LeBron James has been in the New York sports pages more frequently lately as the Knicks and other teams rush to get under the cap in two years to enter the LeBron James Sweepstakes.

Yes, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash, and other free agents will also be available.  But, nobody commands the league and world like LeBron.  He is already referenced by his LBJ initials as former President Lyndon Baines Johnson once was.  Wow!  LeBron is barely old enough to legally purchase alcohol much less run for President.

The Knicks have the edge over most teams residing in the heart of the media capital of the world.  Except, the Nets.  The Nets are moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn next season as I successfully advocated almost two years ago.  More importantly, LeBron is close friends with Nets minority owner Jay-Z.  That could tip the balance to the Nets.

Therefore, the Knicks need to have a Plan B.  That's going to be hard because D-Wade likes South Beach and Chris Bosh loves playing in Toronto.  That leaves Steve Nash who lives in the West Village.  Even if LeBron signs with the Knicks, expect Nash to be reunited as the floor general in former Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo style.

The Knicks are off to a better than expected start, touch wood.  They let the Starbury issue drag on longer than necessary.  It has been and will continue to be a distraction until it is resolved.  I am not going to comment on the recent trades.

Until then, how watchable will the Knicks and Nets be?  Time for Commissioner Stern to gentle nudge the Knicks and Nets behind the scenes to make them more watchable.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

I was writing a LeBron James article while on the bus back to the City.  But, SATT is on the cutting edge of the sports world.  For instance, Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reported (via Blackberry Pin) that Giants Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress reportedly accidentally shot himself in Midtown Manhattan.

To quote Jack, it was a "flesh wound through the soft tissue of the thigh."

Will Burress play again?  According to ESPN, Burress will NOT play in the Giants big showdown at the Redskins.  If the Giants win, they pretty much seal the NFC East as well as #1 seeding and home field advantage through the playoffs. 

How idiotic can Burress be?  Was his weapon registered?  Why doesn't he have private security detail who are probably better trained in weapons and self-defense?

Burress may have cost his or somebody else's life.  Of much less importance, he may have cost the Giants a chance to defend their championship.

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.

Last Week's Review: I was 2-1 on the week and 11-6 on the season.  I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong with the Jets upset victory at the previously undefeated Titans.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The 49ers lose at the Bills.

The Giants win a tough game at Redskins.

The Broncos lose at the Jets.  If the Jets want the #2 seed in the AFC, they can't afford a let down.  Running the table will help secure it as the Steelers have a much tougher schedule down the stretch.

Posted by The Tank.

I wanted to wish all of our readers a Safe, Happy, and Healthy Thanksgiving!  Thanksgiving is often the best holiday because you don't have to deal with the stress of gifts but enjoy food, family, and football.  How's that for a trifecta?!

I am grateful for your readership and support, even Kathleen is slowly coming around. 

Posted by The Tank in a food coma.

Last Week's Review: I was 4-2 last week and 17-9 on the season.  I was pleasantly surprised with Syracuse's upset win at Notre Dame.  Former Notre Dame and NBA star Adrian Dantley's son led the Orangemen to victory.  Let's Go Orange! 

On the other hand, I was disappointed that Texas Tech didn't show up at Oklahoma and lost 65-21.  Ouch!

This Week's Fearless Picks:

#22 Georgia Tech loses at #11 Georgia.

#4 Florida wins at #20 Florida State.

#23 Oregon loses at #17 Oregon State.  The Oregon "Civil War" is always tough to pick.

#3 Oklahoma wins at #12 Oklahoma State. 

Local:

Syracuse loses at #16 Cincinnati.

Rivalry:

Auburn loses at #1 Alabama.  Roll Tide!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

I had lunch Monday with a unnamed Mets executive.  It was NOT Omar Minaya.  Our Coup D'Omar was unsuccessful as Steve did not get his resume in time to Mr. Wilpon.

Anyway, I followed up on a question from one of Steve's IT colleague per their local Microsoft meeting on Thursday, November 20.  Steve mentioned it during our most recent podcast.  Yes, the new Citi Field will open on time in April 2009. 

