Last Week’s Review: I was 0-1 and 7-3 on the season.

 

This Week’s Fearless Picks:

 

No. 3 Texas wins at No. 14 Oklahoma State  Good game.  Texas will be tested but has to keep winning to break into the top two.  Roll Tide!

 

No. 5 USC loses at No. 10 Oregon  Am I swayed by the beautiful Oregon cheerleaders?  Yes.  Because of the cheerleaders, Oregon is arguably the loudest place to play.  Factor in some rain and it will slow USC down.  This is saying lots because I am a fan of USC Coach Pete Carroll.

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys sang their new hit song, "New York".  Great job!

Jeter won the Roberto Clemente Award.  Well deserved.

John Legend sang the National Anthem.

Paul O'Neil threw out the first pitch but the hot dog guy blocked my view.

Mike from Montana sat next to Kai and myself.  He took two planes, four trains, and two car rides to get here tonight.  He left 20 inches of snow this morning behind.  He "100,000 percent" a Yankees fan.  His Dad was a vendor in the old Stadium.  He is tonight's most dedicated fan.
Pedro's first pitch.

Jeter struck out on seven pitches.  Damon strikes out.  Teixeira popped up to second.  17 pitches.  Kai and I wanted him to get 20 pitches an inning.

Ibanez hit a "double" down the left field line with two outs.  Stairs hits a single under A-Rod's glove.  Ibanez scores.  Darn it!  Phillies 1 - Yankees 0.  Feliz strikes out but the damage is down.

The Yankees better come back against Pedro.  He was tough in the first and will try to be filthy from her on out.
After fouling off at least five pitches, A-Rod struck out looking.  Darn it!  Matsui singles past a diving Utley.  Cano flew out to a diving Ibanez.  What a catch!  Hairston flew out to right.  Darn it!  At the end of two, Phillies 1 - Yankees 0.

With Rollins on second, AJ walks Utley to get to Howard.  We can't figure it out.  Howard strikes out.  Thank God!

Molina somehow works out a walk with one out in the third.  Jeter struck out looking.  Damon flies out to right center.  What a lost opportunity!  Phillies 1 - Yankees 0 at the end of the third inning.

Standup2Cancer.org is a great idea that MLB promotes.

Werth singled to right.  Ibanez swing, Molina fires to first to get Werth.  "The Panda strikes again!" was shown on the outfield scoreboard.  Steve and Kathleen are somewhere smiling.  Ibanez strikes out.  Yesss!  Stairs flies out to Damon.  Double yessss!!!

I tell Kai that this could be the turning point in the game and possibly series.

Teixeira hits a bomb to right center.  Phillies 1 - Yankees 1.  A-Rod flew out to left.  (It was in the same spot where I did during the Yankees Home Run Derby, more on that later.)  Matsui walks.  Cano flew out to center.  Hairston was called out looking.  Darn it!  We at least tied the game.

Feliz flew out to right.  Ruiz doubled to deep let center.  Even the Philly fans in front of us knew it was strike three on Rollins.  But, the umpire was blind.  It took AJ three more pitches to strike out Rollins.  Victorino popped up to A-Rod.  Whew!

To start the fifth, the Phillies have Happ and Durbin warming up as Pedro is approaching 80 pitches.  Cabrera struck out.  Molina grounded out to short.  Jeter hits a stand up double to left.  Damon popped up to first.  Phillies 1 - Yankees 1 at the end of five innings.

Utley starts off the sixth.  He grounded out to Teixeira.  Howard was called out looking.  It looked like a ball but we'll take it.  Werth flew out to center.  He is at 97 pitches which is under our limit.  We need him to get through the seventh.

This is a big inning.  We have to score on Pedro.  He is going to empty the tank (no pun intended).  Teixeira comes up while the crowd chants "Who's your daddy!" to Pedro.  The organist get the music going.  Teixeira strikes out.  A-Rod struck out swinging out of the zone.  Matsui hit a solo shot to right field.  Gone-zilla!  Yankees 2 - Phillies 1.  Cano flew out to left on Pedro's 99th pitch.

