As.  The Yankees gained three games on the Red Sox courtesy of the Angels who exacted some revenge for last season's ALDS loss.

Post by The Tank on an emotional rollercoaster.

I decided to throw my hat into the ring because I was appalled by the lack of baseball integrity from the so-called leading presidential candidates.  For instance, Senator Clinton is not a real Yankee fan; she grew up a Cubs fan.  Mayor Guiliani supported the Red Sox during last year's World Series.  Judas is not even an appropriate description.  Speaking of Red Sox, Mayor Bloomberg is from Boston and is a Red Sox fan. 

Thanks to your support, Mayor Guiliani and Senator Clinton are no longer in the race.  Mayor Bloomberg decided not to run.  I look forward to campaigning against fellow real baseball fans like Senator McCain (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Senator Obama (Chicago White Sox).

I have an advantage over both candidates because I can bridge the partisan divide like no one else.  For instance, I recently met with former Bill Clinton advisor James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville

and conservative talk show host and Guardian Angel Curtis Silwa in Midtown Manhattan.





I'm not perfect.  However, unlike other politicians, I have not cheated on my wife nor have a second family.  I know the issues and will bring baseball integrity back to the White House.  The fall debates will be filled with baseball references, World Series games, and good old fashioned American fun.  When the phone rings at 3 a.m., I'll answer it because I'll probably be at the ball park as I was at All Star Game or watching baseball highlights. 

Vote SteveAndTheTank.com.  I thank you for your support.

Posted by The Tank on the road to the White House.

The Giants are Super Bowl Champions and they are sticking their fans with the bill for a $1.6 Billion new stadium opening in 2010.  Don't get me wrong, it's better for fans rather than taxpayers to foot the bill.  I have believed this long before I started running for President.  (Big campaign announcement coming soon.)

That said, the bill is so high that the Giants installed a calculator on their website to calculate payments.  Whoa!  If you want the best seats in the club which is the section closest to the field, your Personal Seat License (PSL) will cost $54,000 for two seats.  Your initial payment is $8,000 in 2008 followed by two payments of $16,000 each followed by a final payment of $14,000.  Ouch!  Go Bills! 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

The Mets have won 10 in a row and are now tied for first place in the NL East. They answered my call to come out of the 3-1 series win in Philly with a 4-2 or better record against San Francisco and Colorado. After last nigh's come from behind win, on the one month date of Willie's ax, the Mets look like they are on fire. But are they for real, the Mets I know and love will now go lose 5 in a row. Will that happen?

That is a question for time to tell. After this series with the Reds, the Mets face Philly at home. So the next six games are critical for the Mets to show us what they are made of. Winning both series will prove that. After the Philly series, the schedules are about the same for both teams, but the Phillies have one West Coast trip that the Mets do not have to make-the Mets made several West Coast trips in the first half.

I am not completely a believer yet, but getting there.

Posted by Steve in New York

The 15 inning All-Star game was an awesome game. But my 9 year old nephew fell asleep at midnight missing the high drama (and his favorite player, David Wright, almost pitching.) Jack left in the 9th and Kathleen left in the 13th and the Tank had to call in sick on Wednesday. So the game, while awesome, went too long. How to solve this problem in the future? Here are some simple changes.

 

1. Screw the West Coast. The first pitch was not until 8:45pm, way too late. I know that was only 5:45 West Coast time, but let's face it, the center of baseball gravity is on the East Coast anyway. So start the game at 7:30pm. Kids and teens are your true audience on an All-Star game, so they will be home, eyes glued at 4:00 for the pre-game on the West Coast. For the adults? They can leave work early.

2. Eliminate extra innings. Play the full 9 innings. Play them hard. (And we got that yesterday, plays at the plate, etc.) If the game ends in a tie, have a tie breaker round. Have a second home run derby! Each team will select 1 batter and they get 10 swings. The team with the most HRs at the end wins the game. If it is still a tie, choose two other players and they get 5 swings.

3. Have an extra day off. Make Monday the travel day, Tuesday the Home Run Derby, Wednesday the game, and Thursday the travel day. This will allow all pitchers and catchers to be available and there is no problem pitching a few innings. Also this way teams can start the weekend on Friday with a 3 game weekend series.

The fourth and final All Star Game at the Stadium need its own introduction and cast of characters. 

Cast of Characters:

Steve and The Tank
Kathleen
PermaGuest Outlaw Jack
Andrea and her brother Matt from Indiana (Andrea is a Yankee fan and Matt is a Cubs fan)
Steven: Eight year old Yankee fan there with his father
Patrick: Cubs fan from Chicago with his son
Vendor Steve
Linda via SMS Text
Robert in Tampa via Telephone
Cast of 55,000+ at the Stadium and millions watching on TV around the world

The build-up has been tremendous.  There was to be a swan song for the Baseball Cathedral, Yankee Stadium. 