The Mets executive asked me about Citibank's recent financial issues.  I explained credit default swaps, the TARP, and other current economic and financial issues.  It would be foolish for Citi to withdraw their sponsorship of Citi Field.

I reassured him that the Sigma Alpha Theta brothers and I have the current financial crisis under control, touch wood.  I might not have been elected President earlier this month but it's time to pitch in and troubleshoot our country's issues.  In the words of fellow "Tank"...

"'How hard can it be?'" SAT brother Jeffrey "'Tank'" Worthen asked. "'Last year we discovered cold fusion in order to keep Geezer from getting kicked out of his grad program. And just last semester we launched a space shuttle in order to win back our girls from the creeps at ZBT.'"

Posted by The Tank reporting live on the road back to US economic recovery.  Keep the Faith! 

Steve and the Tank podcast about the offseason moves for the Mets and Yankees here. (Sorry WMA file only)

Today the resurgent Jets lead by Brett Favre defeated the undefeated (10-0) Titans 34-13. The Jets had command of the game, controlling possession and holding the Titans to only 13 points. Favre looked in command, driving down the field in the final minutes for an insurance TD late in the game. That insurance TD not only put the game out of reach for the Titans, it was also Favre’s 20th TD pass of the season, his 14th consecutive season of doing so, an NFL record.

After defeating the Patriots at home last week n a grudge match, the Jets came up big today on the road against the top team in the NFL and increased their playoff chances. A Jet v Giants Superbowl?

Posted by Steve in New York

K-Rod’s agent provided the Mets with medical information and is waiting for an offer. The Mets are clearly interested and it is a buyers market, so don’t expect this to happen soon. That said, it is in the Mets best interest to sign their closer before the GM Winter Meeting in early December so they can start the process for trading and signing a brand new bullpen as well as a starter.

Speaking of which, do the Mets bring back Pedro and Perez? If I were the Mets I would try to get Pedro at a bargain basement rate with a pay for performance plan. They can negotiate based on that Pedro owes the Mets nearly two full seasons from all his time on the DL in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Oliver Perez? Well he and his agent may have him overpriced right now. I would take the chance and let him shop himself around and make an offer after Perez has some exposure to the market. Then the Mets should throw some money at Lowe or Burnett. Imagine this rotation:

• Johan Santana
• Lowe or Burnett
• Mike Pelfrey
• John Maine
• Pedro or Perez

Not to bad, but also not that likely. The Mets will probably have to trade for a young 24 year old arm and then concentrate in the bullpen.

As for the outfield, Murphy and Pagan are most likely to platoon in left as the payroll dollars will be focused on the bullpen and starting rotation.

Posted by Steve in New York

After 30 years, the Boss, George Steinbrenner, gave up official control of the Yankees to his 40 year old son Hal yesterday.

The Boss lead an investment group that purchased the Yankees from CBS for $8.7 million in 1973 and was an innovator, realizing early on how free agency would change the game. Signing Goose Goosage and Dave Winfield ushered in the Free Agency Era. He was so effective at this and the other teams did not catch on to the change right away that my late grandfather in the early 80s called him “Stein-grabber”, because he would grab the NL star free agents. My grandfather was an old school baseball fan and thought free agency was ruining the game.

With his big signings and blockbuster deals, George saved the Yankees twice, once in the mid 70s and then again in the mid-90s after his own mess of the team after his banning from baseball. The Yankees won 6 World Series and 10 AL pennants in his reign.

“I realize it’s a great responsibility,” said Hal Steinbrenner. “My dad is, needless to say, a tough act to follow.”

Really?

I will argue that the Boss’ tactics, while fun, were not as productive as the numbers show. The golden years of the Yankees were after his ban: 1996-2001, where they won 4 World Series, including 3 in a row, countless division titles and went to the playoffs from 1996-2007. His “saving” of the Yankees in the 90s was by letting others grow the minor league system and not trade them away or sign as many free agents and lose draft picks. A lot of this building went on when the boss was banned. Prior to 1996, the Boss changed managers 20 times and was famous for feuding with manager Billy Martin.

By the mid-90s, the Yankees settled on one manager for over a decade and built the core of their championship teams from their farm system, not trades and free agency. Name the stars that have lead the Yankees over the past decade: Jeter, Riviera, Posada, Pettitte, etc, they were all from the farm.

