Three consecutive wins in which the Yankees totaled 26 runs have calmed the waters, at least for now. Another loss and people will again deem the team a bust and call for Joe Girardi's head.
How easy is it just to chill and enjoy the games? To each his own ....
The best part about the Yankees the past few games have been the young players. Robinson Cano has returned to form with a vengeance. Melky Cabrera has taken the center field job away from Brett Gardner. Phil Hughes was awesome on Tuesday and Joba Chamberlain followed it up with his best performance as a starting pitcher since last July. Conclusions: Hughes needs to build on this and Chamberlain should not go to the bullpen. End of story.
Business is again picking up in the world of MMA. UFC 98 is this month and Long Island's Matt Serra has his legacy fight against Matt Hughes. I have an update on The Terror in the works and yesterday caught up with John Hackleman, Chuck Liddell's longtime trainer. Contrary to what Dana White said, Hackleman told me the Iceman is not done yet. He has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and Hackleman implied that Liddell will even figut outside of the organization. How fast will Strikeforce jump at the chance?
Friday, May 1, 2009
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.
... 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?
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
RIP, Andrew Martin
The beginning of my weekend was hit with the knowledge of the untimely death of Andrew Martin, who competed as Test in the WWF/WWE four days shy of his 34th birthday. For the past decade there have been too many former and current wrestlers who passed away while just in their 40s. Too many good human beings have caved under pressure to get to - and especially stay at - the top of a profession ripe with drug and PED abuse, replete with politics and the circus animal-like treatment without the benefit of a union. Many have campaigned for the sports entertainment industry to establish a union for its peformers. Sadly, that will never happen.
Test debuted in the WWF in 1998 and within a year found himself in a major storyline as the love interest, and later the fiancee, of Stephanie McMahon. Once that ran its course, Test and Albert (Matt Bloom) became a tag team called T&A managed by a sultry newcomer named Trish Stratus. Over the years, Martin would hold the WWF tag-team, European, Hardcore and Intercontinental titles, but despite looking outstanding in spurts would flame out and never took that final step to be recognized as one the company's elite.
Martin's role as one-half of T&A was gaining steam by the time I started with the WWF in 2000. I didn't know him as well as some of the other wrestlers, but recall a conversation backstage at Madison Square Garden while he was getting a massage. The day before the Rangers were clobbered 6-1 by the Detroit Red Wings in the same building. A lot of the wrestlers, namely Chris Jericho, Edge and Christian, were huge hockey fans.
Christian and I were having an extended conversation about the NHL and the Rangers' woes within ear shot of Martin. Although he was the recipient of deep soft tissue manipulation courtesy of an attractive young lady, Martin turned his head to the left and looked over his shoulder towards me with a smile, and softly said, "Those Rangers have big problems, don't they?"
A simple story, for sure, but one that's resonated since yesterday afternoon. I didn't know Andrew Martin well, nor did I speak with him after that day, but he was a small part of my life and one who I'll never forget. It's a damn shame that after Martin will be honored and remembered with respect and dignity, the "show" will go on without anyone reflecting that the system continues to be broken. Alas, nobody will do something about it, and that's sad and a damn shame.
The Rangers have concluded a 4-1 win over the Flyers as I write this, a nice bounce-back win from yesterday's loss in Philadelphia and are now in a three-way tie for fifth place (80 points) in the Eastern Conference with Montreal and Pittsburgh. I hated the firing of Tom Renney, but this has been a much different team under John Tortorella. Scoring has been up, ditto accountability and a stronger sense of urgency. This week features a showdown Tuesday night in Montreal and another critical game at MSG Saturday night against Buffalo (three points out of eighth place as of this writing). In a race this tight all you concern yourself with is winning and everything else will take care of itself.
Two other reasons behind the Rangers' turnaround: Nik Antropov and Sean Avery. Antropov is 3-2-5 in six games since being acquired from the Maple Leafs. Avery scored twice today and is 4-1-5 in his six games while showing the fire and passion missing from this team for much of the winter. It's amazing how much of a difference Avery is to the Rangers and only the Rangers.
