Only in Yankeeland is there no recession. Don’t get me wrong I’m fired up for baseball season now that the Yankees picked up Mark Teixiera yesterday. Great player. Switch-hitter, young, good defense. 8 years at $180 million---that’s after spending $243 million on CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett. I’m a little embarrassed by how they thrown their money around like Teddy KGB in Rounders. It’s one thing to get a single big free agent in the offseason…but to get 3? The Yankee lineup now includes the four highest paid players in the sport.
This team still has a few holes with which to address. That’s hard to believe after spending a King’s Ransom on players. For example, who’s the left fielder? Damon? My grandmother has a better throwing arm. The center fielder? Is it Melky Cabrera..who ended the season in the minors? The fifth starter? Phil Hughes? Howard Hughes pitched better last year.
Don’t get me wrong. The Yankees pay to play. The luxury tax, which should be named the Yankee tax, just grew way north of $26 million. That money gets doled out to other baseball teams to do with it as they wish. So in a weird way, the Yankee subsidize the Royals for the right to go pound them in July. I look it at like this: when your starting third baseman (Aaron Boone) breaks his ankle playing a pick-up basketball game during the off-season, you shouldn’t be allowed to go get the best player in the sport (Alex Rodriguez). It’s in the rules but not really in the best interest of the game.
Oh well. Let’s play ball. The pressure’s on …..manager Joe Girardi.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
I'm back.....
A lot has happened while I was away. And believe me, there are many people worthy of a shoe-throw: (Thank you, Iraqi journalist)
They are:
Anyone sending out a letter detailing that year's highlights: I have two thoughts on this: A.) Nobody gives a shit what you did or saw and B.) nobody can believe that you're arrogant enough to put it on paper and pay for postage.
The Dallas Cowboys--From Tony Romo to the defensive line, let's begin playing like it counts..because it does.
WFAN's Mike Francesa--It's not because he's an arrogant know-it-all, it's his picks. For instance, take his expert "analysis" of this weekend's games. First, there's "no way" that San Diego beats Tampa Bay. They did. Then looking like "they're done," Washington jumps up and nicks Philadelphia. Again, it's not like he's allowed to be incorrect but the near certainty in which he says it.
Bernie Madoff--This bastard deserves a big pair of size 14s upside the head. The NY swindler who put Cbrales Ponzi in the news again was clearly wrong in bilking $50 billion from wealthy clients and foundations. However, call me a prick but weren't some of these well-heeled clients guilty too...of greed? Story after story detailed clients who wanted to believe's Madoff's steady gains of 8%-12% regardless of market performance? I'm no Gordon Gekko, but doesn't that fly in the face of the stock market? The fact that joining Madoff's exclusive club had an air of exclusivity to it for the privilidged is what got me. Granted I never had a fortune to lose but some of these people will have to learn the wonder that is shopping at Costco...
Lastly, the other day I went to CVS to pick up Sudafed. Long story short: the girl behind the counter demands identification because some ahole druggies out there use the ingredients in Sudafed to make homemade Meth. And, that "the government monitors how much you buy in week or month." Reluctantly, I hand over my ID but not before I make a big scene. To quote Bob Grant..."It's sick outn there and getting sicker."
They are:
Anyone sending out a letter detailing that year's highlights: I have two thoughts on this: A.) Nobody gives a shit what you did or saw and B.) nobody can believe that you're arrogant enough to put it on paper and pay for postage.
The Dallas Cowboys--From Tony Romo to the defensive line, let's begin playing like it counts..because it does.
WFAN's Mike Francesa--It's not because he's an arrogant know-it-all, it's his picks. For instance, take his expert "analysis" of this weekend's games. First, there's "no way" that San Diego beats Tampa Bay. They did. Then looking like "they're done," Washington jumps up and nicks Philadelphia. Again, it's not like he's allowed to be incorrect but the near certainty in which he says it.
Bernie Madoff--This bastard deserves a big pair of size 14s upside the head. The NY swindler who put Cbrales Ponzi in the news again was clearly wrong in bilking $50 billion from wealthy clients and foundations. However, call me a prick but weren't some of these well-heeled clients guilty too...of greed? Story after story detailed clients who wanted to believe's Madoff's steady gains of 8%-12% regardless of market performance? I'm no Gordon Gekko, but doesn't that fly in the face of the stock market? The fact that joining Madoff's exclusive club had an air of exclusivity to it for the privilidged is what got me. Granted I never had a fortune to lose but some of these people will have to learn the wonder that is shopping at Costco...
Lastly, the other day I went to CVS to pick up Sudafed. Long story short: the girl behind the counter demands identification because some ahole druggies out there use the ingredients in Sudafed to make homemade Meth. And, that "the government monitors how much you buy in week or month." Reluctantly, I hand over my ID but not before I make a big scene. To quote Bob Grant..."It's sick outn there and getting sicker."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Get Your Free Dr. Pepper
Did you guys see this?
LOS ANGELES – Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.
The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.
"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."
Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28.
LOS ANGELES – Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.
The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.
"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."
Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28.
Friday, November 21, 2008
What I Learned Friday
A summary of the week that was.....
Mike Mussina retired this week. He can go into my Hall of Fame anytime. Two things about Mussina: Moose relieved in Game 7 2003 and held the Red Sox at bay in the middle innings and made the Yankee comeback possible. He was also the starter and winner in the Jeter “flip” game in 2001 where the Yankees, down 0-2, came back and beat Oakland three straight in the ALDS.
Speaking of Mussina, WFAN’s Mike Francesa said that “nobody” retires off of a 20-win season. It’s not that Francesa isn’t allowed to be wrong, that can happen to anyone. It’s the ironclad, written-in-stone, can’t happen, won’t happen way in which he says it.
Gas is down below $2 at my Costco. So why was it costing me twice that this summer? Was it a supply and demand issue? Did people stop driving and I missed it? Greedy bastards.
I have a lot for which to be thankful. Trading Marion Barber for oft-injured Willie Parker in my fantasy football league does not qualify as one of them. As a fantasy owner, I’m as imperious as Steinbrenner.
So my 401k is down 40%. Why do I care? It’s not like I need the money tomorrow. But if you’re within five years of retirement, I feel for you.
I used to cover the marketing space as a reporter when Robert Nardelli ran Home Depot before he was thrown out. Now Nardelli’s in the big boy seat at Chrysler. Don’t stand next to him in a rainstorm.
Speaking of Ford….Michigan representative John Dingell (D) before losing the House Energy and Commerce chair this week, was a big proponent of bailing out the auto industry. Wel-intentioned, right? How many of you know that Dingell’s wife is a Ford exec? Memo to Dingell: Leave your ID badge with the security guard.
Mike Mussina retired this week. He can go into my Hall of Fame anytime. Two things about Mussina: Moose relieved in Game 7 2003 and held the Red Sox at bay in the middle innings and made the Yankee comeback possible. He was also the starter and winner in the Jeter “flip” game in 2001 where the Yankees, down 0-2, came back and beat Oakland three straight in the ALDS.
Speaking of Mussina, WFAN’s Mike Francesa said that “nobody” retires off of a 20-win season. It’s not that Francesa isn’t allowed to be wrong, that can happen to anyone. It’s the ironclad, written-in-stone, can’t happen, won’t happen way in which he says it.
Gas is down below $2 at my Costco. So why was it costing me twice that this summer? Was it a supply and demand issue? Did people stop driving and I missed it? Greedy bastards.
I have a lot for which to be thankful. Trading Marion Barber for oft-injured Willie Parker in my fantasy football league does not qualify as one of them. As a fantasy owner, I’m as imperious as Steinbrenner.
So my 401k is down 40%. Why do I care? It’s not like I need the money tomorrow. But if you’re within five years of retirement, I feel for you.
I used to cover the marketing space as a reporter when Robert Nardelli ran Home Depot before he was thrown out. Now Nardelli’s in the big boy seat at Chrysler. Don’t stand next to him in a rainstorm.
Speaking of Ford….Michigan representative John Dingell (D) before losing the House Energy and Commerce chair this week, was a big proponent of bailing out the auto industry. Wel-intentioned, right? How many of you know that Dingell’s wife is a Ford exec? Memo to Dingell: Leave your ID badge with the security guard.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
1960 Series Loss Revisited…..48 years later
By Tom Gucciardo
Editor’s note: Yankee fans of a more recent age recall the stunning 2001 World Series loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7. With Mariano Rivera on the mound, Yankee fans were stunned to lose. But before 2001, there was 1960. That was when another small-market team miraculously beat the big bad New York Yankees in 7 games.
Before the Internet, talk-radio, and World Series night games, Tom Gucciardo looks back at history and gives us his unvarnished view of what really happened. You’ll note how much has changed but also how little has changed. Enjoy.
History reflects on Casey Stengal as a great manager. He was a schmuck. And I’ll tell you why:
Whitey (Ford) was hurt that year. Instead of his usual 16-17 wins, he had maybe 11 or 12. His ERA was around 3.33. Another Yankee pitcher, Art Ditmar, stepped in and did well. He won more games than Whitey and pitched to a better ERA in the regular season.
But now it’s the World Series. Remember this is time before the multiple playoffs rounds you have now.
Anyone with any common sense regarding World Series play will tell you that starter of Game 1 would pitch Game 4 and Game 7 if necessary. Who better than Whitey?
Unbelievably, Casey gives the ball to Ditmar believing he was better suited to start Game 1 and Game 5.
What happened? Ditmar, in his two recorded starts got a total of 5 outs, and was charged with both losses. And how did Whitey do? Pitched two shutouts in Game 2 and Game 6.
The see-saw Series came down to a Game 7 in Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. The Pirates jumped to an early 4–1 lead in Game 7, only to give up four runs in the sixth inning. The Yankees then added two more, making the score 7–4 by the eighth.
Destiny interfered when Yankee shortstop Tony Kubek was going to turn a double play when bobby schantz threw a ground ball pitch to hal smith. The ball hits Kubek in the throat erasing the double play. The Pirates go on to tie the score in the eighth and then go ahead 9-8. (Good trivia question....who replaced Kubek at short?)
The ninth inning was a classic. I'm sitting in my tenth period English class painfully trying not to expose my transistor radio.
One out, Mickey Mantle gets on. Roger Maris hits a Line-drive laser that Pirates infielder Rocky Bridges snares. Double play! World series over......wrong! Some how, Mantle dives back into first safely ahead of the throw. The most heads up play I've ever listened to. This is where it gets blurry? Somehow the Yanks tie it at 9. Who drove in Mantle?
The next thing I know is that Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski hits a home run off of Ralph Terry's hanging curve ball (which he was in love with all season by the way).
“OH SHIT!”
I had trouble explaining to my English teacher, Jack Munna, why I blurted it out.
Game over. World Series over. I couldn’t believe it. Did that just happen?
The Pirates were grossly outmatched against the Yankees, who had won their tenth pennant in twelve years. The Bronx Bombers outscored the Pirates 55–27 in this Series, outhit them 91–60, outbatted them .338 to .256, hit 10 home runs to Pittsburgh's four, three of which came as I was sitting in school that day.
My brother always told me that my mind was a repository of useless bullshit.
Stengel was summarily fired at the Series.
Tom Gucciardo, a lifelong Yankee and football Giants fan, lives in Staten Island, NY. This is his first piece for TDD.
Editor’s note: Yankee fans of a more recent age recall the stunning 2001 World Series loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7. With Mariano Rivera on the mound, Yankee fans were stunned to lose. But before 2001, there was 1960. That was when another small-market team miraculously beat the big bad New York Yankees in 7 games.
Before the Internet, talk-radio, and World Series night games, Tom Gucciardo looks back at history and gives us his unvarnished view of what really happened. You’ll note how much has changed but also how little has changed. Enjoy.
History reflects on Casey Stengal as a great manager. He was a schmuck. And I’ll tell you why:
Whitey (Ford) was hurt that year. Instead of his usual 16-17 wins, he had maybe 11 or 12. His ERA was around 3.33. Another Yankee pitcher, Art Ditmar, stepped in and did well. He won more games than Whitey and pitched to a better ERA in the regular season.
But now it’s the World Series. Remember this is time before the multiple playoffs rounds you have now.
Anyone with any common sense regarding World Series play will tell you that starter of Game 1 would pitch Game 4 and Game 7 if necessary. Who better than Whitey?
Unbelievably, Casey gives the ball to Ditmar believing he was better suited to start Game 1 and Game 5.
What happened? Ditmar, in his two recorded starts got a total of 5 outs, and was charged with both losses. And how did Whitey do? Pitched two shutouts in Game 2 and Game 6.
The see-saw Series came down to a Game 7 in Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. The Pirates jumped to an early 4–1 lead in Game 7, only to give up four runs in the sixth inning. The Yankees then added two more, making the score 7–4 by the eighth.
Destiny interfered when Yankee shortstop Tony Kubek was going to turn a double play when bobby schantz threw a ground ball pitch to hal smith. The ball hits Kubek in the throat erasing the double play. The Pirates go on to tie the score in the eighth and then go ahead 9-8. (Good trivia question....who replaced Kubek at short?)
The ninth inning was a classic. I'm sitting in my tenth period English class painfully trying not to expose my transistor radio.
One out, Mickey Mantle gets on. Roger Maris hits a Line-drive laser that Pirates infielder Rocky Bridges snares. Double play! World series over......wrong! Some how, Mantle dives back into first safely ahead of the throw. The most heads up play I've ever listened to. This is where it gets blurry? Somehow the Yanks tie it at 9. Who drove in Mantle?
The next thing I know is that Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski hits a home run off of Ralph Terry's hanging curve ball (which he was in love with all season by the way).
“OH SHIT!”
I had trouble explaining to my English teacher, Jack Munna, why I blurted it out.
Game over. World Series over. I couldn’t believe it. Did that just happen?
The Pirates were grossly outmatched against the Yankees, who had won their tenth pennant in twelve years. The Bronx Bombers outscored the Pirates 55–27 in this Series, outhit them 91–60, outbatted them .338 to .256, hit 10 home runs to Pittsburgh's four, three of which came as I was sitting in school that day.
My brother always told me that my mind was a repository of useless bullshit.
Stengel was summarily fired at the Series.
Tom Gucciardo, a lifelong Yankee and football Giants fan, lives in Staten Island, NY. This is his first piece for TDD.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Memo to Brian Cashman...
AJ Burnett? Have we not learned our lesson from Pavano, Carl?
Maybe it's New York media hype or maybe its window dressing, but the offer to AJ Burnett better be fictitious. The idea is to get better starting pitching, correct? It won't happen with AJ, who's missed significant time with arm troubles in two of the previous three seasons. Don't be fooled by the amount of innings logged (221)last year or the strikeouts (231).
Burnett can't trusted. Besides, Brian, you should have learned your lesson signing pitchers to big money after their career year. See Wright, Jared and Pavano, Carl.
Besides isn't it suspicious that the Big 3 (Burnett, Pavano, Beckett) Florida Marlin pitchers spent siginificant amount of time of the DL during their careers? I'm sure it's just a coincidence however.
Better throw the checkbook at CC because if you comeback in Spring Training with only Burnett and Derek Lowe to show for it, I think it might be time for Stick to drive the big boy bus.
But what do I know...I'm just a blogger/
7:55 pm --The NY Rangers have just given up another shorthanded goal, their league leading 7th...WTF?
Maybe it's New York media hype or maybe its window dressing, but the offer to AJ Burnett better be fictitious. The idea is to get better starting pitching, correct? It won't happen with AJ, who's missed significant time with arm troubles in two of the previous three seasons. Don't be fooled by the amount of innings logged (221)last year or the strikeouts (231).
Burnett can't trusted. Besides, Brian, you should have learned your lesson signing pitchers to big money after their career year. See Wright, Jared and Pavano, Carl.
Besides isn't it suspicious that the Big 3 (Burnett, Pavano, Beckett) Florida Marlin pitchers spent siginificant amount of time of the DL during their careers? I'm sure it's just a coincidence however.
Better throw the checkbook at CC because if you comeback in Spring Training with only Burnett and Derek Lowe to show for it, I think it might be time for Stick to drive the big boy bus.
But what do I know...I'm just a blogger/
7:55 pm --The NY Rangers have just given up another shorthanded goal, their league leading 7th...WTF?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
King Henrik Masks Ranger ills
The Rangers are rolling. With last night’s 2-1 shootout victory, the Rangers improved to 14-5-2. Only the most jaded and cynical could find fault about their start. But we Ranger fans, like fans of the Jets and Red Sox, constantly fret about it all coming apart in an instant. It’s in our DNA.
Truth is despite the gaudy record, many of the nightly frustrations and gaffes committed on 33rd and 7th are masked by Henrik Lundqvist’s brilliant goaltending. The King is the front-runner for the Vezina, at least in the early season.
The season’s still young. So there’s plenty of time to fix these problems:
Specialty Teams:
At 15.4 %, can the Rangers decline the next power play? It’s been awful. In fact, not since Sergei Zubov, have the Rangers had a good guy at the point. Michael Roscival has been bad. Despite having a cannon of a shot, the guy won’t shoot. Can you imagine? That’s like saying…the guy’s got billions but he won’t spend. Rosi’s blunders have gotten so bad that the Garden faithful has embraced his as this year’s Marek Malik or Tom Poti. Not good.
And the team also leads the league in shorthanded goals, the last two gift-wrapped by you-know-who. To be fair, the Rangers kill off 91% of power plays against, good enough for second in the league. It didn’t cost them against the Bruins last Saturday but it will later on. Count on it. This is the Rangers we’re talking.
Lack of Scoring
To date, the Rangers are scoring less than your average college freshman. And they better start because you can’t win every game 2-1 or 3-2. The record also masks missing Jaromir Jagr or Brendan Shanahan as but Dawes, Callahan, and Dubinsky have not consistently produced.
60 Minutes of Hockey
This is the coach Renney’s mantra: “Play 60 minutes of hockey” They don’t wake up until the third period. They scored 13 goals in the first, 17 in the second and 23 in the third. (Thank you Larry Brooks of the New York Post for the stat)
The Prucha Problem
Then there’s the mystery of Peter Prucha. What do you do with a guy two seasons removed from a 30-goal campaign? Surely you don’t want him. But you don’t want to send him packing somewhere else and have him be the latest version of Alexei Kovalev. Strangely, Prucha finds himself as hockey’s Stephon Marbury minus the attitude, hand-wringing and back pages. Rather, he finds himself a healthy scratch.
Otherwise, I'm fired up by what I see. Too early to begin printing Finals tickets?
