Mike and the Mad Blog

Mike'd Off

2009-09-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Martin Luther King Jr. once uttered the words "I have a dream." Well, we here at Mike and the Mad Blog also once had a dream. Unlike Dr. King however, our dream was a bit easier to ascertain - to create a community where fans of the Mike and the Mad Dog radio show could turn to for clever and interesting commentary on the personalities that are Mike Francesa and
Christopher Russo.

Initially, we would like to say that we succeeded in doing so. One commenter at a time, we slowly built up this blog and even garnered some legitimate recognition across the web-o-sphere. We received a plug for the blog on air with Chris Russo. We got an exclusive interview with Neil Best when rumors of the break-up dominated talk. We had Mike and Chris breakdown Wilt's 100 point point game and last year's American Idol Finale. We had the Babe Ruth of body language experts analyze one of Mike and Chris' heated arguments over the bathrooms at the old Yankee Stadium. We turned to our good friend Colonel Nathan Jessep from time to time to make sense of the Mike and the Mad Dog landscape. There was the infamous and the Bucket List. We persevered through the end of the Mike and the Mad Dog era. We suffered with everyone through the start-up of the Mike'd Up era. We're still not sure what the new bells and whistles are, or whom the talent is. We tried our best to follow Doggie on a National level. As boring and bitter as Mike Francesa has been post break-up, Dog has been every bit as irrelevant, often trying too hard to cover too many events.

We invited a few new commenters to contribute as life got in the way for us. In short, it's been a memorable and interesting journey. But all good things must come to an end. For us, the writing has been on the wall for the past few months. This blog has become something less than what we once created. And because of that, we feel it is time to shut down. Kbilly and
Awesome Sean, thanks for writing fresh material but it's time to take back the keys to the car. And since we are still tied up with life, we are going to be shutting down the site for good.

We would like to thank everyone who has visited this blog and has enjoyed the insight we have provided. Consider this a farewell post. We'll leave the comments section open for the day and then we will be shutting it down.

First Time, Long Time & GMan26

NY baseball is like the McDLT

2009-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember the McDonald's McDLT from back in the '80s? "Keep the hot side hot, and the cool side cool." Well the Yankees are the red-hot burger and bacon side and the Mets are the ice-cold lettuce and tomato side.

In NFL, the talk will be be about rookies. Mark Sanchez is the next Joe Namath. The Giants' WRs couldn't catch a cold in a polio ward, except for Hakeem Nicks.

But of course Mike is off this week, so its Joe and Evan for ya. Not sure if Dog is in this week, but he seems to take less time off than the Fat One.

LOBSTER

2009-08-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

No Dog and no Mike today. So all I have to say is...

<~LOBSTER

Your Anus

2009-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

I know it is juvenile and that Gman26 or FTLT will probably delete this post, but this van is parked on my block right now. I couldn't help but snap a picture and send it to everyone I know. That includes you folks. Enjoy.

Joba Chamberlain - A Daring Fellow

2009-08-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Not for driving from a strip club with, what was it again, Henny? No, for giving Mike 5 1/2 hours of free airtime to do nothing but bash him all day. Let's just see what he did wrong, shall we? Bear in mind, Mike GUARANTEED he'd be in the 'pen by August. Remember that folks. All season long he, "Mark my words" this and "I'm telling you right now" that that he'd be pitching the 8th. For some reason, Mike doesn't like Joba outside of 2007 Joba. He wants Joba to be the heir apparent so badly that he's not even happy when the kid goes out there and pitches well. Oh Joba, you've really done it this time...Let's just see:

- Staked to a 4-0 lead (can't pitch to score)
- Too many pitches, not enough strikes (100 pitches of fun)
- Too many base runners (12 base runners in 4.0 innings; thats a 3.0 WHIP folks!!!)
- Doesn't switch hit like Bernie Williams
- Bets exactas (sucker bets, folks)

Oh Joba, do yourself a favor tomorrow and keep it tuned to 1050. I'm sure Michael Kay and SP40 will have plenty of glowing things to say about your performance. Keep it off the FAN though. Mike is coming for you.

Joe Morgan - Still Dumb

2009-08-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

They just showed a split screen with Tex and ARod. Morgan babbled about weight shifting and front feet while showing why ARod hit one out and Tex popped up. First, it's one AB out of 600. Next, ARod is built like a NYG LB. Holy hell that boy is big.

Matsui just turned Beckett into Trachsel. Awful.

In Summary....

2009-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I think that truly defined the Mets season. Bruntlett goes 10-10 and turns a triple play to end this game. Mets catch a break when the dreamy Chase Utley took a break and his replacement played like Robbie Alomar on steroids.

So, whatever. 10 games under and everyone should be put on waivers.

For Big MiKe tomorrow he can talk about the Mets "luck.". Plus, the series in Boston. Weird so far, no?

For me, I'll take Beckett to keep those Yankee bats asleep. I guess he's -6 1/2 or so but I have yet to check.

Sunday Funday boys.

PS - KBilly, we just effing with you and your horrible taste in music. Chill out.

Touch of Gray

2009-08-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Keep your tie dyed shirt on KBilly. I am not glorifying any of that hippie BS music you like. Rather, I am expressing my amazement that there's a men's product that dyes your hair gray, slightly. I'm serious. I am watching the Sawx ritualistically dismantle the Yanks as I wait to watch the Phils gain their redemption on my punchless Mets when the commercial was aired. I'm still serious. This product grays your hair. Where are Hernandez and Clyde when you need 'em?

Will we see "Kinda Bald" or "Slight Paunch" soon?

Happy Saturday M and MB readers.

Complain about Suzyn Waldman's balls and she'll show you!

2009-08-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

I know that I heard it out of context, that the ump was probably telling a pitcher not to complain about the strike zone, but as I walked into my bathroom to give back some beer on Friday at 8:12 pm, all I heard was Suzyn Waldman say: "Don't complain about my balls or I'll show you."

I literally did a double-take at my bathroom radio (always on) and ended up hitting the floor with my stream. Then I thought for a second and figured out what she meant...AND then I laughed my ass off.

A zillion thoughts ran through my head. Does Suzyn have balls? Is she willing to show them? Are Suzyn's bigger than Sterling's? Is Suzyn actually Loki's secret, long sought after, taco? The possibilities are endless with a quote like this.

Somebody please tell me they heard it and/or recorded the radio broadcast. It was said in the top of the 4th inning with no outs between 8:12 and 8:15 pm.

Let's face it...the Mets stink!

2009-08-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

Ugh, I was torn last night with the Mets playing the archrival Braves in a meaningless late-August baseball game and the Philthy Iggles playing Eli's brother in a meaningless preseason game. I mostly watched the latter. Sad time for Mets fans when scouting the Iggles is more fun then watching the Mets. Yanks were off.

This being Friday, Mike will dedicate a little time to NFL. Texiera or Jetah for MVP will get some play too. Yanks are 31 games over .500. And, sadly, the Mets will get some time. No real reason though, they belong on the Stinks List.

Friday's Over/Under: Tom Brady getting hit hard - 5 mins; Brady being fine for 2009 5 mins 1 second; OchoCinco's game winning XP - 8 mins; Peyton being fine for 2009 8 mins 2 seconds; Mike calls Chad OchoCinco, Chad Johnson on first reference - 2-1; Mike laughs at the name OchoCinco - 1-1; U of Florida being 73 point favorites over Charleston Southern - 980,000-1.

New topic du jour...

2009-08-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry AwesomeSean, but judging from the top headlines on every New York area news outlet as of around 10:00 am Thursday - as well as a quick listen to Joe and Evan - the talk today won't be about baseball. Fist Vick, then Favre and now Plax. From the New York Post:

In a stunning move, former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress pleaded guilty today to attempted criminal possession of a weapon and agreed to spend two years behind bars.

So get ready for Mike's thoughts on gun control, mandatory minimum sentencing, judicial treatment of athletes, how this compares to the Vick and Stalworth situations, Goodell's suspension policy, Where, or if, Plax will ever play again.

Baseball Discussions to Round out the 2009 Regular Season

2009-08-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

It's a weird day for Mike...Yanks are off today as they fly cross country to (hopefully not) twist the dagger in the Sawx season. Mets (I guess, I wasn't watching) got smoked last night and Rangers relinquished their lead in the WC. That's about it. I mean, he'll be able to speak about the consequences of the upcoming series in Beantown, playoff postitioning, the NYY rolling and the Mets ending the year on some kind of upswing but that's about it. So, he'll be forced to field calls on the MVP race. From New York Yankee fans. Who are only vaguely aware that baseball is played outside of the Bronx. Who are pretty sure Captain America invented baseball. This is going to be fun. Hyperbole and exaggeration will be plentiful.

Now, I know this board isn't especially fond of stats so I won't bore you with the actual numerical breakdowns between the top 3 (my top 3, anyway) AL candidates. Any posted stats I'm sure will be drowned out by recounting of the flip play or the face-first-in-the-seat-while-Nomar-cried-on-the-bench-play. Instead, I'll just say that the writers often get these awards wrong anyway. This year, I suspect will be no different. I mean, if they get it wrong (Tex or The Jeter), we won't be surprised and if they get it right (Mauer) it will not be because of far and away superior offensive production but because he's a good kid, with a lot talent, surrounded by less than stellar talent. The bottom line is that in nearly every important statistical category Mauer dwarfs both NYY.

The more compelling discussion might be the Cy Young. Who are we thinking? There is no run away winner this year, right? Maybe we should give it to Wang as like a lifetime achievement award. I think I heard on the radio once that he won 19 games, 2 years in a row!!!

Fans, Fans, Fans; Good Fans, Bad Fans and Electric Fans

2009-08-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

My next door neighbor growing up, Kenny, always described someone who followed the "hot" team or the winning team as an electric fan. I was young at the time but that always struck a chord with me. That is, you're a fan of a team through thick and thin. If you're lucky enough to be a NYY fan or a NYG fan, great. If you grew up a NYJ fan or a NYM, well, tough luck. Those are your teams and that's it. Each one of us has ups and downs. That's part of the fun (to me, anyway). Anyway, while I was learning this lesson from Kenny I was also getting smoked daily in wiffle ball, Intellevision boxing and football. He was 10, a NYY and NYJ fan and I was 8 and became a NYM and NYG fan. To the best of my knowledge, he's still the same and so am I...So, why am I writing this? Because on WFAN, "fans" aren't called out nearly enough. That's why I'm here.

Look, we're lucky as NY sports fans. We have 5 pro teams to root for in 3 different sports (sorry Buffalo and sorry hockey). If you don't like baseball, there's football or basketball. Don't like football? Try baseball, etc. We're not limited to deciding between the Hawkeyes or the Cyclones. We have choices. Good choices too. Time and again, however, some idiot calls into the station and professes their love for the Cowboys, the Raiders, the ChicagoeffingCubs for f*cksake. I mean, c'mon, dude, you're from NY, you've never even been to Dallas or worn cowboy boots! What is your major malfunction?

Seriously, I cannot stand people that root for teams outside of their state/region. If I were on one of these shows and someone called in to say, "Hey, I'm a huuuuuuuuuuge Vikings fan! RIP Korey Stringer!!!" I'd berate them for selecting a team in a state they can't even find on a map. Then, I'd hang up on them.

So, anyone out there fall into this category? Loki, are you a closet Chicago Bulls fan? JD, do you have a Romo jersey? Let's hear it and let's hear who we call think are the WORST of these types of fans.

