Satan's Luau

I got an email from the athletic department today, with a message from the coach

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Aloha .............................

Thank you for supporting our outstanding student-athletes during our 12-0 regular season, Western Athletic Conference Championship, and our first-ever appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game, the 2008 Allstate Sugar Bowl. These young men worked tirelessly during the course of the 2007 campaign in order to represent the entire state of Hawai`i in first-class fashion and I certainly could not be more proud of them.

It was my great honor to be associated with such a quality group of coaches and players. They demonstrated teamwork, sacrifice, grit, determination, unselfishness, humility, and an unrelenting commitment to success. Meanwhile, they were superior individuals off the field and represented Hawai`i with class, dignity, and honor.

I want to extend a special mahalo to the fans of Hawai`i. You were there for us during the course of the season and traveled with us in great numbers to New Orleans, making incredible personal sacrifices. That really touched our hearts in ways that can never be accurately communicated. The level of energy, excitement, and passion you demonstrated truly helped make this a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

Mahalo,

June Jones
Head Coach

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Mahalo to you, Coach.

Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When the best part of a team goes against the worst part of yours, domination usually occurs on the football field. Last night was no exception.

That being said, it was a great ride this season. I never thought that UH would go undefeated in a regular season schedule, much less go to a BCS bowl in my lifetime.

Looking back as someone who had season tickets for the 0-12 season in 1998, the team has come a long, LONG way back, not only to respectability, but to make an appearance at that elusive "next level" of college football. The level for teams with much larger budgets and where better athletes 1-105 play.

I'm not sure that UH can be at the "next level" consistently, given so many constraints that the football program faces. But, for at least one night, it was my team, our team, on the national stage in the big game. And that is pretty sweet.

Kudos and thanks to the team this year and the coaching staff. Great job all around.

Posted by at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Image Courtesy: Steelers.com)

I paused a bit today to research how successful my favorite pro football team has been in the 30 years now that I have been following them. Frankly, it's an embarrassment of riches.

I didn't compare with other teams, but I do feel fortunate to be a fan of the team. I don't think that they will do much in the playoffs this year, but then again, I thought the same in 2005, the most recent SB championship

What I learned (1977-2007)
18 playoff seasons
14 division titles
4 AFC championships
3 Super Bowl championships
287 Regular season wins (incl. 2007 to date)

All in all, I feel very lucky as well to be a Black&Gold fan.

Posted by at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Image Courtesy: AP)

A handful of years after TC was touted as a finalist.

One year after Colt arguably has the best season ever as a college QB statistically of 63 TDs -- on a 3 loss team. DOES NOT GET INVITED.

Colt goes to the apple in decay as a Heisman finalist this year, with great stats and riding an undefeated season

If that jump passing ass from FL wins the Heisman with his "best season ever as a college QB statistically of 51 TDs" and on a 3 loss team, I will puke then swear repeatedly.

Posted by at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Great news this morning that Andy Pettitte has decided against retirement and will pitch one more year in a Bronx. My personal feelings are that given his strong feelings for his family in Houston and possible retirement, it feels like a bonus to get Andy Pettitte back in the Bronx for one more year.

My guess is that this just turned the Santana trade talks on their ear. A lot of the urgency for the deal on New York's part may now be gone.

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The answer is: YES!

One of the long-time dreams of the program is finally realized.
UH is in a big payday, BCS bowl.

UH finished the season with a #10 final BCS ranking, which automatically qualified the team for BCS bowl selection. The Sugar Bowl game selected Hawaii to play against BCS ranked #5 Georgia to play in New Orleans on New Years Day 2008.

Posted by at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

UH 35 Washington 28

(Image Courtesy: Honolulu Advertiser)

UH. 12-0. Unbelievable!!!!

Amazing comeback victory, erasing two 21 point deficits to go ahead for the win in the 4th Q, with just seconds remaining.

Another stellar performance by Colt, but the player of the game was Jason Rivers.
I think "Big Game" is too small a nickname for the WR who always gives big time, clutch performances in important games.

I would never have imagined that in my lifetime, UH would not only break the TOP10 in any national poll, but be undefeated in a full season. Speechless, unbelievable, priceless -- and probably once in a lifetime.

