Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner announced his retirement yesterday.  Warner was a true rags to riches story.  While trying to keep his football dream alive playing in the Arena Football League, Warner bagged groceries in Iowa.  He made it to NFL Europe and then the NFL winning two regular season and one Super Bowl MVP. 

 

He was a class guy on and off the field.  The Saints had so much respect for them that they held him up instead of drilling him into the ground after he threw a pass.  Granted, he was clocked hard but cleanly while trying to tackle a Saints defender who intercepted his pass.  But, it is hard to find some who would say a bad word about him.

As for his football qualifications, Warner had five great years with the Rams and Cardinals.  His stint with the Giants in between wasn't his best.  Warner showed Eli Manning the ropes and helped him become a Super Bowl Champion.  Warner then took over for Matt Leinart and came close last year.  Knowing that Wayne Chrebet and others still suffer from headaches years after retiring, I don't blame Warner for retiring. 

 

Contrast Warner’s story with Washington Wizards gun-toting guard Gilbert Arenas.  Arenas was suspended earlier this week for a year by NBA Commissioner David Stern.

 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: Human beings aren’t perfect and make mistakes.  However, I expect a level of decency from people.  I am glad I don’t live in Washington DC anymore and would be in danger with Arenas at the Verizon Center.  It’s sad to see Warner go and hope that Arenas is banned forever from the NBA.

 

Posted by The Tank.  This article is dedicated to Vicky who is an Arizona Cardinals fan. 

Mets GM Omar Minaya said he had “full autonomy” in an interview on SNY yesterday.  Really?  Why wasn’t he at the Carlos Beltran press conference?  Does he or the Wilpons sign the checks?  Why is he only content with getting Jason Bay?  What reality is he living in?

 

Yankee GM Brian Cashman doesn’t have autonomy.  He was interviewed on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN 1050 this afternoon.  He talk about the budget that the Steinbrenners gave him.  He made an offer last week for $6 million year including $3 million deferred but rejected by Damon.  Where else was Johnny going to get this?  Cincinnati?  Oakland?  Detroit?  Kansas City?

 

Johnny MIGHT get the money elsewhere.  But, his best chance at baseball immortality is to stay with the Yankees and get 3,000 hits.  Hall of Famers make lots of money in retirement at card shows.  So Johnny make more in 2010 elsewhere but he’ll make less in 2020 and beyond as a possible Hall of Famer (after retiring in 2014 or so).  Can his body hold up for five seasons with other teams instead of four seasons with the Yankees?  Where else is he going to be able to hit in between players like Jeter and Teixeira? 

 

Cashman complimented Johnny’s talent but he was “tired of waiting” and “couldn’t agree on market value”.  “I’m sorry I didn’t address his value,” Cashman added. 

 

Johnny now counters that he is open to a mid-season trade with the Yankees.  It’s a shame it came down to this. 

 

Posted by a saddened Tank in Hot Stove Land.

Randy Winn signed a one year, $2 million contract with the Yankees today pending a physical.  This all but eliminates the possibility of Johnny Damon returning to the Yankees as the Yankees budget hit the $200 million mark which is something that GM Brian Cashman wants to avoid.  Unless something drastic like a major trade happens, Johnny Damon played his last game as a Yankee.  This all could have been avoided if Johnny and his agent Scott Boras moved quicker and less greedy.  It’s a shame as Johnny is a great guy to have around the clubhouse and a productive player.

 

In good news, Johan Santana had a good throwing session in Port Saint Lucie yesterday. 

 

There are rumors about John Smoltz coming to the Mets.  I don’t another over-the-hill Brave is the answer for the Mets.  The Mets need more pitching now.  In the meantime, I have not renewed my Mets partial ticket plan.

 

Posted by The Tank.    

After the Jets disappointing loss, Brett Favre led the Vikings to an early touchdown at the Saints in the NFC Championship Game.  The Vikings dominated the game by nearly outgaining the Saints by 2 to 1 in yardage.  The Vikings dominated time of possession.  The Saints teed off on Favre and hit him about 20 times.  He was limped off the field in the third quarter.  Amy the Vikings fan advocated the use of morphine so Favre would be “high and fine” to lead the Vikings. 