Truth is despite the gaudy record, many of the nightly frustrations and gaffes committed on 33rd and 7th are masked by Henrik Lundqvist’s brilliant goaltending. The King is the front-runner for the Vezina, at least in the early season.
The season’s still young. So there’s plenty of time to fix these problems:
Specialty Teams:
At 15.4 %, can the Rangers decline the next power play? It’s been awful. In fact, not since Sergei Zubov, have the Rangers had a good guy at the point. Michael Roscival has been bad. Despite having a cannon of a shot, the guy won’t shoot. Can you imagine? That’s like saying…the guy’s got billions but he won’t spend. Rosi’s blunders have gotten so bad that the Garden faithful has embraced his as this year’s Marek Malik or Tom Poti. Not good.
And the team also leads the league in shorthanded goals, the last two gift-wrapped by you-know-who. To be fair, the Rangers kill off 91% of power plays against, good enough for second in the league. It didn’t cost them against the Bruins last Saturday but it will later on. Count on it. This is the Rangers we’re talking.
Lack of Scoring
To date, the Rangers are scoring less than your average college freshman. And they better start because you can’t win every game 2-1 or 3-2. The record also masks missing Jaromir Jagr or Brendan Shanahan as but Dawes, Callahan, and Dubinsky have not consistently produced.
60 Minutes of Hockey
This is the coach Renney’s mantra: “Play 60 minutes of hockey” They don’t wake up until the third period. They scored 13 goals in the first, 17 in the second and 23 in the third. (Thank you Larry Brooks of the New York Post for the stat)
The Prucha Problem
Then there’s the mystery of Peter Prucha. What do you do with a guy two seasons removed from a 30-goal campaign? Surely you don’t want him. But you don’t want to send him packing somewhere else and have him be the latest version of Alexei Kovalev. Strangely, Prucha finds himself as hockey’s Stephon Marbury minus the attitude, hand-wringing and back pages. Rather, he finds himself a healthy scratch.
Otherwise, I'm fired up by what I see. Too early to begin printing Finals tickets?
Friday, November 14, 2008
An Update on Anne's Cad....
I don't know why I'm fascinated with this con specifically--probably because it involves Anne Hathaway...Thanks AP
(AP)Italian con man Raffaello Follieri, who went from dating actress Anne Hathaway to serving a prison term for fraud, isn't enjoying the "unspeakably unsanitary" conditions at a federal jail in Brooklyn.
Follieri's lawyer sent a letter to a judge this week complaining about the facility.
"Mr. Follieri reports that he is in a windowless dormitory with approximately 120 other men," the letter said. "He says that he cannot eat because the food appears to be spoiled and that the toilet and shower facilities are unspeakably unsanitary. e.g., there is excrement in the shower and rats are roaming freely in the area. He says the stench is intolerable."
The lawyer, Flora Edwards, said things are so bad, it has made Follieri ill. So far he has had a fever, blood in his urine, intestinal problems and shortness of breath.
Edwards asked the judge to have the 30-year-old transferred back to the federal jail in Manhattan where he was previously held.
The judge asked the government to look into Follieri's complaints.
Follieri was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison in October. He pleaded guilty to cheating investors out of millions of dollars by falsely claiming he had Vatican connections that enabled him to buy church property at a discount.
The proceeds supported a playboy lifestyle that included a $37,000-a-month Manhattan apartment and lavish vacations with Hathaway. The couple dated for four years.
(AP)Italian con man Raffaello Follieri, who went from dating actress Anne Hathaway to serving a prison term for fraud, isn't enjoying the "unspeakably unsanitary" conditions at a federal jail in Brooklyn.
Follieri's lawyer sent a letter to a judge this week complaining about the facility.
"Mr. Follieri reports that he is in a windowless dormitory with approximately 120 other men," the letter said. "He says that he cannot eat because the food appears to be spoiled and that the toilet and shower facilities are unspeakably unsanitary. e.g., there is excrement in the shower and rats are roaming freely in the area. He says the stench is intolerable."
The lawyer, Flora Edwards, said things are so bad, it has made Follieri ill. So far he has had a fever, blood in his urine, intestinal problems and shortness of breath.
Edwards asked the judge to have the 30-year-old transferred back to the federal jail in Manhattan where he was previously held.
The judge asked the government to look into Follieri's complaints.
Follieri was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison in October. He pleaded guilty to cheating investors out of millions of dollars by falsely claiming he had Vatican connections that enabled him to buy church property at a discount.
The proceeds supported a playboy lifestyle that included a $37,000-a-month Manhattan apartment and lavish vacations with Hathaway. The couple dated for four years.
On Language or 5 Minutes You'll Never Get Back
I am a New York Times Sunday subscriber. And as such, I look forward to reading the Times’ Sunday Magazine. However, reading William Safire’s column “On Language” is lost on me. Don’t get me wrong: I want to love it. As a writer, why wouldn’t I like taking a deeper dive into the wonderful word of words? I should like it.
A word or phrase is presented and Safire expounds on its origin, usage, and perhaps how it fits in today’s lexicon. Here’s how it opened last Sunday:
“Sometimes a phrase is around so much that it hardly gets noticed. Lexicographic research shrugs it off as either as “nonce term” –here today, gone tomorrow—or something that’s been around so long that it needs no explanation.”
So it is with let’s do this. You’ve heard it a thousand times when someone asks hopelessly, What should we do, your reply goes “let’s do this! And you show the way.
Ah, but what happens to the phrase’s meaning when the emphasis shifts to let’s do this?” The gentle instructive changes to the strong imperative; it is a whole new ballgame.”
See what I mean? We don’t go forward; instead we go backward into the phrase.
The truth of the matter is that I find it tedious, cold and distant. Ironically, those three words might also describe Safires’ former boss, Richard Nixon. Worst of all, you, nor I, will ever get this time back by doing this.
A word or phrase is presented and Safire expounds on its origin, usage, and perhaps how it fits in today’s lexicon. Here’s how it opened last Sunday:
“Sometimes a phrase is around so much that it hardly gets noticed. Lexicographic research shrugs it off as either as “nonce term” –here today, gone tomorrow—or something that’s been around so long that it needs no explanation.”
So it is with let’s do this. You’ve heard it a thousand times when someone asks hopelessly, What should we do, your reply goes “let’s do this! And you show the way.
Ah, but what happens to the phrase’s meaning when the emphasis shifts to let’s do this?” The gentle instructive changes to the strong imperative; it is a whole new ballgame.”
See what I mean? We don’t go forward; instead we go backward into the phrase.
The truth of the matter is that I find it tedious, cold and distant. Ironically, those three words might also describe Safires’ former boss, Richard Nixon. Worst of all, you, nor I, will ever get this time back by doing this.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What I Learned Friday
I get it about Barack. I do. But when I start seeing Clinton rejects such as Rahm Emanuel surface, I begin to get the feeling that my definition of change is vastly different from Messiah's. Some things are not his fault. Like the hayride the media went on with him throughout the election. And you had to figure that the comparisons with the 1960s Kennedys were inevitable. Comparisons of his two girls with John-John peeking through the desk. C'mon now. The family does not yet occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and I'm already sick of them.
If there's a god in heaven, the Jets lose this lead in the fourth quarter. It's 24-21after having been 24-6. I like Bob Papa on the NFL Network--a huge upgrade over Bryant Gumbel.
Newsflash: Former Guns N Roses front man Axel Rose has finished "The Chinese Democracy." At $13 million, the New York Times once called it, "the most expensive recording never made." At any rate, the disc hits the store during the Thanksgiving week.
Not a day after the Matt Holliday trade, Brian Cashman redeems himself. Yankees get Nick Swisher from the White Sox for Wilson Betemit and a minor league pitcher. Good move. I like the versatile Swisher who can play outfield and first base.
Homework assignment: Go to Youtube And punch up the 2003 Smarty Jones/Birdstone duel in the Belmont Stakes. If Tom Durkin's call of Birdstone running down Smarty Jones in the home stretch doesn't grab you by the throat, you aren't living. "The whip is out on Smarty Jones!"
Take a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Z49x11smk
If there's a god in heaven, the Jets lose this lead in the fourth quarter. It's 24-21after having been 24-6. I like Bob Papa on the NFL Network--a huge upgrade over Bryant Gumbel.
Newsflash: Former Guns N Roses front man Axel Rose has finished "The Chinese Democracy." At $13 million, the New York Times once called it, "the most expensive recording never made." At any rate, the disc hits the store during the Thanksgiving week.
Not a day after the Matt Holliday trade, Brian Cashman redeems himself. Yankees get Nick Swisher from the White Sox for Wilson Betemit and a minor league pitcher. Good move. I like the versatile Swisher who can play outfield and first base.
Homework assignment: Go to Youtube And punch up the 2003 Smarty Jones/Birdstone duel in the Belmont Stakes. If Tom Durkin's call of Birdstone running down Smarty Jones in the home stretch doesn't grab you by the throat, you aren't living. "The whip is out on Smarty Jones!"
Take a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Z49x11smk
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday Media Drive By On Francesa
Once again, Raismann is all over it. Check out this item in the NY Daily News:
Sports Pope LOLOLOL.
We never asked CBS Radio suits to provide us with October Arbitron ratings for Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa's WFAN show, but for some reason they did.
It wouldn't be because the ratings (in the men 25-54 demographic) showed Francesa was second in the market (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) compared to third in October 2007, and third in the market (1 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) compared to fifth in October '07, would it?
Of course it would. You think CBS Radio, FAN's parent company, would go out of its way to provide the numbers if Francesa's ratings tanked and he did not do better than he and Chris (Mad Dog) Russo did in October 2007? This is nothing more than a spin job attempting to show Francesa is doing better minus Russo.
Nice try, guys. Run this jive up someone else's flagpole.
Sports Pope LOLOLOL.
We never asked CBS Radio suits to provide us with October Arbitron ratings for Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa's WFAN show, but for some reason they did.
It wouldn't be because the ratings (in the men 25-54 demographic) showed Francesa was second in the market (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) compared to third in October 2007, and third in the market (1 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) compared to fifth in October '07, would it?
Of course it would. You think CBS Radio, FAN's parent company, would go out of its way to provide the numbers if Francesa's ratings tanked and he did not do better than he and Chris (Mad Dog) Russo did in October 2007? This is nothing more than a spin job attempting to show Francesa is doing better minus Russo.
Nice try, guys. Run this jive up someone else's flagpole.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
It's Election Time...
I'll be refreshing this all night....
Early on, it doesn't look good for ol' McCain. Barack's supporters are already lining up in Chicago's Grant Park...
7:01 Katie Couric's CBS in her voiceover "As America stands on a path with destiny" (At this moment I screamed, "Shut up, Katie")
7:02 Bob Schieffer. CBS, "President Bush did not campaign with a single Republican candidate. It's like he stayed inside."
7:03 Jeff Greenfield, CBS, "McCain isn't sailing into a wind tonight he's sailing into a gale."
7:12 Pat Buchanan, MSNBC, "This could be a transformational election like Reagan in 1980."
Early on the electoral chyron read McCain 13 Obama 3.
8:00 MSNBC just gave PA, NJ, MD, and MA to Obama
8:02 the electoral chyron now reads Obama 103 to McCain 34. The Super Bowl-like route is on.
8:03 Chris Mathews, MSNBC, "McCain's path has crashed. There is no scenario in which McCain can win without Pennsylvania....
8:31 MSNBC's Chris MAthews on Elizabeth Dole's senate loss "This might be the first politician to lose for not talking enough."
Musings:
How did Katie get that job, really. MSNBC Olbermann and that snarky-ass attitude HAS to go. Hey Brit Hume--better get another cup of coffee, you're going to be up a while longer. David Gregory is really bucking for Russert's seat with those bannker's stripes...On his afternoon show, WFAN's Mike Francesa, always a political junkie, praised Obama has running a brilliant campaign, maybe the best ever. Thanks for cutting through the clutter, Mike.
Early on, it doesn't look good for ol' McCain. Barack's supporters are already lining up in Chicago's Grant Park...
7:01 Katie Couric's CBS in her voiceover "As America stands on a path with destiny" (At this moment I screamed, "Shut up, Katie")
7:02 Bob Schieffer. CBS, "President Bush did not campaign with a single Republican candidate. It's like he stayed inside."
7:03 Jeff Greenfield, CBS, "McCain isn't sailing into a wind tonight he's sailing into a gale."
7:12 Pat Buchanan, MSNBC, "This could be a transformational election like Reagan in 1980."
Early on the electoral chyron read McCain 13 Obama 3.
8:00 MSNBC just gave PA, NJ, MD, and MA to Obama
8:02 the electoral chyron now reads Obama 103 to McCain 34. The Super Bowl-like route is on.
8:03 Chris Mathews, MSNBC, "McCain's path has crashed. There is no scenario in which McCain can win without Pennsylvania....
8:31 MSNBC's Chris MAthews on Elizabeth Dole's senate loss "This might be the first politician to lose for not talking enough."
Musings:
How did Katie get that job, really. MSNBC Olbermann and that snarky-ass attitude HAS to go. Hey Brit Hume--better get another cup of coffee, you're going to be up a while longer. David Gregory is really bucking for Russert's seat with those bannker's stripes...On his afternoon show, WFAN's Mike Francesa, always a political junkie, praised Obama has running a brilliant campaign, maybe the best ever. Thanks for cutting through the clutter, Mike.
Monday, November 3, 2008
What I'll miss about the election...
Normally I view politics much the way I view The Kentucky Derby or the Final Four. That is even when I barely know the names of those competing I always have a rooting interest--even though I pick it up in the days or hours before the event.
But this year's election (which actually began in Jan. 2007) was a spectator sport all of it's own. For one, you heard about something election nearly every night. I'll miss that. Here's what else I'll miss:
Obama's overly-pronouncing words such "Taliban" to come across as more erudite. Someone should tell him that it's not pronounced "Tolly-bon" and "Paki-ston"
Tom Brokaw, during the Presidential debate, scolding the candidates to stay on the clock.
The New York Times' sourcing of two stories which was surprisingly thin. Although the Times says otherwise....
I'll miss Fox News coverage if only for the thoughts of one Charles Krauthammer. Steady as a metronome, the guy is as entertaining as a real estate closing.
Coming up tomorrow...blogging election coverage...live.
But this year's election (which actually began in Jan. 2007) was a spectator sport all of it's own. For one, you heard about something election nearly every night. I'll miss that. Here's what else I'll miss:
Obama's overly-pronouncing words such "Taliban" to come across as more erudite. Someone should tell him that it's not pronounced "Tolly-bon" and "Paki-ston"
Tom Brokaw, during the Presidential debate, scolding the candidates to stay on the clock.
The New York Times' sourcing of two stories which was surprisingly thin. Although the Times says otherwise....
I'll miss Fox News coverage if only for the thoughts of one Charles Krauthammer. Steady as a metronome, the guy is as entertaining as a real estate closing.
Coming up tomorrow...blogging election coverage...live.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What I Learned Friday on Saturday
Some tunes hold up over time. Shotgun by Junior Walker and the All-Stars is but one.
I wouldn't want to be in the room with Hillary Clinton on Election night. Remember at the beginning of this election cycle? The nomination was Hillary's to lose. Few seem to remember that.
Sir Topham Hat was knighted. Who knew?
He may be the manager of the year but Rays manager Joe Maddon had an awful 2.5 innings in the Game 5 clincher
Brian Cashman's record on acquiring free agent pitchers is spottier than the leopards in the Bronx Zoo.
Everyone's predicting a Giant ass-whipping tomorrow. Watch the Cowboys.
The NY Rangers are off to their best 13-game start in their long history. Dare I say it? Start printing the Finals tickets
I wouldn't want to be in the room with Hillary Clinton on Election night. Remember at the beginning of this election cycle? The nomination was Hillary's to lose. Few seem to remember that.
Sir Topham Hat was knighted. Who knew?
He may be the manager of the year but Rays manager Joe Maddon had an awful 2.5 innings in the Game 5 clincher
Brian Cashman's record on acquiring free agent pitchers is spottier than the leopards in the Bronx Zoo.
Everyone's predicting a Giant ass-whipping tomorrow. Watch the Cowboys.
The NY Rangers are off to their best 13-game start in their long history. Dare I say it? Start printing the Finals tickets
Thursday, October 30, 2008
NBC News and Tim Russert's Kid
I know people will disagree with me here: But what kind of journalistic credentials does Luke Russert have to be a correspondent? Don't get me wrong. I feel for the kid losing his father. Really. And if my dad, were say, Steve Kroft, I'd want to follow in his footsteps too. Absolutely. Can't fault young Russert there.
One, however, can fault NBC News. Would it kill them to send the kid for a year to the local NBC affiliate in Harftford? Go cover a car wreck at 2 am...see how he does. At least then he'll have some credibility other than being Tim Russert's kid.
Anyone else see through this obvious ratings ploy? Yes, it's been done 1,000 times in television and other walks of life. One's surname has a lot to do with one's lot in life. I just hope--like a promising rookie pitcher rushed up to the majors--they don't ruin the kid.
Luke..To whom much is given, much is expected. We'll be watching.
One, however, can fault NBC News. Would it kill them to send the kid for a year to the local NBC affiliate in Harftford? Go cover a car wreck at 2 am...see how he does. At least then he'll have some credibility other than being Tim Russert's kid.
Anyone else see through this obvious ratings ploy? Yes, it's been done 1,000 times in television and other walks of life. One's surname has a lot to do with one's lot in life. I just hope--like a promising rookie pitcher rushed up to the majors--they don't ruin the kid.
Luke..To whom much is given, much is expected. We'll be watching.
A Word From The Messiah...
Anyone watch the Messiah, er, Barack Obama's infomercial last night? While it wasn't as tedious and tortured as Ross Perot's pie charts (Remember those back in 1992?), it was over-the-top and overly dramatic.
A few things struck me as odd right away. That office Obama was sitting in...with the wood paneling in front of the window..was this a makeshift Oval Office? And Obama was sporting a flag pin--something he was against. Is this what we can expect from our leader-to-be? I know. It's all an effort to make Obama appear Presidential. Silly. My question: who bought it last night?
Perhaps the best part about the informercial: He changed his stance on his tax mantra: Remember it was always "if you make less than $250,000 your taxes would not be raised one dime? --That's what we heard all through the campaign. Last night, however, he said those people making less than $200,000 would be taxed. Anyone catch that sleight of hand?
Personally I liked ABCs strategy: They didn't take his money and instead aired the forgettable Pushing Daisies--That'll make for an interesting trivia question as the years unfold. Which makes me wonder why FOX decided to air it? Aren't they for the conversatives or is that just FOX News?