Test debuted in the WWF in 1998 and within a year found himself in a major storyline as the love interest, and later the fiancee, of Stephanie McMahon. Once that ran its course, Test and Albert (Matt Bloom) became a tag team called T&A managed by a sultry newcomer named Trish Stratus. Over the years, Martin would hold the WWF tag-team, European, Hardcore and Intercontinental titles, but despite looking outstanding in spurts would flame out and never took that final step to be recognized as one the company's elite.
Martin's role as one-half of T&A was gaining steam by the time I started with the WWF in 2000. I didn't know him as well as some of the other wrestlers, but recall a conversation backstage at Madison Square Garden while he was getting a massage. The day before the Rangers were clobbered 6-1 by the Detroit Red Wings in the same building. A lot of the wrestlers, namely Chris Jericho, Edge and Christian, were huge hockey fans.
Christian and I were having an extended conversation about the NHL and the Rangers' woes within ear shot of Martin. Although he was the recipient of deep soft tissue manipulation courtesy of an attractive young lady, Martin turned his head to the left and looked over his shoulder towards me with a smile, and softly said, "Those Rangers have big problems, don't they?"
A simple story, for sure, but one that's resonated since yesterday afternoon. I didn't know Andrew Martin well, nor did I speak with him after that day, but he was a small part of my life and one who I'll never forget. It's a damn shame that after Martin will be honored and remembered with respect and dignity, the "show" will go on without anyone reflecting that the system continues to be broken. Alas, nobody will do something about it, and that's sad and a damn shame.
_______________________
The Rangers have concluded a 4-1 win over the Flyers as I write this, a nice bounce-back win from yesterday's loss in Philadelphia and are now in a three-way tie for fifth place (80 points) in the Eastern Conference with Montreal and Pittsburgh. I hated the firing of Tom Renney, but this has been a much different team under John Tortorella. Scoring has been up, ditto accountability and a stronger sense of urgency. This week features a showdown Tuesday night in Montreal and another critical game at MSG Saturday night against Buffalo (three points out of eighth place as of this writing). In a race this tight all you concern yourself with is winning and everything else will take care of itself.
Two other reasons behind the Rangers' turnaround: Nik Antropov and Sean Avery. Antropov is 3-2-5 in six games since being acquired from the Maple Leafs. Avery scored twice today and is 4-1-5 in his six games while showing the fire and passion missing from this team for much of the winter. It's amazing how much of a difference Avery is to the Rangers and only the Rangers.
_______________________
The Yankees are three weeks from Opening Day April 6 in Baltimore. I've been tracking the team daily on the YES Blog and my colleague, Joe Auriemma will be in Tampa from March 18-28 with exclusive insight and videos leading up to Grand Opening of the new Yankee Stadium on April 3. My first chance to see the building will be the week of the 30th when I pick up my season credential. From there it's a Yankees workout on April 2 and the unveiling the next night. I'll be keeping both a written and pictorial diary, and well as the latest team news and notes, on the YES Blog. That's when the fun starts!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday talk
Alex Rodriguez had successful surgery this morning and specialist Dr. Marc Philippon was extremely happy. Under the care of one of the best in his field, combined with A-Rod's tremendous condition and work ethic, Rodriguez should make it back by May and be a big part of the Yankees' fortunes. He'll have a more invasive procedure after the season, but that's for November and he's already been proclaimed ready for Spring Training 2010. The 2 Live Stews from Sports Radio 790 in Atlanta had me on this afternoon to discuss A-Rod, the World Baseball Classic and CC Sabathia, who I wrote last week is the key to the Yankees' chances in 2009.
It was assumed that it would be Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans at UFC 98 following Jackson's victory over Keith Jardine Saturday night, but not so fast. The Junkie crew was all over Dana White's contention that Lyoto Machida still could end up getting a shot at Evans' light-heavyweight title. May and UFC 98 would be Rampage's third fight in five months and White wants to ensure he'd be 100 percent.