I got F'king octopuss coming out my F'king ears Mang.

2009-08-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tony Montana: "Jou know I eat octopuss tree times a day? I got F'king octopuss coming out my F'king ears mang."

This is how I feel about the Mike Vick situation. Two-and-a-half years of this debate for a guy who went from the boardroom to the mailroom, taking a backup job at 1/13th of his previous salary after serving almost 3 years in the can.

Evan is on a soapbox over this indignity to humanity. He claims that if he were ever arrested, WFAN would never welcome him back. What he forgets is that some other station would, for the overnight shift.

I'm not a fan of Mr. Vick, and I lost some serious $$$ on him in the National Championship game against FSU, but he's a football player and he's been cleared to play after six weeks, so get over it.

This has caused me to turn off sports talk for the remainder of the day and watch Scarface.

Sosa needs to send a hit squad into the WFAN studios ASAP.

Eli, Tiger and Cano...Maybe some Pedro

2009-08-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mike is celebrating the one-year anniversary of his final show with Mad Dog with a trip to Albany for the NY Football Giants training camp. As WFAN is the flagship station for the Giants, Mike will be able to get GM Jerry Reese, Head Coach Tom Coughlin and Super Bowl XXII MVP Eli Manning. He'll also probably get RB Brandon Jacobs, rookie WR Hakeem Nicks, LB Antonio Pierce, and either DEs Justin Tuck or Osi Uminyora, with a couple other players sprinkled in.

Here are my Over/Unders: Replacing Plaxico - 8 1/2; D-Line rotation/depth - 6 1/2; Ernie Accorsi name drops - OTB; Replacing Derrick Ward - 2 1/2; Eagles revamped offense - 1 1/2

Also sure to highlight the show is Tiger at the PGA Championship, where he is currently tied for 5th at 2 under par through 10 holes, as is Padraig Harrington. Lefty doesn't tee off until about 3:00, so he'll be watched in the second half of the show.

Even though he's at Giants camp, Mike will have to dedicate some time to Robbie Cano's extra-inning game winning hit last night and Pedro's 5 innings of 3 run ball in a Phils win.

But it will be a football-dominated show today. Even though I'll only catch the first hour, knowing NFL is right around the corner is a godsend for us Mets fans who also happen to be Giants fans.

UPDATE: After learning Ernie Accorsi is at Giants camp today, the O/U on Ernie Accorsi name drops has been pulled off the board.

First Time in a Long Time

2009-08-10T04:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a while but it's time for me to dust off the keyboard and insert some life back into this blog. Kbilly, AwesomeSean, you've done an admirable job in keeping things going but I had an epiphany (Loki, look up this word on the internet) this morning. How about a post dedicated to one Mike Francesa? Imagine that. Instead of gossiping about real estate on the Jersey shore or weekend softball games, it's time to talk a little shop around here.

So Mikey finds himself in quite the conundrum today. This year has been a very strange Yankee season for Francesa. He has gone against everything he has always stood for. In years past if the Bombers got off to a listless start, as they did this season, invetitably Mike would field Yankee panic calls throughout April and May.. And in typical Francesa fashion, Mike would tee off on those calls "It's April!!!!, Talk to me in August!!" In short, Mike would never press the panic button. Doing so would be likening himself to the common folk, the Mike from Montclairs, the Bruce from Baysides. Instead, Mike would draw a line in the sand and he would always be on the "It's the Yankees, they will turn it around and make the playoffs" side.

However, this year has been a complete reversal. For whatever reason (leftover Torre bitterness, the absence of Russo to mock him), Mike took a completely different approach this season. Throughout April and May, Francesa continuously buried the Yankees. He told us of how they had no heart, that Arod's return wasn't going to help this team, that they didn't play with grit, that their bullpen was a mess, that Joba belonged in the pen, that Hughes was a joke, that Melky was not a starter, that Gardner would never hit in the big leagues, that he was against the Burnett signing, that Sabathia was not in Santana's class, that Girardi was coaching himself out of the Bronx. And to add insult to Yankees fans injury, Mike then jumped on the Red Sox bandwagon and has marveled all season at the names Beckett, Youkillis, Pedroia, Lester and those minor leaguers that they call up and throw in the '90s. Sure, he has gotten his customary "Theo wanted no part of the Lowell/Beckett trade" comments in, but for the most part, WFAN from 1-6:30 has become WEEI.

In years past, Mike would clamor for the Yankees to go after every big player available ("the kid McCluth from Pittsburgh", Marte, "Heath Bell could set up for Mariano" and so on and so on.) But this year when the big fish, Halladay was available, Mike wanted no part. All of a sudden, Francesa was pining for parity.

And a funny thing started to happen throughout this tumultous time. The Yankees defied Francesa. They started winning and haven't stopped. Meanwhile, the Sox all of a sudden look like the team that resides in Flushing. And in a weird way, The Yankees shocking sweep of Boston is exactly what Mike did NOT want. He wanted to sing the praises of Youk and Beckett and lament the sad state of the Yankees when it comes to winning big games. He has been on that train all season long and now that it has derailed in the most horrific way imaginable, how will Mike respond? What will his take be? Surely he will say that we haven't seen the last of Boston yet. It's been a "bizarre" year for sure. It's Mike move now and it's going to be fascninating to watch...

Big Papi has a bridge he'd like to sell you...

2009-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

So David "Big Papi" Ortiz holds a press conference Saturday to claim he never did steroids. I don't believe him as far as I could throw him. And with my bad back, I shouldn't be throwing anyone.

David Ortiz says he only took supplements and vitamins. Didn't Palmero blame his positive test on a Vitamin B-12 injection? Additionally, all the over the counter supplements are basically amino acids and I learned in high school that amino acids become protein, which become muscle mass, which become home runs.

From Wikipedia:
Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles.

So Big Papi, who said on the record that steroid users should get a one-year ban hasn't missed a game since it became known that he was a steroid user. He isn't giving back any money. And he sure as all hell isn't giving back any of his World Series rings.

And now the Red Sawks are taking a Mets-like dive in the standings. Karma's a bitch, Papi. A-Rod at least came (kind of) clean and took a month off. How's that working for him?

Now, Real Baseball Begins

2009-08-07T07:21:00.001-07:00

I expect a vociferous outpouring of emotion from Yankee callers today and rightly so. Mike will be sure to warn against burying the Boston Youks but Yankee fans will be unyielding in their praise and arrogance. Good for them. Boston is fielding a subpar team and pitching corpses and the Yanks are fielding a team that's clicking right now. From where I sit, this race could turn very ugly, very fast if Beckett can't hold down that offense tonight.

What I want to know is, if Youk had taken a HR away last night with a dazzling defensive play, would Mike proclaim him to be the best player ever? Would he have been fanning himself with a hot dog wrapper because it made him hot?

I heard Tim McCarver on M & M this AM. In "analyzing" the NL playoff teams he mentioned that the best thing the 2009 Phillies have going for them is that they won the World Series in 2008. Not Cliff Lee, not Hamels, not the 4 monsters in the middle of the line-up. No, none of that. Best thing is that the 2008 Phillies are the reigning world champs. Better analysis could be gotten from Tim Russo.

Happy Friday boys. Weather is perfect for good baseball. Enjoy.

Tim McCarver on Mad Dog Unleashed

2009-08-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Tim McCarver was on Mad Dog's show today.

I like Tim McCarver as a MLB analyst, BUT the best quote about Tim McCarver I ever heard was from Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson: "The only thing Tim McCarver knows about pitching is that he can't hit it."

Ouch, that's a smack to the face...From probably the best pitcher of the 20th Century. MLB changed the rules because Gibson was so dominant.

I plan to call in later today to point this out. KD From Manhattan.

Dog: Giants overpaid for Eli Manning

2009-08-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dog thinks Eli Manning is a 6-10 NFL QB, not top 5. He loves Jerry Reese, but Ben Cheeseburger and Phillip Rivers are both much better. Eli is in the 2nd tier. But "Eli has that intangible, which is very, very big."

What Dog doesn't get is: inflation. In three years Eli won't be in the top 10 highest paid players in the NFL, especially if the NFL goes uncapped.

Apparently Bart Starr is the standard benchmark to which all NFL QBs should be held.

On a related note, would someone give me $97.5 million (35.5 million guaranteed)???

Requiem for a Team

2009-08-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

I had a (I thought, anyway) really great idea for a smashing post today. I was cultivating it in my limited brain last night as I waited for KRod to come in and lock down the W. I don't know if you heard but that didn't exactly happen. No, instead of the Mets picking up a subpar Johan and beginning this short series with a win, all hell broke loose and they wound up with, possibly, the worst loss of the season. My rational mind knew that the Mets weren't playoff bound but my irrational mind still held out some hope. Both sides of my mind are now utterly defeated and have hoisted the white flag high and for all to see. It's been a bad year and last night was essentially a summation of the season. They can now be assured to play out the string of the final 56 games in anonymity. The only way they'll be back in the news is if someone on the team marries Mike Piazza.

Good for the Yanks to get a win against the always tough Roy Halladay. They're now assured to go into the Boston series in first place. I'll still be rooting against them but they seem primed to make a big time run this year. By the way, there is no chance at all that Joba gets "shut down." They might reduce the workload a tad but that boy will be out there every 5th day from now until the Yankees' season ends.

Blackout

2009-08-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

No Mike on WFAN this week. No Dog on Sirius this week. We are stuck with Joe and Evan on WFAN and The B-Team on Sirius for Afternoon sports talk. They both take off the week after the MLB trading deadline and the same week that Giants and Jets camp starts up. That's just weak.

Since I can't deal with that Cars 4 Kids commercial, you know where I'll be. I swear that this weekend I was sleeping with the radio on and at 4 am that stupid jingle woke me up like a 21 gun salute was in my bedroom.

So, since we pretty much know where we all stand on Mets/Yanks fandom. Let's take a poll to figure out where we stand on Giants/Jets. I am firmly on the Giants side of the fence, and I'd bet that Gman26 is as well. But I root for the Jets, as long as their interests don't conflict with my interests. Let's get the party started.

The Sissification of NY Sports Fans and Omar's Slumber

2009-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Do you think Omar set his alarm clock for tomorrow morning? Do you think he even knew the trading deadline was today? I mean, seriously, for all the garbage that was traded for useful players over the past few days, Omar couldn't snag one player? I mean, the Frenchy trade was a trade for the sake of making a trade. I liked it, for that reason and it's worked out well for the Mets. At the time, however, it was panned across the interwebs as a horrible trade. Still, I didn't care and Omar appears to have lucked out. I have to say, I was terrified that I was going to hear something like Wright and Pelfrey for Halladay so I'm glad that didn't happen. But, I mean, he couldn't grab a LaRoche, V. Martinez, Hairston or someone like that? He sucks.

Now, I was listening to Richard Neer this morning (cure for insomnia) and all I heard all morning was a repeat of the following:

- Tiger throws his clubs. I can't watch him. Boo hoo. My kids, bad example, etc.
- Big Papi, boo hoo, steroids, boo hoo, media ripped Alex, boo hoo

I am so glad the rest of the country can't see and hear what a bunch of sissies NY area sports fans have turned out to be. It's a GD embarrassment.