The minute the Yankees lost the streak in 2001, old George was back. Rumors about firing Joe Torre were all the buzz and the Yankees went back to the superstar signings: Jason Giambi was the first one, and then I predicted the golden age would be over. Then came tons of other flops: Randy Johnson, A-Rod (the jury is still out on him, but his post season performance has proven otherwise so far), etc. Letting Joe Torre go last year, no playoffs this year.

So Hal looks like he is going to continue the path of his father. Too bad.

Posted by Steve in New York

Last Week's Review: I was 2-1.  The Bills were wide right AGAIN on Monday night with 38 seconds left against the Browns or I would have been perfect.  Darn it!  I am 9-5 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The Jets lose at the undefeated Titans.  The Jets will put up a good fight.

The Bills win at the Chiefs.

The Giants win at the Cardinals.  Their Arizona magic continues after this past February's Super Bowl victory.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Last Week's Review: I was 2-0 and 13-7 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks: This is Rivalry Week with some awesome matchups.  These games are better than the New Year's Games because they are "play-in" games to get the New Year's Invitation.  Plus, no New Year's Day hangover.

#15 Michigan State loses at #8 Penn State.  The winner wins the Big Ten Title.

#14 Brigham Young loses at #7 Utah.  These are fierce in state rivals.

#20 Pittsburgh loses at #19 Cincinnati.  The winner wins the Big East Title.

#2 Texas Tech wins at #5 Oklahoma.  This is the hardest game of the week, if not season, to pick. 

Rivalry Picks:
Michigan loses at #10 Ohio State.


Local Picks:
Syracuse loses at Notre Dame.

Posted by a psyched Tank in NY.

It was an honor talking again to one of my favorite athletes and people, NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson.  I first met him in Los Angeles in July 1991 when I won a bronze medal in team handball for the North Region in the U.S. Olympic Festival.  But, it was years before digital cameras so today I finally had my chance to get my photo with Magic.  Wooo!

During our brief reunion, I told him how I predicted a Lakers championship in the 2008-2009 season.  I think Bynum is a difference maker.  He gave me the thumbs up.  Keep the faith!  Go Lakers!  Go Magic!

Posted by a psyched Tank reporting live from Midtown Manhattan.

The "Heidi" Bowl was 40 years ago today.  The Jets were leading the Raiders 32-29 with 65 seconds left.  NBC decided to cut to the classic movie "Heidi" because of contractual obligations.  During those infamous 65 seconds, the Raiders rallied to beat the Jets 43-32.  Fans were furious at NBC for changing the game to the movie and Jets fans were even madder at the Jets for losing the game.

Wednesday will be 30 years since the "Fumble" for Giants fans and "Miracle at the Meadowlands" for Eagles fans.   The Giants were leading the Eagles.  Jeff Pisarcik fumbled the ball transferring it to Larry Csonka.  Eagles defensive back Herm Edwards scooped up the ball and ran into the end zone for the winning touchdown.  Yes, that Herm Edwards who went onto coach the Jets and currently coaches the Chiefs.  "You play to win the game!" is one of Herm's many great motivational phrases.


Bottom Line:

(1) To avoid another "Heidi" Bowl, network executives think twice before ever cutting away from a game.

(2) To avoid another "Fumble" or "Miracle at the Meadowlands", football teams on all levels who are winning take a knee at the end of the game to avoid a loss.

Posted by a reflective Tank in NY.

The action returned to Prashanth's place on the Upper West Side for UFC 91.  Prashanth and I are big MMA fans, especially UFC.  So it's good to back at Prashanth's place.  Prashanth knows MMA as well as anyone, even the broadcasters.

The first fight was in the 185 pound weight class.  Demian Maia won by a rear naked choke out at 2:13 of the second round.  Prashanth is high on Maia who is a big jiu-jitsu expert.  That's one of the things that I love most about MMA is that you see the different styles used and which fighter can execute better. 

The following fights were pretty brief including Gonzaga knocking out Hendricks in 1:01 of the first round by TKO.

Since the fights were moving along pretty quickly, the UFC put some undercard guys I had never heard of.  Not bad MMA but just didn't know them.   One guy is literally like a video game and can hit you from anywhere.  Watch this space for them.