For me, the one cool aspect of the infomercial involved came in the 27th minute...The infomerical was suddenly a live shot of the Messiah addressing the masses in Florida. Maybe that's what passes for genius these days. Sad really.
A few things struck me as odd right away. That office Obama was sitting in...with the wood paneling in front of the window..was this a makeshift Oval Office? And Obama was sporting a flag pin--something he was against. Is this what we can expect from our leader-to-be? I know. It's all an effort to make Obama appear Presidential. Silly. My question: who bought it last night?
Perhaps the best part about the informercial: He changed his stance on his tax mantra: Remember it was always "if you make less than $250,000 your taxes would not be raised one dime? --That's what we heard all through the campaign. Last night, however, he said those people making less than $200,000 would be taxed. Anyone catch that sleight of hand?
Personally I liked ABCs strategy: They didn't take his money and instead aired the forgettable Pushing Daisies--That'll make for an interesting trivia question as the years unfold. Which makes me wonder why FOX decided to air it? Aren't they for the conversatives or is that just FOX News?
For me, the one cool aspect of the infomercial involved came in the 27th minute...The infomerical was suddenly a live shot of the Messiah addressing the masses in Florida. Maybe that's what passes for genius these days. Sad really.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday Musings...
A week left before the election and it feels like McCain's chances are slipping away. Perhaps the best thing to come out of the election is that people are on to Keith Olbermann and his biased brand of politics. I've said it before, McCain is reminding me a lot of Bob Dole these days. Both decent people. Sometimes though you don't get to play the big stage...that's life.
I've read in Bob Raissman's NY Daily News column that the ESPN main baseball team of John Miller and Joe Morgan are on the verge of splitting up. Show of hands? Who's going to shed a tear? Morgan is as unlikeable as he was a great ballplayer. Give some up-and-comer a chance, I say. But ESPN, being ESPN, will screw it up somehow. John Miller's as solid as they come but again, let's change it up. I'm sure there are many voices who've paid their dues toiling in the minors can use that chance.
And for those wisenheimers who will ask how Tuesday musing are different from What I Learned Friday. My repy? Don't worry about it.
I've read in Bob Raissman's NY Daily News column that the ESPN main baseball team of John Miller and Joe Morgan are on the verge of splitting up. Show of hands? Who's going to shed a tear? Morgan is as unlikeable as he was a great ballplayer. Give some up-and-comer a chance, I say. But ESPN, being ESPN, will screw it up somehow. John Miller's as solid as they come but again, let's change it up. I'm sure there are many voices who've paid their dues toiling in the minors can use that chance.
And for those wisenheimers who will ask how Tuesday musing are different from What I Learned Friday. My repy? Don't worry about it.
Monday, October 27, 2008
World Series Monday Night
Is there anything worse than watching another team clinch the World Series? Where is my Yankees? I'm a baseball fan at heart, yes. But this year's champs, the Phils, seem beatable to me. Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton are their number 3 and 4 starters! THIS is the best team? This is the best MLB has to offer?
It's already 2-0 in the second and Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kazmir is not long for this game. I can't take this team seriiously. I have to watch because there's not going to be baseball until April. I can see why the Phillies would be popular--they've got some characters on this team.
Screw it. Islanders/Rangers are on. This game has produced more drama in two periods than the W.S. has in five games. God I love the NHL. I could watch Monday Night Football but I need a huge, almost ungodly output from TE Bo Scaife to win my fantasy matchup. Edge Rangers.
It's already 2-0 in the second and Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kazmir is not long for this game. I can't take this team seriiously. I have to watch because there's not going to be baseball until April. I can see why the Phillies would be popular--they've got some characters on this team.
Screw it. Islanders/Rangers are on. This game has produced more drama in two periods than the W.S. has in five games. God I love the NHL. I could watch Monday Night Football but I need a huge, almost ungodly output from TE Bo Scaife to win my fantasy matchup. Edge Rangers.
Amen!
From the great Phil Mushnik's New York Post column
This happens all the time with ESPN. Go get 'em Phil!
Seen throughout ESPN's Saturday programming: "ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirms CBS Sports.com report that NFL voids Rams interim coach Jim Haslett's contract ... " and "ESPN's Mortensen confirms with NFL and union sources that the number of pending cases in violation of steroids policy is eight."
After years of such transparent chest-pounding, does ESPN still not realize that intelligent viewers - those who can read - find such forced and disingenuous self-promotion laughable?
"ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirms that no matter what the story, big or small, right or wrong, and no matter who breaks it, ESPN will give itself credit."
In December, ESPN credited itself for the scoop that LSU football coach Les Miles would bolt for Michigan, then credited itself for the scoop that Miles is staying put.
If ESPN's goal is to condition viewers to disbelieve any report in which ESPN gives itself credit - even scoops that are truly all its own work - mission long ago accomplished. Grow up, already.
This happens all the time with ESPN. Go get 'em Phil!
Seen throughout ESPN's Saturday programming: "ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirms CBS Sports.com report that NFL voids Rams interim coach Jim Haslett's contract ... " and "ESPN's Mortensen confirms with NFL and union sources that the number of pending cases in violation of steroids policy is eight."
After years of such transparent chest-pounding, does ESPN still not realize that intelligent viewers - those who can read - find such forced and disingenuous self-promotion laughable?
"ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirms that no matter what the story, big or small, right or wrong, and no matter who breaks it, ESPN will give itself credit."
In December, ESPN credited itself for the scoop that LSU football coach Les Miles would bolt for Michigan, then credited itself for the scoop that Miles is staying put.
If ESPN's goal is to condition viewers to disbelieve any report in which ESPN gives itself credit - even scoops that are truly all its own work - mission long ago accomplished. Grow up, already.
Friday, October 24, 2008
What I learned Friday
Pay the extra few bucks and get Triple-A plus, when it's 3:53 am and you're stuck on the Merrit with a flat tire, you'll be glad you did. Never, however, buy the goddamn insurance the tire place tries to sell you.
The Yankees are talking about getting Mike Cameron to play center field next season. Cameron, who struck out 140-plus times in 400 at bats, couldn't crack my fantasy team. Makes me yearn for one Bernie Williams.
JFK Airport has to be one of the most godforsaken places on the planet. The best thing about my trip to Vancouver? Getting customs (back in the U.S.) overwith in Vancouver. Not much of a traveler despite being married to a true globetrotter.
Call me crazy but the morning team of Boomer and Carton is the most entetaining listen these days at WFAN.
Mike Francesa begged Ron Darling to sit in with him at the Mohegan Sun remote this afternoon. Just by being in his proximity, Francesa could make Osama Bin Laden likeable by comparison.
A money manager friend of mine once tld me "the only time you want the stock market doing well is the day you take it out. Makes sense, especially these days.
The way I feel about John McCain these days is reminiscent of how I felt at the end of the baseball season when I knew the Yankees wouldn't be making the big boy playoffs.
The Yankees are talking about getting Mike Cameron to play center field next season. Cameron, who struck out 140-plus times in 400 at bats, couldn't crack my fantasy team. Makes me yearn for one Bernie Williams.
JFK Airport has to be one of the most godforsaken places on the planet. The best thing about my trip to Vancouver? Getting customs (back in the U.S.) overwith in Vancouver. Not much of a traveler despite being married to a true globetrotter.
Call me crazy but the morning team of Boomer and Carton is the most entetaining listen these days at WFAN.
Mike Francesa begged Ron Darling to sit in with him at the Mohegan Sun remote this afternoon. Just by being in his proximity, Francesa could make Osama Bin Laden likeable by comparison.
A money manager friend of mine once tld me "the only time you want the stock market doing well is the day you take it out. Makes sense, especially these days.
The way I feel about John McCain these days is reminiscent of how I felt at the end of the baseball season when I knew the Yankees wouldn't be making the big boy playoffs.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Some Thoughts on the ALCS Broadcast
Call me crazy but did anyone else have difficulty finding the ALCS on TBS? I couldn't easily find it on my cable system. And since I'm traveling finding the blasted TBS became more frustrating. Why does baseball do this? For a few extra bucks?
Which leads to me the broadcast team of Chip Carey, Ron Darling and Buck MArtinez....perhaps the oddest broadcast team in recent memory. Here's a question...if his last name is Del Franco and not Carey, does Chip work this series? He's a hard listen...like he's trying to force it. He overtalks like the broadcasting version of Jesse Jackson. Instead of saying "it's 10:00" Carey actually said "the hour has reached 10, tonight in St. Petersburg." Are we kidding?
Creating a storyline before onev occurs. Take for example, his questioning of whether Matt Garza was on a pitch count....Darling, thankfully, set Carey straight. "He's a got 150 days to rest." When Manager Joe MAddon took Garza out in the 7th, Carey, Darling and Martinez did not mention it. Which was strange.
Which leads to me the broadcast team of Chip Carey, Ron Darling and Buck MArtinez....perhaps the oddest broadcast team in recent memory. Here's a question...if his last name is Del Franco and not Carey, does Chip work this series? He's a hard listen...like he's trying to force it. He overtalks like the broadcasting version of Jesse Jackson. Instead of saying "it's 10:00" Carey actually said "the hour has reached 10, tonight in St. Petersburg." Are we kidding?
Creating a storyline before onev occurs. Take for example, his questioning of whether Matt Garza was on a pitch count....Darling, thankfully, set Carey straight. "He's a got 150 days to rest." When Manager Joe MAddon took Garza out in the 7th, Carey, Darling and Martinez did not mention it. Which was strange.
Friday, October 17, 2008
What I Learned Friday
The weeks are flying by. Here's a sampling of some of things that made me take pause...
The Red Sox are still alive this morning after last night's comeback win. Suddenly the Sox have life in the series. Reminds me of The Godfather's "Six shots and he's still alive." quote...
Can the Dallas Cowboys just go out and play football? You get the feeling that this year's team, which hasn't won anything, fancies itself like '93 Cowboys, the defending Super Bowl Champion. That team had epic wins and losses. In fact, remember the commercial wherein Cowboys players are pictured walking along a desert road. Suddenly along comes coach Jimmy Johnson crusing up in a convertible caddy and asks, "Where you going?" To which Emmit replies, "The Super Bowl." Good stuff...
SNL Thursdays seemed like a good idea on NBC. I mean, what else are they going to put on? I won't be able to get last night's episode off my mind or my shoe. Yes it was that bad.
Obama v. McCain seems over already no? Call me crazy but I see a lot of Bob Dole in John McCain...Both are/were aging Senators who had been war heroes with famously bad tempers. Alas, if McCain suffers Dole's fate, both will have gotten "stomped on like a naked fat kid at Altamonte." (Thanks to Dennis Miller for the line...It refers to the Rolling Stones concert at Altamonte wherein the Stones hired the Hell's Angels for security and all hell broke loose. Can anyone name for me the name of the kid who died?)
Gasoline fell below $3.00 in CT and I was grateful to be paying $2.99 a gallon. In fact, I happily stood in line at Costco to give them my money. How effed up is that? That's where we've gotten too.
Did I miss something? Is WFAN's Mike Francesa trying out Benigno and Roberts to be his sit-in partner? Awful. This week, made for some uncomfortable stretches. The fact that Evan Roberts went for long stretches witout saying a word was eery. It was like in grade school where you'd call up your buddy's girlfriend and make her talk about your friend--with him listening silently. Too much of a tangent?
I take full responsibility for the Rangers losing to Buffalo the other night. I had written a glowing post off of their 5-0 start--the team's best since the mid eighties. I didn't publish the post because I thought I might tempt the hockey gods. And I was right. The result? The first Rangers loss. Blame me. I suck.
The Red Sox are still alive this morning after last night's comeback win. Suddenly the Sox have life in the series. Reminds me of The Godfather's "Six shots and he's still alive." quote...
Can the Dallas Cowboys just go out and play football? You get the feeling that this year's team, which hasn't won anything, fancies itself like '93 Cowboys, the defending Super Bowl Champion. That team had epic wins and losses. In fact, remember the commercial wherein Cowboys players are pictured walking along a desert road. Suddenly along comes coach Jimmy Johnson crusing up in a convertible caddy and asks, "Where you going?" To which Emmit replies, "The Super Bowl." Good stuff...
SNL Thursdays seemed like a good idea on NBC. I mean, what else are they going to put on? I won't be able to get last night's episode off my mind or my shoe. Yes it was that bad.
Obama v. McCain seems over already no? Call me crazy but I see a lot of Bob Dole in John McCain...Both are/were aging Senators who had been war heroes with famously bad tempers. Alas, if McCain suffers Dole's fate, both will have gotten "stomped on like a naked fat kid at Altamonte." (Thanks to Dennis Miller for the line...It refers to the Rolling Stones concert at Altamonte wherein the Stones hired the Hell's Angels for security and all hell broke loose. Can anyone name for me the name of the kid who died?)
Gasoline fell below $3.00 in CT and I was grateful to be paying $2.99 a gallon. In fact, I happily stood in line at Costco to give them my money. How effed up is that? That's where we've gotten too.
Did I miss something? Is WFAN's Mike Francesa trying out Benigno and Roberts to be his sit-in partner? Awful. This week, made for some uncomfortable stretches. The fact that Evan Roberts went for long stretches witout saying a word was eery. It was like in grade school where you'd call up your buddy's girlfriend and make her talk about your friend--with him listening silently. Too much of a tangent?
I take full responsibility for the Rangers losing to Buffalo the other night. I had written a glowing post off of their 5-0 start--the team's best since the mid eighties. I didn't publish the post because I thought I might tempt the hockey gods. And I was right. The result? The first Rangers loss. Blame me. I suck.
Some thoughts on SNL Thursdays...
I'm not sure I caught a representative sampling of the SNL Thursday edition, perhaps Tina Fey's Sarah Palin was not on it. Whatever the case, last night's episode sucked. Don't get me wrong: I wanted to love it. It airs right after The Office so I'm already pre-programmed to laugh. Last night, the jokes were plentiful as reliable Tampa Rays relievers.
The opening skit revolved around the previous night's Obama McCain debate from Hofstra. SNL's McCain was passable getting off a few "Joe the Plumber" lines (BTW, I'm already sick of Joe from Ohio) but that was about it. The skit went on twice as long as needed--often an SNL pitfall.
Weekend Update's Seth Myers has the Jimmy Fallon role. And Myers flubbed so many lines it was painful. Maybe it's live television. But he seemed a bit nervous if that's possible. Amy Poehler, on the other hand, was strong on her lines, particularly in the segment, "Stuff we liked."
She, however, was not enough to save this steaming pile of dung purporting itself to be political comedy.
The opening skit revolved around the previous night's Obama McCain debate from Hofstra. SNL's McCain was passable getting off a few "Joe the Plumber" lines (BTW, I'm already sick of Joe from Ohio) but that was about it. The skit went on twice as long as needed--often an SNL pitfall.
Weekend Update's Seth Myers has the Jimmy Fallon role. And Myers flubbed so many lines it was painful. Maybe it's live television. But he seemed a bit nervous if that's possible. Amy Poehler, on the other hand, was strong on her lines, particularly in the segment, "Stuff we liked."
She, however, was not enough to save this steaming pile of dung purporting itself to be political comedy.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Francesa Strikes Again....
I wonder if Mike Francesa actually believes the stuff he says. On Monday afternoon's show, Francesa reported that NBC's John Madden will not be broadcasting the next week's Sunday Night NFL game--thus ending a streak of 450-plus consecutive broadcasts. The Almighty then launched into this self-serving plug by telling the audience of his own dopey 450-plus streak streak of doing the NFL Now. Funny thing though...John Madden travels to the game site each week while Francesa does the NFL Now in a studio...Idiot.
He really misses Russo. The more Mike shows his personality the more I loathe him. Although he'll never be in the same class as Olbermann, Keith.
He really misses Russo. The more Mike shows his personality the more I loathe him. Although he'll never be in the same class as Olbermann, Keith.
Friday, October 10, 2008
What I learned Friday 10/10/08
What I learned Friday....
(The weeks sure go by quick no?)
Let sleeping children sleep...always.
Sarah Palin equals comedy gold. Speaking of which, I keep on waiting for the Republicans to pull a rabbit out of their a--es no? It's getting late in the game, no? Perhaps next week?
Unless you need the money yesterday, don't touch your 401k money. In fact, some might argue it's a great buying opportunity.
You know you're in bad financial straits when your newborn son has more cash on hand than you do.
Be nice to the people on the way up because you're sure to need them on the way down.
Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. That's what the baseball teams still playing have. I'm a little worried because I keep seeing Cashman's mug all over the airwaves. Shouldn't he be in that office making something happen?
The NY Rangers begin their home opener tonight. There's nothing better than opening night at MSG. In fact, the TV side is not bad either. Joe Michelletti is growing on me.
Is it me or do the rest of you have a hard time judging NHL defensemen on TV?
(The weeks sure go by quick no?)
Let sleeping children sleep...always.
Sarah Palin equals comedy gold. Speaking of which, I keep on waiting for the Republicans to pull a rabbit out of their a--es no? It's getting late in the game, no? Perhaps next week?
Unless you need the money yesterday, don't touch your 401k money. In fact, some might argue it's a great buying opportunity.
You know you're in bad financial straits when your newborn son has more cash on hand than you do.
Be nice to the people on the way up because you're sure to need them on the way down.
Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. That's what the baseball teams still playing have. I'm a little worried because I keep seeing Cashman's mug all over the airwaves. Shouldn't he be in that office making something happen?
The NY Rangers begin their home opener tonight. There's nothing better than opening night at MSG. In fact, the TV side is not bad either. Joe Michelletti is growing on me.
Is it me or do the rest of you have a hard time judging NHL defensemen on TV?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sports Illustrated's Hockey Preview
Boy was I disappointed to see the NHL preview in the most recent issue of SI.
What the hell? Surely the NHL deserves more than a few spreads devoting a skinny column to each team. Why bother covering the sport if you're going to do the obligatory "Sidney Crosby Saves the NHL" but Detroit has the best team nonsense. it drives me crazy.
I love the National Hockey League. It's the coolest game going. Its players are world class athletes and among the toughest. Where else would you see a fourth-line center barely miss a shift after getting two teeth knocked out. Despite the hits, fights, and saves, hockey remains fourth among team sports and well behind that of NASCAR.
Sure the NHL has had its detractors. It's never been wildly popular. Don Imus used to say that there were only 17,000 hockey fans in the tri-state area and those fans went to every Devil, Islander and Ranger game. In fact, the I-Man forbade Mike Breen to even give the previous night's scores.