All the VIPs were there.  There was a great reception for Tim Russert's widow and son after they showed footage from the Yogi Berra Museum.

West Point cadets unfolded the American flag.

From mlb.com via PermaGuest Outlaw Jack "This year's All-Stars were introduced at their fielding positions along with 49 of the 63 living Hall of Famers."  It was one legend after another.  Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, and the list went on and on.




Mr. Steinbrenner presented the baseballs for the first pitch.




"Too many Red Sox!" Steven, an eight year behind us shouts about the current All Stars.  Agreed I reply.

Steve, Kathleen, PermaGuest Outlaw Jack, and myself sit together in the Tier.  Mega thanks to Steve for buying the tickets. 

Andrea and her brother Matt from Evansville, Indiana, sit to my left.  Andrea won the tickets after her drunk boss promised them to her.  Her brother owns her big time.  She is raising her three year old son right as a Yankee fan.   Matt is a Cubs fan and seems like a pretty good guy. 

Andrea and I talk about Donnie Baseball who is from Evansville and gives back to the community.   Too bad about Donnie's wife's drug and alcohol demons ended his career as he couldn't rehab his back properly as he had to go home to take care of their kids.  This will probably cost him a possible chance at Cooperstown.  As I tell my young Godchildren, nephew, and Steven, "Hugs, NOT drugs" are the answer.   Drugs have a negative ripple effect through society of destroying lives and shattering dreams.  For every Josh Hamilton, there are millions like Donnie's wife struggling from the downward spiral of drugs.  Let's hope she gets her life back on track after their divorce.  If that doesn't wake her up, nothing will.

After the ceremonies which took almost an hour, the first few innings were a let down.

The NL takes a 1-0 lead on a solo shot to right.

Ichiro strikes out.  Haren is nasty.  With two on and two out, the Captain comes to the plate in the 5th.  He works a full count.  Jeter grounds out to the athletic Haren.  Darn it!

The Marlins Hanley Ramirez gets on first.  Chase Utley singles him to third.  Berkman's sacrifice fly to center field scores Ramirez.  NL 2 - AL 0.  Pujols singles to center.  Steve and I cheer Chipper Jones' strikeout.  Steve asks for DW to enter the game.  Matt Holliday pops up to end the top of the 6th inning.

Josh Hamilton singles to center.  I agree with Steve and Andrea on the reform of the home run contest.  The two players with the most home runs after the first round goes to the finals.  Crede pops up to second.  Hamilton steals second as Sizemore takes ball one.  A foul ball comes my way but it lands 15 rows in front of me.  Sizemore strikes out.  Milton Bradley flys out to center. 

The real Village People lead the "YMCA" before the top of the seventh.   I didn't think they were still alive.  Jack says they have become like Menudo with new performers replacing the old ones. 



Vendor Steve stops by to say hi.  He coincidentally vends in this section during the regular season.




Morneau hits a stand up double in the bottom of the seventh.  Kinsler sacrifices him to third.  Navarro strikes out.  J.D. Drew hits a two run home run.  Yes, he is a Red Sox but playing for the American League.

Steve diagnoses the Stadium as psychio.  Yes, my name is The Tank and I am bipolar.  In that spirit, I boo Papelbum.  How dare you challenge  for the closer role?  Boo! 

Jack and I lead the "Mariano" chant as Papelbum gives up a leadoff single to Miguel Tejada in the 8th.  Tejada steals second and then goes to third on the wild throw.  Tejada scores on Gonzalez sacrifice fly to left center.  NL 3 - AL 2.  Good job, Papelbum.  "Face it Francona, Mariano is better!" Steven says.  I couldn't say it better.

Quentin flies out.  Guillen was out while I went to the restroom.  Mets closer Billy Wagner gives up a single to Sizemore with two outs.  Longoria gets on.

"DirectTV is the HD ace" is displayed on the blimp.  Sizemore goes to second on defensive indifference.  Longoria doubles in Sizemore.  NL 3 - AL 3 at the end of the 8th.

Corey Hart comes up to "(I Wear) Sunglasses at Night".  I love the song.  I wonder if he gets royalties.

PermaGuest Outlaw Jack was right.  K-Rod gets an appearance out before the greatest closer of all time in, Mariano Rivera.



To lead off the ninth, Ian Kinsler faces Dempster who has a weird disco move that he picked up from the Village People as he rotates his glove.  Kinsler strikes out.  Navarro strikes out.