REALITY CHECK(for the MMB mothafuckas)

2009-07-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Since this blog has evolved into a free for all where Mike's diet soda habits might be as likely discussed as a Frank Zappa song(and for the record, I do have the Valley Girl album on vinyl. But strictly for that one song. 'oh my gosh. Like, totally.'), I figured I'd delve into this post-modern discussion.

Tonight was a great lesson in that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

As I was preparing to clean the dishes, I decided to spin some vinyl(Loki, that is a record, in case you don't know). So being the sort of current lad that I am, I pulled my favorite MJ album...Off the Wall, of course. I had barely played Can't Stop til you Get Enough when my wife pleaded for Thriller. I admitted that I also owned Thriller on vinyl. But I remembered that my daughter was going with my mother to Mamma Mia this weekend in the Queen City. So I pulled The Magic of Abba on vinyl(stay with us Loki). I put on Dancing Queen. Any reader of this blog who defames either the Boss or Hippie music will admit that the aforementioned ABBA song is a classic. Fuck. ABBA outsold the Beatles for Chrissakes.

I couldn't get through Dancing Queen before my wife repeated her cry for Thriller. At this time, my son said, "Michael Jackson? You mean Michael Phelps?". So I threw on the record(sic) of Thriller. Then, a light bulb went off in my head. What is Thriller w/o the video? So I grabbed a laptop, punched up Thriller on youtube and hooked it up to the 46' Sony Bravia using a VGA connector. As my kids watched Thriller, then Beat It, then Eat It(Loki - Weird Al Yankovic made a bunch of parodies of 80's videos. Some say Eat It is his finest. After watching it 18 years later, I concur.), I realized a few things:

1) Michael Jackson wouldn't have been half as popular w/o his videos.
2) I appreciated the idea of transitioning from vinyl to internet. Why is it a generation gap? We can appreciate both. Right?
3) MJ was quite talented. My wife is not from this country, which means she loves MJ w/o all the pretense. His relationship with Americans is tricky at best. But watching his old videos, you can't deny his talent. His originality. He lost me after Thriller, but that's neither here nor there. He was a great entertainer. And along with Sports, that's what we Americans do best. That and growing wheat and cows.

I was inspired to post, not because of Mike nor Chris(both as stale as bags of rotten Fritos) but because there had been some cross-generational debate on this site, which included music. I don't like Bruce, but I respect him(speaking of which, there is a great story which illustrates this point. Rolling Stone spoke to Prince back in the day and he talked about how he was backstage for a Bruce show and remembered when a band member missed a note and Bruce shot a look at that person in disgust. Prince appreciated that.) I prefer lots of bands that no one here knows(Brian Jonestown Massacre, Deerhunter, Slant 6, Les Thugs, etc), but I appreciate when a lot of other people appreciate someone. Like Bruce. Or the Spin Doctors. Or Live. Even when it's against my instincts. And after having seen my kids marvel at MJ, through vinyl and the internet, you have to realize that a lot of things transcend time. You may not like it, but you have to semi-respect it. And isn't that we have done on this site?

Man Rammer and Big Sloppy on "The List"

2009-07-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Whoops, todays news that Manny and Ortiz tested positive in 2003, has the Beaneaters crying in the World Series trophies. My advice, don't worry, there were probably a few juicers on Colorado and St. Louis. Needless to say, this is the hot topic on sports-talk radio across the country today.

I think we all knew Manny was juicing all along and after his failed test for female fertility drugs typically used to follow a juicing cycle, that was pretty much confirmed. But Ortiz had been adament that he was clean and been a staunch supporter of stiff penalties for player who test positive. So let me share some quotes from Ortiz on the subject.

"You can test me, All you gonna find is rice and beans"
"I think you clean up the game by the testing," Ortiz said. "I test you, you test positive, you're going to be out. Serious. I know that if I test positive for using any kind of substance, I know that I'm going to disrespect my family, the game, the fans, and everybody. I don't want to be facing that situation, so what I will do, I won't use."
And before today's game against the Oakland A's (where all this steroid stuff began in the first place), Ortiz had this to say: "I'm not talking about that anymore. I have no comment

And then Ortiz hits a 3 run, go-ahead homer..

Pete Fornatale's Woodstock top 5

2009-07-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here's Pete Fornatal's Top 5 Woodstock performances (off the top of his head):
1 The Who
2 Jimi Hendrix
3 Sly & The Family Stone
4 Joe Cocker
5 Santana

Tough to argue since it is personal taste and this is a neverending type debate...BUT No CSN? That's crap. If you don't get goosebumps from this, you have no taste in music. I'm talking to you Loki. And Sha Na Na needs some love too...I would bump The Who for CSN. I think they stole the show.

Dog seems shocked that there was recreational drug use at Woodstock - on behalf of the entertainers AND the audience! Stop the presses. New headline: Hippies smoked pot and tripped on LSD 40 years ago at Woodstock!

ps: I have a buddy with a Cocker Spaniel pooch and he named her "Joe" just so he could say he had a "Joe Cocker Spaniel"

Who kidnapped Mike?

2009-07-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

So I heard a split second of WFAN at 1:15 and I heard Evan Roberts yabbering on about Omar and San Berdino (Zappa reference, can anyone out there name the album?).

I thought Mike just had a week off this month. So for those of you cheap bastids that refuse to shell out $150 a year for (almost) commercial-free radio, enjoy the punk kid who thinks he knows stuff but really isn't old enough to sit at the adult table for Thanksgiving...As opposed to the curmudgen who sits at the head of the table and demands the turkey leg and choicest white meat cuts.

I get a feeling that Dog is going to be on a Woodstock kick today. 40th anniversary coming up and he's reading Pete Fornatale's book on the subject. Of course, Dog has never even seen the Woodstock movie, but in his defense, it was released after 1965 so why would he bother...?

The Bore that is Bernazard

2009-07-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Quick! Name one other VP of Player Development in MLB...Come on now, just one. Can't do it, huh? Me neither. Is no one concerned that we hear more about Tony Bernazard than we do half the players?

This is just another sign of the dysfunction that is the NYM. Not the 2009 NYM, specifically, the entire franchise, all-time. What a horribly run franchise. Never, and I mean never, do they make the right move. Personally, I think this ridiculous story (and it is ridiculous; I mean, who cares what a minor league exec says or does to a bunch of also rans in Binghampton) and the ridiculous trade rumor for Halladay are simply smoke screens originated from the Wilpons to keep the attention of the horrible team trotting out there daily. It's political and it's bad form.

Turn on either of the sport stations and within virtually every segment some idiot, caller or host, is calling for Bernazard's head. Why? Why this outrage? Who cares? You think the Mets have 52 HR's for the year because of Tony Bernazard? Think Ollie is walking 7/9 innings because of TB? Think you put TB in the NYY system that ARod and Tex will stop hitting 4 HR's per game? No way. Leave Bernazard alone and let's put the blame where it belongs: Players, GM and manager, in that order.

Joe Posnanski: My Top 100 Players

2009-07-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

SI.com put together a list of the top 100 players in MLB. I don't really agree with most of Posnanski picks. Let's flood Mike and Dog with our opinions.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/07/21/top.100/index.html?eref=sihpT1
1. Albert Pujols
KBilly thinks this is a no-brainer.

2. Joe Mauer
Um, no.

3. Hanley Ramirez
Not quite.

4. Zack Greinke
No freaking way.

5. Chase Utley
Hard to argue. But, as a Mets fan, I still hate him. I think Rollins is better all around.

6. Alex Rodriguez
Roids, enuff said.

7. Tim Lincecum
A little too high for a kid having only his second good year.

9. Johan Santana
He's great but doesn't go deep enough and doesn't turn it on until July.

10. Roy Halladay
Are you kidding? He's the best starter in MLB (slight edge because of his complete games).

11. Prince Fielder
I think Ryan Howard gets the slight edge here.

Click the link and add further comments.

Talk Show Host - Mad Dog Radio

2009-07-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Talk Show Host - Mad Dog Radio
About the Job
Company Overview: SIRIUS XM Radio is America's satellite radio company delivering The Best Radio on Radio TM to more than 18 million subscribers, including commercial free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. SIRIUS XM Radio has content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Frank Sinatra, Opie & Anthony, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, NBA, NHL, and PGA TOUR, and broadcasts major college sports. SIRIUS XM Radio has arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart. SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic® service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets. Position Description: Position Summary: Prepare and host daily talk program for MAD DOG RADIO Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and execute talk program on a daily basis
Present topics in an entertaining way; with passion and opinion
Preparation to perform program with or without guests and callers
Work with Senior Director, Sports Programming to design overall sound and image of program
Do research necessary to conduct interviews and present topics effectively
Performs other duties as assignedMinimum Educational Qualifications:
BS/BA Degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience preferredMinimum Years of Relevant Experience:
Minimum five to ten years experience as major market talk show hostRequirements and General Skills:
Thorough knowledge of MLB culture, MLB players and PR contacts.
Ability to prepare and execute entertaining program on a daily basis
Ability to work on a team and be flexible as opportunities arise
Good public speaking skills
Interpersonal skills and ability to interact and work with staff at all levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to pay attention to details and be organized
Ability to project a professional image on the air, over the phone and in person
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
Willingness to take initiative and to follow through on projects
Strong organizational skills and attention to details
Strong interest in current events and pop culture, as related to assigned channels / programs
Comfortable working with talent, artists and high profile individuals
Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multi-task, and work under shifting deadlines in a fast paced environment
Must have legal right to work in the U.S.Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/V/D
http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.aspx?JobID=82045983&brd=1&q=pr&cy=us&where=new+york&rad=20&rad_units=miles&pg=3&pp=25&dv=1&re=4&AVSDM=2009-07-09+04%3a23%3a00&seq=12&fseo=1&isjs=1&re=1000

Mets passed on Halliday???????????????????????

2009-07-21T04:51:00.000-07:00

If Hayman's report is correct, and Omar and the Mets passed on the best pitcher in MLB, then someone needs to get Steve McNair'd.

Screw the bat, this year is toast. To have the two best pitchers in all of baseball at the top of the rotation for the next five years - while simultaneously preventing Halliday from going to the top division rival - should be kind of paramount. F-Mart, a couple of mid-level pitchers and a SS that the Mets don't need for the BEST pitcher in baseball, one who rests the bullpen with his 44 complete games?

Why am I not a GM?

Omar, PLEASE get that deal done. Take on the Wells contract. Don't be myopic.

Mike wants Halliday on the Mets, NOT the Yanks

2009-07-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

Mike thinks that Halliday plus Santana would be a pretty good 1-2 punch. YaThink? But on the Yanks, Halliday would just be Conspicuous consumption, despite the fact that the Yanks have had the highest payroll in all sports for the past 32 years.

Also, the Mets aren't winning any more games this season, Carlos Beltran hates the team and the team hates Jose Reyes.

That's a lot for the big guy to spew in 45 minutes plus commercials.

Baba Booey to you all!

I'm bored, so let's start a debate

2009-07-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Top 5 pitchers in the past 20 years:
1. Clemens
2. Maddux
3. Unit
4. Mo
5. Pedro

If you want to throw Clemens out for his alleged steroid use, Glavine is on the outside looking in. Think I'm missing anyone? Sound off.

Pair of Aces

2009-07-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday we get C.C. Sabathia at 1 p.m. and Johan Santana at 4:00.
I don't even want to talk about Pelfrey last night. Tex rescued the Yanks.
Both Mike and Dog return Monday, so I guess the summer is over.
This post brought to you courtsey of Kars 4 Kids...Yes, I am a sell out. That song is just so catchy.