Who's to blame? Commissioner Gary Bettman. If only for the fact that I never forgot the way he mangled the Rangers Stanley Cup presentation in 1994. "Mark Messier, come get the Stanley Cup" ...and that goofy grin. Everytime I see the replay, I want to vomit. Sure Bettman gets a ton of credit for delivering "cost-certainty" to the game by strong-arming the players, but I'd sure risk a two-minute boarding penalty to get the dude in the corner. Perhaps Chris Chelios was right after all. The NHL needs a good PR team. Come to think of it...don't we all?
What the hell? Surely the NHL deserves more than a few spreads devoting a skinny column to each team. Why bother covering the sport if you're going to do the obligatory "Sidney Crosby Saves the NHL" but Detroit has the best team nonsense. it drives me crazy.
I love the National Hockey League. It's the coolest game going. Its players are world class athletes and among the toughest. Where else would you see a fourth-line center barely miss a shift after getting two teeth knocked out. Despite the hits, fights, and saves, hockey remains fourth among team sports and well behind that of NASCAR.
Sure the NHL has had its detractors. It's never been wildly popular. Don Imus used to say that there were only 17,000 hockey fans in the tri-state area and those fans went to every Devil, Islander and Ranger game. In fact, the I-Man forbade Mike Breen to even give the previous night's scores.
Who's to blame? Commissioner Gary Bettman. If only for the fact that I never forgot the way he mangled the Rangers Stanley Cup presentation in 1994. "Mark Messier, come get the Stanley Cup" ...and that goofy grin. Everytime I see the replay, I want to vomit. Sure Bettman gets a ton of credit for delivering "cost-certainty" to the game by strong-arming the players, but I'd sure risk a two-minute boarding penalty to get the dude in the corner. Perhaps Chris Chelios was right after all. The NHL needs a good PR team. Come to think of it...don't we all?
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Mystique of the Potvin Chant
By Paul Miller
Like many Rangers fans, last March I was very relieved when I learned that a deal had fallen through to bull-doze Madison Square Garden and build a new cookie-cutter arena a block over to replace the enormous Farley Post Office on 8th Ave. Instead, MSG will soon be renovated for the first time since the early ’90s. That’s probably a good thing as long as Junior Dolan does a better job with his toy than a then-young George Steinbrenner did with his treasure, the soon-to-be Late Yankee Stadium, back in the early/mid-70s.
I doubt that the nearly 30-years-running “Potvin Sucks!” chant would have disappeared in a new MSG. But it’s sure to continue indefinitely inside the charming, hockey puck-shaped monstrosity of a structure between 7th and 8th avenues…ah, can’t beat it…that’ll remain intact — refreshed and rejuvenated, but intact.
It’s easy to take for granted how the “Potvin Sucks” chant started if you’ve been a fan as long as I have (40 years). But I’m guessing that a good many wonder just why and how a good 30%-50% of fans will seemingly out of nowhere scream it out in the middle of a game. In fact, when the Daily Del Franco asked me to write this little ode, I was like “whatever for?” He reminded me there’s really nothing like the “Potvin” chant in sports.
First, a little background on the vulgar chant for those of you unclear or too young. It began not long after Islanders defensive legend Denis Potvin checked Rangers' star center Ulf Nilsson on Feb. 25, 1979, and broke his ankle. Nilsson missed the remainder of that season and although he returned for the playoffs, he only got into two games from the four series the Rangers played that year.
The incident is a reminder of an ugly moment. Rangers fans and players who were there that night have always contended it was a dirty hit (though I believe it went unpenalized); Islanders faithful claimed Nilsson got his skate caught on a chip in the ice that led to his taking an awkward fall following what they contended was a clean hit. (And the ice at MSG has, historically, been pretty awful, what with all the events that take place on top of it.)
But at the same time, it reminds all Rangers faithful of one of the team’s greatest moments: Less than three months later, they knocked off the heavily favored Islanders in the semi-final playoff series 4 games to 2, before eventually falling to the Canadiens, 4-1 in the Stanley Cup finals.
As for the chant itself, it gets started (and the crowd gets its cue) this way: First, it comes during a period of time during games when the action has slowed. A goal hasn’t been scored in awhile; the two teams are more or less wallowing around between the blue lines. Some of the less interested head for the snack bars for over-priced hot dogs and $4 Cokes. Then some fan usually starts it by whistling a famous college fight song, of which the name escapes me. I don’t know how anyone’s able to whistle loud enough for 18,200 people to hear it, but somehow somebody does. Then after the last three notes are blown, everybody shouts “Potvin Sucks!” And with rare exception, it’s quite loud — especially if the Rangers are leading at the time.
This isn’t only a Where else, but New York? sort of thing. It’s a Who else, but Rangers fans? thing as well. And it underscores the unforgettable experience of watching a Rangers game at MSG. I can’t make the judgment that it’s louder than anywhere else, because I’ve only seen hockey in about a half-dozen other NHL arenas. But the thing you do hear many Ranger players talk about regarding a home game is the knowledgeable fans. There’s no doubt we do know our game, our team, our arena and so on better than just about any other team’s fans. The noises we fans shout out have greater meaning than those shouted by other fans in other arenas and stadiums. If we boo, it’s for good reason, and not just for the hell of it.
Sure, there are plenty of slimy, beer-guzzling assholes in attendance at most games. But they know what they’re talking about when it comes to Rangers hockey. And even if they spill beer on my head, that’s a special thing to be a part of.
Paul Miller has lived and died with the New York Rangers more times than he cares to remember. This is his first piece for TDD.
Like many Rangers fans, last March I was very relieved when I learned that a deal had fallen through to bull-doze Madison Square Garden and build a new cookie-cutter arena a block over to replace the enormous Farley Post Office on 8th Ave. Instead, MSG will soon be renovated for the first time since the early ’90s. That’s probably a good thing as long as Junior Dolan does a better job with his toy than a then-young George Steinbrenner did with his treasure, the soon-to-be Late Yankee Stadium, back in the early/mid-70s.
I doubt that the nearly 30-years-running “Potvin Sucks!” chant would have disappeared in a new MSG. But it’s sure to continue indefinitely inside the charming, hockey puck-shaped monstrosity of a structure between 7th and 8th avenues…ah, can’t beat it…that’ll remain intact — refreshed and rejuvenated, but intact.
It’s easy to take for granted how the “Potvin Sucks” chant started if you’ve been a fan as long as I have (40 years). But I’m guessing that a good many wonder just why and how a good 30%-50% of fans will seemingly out of nowhere scream it out in the middle of a game. In fact, when the Daily Del Franco asked me to write this little ode, I was like “whatever for?” He reminded me there’s really nothing like the “Potvin” chant in sports.
First, a little background on the vulgar chant for those of you unclear or too young. It began not long after Islanders defensive legend Denis Potvin checked Rangers' star center Ulf Nilsson on Feb. 25, 1979, and broke his ankle. Nilsson missed the remainder of that season and although he returned for the playoffs, he only got into two games from the four series the Rangers played that year.
The incident is a reminder of an ugly moment. Rangers fans and players who were there that night have always contended it was a dirty hit (though I believe it went unpenalized); Islanders faithful claimed Nilsson got his skate caught on a chip in the ice that led to his taking an awkward fall following what they contended was a clean hit. (And the ice at MSG has, historically, been pretty awful, what with all the events that take place on top of it.)
But at the same time, it reminds all Rangers faithful of one of the team’s greatest moments: Less than three months later, they knocked off the heavily favored Islanders in the semi-final playoff series 4 games to 2, before eventually falling to the Canadiens, 4-1 in the Stanley Cup finals.
As for the chant itself, it gets started (and the crowd gets its cue) this way: First, it comes during a period of time during games when the action has slowed. A goal hasn’t been scored in awhile; the two teams are more or less wallowing around between the blue lines. Some of the less interested head for the snack bars for over-priced hot dogs and $4 Cokes. Then some fan usually starts it by whistling a famous college fight song, of which the name escapes me. I don’t know how anyone’s able to whistle loud enough for 18,200 people to hear it, but somehow somebody does. Then after the last three notes are blown, everybody shouts “Potvin Sucks!” And with rare exception, it’s quite loud — especially if the Rangers are leading at the time.
This isn’t only a Where else, but New York? sort of thing. It’s a Who else, but Rangers fans? thing as well. And it underscores the unforgettable experience of watching a Rangers game at MSG. I can’t make the judgment that it’s louder than anywhere else, because I’ve only seen hockey in about a half-dozen other NHL arenas. But the thing you do hear many Ranger players talk about regarding a home game is the knowledgeable fans. There’s no doubt we do know our game, our team, our arena and so on better than just about any other team’s fans. The noises we fans shout out have greater meaning than those shouted by other fans in other arenas and stadiums. If we boo, it’s for good reason, and not just for the hell of it.
Sure, there are plenty of slimy, beer-guzzling assholes in attendance at most games. But they know what they’re talking about when it comes to Rangers hockey. And even if they spill beer on my head, that’s a special thing to be a part of.
Paul Miller has lived and died with the New York Rangers more times than he cares to remember. This is his first piece for TDD.
What I learned Friday...
The Flubs, I mean Cubs, will drive you crazy. Incidentally the ball hit by Manny has yet to come down. Manny's the MVP. Period. Heard Dick Stockton call some of these games. Good to hear him again. Nuts and bolts broadcaster. Solid.
Of the Palin and Biden debate. "Can I call you Joe?" What the heck was that Sarah? (And thank god she wore something other than a red suit) Like her or hate her, the fact that Palin couldn't name one Supreme Court ruling in that Couric interview was embarrasing.
For my next Fantasy politcal moderator draft, I'm taking Jim Lehrer over Gwen Ifill with my top pick. I wonder..Is Charlie Gibson is a keeper?
Anyone see that Brian Cashman press conference this week? The dude seemed angry. Maybe the baby Steinys are putting the screws to him behind the scenes.
Watch Amy Reulbach sitting in this week on Today. That's it. Nothing else. Just watch.
In a puff piece profile regarding Anne Hathaway, one of the glamour rags hardly mentioned Anne's jailed boyfriend...that Follieri fellow. Bad job. Even for a slick celebrity rag? BTW, the fact that everyone is hyping Rachel Gets Married means it has to suck. Be nice to see Anne on Oscar night, however.
Saw Jonathan Coachman, formerly of the WWE, doing ESPN News this morning. He does highlights with the same flair that he did WWE. Do I like him? I dunno..I'm still wrestling with it.
(Get it? Wrestling? Nobody gets me)
Seacrest Out.
Of the Palin and Biden debate. "Can I call you Joe?" What the heck was that Sarah? (And thank god she wore something other than a red suit) Like her or hate her, the fact that Palin couldn't name one Supreme Court ruling in that Couric interview was embarrasing.
For my next Fantasy politcal moderator draft, I'm taking Jim Lehrer over Gwen Ifill with my top pick. I wonder..Is Charlie Gibson is a keeper?
Anyone see that Brian Cashman press conference this week? The dude seemed angry. Maybe the baby Steinys are putting the screws to him behind the scenes.
Watch Amy Reulbach sitting in this week on Today. That's it. Nothing else. Just watch.
In a puff piece profile regarding Anne Hathaway, one of the glamour rags hardly mentioned Anne's jailed boyfriend...that Follieri fellow. Bad job. Even for a slick celebrity rag? BTW, the fact that everyone is hyping Rachel Gets Married means it has to suck. Be nice to see Anne on Oscar night, however.
Saw Jonathan Coachman, formerly of the WWE, doing ESPN News this morning. He does highlights with the same flair that he did WWE. Do I like him? I dunno..I'm still wrestling with it.
(Get it? Wrestling? Nobody gets me)
Seacrest Out.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
2008-09 NY Rangers Outlook
2008-09 NY Rangers Outlook
By Joe DeAngelis
The New York Rangers have just concluded pre-season training camp at their state-of-the-art MSG Training Center facility in Tarrytown, NY preparing to embark on another grueling NHL campaign.
The Blueshirts will feature several prominent changes in personal, most notably in the leadership department. Gone are Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Martin Straka and Fedor Tyutin, and enter Markus Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev, Patrick Rissmiller, and Wade Redden.
Wade Redden, if not the Rangers most attractive acquisition is clearly the front offices’ most responsible addition. Redden gives the team a much needed offensive presence on the blueline and veteran stability in the defensive zone, something the Rangers seriously lacked since the departure of Brain Leetch.
Team general manager Glen Sather apparently felt the time is right for the Rangers to part ways with their most expensive scoring talent in the aging Jaromir Jagr. Sather offset this significant loss with the signing of upbeat free agents LW Markus Naslund, from Vancouver and RW Nikolai Zherdev from Columbus, both been known to light the lamp regularly.
Perhaps the largest loss the Rangers suffered this off-season was losing LW Sean Avery to Dallas. His feistyness, and uncanny ability to take an opponent off his game, will surely be missed, just ask Martin Brodeur. Despite losing the antagonistic flair of Avery, the Rangers retain plenty of muscle that includes forwards Blair Betts, Coulton Orr and the newly acqured Aaron Voros.
The 2008-09 Rangers will only be as good as their goaltender Henrik Lunqvist. “Hank” is the backbone of his team, and although he is not the perfect goalie, he is more than capable of getting the job done. With apologies to Guy Hebert, it’s safe to say that Lundqvist is the Rangers finest goaltender since Mike Richter. The Swedish puck-stopper is close to becoming the standard of excellence at his position.
PRUCHA ? PRUCHA ? HAS ANYBODY SEEN PETR PRUCHA ? Will somebody please put in an order of one bounce-back year for Petr Prucha.
I anxiously await to see if the corps of youth the Rangers farmed will finally pay major dividends. Will sophomore Brandon Dubinsky continue to grow into the goal scorer the team believes he could become ? Can 6’ 05” Marc Staal make fans forget that the Rangers need a big defenseman ? Will Ryan Callahan find that fire that once propelled him in the 2006 playoffs ? I know I’m really reaching here but will 6’ 04” RW Huge Jessiman ever make varsity ?
In the years prior to the NHL salary cap era, the Rangers were heavily mocked by the hockey community for “buying” talent with their fat wallets hoping to forge success on the laurels of legendary players past. The names of Dionne, Lafleur, Gretzky and Lindros remind us all too well that buying one’s glorified history does not translate into immediate success, which brings us to Brendan Shanahan. Perhaps it’s best for Shanahan to say home this year.
I like the direction the current Rangers are going. Losing a primadonna like Jagr and an aging Brendan Shanahan along with their hefty salaries, will allow the team to acquire more gritty players who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and go to work, for it’s this type of player (see Adam Graves) that champions are made of.
Today I launch my campaign to bring back Bobby Granger commercials, and can somebody properly explain icing to my wife , I just don’t have the words.
This is Joe DeAngelis' first piece for the TDD. An unabashed Ranger fan, Joe lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
By Joe DeAngelis
The New York Rangers have just concluded pre-season training camp at their state-of-the-art MSG Training Center facility in Tarrytown, NY preparing to embark on another grueling NHL campaign.
The Blueshirts will feature several prominent changes in personal, most notably in the leadership department. Gone are Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Martin Straka and Fedor Tyutin, and enter Markus Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev, Patrick Rissmiller, and Wade Redden.
Wade Redden, if not the Rangers most attractive acquisition is clearly the front offices’ most responsible addition. Redden gives the team a much needed offensive presence on the blueline and veteran stability in the defensive zone, something the Rangers seriously lacked since the departure of Brain Leetch.
Team general manager Glen Sather apparently felt the time is right for the Rangers to part ways with their most expensive scoring talent in the aging Jaromir Jagr. Sather offset this significant loss with the signing of upbeat free agents LW Markus Naslund, from Vancouver and RW Nikolai Zherdev from Columbus, both been known to light the lamp regularly.
Perhaps the largest loss the Rangers suffered this off-season was losing LW Sean Avery to Dallas. His feistyness, and uncanny ability to take an opponent off his game, will surely be missed, just ask Martin Brodeur. Despite losing the antagonistic flair of Avery, the Rangers retain plenty of muscle that includes forwards Blair Betts, Coulton Orr and the newly acqured Aaron Voros.
The 2008-09 Rangers will only be as good as their goaltender Henrik Lunqvist. “Hank” is the backbone of his team, and although he is not the perfect goalie, he is more than capable of getting the job done. With apologies to Guy Hebert, it’s safe to say that Lundqvist is the Rangers finest goaltender since Mike Richter. The Swedish puck-stopper is close to becoming the standard of excellence at his position.
PRUCHA ? PRUCHA ? HAS ANYBODY SEEN PETR PRUCHA ? Will somebody please put in an order of one bounce-back year for Petr Prucha.
I anxiously await to see if the corps of youth the Rangers farmed will finally pay major dividends. Will sophomore Brandon Dubinsky continue to grow into the goal scorer the team believes he could become ? Can 6’ 05” Marc Staal make fans forget that the Rangers need a big defenseman ? Will Ryan Callahan find that fire that once propelled him in the 2006 playoffs ? I know I’m really reaching here but will 6’ 04” RW Huge Jessiman ever make varsity ?
In the years prior to the NHL salary cap era, the Rangers were heavily mocked by the hockey community for “buying” talent with their fat wallets hoping to forge success on the laurels of legendary players past. The names of Dionne, Lafleur, Gretzky and Lindros remind us all too well that buying one’s glorified history does not translate into immediate success, which brings us to Brendan Shanahan. Perhaps it’s best for Shanahan to say home this year.
I like the direction the current Rangers are going. Losing a primadonna like Jagr and an aging Brendan Shanahan along with their hefty salaries, will allow the team to acquire more gritty players who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and go to work, for it’s this type of player (see Adam Graves) that champions are made of.
Today I launch my campaign to bring back Bobby Granger commercials, and can somebody properly explain icing to my wife , I just don’t have the words.
This is Joe DeAngelis' first piece for the TDD. An unabashed Ranger fan, Joe lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Monday, September 29, 2008
What I've Learned....(Monday edition)
Okay:
I took a break from diaper-duty to weigh in on some pressing news, breaking and otherwise:
I've yet to see any media outlet really explain the financial credit mess intelligently. For some unexplicable reason, the media outlets are focusing on how Obama/McCain will deal with it. Important yes, but let's see some expertise in explaining this mess to Ma and Pa on Main Street.
Memo to the New York Times: Before we run another anti McCain story on the front page can we get some sources or perhaps better not run the story?