I may have to root for a Red Sox, J.D. Drew, who is on deck.  This is the ultimate conflict of interest.  JD strikes out looking.  This is why I don't play fantasy baseball.  I have enough stress in my life.

To the tenth we go.

The first guy from the Pirates strikes out while I buy programs.  Gotta love the hustling vendor, one of Vendor Steve's colleagues.

Martin singles to right.  Tejada singles Martin to third.  Uggla hits into a double play to end the top of the tenth with a 3-3 tie.  Whew!  Andrea, Steven, and I go crazy.  Steve is dejected and Kathleen is tired.

Disco Stu gets his due. 

Michael Young hits an easy ball to Uggla who drops it.  Steve is upset at him for hitting into a double play.  Quentin hits it to Uggla who drops it again.  Two errors in as many at bats.  Runners at the corners with no outs in the bottom of the tenth.  Cook is pitching good but no help from his defense.  Guillen is intentionally walked.  Steven disagrees with it but Andrea and I explain the force out at home.  Sizemore comes up but grounds out to first who goes home for the force.

Longoria is on Steven's Dad's fantasy team.  Longoria grounds out to third.  Force again at home.  Two out.  Morneau comes up to Steven's cheer of "Come on Home Run King!"  Morneau grounds out short to first.  So close, darn it. 

Time for All Star Game Match Game as we go to the top of the 11th.

Soria comes out to pitch the 11th.  Gonzalez singles to left.  DW is up.  Steven thinks the Mets are "stinky".  Matt wants DW to take one for the team.  Steven's Dad is afraid it will ruin his perfect face.  DW strikes out.  Guzman pops out.  Corey "Sunglasses at Night" Hart lines out to right to end the top of the 11th. 

Stand up to Cancer.  You know The Tank is and will again this fall in the NYC Marathon for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Ian Kinsler comes up while Cook is still pitching.  Kinsler singles to right center.  Navarro fakes a bunt.  Cook tries to pick off Kinsler.  On the pitch out, Kinsler is nailed at second.  Andrea curses Francona's signs.  Navarro walks.  J.D. Drew is up.  Conflict of interest time.  Drew singles to center.  Young comes up with one out.  The Bleacher Cowbell rings in the distance and I yell the cheer to educate my uneducated Tier brethren.  Young singles to center but is out at the plate.  Darn it.  I almost have a hear attack.

Valentin grounds out.  Darn it!

NL loads the bases.  Uggla strikes out on a 67 mile per hour curveball.  Yeah!  Go Uggla!

"Welcome to Jungle!". I agreed with Andrea that John Mellencamp is better than Guns N Roses.

Adrian Gonzalez faces Sherrill from the Orioles.  Gonzalez strikes out.  I have never so hard for an Oriole since Cal Ripken.

Guillen hits it to deep left. We can't see it.  He hits a stand up double.  Grady Sizemore hits to second. Guillen to third.  Longoria strikes out.  Two out.  Morneau is intentionally walked.  Kinsler grounds out.

To the 13th we go.  DW hits a shattered bat single to center.  Guzman tries to sacrifice DW to second but hits it to Sherrill who gets it the force at second.  Corey "Sunglasses at Night" Hart strikes out.  I noticed the Moon's profound shift as Ludwick approaches the plate.  Ludwick pops out.

"We can finish the game in the new stadium," Patrick the Cubs fan says as we go to the bottom of the 13th.

Highlights from the 2001 World Series are shown on the screen.

Marmol comes up.  Navarro grounds out to Uggla.  Steve has taken Uggla off the 2009 All Star Ballot and deems him worse than Wagner. JD Drew gets on Uggla's third error.

Kathleen threatens to leave at the end of the 13th.

JD Drew steals second as Young strikes out. Guillen

Steve thinks someone has angered the baseball gods.  Andrea thinks it is Mr. Steinbrenner for building a new stadium.  Steve agrees. 

Guillen strikes out.

To the 14th we go.  Kathleen is true to her word and leaves as KISS' classic "Rock and Roll All Night" blares over the Stadium speakers.

Steve proposes a popup contest.

McLouth almost hits a home run to right as Andrea thinks a reserve will win it.  Martin hits one to JD Drew.  Tejada is out.

Get up and Stretch!  It's time for the 14th Inning Stretch.




The remaining Cast of Characters is really bonding for a group photo.




Steven says it's way past his bedtime.  Lucky his Mom has fallen asleep and hasn't summoned him home.  His Dad mentions going home and Steven won't have any of it. 

Andrea still has lots of energy and is ready to dance the night away at 1:27 a.m. in the center right side.



Patrick proposes bringing in the retired Hall of Famers.  Good idea!