Ibanez struck out looking.  Wow!  I am going to become an umpire.  Whenever Kai pitches, I will call strikes.  Stairs struck out looking.  Wow!  Feliz grounded out to Jeter.

God Bless America!  An FDNY Firefighter did a good job.

While I went to the restroom, Hairston gets on.  Melky singles him to third.  Posada pinch hits for Molina.   Gardner pinch runs for Hairston.  "Who's you daddy?"  Pedro is gone.  Chan Ho Park relieves Pedro.  Park gives up a single to single.  Gardner scores.  Yankees 3 - Phillies 1.  Jeter tries to bunt but is out on the suicide.  Darn it!

The Phillies bring in lefty specialist Eyre to pitch to Damon.  Damon hit a liner to Howard.  Howard threw to second to get Posada.  But was it an out?  Editor in Chief and Perma Guest Outlaw Jack reports that it was a short hop.  Rollins was off the bag.  These umpires really suck.

Why bring in Mariano in the 8th when AJ was pitching well?  At least let him go from batter to batter.

Ruiz grounded out to A-Rod.  Rollins worked out a walk.  Aargh!  Victorino singled to right.  Utley thankfully hits into an inning ending double play.  But Mariano threw way too pitches, almost 25.

The Phillies bring in Mark Madsen for the bottom of the 8th.  Teixeira was hit by a pitch.  A-Rod struck out looking on another questionable call.  Matsui struck out swinging.  Cano singled to right.  Gardner struck out swinging.

Kai called Howard's Golden Sombrero.  Wow!  Werth flew out to Cano.  Ibanez doubled to right center.  Stairs strikes out swinging.  The Yankees win!

 

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.

After a great pre-game ceremony honoring our servicemen and women featuring Yogi Berra, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden, the Yankees were throttled by the Phillies ace Cliff Lee.

CC gave up a solo home run to Utley to right field in the third.  Phillies 1 - Yankees 0.

Rollins caught Cano's pop up in the fifth but it looked like a trap.  Matsui should have stayed at first.

CC gave up a solo home run to Utley in the sixth to the right center bleachers.  Phillies 2 - Yankees 0.

Jeter singled with one out in the sixth.  Damon flew out to Lee.  Teixeira grounded out to Utley.  Darn it!

God Bless America!  It was a great performance during the 7th Inning Stretch.

Three up, three down for the Yankees in the bottom of the seventh.

Hughes relieves CC to start the 8th but walks Rollins and Victorino.  Marte comes in for lefty batters and to stop the bleeding.  Utley strikes out. Howard flied out to Swisher.  Robertson relieves Marte to face Werth.  Werth walks.  Ibanez, who the Mets should have signed, singled between first and second for two RBIs.  Super darn!  Francisco grounds out to A-Rod.  Phillies 4 - Yankees 0.

The Yankees did nothing in the 8th as Lee is only around 100 pitches.

Bruney came in for the top of the 9th.  It's good to get in some work as he hasn't pitched in weeks.  He gave up a run.  Phillies 5 - Yankees 0.  Argh!  Coke gives up an RBI to Howard but Victorino is tagged out at home.  Phillies 6 - Yankees 0.

The Yankees last stand begins as Jeter singled to shallow center.  Damon singled to right.  Teixeira grounded out to second but the throw was wild.  Jeter scores.  Phillies 6 - Yankees 1.  A-Rod strikes out for Lee's ninth strikeout of the night.  Posada strikes out to end the game.  Lee had a complete game with ten strike outs on 122 pitches.

Bottom Line: I agree with bringing in Hughes.  It was the start of the inning.  If the Yankees are going to win, Hughes needs to straighten himself out.  What I don't like is his talking back to the home plate umpire after the two walks.

The only good thing about the game were the previews for the “Invictus” movie about South African rugby opening December 11 and the upcoming season of “24” starting in January.

Posted by a dejected Tank in NY.