Posted by at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hawaii 39 Boise 27

For the first time, UH has won the WAC conference football conference outright.
Third conference championship since 1992.

Update: 11/25:
UH is now ranked #12 in the BCS standings, which is the required ranking to receive an automatic bid to a BCS bowl.

Posted by at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My favorite all-time New York Ranger.

Mark Messier, "The Captain", is now in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Achievements
* 5 Stanley Cups: 1984,1985,1987,1988, 1990, 1994
* Only player to captain two different teams to the Stanley Cup
* 2 Hart Memorial Trophies (NHL MVP): 1990, 1992
* 2 Lester B. Pearson Awards (NHL Most Outstanding Player): 1990, 1992
* Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoffs MVP): 1984
* 15 All-Star game appearances
* Ranks 2nd all-time in the following categories: regular season points scored (1,887), playoff points (295), and in games played (1,756)
* One of only 40 players to score 500 or more goals

Posted by at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is necessary ... required?

Real short. So if the league commissioner finds that the FlyingElvises cheated by stealing signals -- shouldn't the FlyingElvi just be required to forfeit the game to the AirTransporters of Jersey?

I don't get where all this, let's penalize them by withholding draft picks comes from -- that's so off-the-wall, bizarre to me. If you cheated in the game, take away the game. It's a forfeit. Period. Nothing is more punitive than taking away wins, nip this in the bud.

Where's the VP of common sense when you need them?

Posted by at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand how certain fan-related sports blogs can be so ridiculously negative, yet receive high praise as some kind of great source of information for certain sports teams

Continue reading "Just plain grouchy" »

Posted by at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Or, when the The Association still mattered ... that is, from a blood and guts perspective ... hardcore basketball ... not talking beautiful game necessarily ... but blood and guts effort, intense rivalries, none of this current day superstar driven crud ... teams, personalities ... wait, did I say that? ... yes, personalities within the team concept. And, of course, good old fashioned hate -- note, not 'dislike' ... HATE

Nice article in the DetroitFreePress setting up this round of playoffs between the NuBulls and the RePistons ... Bulls - Pistons: 88-91, the last of the old school team-based rivalries. And I'm not even a fan of either team ... I loved it for what it was, an old fashioned beat down -- a battle to see who wanted it more.

Funny, although I enjoy the renaissance of the fun-n-gun Suns, Mavs, GSW ala the late 70s and 80s when I started watching. I just don't get that feeling that anyone really cares that deeply anymore, it's that annoying we play hard only in the last 5 minutes of the game stuff, all the hugging and texting and hanging out.

Ehhh, I'm probably just getting all old and nostalgic, but where are the rivalries that this league was revived on and thrived on? ... Bullets-Spurs; Showtime Lakers v. Celtics; Pistons - Celtics; Bulls- Pistons; Knicks - Bulls ... Knicks - Heat seemed promising a handful of years ago, but 33 of the Garden was on his last wheels. Can't think of any since then, then again less than 5 in the Association had their own signature shoes at that time, either

Really enjoyed this read ... life's definitely different now ... check it here.

Posted by at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow, my first athletic commentary in freaking years. And although there are many obvious targets so far ... including H. Failure's fball sched and bball coach debacle, the interlocking NYY's annoying losses early this season, etc.

I want to talk LAL bball. In particular, the playoff ouster last year and the very mediocre performance so far this year.

Continue reading "Pardon my rant" »

Posted by at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I can understand the hype behind our local female prodigy. I can appreciate that many people would really like her to do well, and to some degree, I share that sentiment.

Her prodigious talent is really a tremendous thing, and people all over the world would love to see her play -- and are fascinated by the spectacle of a late-mid teens golfer doing well against her female competition.

I think the current issue concerning her is that no one is satisfied with just appreciating that she is good -- in fact, awesome in terms of all who have come before and now play -- there are always other questions that will tear at what she is trying to accomplish

Continue reading "Good Spectacles and Bad Spectacles" »

Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Although the Blueshirts got swept out of the playoffs, it really was a surprising season where the NYR were in first place for much of the season ... and of course, returned to the playoffs for the first time in nine years

This is the video tribute to the fans

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Image: AP)

Thanks for the ten great seasons with the Steelers, and your class and grace.