Score one for Katie Couric. Took more than a year but she finally made news for more than perkiness with that Sarah Palin interview. (I notice how she stopped saying "Hi everybody" when opening the newscast)
Nobody gives a rat's behind about Daddy's-to-be in the Operating Room. Either you stay on that stool or you count the ring lights when you drop. It's your choice.
Does it make me a bad person to be thinking about a Marion Barber/Julius Jones/Felix Jones lineup combo during he operation?
When having a surgery it's crucial to stay ahead of the pain with medication.
It's no long Willie Randolph's fault. Say hello to Bobby Valentine..Your next NY Mets manager. What a joke to have the Shea celebration after the Mets collapse. Celebration? More like a funeral.
Any reason why the Yankees started winning when all the pressure was off?
More later. I hear the baby....
I took a break from diaper-duty to weigh in on some pressing news, breaking and otherwise:
I've yet to see any media outlet really explain the financial credit mess intelligently. For some unexplicable reason, the media outlets are focusing on how Obama/McCain will deal with it. Important yes, but let's see some expertise in explaining this mess to Ma and Pa on Main Street.
Memo to the New York Times: Before we run another anti McCain story on the front page can we get some sources or perhaps better not run the story?
Score one for Katie Couric. Took more than a year but she finally made news for more than perkiness with that Sarah Palin interview. (I notice how she stopped saying "Hi everybody" when opening the newscast)
Nobody gives a rat's behind about Daddy's-to-be in the Operating Room. Either you stay on that stool or you count the ring lights when you drop. It's your choice.
Does it make me a bad person to be thinking about a Marion Barber/Julius Jones/Felix Jones lineup combo during he operation?
When having a surgery it's crucial to stay ahead of the pain with medication.
It's no long Willie Randolph's fault. Say hello to Bobby Valentine..Your next NY Mets manager. What a joke to have the Shea celebration after the Mets collapse. Celebration? More like a funeral.
Any reason why the Yankees started winning when all the pressure was off?
More later. I hear the baby....
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Me The Next Few Days....
Editor's Note:
I will be off the next few days attending to all of the little Del Francos. I'll be back next week with full commentary. If my wife's C-section is anything like the first, tomorrow should be fraught with emotion, anxiety and all the rest. I hope I don't fall off the stool during the surgery because I'm told that's exactly where they'll leave me--on the floor counting the ring lights! I'm a stone-cold coward at the hospital.
Until next week.....
I will be off the next few days attending to all of the little Del Francos. I'll be back next week with full commentary. If my wife's C-section is anything like the first, tomorrow should be fraught with emotion, anxiety and all the rest. I hope I don't fall off the stool during the surgery because I'm told that's exactly where they'll leave me--on the floor counting the ring lights! I'm a stone-cold coward at the hospital.
Until next week.....
Mets Folding?
If there's a god in heaven, the NY Mets mirror what they did last year and pull a collapse! I have to admit I'm a spoiled Yankee fan. Watching a second consecutive collapse would make me happy--if only to hear the callers on WFAN. As of this morning, they are .5 games back of the Phillies.
Willie Randolph can't be blamed now!
C'Mon now. Losing to the Nationals and Odalis Perez 1-0? --The noose is tightening.
My son, Benjamin, is on my lap. And now I've got to look after what's really important...
Willie Randolph can't be blamed now!
C'Mon now. Losing to the Nationals and Odalis Perez 1-0? --The noose is tightening.
My son, Benjamin, is on my lap. And now I've got to look after what's really important...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Note to the Kids...
It wasn't as bad as Leon Lett in the Super Bowl but Eagles rookie DeSean Jackson probably cemented himself in Monday Night Football history last night.
Here's what happened: Jackson, having in hauled a 64-yard bomb from Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, was so pleased with himself he couldn't wait to start celebrating in the end zone. Only before the ball broke the goal line, Jackson discarded the ball at the 1-yard line. No touchdown, ball dead at the 1. Because Jackson's bonehead move cost me six points in my Fantasy league, I let a yell surpassed only by Woltz after he discovered the horse's head in his bed. Good thing I didn't wake my son.
Gotta love the electronic age: ESPN went into the video vault and showed footage of a college game where Jackson dove into the endzone in celebration at the 5-yard line but again landed on the 1-yard line.
I guess it's too much to ask to score and hand the ball to the ref? Instead, we have to roll around in our individuality to mark the achievement. I will pass over in silence Jackson's celebratory dance. At this point it would just be piling on.
Here's what happened: Jackson, having in hauled a 64-yard bomb from Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, was so pleased with himself he couldn't wait to start celebrating in the end zone. Only before the ball broke the goal line, Jackson discarded the ball at the 1-yard line. No touchdown, ball dead at the 1. Because Jackson's bonehead move cost me six points in my Fantasy league, I let a yell surpassed only by Woltz after he discovered the horse's head in his bed. Good thing I didn't wake my son.
Gotta love the electronic age: ESPN went into the video vault and showed footage of a college game where Jackson dove into the endzone in celebration at the 5-yard line but again landed on the 1-yard line.
I guess it's too much to ask to score and hand the ball to the ref? Instead, we have to roll around in our individuality to mark the achievement. I will pass over in silence Jackson's celebratory dance. At this point it would just be piling on.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Media Interview: Chris "Maddog" Russo
Last week, I got a lucky break. I rode home on the Metro-North train with the Maddog. Yup, Chris Russo.
I say lucky because I happened to sit down on the only vacated seat on the crowded afternoon train car. I sensed it might be Russo. So I asked him, "Are you Chris?"
To which he responded: "How you doing, buddy?" It was him. Jackpot!
I then said, "You might want to get up and move your seat now because I have so many questions for you."
He smiled and put down his newspaper. For the next 45 minutes he could not have been more kind, thoughtful and giving of his responses. From the obscure bordering on the obsessed, Russo answered every question I threw at him. Russo had just finished putting the finishing touches on his new Sirius XM radio show which premieres today. What follows is some of the exchange on the train...
On that last WFAN appearance, what was it like calling in..."The station didn't want Mike to have me on. That was all Mike. When you leave, they want you gone. But I had a lot of emotion when I called in."
On that Newsday story which broke over the Summer..."Mike gave it them. He's a Long Island guy. Long Island newspaper. Makes sense."
Settle it for me...did you and Mike like the callers on WFAN? "Mike hated the callers but I like them," he says, "they add to the show."
On doing David Letterman..."Two spots, nine minutes. (Letterman) is a big sports fan."(Surprisingly, Russo's done more 30 Letterman appearances since 1990)Funny thing about Letterman, I feel like I barely know him despite the number of times I've been on."
I hear Letterman's an enigma. "That's a good word for him," Russo says.
On his Howard Stern appearance..."I did an hour with Howard. I can't tell you enough what a nice guy he was. You know, I get to curse on satellite...and Howard made me curse."
Following his departure from WFAN, Russo talked about how surprised he was by all of the media coverage and well-wishers. "(Giants coach Tom) Coughlin wrote me a nice letter. I heard from Brian Cashman...Bob Costas. "Funny thing about Costas," he says. "We all loved his Olympic coverage, his hosting...but one newspaper guy in Alaska, a mentally retarded guy, wrote something negative and Costas called him," Russo says. "That's Bob," Russo says gesturing as if making a point. "He's got his tentacles out all over."
On his boss Mel Karmazin..."I guess I'm one of his guys," he says. (Karmazin used to be Russo's boss over at then WFAN parent, Infinity) "I tell you what made me feel good. I took a call on my show from a guy in San Diego who's never heard of me and was just about to give up his satellite radio. He said 'Chris, I've never heard of you but I listened to your show and I liked what I heard. So I'm keeping my subscription.'" he says. "Hopefully Mel was listening to that call."
Friday, September 12, 2008
What I Learned Friday 9/12/08
And this is the week that was....As a reminder, send me what you've learned at mark.delfranco@gmail.com
The details coming out of the Raffaelo Follieri (AKA Anne Hathaway's ex) case ) are mind-blowing. To give you an idea of the scope of the con the feds nabbed watches, jewelry gifts, and other items from his $37,000 a month Manhattan penthouse. There was no way this was going to last. It does prove one thing: If you act the part, dress nice, (It helps to be Italian and claimto have ties to the Vatican) you can get a movie star chick like Anne Hathaway. Man! What few account for? What happens when you get caught? That's what few con men consider. This case is going to make a great movie--too bad Hathaway will never take the role.
That Newsday story that broke over the Summer detailing the breakup of the Mike and the Maddog Show? It was given to columnist Neil Best by Mike Francesa...
Speaking of Mike, he'll move his simulcast radio show off of YES and onto the MSG network after YES contract expires....
There's worse ways to spend a Thursday morning than sipping coffee in Bryant Park watching the scenery during Fashion Week.
That politicians do not belong in the City during 9/11. It's tantamount to grandstanding and the traffic tie-ups are maddening! Stay the hell away!
Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war.
Just because it's your name doesn't mean you own the product (see Johnson, Chad or Cinco, Ocho)
The details coming out of the Raffaelo Follieri (AKA Anne Hathaway's ex) case ) are mind-blowing. To give you an idea of the scope of the con the feds nabbed watches, jewelry gifts, and other items from his $37,000 a month Manhattan penthouse. There was no way this was going to last. It does prove one thing: If you act the part, dress nice, (It helps to be Italian and claimto have ties to the Vatican) you can get a movie star chick like Anne Hathaway. Man! What few account for? What happens when you get caught? That's what few con men consider. This case is going to make a great movie--too bad Hathaway will never take the role.
That Newsday story that broke over the Summer detailing the breakup of the Mike and the Maddog Show? It was given to columnist Neil Best by Mike Francesa...
Speaking of Mike, he'll move his simulcast radio show off of YES and onto the MSG network after YES contract expires....
There's worse ways to spend a Thursday morning than sipping coffee in Bryant Park watching the scenery during Fashion Week.
That politicians do not belong in the City during 9/11. It's tantamount to grandstanding and the traffic tie-ups are maddening! Stay the hell away!
Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war.
Just because it's your name doesn't mean you own the product (see Johnson, Chad or Cinco, Ocho)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Finally....The Truth About Oil Prices?
Allow me to take a break from the important issues of our day, such as Tom Brady's ankle injury. Who saw this report from AP? Maybe once Obama and McCain finish calling each other names in November, perhaps somebody can put a junior staffer on this...These are issues that need "change"--not who called whom what. (if that makes sense)
(AP) Speculation by large investors — and not supply and demand for oil — were a primary reason for the surge in oil prices during the first half of the year and the more recent price declines, an independent study concluded Wednesday.
The report by Masters Capital Management said investors poured $60 billion into oil futures markets during the first five months of the year as oil prices soared from $95 a barrel in January to $145 a barrel by July.
Since then, these investors have withdrawn $39 billion from those markets as prices have retreated dramatically, the report said. Oil traded at about $102 a barrel Wednesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
"We have clear evidence the fund flow pushed prices up and the fund flow pushed prices down," said Michael Masters of Masters Capital Management, calling the amount of money moving into oil futures markets by large institutional investors in the early part of the year "way off the scale."
Masters said its analysis shows investors "began a massive stampede for the exits" on July 15 and that this caused the price decline.
"These large financial players have become the primary source of the dramatic and damaging volatility seen in oil prices," concluded the report.
The report was released Wednesday by House and Senate sponsors of bills to put additional curbs on oil market speculation and comes in advance of a report on oil market speculation expected possibly this week by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. The commission regulates commodity markets--END Story.
Of course, there's two sides to the story. Officials are calling the report flawed. In other news, the sun came up today.
(AP) Speculation by large investors — and not supply and demand for oil — were a primary reason for the surge in oil prices during the first half of the year and the more recent price declines, an independent study concluded Wednesday.
The report by Masters Capital Management said investors poured $60 billion into oil futures markets during the first five months of the year as oil prices soared from $95 a barrel in January to $145 a barrel by July.
Since then, these investors have withdrawn $39 billion from those markets as prices have retreated dramatically, the report said. Oil traded at about $102 a barrel Wednesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
"We have clear evidence the fund flow pushed prices up and the fund flow pushed prices down," said Michael Masters of Masters Capital Management, calling the amount of money moving into oil futures markets by large institutional investors in the early part of the year "way off the scale."
Masters said its analysis shows investors "began a massive stampede for the exits" on July 15 and that this caused the price decline.
"These large financial players have become the primary source of the dramatic and damaging volatility seen in oil prices," concluded the report.
The report was released Wednesday by House and Senate sponsors of bills to put additional curbs on oil market speculation and comes in advance of a report on oil market speculation expected possibly this week by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. The commission regulates commodity markets--END Story.
Of course, there's two sides to the story. Officials are calling the report flawed. In other news, the sun came up today.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Did you guys catch this?
Busy week, but did you guys catch this?
MSNBC has relieved Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews of election hosting duties. It seems the suits at NBC finally watched the circus going on at their cable outlet. How else could you explain why NBC allowed the bias to creep into both convention telecasts? Somehow, Keith got the news/commentary thing separated. During a brief moment on camera, Brokaw looked a tad embarassed.
Anybody catch the infomercial on the CBS Halftime show Sunday? OMG. I tuned in expecting to hear the latest on Tom Brady's injury...instead I got Randy Moss in a kitchen plugging something called CBS Scene--a new theme restaurant. Wow. How did we get here? I expected more from CBS--the network of Murrow. I expect this stuff from FOX.
Now that the Aaron Rodgers saga is over...Can we go back to our lives? My word. With ESPN leading the back, naturally. While we're on the topic..what have they done with MNF anyway? It's barely recognizable. Why do I get the suspicion that if they got a Porsche, the producers would trick it into a ride with "he got jacked up" emblazoned on each side?
Still having a hard time getting used to Mike without the Maddog. Here's a little nitpick: Is the name of the show "Miked Up?" Or is it "Francesa on the Fan?" Both are used interchangeably. And let me say this: That opening jingle will never be confused with radio gold. Can we get Chernoff to go back into the studio and rework? It's old Mike and the Maddog jingle with minor modifcations "He's going at it as hard as he can, it's Mike Francesa on the Fan" That's akin to showing up to a party with the new girlfriend; only she looks exactly like the old girlfriend. Creepy.
The Yankees now sit in fourth place in the division after a 12-1 pasting at the hands of the Angels. But yesterday, the baby boss said Girardi will return next year. Unreal.
How great would it be if Torre's Dodgers made the playoffs and the Yankees didn't? Could happen.
MSNBC has relieved Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews of election hosting duties. It seems the suits at NBC finally watched the circus going on at their cable outlet. How else could you explain why NBC allowed the bias to creep into both convention telecasts? Somehow, Keith got the news/commentary thing separated. During a brief moment on camera, Brokaw looked a tad embarassed.
Anybody catch the infomercial on the CBS Halftime show Sunday? OMG. I tuned in expecting to hear the latest on Tom Brady's injury...instead I got Randy Moss in a kitchen plugging something called CBS Scene--a new theme restaurant. Wow. How did we get here? I expected more from CBS--the network of Murrow. I expect this stuff from FOX.
Now that the Aaron Rodgers saga is over...Can we go back to our lives? My word. With ESPN leading the back, naturally. While we're on the topic..what have they done with MNF anyway? It's barely recognizable. Why do I get the suspicion that if they got a Porsche, the producers would trick it into a ride with "he got jacked up" emblazoned on each side?
Still having a hard time getting used to Mike without the Maddog. Here's a little nitpick: Is the name of the show "Miked Up?" Or is it "Francesa on the Fan?" Both are used interchangeably. And let me say this: That opening jingle will never be confused with radio gold. Can we get Chernoff to go back into the studio and rework? It's old Mike and the Maddog jingle with minor modifcations "He's going at it as hard as he can, it's Mike Francesa on the Fan" That's akin to showing up to a party with the new girlfriend; only she looks exactly like the old girlfriend. Creepy.
The Yankees now sit in fourth place in the division after a 12-1 pasting at the hands of the Angels. But yesterday, the baby boss said Girardi will return next year. Unreal.
How great would it be if Torre's Dodgers made the playoffs and the Yankees didn't? Could happen.
Having His Say: Mets Fans Rejoice at Yankee Ineptitude
Why are Mets fans taking so much glee from the disappointing Yankees season? One Mets fan lists his reasons...
Yankee fans are so used to winning they become so cocky. It's the sense of entitlement that the post-season belongs to them. Ever go to a game at the Stadium and the Yanks are losing? The fans still cheer because they expect a comeback. Worse, every offseason, my Yankee fan friend tells me the latest free agent stud they are pursuing because, as we all know, money's no object: They were getting Beltran, Guererro, and how great it was going to be when Nomar comes to play second with Jeter and A-Rod. Last year they were getting Santana. This year my friend tells me, oh don’t worry about it the Yankees will be getting Sabathia next year. That’s what I mean about expectation. They just expect the Yankees to get these players and expect them to make and win the World Series every year.
So it’s a tremendous pleasure to see them sulking and now how they say “oh I’m so tired of them this year, they suck.” Yankee fans have no idea how to handle this type of situation, it’s foreign to them. Maybe it’s not the fans fault since their team has been so great for so long. They are so used to getting all the great players, and not really because of the money they spend but it was because the players always wanted to play for the Yankees and not the Mets. Thanks to Curt Schilling, not only has he just about single handedly removed the “Curse of the Bambino” but he made it chic to turn the Yankees down to play for them.
Now that the Yankees season is just about over, I haven’t watched a Mets game in a week and they played 3 major games against the Phillies this weekend. I can walk down the street and talk to any Yankee fan and know that as I am talking to them I am laughing inside because they are not making the playoffs for the first time since 1993. They are squirming. What’s even funnier is that it’s going to be so hard for the Yankees to get back to the playoffs next year and beyond now that Tampa is better and even the Blue Jays have so much better pitching. At this moment, the Yankees are maybe the 7th or 8th best team in the American League--not to mention fourth in their division.
Getting back to the Mets, I understand that they have not been in the World Series since 2000, but they have a great core of players. Wright and Reyes along with Santana will keep them on top or close to the top for a long time. It’s up to GM Omar Minaya to fill in the pieces correctly. As long as they are going in the right direction, I’m happy.
Let me just finish by saying what all Mets fans are thinking: Win or lose, the season has already been a success knowing that the Yankees will not make the playoffs.