KBilly Gets Some Play

2009-07-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Didn't see this posted or noted yet but I thought you might like to see this.

If you read the BTF thread you can see M & MB mentioned.

I'm ready for Mike to come back. I mean, I did prefer Mad Dog to Mike an always preferred Chris's Saturday solo show to Mike's NFL Now show (even though it was the NFL, c' mon) but Chris has lost his way. Or, never had it. Here is why I think Chris is doomed:

- Satellite radio is a luxury. Times are bad
- He knows very little about sports, including tennis
- He's not a fan of any teams, except the SFG
- He's compelling, not too dumb but still, nationally unmarketable
- He refuses to acknowledge legit stats
- His book(s) are laughably stupid
- He needs Mike

So, that's why I never subscribed. Take heart MD, a job awaits you in NY. No way you get as crushed as Kay is getting right now. That man probably lays off his pisspoor ratings on the fact that he's never there. Also, you'll never, ever be as creepy as Rich Cuttino (spelling?; I'm not looking it up) when he interviews Mets players. I just get this picture of him sliding his chair closer and making his voice a little a lower and inviting them for an after game drink at the Super 8 Motel. Creeptastic, he is.

You know things are going poorly for your team when:

- Julio Lugo might be your 3rd best player behind Frenchy
- The announcers are waxing poetic about Walter Cronkite (RIP) in the 3rd

Good weekend boys.

Back to baseball

2009-07-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Now that Black Wednesday is over, we can get back to baseball. Mets in Atlanta and Yanks have Thursday off. Ollie Perez toes the slab for the Mets, so it should be interesting. Pedro signed with the F--king Pilthys and I would be worried if I didn't see him over the last 3 seasons. Yanks are trying to get Halliday, which would give them a sick rotation. But why on Earth would Toronto trade him to the Yanks?

Tom Watson is leading the British Open with a 5 under 65. Tiger is 6 back at 71. Vijay is 2 back at 67. Sergio is five back at 70. Padreig and Daly are still playing.

But I can't listen to Joe and Evan on WFAN or Gary Williams on Sirius.

For those of us that are Mets fans, they are hiring:
Fan Photos Staff Photographers
Amazin’ Fan Photo staff photographers take photos of fans (not coaches, players etc.) during games and events, which are then made available via mets.com for purchase.
We require our photographers to be here 2 hours prior to game time to shoot the pre-game crowds. We usually shoot until the 7th inning, after which you are free to watch the rest of the game in the standing room only sections.
http://baseballjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=24795

All-Star Game hit pool

2009-07-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone. Here is the ONLY way to enjoy the MLB All-Star game...

You get together with at least 4 friends. Everyone puts $1 per batter in the kitty. Point man rotates clockwise. Every time there's a hit the point man takes the pot. No hit and it rolls over to the next person in the rotation, and everybody re-antes up.

I hope that makes sense, but it is pretty simple if you think about it.

Worst Sports Week of the Year?

2009-07-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

Trivia Question: What are the only two days of the year with no American sporting events scheduled?
Answer: The day before and the day after the MLB All-Star Game.

Maybe you consider tonight's Home Run Derby a sporting event. But then again maybe you consider the Second Ammendment a privlege and not a Constitutional Right (Sorry, gman26).

So that leaves Mike aboslutely nothing to talk about until Friday. Dog, wisely, took the week off after last week's meltdown.

Mike has some fodder for today, Yanks getting swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Ananheim Sounthern California, United States but catering to the Mexican market by pretending that Ananheim isn't over an hours drive from L.A....and the Mets winning two of three from the Small Red Machine, including back-to-back HRs and the Apple failing to recognize either until after the inning was over.

A Swoon?

2009-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yanks could head to the break on a 3 game losing streak if they don't bounce back today. They've also relinquished their 1st place tie in the meantime. What does it mean? Probably nothing but we'll get legions of fans, burning up the airwaves in the coming week, miserable that their team cannot beat the good teams.

Personally, I don't think this Anaheim team is very good at all. I put them on the same level as Minny, without the star power.

So, looks like Gatti was murdered by his wife. What a joke. Maybe he had some issues and maybe he wasn't the best husband. Whatever. He didn't deserve to go like that and we've been robbed of his future and he'll never re-visit some of his classic fights like Ruelas, Rodriguez and Robinson. I am interested in hearing Micky's take so if anyone finds it, please pass info along.

Nice day for the Mets yesterday. Johan went Johan and they have a chance to go into the break on an upswing. Careful optimism, right JD.

Sunday Funday fellas.

This Goes Up Before I Know Details

2009-07-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Mike will NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER put this on his stupid show with his ridiculous jingle. Arturo Gatti, the man who created a generation of fight fans is dead. What the eff? Guys like Pacman Jones, Shawn Kemp and Jim Leyritz still roam this earth and Gatti does not. Where is the GD justice?

I don't wanna get too insightful here or I'll cry all over my wife's expensive Mac, but:

1. I rooted for Gatti in every fight he ever fought except for three
2. He always seemed humble and cool
3. He was often the show, even as the undercard
4. He lived hard and settled into life; I hope his soul is not damned

Thanks to KB and the rest of the M & MD family to bring this up. It's a sad MF day here at M & MB and our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Goodgoddamotherfuckingbullshit. Take the cast of Oceans 13. Gimme back Gatti

RIP my man. You gave us all everything.

The End of the World as We Know It?

2009-07-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

That's great it starts with an earthquake...

Yeah, that's what they think. Shoot, I was happy when I heard Church was heading south and Frenchy coming north. Now, not so sure. You have to click that link and read the comments. Some of them are downright hilarious.

Would've been a perfect day for Mike as the NYY lost one to the ANA Angels. He loves to pontificate on their ineffectiveness against these guys. Plus, Joba <>

Yeah, Mike had 3 of his favorite arguments made for him in one singular night. If only Inge had hit a walk off grand salami Mike might have done his show and retired immediately. Oh well.

Back to Frenchy: I know ATL hated him and the intelligent baseball crowd thinks he's borderline worst every day player in baseball. Me, on the other hand, thinks this was a good move since we get a righty bat and a youngish RFer. If he can OBP .350 or so, I think he'll add some value. The roster is punchless right now with Wright being a singles machine so any hint of power is a plus. Maybe in a week I'll change my mind but for now I am kinda happy.

Enjoy the weekend boys. If anyone out there is throwing 'em back today, I wanna hear about it.

Mutiny on the Bounty

2009-07-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

So Doggie's firing of Program Director Steve Torre and threats to fire everyone else on Mad Dog Radio has triggered a mass negative reaction by all the hosts on his station - even the fill ins.

Today's morning host, Casey Stern (filling in for the regular host and with a job on XM MLB station) ripped Dog over the phone on the air. Now, his afternoon guys, The B-Team, just basically called him an antiquated has-been. "[Dog] is in a time warp," one of the guys said. "He should have been born in the 1940s. He wants to talk about the 1946 all-star game and he thinks the best movie ever is 'The Best Days of Our Lives.'"

Not only is Dog getting ripped by his employees/hosts on the air, but callers have generally stuck up for them too.

"I want you to fill up every line on Dog's program and tell him he's a moron. Ruin his show. Then ask him about the Quebec Nordiques," said one of the B-Team guys.

Editorial note: The Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. Maybe Dog is onto something here.

Neil Best is on vacation, but I am here for y'all.

UPDATE: The B-Team just compared Dog to Mile Holmgren as a General Manager.
UPDATE #2: Rich Ackerman just reccomended that - in protest - nobody call into Dog's show today.
UPDATE #3: Gresh is ripping Dog now and making good points.
UPDATE #4: Mario from Minnesota just compared Dog's firing of Steve Torre to Saddam Hussein shooting a soldier in the head in front of his troops.
UPDATE #5: Maybe it was all a big publicity stunt. Dog just said he'll invite Torre back next week while Dog's on vacation and then threw Mia under the bus, saying "she stinks anyway."

BREAKING: Erin Andrews in ball on chin action

2009-07-09T13:10:00.001-07:00

During last nights Mets game, sideline-reporter hottie Erin Andrews took a ball to the chin. And not the way gorgeous blonde University of Florida grads usually take a ball to the chin.

From TMZ:
"Andrews — who serves as a sideline reporter for ESPN — was struck in the chin by a foul ball hit by New York Mets player Alex Cora during the 4th inning."
http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/09/erin-andrews-takes-one-on-the-chin/

Reports are that she is just fine. Let's hope she recovers quickly, so she can resume the more normal (although illegal in Georgia) ball to chin activity.

UPDATE: Suzyn Waldman has never had a ball near her chin.
UPDATE #2: Kim Jones has.
UPDATE #3: There is a ball on Kim Jones' chin RIGHT NOW.

All Kinds of Wrong and Some General Nitpicking

2009-07-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't hear much of the Fan today so I can't really comment on much of what was said earlier. I missed the Johnny Franco experiment along with nearly all of Joe and Evan. I'm sure there was some doozies, but alas, I cannot mock much of it. If you can, please do. In the meantime, I wanted to speculate on what Franco probably said. I am sure it included phrases like:

- leader

- clubhouse presence

- orange T's

- Brooklyn boyz

- intangibles

- playing the game the right way

He's a broken record and he's not alone. It's just his turn to get picked on. The above phrases, of course, are in reference (mostly) to his analysis of the Mets season.

OK, now, there is an article (does she write with a Baaastaaaan accent, too?) from Suzyn Waldman which is just puke. The mocking of said article can be found at Baseball Think Factory. Enjoy.

Couple more things since I am really feeling nitpicky.

Heard a few seconds of Donnie Pucks interviewing Larry Bowa today (ex-Phil, ex-Phil manager and ex-NYY 3rd base coach; big fav of mine) and he asked him whether he was surprised about ManRam's heroes welcome over the weekend and whether or not he thought he'd receive same welcome if he played on the East Coast. Larry responded by saying that he wasn't surprised and that he'd not get that reaction in NY, Bos or Philly. Which of course, is an outright lie. Does he think if Utley got a 50 game ban, came back and homered Philly wouldn't cheer? If the same thing happened to Wright, Citi Field wouldn't cheer? Is he mental? Brain tumor for breakfast, or what?

Lastly, I want to introduce a name that I don't think we've discussed here at M & MB: Seth Everett. Has anyone here listened to him? Well, I caught his opening monologue today and the steady barrage of nonsense is staggering. First, he's wondering why no one is making a big deal about Torre's "return" to NY since "the book." Here are some reasons:

1. We all forgot about the stupid book

2. He can't hit the ball 450 feet and stare into the Queens night

3. He can't throw 98 MPH to David Wright

4. He was never that important

5. Mets fans don't care and never did

6. Yankees fans moved on Opening Day 2008

Then, he goes on and on like Torre wanders the Earth curing the blind and ruining bullpens. Oh yeah, he also said that Manny Ramirez is now on his "No Interview" list. Nothing like a little self-importance when 90% of the listening audience is tuned into 660 or 880. Idiot.

Bulls and Dogs

2009-07-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

With Mike out this week it looks like this site will be slow for all non-Sirius subscribers. But as Jerry Garcia said: "If the horse don't pull, you got to carry the load." That's why I'm here.