 

JH was right about mistakes which cost the Vikings.  The Vikings had five turnovers while the Saints only had one.  That said, it was a great back and forth game.  The Vikings had a chance to win the game late in regulation.  But they were called for a penalty and the Vikings went back to pass.  On 3rd and 15, Favre went back to pass.  Deja vu in Green Bay in 2008 all over again.  Oh, yes, he threw an interception and the game went into overtime tied at 28.  

 

The Saints won the toss in overtime.  They returned the kickoff to their 39.  They ran it the first two times.  Why?    When they threw it, it was pass interference against the Vikings.  Another mistake?  No, it was a bad referees call.  The Saints were able to drive down to the Saints 23.  Garrett Hartley is an inexperienced kicker and came in the game to attempt a 40 yard field goal.  The snap, the placement, and kick was good.  The Saints win 31-28 in overtime.  The Saints go to their first Super Bowl. 

 

Football condolences to die hard Vikings fans like Fr. Alex, JH, Amy, Vladan, and Nina’s brother-in-law. 

 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: Favre was quoted as it was too soon to make a decision in his post-game press conference.  But, ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Favre might retire.  Who knows?  Who cares?  I’ll try not to get to bogged down in Favre’s drama queen soap opera until training camp.  That’s where the rubber hits the road.  If he retires, great!  If he plays until 2039 or later, that’s fine too.  Just make up your mind and stick to it.  In the meantime, there are more important sports issues like the Olympics, World Cup, baseball, and other sports.  Let’s celebrate those committed athletes.  

 

Posted by The Tank.

Johan Santana is expected to throw off the mound this week for the first time since his surgery. 

 

Johnny Damon to the Yankees talks are back on.  Time is running out for Johnny.  I hope he does the right thing and returns to the Boogie Down Bronx.   

 

Let’s hope things work out for Johan and Johnny.

 

Posted by The Tank.

The Jets had a 17-6 lead late in the first half including an 80 yard TD reception by SATT Buddy Braylon Edwards.  The Jets defense couldn’t hold the lead and the Colts scored 24 unanswered points to win 30-17.

 

In his post-game comments, Peyton Manning said he and former Bills QB Frank Reich figured out the Jets defense which was a variation on a 2005 Ravens-Colts game.  Talk about film study! 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: The Jets are setup for a great run next year.  But, we’ll see how the lack of collective bargaining agreement affects the final four football teams including the Jets.  But, the answer to that question will be answered on another day. 

 

Congratulations to my brother who is a Colts fan!

 

Football condolences to Uncle Lou (Vermont/LI Bill’s Uncle who played for the Jets), Steve, Editor in Chief and Perma Guest Outlaw Jack, Adam, MTA Ray, Jeff, JR, and other Jets friends. 

 

Most importantly, real life condolences to my friend Nina whose Dad passed this morning.  He took her to the greatest football game of all time, the Colts versus the Giants at Yankee Stadium in 1957.  R.I.P, Sir.

 

Posted by a saddened Tank.

The Mets traded Gary Matthews Jr. for only $2 million for 2 years on Friday for Brian Stokes.  The Angels will eat the other $22 million that he is owed.  Matthews isn’t a savior but can hold the fort with Angel Pagan in center field until Carlos Beltran returns.

 

The Mets have been managed like this.

 

 http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/273344/flowchart1.png

 

 

Mets Decision Making Flow Chart courtesy of Linda and posted by The Tank knowing the Mets still need pitching..

Last Week’s Review: 2-2.  I am 5-3 in the playoffs.

 

This Week’s Fearless Picks: 

 

(1) NFC: Saints (-3.5) beat the Vikings 35-31 and cover.  Yes, Brett Favre is going back to the Bayou less than 100 miles from where he grew up.  He was a Saints fan growing up.  Could this be his last game?  Maybe, you never know with him.  