Plan Z: Have the New York Philharmonic come in and play. 

Philharmonic Review: I texted Linda with the score and asked her about tonight's New York Philharmonic Concert in Central Park.  She said it was crowded but a good show.  I'll have to compare notes with her to the Brahms performance I attended in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1992.  But, this blog post is long enough already so I'll save it for another time.

Brandon Webb pitches to Carlos Guillen.  Guillen hits a shot to Tejada, the steroid user.  Sizemore is at bat while Steve proposes having breakfast delivered.  I want lox.  Sizemore strikes out.  Longoria comes to the plate as we debate the title of post.  Longoria strikes out.

"Cotton Eye Joey" is up again. 

To the 15th we go.  Kazmir strikes out Uggla.  Gonzalez flies out to left.  Steve wants DW to hit one out to expel Mets demons.  DW walks.  Guzman grounds out to end the top of the 15th.

Steve wants to start a count of "You've gotta be kidding me"!  I don't think any supercomputer can count that high.

The Stadium displays the following soon to be future trivia question.  (The final game time was 4 hours and 50 minutes.)




Morneau singles to center.  Kinsler is way ahead in the swing.  Kinsler flies out to a diving left fielder at 1:30 am.  Navarro singles to center.  JD Drew is up as the "Let's Go Yankees" chant rings out.  How ironic is it?  JD gets on.  Michael Young is up.  Is this it?  Young flies to right field, Morneau tags at third, and is safe at home plate.  OMG!  It's over.  We all hug and high five.  The American League wins home field in the World Series.  My prediction of Yankees winning a Game 7 at the Stadium can still happen, God Willing!

If anyone ever doubts that Steve and The Tank are die hard fans who actually attend games unlike other bloggers/journalists, your evidence is below. 



Mega thanks again to Steve for buying the tickets!  We had several proposed titles for this post from "Billy Wagner screws up again" to E4 (Uggla) to Best Game Ever so I blended the last two. 

Posted by an exhilirated and exhausted Tank reporting live from the Baseball Cathedral, Yankee Stadium, in the Boogie Down Bronx.

The Yankees and the world lost a true gentleman, Bobby Murcer, on Saturday.  Bobby died at 62 after courageous battling brain cancer.

Bobby played for the Yankees from 1965 to 1974 and 1979 to 1983.  He also played for the Giants from 1975 to 1976 and the Cubs from 1977 to 1979.

According to the "New York Post", he was the only Yankee to play with Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly.  He replaced fellow Oklahoman Mantle in centerfield.  He gave one of the eulogies at Thurman Munson's funeral on August 6, 1979, and then drove in all the RBIs in a 5-4 comeback win that night in the Stadium.

After his playing career ended, he went to the broadcast booth.  He taught us how the game was played.  He was a good guy who played the game and lived life the right way. 

He was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2006.  He fought the good fight and most importantly did it with grace and class.

Bobby was a great player on some bad teams but never complained because he was even a better person.  R.I.P. Bobby.  You were always #1 (before Billy Martin took your number).  You will be #1 in Our Hearts.

Posted by a grieving Tank in NY.

Editors Note: Steve and the Tank have off today for the All-Star break, so guest blogger Kevin McCall visited the Sports Museum of America and posted about it here.

If you live on Long Island like me it's very likely that you live hours away from the nearest sports hall of fame. For this reason, I recommend visiting the new Sports Museum of America during your next trip into Downtown New York City. Opening on 26 Broadway two months ago as part of a restoration of Lower Manhattan, the Sports Museum of America is the only museum in the U.S. to encompass all the sports Americans love. It was created in partnership with over 50 individual sport hall of fames, which donated artifacts to the museum. Each room is dedicated to one particular sport and equipped with computers linked to archives for the sport as well as televisions that show highlights of each moment that made fans stand up and cheer. They further enhance the experience by putting you inside the game, and also help educate the casual fan.

My visit began in the Immersion theater where I viewed a ten minute presentation highlighting some of the great moments in various sports. I then entered into the first exhibit, the Heisman Gallery the largest room in the entire museum. This is the new home of the Heisman Trophy, college football's top honor. Photos and biographies of all the past winners are shown on the wall. It's a little over done, but that's expected because it was a big reason for the museum's construction in the first place. The award winning ceremony will now take place at this location.

The next room honors all athletes who have thrived on the world's biggest stage, the Olympics. Medals won by track star Jesse Owens and world class swimmer Michael Phelps lie behind a glass case. Cubicles with items from the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" as well as the 1992 "Dream Team" can be viewed.