50 Cent was in the audience promoting his new album coming out on December 9.  50 Cent picked Brock Lesnar like I would below.  Hey, we musicians have to stick together. 

Back to the main card.  Ken Florian, or K-Flo, won by a rear naked choke submission at 4:03 of the first round over Joe Stevenson.  K-Flo is a pretty articulate guy who was a former "Senior Project Manager for a Harvard based Translation Services Company for the Financial Translation Division".

Now, to the main event, former NCAA and WWE Wrestling Champion Brock Lesnar faces reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture.  Couture is a 45 year young Hall of Famer who hadn't fought in a year because of a contractual dispute. 

I picked Lesnar in the second or third round because of his 50+ pound weight advantage and Couture hadn't fought in a year.  Couture is a living legend but giving up too much size to Lesnar.

Lesnar was smart not to start the first round rushing out and expend lots of energy.  Couture is too smart and would wear him down.  Lesnar had the points advantage in the first round but Couture hung in there.

Things changed in the second round when Lesnar hit Couture in the temple.  Couture was knocked down.  Lesnar immediately pounced and then hit Couture with at least 20 "fists from hell" according to the announcer.  Lesnar won the fight and the UFC Heavyweight Champion at 3:07 in the second round.

Congratulations to Brock for successfully making the transition from the Greco-Roman and pro wrestling rings to the top of UFC!  Thanks to Prashanth for hosting me!

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

The Yankees are busy in the hot stove season. 

The Yankees offered CC Sabbathia $140 million for 6 years yesterday according to ESPN 1050 and Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack. (Mega thanks Jack!)  This is slight increase over the Mets offer to Johan Santana last year.  Given the money the Yankees are saving on expiring contracts (Giambi, Pavano, etc), the Yankees can afford to pay CC what he wants.  I wouldn't be surprised if the final number is $145 to $150+ million.  CC will also make more in endorsements than he would in Milwaukee.  So the ball is in CC's court if he wants to pitch in New York, Milwaukee, or somewhere else.  I hope the Yankees get CC and/or Burnett from the Blue Jays.

On Thursday, the Yankees traded Wilson Betemit and two prospects for Nick Swisher of the Chicago White Sox.  I hate to see Betemit go but it gives the Yankees a switch hitter who can play first base and the outfield.  They gives the Yankees options after Damon's contract expires at the end of 2009.  2009 will be a big year to see if Gardner can hit big league pitching and/or Melky Cabrera bounces back.  Competition is good and Swisher is another option.  I don't think the Yankees will re-sign Damon in 2010, at least not to another four year contract if Gardner and/or Cabrera don't work out.  Anyway, we'll cross the 2010 bridge when we get there but we're setting the chess pieces in place.

Given the Swisher signing, it probably means that Angels free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira won't come here.  He either wants to stay with the Angels and/or the Yankees are laser beam focused on pitching.  My only concern about Swisher is that he hit .219 last season.  He needs to hit .250+ next season, God Willing.

Next week is big as we'll find out if Mike Mussina wants to come back.  You know that SATT will cover it.  Keep the Faith!

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in Hot Stove Land.

Since I don't have the NFL Network, I was psyched that Channel 11 bought the rights to last night's Jets-Patriots game.  WPIX rides to the rescue one more time with great sports programming.  The NFL promotes its Network as must see TV but it's hard to get in cable plans because it's on the Dish Network.  You have to have a Dish and most buildings in the City don't allow Dishes.  Or you have to buy the NFL Ticket TV plan.  Don't expect any help from the cable companies.  That's the Catch 22.  It's time for the SATT Army to take action by contacting your local elected officials.  Many thanks in advance for contacting your representatives and bringing justice to long suffering football fans.

Anyhoo, what a game!  The Jets took a 24-6 lead in the first half and were about to run the Patriots out of their own stadium.  But, the Jets let the Patriots back in the game with a late first half touchdown.  The Patriots chipped away in the second half and tied the game late in regulation at 31.