The lineup on WFAN this week is Adam the (wanna be Francessa) Bull today and Beningo and Roberts the rest of the week. We don't even get a Mets day game (is that a good thing or a bad thing?).

So, it was a pretty eventful long Halliday weekend. Yanks won three against the Jays (Game 4 at 1:05 pm on 880 AM), beating a top-5 pitcher in the process. If Mike were on air today, Joba to the bullben would be a hot topic after he gave up 8 runs yesterday and was bailed out by a Who Dat reliever, who's name I can't spell.

Mets looked like magic elixer for struggling teams, getting swept by the Phillies, depite throwing out their own top-5 pitcher. David Wright went 0-22 in the two series against the Yanks and Phils, including the one-out, two-on double play he hit into yesterday.

Former Titans and Ravens QB Steve McNair cheated on his wife and caught the bullet train for it. McNair is a married father of four, who (in my opinion) was under kicking his coverage with that sour-puss chick (the dude is a multi-millionaire and if he's gonna cheat on his wife, he should do it with something nicer than a Dave & Buster's waitress).

JKidd turned down the Knicks. 'Sheed is heading to the Celtics. Tiger won some stupid golf tournament.

But for those of us with Sirius...Get ready for a mind numbing dose of Roger Federer and his "epic" match against Andy Roddick yesterday morning, which took place as I was nursing a July 4th hangover. The Wimbledon championship gave him one more Grand Slam victory than Pete (I married a hottie and my game fell off the table) Sampras. Whooptee freaking doo!

The 4th

2009-07-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, no real surprises yesterday. Mets made the collective fan base turn the game off by the 4th and the Yanks won a well pitched, efficient game. ARod went Arod and Mo went Mo on the Jays. Nothing shocking. I was thinking, however...

- Do you think Toronto's in town for a little more pro-American sentiment? Not that it's needed but maybe, right?

- Will Ronan Tynan be a part of the festivities today? If so, I mean, can't they find, you know, like an American to do it?

Anyway, as a patriot, I am a little embarrassed to admit that I am rooting for Kobayashi to win back his crown and Federer to topple Sampras tomorrow. I know, I know but I can't help it.

Happy 4th and be safe kids.

A Day Off for Mike

2009-07-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am not working today and am BBQ'ing the backyard. It's my birthday, after all. Anyway, wanted to try and figure out what the rest of the M and the MB crew were up to on this fine Friday. I listened in to Richard Neer who is snoozalicious although, he seems like a nice guy. There is no doubt, however, that if you met him out for a beer or two, he'd wax poetic about Simon and Garfunkel and order a glass of Pinot Grigio.

Watching the Yanks of course and put a little 10x action on the Jays. Few things:

1. Is it me or did Texeira stop hitting? Not a Yankee fan here so I need some help.

2. When I said I'd take Wells contract if I had to give up nothing I obviously didn't know he was OBP'ing .300. I may need to reconsider that.

3. Burnett is really good or really bad. Is that worth $82MM? Not to mention, the $50MM the Jays already paid him?

4. Michael Kay just suggested that Damon may bunt Jeter over in the 7th with no outs. I wonder if he understands baseball at all.

Well, as I sit in my backyard and watch the game I am assuming the following:

- gabagool is trying to figure a way to pull a Nancy Kerrigan on the big fella

- loki is cutting people off and flipping them the bird

- kbilly is camped outside Mad Dog's studio dying for an autograph

- jd is secretly happy about the Mets 2 game winning streak and is cautiously optimistic about the Philly series

Enjoy the 4th y'all.

Quick Hits for Discussion

2009-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

I guess there is no Mike again today as the Mets give Pit the opportunity to complete the 4 game sweep that was interrupted due to rain. I am sure Pit will oblige them and put Mets fans out of their misery sooner rather than later. In the meantime, here are some topical items. Some would've been included on Mike's show and some, not so much:

- To Larry from Massapequa...Thanks, from all of us, that squirmed uncomfortably in our seats while you gushed all over Kim Jones this morning. Kim has now hired a bodyguard and entered the witness relocation program. Kudos to you stalker.
- To all Monday Morning Quarterbacking Mets Fans...Please shut up about Dunn. The Mets could've SIGNED him, not traded for him, 3 months ago. SHUT UP! I missed the clamor for the big bat in March from you idiots and I don't want to hear it in July.
- To Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni...Put the name Jason Kidd out of your heads. He's a shell of his former self, a malcontent and a waste of a 3 year contract. He will get brutalized on the defensive end and is not the offensive player he once was. Live with Duhon and Nate and wait for another option. JKidd should turn off every Knick fan.
- To Me...Luis Castillo is not approximating Orlando Hudson's season. Stop trying to convince yourself that he is.

It's Christmas in July

2009-07-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

At least, that's what I think Mike is thinking today. Don't be surprised if Mike brings in a case of the Diet Coke and commandeers the station all day. Yesterday, was a perfect sports day for one, Mike Francesa. Observe:

1. Joba has pedestrian outing. Throw him and his sideburns back in the pen

2. Boston blows 10-1 lead to Baltimore. Theo is overrated.

3. Mets continue to play exactly like the Mets. Johan continues his transformation to Shawn Estes.

The chuckling and fake laughing and teasing and bragging and grandstanding will be at an all time high today. Add in that the Mets are playing before Mike comes in and when Milwaukee completes the sweep, Mike cannot add that to his aresenal. The only way the show could get better for Mike was if St. John's hired Carnesseca back.

Now, I did not watch the Yanks and I know Joba's line was less than perfect. I'd still leave him in the rotation. Good SP provides much more value than good RP. Mets loss will be blamed on FMart for dogging that fly in center. That's BS. This game and that inning falls squarely in Santana's shoulders. Walking the pitcher? Giving up the big hit to Braun on 0-2 count? C'mon, you're Johan "6 Inning" Santana. These things should not happen. Let's see if Mike takes him to task for these things.

I turned the game off after the bases clearing double from Braun. Did Jerry go all Jerry on us and get Daniel Murphy up in the pen? Or, maybe tried a sac bunt with 2 outs? What managerial miscues did he bring to the table last night after the game had gotten out of reach?

A Tuesday Show

2009-06-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, Mike's show will mainly be to talk idiot Mets fans off the ledge today. I hope it works too since I don't want to miss my birthday on Friday. Then, he'll take some calls on the Yanks so that the entire theme isn't wasted on jackass Mets fans pining for Mark "Are you Guys All Crazy" DeRosa. The Yankees are a good team and I hope Mike spends some time congratulating himself and the callers on their impeccable team selection.

Now, what I am wondering from my fellow Mets fans out there...Since this season is very much hanging in the next few weeks, what would you do? Would you go and take on a God-awful contract like Vernon Wells? Would you give up some talent for a Dunn-type player? Would you stand pat and ready your team for a 2010 run? What is the best course of action right now?

I think the Wells idea is intriguing...If you can get him without giving up talent (young or otherwise) it may not be a terrible idea. He's overpriced, for sure, but there is a lot of money freed up in 2010 and beyond with Wagner and Delgado contracts going away. You'll probably never get equal value since the contract is so back loaded but you may be able to get a good player for nothing more than money.

They could've had Dunn in the offseason and I am furious that they let him, Burrell, Abreu and Ibanez get away. Now, I hate giving up a prospect for someone you could've had without losing talent or draft picks.

The other option is obviously packing it in this year. Let Beltran get surgery if needed, bring Reyes back when he's good and ready and let Delgado play September if he can. Come into 2010 with a healthy "core" with a few added pieces and take your chances then.

None of the options are good. Which is the least bad?

RIP Good Jokes and the Subway Series

2009-06-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Mike Jackson's death rid us of a prime joke source. As a memorial, I thought I'd share some jokes that I got yesterday...Some are old and receycled, but still good:

- When is it bedtime at the Neverland Ranch? When the big hand touches the little hand.

- Jockeys at todays races will wear black armbands out of respect for Michael Jackson who successfully rode more 3 year olds than anyone in memory.

- Due to the fact that Michael Jackson was 99% plastic, he'll be melted down and made into Legos so kids can play with him for a change.

- In honor of his passing, the school chancellor of NY ordered all childrens pants be held at half mast

So, circulate and enjoy.

Well, I have to give the NYY fans a chance to sound off. It was a merciless drubbing and I honestly think Mets will be lucky to get a win this weekend. Burnett can be had and so can Wang so we'll see. Excellent defense by the Mets last night, especially in the 2nd. I can see Mike chortling to himself as he recalls that debacle on Monday. Really, have you ever seen anything resembling what Evans did on that grounder from Texeira? That was unique, you must admit.

Mike drops ball in Donnie Walsh interview

2009-06-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

With Doggie off today, taking his dreaded children to an amusement park, I was forced to listen to Mike Friday. He featured interviews with N.Y. Knicks President/GM Donnie Walsh and N.J. Nets President Rod Thorn. He basically asked both the same exact questions and they gave basically the same exact answers.

So imagine my surprise when ESPN.com reported this at least two hours after Mike's interview with Mr. Walsh:

Walsh: Knicks will contact Wolves about Rubio
June 26, 2009, 4:21 PM ET
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The New York Knicks are curious whether Ricky Rubio will wind up in Minnesota or Spain next season, curious enough that team president Donnie Walsh was planning to contact Minnesota by the end of the day Friday. "There is such a thing as drafting assets. I don't know if that is what he's doing," Walsh said of new Timberwolves general manager David Kahn.

Not once did Mike ask either Mssrs. Walsh or Thorn about any interest in post-draft trades.

Rhinestone Glove, Stupid Bracelets and Baseball

2009-06-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

I heard a bit of the Big Fella today and I was really moved by his Michael Jackson eulogy. Trust me, not to be outdone, Michael Kay practically wet his pinstriped drawers fawning over Wacko's "greatness." I mean, c'mon, at least Francesa brought up the child molestation issues. Kay acted like he died, made horrible songs and videos and then cured cancer. Kay, quick note...It's why you're losing to a drone dude. Get rid of Donnie "Pucks", get a clue, lose the Billy Joel quote and maybe you got a shot. If not, no.

We all know I am pro-Mets and anti-Yankee. Still, Girardi, do we need to see the Lance homage around your wrist? Pretentious dude. Think you're alone in not liking cancer? Think again. Anyone who wears a livestrong yellow bracelet is begging to be made fun, daily. Welcome to the populace, Joe.

I was thinking today of great baseball players...Not all time great but great in the last 20 years. I removed the greats: ManRam, A-Rod, Pujols, Bonds, Belle, Sosa, McGwire, Griffey, etc. and tried to focus on the 2nd tier. I am trying to identify the best player I've ever seen, excluding

those above and excluding pitchers. Funnily enough, neither Inge, McLouth or Youk made my list. Guess I am not not paying enough attention to King Clutch a Diet Coke himself, huh?

My Pick: Chipper

Remember, it's a 20 year window and I am looking for 4/5 tools. There are a lot of great guys out there but I'd select Chipper.

What do you think? Who's your best player in the past 20 years?

Rough day for Girardi, Jeter, A-Rod and Cashman

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Both Mike and Dog are on the Yankees collective jocks today, looking for answers for why the Yanks are 5 games back of Boston and pointing fingers at Girardi, Jeter and A-Rod.
Both seem to agree that A-Rod isn't 100% and that Jeter is hitting into too many double plays (53 since opening day 2007, according to Dog). Neither Mike nor Dog have much sympathy for Girardi and think Joe Torre would have the Yanks playing better. Joe Torre to be on Mad Dog Unleashed later today.
Yanks have the same record, 38-32, as the SF Giants despite more than double the payroll. Dog wouldn't trade Lincicum for Walter Johnson (who died in 1946), or for Johan Santana, David Wright AND Jose Reyes.
Mike and Dog have both turned up the heat on Girardi...