The following part of the museum was my personal favorite, the baseball exhibit. The sound of hardwood hitting a baseball and shouts from a vendor could be heard in the background, which kind of grew on me after a while. I snuck a picture of the World Series trophy, taking it with the camera on my cell phone, which is most likely the only way you will walk out with a photo of anything in the museum. An interactive experience allowed me to try different pitching grips on baseballs such as the knukleball thrown by Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. Bats used by Seattle Mariners leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki and slugger Ken Griffey Jr. could be picked up. Displays included artifacts from the first women's softball league and the Negro League are also included.

The basketball room is more small and narrow than the others, but includes memorabilia from major basketball cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and of course, New York. Large college basketball exhibits highlight the rivalry between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils.

The room dedicated to soccer contains the most secular items, some of which are pretty out there. The sports bra worn by Brandi Chastain in the 1999 Women's FIFA World Cup is one of them. The article of clothing became famous when Chastain threw her shirt off in celebration of her game winning goal against China that sealed the title for the U.S. Golf clubs used by all the greats from Sam Sneed to Tiger Woods are displayed in the golf exhibit. The tennis section contains rackets used by greats such as Andre Agassi and Billie Jean King. The auto racing section is largely dedicated to Dale Earnhardt as the infamous number 3 on his race car is displayed in a case especially for him. The inside setup of an old car used by NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon can be viewed. The museum did not forget about the fans of extreme sports. Most artifacts in this area are from the collection of skateboarding mogul Tony Hawk. X games medals are displayed in a case with snowboards and bicycle handle bars.

Next are the hockey and football rooms. The hockey experience allows people to put their head inside a goalie mask and view different shots. I found the commentary by Mike Richter unnecessary and annoying, but it gives you a great perspective on just how fast the puck comes at the goaltenders in the game. Any New York Giants fan will especially appreciate the case honoring this past Super Bowl.

Along with the trophy is the helmet worn by wide receiver David Tyree when he made his drive saving catch to propel the Giants to the game winning touchdown and ending the hopes of a complete undefeated season for the New England Patriots. I stared in awe for a few minutes at the visible marks the football left on the helmet!!

The final few rooms of the museum honored those athletes who defined an era. They excelled in more than just their sport, but in overcoming racial discrimination barriers and paving the way for social revolution in America. The achievements of Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, and Roberto Clemente are honored among others.

Finally, the museum commemorates the common folk who have made the sports industry as large as it is today, the fans. Through private donations, the museum has accumulated a collection of cards, pins, hats, and jackets representing various players and teams. Broadcasters are also honored in this area, as microphones and other artifacts from ABC Sports are on display. This section also includes a fantastic experience in which I had the opportunity to play a broadcaster and make up my own call for a great moment in sports!!

Overall, the Sports Museum is a phenomenal place in which fans of all sports can interact, relive the defining moments, and view a wide variety of memorabilia. I recommend it for someone who isn't a sports fan at all, for they will still be amazed by the courage and determination of those represented in the Hall of Halls. Admission is

$27 for adults (ages 15-59) and $20 for children (4-14). Children under 4 are free while students with current identification and senior citizens can enter for a discount of $24. If you find it too expensive to visit the museum, stop by the store next to the entrance. Sports nuts can purchase numerous merchandise for their favorite sports and teams at a discounted price. For more information, visit www.sportsmuseum.com.

After I let go of the Jets moving to New Jersey earlier this week, Steve replied Friday afternoon that he will never stop hating Bon Jovi for reasons that I can not describe in this family friendly blog.  Those were famous last words as Linda e-mailed me and asked if I had a Bon Jovi CD.  I didn't but bought one Friday afternoon.  I snuck the CD to Linda earlier today as we were going to the Catskills for our practice Everest Base Camp hike.  Bon Jovi's "One Wild Night Live 1985-2001" became part of our soundtrack of our roadtrip.  Steve tried to pretend that he didn't hear the music but he couldn't avoid it.  I already feel "We're Halfway There" to Everest Base Camp.   

Seriously, kudos to Steve for organizing the trip and to Linda for renting and driving the car.  It was great meeting Norm and Donna.  They are really cool.

I ended the day going to Central Park and watching the Bon Jovi concert which was MLB's kickoff for All Star Game Weekend. 

Posted by The Tank "Livin' On a Prayer" Live in the Catskills and Central Park.

 

We're excited.

The Mets took us back on Tuesday night at Shea to a time when Steve and I were Jets fans.  It was a time of innocence before we stabbed in the heart and back by a move to Giants Stadium in New Jersey.  My heart was first broken in the 1980s by the Yankees loss to the Dodgers in the 1981 World Series.  David Stockman leaving the Reagan Administration was another low point in 1982 as I felt deficits would go higher.  I won't go to my father's hospitalization on prom night which also happened to be my parents' wedding anniversary in 1987.