The Jets won the coin toss in overtime and drove down the field.  Brett Favre played a flawless game and led the Jets to the winning field goal.  I predicted a Jets victory and was really happy about that.  More importantly, the Patriots lost.  The Jets are in first place and the Patriots aren't.  Life is good, touch wood. 

Posted by a psyched Tank in NY.

Last Week Review: I was 5-0 last week (woo, touch wood) and 11-7 on the season. 

This Week's Fearless Picks: There is only one game where both teams are ranked.

#25 South Carolina loses at #4 Florida.

Local Picks:
Connecticut wins at Syracuse.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Steve and I noted many times during the season that the Mets really let Johan Santana and themselves down with anemic run support.  It cost the Mets a chance at the playoffs and Johan a better chance at the Cy Young.  Johan lost out to Tim Lincecum of the Giants who had a 18-5 record and 265 strikeouts. 

Lincecum had less to work with than the Mets.  He played on the fourth place Giants and had 25 percent of their 72 wins.  Let's hope Johan gets more run support next season.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Veterans Day Remembered:  It is always important to thank all those who have served our country, especially in combat.  For those who have passed in the line of duty, may their memories be eternal.


Last Week Review: 3-0, touch wood, and 7-4 on the season.


This Week's Fearless Picks: Since the Jets are playing on Thursday night at the Patriots, I have to make my predictions earlier this week so you can make money.  Good luck! 

The Jets win at the Patriots.  This is a national NFL Network game with first place on the division on the line.  No Tom Brady for the Patriots and the Jets have Brett Favre.  Yes, the game is in New England but I think the Jets defense will force Cassel to make mistakes.  Given Thomas Jones' success, watch the Jets to try to mix it up with Brett taking chances with some long passes as part of the Mangini-Belichick chess match.  The winner is in the driver's seat to make the playoffs. 

The Ravens lose at the Giants. 

The Browns lose at the Bills on Monday night.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

The Bricks/Knicks beat the undefeated Utah Jazz at the Garden yesterday, 107-99.  The Jazz were my pick to win their division and were undefeated going into yesterday's game.  The Knicks are now 4-2. 

This is all without the Knicks' best player, Stephon Marbury (AKA Starbury), who has been benched.  Starbury marches to his own drummer like me.  According to ESPN 1050's Stephen A. Smith, Starbury does not have an agent.  Starbury is very religious and only answers to what God tells him too.  Starbury used to play for Coach Mike D'Antoni so I am sure that there is something more to D'Antoni benching Starbury. 

If the Knicks aren't going to play Starbury, then they should trade him and get some players in return.  This will also help free up cap space to go after LeBron James, D-Wade, or another top player in two seasons.  I think D'Antoni has shown that he is in charge and that it is his team, not the players.  Cut bait with Starbury either in a trade or buyout. 

I want retire the Bricks name to described the Knicks as Isiah Thomas is no longer the coach, the players' attitude is better, and the team is playing a better up tempo style.  However, I reserve the right to call the Knicks as the Bricks if they go back to their bad old ways.

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in NY.

Yesterday was a big day for New York baseball fans.  The Yankees moved home plate from the Stadium to the New Stadium.  Mega thanks to Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for the story idea.  Home Plate is covered but is pictured behind me below.

Across town, former Mets manager Willie Randolph took a job as the Brewers bench coach. 

Good luck to Willie and the Yankees home plate!  May the Yankees score many runs in the New Stadium, God Willing!  Keep the Faith!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Last Week Review: I was 1-1 last week.  I am 4-4 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The Bills lose at the Patriots.

The Rams lose at the Jets.

The Giants win at the Eagles.

Written by The Tank and posted by Steve in NY.

Last Week Recap: I was 0-3 last week. Darn Texas Tech and Florida! I am 6-7 on the season.

The Week's Fearless Picks:

#12 TCU loses at #8 Utah.

#20 Georgia Tech loses at #19 North Carolina.

#1 Alabama wins at #16 LSU. This could pit this year's national champion against last year's national champion. Add in former LSU and current Alabama Coach Nick Saban comes home. Expect the Tigers to be extra super duper fired up for this Bayou Battle. Go Tide!

#9 Oklahoma State loses at #2 Texas. Watch for Texas to rebound after last week's classic against Texas Tech.

#21 Cal loses at #7 USC.