For Father's Day:Ramblings from Daddy Dog, AKA Tony Russo

2009-06-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

2nd biggest Yankees Fan, Tony from New Mexico...Didn't know it was 0-8 vs Red Sox; Calls Mariano Rivera: Mariana; Doesn't think Wang is the answer; Swisher is overrated "that's true"; He didn't think about A-Rod stealing the other night; He doesn't know about Girardi, he is so-so; Red Sox have a better pitching staff than the Yankees; Posada "absolutely" is not a HOFer; Yogi, Dickie, Munson and Howard were all better than Posada; In Tony's eyes, DiMaggio was the greatest ballplayer ever, but Ted Williams was the greatest hitter; Yanks have to win 7 of the next 9 games...Tony was "all over the map today."
He isn't as "sharp as he usually" is...
And does not answer the phone when he should despite getting paid.

Mike ain't steamed, he's BBQ'd

2009-06-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Heard about five minutes of Mike today. He was on a tirade. On his list are: Joba should be in the bullpen. Joba is babied and the only reason his ERA isn't over 5.00 is because he's pulled in the 5th inning. Yanks are lucky to win 2 out of the last 8 and the two they won were due to errors.
"Who takes credit for this mess?"
"The Yankees mailed in this series!"
"Girardi gets no effort out of this team, and I'll ask him about it at 5:00" (note the plug)

Mike is STEAMED!!!

2009-06-18T19:10:00.001-07:00

I got into the car after work to meet my wife and kids for a 6:45 PM showing of "Up" and got to hear Mike's conclusion to his Thursday show. Wow! Mike was mad. Really mad. Like the soda machine gave him a Diet Pepsi mad. The USGA has decided to not refund people for the washout at Bethpage today OR allow them to attend tomorrow to get their money's worth. For shame, opined Mike. He wore out the thesaurus on expressing his disdain for their practices which I have to assume were printed clearly on the back of said non-refundable tickets.

Look, I know the economy sucks. Nearly every person I know has taken a sizable financial hit over the past 12 months. I'd love for there to be a way for each and every person to get value or enjoyment equal to what they spent. Few things, though:

1. This is a 4 day event, not a 162 game season

2. The arrangements must be carried out precisely to maximize convenience for all involved while also satisfying TV so ratings will be good

3. The hosts still had to do all that was needed today whether there was golfing or not. That means, it still cost them money and they lost gobs with the loss of concessions, merchandise etc.

4. For the most part, this is not an event that caters to the poor or destitute.

5. Walking around after golfers, staying within designated areas and yelling, "Get in the hole!" is stupid.

During his tirade, Mike told them to get off Long Island. Loved that little bit and was immediately reminded of this little idea. How dare they! Take your fancy golf games and get the heck outta here!

I liked the fire Mike showed, however. I like when he plays the "everyman advocate." Who doesn't? I love when he empathizes with his listeners and takes a stand against the corporate giant. I like how he takes his shots here and there. Not all of this paragraph is sarcastic either. He does have less of an agenda than his "competition."

So, tomorrow is gonna be a fiery Mike at the helm. He can take the USGA to task, bellow for Joba to return to the bullpen, deride the Yanks for losing 2 of 3 to the Nats, make fun of Jerry Manuel and his undying love for the sac bunt...Wait, I need to hit on that too:

With a depleted offense why is Manuel so willing to give up an out with a 1 run lead? Why does he think a 1 run lead against a potent offense is a sure win? If Castillo is on 1st and he has speed and Cora's at the plate and he can handle the bat, isn't the sac bunt completely redundant? Why is it so far from the realm of possibility that a team with a good offense can score a run against a closer that sometimes can't find the plate?

OK...Back to Mike's topics: discuss how much the NY crowd loves Phil if only they were allowed to re-use their Thursday tickets and how disappointed he was to learn that Jacqueline from the Real Housewives of NJ had implants.

Yesterday Re-Cap and Today's Opening

2009-06-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Can some kind soul update me on what happened yesterday? Did he jump on Wright dogging it? Did he pick a US Open winner? How was the love-in with Nantz?

As far as today's opening is concerned...

Me: What's NYY line?
Book: -330
Me: Nats 20x please
Book: Sure you don't want 40x? Francesa just locked it up for you.
Me: Later

On this day...

2009-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

1994 – Following a police chase along Los Angeles freeways and a failed suicide attempt, actor and former American football player O.J. Simpson was arrested for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Raise your hand if you were watching the Knicks vs. Rockets in the NBA finals when they cut in to follow OJ down the freeway.

Ancient History v. David Wright

2009-06-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Since no one ever, ever drops pop-ups it's really not a big deal that D. Wright ended up on first base after Huff's drop last night. I mean, when was the last time you saw THAT happen?

It really makes you realize that Texeira scoring from 1st the other night, with $180MM contract and slow legs all the more impressive. The fact that Beltran never even came close to scoring on essentially the same play is all the more pathetic.

I really hope this doesn't get lost in the throes of a win BUT Wright dogged it out of the box TWICE last night. Each time, Gary and Keith glossed over it completely. Beltran got outrun by Texeira and the Mets got lucky to put one in the "W" column.

Look, Jerry Manuel is a godawful manager...One of the worst ever, I'd say, and this is absolutely his last shot at a managing position on this level. Why not publicly bench Wright? In light of all that transpired over the weekend, why not take a stand? I am not one that thinks chemistry or unity wins games or anything but what Wright and Beltran did last night could lose games. I love Wright as much as the next Mets fan. I defend him vociferously and realize his value as a baseball player. This year, however, he's shown spots where running has been unimportant or too important as he's shown a habit of making outs on the bases.

I hope Mike and the Mets fans don't miss this point today. I certainly hope Manuel and Wright don't miss it either.

ARTIE LANGE WITH CHRIS RUSSO

2009-06-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Artie Lange's appearance with Chris Russo on Mad Dog Unleashed yesterday was very informative on different levels. I'm sure Chris was asked(or forced) to have Artie on, since he is a staple of Sirius XM's flagship show, Howard Stern. Chris was up to the task, although he was none too happy about Lange's performance on HBO. He told Artie that he wasn't funny with Joe Buck. Artie came back with "you don't know a fucking thing about comedy."

This spot was so entertaining because hearing Artie Lange fire f-bomb after f-bomb at the prudish Russo was amusing. Chris, for his part, never cursed. But he stood in there amongst comments like, "how's that motherfucker!?" and argued with Lange about the necessity of the language on HBO. Russo didn't win this argument in the long run, but he did expose Lange as an overeager opportunist. And Lange for his part contradicted himself at times. But Lange got to the heart of Russo's naivete. Whether it's the clean language or the fact that he doesn't understand the handshakes in showbusiness, Russo is in essence a child. He will always be that enthusiastic kid that loves sports and gets excited by it.

Artie Lange did compare himself to Lenny Bruce, which is fair. It is surprising to see all this hubbub about his off-color appearance on Buck's show. Maybe he was funny, maybe he wasn't. But why are people put off by this stuff? It's nothing that hasn't been said before.

At any rate, enjoy the interview. I was a little late in hitting record, so you miss the first few minutes of the interview. But you get the picture.
http://www.imeem.com/people/AmQTmSq/music/eaFUObLE/mad-dogwav/
Let me know if it doesn't work. If not, it is embedded on the right side of the page below contributors.

Dog's top 10 NBA players

2009-06-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Mad Dog listed the top 10 NBA players EVER just now and I thought it deserved a post.
In his order:
Jordan
Magic
Bird
West
Big O
Kareem
Wilt the Stilt
Russell
Elgin Baylor
Kobe
Apparently last night Kobe snuck into the top 10 ahead of Dr. J, Olajuwan, Tim Duncan, Mallone, Stockton, Shaq, Havlicheck, Pistol Pete, George Mikan...and Derrick Coleman.

Burney vs K-Rod

2009-06-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

My first post. I kept hearing that Burney got in K-Rod's face over some comments. Has either been on their teams for more than 3 months? I think I could kick both of their asses.

Anyway, today's game will be the opening segment for both Mike and Dog, so I hope your are all watching. Meanwile the Stanley Cup Final Game 7 was awesome and Cotto fight rocked...But we won't be hearing about either on Monday.

Redemption

2009-06-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

So, Sunday will tell the tale. Will Mike bemoan the Bombers inability to pummel a downtrodden bunch or will the pinstriped bunch salvage a series win? Will Mike drone on and on about the lack of fortitude in a playoff atmosphere or will the boys from the Bronx come through in a big spot?

If you really love Mike and huge bowls of popcorn, you'll know tomorrow night. For the rest of us, we'll get the gist at 1:07 PM on Monday. For now, the Yankees can be happy that they can justify their lack of production on facing an unknown. Let's erase the fact that the man was a 10 year minor leaguer and focus on the fact that Jetes had never faced him, right?

As for me...Well, I see Burnett giving a sub-$820000000000000000000000 effort and I see Johan throwing a gem.

Come Monday, Mets fans are happy and Loki is kicking himself in the shins.

Luis Castillo...MVP?

2009-06-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

That's all I got...Your thoughts?

Subway Series and the Idiots in Charge

2009-06-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Johnny Damon and the 2004 Sawx team were famously dubbed, "The Idiots." Catchy and self-deprecating, yes and memorable since that team whooped the Yanks 4 in a row in the ALCS and went on to bury the Cards in the Series. "The Idiots" were subsequently dismantled and the term of endearment was threatened with extinction. I am bringing it back now as I offer to you:

Joe Girardi and Jerry Manuel - The "New" Idiots

I was in a big hurry as a Mets fan to jettison Willie. I thought it was a bad hire and was happy to see him go. Jerry was a welcome change. My patience and the patience of all Mets fans is growing thin. A sac bunt in the 2nd last night? With Redding on the mound? Against Jamie Moyer? It's like hitting on 18 against a 7. Just when you think he's maximized his stupidity he pushes against all odds and hits a new level.

Girardi is no better...I am no Yankee fan so I need to hear from Loki and the other Texeira jersey wearing, A-Rod booing boys out there. How has Girardi screwed your season?

Now, what will Mike's take be on this weeks respective debacles? He will point to the Mets and their overall lack of clutchness. He'll discuss the merits of having 2 MVP's playing in the same infield with an obvious MVP type year from the left fielder and why this bodes poorly for the Mets in the coming months. He'll definitely touch on the Yankees bullpen deficiencies and the emergence of Youk as the best player since Bonds retired.

It's a grim day for NY baseball fans and Mike will do all he can to keep that fire raging. He'll promise hard interviews for "The New Idiots" but let's see if he delivers.

For me, I just pray that the Mets can squeak out a win this weekend. A sweep is gonna be tough to take.

Calling All Bloggers

2009-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

We here at the Mike and the Mad Blog are holding our own versions of the infamous Bar A Auditions. Except in our case, we're looking for more contributors to this blog to write original posts. And we're not trying people out. And we don't have Southside Johnny. But If you are a reader of this blog and feel like you have some original content to add, drop us an email at: mikeandmadblog@gmail.com and we'll pass over a spare set of keys to the car. I am going to be unable to blog for the upcoming month or so and Gman is a bit burnt out on the big man. So we're looking for some fresh blood to keep this blog going.