The Jets played at Shea from 1964 to 1983.  Joe Namath, Wesley Walker, and the New York Sack Exchange dominated the headlines and our hearts.

It all came crashing to an end when the Jets moved to Jersey.  You can't fault them from a business perspective.  The Giants offered them a better revenue sharing deal.  I eventually became a Bills fan and Steve swore off the NFL.

Anyway, the Jets returned to Shea one last time to say farewell.  Can I cheer "J-E-T-S!" one last time to let the past go?

Marty Lyons, Greg Buttle, and Wesley Walker threw out the first pitch below. 



More on those guys in a upcoming post.  When I become attached and emotionally involved in something, it's hard to let go even when I got hurt.  Be it girlfriends or sports teams, The Tank is here in the trenches with and for you.

Back to the present.  Steve blogged the Mets 3-1 series victory at the Phillies this past weekend.  It's exactly what the Mets needed.  It helped them close ground on the Phillies to 2.5 games, get above .500, and have a three game winning streak.  If the Mets win at least four out of the next six games before the All Star Break, they will have some momentum going into the second half of the season.

John Pelfrey got out of a bases loaded jam in the first without giving up a run.

Reyes lined out for the first out.  Chavez singled, Wright walked, and Beltran hit one over the right center wall.  The crowd goes crazy.  Mets 3 - Giants 0.  Easley struck out.  Delgado walked on 3-2.  Tatis struck out.  I page Linda and Steve but don't hear back from them.

Reyes singles with two out in the second but is caught stealing. 

Yankees 2 - Rays 0 in the third according to the Shea Scoreboard.

DW hits an infield single in the third.  Beltran singles and DW advances to third.  Easley grounds out into a double play so no runs were scored.

Big Pelf singled to center to open the fifth.  Jose Reyes popped up and the rally ended.

While I went to the restroom, the Mets added another run in the bottom of the sixth to make it 4-0.

Argenis Reyes first hit as he pinch hits for Big Pelf in the bottom of the 7th.  The other Reyes, Jose, bunts his way to first.  DW lines out but Beltran singles Argenis home for his for run scored.  Mets 5 - Giants 0.  Ace Frehey's classic "Back in a New York Groove" blares over the speakers.  Are the Mets back in a winning groove?  Easley singles to center and Jose scores.  Mets 6 - Giants 0.

Schoenweis pitched a shut out eighth.  The crowd goes nuts when the Phillies lose to the Cardinals 2-0.  'Phillies suck" chants echo throughout my section.

How is Boston coming back against Minnesota?

Perma Guest Outlaw Jack checks in with Yankee updates.  Go Andy Go!  Mega thanks Jack!

Tatis hits a blast over the Game Number sign in center.  Mets 7 - Giants 0.  "I've got the power indeed."  Joe Smith comes out for the ninth and gets out the side.  "Put it in the books," to quote Mets broadcaster Howie Rose.  Sam is smiling at his fellow Canadian band BTO "Takin' Care of Business".   The Jets flag flies proudly in the breeze.  I let go.  I am free now. 





Posted by The Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium in Queens.

Jason Giambi's mustache has taken on a life of its own. The Yankees today are playing an afternoon game and giving away fake Bobby Valentine style mustaches in honor of Jason Giambi. In reality they want you to "support the 'stache' and vote to get Giambi in for the last slot for the all-star game.

The Mets have the same campaign, minus the 'stache, for David Wright.

Internet voting ends on Thursday at 5pm. Vote here.

Four games in as many days in Philadelphia was make or break for the Mets season. The Mets entered Philly on our nations's birthday for an important 4 game set with the first place Phillies. The Mets were 1 game under .500 and 4.5 games out of first.

Game 1.

The series did not start well. Mets ace Johan Santana pitched a great game, allowing only 2 earned runs over 8 innings. The Mets in their typical fashion did not support Santana and he was in line for a no-decision when Sanchez blew the game in the bottom of the 9th. The Mets lost, fell 2 under .500 and a 5.5 games out of first. Since the Phillies had Happ pitching against ace Santana, it was a game the Mets had to win and they didn't. All hope seemed lost and it looked like the Phillies would take a split or even the series 3-1. Mets fans were not happy and were questioning manager Jerry Manuel's decision not to leave Johan in the bottom of the 9th. (Remember it was pouring rain and tied, Manuel made the right call. If he left Santana in and Santana gave up a run, the media would be saying "Why the hell did Jerry leave Santana in?"

Game 2.

Ken, Helen, Kathleen, and Steve arrive at Citizens Bank Park the top of the 2nd inning with the Mets up 1-0. (Kathleen needed Starbucks, some things come before baseball for other people.)