Written by The Tank and posted by Steve in NY.

Lost in all of the election and football hoopla, the Yankees declined the options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. This frees up $35 million in salary and is probably a good move (well Pavano is a no brainer.) Giambi may still come back at a cheaper price. Andy Pettitte wants to be back, but we will see what the Yankees decide.

After losing Johan Santana last year, the Yankees need to make a big move. I don’t think that CC Sabathia will land in New York, he will either go to LA or stay in Milwaukee. That leaves Jake Peavy. The Yankees are considering trading Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson according to the NY Daily News.

In other NY baseball news, Carlos Beltran and David Wright won the gold glove.

The Yankees were quite interested in CC Sabathia this offseason and it looks like he may stay in Milwaukee. He was offered a 5 year, $100 million contract, so the bidding starts there. At the end of the day Steve and the Tank will predict that CC will stay in Milwaukee. The Yankees will have to go after other free agents or trade for some arms. Jake Peavy is available via a trade, but will the price be too high?

Unfortunately all teams need arms. We are not so sure what the market looks like yet.

Here is one indication. Orlando Hernandez, who turned 43 recently, is working out in Miami and has said he is not retiring. El Duque did not pitch a single game for the Mets last year.

Is this a sellers market? So many teams need pitching, so it could appear so. But the economy is in recession territory, so will that change things and make it a buyers market? Only time will tell. 

Posted by Steve in New York

The Washington Redskins lost at home last night to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, 23-6.  It was an important game as they are both playoff caliber teams. 

The game was even more important as it is a predictor of who wins the presidential election.  If the Redskins won their last home game before the election, the party in power won.  The opposite was true. 
Therefore, a Steelers win last night pre-sages an Obama victory. 

For data since 1940, please check out the following summary.

During halftime, ESPN anchor Chris Berman interviewed both candidates.  Berman was fair and should be a moderator for a future presidential debate.  You know SATT will carry the day.  Let's hope Steve uses Kathleen's parents' address in New Jersey so we can be constitutionally eligible as both the President and Vice President can't be from the same state.  The most recent example is Vice President Cheney who had to change his residence back to Wyoming when he was living in Texas as the former CEO of Halliburton in 2000.  But, running in 2008 was lots of fun and appreciate the support, especially from Vermont Bill.  

Get out and vote!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

I dodged a big bullet before Sunday's race.  I felt like a hammer hit the top of my left foot last Friday, October 24.  Therefore, I passed on running the 5 mile Poland Spring Run with Kal, Kathleen, and Linda a couple of days later.

The pain persisted and I went to physical therapy on Monday, October 27.  One of my Deep Water Running buddies diagnosed it as a stress fracture and another diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis.  I was about to cry as my whole year of training including Everest Base Camp was in jeopardy.  However, I got another opinion on Tuesday.  Dr. Dan diagnosed it as tibialis muscle starting below the knee and it goes along the shin and becomes a tendon near the foot.  Basically, it's "only" tendonitis and I was medically cleared to run thank God!

I asked Dr. Dan to give me the arnica painkiller shots on marathon morning.  (Arnica is a non-steroidal pain killer.)  I also took 6 Advils before and during the first half of the race to get me through.  Since this is my fifth and final NYC Marathon, I'm going down swinging.

That said, I almost slipped near the start.  I liked the rolling start in waves but couldn't find my 4 hour 15 minute pace group.  I only saw the 3:50 and 4:30 pace groups.  I thankfully paced myself pretty well through the first half at 1 hour 58 minutes. 

The painkillers and Advil kicked in and I couldn't feel my legs on the 59th Street Bridge.  Wait, this feels like the road to Pengboche except for Steve telling me to stop at the top of the hill but the hill just kept going and so did I.

Speaking of Steve, it was great seeing Steve, Kathleen, and Linda on First Avenue!  Thanks for showing up and cheering me on!   

After the race, it was great hanging out at the Fred's Team Party with Karen and her friend Francis, Kal's Party, and Runner's Post Party at the Hammerstein.  After being up for almost 23 straight hours, time to catch up on football games on Sportscenter and get some sleep.