Weather permitting, tonight will be Game 1 of the World Series.  There has been lots of ink spilled in the papers and talk on sports talk radio.  I can go on for days but want to make a few points:

 

(1) Starting pitching: The Yankees have the advantage with CC, AJ, and Andy.  I am surprised that Pedro is starting Game 2 and looking forward to letting him know what I think in person.  Why did Charlie Manuel start Pedro instead of Cole Hamels?  Hamels has been shaky but would be better in Yankee Stadium than Citizens Bank Park.  Maybe Manuel is trying to keep batters off balance with a righty, lefty, righty combo with Cliff Lee, Pedro, and Hamels like Girardi is CC, AJ, and Andy.

 

(2) Relief pitching: The Yankees have the advantage, especially with Mariano.  Lidge blew 11 saves in the regular season.  He has saved all games in the post season but has been shaky.  It will come down to the start-up men, especially Park for the Phillies and Joba, Hughes, and Robertson for the Yankees.  I really like the addition of Brian Bruney because he throws heat and pitch a inning as setup or in extra innings.

 

(3) Lineups: Wow!  Tough call, I have to give the edge to Philly.  They have the closest thing to an AL lineup that you will ever find.  Tough out after tough out.  The Yankees have been carried by A-Rod and Jeter.  Other guys have to step up.  Swisher has to hit better than he did in the ALCS and I think he will have at least one clutch hit in the World Series. 

 

(4) Manager: A slight edge to the Phillies.  Manuel lets his guys play.  Girardi can’t over manage and go by the book.

 

(5) Wild Cards: If there are rain outs possibly tonight and Saturday, the Phillies get the edge as it will be harder for CC to come back on short rest in Games 4 and 7 (if necessary).  It would be a shame if the slick field cost a team the Series.  Both teams stadiums are new and state of the art and should have retractable roofs.

 

Expect the unexpected.  If CC has to pitch in Philly, don’t be surprised if he lays down a great bunt.  He actually likes to hit.  Andy can bunt if needed. 

 

Brian Bruney is a great addition.  I would rather see Cervelli’s bat instead of Molina’s.  Hinske is definitely better than Guzman, especially in the NL ballpark.

 

Yes, the Phillies won two out of three on Memorial Day weekend when Steve and Jack went to the Stadium.  But, the Yankees are a different team as A-Rod was only in his first week back.  Everyone kicked it in to gear after the All Star Break.

 

The Tank’s Prediction: Yankees in six games, God Willing!

 

Posted by an excited Tank “Keeping the Faith” for a Yankees World Championship in NY.  

2008-2009 Review: I was on the money for the second season in a row (knock wood) after I predicted a Laker championship in 2008-2009 and a Celtic championship in 2007-2008.

2009-2010 Fearless NBA Picks

Eastern Conference:

(1) Cleveland
(2) Boston
(3) Orlando
(4) Atlanta
(5) Chicago
(6) Philadelphia
(7) Miami
(8) Detroit

Dark Horses: Toronto, Bucks, Washington.  Bosch is going to play hard to be in the 2010 Free Agent Sweepstakes.  How healthy is Gilbert Arenas?  Jamison is definitely out 3 to 5 weeks.  The Bucks have good young players but play in a tough division.  They need some breaks to make the playoffs.

 

Local Outlook: The Knicks didn't improve as much as everyone else got better.  What's worse is that Eddy Curry has been asked not to be with the Knicks until he loses more weight according to ESPN 1050.  There has been more news about who is going to own the Nets or where will they play (Brooklyn or Newark).  I think the Knicks will win 35 games and the Nets will win 37 games. 

 

Conference Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

Western Conference:
(1) LA
(2) Denver
(3) San Antonio
(4) New Orleans
(5) Utah
(6) Portland 
(7) Dallas
(8) Phoenix

Dark Horses: Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, Memphis.  These teams have young players with Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin (though out injured for the first six weeks), and OJ Mayo, respectively, amongst others.

Conference Champion: LA Lakers. 

NBA Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Outlook: Don't worry about LeBron and Kobe.  They will get their points.  It is the role players who will make or break them.  Will Lamar Odom be too distracted with the tabloid reports about his new wife Khloe Kardashian?