To me this makes sense. Give "The Dragon" the shot he deserves and let Rampage fight the winner. Then again, the heat between Rampage and Sugar Rashad after the Jardine fight was priceless. Machida may spoil those plans, but if he doesn't you're talking about month's worth of promotion and hype for what Jackson called "Black on Black!"
Meanwhile, Frank Mir's knee surgery moved his fight against Brock Lesnar to UFC 100 on July 11. The UFC's 100th event should be headlined by a heavyweight title fight.
It was assumed that it would be Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans at UFC 98 following Jackson's victory over Keith Jardine Saturday night, but not so fast. The Junkie crew was all over Dana White's contention that Lyoto Machida still could end up getting a shot at Evans' light-heavyweight title. May and UFC 98 would be Rampage's third fight in five months and White wants to ensure he'd be 100 percent.
To me this makes sense. Give "The Dragon" the shot he deserves and let Rampage fight the winner. Then again, the heat between Rampage and Sugar Rashad after the Jardine fight was priceless. Machida may spoil those plans, but if he doesn't you're talking about month's worth of promotion and hype for what Jackson called "Black on Black!"
Meanwhile, Frank Mir's knee surgery moved his fight against Brock Lesnar to UFC 100 on July 11. The UFC's 100th event should be headlined by a heavyweight title fight.
Back to attack
Back to blogging, at least other things besides Yankees, after a five-day period that hearkened memories of Eugene Levy's line in Splash: "What a week I'm having!"
Monday March 2: The tri-state area gets crushed with 14-plus inches of snow. Yours truly broke his back for nearly three hours shoveling the two feet that was on my driveway thanks to the crosswinds. All part of the wonderful world of winter.
Tuesday March 3: I'm tortured by a wind chill that felt below zero while making my way to work to find out Alex Rodriguez is in the news - again. This time it was due to a cyst on his right hip. Since it's A-Rod, we learn there is much more to this story.
Wednesday March 4: ESPNdeportes reports A-Rod needs surgery and could be out six-to-10 weeks, causing yet another uproar in both YES and Yankeeland. Later in the day we learn it may not be as bad at it seems. Even when it's not his fault, just when you think you have the answers, A-Rod changes the questions. Within A-Rod hell, the Rangers make two trades before the NHL deadline, acquiring Nik Antropov and Derek Morris.
Thursday March 5: Honestly it's a blur.
Friday March 6: Beating a tight deadline, I file my story for MMA Junkie on Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Over the weekend, Jackson defeats Keith Jardine by decision and all parties decide A-Rod will have the surgery, a less invasive procedure that if everything goes right should have him back by May. The rest of the surgery will take place in the offseason.
Monday March 2: The tri-state area gets crushed with 14-plus inches of snow. Yours truly broke his back for nearly three hours shoveling the two feet that was on my driveway thanks to the crosswinds. All part of the wonderful world of winter.
Tuesday March 3: I'm tortured by a wind chill that felt below zero while making my way to work to find out Alex Rodriguez is in the news - again. This time it was due to a cyst on his right hip. Since it's A-Rod, we learn there is much more to this story.
Wednesday March 4: ESPNdeportes reports A-Rod needs surgery and could be out six-to-10 weeks, causing yet another uproar in both YES and Yankeeland. Later in the day we learn it may not be as bad at it seems. Even when it's not his fault, just when you think you have the answers, A-Rod changes the questions. Within A-Rod hell, the Rangers make two trades before the NHL deadline, acquiring Nik Antropov and Derek Morris.
Thursday March 5: Honestly it's a blur.
Friday March 6: Beating a tight deadline, I file my story for MMA Junkie on Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Over the weekend, Jackson defeats Keith Jardine by decision and all parties decide A-Rod will have the surgery, a less invasive procedure that if everything goes right should have him back by May. The rest of the surgery will take place in the offseason.
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