On Monday at Tavern on the Green, I met up with my friend Claire and her Mum Brenda from the UK.  I had never met Brenda before but she recognized me because she was standing right next to Steve, Kathleen, and Linda while they were cheering for me on Sunday.  What are the odds of total strangers meeting someone who just happens to stand next to someone out of 2.5 million spectators and 40,000 runners?  Pretty long, eh?  I guess I should buy a Lottery ticket. 

Anyhoo, Claire and Brenda are both big Paula Radcliffe fans.  Paula was supposed to be at the Boathouse in the morning where Claire and Brenda tried to see her.  However, she ended up going to Tavern on the Green but Claire and Brenda didn't see her there.  Claire and Brenda said why don't we take a chance and back to the Boathouse.  Sure, I said because the Boathouse was on my way to physical therapy at Dr. Dan's office.  We confirmed that Paula was inside.  Before she came out in less than a half hour, Men's Marathon Winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brasil came out and Claire took this photo.



Paula Radcliffe then came out a few moments later and we're pictured below.  



Bottom Line: Since I ran the first half at 1 hour 58 minutes, I wanted to run a little faster around 4:15 or less.  But, I got a 4:34 PR.  I can still walk and grateful for that.  The stress fracture/tendonitis was a big scare.  The weekly pain in physical therapy over the past year has been pretty fierce and I'm afraid of long term injuries. 

Moreover, I want to quit while I'm ahead to focus on shorter races and my music career.  My voice has healing powers which can foster world peace.  For instance, if Joe the Plumber can get a country music contract, then my first album should sell at least 10 million copies/downloads.  I have sung karaoke on six out of seven continents (except South America) and word is spreading of my musical talent.  As the founder of Slavic country hip-hop, I have immediate cross over appeal.  I didn't need a DJ to cross me over because the I have two "DJs" in my last name. 

My next and last marathon is the North Pole Marathon with Dr. Dan and Kal is not for a PR.  It is for only to (1) destination before the ice melts, (2) celebrate Admiral Perry's 100th year visit to the North Pole, and (3) raise money for cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center as a member of Fred's Team.   Mega thanks to those who have already donated!  Due to the economy being in the tank (no pun intended) and North Pole Marathon in April, I asked Fred's Team to keep the fundraising webpage open until May 1, 2009.  So, if you can't donate now, please donate when you can.

https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=userHome&user_id=35640&event_%20id=113

I've been through a lots of blood, sweat, and tears over the years but it's been worth it.  After September 11, I had to rebuild my friend base as many of my high, college, and other friends left NYC, got married, or dropped off the map.  I am grateful for the Antarctica trip as one of the key points in my life.  There would be no Steve and The Tank, Everest Base Camp trip, etc. without it.  When you take unique trips, you meet special people and I am blessed to have made many life long friends. 

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from the NYC Marathon in the world's greatest city. 

The Tank is running his penultimate marathon today and Queens born Kara Goucher is trying to bring home a first place finish in the NYC Marathon today for the USA. We’ll be cheering them on, live from Mile 18 on First Avenue in Manhattan. Stay tuned…

Dropped to 7th in the batting order in mid-June, Carlos Delgado was left for dead. But after the 9 RBI day at Yankee Stadium in late June, Delgado put up MVP numbers in the second half of 2009 hitting .308 with 27 homers and 80 RBIs in 84 games from June 27 on. Delgado finished with an average of .271 and 38 hr and 115 RBIs.

Yesterday the Mets picked up his 2009 option, costing them about $12 million.

“Carlos is a key part of our plans for 2009, and we wanted to let him know as quickly as allowed that we wanted him back,” Omar Minaya said. “Yesterday—the day following the conclusion of the World Series—was the first day that we could pick up the option per the contract. It was our full intent to promptly close our deal with Carlos, and that’s what we did.”

This leaves First Base taken care of, unless the 36+ year old Delgado drops off production next year. The Mets still need to address the situation at second base (dump and eat Luis Castillo contract is the likely action), the bullpen (most likely trade Heliman and Schoenwis), get a closer (please sign K-Rod!) and get a starter or two to fill in the back of the rotation behind Santana, Pelfrey, and Maine. They need to also sign someone who wants to win, a leader for the team.

Posted by Steve in New York