This is the second piece from Wayne Davis, who's glad he didn't get stuck with Tom Brady in his fantasy draft
Yankee fans are so used to winning they become so cocky. It's the sense of entitlement that the post-season belongs to them. Ever go to a game at the Stadium and the Yanks are losing? The fans still cheer because they expect a comeback. Worse, every offseason, my Yankee fan friend tells me the latest free agent stud they are pursuing because, as we all know, money's no object: They were getting Beltran, Guererro, and how great it was going to be when Nomar comes to play second with Jeter and A-Rod. Last year they were getting Santana. This year my friend tells me, oh don’t worry about it the Yankees will be getting Sabathia next year. That’s what I mean about expectation. They just expect the Yankees to get these players and expect them to make and win the World Series every year.
So it’s a tremendous pleasure to see them sulking and now how they say “oh I’m so tired of them this year, they suck.” Yankee fans have no idea how to handle this type of situation, it’s foreign to them. Maybe it’s not the fans fault since their team has been so great for so long. They are so used to getting all the great players, and not really because of the money they spend but it was because the players always wanted to play for the Yankees and not the Mets. Thanks to Curt Schilling, not only has he just about single handedly removed the “Curse of the Bambino” but he made it chic to turn the Yankees down to play for them.
Now that the Yankees season is just about over, I haven’t watched a Mets game in a week and they played 3 major games against the Phillies this weekend. I can walk down the street and talk to any Yankee fan and know that as I am talking to them I am laughing inside because they are not making the playoffs for the first time since 1993. They are squirming. What’s even funnier is that it’s going to be so hard for the Yankees to get back to the playoffs next year and beyond now that Tampa is better and even the Blue Jays have so much better pitching. At this moment, the Yankees are maybe the 7th or 8th best team in the American League--not to mention fourth in their division.
Getting back to the Mets, I understand that they have not been in the World Series since 2000, but they have a great core of players. Wright and Reyes along with Santana will keep them on top or close to the top for a long time. It’s up to GM Omar Minaya to fill in the pieces correctly. As long as they are going in the right direction, I’m happy.
Let me just finish by saying what all Mets fans are thinking: Win or lose, the season has already been a success knowing that the Yankees will not make the playoffs.
This is the second piece from Wayne Davis, who's glad he didn't get stuck with Tom Brady in his fantasy draft
Friday, September 5, 2008
What I Learned Friday 9/5/08
From the meteoric rise of Sarah Palin to the Yankee flameout, here's what I learned this week:
The media giveth and taketh away...
A Community Oraganizer is almost like being in the City Council, except you have to do things. This was classic! In one week's time Sarah Palin went from WHO? to OOH! Only in America. (Did you also see Harry Reid of Nevada use the word "shrill" to describe Palin? Dig the language. Shrill is not too far down the road from the b-word. Did you ever hear a man described as shrill?)
I always found it odd how people who detested Howard Stern listened anyway. Now I have the same thing. Only it's not Stern, it's MSNBCs Keith Olbermann. I'd like to fight him in a WWE-Style Hell in a Cell Match. KO wants to show off his phony erudition and faux Dennis Miller wit. I like to scream at the television when Keith is on. (Historical note: Best Match Ever: Undertaker vs. Mick Foley, Hell in a Cell, Pittsburgh. On the bottom of my blog you'll see a search box for YouTube: Type in Hell in a Cell Go ahead. Look it up...I'll wait)
Fantasy Football drafts pretty much started with Ladainian and ended with Titans K Rob Bironas...
The Dallas Cowboys are the chic pick to get to the Super Bowl. I know, i just jinxed them. This is like when you're on roll in blackjack and the house sends in a new dealer to change up the cards. BTW, Tony Romo and Wade Phillips have won exactly zero playoff games. I have Dallas winning 12 games with no problem. (Historical note: The opposing NFL coach in the Jan. 2000 Music City Miracle playoff game between Tennessee and Buffalo? Yup. Wade Phillips.)
It's laughable how the YES voices pretend the Yankees have even a remote possibility of making the playoffs. But there was pre- and post- host Bob Lorenz shilling for the house team this week. Good job, Bob. Ugh.
Each September, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin will get his 15 minutes of fame.
How bad are President Bush's approval rating when he can't show up at a political convention...full of CONSERVATIVES? C'mon. McCain's relief that night reminded me of how Ray Liotta's character felt in Goodfellas when Robert DeNiro called off the hit on Maury.
The media giveth and taketh away...
A Community Oraganizer is almost like being in the City Council, except you have to do things. This was classic! In one week's time Sarah Palin went from WHO? to OOH! Only in America. (Did you also see Harry Reid of Nevada use the word "shrill" to describe Palin? Dig the language. Shrill is not too far down the road from the b-word. Did you ever hear a man described as shrill?)
I always found it odd how people who detested Howard Stern listened anyway. Now I have the same thing. Only it's not Stern, it's MSNBCs Keith Olbermann. I'd like to fight him in a WWE-Style Hell in a Cell Match. KO wants to show off his phony erudition and faux Dennis Miller wit. I like to scream at the television when Keith is on. (Historical note: Best Match Ever: Undertaker vs. Mick Foley, Hell in a Cell, Pittsburgh. On the bottom of my blog you'll see a search box for YouTube: Type in Hell in a Cell Go ahead. Look it up...I'll wait)
Fantasy Football drafts pretty much started with Ladainian and ended with Titans K Rob Bironas...
The Dallas Cowboys are the chic pick to get to the Super Bowl. I know, i just jinxed them. This is like when you're on roll in blackjack and the house sends in a new dealer to change up the cards. BTW, Tony Romo and Wade Phillips have won exactly zero playoff games. I have Dallas winning 12 games with no problem. (Historical note: The opposing NFL coach in the Jan. 2000 Music City Miracle playoff game between Tennessee and Buffalo? Yup. Wade Phillips.)
It's laughable how the YES voices pretend the Yankees have even a remote possibility of making the playoffs. But there was pre- and post- host Bob Lorenz shilling for the house team this week. Good job, Bob. Ugh.
Each September, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin will get his 15 minutes of fame.
How bad are President Bush's approval rating when he can't show up at a political convention...full of CONSERVATIVES? C'mon. McCain's relief that night reminded me of how Ray Liotta's character felt in Goodfellas when Robert DeNiro called off the hit on Maury.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Football Version of All About Eve...
You can't make it up....
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP)—Detroit Lions running back Rudi
Johnson says his luggage was taken from the team’s practice
facility by Tatum Bell.
Johnson was waived by Cincinnati, met with Lions president
Matt Millen on Monday and signed a free-agent contact.
During the meeting, his two duffel bags were taken from the
team’s headquarters.
Johnson said Wednesday he was shown surveillance footage
Tuesday afternoon that captured the theft.
A message seeking comment was left Wednesday with Bell’s
agent, Kennard McGuire. Johnson replaced Bell on Detroit’s
53-man roster.
The empty bags were returned Tuesday evening, but Johnson
said he is still missing $200, his ID, credit cards and
clothes. Johnson said he had spoken with Bell and did not
plan to involve the police.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP)—Detroit Lions running back Rudi
Johnson says his luggage was taken from the team’s practice
facility by Tatum Bell.
Johnson was waived by Cincinnati, met with Lions president
Matt Millen on Monday and signed a free-agent contact.
During the meeting, his two duffel bags were taken from the
team’s headquarters.
Johnson said Wednesday he was shown surveillance footage
Tuesday afternoon that captured the theft.
A message seeking comment was left Wednesday with Bell’s
agent, Kennard McGuire. Johnson replaced Bell on Detroit’s
53-man roster.
The empty bags were returned Tuesday evening, but Johnson
said he is still missing $200, his ID, credit cards and
clothes. Johnson said he had spoken with Bell and did not
plan to involve the police.
Friday, August 29, 2008
What I learned Friday 8/29
A busy week. Ready? Here's what I learned:
Say what you want about the Clintons...They have good speechwriters. HRC must have a comedy writer on staff.
What the hell happened to MSNBC's Keith Olbermann? What an obnoxious, biased creep...Was he always like this on ESPN? A little of Keith goes a long way.
McCain picked whom? From where?
That Joe Biden takes the train daily. (Enough already. We get it!)
Note to Pres. Bush. Wanna save your legacy? Hi-tail it down to the Big Easy and start sand-bagging for Gustav.
Despite yesterday's 3-2 Yankee victory, it's still over.
Take the Corleone approach when drafting your fantasy football squad: it's business not personal.
I re-learned that the writing in Bull Durham is pretty clever.
America hides behind voicemail.
Short of Michael Vick, what do you have to do to get kicked out of the NFL? Say what you want: PacMan Jones is still a thug. And now he plays for my team, the Cowboys.
Say what you want about the Clintons...They have good speechwriters. HRC must have a comedy writer on staff.
What the hell happened to MSNBC's Keith Olbermann? What an obnoxious, biased creep...Was he always like this on ESPN? A little of Keith goes a long way.
McCain picked whom? From where?
That Joe Biden takes the train daily. (Enough already. We get it!)
Note to Pres. Bush. Wanna save your legacy? Hi-tail it down to the Big Easy and start sand-bagging for Gustav.
Despite yesterday's 3-2 Yankee victory, it's still over.
Take the Corleone approach when drafting your fantasy football squad: it's business not personal.
I re-learned that the writing in Bull Durham is pretty clever.
America hides behind voicemail.
Short of Michael Vick, what do you have to do to get kicked out of the NFL? Say what you want: PacMan Jones is still a thug. And now he plays for my team, the Cowboys.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Attention Fat Ladies--Begin Warbling
Somewhere between Mulholland Drive and Laurel Canyon, former manager Joe Torre must be laughing his ass off today. That's because the Yankee season is over, regardless of today's outcome.
Here's a top 10 list of reasons the 2008 Yankees' playoff run failed:
Regular readers of TDD understand my penchant for Top 10 lists (probably because I'm a frustrated comedy writer)
10.) Girardi's curious managing early..See Kennedy's wash-out start in KC
9.) Injuries. A factor yes, but not the death-knell with these guys
8.) Sixty percent of your rotation is currently Ponson, Pavano and Rasner
7.) The threesome of Joba, Hughes, Kennedy had exactly two wins
6.) Paucity of big hits late; A-ROD has 2 RBIS in innings 8 & 9
5.) When the left-field fans have a better arm than your left-fielder...not good
4.) Too much attention paid to The Mustache, Stray-Rod, and Converting Joba
3.) Besides Mariano, bullpen is more suspect than OJ Simpson
2.) Having 7 DHs is akin to having no DH
1.) Say it with me: Fun, Fun, Fundamentals. It was as foreign to this team as food stamps. The lack of stolen bases, tagging up, playing defense...all of it. Time to throw the dirt on this bunch....
So now that the baseball season has ended....let me leave you with this:
"You know what the difference Is between hitting .250 and hitting
.300? It's one. 25 hits a year in 500 at bats is 50 points. There's 6 months in a season....That's about 25 weeks-you get one extra flare a week-just one-a gork, a ground ball with eyes, a dying quail--just one more dying qual a week and you're in Yankee Stadium". -- Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham"
Here's a top 10 list of reasons the 2008 Yankees' playoff run failed:
Regular readers of TDD understand my penchant for Top 10 lists (probably because I'm a frustrated comedy writer)
10.) Girardi's curious managing early..See Kennedy's wash-out start in KC
9.) Injuries. A factor yes, but not the death-knell with these guys
8.) Sixty percent of your rotation is currently Ponson, Pavano and Rasner
7.) The threesome of Joba, Hughes, Kennedy had exactly two wins
6.) Paucity of big hits late; A-ROD has 2 RBIS in innings 8 & 9
5.) When the left-field fans have a better arm than your left-fielder...not good
4.) Too much attention paid to The Mustache, Stray-Rod, and Converting Joba
3.) Besides Mariano, bullpen is more suspect than OJ Simpson
2.) Having 7 DHs is akin to having no DH
1.) Say it with me: Fun, Fun, Fundamentals. It was as foreign to this team as food stamps. The lack of stolen bases, tagging up, playing defense...all of it. Time to throw the dirt on this bunch....
So now that the baseball season has ended....let me leave you with this:
"You know what the difference Is between hitting .250 and hitting
.300? It's one. 25 hits a year in 500 at bats is 50 points. There's 6 months in a season....That's about 25 weeks-you get one extra flare a week-just one-a gork, a ground ball with eyes, a dying quail--just one more dying qual a week and you're in Yankee Stadium". -- Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham"
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Fantasy Experts? That's Plain Fantasy
By Wayne Davis
Are the Sportsline.com and Yahoo.com really experts or simply fans that offer their opinion? The truth is your opinion is as good, if not better, then theirs.
I'm an avid sports watcher but I also have a full-time gig and a family. Yet I can do the same research as the experts. The only difference is they get their information more quickly. The trick is how you process that information.
Don't believe me?
Here's some examples:
Dave Richard, senior fantasy writer, for Sportsline.com offered his expertise in an article about DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers. In the August 18th piece, Richard said Williams’ stock is rising after a good performance in a preseason game in which his #1 threat Jonathon Stewart did not play well. Where he did he get this from? Has he heard that Williams will start over Stewart from Coach John Fox or is he offering his opinion? In other words he is providing no expert information but just an opinion that the most novice of Fantasy GM’s could have figured out themselves. I didn’t have to read his article to understand his point: The fact that the Panthers drafted Stewart in the first round tells me that they want him to be the starter. Stewart should easily be higher on your list then Williams, especially in keeper leagues.
Take the RB mess in Cincinnati. As of last week Chris Perry is not mentioned in the preseason periodicals. I remember in 2004 Perry was drafted in the first round a year after Rudi Johnson took over as the starter from Corey Dillon. Perry was drafted to be the Bengals RB of the future but injuries in the next 3 years killed that. So here we are at 2008 and Johnson is struggling with nagging injuries and has definitely lost a step and yet the “experts” say there is a log jam to get carries for the remaining RB’s in Cincy. From Kenny Watson to De De Dorsey, everyone has been mentioned over Perry. But going on the assumption that he is more talented than his comopetition, I drafted him in one of my keeper leagues. Fast forward to today and now the Bengals are shopping Johnson and have all but named Perry the starter.
Good for me, bad for all the novice Fantasy GM’s out there that depend on the so called “experts” who are NO better then I am. It's not gospel just because it's in print.
Wayne Davis is a fantasy guru who wins just about every league he enters. This is his first piece for TDD.
Are the Sportsline.com and Yahoo.com really experts or simply fans that offer their opinion? The truth is your opinion is as good, if not better, then theirs.
I'm an avid sports watcher but I also have a full-time gig and a family. Yet I can do the same research as the experts. The only difference is they get their information more quickly. The trick is how you process that information.
Don't believe me?
Here's some examples:
Dave Richard, senior fantasy writer, for Sportsline.com offered his expertise in an article about DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers. In the August 18th piece, Richard said Williams’ stock is rising after a good performance in a preseason game in which his #1 threat Jonathon Stewart did not play well. Where he did he get this from? Has he heard that Williams will start over Stewart from Coach John Fox or is he offering his opinion? In other words he is providing no expert information but just an opinion that the most novice of Fantasy GM’s could have figured out themselves. I didn’t have to read his article to understand his point: The fact that the Panthers drafted Stewart in the first round tells me that they want him to be the starter. Stewart should easily be higher on your list then Williams, especially in keeper leagues.
Take the RB mess in Cincinnati. As of last week Chris Perry is not mentioned in the preseason periodicals. I remember in 2004 Perry was drafted in the first round a year after Rudi Johnson took over as the starter from Corey Dillon. Perry was drafted to be the Bengals RB of the future but injuries in the next 3 years killed that. So here we are at 2008 and Johnson is struggling with nagging injuries and has definitely lost a step and yet the “experts” say there is a log jam to get carries for the remaining RB’s in Cincy. From Kenny Watson to De De Dorsey, everyone has been mentioned over Perry. But going on the assumption that he is more talented than his comopetition, I drafted him in one of my keeper leagues. Fast forward to today and now the Bengals are shopping Johnson and have all but named Perry the starter.
Good for me, bad for all the novice Fantasy GM’s out there that depend on the so called “experts” who are NO better then I am. It's not gospel just because it's in print.
Wayne Davis is a fantasy guru who wins just about every league he enters. This is his first piece for TDD.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A word about the Minnesota Twins...
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire gets a lot of credit for keeping the Twins in the AL Central race this year. A lot of people forget they lost Johan Santana AND Torii Hunter.Think about that: the Twins lose their best pitcher and their All-Star starting centerfielder...and all they do is continue to win. Remarkable really.
Current Minnesota Rotation: Perkins, Liriano, Blackburn, Slowey, and Baker--Sounds like a law firm doesn't it?
Current Yankee Rotation: Mussina, Pettitte...GULP...Rasner, Pavano and Ponson. Wow. How did things get so bad?
Money can only take you so far....How are the Twins doing it?
Current Minnesota Rotation: Perkins, Liriano, Blackburn, Slowey, and Baker--Sounds like a law firm doesn't it?
Current Yankee Rotation: Mussina, Pettitte...GULP...Rasner, Pavano and Ponson. Wow. How did things get so bad?
Money can only take you so far....How are the Twins doing it?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Antiques Roadshow Comes to Connecticut
They came by the thousands slowly filling up the cavernous Exhibit Hall. They came clutching their heirlooms, collectibles, and other treasures. Walking the line you saw thousands of pictures, furniture pieces, lamps, tables, even a totem pole. They all had hopes that they just might be sitting on untold riches.
Back after an eight-year absence, some 5,000 people descended upon Hartford’s Convention Center last Saturday to get a free appraisal from the more than 70 experts from auction house such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s. They specialized in furniture, glass, linens, sports memorabilia, art and more. People from Connecticut and Massachusetts and Rhode Island came and waited in line—some for two-plus hours. Some traveled great distances. Gary and Darlene Wincuin traveled from Kentucky to appraised four pieces of Canadian Folk art from the reclusive artist Felicien Levesque.
Because of the demand for the show, not everyone interested in attending can come. The show uses a lottery system of sorts. Out of 11,000 applicants, 3,400 were selected.
Hartford's the last stop for the 13th season after a season that brought the show to Palm Springs, Calif., Dallas, Wichita, Chattanooga and Grand Rapids.
"You'd be surprised," said Judy Mathews, the show’s publicist. "You'll see New England Silver in Michigan. You never know what things will turn up. It just goes to show you what an itinerant country we are that we bring our things with us.”"
The Antiques Roadshow has helped unearth some national treasures. During the 2001 episode in Tucson, AZ, a man arrived with a plain looking Navajo blanket. The owner told one of the show’s appraisers that he generally kept the blanket on the back of a chair. The appraiser deemed that the blanket was an extremely rare artifact from about 1840-1860. Appraised at $350,000 -$500,000, the blanket is the most valuable appraisal in the show’s history. “It was a national treasure,” says Dan Farrell, consulting producer. “It was an important piece even in its time.”
