Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Natives restless in Yankeeland

Yankees fans are screaming and running, and those sticking around are planning a revolt – all this in response to a 9-10 ballclub. That's what happens when you spend $423.5 million on people. Expectations are in the ridiculous stage and weaknesses are blown up like hot balloons after every loss. There are varying opinions behind another Yankees’ slow start. Joe Girardi can’t manage. The underbelly of the bullpen stinks. Joba Chamberlain should not be starting ...

... I’m out of breath. Yes there are big problems, but last I checked the season doesn’t end in late April. That said, I’ve already been feeding the YES Blog with hearty meals, including open letters to CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes. Last week presented a look back at one of the longest games in history that ended in dramatic fashion and a look ahead at the Yankees’ first meeting with the Red Sox, one that didn’t turn out so well.

Next time anyone cries over what’s wrong with the Yankees, see the Rangers, who as of this writing seem destined for a collapse. Firing the coach solves all problems, right? Yeah, Tom Renney had his shortcomings, but he never let unruly fans cause him to throw water bottles or brandish a stick in a threatening manner. That’s John Tortorella for you. He’s cracked the whip, but the power play is still atrocious and the offense blacks out when it matters the most. And it’s been proven that Tortorella is more immature than Sean Avery. Another day in the life of the Rangers organization.

A couple of weeks ago I landed an exclusive interview with Chuck Liddell to discuss his fight with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Retirement wasn’t an option, insisted The Iceman, adding he was in the best shape of his life for a bout that either would re-launch or sink his career. It turned out it was the latter, but he’s (probably) leaving with his head high. One of his coaches was Howard Davis Jr., gold medalist in the 1976 Summer Olympic games. He works for American Top Team and is promoting his first MMA show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Davis is a native Long Islander (Glen Cove) and a great guy. I was glad to learn he found his second calling.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Retirement? Don't go there

My guess is that for purposes of procuring that 'juicy' story, but many outlets have peppered Chuck Liddell with questions on whether he's considering retiring from MMA, or if he should have awhile ago. Alright, maybe the Iceman has lost three out of his last four fights - two on the receiving end of spectacular knockout punches.

But like in boxing, there's a big difference between getting beat and getting beaten up. Liddell's recent efforts and desire has been questioned, but when you break down those defeats, two were when he simply got caught and the third was to Keith Jardine, an opponent who on his best night can drive anybody nuts. It's amazing how everyone forgot that his win came against Wanderlei Silva and after that fight they proclaimed "The Iceman is back!" This is what happens when you're 39 years old and measuried against you're own standard of excellence.

Here's why Liddell is far from finished: On February 4, 2006, 42-year-old Randy Couture was knocked out by Liddell in Round 2 of the rubber match of their three fights, his second KO loss to the Iceman in under a year. Couture came back 13 months later to defeat Tim Sylvia to become the UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Even after losing to Brock Lesnar at UFC 91, The Natural said he's still becoming a better fighter and blamed his loss on a bad performance, not his age.

That's where Liddell is at. I spoke with him exclusively last night about his bout with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua Saturday night in Montreal for a story running on MMAJunkie.com this week. When I asked him, one with a reputation for enjoying the Vegas nighlife, about if he's in the best shape of his life, he replied, "It's probably the first time I've ever said that." The 'R' word was neither raised nor discussed. Why should it be? He has a fight this Saturday, so let's table that until there's a reason to, like if Liddell is beaten up by a fighter finally healthy after two knee surgeries and trying to find his footing in the UFC.

Liddell has no intention of letting it get that far. Within a year or two, he intends to hold the light-heavyweight title aloft one more time. If Couture can do it, why not Liddell?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Finally catching up

One month later ... wow. That's how crazy it's been on my end, but like with every start to the Yankees season, business begins to pick up. Joe and I have been feeding the YES Blog with regularity and we all had a lot of fun covering the Stadium's first day of business. The Hard Rock Cafe had a celebratory guitar smash grand opening and while getting their first look at the clubhouse, Nick Swisher told me how 50 grown men became five years old.

A team that spent $423.5 million on people is off to an inauspicious beginning. Because they're the Yankees and invest more than anyone, a 3-4 start creates an uproar. Let's see where this team is by the All-Star break before we attempt to draw any conclusions. Tuesday's 15-5 loss to the Rays was an embarrassment, but Nick Swisher compared it to an Etch-A-Sketch, you need to shake it and start over again.

I recently interviewed Kenny Florian about his part in ESPN.com's MMA Live show, a weekly look at news making headlines in Mixed Martial Arts. We also spent quality time discussing what will be the biggest fight of his life: a showdown against lightweight champion B.J. at UFC 101 August 8 in Philadelphia.

Thursday is the Yankees' home opener, the first official game played at the new Yankee Stadium. It's part of an historic week in New York, one in which the Mets opened Citi Field to regular season baseball and the Rangers will participate in the postseason for the fourth straight year. The YES Blog will have plenty of color commentary and photos of the big day.