 

I like the Saints because they are home and have Reggie Bush. 

 

 

(2) AFC: The Jets (-7.5) beat the Colts 28-24 and cover.   

 

Pro/Con:

(1) Push: The Jets have the #1 defense and Colts offense cancel each other out.  An offense like the Colts sells tickets but a defense like the Jets win championships.  I like Revis against the Colts receivers.  Their running attack isn’t that good so they have to pass.  Yes, Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks of all time.  He may end up being the best quarterback of all time. 

 

(2) Con: Colts home field and crowd advantage. 

 

(3) Pro: The Jets run on the Colts.

 

(4) Pro: Steve living in Hong Kong and the panda factor.  Steve and Kathleen sent me a special Christmas card when they visited Wolong Panda Park in China.  It is one of the best Christmas cards I have ever received and am grateful to get it.

 

 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: I have been breaking down the game all week and couldn’t pick the Jets or Colts.  While going to lunch downtown for lunch yesterday with a friend and former colleague, I saw a panda in front of Goldman Sachs headquarters.  I don’t know if it was a White House plant demonstrating in favor of President Obama’s get tough on Wall Street policy or an escaped panda from the panda sanctuary.     

 

One thing I do know is that it me think of Steve wondering aloud in e-mail and on FaceBook how the Jets won while he has been living in Hong Kong.  The Yankees won the World Series while he was away and the Jets are making this magical run now. 

 

Do I want Steve and Kathleen to come home?  Yes, of course.  But, he is going to be in Hong Kong (or at least not in New York or Sunday) when the Jets play.  I am picking the Jets to win.

 

Posted by The Tank.

Free agent catcher Bengie Molina signed a one year deal to return to the San Francisco Giants.  He originally wanted a three year deal from the Mets who countered with a two year deal. 

 

Why did Bengie balk and take millions less?

(A) He wasn't sure who's the boss in Queens.  Is it Omar (probably not), Assistant GM John Ricco (maybe), or the Wilpons (hey, they sign the checks)?

(B) He doesn't trust the Mets medical staff.  I can’t blame Beltran for opting for the surgery regardless of what the Mets think. 

(C) He didn't want to deal with an unstable clubhouse and coaching staff.

(D) All of the above.

(E) None of the above.

The Tank's Bottom Line: All of the above.

 

Posted by The Tank who still hasn’t renewed his 2010 Mets partial ticket plan.

Massachusetts Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley lost a special election Tuesday night to fill out the remainder of the late Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy’s Senate term.  Democrats have a 3-1 majority in Massachusetts.  So, how did AG Coakley lose it? 

 

Coakley claimed that Curt Schilling was a Yankees fan.  Coakley tried to catch herself but the damage was done.  Yes, Schilling is no longer with the Red Sox but he helped the Red Sox break the “Curse” in 2004.  (We now know the 2004 and 2007 victories were tainted after bookended by the positive 2003 and 2009 steroids test from Big Papi Juicer David Ortiz and Manny “Female Fertility Drug” Ramirez.)   

 

Schilling did name his oldest son Gehrig.  But, that was before he played for the Diamondbacks and Roid Sox.  Schilling is a registered independent but threw his support behind State Senator Brown.

Even worse for Coakley not shaking hands at Fenway and other gaffes may cost her the seat.  I am sure voters were upset about health care, taxes, and other issues.  Brown’s victory affects health care and other legislation.  Brown’s victory is seen as a blow to President Obama.  It is ironic as Senator Kennedy’s endorsement helped him beat Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Primary.

 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: Not every Senator has to be a baseball fan but Senator Kennedy was a big time Red Sox fan as is Senator John Kerry.  Coakley mistaking Schilling for a Yankees fan shows how far out of touch she is with the average person.  Brown went on to win 52-47.  Never cross a sports fan, just ask Mayor Rudy Guiliani and Senator Hillary Clinton.  

 

Posted by The Tank considering another run for the White House in 2012.  Will Steve be back in time from Hong Kong to run with me?