I have long criticized Carl “The Quitter” Pavano for stealing $40 million from the Yankees from 2005 to 2008.  He signed with the Indians in the off season.  He was then traded to the Minnesota Twins and have helped them in their playoff push.  He has pitched so much this season that even the Tigers radio broadcasters remarked tonight that the Quitter pitched more this season than during his entire time with the Yankees.    

 

The Quitter had a chance to help the Yankees and Twins by beating the Tigers in Detroit to close their margin to a single game.  The Twins offense gave Pavano a 2-0 lead early in the game.  But, the Quitter gave up the lead and the Tigers went on to win 7-2.  They now have a three game lead with four to play.  The Twins and Tigers have one more game against each other on Thursday afternoon before final regular season series.

 

If the Quitter won tonight, it would have increased the odds of Verlander making his regular start on Sunday.  This would help the Yankees next week as he is an ace.  Thanks for nothing Quitter!  AGAIN!

 

Posted by an angry Tank in NY.

Fox has a TV show "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" 

It seems that the show title should be changed to "Is a fourth grader smarter than his teacher?"

 

Here's why.  A fourth grade teacher, a Roid Sox fan, recently made one of his students, a Yankees fan, turn his Yankees shirt inside out.

This poor boy must be emotionally scarred and justice must be brought to his teacher for violating his free speech and fashion rights.  How would he like it if his rights were violated?  Maybe turning his Roid Sox shirt inside out?  How about an all expense one way trip to Gitmo?  Not so funny now hey teach?

 

Never fear little Nate.  You should appeal your case to the Supreme Court.  You know he'll get a fair hearing from new Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor.  She happens to be pictured below throwing out the first pitch against the Roid Sox this past Saturday.

Posted by The Tank defending the rights of all Yankee fans (especially fourth graders) everywhere.  Many thanks to Editor in Chief and Perma Guest Outlaw Jack for the article from 1010 Wins.  Photo courtesy of NWI Times.

Yes, the Giants and Jets are now 3-0 but Sunday was about the Detroit Lions.  They broke their 0-19 streak going back to the 2007 season.  For the people of Michigan, it’s a brief respite from the economic depression

 

The Giants were dominating in their 24-0 shutout at hot, humid, and sometimes wet Tampa.  The Jets held off the Titans 24-17.  As for the Bills, they lost 27-7 against the Saints at home.  Ugh!

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

The Yankees swept the Roid Sox this weekend clinch the AL East, their first since 2006.  Killer and I witnessed Joba's solid performance on Friday.  Mega thanks to Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for switching!  Jack and his brother Chris went on Saturday and saw CC's gem.  Wow!  We were all witnesses to more history in the new Stadium. 

After starting 0-8 against the Roid Sox, the Yankees won 9 out of the last 10 to tie the regular season series at 9. 

I am happy today but sobered by the fact that the Yankees may face the Roid Sox in the ALCS.  But tonight is about celebrating.  We'll find out who their ALDS opponent is over the next few days.

Most importantly, please say some prayers and send positive energy to AJ Burnett's Dad whose is undergoing surgery tomorrow.

Posted by a grateful Tank Keeping the Faith for an October to remember in NY.

Last Week Review: I was 1-0 for the week and season.

 

This Week’s Fearless Picks: Remember, I only pick when both teams are ranked.

#9 Miami of Florida (AKA “The U”) wins at #11 Virginia Tech.

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

It’s Grand Final time in Australian Rules Football.  It is the Aussie Super Bowl.  Aussie Rod’s team, Saint Kilda, will face his son Adam’s team, Geelong.  I joined Aussie Rod for last year’s Grand Final though I wasn’t in a good mood as I had just watched the Mets lose to the Marlins.

 

I will attend the Grand Final at the Canal Room at 285 West Broadway on the corner of Canal Street after the Yankees – Roid Sox game on Friday night, September 25.  If you wish to join us, please go to this link. 

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Last Week Review: I was 2-1 for the week and 4-2 for the season.

 

This Week’s Preview: I am grateful to Adam for contributing this week’s picks.  I am catching up on rest as today is my third day off from work in about a month including weekends.  Thanks Adam!

 

Without further ado, here’s Adam:

 

In every case, the team I pick I pick them to cover the spread.  For example I picked KC to not lose by 10 points.

At NY Jets      -2.5    Tennessee
Tennessee. This is a must win for the Titans, and has letdown written all over it for the Jets. If the Jet's win it'll be by 1. The Jet's D
has been great against the pass, but Tennessee is a run first offense with Chris Johnson. Will be a great test for the Jets.

At Houston      -4      Jacksonville
Houston.  Houston’s Matt Schaub looked great last week. He faced a tough D week 1 against the Jets.