Our tickets were in the nosebleeds and even there it was a great view of the stadium and the game. This is a great park, the nicest park I have visited so far (which includes of active parks: Shea, Yankee, Fenway,  Camden Yards, Skydome, Safeco Field, Angels Stadium, and Dodger Stadium.) The ticker takers give me a dirty look since I am wearing my "Vamos Mets" tee shirt. They referred to Citi Field as "Copy Cat Stadium."

I saw the Mets play at other stadiums and the fans were not nearly as hostile. Jose Reyes strikes out and they shout "site down you $$$-hole!."

John Maine pitches well through 5 innings but his only hit is a 3 run home run to Ryan Howard and the score is tied up 3-3. In the bottom of the 5th John Maine felt a problem with his non throwing arm and was taken out of the game with 2 strikes and 2 outs on Ryan Howard. The fans were screaming "Bring in Home Run Heilman!!" I just sat and watched and prayed. Heilman pitched exactly one pitch and struck out Howard. Game still tied 3-3.

The Phillies tag the Mets bullpen for a run in the bottom of the 7th and it does not look good. I am thinking about 6.5 games out. But I spy the Phillie Fanatic down on the field boxes and take his photo, that cheers me up somewhat, while I hate the Phillies, I love the Fanatic!

The top of the 8th, Brian Schneider has a pinch hit double to drive in two runs and the Mets tack on one more to make it 6-4. While no lead is ever safe at Citizens Bank Park,  I feel confident enough with Sanchez in the bottom of the 8th to leave my seat for the first time and hit the men's room.

In the top of the 9th the Mets rallied for 3 more runs. I felt better. The obnoxious Philly fans started to leave. Then they bring out the rain delay tarps! There was almost no rain! We decided to leave and watch the bottom of the 9th from a local bar. Mets win and are now back to where they started when they woke up on July 4th.

Game 3.

This was a game the Mets needed to win. You need to follow-up a nice come backer from the night before with a win. It looked that way after the ever consistent Oliver Perez tossed 7 scoreless innings and the Mets headed into the bottom of the 9th with a 2-0 lead. Billy Wagner gives up a 2 run home run and you can only expect the worst. Luckily the Mets win in the top of the 14th. 3.5 games out.

 

Game 4.

The Phillies are eager to take the rubber game and undo the damage of the last two games. The Mets had to win again, they had to follow up with a win after the dramatics of the night before. The Mets take an early 10-1 lead and I turn the game off to watch some Tour de France. I flip back at one point and it is 10-5, still no big deal, then 10-7, then Billy Wagner makes it 10-9 with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. Luckily the Mets hold on and are now 1 game over .500 and only 2.5 games out.

The Mets may have been sloppy, but they did eak out 3 games against the Phillies. A little luck on Friday and it would have been a 4 game sweep. The Mets are now 7-3 in 2008 against the Phillies so there can be no talk about the Phillies in the Mets head anymore.

That said, the Mets need to follow up this series with a major run into the All-Star break. Six home games against teams that are under .500 should be a 5-1 run leading into the break. If the Mets fail to do that, the season is over. If the Mets do go 5-1 or better, they should be headed into the second half a game or so out and right on the Phillies tail. It will be hard for the Phillies to hold on the NL East, they don't have the pitching to do so, they are an offensive club. But if the Mets don't show up, the Phillies will walk away with the East. The situation has changed for both teams, we will see how they both respond.

Posted by Steve in Citizens Bank Park

Each Yankee-Red Sox game takes a life of its own.

Thursday night's game wasn't much of one as the Yankees didn't show up.  Lester pitched a five hitter and the Red Sox won 6-0.

Joe Girardi held a 32 minute closed door meeting after the game.  Joel Sherman asked him about it but Joe wasn't talking about it.  Little need to as the Yankees haven't been playing up to snuff.

The Yankees came out swinging on Friday and took a 3-0 lead.  But, Johnny Damon hurt his shoulder when trying to catch a ball.  The Red Sox went on to win the game 6-4.  Johnny ended up going on the DL for the first time in his career on Sunday.

Saturday was a cardiologist special.  Moose pitched six great shutout innings.  The bullpen did its job and preserved a 2-0 lead into the ninth.  Mariano uncharactericalistically gave up a run and then loaded the bases.  He struck out the final batter before I almost had a coronary as the Yankees held on for a 2-1 victory.

A-Rod had a second inning solo shot against knuckle ball pitcher Tim Wakefield.  Joba pitched six innings.  The game went to extra innings.  Youth will be served.  Gardner hit a single up the middle as Cabrera sprinted in from second for the 5-4 victory in 10 innings against Papelbon. 

