Some Thoughts - 8/24/08

A bit of a sloppy game today, but at this point in the season, a win is a win. Thank God for Mariano Rivera. Just watching him on the mound relaxes me. We're really going to miss him someday. Hopefully, that day is a long way away.

Carl Pavano has started 20 games for the Yankees. His contract is approximately 4o million. So, as of today, he's earned 2 million per start. Pretty cool, huh.

More Pavano numbers: He's earned $6,666,666.66 per win (scary), $343,938.09 per inning pitched, and $114, 646.03 per out.

I listened to a good part of this series in the car. John Sterling sure misses a lot of home run calls, doesn't he. I realize that's never been his forte, but he really seems to be getting worse. Nonetheless, I still love Big John.

Speaking of announcers, I watched the streaming video of the Men's Gold Medal Basketball game this morning at 2:30 (on my laptop). The video contained sound, but no announcers. It was very interesting. Years back, NBC broadcasted a Jets-Dolphins game with only sound and graphics. Last night (rather, early this morning) reminded me of that game.

Does anyone ever read Phil Mushnick in the Sunday New York Post? He always shows two people that "supposedly" look alike. Maybe it's just me, but they never look anything like one another. Today he had Johan Santana and Sinbad. Do they look alike?

Speaking of look-a-likes. The woman below looks very familiar. Can anyone help me out? Who is she?

Some Thoughts

A very depressing first game against the Blue Jays. It's too bad Rasner wasn't able to get a win. Burnett's stuff is electric, it's amazing that he doesn't have more success in his non-Yankee starts.

My four year old daughter named her doll, Kim Jones. Is it possible that I watch too many Yankee games?

A quick confession. Sometimes when I'm typing (and looking at the screen) I hear Doogie Howser music in my head.

Competing in the Steeplechase must be very annoying. By the time you're finished with your race, your sneakers and socks are all wet.

This is totally coming from my heart, but I think the Jets can be really dangerous this year.

Speaking of the Jets, Eric Mangini has gotten lots of the attention, but in my opinion, the Jets also have a real good one in Mike Tannenbaum.

Bruce Springsteen is rumored to be playing the half time show at this year's Super Bowl. If the rumor is true, then it would only be fitting if a Jersey based team played in the game.

In recent days, I've heard numerous people (Al Leiter, Mike Francesa, etc...) say that Pudge Rodriguez is a borderline Hall of Famer. What do you think?

I found out today that my wife listens to (and enjoys) Craig Carton every morning. I think Carton can be amusing at times, but he strikes me as a little sleazy. Not the good kind of sleazy (think Angelina Jolie) either. I'm not exactly sure why I feel this way about Carton. I guess it's just one of those gut feelings, or maybe it's only because he hates the Yankees.

Speaking of my wife, we have tickets for the last two regular season home games at Yankee Stadium. I would like to go to the games, but my wife wants me to sell the tickets and make some money. I guess we're at an impasse. What would you do?

I was at a pig roast recently in eastern Connecticut. This particular part of Connecticut is evenly split between Yankee fans and Red Sox fans. There were lots of kids there that day, and I noticed two things. Number one, all the well behaved kids were the Yankee fans, while all the poorly behaved future juvenile delinquents were Red Sox fans. I found that very interesting. Number two, all the kids who were Red Sox fans had red hair and freckles. I'm not talking about one or two kids either. There were like 15-20 red haired, freckled, future juvenile delinquent Red Sox fans at the pig roast. Anyway, it reminded me of this hysterical video.

Some Thoughts

Granted, Robinson Cano's play (and according to some, his attitude) this year leaves a lot to be desired, however, last offseason would have been the ideal time to trade him, not this offseason. The same goes for Melky Cabrera. Buy low, sell high. It's not rocket science.

Hank Steinbrenner should not be talking about next year (unless, he's using reverse psychology with the players). It sends a very bad message. I can't get mad at Hank, though. He's a funny and cuddly goofball, and with all his ranting and raving, it's not like he ever does anything rash or crazy (like firing the manager 16 games into the season). In fact, the more we learn about the Steinbrenner brothers, the more it seems as if Hal is the one with the most influence.

Brian Stokes pitched 4 shutout innings for the Mets the other night. Despite the fact that he entered the game with a 10-0 lead, he was awarded a save. I know it's within the rules, but how dumb is that? Wow! I just realized that this is something that Bob Raissman would write. Pretty scary.

Speaking of Bob Raissman. He's one of the few sportswriters who still uses the word, jive.

Getting back to Hank and Hal. Hank reminds me of the gruff (but lovable) guy who worked at the front desk on E.R. As for Hal, doesn't he look a little bit like Tom Cruise?

Mike & the Mad Dog were certainly annoying at times, with that being said, today is a sad day in the world of New York sports. Despite it's flaws, The Mike & the Mad Dog show was an institution that helped shape sports talk radio nationwide. During the Yankees 1996 championship run (among many other times), their show was a must listen.

Here's one of Chris's finer moments.

Some Thoughts

I really like Robinson Cano. He has a sweet stroke, is young and tremendously talented (both offensively and defensively), but sometimes he really makes me scratch my head. His Chuck Knoblaugh impersonation in the 2nd inning of last night's game almost made me put my fist through the television. In addition, a player with his hitting ability should never have a .300 on base percentage.

Tommy Hunter reminds me of Andrew Giuliani.

After years of watching Jorge Posada, it was great to see a Yankees catcher actually block home plate last night. Jorge should try it some time.

Frankie Catalanatto would be the perfect type of player for the Yankees.

The Rays are not a fluke, but they will hit a rough stretch before this month is over. Mark my words.

In many ways 2008 is a transition year for the Yankees, and their current starting staff does kind of remind me of some of their starting staffs in the 80's. With that being said, the Yankees will make a real run at this thing (the WHOLE thing) this year. I just have a feeling.