At Philadelphia         -9.5    Kansas City
Kansas City.  McNabb is probably out, and possibly Westbrook. With Kolb under center I don't see them blowing KC out. KC has had 2 losses in the final moments and Bobby Wade looked great last week.

At Baltimore    -13.5   Cleveland
Baltimore.  Baltimore is the best team in the AFC. Cleveland is horrible and showing no signs of life. Not much more to add.

NY Giants       -6.5    At Tampa Bay
Giants. No real home field advantage for Tampa Bay. After going into Dallas and beating a division rival, Giants win by at least a TD.

Washington      -6.5    At Detroit
Detroit. Picking Detroit here. Washington is lousy. Detroit should at least put up a fight and maybe only lose by 3.

Green Bay       -6.5    At St. Louis
Green Bay. Green Bay is underachieving so far this season. They need to take care of the Rams.

At Minnesota    -7      San Francisco
San Francisco. Great game, Peterson vs. Gore. Top 2 RBs in the NFL.  San Fran looks really good this year. Will Farve be distracted with
all the hype surrounding his home opener in Minnesota?

At New England          -4      Atlanta
New England.  Matt Ryan and Atlanta are looking good this year, but I wouldn't bet against Brady after lose.

Chicago         -2.5    At Seattle
Seattle. Usually a great home crowd. Chicago's D is overrated (so was Urlacher). Even if Matt Hasselbeck can't play, Seneca Wallace is a
serviceable number 2.

New Orleans     -6      At Buffalo
New Orleans.  Brees looks great. Buffalo looks good as well, but New Orleans wins by at least 7.

At San Diego    -6      Miami
San Diego.  Screw the Wild Cat! Seriously. Now that teams are on to it, it's going to force Pennington into more 3rd and long situations, and
to quote Tony Kornheiser from MNF "My daughter has a better arm than Pennington."

Pittsburgh      -4      At Cincinnati
Pittsburgh.  Steelers need to win a division game like this. If they can protect Roethlisberger from Antwan Odom they should easily cover.

Denver          -1.5    At Oakland
Denver.  Still don't believe Oakland can win 2 games in a row, even in the Black Hole. Besides this is a 1:15 start in Oakland, their main
fans still haven't made bail from the previous night's activities.

At Arizona      -2.5    Indianapolis
Indianapolis.  Don't bet against Peyton in a prime time evening game. 

 

At Dallas       -8.5    Carolina
Carolina.  Which fan base hates their QB more? Going with Carolina on this. Jake Delhomme looked a bit better last week. I think they will
at least cover the spread home.

 

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

The Yankees clinched a playoff spot last night after midnight when most SATT readers were in bed.  They did more than that during the rest of Thursday.  They accomplished even more like (1) winning a series for the first time since 2004 in Anaheim, (2) did it by starting Joba and Gaudin, and (3) AJ pitched a great game.  It’s about time.  Don’t get me wrong, I really like Gaudin.  He’s been a steal and like him as he is only 26 years old.  I think Joba is going to be fine as a starter next year knock wood. 

 

The Yankees accomplished what I had hoped about recently.  All this without CC or Andy who’ll be starting this weekend against the Roid Sox.

 

Posted by a psyched Tank in NY.  

The Royals were losing 6-0 in the sixth inning to the Roid Sox.  The Royals rallied to beat the Roid Sox 12-9.  This shows a lot about a team that seemingly has nothing to play for.  The Royals are eliminated from the playoffs but are playing for pride, a chance to be spoilers, and jobs for next year. 

 

The Yankees unfortunately lost 5-2 at the Angels.  But, thanks to the Rallying Royals, the Yankees magic number is now 7.  It’s barbecue for all my friends like KC Bob from the North Pole Marathon.  If you have never have had KC Barbecue, it’s a good as Austin, North Carolina, or anything else you put on the grill.  Take the trip to KC like I did in 1991.  Tell them The Tank sent you. 

 

Posted by The Tank dreaming of KC barbecue and Royals wins over the Roid Sox.

The Jets upset the New England Patriots yesterday at the Meadowlands.  It was an incredible win no doubt about it.  I thought the Patriots would have made Kerry Rhodes eat his words but the Jets defense was awesome.  It has yet to give up an offensive touchdown this year.  All this without Pace.  Wow! 

 

Lots of people want to put Mark Sanchez in the Hall of Fame and are getting ready of a Broadway parade.  Not so fast.  It’s a long season.  But, the thing I like the most is the defense and that’s what wins championships.  A Ryan is the common factor in great championship defenses like the 2000 Ravens (Rex as Defensive Coordinator) and 1985 Bears (Rex’s Dad Buddy was the Defensive Coordinator).  If the Jets are going to the Promised Land, it will be done with defense and Mark Sanchez managing the game.  No need to be a gunslinger like Bret Favre. 

 

Posted by The Tank in NY.