The Lakers got better by getting Queens’ own Ron Artest.  If he keeps his cool (and it won’t be easy), the Lakers will be improved.  How healthy will Bynum be?

The Cavaliers got better by getting Shaq.  But, can he maintain his weight and stay injury free?  The healthier he is, the better the Cavs chances.

 

I think the Cavs will win but will be rooting for the Lakers while waving the Lakers Rally Towel that Steve got me for my birthday.

The Tank's Bottom Line: If the Cavs win it all this season, LeBron can leave Cleveland with a clear conscience.  With every game that passes, the Knicks and every other team are one game and day closer to entering the LeBron James sweepstakes. 

 

Since I don't know the terms and conditions of the Chinese investment in the Cavs this past season, I don't know if LeBron can and will come to the Knicks or another team.  LeBron is a global icon and he can make his desired billion plus dollars in endorsements if he plays his cards right anywhere he stays or goes.  Commissioner David Stern thinks he will stay in Cleveland.  Former teammate Larry Hughes doesn’t think he’ll come to the Knicks.

Another factor is the NBA salary cap which is change after this season.  If it is reduced, the Knicks chances of getting him decrease as they'll have less money to go after him.

Posted by an excited Tank looking forward to the start of the NBA season.

Saturday’s game was rained out by thunder and monsoon like conditions.  I was grateful Adam called me noting the postponement as I was about to leave for the RainDome, AKA The New Yankee Stadium.  I am blue in the face about the need for a retractable roof which I have been blogging about for three years as of yesterday, October 25, 2006.  I am glad people are starting to listen. 

 

The rain affects the pitching matchups.  If there is a Game 7, then CC wouldn’t be available till Game 3 of the World Series.  Not good. 

 

I am glad Andy was going for his record breaking playoff victory.  I have been blessed to see lots of his clutch playoff performances over the years. 

 

Before the game, the Yonkers Fire Department honored one of their own, a 39 year old father of two girls, killed in an arson fire recently.  May his memory be eternal. 

 

 

Chuck Mangione did a great job of performing the National Anthem.

 

 

Both pitchers were solid early in the game.  Saunders bent but didn’t break.   

 

Andy gives up an RBI single to Bobby Abreu in the top of the third.  Darn it!  Angels 1 - Yankees 0.

Teixeira grounded out.  A-Rod walked.  Posada flew out to right center.  "He never went to the wall for us," Adam said.  "He has a one year contract," I replied.  Matsui grounded out to end the third.  Darn it!

Three up and three down for Andy in the top of the third.

Cano starts the bottom of the fourth as I run to the restroom.  You know what that means.  Cano walks.  Swisher singles.  I told Adam that I had a feeling about Swisher.  Cabrera bunts.  Jeter walks.  I couldn't back to my seat and waited for Damon.  I told the people near me that

Damon would hit a squibber between third and short.  I was wrong on the height but right on the location.  Two runs scored.  Yeah!

Teixeira singles to short.  Everyone is safe.  A-Rod walks.  Another RBI for my buddy A-Rod.  Yankees 3 - Angels 1.  This is critical for A-Rod as he isn’t trying to do too much and hit the five run home run.

Adam and I cheer insanely for Darren Oliver.  He is our second favorite Angel pitcher after Fuentes.

But, Jorge grounds out into the inning ending double play.  Yankees 3 - Angels 1 at the end of the fourth.

Mathis finally strikes out.  Five of his last seven playoff hits had been doubles.  Andy was able to get the inning ending double play.  12 outs left, God Willing! 

Matsui grounds out to first on the first pitch to start the fifth.  Cano strikes out.  Swisher strikes out.  Darn it!

 

There was a nice public address announcement about helping our troops and their families.  Please visit www.iparticipate.org

Figgins laid down a nice bunt toward first but kicked it.  He's out.  11 outs left.  Abreu grounded out to second.  10 outs left.  Hunter is safe at first.  McClellan blew another call.  Vlad Guererro doubles to right.  Morales grounds out to Pettitte thank God!  Nine outs left.