During Antiques Roadshow’s second season, a retired New Jersey School teacher who unwittingly purchased one of two existing French gaming tables at a tag sale thirty years earlier for $25. Appraisers identified the table as a federal -style gaming table made by John and Thomas Seymour of Boston in the late 1700s. She later sold the gaming table for $541,000 at auction. The piece was so rare that only one other exists. Where? The Smithsonian Institution. These rags to riches stories only enhanced the show’s popularity among the viewing public.
Marsha Bemko, executive producer, says its equal pats reality and story telling. “The variety of objects, people and stories that make up each show. So there’s something in it for everyone,” she said. Then there’s the fact that each appraisal segment involves two complementary stories: a personal history from the owner of an object and the professional analysis and context provided by the expert.. “Finally, we present all that useful information in a three-minute or less packaged with a little drama at the end, when a value is placed on the object.
Of course, not all “finds” on the Roadshow are priceless treasures. “I’m more surprised by the odd things that people bring in,” said Ramona Miller-O’Hara, one the show’s pre-appraisers. “I’ve seen human hair collections and a shrunken monkey head. One couple believed they had the beads that purchased Manhattan Island and the provenance (the supporting paperwork) to back it up.”
Back after an eight-year absence, some 5,000 people descended upon Hartford’s Convention Center last Saturday to get a free appraisal from the more than 70 experts from auction house such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s. They specialized in furniture, glass, linens, sports memorabilia, art and more. People from Connecticut and Massachusetts and Rhode Island came and waited in line—some for two-plus hours. Some traveled great distances. Gary and Darlene Wincuin traveled from Kentucky to appraised four pieces of Canadian Folk art from the reclusive artist Felicien Levesque.
Because of the demand for the show, not everyone interested in attending can come. The show uses a lottery system of sorts. Out of 11,000 applicants, 3,400 were selected.
Hartford's the last stop for the 13th season after a season that brought the show to Palm Springs, Calif., Dallas, Wichita, Chattanooga and Grand Rapids.
"You'd be surprised," said Judy Mathews, the show’s publicist. "You'll see New England Silver in Michigan. You never know what things will turn up. It just goes to show you what an itinerant country we are that we bring our things with us.”"
The Antiques Roadshow has helped unearth some national treasures. During the 2001 episode in Tucson, AZ, a man arrived with a plain looking Navajo blanket. The owner told one of the show’s appraisers that he generally kept the blanket on the back of a chair. The appraiser deemed that the blanket was an extremely rare artifact from about 1840-1860. Appraised at $350,000 -$500,000, the blanket is the most valuable appraisal in the show’s history. “It was a national treasure,” says Dan Farrell, consulting producer. “It was an important piece even in its time.”
During Antiques Roadshow’s second season, a retired New Jersey School teacher who unwittingly purchased one of two existing French gaming tables at a tag sale thirty years earlier for $25. Appraisers identified the table as a federal -style gaming table made by John and Thomas Seymour of Boston in the late 1700s. She later sold the gaming table for $541,000 at auction. The piece was so rare that only one other exists. Where? The Smithsonian Institution. These rags to riches stories only enhanced the show’s popularity among the viewing public.
Marsha Bemko, executive producer, says its equal pats reality and story telling. “The variety of objects, people and stories that make up each show. So there’s something in it for everyone,” she said. Then there’s the fact that each appraisal segment involves two complementary stories: a personal history from the owner of an object and the professional analysis and context provided by the expert.. “Finally, we present all that useful information in a three-minute or less packaged with a little drama at the end, when a value is placed on the object.
Of course, not all “finds” on the Roadshow are priceless treasures. “I’m more surprised by the odd things that people bring in,” said Ramona Miller-O’Hara, one the show’s pre-appraisers. “I’ve seen human hair collections and a shrunken monkey head. One couple believed they had the beads that purchased Manhattan Island and the provenance (the supporting paperwork) to back it up.”
Friday, August 22, 2008
What We Learned Friday 8/22
Without any delay, here's what I learned this week:
The Dallas Cowboys have gone from America's Team to America's Most Wanted Team
When you're trusting Carl Pavano to do anything more than keep the ice cold, you're in a world of hurt.
A big pay day in radio is no longer dependent on your knowledge of sports or even your command of the English language.
That threesome of Kennedy, Hughes, and Joba that was supposed to anchor Yankee playoff hopes this season? Its yielded exactly 2 wins.
Anyone under 45 should stop reading right now and go look up Warren Spahn's career pitching stats.
Say it with me: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is Manager of the Year.
The Cat in The Hat still holds up over time. God bless Thing One and Thing Two.
Fantasy Football commences in less than three weeks. You could do a lot worse than going running back, running back in the draft.
People do care about the Olympics proving that live programming trumps Summertime reality bullshit and reruns.
If there's a god in heaven, Hillary Clinton tears apart the Democratic National Convention delegate by delegate. (That's for next week's What I Learned)
The Dallas Cowboys have gone from America's Team to America's Most Wanted Team
When you're trusting Carl Pavano to do anything more than keep the ice cold, you're in a world of hurt.
A big pay day in radio is no longer dependent on your knowledge of sports or even your command of the English language.
That threesome of Kennedy, Hughes, and Joba that was supposed to anchor Yankee playoff hopes this season? Its yielded exactly 2 wins.
Anyone under 45 should stop reading right now and go look up Warren Spahn's career pitching stats.
Say it with me: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is Manager of the Year.
The Cat in The Hat still holds up over time. God bless Thing One and Thing Two.
Fantasy Football commences in less than three weeks. You could do a lot worse than going running back, running back in the draft.
People do care about the Olympics proving that live programming trumps Summertime reality bullshit and reruns.
If there's a god in heaven, Hillary Clinton tears apart the Democratic National Convention delegate by delegate. (That's for next week's What I Learned)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Worst Sports Broadcasting Cliches
I have a confession to make. I'm a sports broadcasting snob. I'm sure you've heard of coffee snobs, beer snobs and car snobs. My friend Gooch is a tennis snob, if you can imagine such a thing. The sports broadcast, and the way it comes out, matters to me. My friend McCracken and I recently developed a list of the worst cliches:
6.) When a broadcaster says a team has won its first ever championship. Makes me ask, "What is an ever championship?" Besides, when did "first ever" become a necessary synonym for "first"? First means first. It doesn't mean, "First of a short time period going back to a time you and I can remember, such that if we mean to include all of a franchise's history we need to specify by saying 'first ever.'
5.) Invariably when a pitcher does damage with the bat he's always "helping his own cause." ESPN uses this one a lot.
4.) The score is tied at "2 and 2" A simple "the score is tied at 2" will suffice. No need to get cute.
3.) When football analysts break down a big game at the opening of the telecast, you just know some fool is going to say, "It's going to come down to turnovers" Doesn't it always?
2.) It's not really a cliche but if the game involves a great player, Tom Brady, Albert Pujols or Vlad Guerrero for example, the color analyst openly fellates him. Worse, he rarely, if ever, plays for your team.
1.) Phrases such as "The Big Dance" or the "Second Season". Sentences such as "You can throw those regular season records out the window" usually follow. I'd like to send the broadcaster who uttered it to follow.
Stay tuned for What We Learned Friday....
(I'm sure you have your own list. Email me at caseysboy69@yahoo.com with yours and I'll post the best.)
6.) When a broadcaster says a team has won its first ever championship. Makes me ask, "What is an ever championship?" Besides, when did "first ever" become a necessary synonym for "first"? First means first. It doesn't mean, "First of a short time period going back to a time you and I can remember, such that if we mean to include all of a franchise's history we need to specify by saying 'first ever.'
5.) Invariably when a pitcher does damage with the bat he's always "helping his own cause." ESPN uses this one a lot.
4.) The score is tied at "2 and 2" A simple "the score is tied at 2" will suffice. No need to get cute.
3.) When football analysts break down a big game at the opening of the telecast, you just know some fool is going to say, "It's going to come down to turnovers" Doesn't it always?
2.) It's not really a cliche but if the game involves a great player, Tom Brady, Albert Pujols or Vlad Guerrero for example, the color analyst openly fellates him. Worse, he rarely, if ever, plays for your team.
1.) Phrases such as "The Big Dance" or the "Second Season". Sentences such as "You can throw those regular season records out the window" usually follow. I'd like to send the broadcaster who uttered it to follow.
Stay tuned for What We Learned Friday....
(I'm sure you have your own list. Email me at caseysboy69@yahoo.com with yours and I'll post the best.)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Off Year for Sterling....
If you think the Yankees have played badly this season, check out John Sterling, the voice of the Yankees. If they kept statistics for such things as broadcasting, Sterling would be mired in one of those Oh-for-Tino slumps. Remember those?
In Saturday's 15-6 win over the lowly Royals, Sterling went into full wig-out mode when he incorrectly called a homerun by Xavier Nady. "X Marks the Spot," proclaimed the avuncular Sterling. Sounded like classic Sterling. But the homer itself had been hit by rookie Cody Ransom. In fact, Sterling was so out-of-it he didn't correct himself until his Yankee companera, Suzyn Waldman, chimed in: "Uh, John, that was actually Cody Ransom's first major league homer."
Now, everyone can have a bad game. But Sterling, it seems, has had more than his share of gaffes this year. Remember how he similarly called Cabrera's wall-clanging double earlier in the year: "The Melkman delivers.....a double." Classic.
Of course, there was also the New York Post item that noted that Sterling was one of the worst offenders of etiquette in the Yankee clubhouse. Yup, power-mongering the help and worse, double-dipping the ice cream using his finger. Gross.
I'm a huge Sterling fan because, more often than not, he fulfills one of the chief tenets of a baseball broadcaster: to entertain. Of course, more than a few baseball purists would call me crazy like my friend McCracken. An old school guy, McCracken is more of a play it down the road broadcaster (but always call it correctly). I'd rather chalk it up to the uninspiring baseball being played out in front of him.
In Saturday's 15-6 win over the lowly Royals, Sterling went into full wig-out mode when he incorrectly called a homerun by Xavier Nady. "X Marks the Spot," proclaimed the avuncular Sterling. Sounded like classic Sterling. But the homer itself had been hit by rookie Cody Ransom. In fact, Sterling was so out-of-it he didn't correct himself until his Yankee companera, Suzyn Waldman, chimed in: "Uh, John, that was actually Cody Ransom's first major league homer."
Now, everyone can have a bad game. But Sterling, it seems, has had more than his share of gaffes this year. Remember how he similarly called Cabrera's wall-clanging double earlier in the year: "The Melkman delivers.....a double." Classic.
Of course, there was also the New York Post item that noted that Sterling was one of the worst offenders of etiquette in the Yankee clubhouse. Yup, power-mongering the help and worse, double-dipping the ice cream using his finger. Gross.
I'm a huge Sterling fan because, more often than not, he fulfills one of the chief tenets of a baseball broadcaster: to entertain. Of course, more than a few baseball purists would call me crazy like my friend McCracken. An old school guy, McCracken is more of a play it down the road broadcaster (but always call it correctly). I'd rather chalk it up to the uninspiring baseball being played out in front of him.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
New Feature: What We Learned Friday....
What We Learned Friday is going to be a new weekly feature on TDD. Each week, I'll recap what I've learned in my own clever and witty style. These could be witticisms, phrases, or just plain old thoughts that wouldn't make sense to be their own post. Call them postettes if you like.
Have your own thoughts about what happened this week? Drop me a line at mark.delfranco@gmail.com. If I like it, I'll post it. I shall now commence with my inaugural weekly learnings. What I learned this week:
--I'd listen to Bob Costas call a grocery list. He's good, perhaps the best studio guy in the business.
--A certain blonde two-year old little boy will save us all.
--Good ratings for the Olympics? Who knew?
-- People change but blogs are forever.
--Triple AAA Plus is worth every cent even if they did send out a 60-year-old to change my tire.
--It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.
Have your own thoughts about what happened this week? Drop me a line at mark.delfranco@gmail.com. If I like it, I'll post it. I shall now commence with my inaugural weekly learnings. What I learned this week:
--I'd listen to Bob Costas call a grocery list. He's good, perhaps the best studio guy in the business.
--A certain blonde two-year old little boy will save us all.
--Good ratings for the Olympics? Who knew?
-- People change but blogs are forever.
--Triple AAA Plus is worth every cent even if they did send out a 60-year-old to change my tire.
--It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Russo Out at WFAN
Whoa! After 19 years, Russo is out leaving Francesa to go it alone. The Beatles broke up! That was just one of several analogies yesterday. The media coverage was considerable. Surprisingly, Francesa had Russo on the program at the top of the show today. Russo cried when he began recalling the duo's history. Touching.
Mike without the Maddog is like cookies without the cream, bacon without eggs. (Any reference to food when dealing with Francesa is purely coincidental). You get the idea. They were inseparable. And a big part of my life for 19 years.
But where do we go now? In truth, I think the wrong partner left. With Russo, you got a person who tolerated the callers and injected some personality into the show. We're left with Francesa...for better or worse. He hates the callers and can be a little dry and can be a know-it-all.
And that laugh. I'll miss Russo. Speculation has it he's going to work for XM/Sirius and Mel Karmazin. But Bob Raissman of the NY Daily News made a great point yesterday: If Howard Stern didn't crush terrestrial radio when he left neither will Chris Russo.
And one more thing: Say goodbye to any coverage of hockey and tennis in the afternoons on the FAN.
Mike without the Maddog is like cookies without the cream, bacon without eggs. (Any reference to food when dealing with Francesa is purely coincidental). You get the idea. They were inseparable. And a big part of my life for 19 years.
But where do we go now? In truth, I think the wrong partner left. With Russo, you got a person who tolerated the callers and injected some personality into the show. We're left with Francesa...for better or worse. He hates the callers and can be a little dry and can be a know-it-all.
And that laugh. I'll miss Russo. Speculation has it he's going to work for XM/Sirius and Mel Karmazin. But Bob Raissman of the NY Daily News made a great point yesterday: If Howard Stern didn't crush terrestrial radio when he left neither will Chris Russo.
And one more thing: Say goodbye to any coverage of hockey and tennis in the afternoons on the FAN.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Questioning the Questioner...
WFAN's Joe Benigno this afternoon set interviewing back about 50 years in subsequent interviews with Mets catcher Brian Schneider and former Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee. It seems like asking a legitimate question is no longer required. Benigno's staple question is "How bout that?" which he no doubt learned from the Chris Russo School of interviewing. Questions typically go like this:
Benigno: "The Mets bullpen, Brian, how about that?" I'm sorry, but is there a question in there? Very strange and it sets the interview subject (Schneider) awkwardly trying to answer legitimately.
Completing the daily double, Benigno also committed another sin: the preamble leading up to the question. Seemingly afraid of silence, broadcasters such as Benigno, ramble on leaving this listener to scream, "Just ask the question!"
(Remember the time when Daryl Strawberry hung up the phone on WFAN's Steve Somers
during the Schmoozer's overnight gig? )
I guess it's too much to ask.
Benigno: "The Mets bullpen, Brian, how about that?" I'm sorry, but is there a question in there? Very strange and it sets the interview subject (Schneider) awkwardly trying to answer legitimately.
Completing the daily double, Benigno also committed another sin: the preamble leading up to the question. Seemingly afraid of silence, broadcasters such as Benigno, ramble on leaving this listener to scream, "Just ask the question!"
(Remember the time when Daryl Strawberry hung up the phone on WFAN's Steve Somers
during the Schmoozer's overnight gig? )
I guess it's too much to ask.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Newsflash: Kay can be critical on YES
Yankee broadcaster Michael Kay is in rare form tonight. Maybe it's on marching orders from the YES Network or maybe it's because the Yankees have lost 10 out of 15 but he's been surprisingly critical during telecasts. In tonight's game, he questioned the route that second baseman Robinson Cano took to get Chone Figgins' (what seemed like a ) 27-hopper in Sunday's loss to Anaheim. "I was surprised. I mean that's the winning run," Kay says. "He's (Cano) gotta lay out for that ball. I mean it's the winning run."
Then when the Twins manufactured yet another run (compared to the Yankee approach of waiting for a three-run homer), Kay went into critique mode yet again: "It's a little thing but sometimes a flyball can win you a game."
And tonight wasn't the first time. Last week, Kay criticized A-Rod for the third baseman's paucity of key hits this season.
Good for Kay. Sometimes he comes across as Chief Pom Pom. And I say more of it. Of course, it was probably YES who ordered Kay to be more critical. After all, these are the same folks who fed Kim Jones strategy questions designed to annoy Joe Torre in 2006. Stay tuned.
Then when the Twins manufactured yet another run (compared to the Yankee approach of waiting for a three-run homer), Kay went into critique mode yet again: "It's a little thing but sometimes a flyball can win you a game."
And tonight wasn't the first time. Last week, Kay criticized A-Rod for the third baseman's paucity of key hits this season.
Good for Kay. Sometimes he comes across as Chief Pom Pom. And I say more of it. Of course, it was probably YES who ordered Kay to be more critical. After all, these are the same folks who fed Kim Jones strategy questions designed to annoy Joe Torre in 2006. Stay tuned.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Olympics--Yawn.
Does anybody care about the Olympics? The opening ceremonies are tomorrow night. About the only interested party is NBC's Dick Ebersol. The average American could care less about what's going in China...I don't care how many channels the NBC family is spreading them over. Nobody cares about these games. Outside of swimmer Michael Phelps, is there an athlete of name recognition competing here...something that will take me away from following baseball? I doubt it. Granted, Ebersol's coverage will no doubt be compelling and pro-American. (No one tells stories like Ebersol. After all, Duncan Dickie learned at the feet of the master: Roone Arledge.) So get out those pompons, Dickie needs all the help he can get.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
ESPN's Favre Media Coverage...
I want the attention of the ESPN news director or at least the dude who's in charge of the scoreboard crawl. As an athlete, you know you've attained some sort of notoriety when ESPN gives you your own slug on its scoreboard crawl. AL, NL MLB and yup, there it is: "Favre"
You think ESPN's presence makes Favre more of a story? Is it the best use of resources to have reporters file remotes from the Wisconsin airport...Are they adding to the story at all? And this is precisely why people hate the media. It's piling on.
And where's NFL commissioner Goodell in all of this?
Can we move on? I've grown tired of the overrated Favre dictating his wishes and desires. His gunslinger image takes a big hit IMHO. If we kill T.O for being a jerk, its time Favre gets his 10 minutes too.