Where Will Mike Start?

2009-06-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

While some may feel that today is a tricky day for Francesa on the Fan, I disagree. Some might contend that with the Mets beating the Phils last night, that takes some heat off Mikey's fastball as he can't go too crazy about the Phillies lineup of gamers off a loss. And because his boyfriend Johan pitched a spotty game, he can't go on and on about Mr. Santana. But, that gives Mike the perfect opening to lead with the Yanks. And even though Mike's beloved pinstriped heroes lost last night, some (myself included) would argue that Mike took some joy in this defeat. First off, his other boyfriend Beckett came up huge in a big spot. Next, Mr. Pie face himself, AJ Burnett, came up small. On days like today, Mike will remind viewers that he was never a fan of the AJ signing. Now if Burnett had pitched a big game, he would just point out that "Burnett always pitches well against Boston.." But the bigger issue here is that over a month ago, Mike put the Yankees season on the brink of collapse. He argued that Arod coming back would not save this team - that they were old, Mariano needed a new pitch, something was missing, the seats need to be filled, the economy was bad, blah, blah, blah. But a funny thing then happened. The Yankees started to dominate and Mike avoided giving them praise. Instead, he turned guns blazing towards the Mets and just sort of avoided Yankee talk. When he was forced to commend the team that plays in Coors Field East, Mike pointed to an easy schedule. But today with the Mets beating the Phils and the Yanks losing yet again to Boston, this gives him the perfect opening to go off on the Bombers. "This is why Boston is better!! You can take your pies in the face, I'll take Beckett!! This team is missing something!! This is why Boston is better!!! Joba needs to be in the bullpen!! The Yankees have no heart when it comes to Boston!! Melky's a fourth outfielder!! Their lineup is old!! Bring it on Mike....

Remotes Remotes Remotes

2009-06-01T10:18:00.001-07:00

Mike just announced a lot of upcoming remotes on the way in the month of June. He announced this as if he was excitedly reading the winning lottery numbers on a million dollar ticket. He was flat out giddy..."Folks, we're gonna have lots of remotes in June." Here's something for Mike and WFAN to ponder: YOUR REMOTES SUCK. And here are a few reasons why:

1. If it's a Met or Yankee remote at either of their ballpark, you never get the guests to sit beside you. Instead they talk to you from the clubhouse, making your existence pointless.

2. You are typically given the most dreary looking backdrops imaginable. Anyone remember Mike's remote at the start of last football season from Jets camp the first day Favre reported? Mikey was broadcasting from the woods.

3. You rarely take calls. I'm sorry but there's only so many guest interviews where you are answering your own questions that I can take.

4. You typically encounter some sort of technical difficulties or simply show up late for your own show. Exhibit A: The Bar A Audition Disaster that shall never be spoken of again.

So with all these things going against you, why in the world are you so happy to announce all of these remotes? Do you think people make sure to plan their listening experience around the fact that you are going to be on location somewhere? The only reason it's at all entertaining to tune in to these shows is because something will go wrong with your microphone and you will flip out on the tech guys on air. I just can't go too crazy about WFAN Remotes.

FRANCESA GLOSSARY

2009-05-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

We all know the terminology that Mike Francesa uses on a regular basis, but sometimes we need to stop and make note of it. We think this is especially important since he has been solo for 9 months now. Without a partner, there is a good chance his vocabulary has changed, with new words entering the mix and others fading into obscurity. Here are entries into the Francesalingua:

Bizarre – Francesa has been using this a lot recently, especially after the Mets win a game. Using 'bizarre' is his way of diminishing the Mets, but it also is an admission that he is at a loss for words at how they can defy him.

I understand – I don’t remember this as much when Dog was around. He must use this because he has no partner to argue with him. So he has to create a phantom debater, eg. "I understand the economy is bad." The usage is very similar to ‘this whole idea’ or 'the whole notion'(See the glossary on the right for 'whole notion' definition).

No question - When Mike asks a question of an interview subject, then answers it himself, then waits for subject to agree and finishes with "no question" cementing the fact that there indeed was no question ever asked ("absolutely" is another form of "no question")

Canonize - This term is applied to the Mets solely when they are high on a young prospect - as in "the Mets canonized Murphy". However, this term will never be applied to the Yanks. You will never hear "the Yanks canonized Hughes and Kennedy."

Folks - Folks is used to address the callers and listeners of Mike'd Up. If you listen closely the way mike says it, it sort of has a condescending tone to it.

Gamer - These are guys Mike would go to war with any day and divorce Roe for in a heartbeat...Youk, Jeter, the entire Phillies offense, etc. Sorry. No Mets allowed.

We welcome more entries into the updated Francesa lexicon.

(Editors note: This is a joint joint between FTLT and gman26)

Francesa Cleansing

2009-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

These past few days I have been away and unable to listen to "Mike'd Up, Francesa on the Fan, show that used to be compelling with Chris Russo" or whatever you'd like to refer to it as. And I must say, removing myself from Mikey for this short period of time is really a breath of fresh air. I don't find myself constantly having to get into a car by 1:04 or pause my TIVO when I need to take a piss. In short, my life doesn't quite seem to revolve around tuning in for the big man's take on the day's events. I'm not going to lie - there have been times the past two days where I sat around thinking "I wonder what Mike is saying right now." But with the passage of time, those moments are few and far between. I would imagine this is much like doing some crazy colon cleansing procedure. It rids your body of unnecessary toxins. And so now that my body has been rid, I am ready to poison it once again. So fill me in on what has gone down the past few days on America's #1 rated sports talk show on the planet...

FRANCESA THE STORYTELLER

2009-05-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

While we hammer away at Mike for his consistent arrogance and one-note drudgery, we sometimes miss the forest for the trees. If you really get down to it, Mike is an underrated wordsmith. On a daily basis, Francesa adroitly uses a potent mix of imagery, idioms and descriptive language. I've typed up some of his words from the first two segments:

'stand tall', 'crawling', 'swept aside', 'hammered', 'on the shelf','big thumpers', 'thunderbats', 'bloom is off the rose', 'full to the brim', 'red carpet invitation in solid gold', 'take him for a spin', 'double him to death', 'three ring circus'

I'm not saying he's Oscar Wilde or anything, but the fact of the matter is that he's very good at painting a picture of the day in sports. Sometimes that picture is a little crooked and potentially fraudulent. But it is interesting to look at nonetheless.

Please add any other turns of phrase uttered by the Pope of Letters today.

New Starts

2009-05-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

We here at Mike and the Mad Blog are happy to announce a relationship with the newly formed themikefrancesa.com. Don't confuse them with mikefrancesa.com. These guys split from the latter site and created their own message boards. They reached out to us today asking if we'd like to cross promote each other. And they have sent a good deal of traffic our way today. So we would like to return the favor. They differ from us in that they are a message board site. These guys seem like good dudes looking for a fresh start. Who doesn't like new beginnings? If Mike and Chris can start over, why can't we? Check them out at themikefrancesa.com.

MIKE AND CHRIS REUNITE FOR AI POST

2009-05-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Chris: Anddddd Gooood Afternooon Everybody on this beautiful May day. ROW in Albany piggybacking. And how are you today Mike?

Mike: Fine.

Chris: Well Mike lots to talk about today. The Mets continue to be an enigma. You want to get excited about the

Yanks? Okay, but can they play a few good teams first? Where do you want to start Mike?

Mike: Wherever.

Chris: This idea that the Orlando Magic could win this series.

Mike: Dog, we got to start with the finale of American Idol.

Chris: Excellent point Mike!

Mike: Listen, they put on a great show last night, with Rod Stewart and Queen and Lionel and...

Chris: Ahh could ya please with the cursing Fergie? Come on.

Mike: Ryan, as always, does a great job hosting.

Chris: Excellent job Mike, excellent job.

Mike: Folks, if you think that Kris Allen is our American Idol then you're kidding yourself. Now I understand America was in a tricky spot with the rumors of Adam being gay and no question that hurt him a little. I understand the economy is bad. I understand Kris had more votes last week. But folks, Adam is a gamer.

Chris: TERRIBLE JOB by America Mike. TERRIBLE JOB! I mean this whole idea that Krissy is somehow better than Adam is absurd.

Mike: Listen folks, before we canonize Kris Allen, remember these guys who have fundamental flaws like Reuben Studdard and David Cook. Adam should have won this thing. And then we have to listen to the new golden boy sing that awful song that Kara wrote.

Chris: Pipe down Kara. Timmy could write a better song than that. And another thing Mike, do I need these girls running around naked on stage? I mean could ya please? I got Jeannie and the kids watching and I got these girls with nothing on.

Mike: Kris Allen cannot beat Adam Lambert. I'm sorry folks but that just can't happen. But listen FOX did a nice job with the show. Roe and I got a kick out of it. And listen they did a nice job with the broadcast so I'm not going to kill them, but how in the world do we NOT hear from the judges after the results! I mean COME ON FOX!!!! How do I not hear from Simon Cowell what he thought! Where's the postgame show?

Chris: Excellent point Mike. Excellent point.

Mike: I mean c'mon FOX! And listen I know Simon has been on a nice run, but how does he NOT come out to argue that CALL!!! Folks, they didn't just take a point off the board here, they robbed Lambert. How does Simon not protect his guy!!!! And there are reports of individuals making up to 100 text votes by themselves? If Fox doesn't clean up this competition, then it's going to be as relevant as the NHL. I already have to put up with Matt Vasgersian and Jeannie Zelasko. Now I have to put up with a voting system that is corrupt?

Phony'd Up

2009-05-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

I am about halfway through Mike's interview with Jerry Manuel and not that this is some revelation but it is amazing how phony Francesa is during these interviews with managers. Is this the same Francesa who we have listened to blasting Manuel and the Mets all week? Mike gets on the air the past few days and screams about Manuel pinch hitting for Murphy, not challenging the Church call, turning his back on Church, etc, etc, etc.. He brings on Eddie Coleman throughout the week and attacks the Met beat reporter for these decisions as if Eddie C was pulling the strings. But when Jerry comes in, Mike calmly switches into "soft" mode - like he's talking to his old buddy Parcells on a football Sunday. Mike, you consistently challenge the Mets for showing no heart, no edge, no toughness - for not coming through in a big spot. Well, after listening to most of this Jerry Manuel report, those same things could be said about you. Here's your chance to channel Lt. Kaffe from A Few Good Men and thunder away at Jerry like he's Jessep on the stand. But instead you come off looking like Louden Downey. You needed a trial lawyer to help you through that interview.

First Name Basis

2009-05-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Just caught a few minutes of Mike talking about "Tom." In case you are wondering who that is, it would be Mr. Brady. And it just occurred to me that there is no greater sign of respect from Francesa than when he refers to you on a first name basis. Consider the following examples:

- Tom (Brady)
- Bernie (Williams)
- Joe (Torre)
- Mariano (Rivera)
- Tino (Martinez)
- Manny (Ramirez)
- Omar (Minaya)
- Eli (Manning)

Conversely, consider these people for whom Mike doesn't quite adore and how he refers to them:

- Wright (David)
- Reyes (Jose)
- Delgado (Carlos)
- Manuel (Jerry)
- Dog (Chris Russo)
- Ortiz (David)
- Lee (David)
- Robinson (Nate)
- Girardi (Joe)

These are just a few examples. Now I know what you are thinking - what about the JDYB factor? That would be the Jeter-Duncan-Youkilis-Brosius factor: 4 guys Mike has the ultimate respect for, but refers to the by their last names. Just chalk this up to the margin of error that you would see in statistical polling...what does this all mean? Nothing really but it just seemed like time for a new post....