Cabrera flies out to shallow left.  Jeter works out a walk.  Damon hit a seeing eye single to center.  Teixeira hits into an inning ending double play.  At the end of six innings, Yankees 3 - Angels 1.

I think Andy should come out for at least one batter in the seventh.  Adam disagrees.  Andy has thrown 91 pitches.

Kendrick starts the top of the seventh.  Kendrick flies out to Swisher who makes a great sliding catch.  Eight out left.  Rivera walks.
Andy goes out to thunderous applause.

Joba gets out of the seventh.  While I buying some hot chocolate, I met Sal, a Phillies scout, sporting his 2008 World Series ring. 

 

The Yankees are a few outs away from a chance to dethrone the defending champions.

God Bless America!  A FDNY firefighter did a great job of singing it. 

My buddy A-Rod singles to center off Santana to lead off the bottom of the seventh.  Jorge grounds out into another double play.  Matsui flies out to the warning track in left. Yankees 3 - Angels 1 at the end of 7.

"Enter Sandman".  It's time for Mariano.  I would have started the inning with Robertson and then gone to Mo.  .059 Figgins singles over Jeter.  Abreu grounds out to a diving Teixeicutioner.  Figgings to second.  Five outs left. 

Hunter grounds out to Cano.  Four outs left.  Guerrero singles to right.  Hunter scores.  Yankees 3 - Angels 2.  Darn it!  Willets pinch runs for Guerrero.  Morales grounds out to Cano.  Yankees 3 - Angels 2 at the end of the top of the 8th.  Three outs left.  The nerves are building. 

Cano walks to start the bottom of the 8th.  Kazmir is in.  Adam and I smile.  Oh yeah, I conquered my demons last week. 

"A bunt is as good as a hit," I tell Adam and everyone else as Swisher comes up.  Guess what, Swisher bunts and Kendrick dropped the ball.  Cano and Swisher are safe with no outs.  Melky bunts and Kazmir throws it over first.  Cano scores.  Yankees 4 - Angels 1.  Yeah!!  The crowd is rocking.   

Jeter comes up with second and third with no outs.  Jeter grounds out to Kazmir.  Darn it!

Damon is up with one out.  Damon walks.  The Teixeicutioner comes up with the bases loaded.  McEnroe makes a nice dive for a foul ball behind the Yankee dugout but misses it.  The Teixeicutioner flies to deep center.  Damon tags third and scores.  Yankees 5 - Angels 2. 

Jered Weaver comes in to pitch to my buddy A-Rod.  A-Rod is unintentionally intentionally walked.  The bases are loaded for Posada. 
Posada strikes out looking.  At the end of eight innings, Yankees 5 - Angels 2.

Mariano is back in to start the ninth.  No surprise or disagreement there.

The pennant is so close that I can taste it.  Kendrick grounds out to first.  Two outs left.  Rivera flies out to right.   Gary Matthews Jr. is out.  One out left.  Napoli strikes out.  Yankees win!  The Yankees win their 40th Pennant.  Yessss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

The Yankees celebrate near third base.

 

 

Adam and I celebrate in the stands.

 

 

Adam heads home while I head to field level for more photos.

 

 

Some kids take to running to the bases as we all watch.

 

 

A NY1 reporter interviews a Yankee at field level.

 

 

The World Series will be here before you know it.  See you Wednesday night.

 

 

Posted by a grateful Tank celebrating the Yankees 40th pennant live from the new Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.

Last Week’s Review: Adam was 6-10 last week and 16-16 on the season.

 

This week's fearless picks: The predicted winner is in bold.

San Diego       -5      At Kansas City
Kansas City.  San Diego should win but I think it will be closer to 3.

Indianapolis    -13.5   At St. Louis
Indianapolis should win by at least 2 touchdowns.

At Cincinnati   -1.5    Chicago
Chicago. Cutler just got his contract extension, and Benson is going against his old team.

Green Bay       -7.5    At Cleveland
Green Bay.  With almost half the season over Green Bay should start playing like the team most thought they would be in the beginning of
the year.