Good for the Packers. Let him rot--or at least let him throw mindlessly into double coverage for Tampa Bay.
Perhaps Chris Russo summed it up yesterday, "ESPN, it seems, wants to do a remote from Favre's kitchen table."
You think ESPN's presence makes Favre more of a story? Is it the best use of resources to have reporters file remotes from the Wisconsin airport...Are they adding to the story at all? And this is precisely why people hate the media. It's piling on.
And where's NFL commissioner Goodell in all of this?
Can we move on? I've grown tired of the overrated Favre dictating his wishes and desires. His gunslinger image takes a big hit IMHO. If we kill T.O for being a jerk, its time Favre gets his 10 minutes too.
Good for the Packers. Let him rot--or at least let him throw mindlessly into double coverage for Tampa Bay.
Perhaps Chris Russo summed it up yesterday, "ESPN, it seems, wants to do a remote from Favre's kitchen table."
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Yankee Rehab in Session....
Judging by the chatter on talk radio, Yankee fans are a nervous lot this morning. Is it the seriousness of Joba's injury? Or the fact that new acquisition Damaso Marte is as reliable as a 3-year-old condom? Perhaps, for the first year in Derek Jeter's career, the Yankees might miss the playoffs. The run has to end sometime.
As a public service, I always found the following to be very helpful in coping with stress. Enjoy.
http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf
As a public service, I always found the following to be very helpful in coping with stress. Enjoy.
http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Media is Your Friend...
Most people view "the media" as bad. Worse, they apply tags such as lazy, shiftless, and stupid to the whole lot of us (As the publisher of TDD and a life-long journalist, I'm one of them.)
But the media is your friend--if you play the rules. And that's where most people get it wrong. They don't know how the system works. You see, it's all depends on the spin and your subject-matter.
For instance, because my electrical rates are higher than Robert Downey Jr., I contacted the local paper and pitched the story to them as a public service. "Perhaps other consumers are getting screwed by the utility," I said innocently. The New Haven Register ran the story and the DPUC, the regulatory agency in CT governing the utilities, took action by forestalling their rate increase. Of course, it didn't hurt my case that a gaggle of seniors quoted in the story also were affected. It always help your case if the elderly has been screwed with.
Same thing with Experian, the credit reporting agency. Monthly charges totaling $11.99 (ironically for credit protection services) kept appearing on my credit card. The company did not take action until I wrote (and copied Experian) to the Connecticut Attorney General's office and contacted the Hartford Courant. The result? Two years worth of credit protection services charges dropped.
Whenever an agency (or the media) screwed with radio man Don Imus, he used his microphone as his (bully) pulpit. "What do people who don't have a morning talk show with seven million listeners do to get even with these bastards? he groused. But you don't need a morning radio show to be heard. Here are some tips for getting your story circulated in the mainstream media:
1.) Before calling the media, call a state agency. Take careful notes and parrot them back to the producer or reporter. Do a little bit of their homework for them.
2.) Be a willing source in the story. Journalists are frequently lazy. If you're willing to be quoted in the story, that's one less person they have to go find on deadline. Make it easy on them.
3.) Be sure the story has merit. Calling the media agency and stating the new school proposition is "gay", probably hurts your case.
4.) Screen in. Don't screen out. Don't be intimidated that your idea is stupid, outlandish or without merit. Chances are others are in your identical situation.
5.) Be accessible. Media agencies, such as newspapers, typically don't have 9-5 deadlines. So be prepared to be contacted in the off hours.
Perhaps Chris Rock said it best: "I ain't never had to be watching the media at an ATM. Mike Wallace ain't never stolen from me."
But the media is your friend--if you play the rules. And that's where most people get it wrong. They don't know how the system works. You see, it's all depends on the spin and your subject-matter.
For instance, because my electrical rates are higher than Robert Downey Jr., I contacted the local paper and pitched the story to them as a public service. "Perhaps other consumers are getting screwed by the utility," I said innocently. The New Haven Register ran the story and the DPUC, the regulatory agency in CT governing the utilities, took action by forestalling their rate increase. Of course, it didn't hurt my case that a gaggle of seniors quoted in the story also were affected. It always help your case if the elderly has been screwed with.
Same thing with Experian, the credit reporting agency. Monthly charges totaling $11.99 (ironically for credit protection services) kept appearing on my credit card. The company did not take action until I wrote (and copied Experian) to the Connecticut Attorney General's office and contacted the Hartford Courant. The result? Two years worth of credit protection services charges dropped.
Whenever an agency (or the media) screwed with radio man Don Imus, he used his microphone as his (bully) pulpit. "What do people who don't have a morning talk show with seven million listeners do to get even with these bastards? he groused. But you don't need a morning radio show to be heard. Here are some tips for getting your story circulated in the mainstream media:
1.) Before calling the media, call a state agency. Take careful notes and parrot them back to the producer or reporter. Do a little bit of their homework for them.
2.) Be a willing source in the story. Journalists are frequently lazy. If you're willing to be quoted in the story, that's one less person they have to go find on deadline. Make it easy on them.
3.) Be sure the story has merit. Calling the media agency and stating the new school proposition is "gay", probably hurts your case.
4.) Screen in. Don't screen out. Don't be intimidated that your idea is stupid, outlandish or without merit. Chances are others are in your identical situation.
5.) Be accessible. Media agencies, such as newspapers, typically don't have 9-5 deadlines. So be prepared to be contacted in the off hours.
Perhaps Chris Rock said it best: "I ain't never had to be watching the media at an ATM. Mike Wallace ain't never stolen from me."
Friday, August 1, 2008
Say it with me...Tek, Tek, Teknology...
Krist.
I love the Blogger application but I'm struggling with some formatting as is witnessed in Matt Bechard's "Manny Being Manny" story. The jagged copy lines are a dead giveaway that somehow I've fucked something up--again. The same thing goes for applying video and pictures on this thing. I checked out some other blogs on Google and The Daily Del Franco can stand a lot of improvement. My goal is to put my stand-up performances on here, such as the time I did three solid minutes at Caroline's. Talk about a tight set. Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me funnier.
I love the Blogger application but I'm struggling with some formatting as is witnessed in Matt Bechard's "Manny Being Manny" story. The jagged copy lines are a dead giveaway that somehow I've fucked something up--again. The same thing goes for applying video and pictures on this thing. I checked out some other blogs on Google and The Daily Del Franco can stand a lot of improvement. My goal is to put my stand-up performances on here, such as the time I did three solid minutes at Caroline's. Talk about a tight set. Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me funnier.
High School Reunion Approaching...
Normally, I'd avoid these types of events like a dental visit. I've developed a solid reputation for the blow-off. "Sure I'll be there," I say, knowing full well there's no way in hell I'm showing up. In fact, here's what I'm thinking: There's two ways I'm attending: No way and no fucking way.
But for some reason, I'm actually looking forward to it. Making matters more interesting is that I don't exactly have my A-game working these days. Far from it. Put it this way: If life were a hand of Blackjack, Fate would be dressed as a smiling Asian dealer sent by the House to muck up my cards. And the cards would fall thusly: Ace follwed by ("Come on face card, face card, face card.") 5....Shit. How to make this work? Yes, my life lately is a soft 16.
(And BTW, the movie "21"...What a huge disappointment. Kevin Spacey was typically great. I can watch Spacey act a grocery list ...Other than Spacey the movie sucked. I hate to say it, the book was better.)
Could be worse: I could be fat or balding. You can't hide your physique. And I still maintain my razor sharp wit and caustic sensibilities.
Question for you all: Is blogging your High School reunion gay or just pathetic? The former strikes me such.
But for some reason, I'm actually looking forward to it. Making matters more interesting is that I don't exactly have my A-game working these days. Far from it. Put it this way: If life were a hand of Blackjack, Fate would be dressed as a smiling Asian dealer sent by the House to muck up my cards. And the cards would fall thusly: Ace follwed by ("Come on face card, face card, face card.") 5....Shit. How to make this work? Yes, my life lately is a soft 16.
(And BTW, the movie "21"...What a huge disappointment. Kevin Spacey was typically great. I can watch Spacey act a grocery list ...Other than Spacey the movie sucked. I hate to say it, the book was better.)
Could be worse: I could be fat or balding. You can't hide your physique. And I still maintain my razor sharp wit and caustic sensibilities.
Question for you all: Is blogging your High School reunion gay or just pathetic? The former strikes me such.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Manny No Longer Manny
By Matt Bechard
It's over. Whether or not Manny Ramirez is traded today or stays in
Boston, the era of Manny Being Manny is finished. All things must pass,
and so to does the ability of Boston fans to shrug and smile at the
quirkiness of their beloved prodigious slugger.
It was one thing when we knew there would be about a week or two of
Manny Being Demanding, asking to be shipped out of the town where he
became universally worshipped. We knew once the deadline passed we would
get the Manny shoulder shrug, hands raised like "who me?" and he would
continue hitting.
It was one thing when we knew there would be a handful of cases of
Manny Being Lazy, not running out balls, turning doubles into singles,
misplaying balls memorably in left field. We knew after something
clicked in his head we'd see him going first to third, baiting runners
and throwing them out and hustling as best as a grown man in baggy pants
can.
It was one thing when we knew there would be some loopy Manny Being
Whacky moments, running into the Monster to pee during a pitching
change, running onto the field with the flag after gaining citizenship,
and too many zany quotes to count. We knew these were just part of a
true eccentric and we even embraced them like you would an elderly uncle
who still wears clothes from the 1970s and talks to plants.
This was all Manny Ramirez, Manny Being Manny if you will. Let me be
clear, Boston would not have own two World Series without him. In part
it was having a cornerstone player so ambivalent to curses and pressure
that helped the 2004 team overtake the Yankees in historic fashion and
shatter so many decades of frustration. He is a character, he is a
Hall-of-Famer, he is a presence, but most of all he is a hitter. And for
the past eight years in Boston that is what he has done, and he has done
it splendidly. And because of that the fans of Red Sox Nation have
embraced him like the other greats before him, maybe even more so
because of all the eccentricities that came with him and how much he was
disliked and chastised by fans of other teams. The Nation cheered him,
defended him and adored him.
But these last few weeks have been something else. I can never judge
when someone is hurt or not. But I can judge when someone doesn't care.
And maybe Manny is not hustling, taking games off, mouthing off and
generally being a brat in order to force a trade, but it is clear he
doesn't care about the team's performance or the fans in the seats and
at home. This is the first time in his Boston tenure that I truly
believe that Manny is letting the distractions impact his play, and it
isn't pretty to watch.
For the first time in his eight years I think the sentiment among fans
is starting to shift. In past years I think there would have been an
uproar if Manny was traded, even more than when Nomar and Pedro left
town. But those two examples taught fans that this management team is
smart and sometimes it is just time to move on. And when you know that
what you are getting out of a player, even a great player, is only 70%,
then saying goodbye becomes a little easier.
Will a trade happen? Who knows. Will Jason Bay or whoever replace the
offense of Manny? Probably not. But this is more than an A+B=C equation.
A player coming to Boston with something to prove combined with 24 other
players fighting and pulling together to show this deal doesn't make
them worse could be a powerful combo. And if Manny is dealt, to Florida
or wherever, I think there is a good chance he may have the best two
months of his career.
And if he did, well, that would just be more Manny Being Manny.
This is the first piece by Matt Bechard for TDD. He proudly lives, of course, in Red Sox Nation.
It's over. Whether or not Manny Ramirez is traded today or stays in
Boston, the era of Manny Being Manny is finished. All things must pass,
and so to does the ability of Boston fans to shrug and smile at the
quirkiness of their beloved prodigious slugger.
It was one thing when we knew there would be about a week or two of
Manny Being Demanding, asking to be shipped out of the town where he
became universally worshipped. We knew once the deadline passed we would
get the Manny shoulder shrug, hands raised like "who me?" and he would
continue hitting.
It was one thing when we knew there would be a handful of cases of
Manny Being Lazy, not running out balls, turning doubles into singles,
misplaying balls memorably in left field. We knew after something
clicked in his head we'd see him going first to third, baiting runners
and throwing them out and hustling as best as a grown man in baggy pants
can.
It was one thing when we knew there would be some loopy Manny Being
Whacky moments, running into the Monster to pee during a pitching
change, running onto the field with the flag after gaining citizenship,
and too many zany quotes to count. We knew these were just part of a
true eccentric and we even embraced them like you would an elderly uncle
who still wears clothes from the 1970s and talks to plants.
This was all Manny Ramirez, Manny Being Manny if you will. Let me be
clear, Boston would not have own two World Series without him. In part
it was having a cornerstone player so ambivalent to curses and pressure
that helped the 2004 team overtake the Yankees in historic fashion and
shatter so many decades of frustration. He is a character, he is a
Hall-of-Famer, he is a presence, but most of all he is a hitter. And for
the past eight years in Boston that is what he has done, and he has done
it splendidly. And because of that the fans of Red Sox Nation have
embraced him like the other greats before him, maybe even more so
because of all the eccentricities that came with him and how much he was
disliked and chastised by fans of other teams. The Nation cheered him,
defended him and adored him.
But these last few weeks have been something else. I can never judge
when someone is hurt or not. But I can judge when someone doesn't care.
And maybe Manny is not hustling, taking games off, mouthing off and
generally being a brat in order to force a trade, but it is clear he
doesn't care about the team's performance or the fans in the seats and
at home. This is the first time in his Boston tenure that I truly
believe that Manny is letting the distractions impact his play, and it
isn't pretty to watch.
For the first time in his eight years I think the sentiment among fans
is starting to shift. In past years I think there would have been an
uproar if Manny was traded, even more than when Nomar and Pedro left
town. But those two examples taught fans that this management team is
smart and sometimes it is just time to move on. And when you know that
what you are getting out of a player, even a great player, is only 70%,
then saying goodbye becomes a little easier.
Will a trade happen? Who knows. Will Jason Bay or whoever replace the
offense of Manny? Probably not. But this is more than an A+B=C equation.
A player coming to Boston with something to prove combined with 24 other
players fighting and pulling together to show this deal doesn't make
them worse could be a powerful combo. And if Manny is dealt, to Florida
or wherever, I think there is a good chance he may have the best two
months of his career.
And if he did, well, that would just be more Manny Being Manny.
This is the first piece by Matt Bechard for TDD. He proudly lives, of course, in Red Sox Nation.
Farnsworthless Shipped Out!
All Hail Brian Cashman! Why? Because he found another general manager desperate enough to take relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworthless. The hard-throwing righty threw nearly 100 mph...but could never get the necessary movement--or late-innning outs--to satisfy Yankee fans. A friend used to describe his basketball days as playing on the "thirty-team" --meaning he wouldn't see minutes unless his team was up or down by 30. That's how I'll forever think of Farnsworth--regardless of the Chicago Kool-aid Girardi made us all drink. Good riddance, Kyle. Need a lift to the airport?
In celebration of Farny's exit, here's a list of recent ex-Yankees who didn't quite fit the "Great Yankee" description. Curiously, the five that immediately come to mind are pitchers.
5. Kevin Brown--Game 7 2004 ALCS. Before late arriving fans settle into their seats, Brown departs in the first innning giving way to Javier Vazquez who gave up Johnny Damon's grand-slam. Here is what Brown did for me: jack-shit.
4. Randy Johnson--Granted, The Big Unit won 34 games over two seasons, but we never saw the same Freak of Nature who sported an 18-2 record for Seattle in 1995. In fact, Johnson loses more points in my book for having worse acne than anyone this side of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega.
3. Carl Pavano--You know you have an image problem when the New York Post dubs you "American Idle." It serves the Yankees right. They insist on signing a guy after his career year. Having a buttocks injury won't win any points with fans who think you sit on your ass all day.
2. Ed Whitson--Remember him? This nutjob was so paranoid of being bood at home, the Yankees would only pitch him on the road. Signed after his career year after 1983(Sound familiar?), he famously brawled with manager Billy Martin in Texas. After more careful consideration, perhaps Eddie Lee had reason: Some fans took to leaving thumb tacks in Whitson's driveway hoping to derail the pitcher on his way to the Stadium.
1. Roger Clemens--Adjectives descring Clemens' Yankee tenure are reminscent of the trajectory of Internet stocks: Hired Gun. World Series Hero. Steroid Cheat. LIAR. Perjuror. If I'm George Steinbrenner, during my last remaining moments of lucidity, I'd order PR man Howard Rubinstein to issue this edict: "Please return the the soil your children stole from the pitcher's mound after your 300th win. You are in possession of stolen property."
Of course, you might have your own list. And you're welcome Doyle Alexander, Cecil Fielder, Ed Figueroa, Gary Sheffield and Chuck Knoblauch.
In celebration of Farny's exit, here's a list of recent ex-Yankees who didn't quite fit the "Great Yankee" description. Curiously, the five that immediately come to mind are pitchers.
5. Kevin Brown--Game 7 2004 ALCS. Before late arriving fans settle into their seats, Brown departs in the first innning giving way to Javier Vazquez who gave up Johnny Damon's grand-slam. Here is what Brown did for me: jack-shit.
4. Randy Johnson--Granted, The Big Unit won 34 games over two seasons, but we never saw the same Freak of Nature who sported an 18-2 record for Seattle in 1995. In fact, Johnson loses more points in my book for having worse acne than anyone this side of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega.
3. Carl Pavano--You know you have an image problem when the New York Post dubs you "American Idle." It serves the Yankees right. They insist on signing a guy after his career year. Having a buttocks injury won't win any points with fans who think you sit on your ass all day.
2. Ed Whitson--Remember him? This nutjob was so paranoid of being bood at home, the Yankees would only pitch him on the road. Signed after his career year after 1983(Sound familiar?), he famously brawled with manager Billy Martin in Texas. After more careful consideration, perhaps Eddie Lee had reason: Some fans took to leaving thumb tacks in Whitson's driveway hoping to derail the pitcher on his way to the Stadium.
1. Roger Clemens--Adjectives descring Clemens' Yankee tenure are reminscent of the trajectory of Internet stocks: Hired Gun. World Series Hero. Steroid Cheat. LIAR. Perjuror. If I'm George Steinbrenner, during my last remaining moments of lucidity, I'd order PR man Howard Rubinstein to issue this edict: "Please return the the soil your children stole from the pitcher's mound after your 300th win. You are in possession of stolen property."
Of course, you might have your own list. And you're welcome Doyle Alexander, Cecil Fielder, Ed Figueroa, Gary Sheffield and Chuck Knoblauch.
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