Continue reading "Thanks for the memories" »

Posted by at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Image: AP)

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yankees coming off the highly improbable comeback yesterday, now trying for the three game sweep of the Royals

Inside, impressions of KC at NYY (129/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 7" »

Posted by at 10:40 AM | Permalink

Yankees start a three game series versus the Royals

Inside, impressions of KC at NYY (127/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 5" »

Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink

After two successful outings against the White Sox, Yankees go for the sweep

Inside, impressions of NYY at CWS (122/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 6" »

Posted by at 11:26 AM | Permalink

Yankees back in action after a grind it out win yesterday ... since I don't live in the area that gets the game live, I have to wait until all games have run ... that's one bummer of MLBtv, but anyway

Inside, impressions of NYY at CWS (121/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 5" »

Posted by at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Well, after choking up the last two games against the Rays ... the Yankees face another team that frustrated them recently, the White Sox

Inside, impressions of NYY at CWS (120/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 4" »

Posted by at 5:05 PM | Permalink

Another day of breakfast with the Yankees

Inside, impressions of TEX at NYY (116/162)
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Continue reading "Homestand, Game 7" »

Posted by at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Hmmm, lemme see ... oh yeah, that elephant in the room is the Yankee bullpen that sets up Mo

Inside, impressions of TEX at NYY (114/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 5" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

The unproven long relief man Proctor gets the start for the start-stop-sputter Yankees, as they open a four game series against the tailspinning Rangers

Inside, impressions of TEX at NYY (113/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 4" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Yankees - White Sox. Rubber Game.

Inside, impressions of CWS at NYY (112/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 3" »

Posted by at 11:00 AM | Permalink

After a win versus El Duque yesterday, the Yankees face their second straight ex-Yankee pitcher today for the White Sox

Inside, impressions of CWS at NYY (111/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 2" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Yankees begin a three game series against the league leading White Sox

Inside, impressions of CWS at NYY (110/162)

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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 1" »

Posted by at 1:17 PM | Permalink

Yankees trying to win the rubber match today against the Jays and even up the road swing at three games up, three games down

Inside, impressions of NYY at TOR (109/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 6" »

Posted by at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Yankees trying to string together some wins ... and stay in the race, as the As and Red Sox are playing white hot baseball

Inside, impressions of NYY at TOR (108/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 5" »

Posted by at 2:00 PM | Permalink

Back to divisional competition after the frustrating series against the Tribe

Inside, impressions of NYY at TOR (107/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 4" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Well, a difficult start to the road swing thus far ... Yankees try to salvage one from the Tribe before leaving town

Inside, impressions of NYY at CLE (106/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 3" »

Posted by at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yankees back in play after a day off ... and begin a three game road series versus Cleveland. The enigmatic but largely solid Al Leiter going tonight

Inside, impressions of NYY at CLE (104/162)
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Continue reading "Road Swing, Game 1" »

Posted by at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yankees and Angels ... rubber game.

Inside, impressions of LA-A at NYY (103/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 6" »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Yesterday the Angels pitching shutdown the Yankees ... who knows what will happen today with Shawn Chacon's first start in pinstripes

Inside, impressions of LA-A at NYY (102/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 5" »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Yankees back in for another tough three series at The Stadium ... this time against the Halos, who really dominated them last weekend out west

Inside, impressions of LA-A at NYY (101/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 4" »

Posted by at 1:07 PM | Permalink

After two dominant pitching performances ... we have the rubber game of the Twins and Yankees, with one of those special breakfast with the Yankees starting times

Inside, impressions of MIN at NYY (100/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 3" »

Posted by at 10:30 AM | Permalink

Very dominant pitching performance last night by the Unit, tonight Al Leiter gets his first start back in NY -- Yankees try to secure a series win against the always tough Johan Santana

Impressions of MIN at NYY (99/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 2" »

Posted by at 1:24 PM | Permalink

Yankees back after a day off, off a solid performance on the road trip. Today it gets no easier as they start a three game series against wild card contender, Minnesota

Impressions of MIN at NYY (98/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 1" »

Posted by at 3:40 PM | Permalink

Well, last game of the road trip, Yankees trying to salvage one against the Angels and avoid the sweep

Inside, impressions of NYY at LAA (97/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 11" »