At Pittsburgh   -5      Minnesota
Pittsburgh. This will be the first lost for the Vikings (worst of the undefeated teams right now)

New England     -15     Tampa Bay (At London)
New England.  Unless the Brits recall the Revolutionary War and treat Tampa Bay like a home team.

At Houston      -3      San Francisco
Houston. Not sure if Gore is 100%.  Matt Schaub has been looking good.

NY Jets         -6      At Oakland
NY Jets.

At Carolina     -7      Buffalo
Carolina.  Let down game for Buffalo after beating the Jets last week.

New Orleans     -6.5    At Miami
New Orleans. Best offense in the league, and a much improved defense over last year.

At Dallas       -4      Atlanta
Atlanta.  Still need to see Romo win a big game.

At NY Giants    -7      Arizona
NY Giants.  Giants will get back on track.

Philadelphia    -7      At Washington
Philadelphia.

 

Picks by Adam and posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

Last Week’s Review: I was 3-1 on the week and 7-2 on the season.  Notre Dame gave USC a better game than I thought.  I can’t get a good read on the Hokies this season.  They lost to Georgia Tech.

 

This Week’s Fearless Pick: Remember I only pick ranked teams against one another

 

No. 8 TCU loses at No. 16 Brigham Young  This is a tough game at BYU.  But, they are at elevation.

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

The Yankees looked like they were going to strike blood in the first inning when Jeter and Damon got on in the first inning.  But, Lackey worked out of trouble.

AJ was terrible in the bottom of the first as he gave up four runs.  But, he hunkered down and held the Angels until the seventh.  With two outs, the Yankees scored six runs to take a 6-4 lead.  It was so awesome!

The Angels rallied for three runs in the bottom of the 7th to take a 7-6 lead.  The normally reliable Hughes blew the lead.  Darn it!
Weaver was unfortunately solid in the top of the 8th.  Of course, it was Jered not Jeff who sucked when he pitched for the Yankees.  Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan should be given the Mother Teresa Miracle Coaching Award for turning Jeff around.

Mariano had to come in with one out in the 8th to try to hold the Angels lead at 7-6.  Swisher made a great catch and throw to hold Willets at third.  Mariano got the third out to end the 8th.

Fuentes comes in for the 9th for the Angels.  Damon lined out to first.  Darn it!  It would have been a double a foot to either side.  Teixeira flew out to right.  A-Rod is intentionally walked.  Guzman pinch ran for A-Rod.  Matsui was walked.  Gardner pinch ran for Matsui.  Cano is hit by the pitch.  Swisher is 3 for 28 coming into the at bat.  Swisher fouls a couple of balls and works a 3-2 count.  Swisher pops up to end the game.  Darn it!

 

The Yankees now only lead 3 games to 2.

Posted by a depressed Tank in NY.

The Philadelphia Phillies beat Joe Torre and the LA Dodgers 4 games to 1 in the NLCS.  They will await the winner of the Yankees-Angels series. 

 

Many people like Nina and others wanted a Yankees-Dodgers World Series.  I am sure Fox and MLB did too.  I did NOT want that matchup because I could NOT bear the thought of Joe Torre of possibly beating the Yankees (if we advance) after publishing the book earlier this year.  Plus, I couldn’t root against Donnie Baseball. 

 

The Phillies are a great team and will have the opportunity to defend their World Series championship.  They have great starting pitching with Cliff Lee (a gift from the Indians), Cole Hamels, Pedro (that hurts) amongst others.  Their bullpen is somewhat suspect as Brad Lidge has blown 11 saves this season while he was perfect last season.  But, he has been rounding into form with a perfect post season. 

 

The sad part is that we’ll have to wait until next Wednesday for the start of the World Series.  MLB and its fans are slaves to Fox and the TV schedule.  You can also “thank” the “World Baseball Casualties”.  The World Series won’t finish till early November.  Let’s hope the winner isn’t decided by bad weather and/or someone slipping on a wet field. 

 

Posted by a disgusted Tank in NY.