Keep the Faith!

Posted by The Tank on the Yankee Rollercoaster.

Today's men's Wimbledon final was something I have never seen before. After being delayed by rain, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer squared off in the finals, a rematch from the French Open finals (Nadal won) and a rematch of the last two Wimbledon finals (Federer won both, and 5 in a row.)

Federer is a machine and has won 40 matches in a row at the All England Club as well as an unbelievable 65 in a row on grass. Going into the finals Federer had not dropped a set this tournment, so he was expected to cruse to his 6th Wimbledon in a row.

But Nadal took an early lead winning the first two sets 6-4 and 6-4. Up by a few games in the 3rd set, the sky opened and there was an hour and a half rain delay. (This is when the Tank called me about the need for retractable roofs, next year Centre Court will have one.)

After the rain delay, facing 1 game from elimination, Federer fought back. He forced a tie-breaker in the 3rd and won that, then fought back again, facing two championship points in the fourth and forced yet another tie-breaker, which he also won. Now it was down to a fifth and decisive final set and Federer was on a roll.

But Nadal would never say die and fought back. Neither side broke each other in hours. Night was coming and there are no lights on Centre Court. When the match looked all tied up, rain fell again.

After the delay, the match continued and was tied up. No tie-breakers in the last match. At the 4:16 mark, the match surpassed Conners-McEnroe in 1982 in longest final every played (not counting the rain). Nadal finally broke Federer after about 4:30 of play and went up 7-6 in the last set to serve for the victory. It was only the 4th break of the match for Nadal (Federer only broke Nadal once). It was almost completely dark, about 9:15pm in London, a Wimbledon match never went this late. With the match about to be called for darkness and with two more match points served up, Nadal finally won the match, becoming the first person to win both Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year since Bjorn Borg did it in 1980 (who was there to congratulate Nadal.)

Forget Conners-McEnroe, this is the most exciting match I have ever watched.

Congratulations to Rafael Nadal!

Posted by Steve, in awe.

I watched the Williams Sisters play the Wimbledon Ladies Final on this morning.

Venus won the first set 7-5.  Venus led 5-4 in the second set.  Serena made several un forced errors.

Down to championship point, Serena served past Venus to make it 30-40.  Big Sister Venus won the second set 6-4 and her fifth Wimbledon Championship.  It was her first in three tries against her Kid Sister Serena at Wimbledon.

Their father Richard was so conflicted that he went home.  He couldn't handle seeing the final result.  Their mother and siblings watched from the stands.

Even though she won, Venus stays at #7 in the world but Serena moves up to #5 in the world.  It's good to see the Williams Sisters healthy and fit.  It should be a wide open US Open starting next month in Flushing.  The Williams Sisters, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, or other players could win the next grand slam.

Congratulations to Zimonjic and Nestor for winning the Gentlemen's Doubles Final.  Nestor deserves extra recogntion because he completed the grand slam in his final year as a professional.

Prediction: I think Federer will barely beat Nadal in a classic tomorrow.  If he does, the top three players in the world (Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal) will have one grand slam each going into the U.S. Open.  Buckle up! 

Posted by The Tank in Tennis Land.

I don't think the Founding Fathers had a celebration of mindless gluttony in mind when they declared their independence from England.  But 232 years later, it wouldn't be Independence Day if it weren't Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from Coney Island, Brooklyn. 

The introduction of the participants and their nicknames is more entertaining than the contest itself.  The participants are from across America and world and from different walks of life.  Opie & Anthony's producer, a fashion model in love with himself, a masked Cubs fan (take off the mask bro, the Cubs are in first place), the first Faith Based Eater, the Black Widow, former champion Kobayashi, and the defending champion Joey Chestnut.

I like to eat but these people are ridiculous.   I had no idea that there was a matzoh ball eating champion. Who know?

Onto the contest itself.  This year's contest is 10 minutes long instead of last year's 10 minutes.  Chestnut led from the get go but Kobayashi was in second.  Kobayashi closed to within one with five minutes left.  He ties with 40 hot dogs with about four minutes left. 

Kobayashi took the lead with about 2:29 left.  Chestnut tied.  They are neck and neck.  Kobayashi goes ahead by two with 1:30 remaining.  Under a minute and down the stretch they go.  Can Chestnut come back?  They are tied at 59.  They shoved the final hotdogs down their throats. 

Who won? A photo finish.  They tie. 

A dog off.  Whoa!  Who can eat five hot dogs first?  Joey Chestnut wins!  Joey Chestnut defends his title.  The world's most extreme eating chamionship remains in America.  Something to be proud of I guess. 

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.