Posted by at 2:00 PM | Permalink

After giving one away and yesterday not really seeming to be into it (with all the missed opps) despite the closeness of the score, the Yankees try again to knock off the Halos in an unusually late SAT start

Inside, impressions of NYY at LAA (96/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 10" »

Posted by at 8:00 PM | Permalink

Games like that yesterday are really tough to swallow for fans ... who knows what it is like for players, probably 8000x worse. Yankees look to bounce back against the Halos today behind the arm of the surprising road dog Al Leiter

Inside, impressions of NYY at LAA (95/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 9" »

Posted by at 8:00 PM | Permalink

Yankees begin a three game series against the always tough Halos

Inside, impressions of NYY at LAA (94/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 8" »

Posted by at 4:15 PM | Permalink

The slugfest .... the pitching and defensive struggle? ... and now the rubber game of the three game road series with the Rangers

Inside, impressions of NYY at TEX (93/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 7" »

Posted by at 1:08 PM | Permalink

The Yankees pulled out a wild one yesterday ... and are in first place in the AL East for the first time since opening day

Inside, impressions of NYY at TEX (92/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 6" »

Posted by at 2:06 PM | Permalink

Yankees coming off a big series win against Boston, now facing a Rangers team that might be ornery off their series with the A's

Inside, impressions of NYY at TEX (91/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 5" »

Posted by at 2:13 PM | Permalink

The Yankees try to win the road series against the Red Sox behind the arm of reclaimed vet, Al Leiter ... here's to hoping that he fares better than Redding on Friday

Inside, impressions of NYY at BOS (90/162)
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Continue reading "The Rivalry 05: Game 13 (RT 4)" »

Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink

It's games like yesterday ... hooboy, the Yankees really need quality starts from their stars, and probably need to look at getting one or two more solid starters that can keep them in games

Inside, impressions of NYY at BOS (89/162)
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Continue reading "The Rivalry 05: Game 12 (RT 3)" »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Exciting typical war of attrition type game between the Yankees and Red Sox last night ... tonight, who knows how it will turn out, as the Yankees turn to the previously ineffective Tim Redding, picked up from the Padres

Inside, impressions of NYY at BOS (88/162)
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Continue reading "The Rivalry 05: Game 11 (RT 2)" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Yankees going well over the past stretch, winning seven of eight. Now begins the absolute killer portion of the schedule with road games at the Red Sox, Rangers and Angels

But before all that, there is the matter of a four game series with the first place Red Sox at Fenway

Inside, impressions of NYY at BOS (87/162)
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Continue reading "The Rivalry 05: Game 10 (RT G1)" »

Posted by at 10:56 AM | Permalink

Last game prior to the All-Star break, Yankees trying to win the four game series versus the Tribe, and the Indians trying to split

Early morning start to this one, needless to say ... I didn't watch most of it live

Inside, impressions of CLE at NYY (86/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 6" »

Posted by at 10:24 AM | Permalink

Yankees salted away the first two ... now on the 59th Annual Old Timers' Day, probably trying to work for a sweep. Might be a bit difficult with the inexperienced May pitching for the Yankees ... we shall see

Inside, impressions of CLE at NYY (85/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 5" »

Posted by at 3:15 PM | Permalink

Yankees improbably working their way back into the playoff and division race ... sooo on a rainy night at The Stadium

Inside, impressions of CLE at NYY (84/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 4" »

Posted by at 4:30 PM | Permalink

The Tribe in for a four game series starting today ... they have been one of the better teams lately in the AL, this may be a good measuring stick for the Yankees going into the A-S Break

And, first game in center for rookie Melky Cabrera

Inside, impressions of CLE at NYY (83/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 3" »

Posted by at 5:18 PM | Permalink

Breakfast with the Yankees this morning ...

Last game of a short two game set with Os, Yankees on an improbable three game win streak

Inside, impressions of BAL at NYY (82/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 2" »

Posted by at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Well, here we are at the halfway point of the season, and the Yankees are back home to face the Os in a short two game series ... and surprise, surprise, on another streak (so up and down this season)

Inside, impressions of BAL at NYY (81/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 1" »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Last game of the road trip, Yankees trying to win the rubber match of the series today

Inside, impressions of NYY at DET (80/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 6" »

Posted by at 1:41 PM | Permalink

Yankees back in action after the rainout .... and the extra day off after the heartbreaking loss against the Os, starting a three game road series in Detroit

Inside impressions of NYY at DET (78/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 4" »

Posted by at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Well, yesterday the Yankees ground out another comeback victory ... we shall see if it carries over until today. If past experience with this season is a predictor, probably not LOL

Inside, impressions of NYY at BAL (77/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 2" »

Posted by at 2:07 PM | Permalink

Yankees pull one out of the fire last night ... another improbably walk off hit by Giambi -- They begin a six game road swing leading to the All-Star break

Inside, impressions of NYY at BAL (76/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 1" »

Posted by at 1:04 PM | Permalink

Yankees trying to salvage one in the Yankee Stadium stand in the Subway Series, and basically right the ship after a rough go of it this week against the Rays and the Mets ... the last game of this season's interleague play is also the Captain's 31st birthday

Inside, impressions of NYM at NYY (75/162)
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Continue reading "Interleague: Subway Series, Game 6 (HS 13)" »

Posted by at 6:00 PM | Permalink

Last night the Mets came out strong out of the gate and held off a minor rally late

Inside, impressions of NYM at NYY (74/162)
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Continue reading "Interleague: Subway Series 05, Game 5 (HS 12)" »

Posted by at 2:00 PM | Permalink

Back into interleague play after the difficult series loss to the cellar dwelling Rays

Inside, impressions of NYM at NYY (73/162)
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Continue reading "Interleague: Subway Series 05, Game 4 (HS 11)" »

Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Great game yesterday ... amazing and improbable comeback

Inside, impressions of TB at NYY (71/162)
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Continue reading "Homestand, Game 9" »

Posted by at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Little late getting to this one ... not tremendously motivated to watch baseball today

Inside, impressions of TB at NYY (70/162)
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Continue reading "Homestand, Game 8" »

Posted by at 1:32 PM | Permalink

The Yankees start a four game series versus the D-Rays today ... we get the TB broadcast team today

Inside, impressions of TB at NYY (69/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 7" »

Posted by at 1:07 PM | Permalink

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the fathers out there, especially to my own dad

Yankees going for the second sweep of the homestand -- early morning start for this one ... so, of course, watching it on delay

Inside, impressions of CHC at NYY (68/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 6" »

Posted by at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Well, for the first time since 1938 ... Yankees versus Cubs, interleague is great

Inside, impressions of CHC at NYY (66/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 4" »

Posted by at 12:56 PM | Permalink

Giambi shuts em up ... well for one day anyways -- Pass the bbq-d crow, it's the last game of the series with the Pirates

Inside, impressions of PIT at NYY (65/162)
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Continue reading "Homestand, Game 3" »

Posted by at 1:03 PM | Permalink

After games like yesterday given the way this season has gone, I always wonder if the total game can carry over to the next game

Inside, impressions of PIT at NYY (64/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 2" »

Posted by at 1:08 PM | Permalink

Yankees back at home after a putrid 3-9 road trip. Lucky them they get to face one of the hotter teams in baseball, the Pirates

Inside, impressions of PIT at NYY (63/162)
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Continue reading "Home Stand, Game 1" »

Posted by at 1:05 PM | Permalink

The final game of what has been an absolutely abysmal long road trip for the Yankees

Inside, impressions of NYY at STL (62/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 12" »

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

The Yankees played a real stinker yesterday ... hopefully they can salvage some of the few games remaining on the trip

Inside, the impressions of NYY at STL (61/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 11" »

Posted by at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Baseball on a holiday afternoon, really perfect

Inside, impressions of NYY at STL (60/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 10" »

Posted by at 2:01 PM | Permalink

Ugly, that's the only way to describe the last ten games

Inside, impressions of NYY at MIL (59/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 9" »

Posted by at 2:07 PM | Permalink

Lately watching the Yankees has been like listening to a broken record

Inside, impressions of NYY at MIL (58/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 8" »

Posted by at 1:58 PM | Permalink

Back to interleague play, Yankees in a big time swoon, having lost three straight serie, and 7 of 8 ... today they start a three game series against the Brewers

Inside, impressions of NYY at MIL (57/162)
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Continue reading "Road Trip, Game 7" »

Posted by at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)