FILL US IN

2009-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Haven't listened to a word today. I'm in a Mike bores me stage. Anyone care to fill us in on today's show?

CANON LAW

2009-05-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am still tired of Mike, but today's open forces me to give him some props. I mean you gotta hand it to him. It's not like he praised the Mets and Yankees and said they had no problems after they both won weekend series. No, this guy opened up his radio show, in the middle of the studio with a loaded, nickel-plated can of whoop ass. I'll get off the paraphrasing of Lt. Caffee after hearing of Markinson's death. But this is why we love/hate Mike Francesa so much. His lies, his exaggerations, his hypocrisy, his accuracy, his negativity, his arrogance, his nastiness. All of these traits are below in excerpted clips from the first two segments of the show:

-"No wonder Steve Phillips never won here." - You mean besides the World Series trip? Granted, Phillips' suggestion to trade Beltran was absurd, but he was the GM during one of their most successful periods.
-"What I want answered is why Reyes didn't pinch hit?" Well, Mike. You can ask Jerry Manuel that same question when he's on with you during his weekly spot. Now, I seem to remember Mike saying that Manuel might not be on this week because of the road trip. Even so, if this is such a burning question, then it can wait a week.
-"He doesn't like Castro. He doesn't like Church." Another excellent opportunity for Mike to ask the Met manager about his hate for his two players.
-"Morgan parachutes in here." - Joe Morgan is definitely old-school, but not to that extent.
-"You pinch hit Murphy with a Minor leaguer!" - Ok. So maybe Pagan is a bit of a Quadruple AAA player, but he has played in 181 Major League games over three years, so it's not his first trip around the block.
-"The Mets have sold Murphy like crazy" and "they have canonized him." Below the various definitions for canonize. I don't see anything below that fits that definition in regards to the hype around Daniel Murphy. I have a feeling Gregg Jeffries wins that award.

To declare (a deceased person) to be a saint and entitled to be fully honored as such.
To include in the biblical canon.
To include in a literary canon.
To approve as being within canon law.
To treat as sacred; glorify.

MIKE'D UP MONDAY LINEUP

2009-05-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

We have done predictions for Mike's talking topics on a day after big sporting events. This is no different in that we will solicit your answers as well.

1. First topic will combo the Yanks and Mets - "...Franceser on the Fan. Well, a good weekend for both area baseball teams."

2. Then a segue to Yanks three-straight walk off wins - "Maybe, just maybe, this will inject a little juice into the new Yankee stadium. This past weekend might just have put some life into this stadium, which before was like a morgue."

3. Mets win 3 out of 4 from Giants - "So the Mets(voice very unenthusiastic)took care of business in San Francisco with big offensive performances from Wright and Beltran, until they were shut down by Matt Cain last night. Pelphrey blew their chance to sweep with his three bawwlks. (starts chuckling) After the last bawwlk, (more laughing) he kicks the cleat cleaner(laughing) and almost falls down(more laughing). But hey, let's give the Mets a little credit. They have won 12 out of their last 16. Although the NL East is a bad division. " Continues on with any praise of the Mets qualified by minor criticism.

As an aside, how quickly into Russo's show will he bring up the Giants losing 3 out of 4 to the Mets? That was the one great thing about Russo being on the Fan. Since he was doing a New York show, he could only talk so much about the SF Giants before he realized that no one cared.

Also, who was listening to the ESPN broadcast last night? Terrible job out of them. First they spend 3 innings on the old story about who is the leader of the Mets. Then Steve Phillips brings up the Trade Reyes talk from 'New York talk radio'. I'm not a fan of Joe Morgan, but he clearly cut through all the bullshit and totally dismissed trading Reyes, Wright or Beltran for that matter. Wondering if Francesa was listening and will he bring this up.

Please give us your predictions for Mike's starting lineup ordered 1-3.

Dog Days

2009-05-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Perhaps there will never be a reunion between Mike Francesa and Chris Russo. But I think if you ask most longtime WFAN listeners, they would clamor for the duo to put aside their differences and join forces once again. But could it ever happen? Neil Best had a good interview with Russo the other day. For those that missed it, take a look below at some of Doggie's comments. Sure he points out some of the things he doesn't miss about WFAN, but it certainly sounds to me that he feels nostalgic about his old gig. I can't go too crazy with the idea that he's happy at SIRIUS/XM talking Nebraska football and Carolina Hurricanes hockey. Sounds to me like he misses the pace and the fervor of the FAN time slot he shared with Francesa for almost 20 years. But what's your take? Here's Neil's story:

Chris Russo misses local slant, but likes new life
Neil Best

For most New York sports radio listeners, Chris Russo's trademark cackle is but a memory - other than in those spot-on imitations by WFAN's Craig Carton.

It is a reality Russo knew he was accepting when he left the FAN for Sirius XM, a pay satellite service with 18.6 million subscribers nationwide but a far lower profile among tri-state fans than WFAN.

Still, Russo said Wednesday that while he does not regret the move and enjoys many aspects of his new gig, he sometimes misses the impact of being on a local, 50,000-watt powerhouse.

"There are times, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it,'' he said, a feeling more pronounced now than in the fall because of the national scope of the NFL.

The baseball is so much more local. Those are the days where you definitely feel a little pang, like, 'Boy, Mike [Francesa] has got to be at Citi Field today, or Mike's got to be at Yankee Stadium.'

"I guarantee you when the Mets and Yankees first play [June 12] I will definitely sense it, because I won't be part of that. There are times you miss that.''

He added, "When the Yankees are [losing], I have to assume fans are more attuned to what Mike is saying, or Kay than myself. I do feel that pang. Not all the time, but I've felt it.''

As for Francesa, he said, "I don't care if you had the worst divorce in your life. When you're married to someone for 19 years there is going to be an element of that marriage you'll miss,'' he said.

"That byplay between me and Mike, I miss that occasionally," Russo said. "I can't deny it. But overall, I don't have any regrets.''

Francesa still has neither hired a new sidekick nor ruled out doing so eventually. The urgency has been eased by the fact his ratings have held up well.

What about Russo's? There are none on satellite radio, and Sirius XM says there is no reliable way to measure his audience.

Instead, Russo said his feedback comes mostly from callers. There are more of them than in the early days of "Mad Dog Unleashed,'' which premiered eight months ago Friday, but Russo estimated 70 percent still come from the tri-state area.

The best part of the new job, he said, is the freedom he has to discuss what he wants and go where he wants, including a number of road trips that never would have happened at WFAN.

"Nobody looks over my shoulder and tells me I can or cannot do this or that,'' he said.

From 2 to 7 Wednesday he covered a broad range of topics and took calls from Manhattan to Maui. He led with Magic-Celtics - On Dwight Howard: "Keep your big, fat trap shut!'' - but he dealt with the Mets and Yankees and had guests from Charles Barkley to Ed Olczyk to Len Berman.

"One thing I don't miss is nine million calls a day about whether Joba should be in the rotation,'' he said. "Or nine million calls in the wintertime about how the Mets have to sign Manny Ramirez.''

With only four ad breaks per hour, Russo has the luxury of more time, but that puts a greater burden on his voice, which gave out for a week in November. He said he did a "terrible job'' of taking care of himself but now is more careful.

Russo's deal is believed to be worth $3 million a year, but Sirius XM has been in a precarious financial state. Is he concerned?

"I think we're going to make it,'' he said. "I don't go to work every day wondering if this place is going to collapse. And don't forget, CBS Radio ain't doing that great, either. If we're doing bad we've got a lot of company.''

"Mad Dog Radio,'' for which he is executive producer, now is a 24-hour sports talk outlet. He said he would give himself a better grade for doing that part of his job than for his own show.

Meanwhile, at his old home, he is gone but not forgotten.

Russo said he had heard about Carton's imitation but not heard much of it himself.

"I don't think it's malicious," he said. "I take it as a compliment.''

Friday on the FAN

2009-05-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to GMan for taking us down memory lane yesterday. Good stuff by them in just a year. Even with FTLT playing Tipper Gore, I think this blog has excellent content and great feedback from readers.

I expect a very lovey-dovey show today. Preakness is running, NY baseball teams are winning and we have two NBA Game 7's on Sunday. Not a lot to complain about although I'm sure we'll get the requisite complaints about:

1. Yankee stadium seating, pricing and shutting out the downtrodden
2. NYM bullpen
3. Reyes flamboyant, non-Jeteresque playing style
4. CC not throwing enough no hitters and Texeira not leading the league in helping old ladies across the street

Aside from all that, we'll probably get Barkley on, some horse trainers, Eddie C. and Sweeny and everyone will have a good old fashioned love-in. Should be nice.

I was thinking, though, that instead of Mike and Barkley talking about screen and rolls, home court advantage, Paul "Clutch" Pierce, the Black Mamba and Artest it would be nice if we could spend some time on Pau Gasol. Now I have no idea what kind of playoffs he's been having but I do know that he's doing a great impersonation of this guy. I wonder if he croons "A Pair of Brown Eyes" at home? Anyway, looking at that mug over the past few days it got me remembering an old Vescey column from the 80's that featured a piece on Paul Mokeski. Paraphrasing here, but what he said was, "Even when Mokeski plays well, he still looks bad. Someone should put a hand in face and leave it there." Classic stuff from a classic writer. When's his Gasol piece coming?

Then, Mike will go on and on about the filly tomorrow as Gman previously alluded to on this here blog. He'll have his theories and he'll listen to some others and it'll be all very coma inducing for 98% of his listening audience. Basically, typical Mike on a racing day. I will grant him this, however...At least he won't spout the nonsense that R. Reilly puked all over his column today. No freaking way it's getting linked here so if you want a nice queasy feeling later on today, find and read it.

All in all, I expect an upbeat show with NY baseball fans calming themselves down and patting each other on the back.

Happy Friday and I hope you all win your trifectas tomorrow.

ANNIVERSARY

2009-05-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since we put up our first post on mikeandthemadblog.blogspot.com. Over the past 365 days, we've had a lot of ups and downs, including a one-sided fight with mikefrancesa.com, a mention of the blog on the airwaves with Russo, body language analysis, a bucket list, a reading list, play-by-play of Wilt's 100-point game, an interview with Neil Best, a breakup of the names that define this blog, proclamations by our readers that this blog was dead(they were half-right) and we've added a new contributor(Awesome Sean).

Just like ARod couldn't remember things when he was young, we all probably can't quite remember May 14th, 2008. So FTLT and I have put together a time capsule of what was going on this time last year.

- The Mets sat in 3rd place at 20-18

- Tampa Bay Rays were 79 days away from being taken seriously

- Mets core consisted of Wright, Reyes, Beltran and Delgado

- Tony Bernazard was about to be public enemy #1 in NY

- Homeland security threat level was Yellow

- The Yanks were in 4th place at 20-21

- Joba was a reliever

- Syesha Mercado is eliminated from American Idol leaving David Archuleta and David Cook in the final.

- Eli Manning was getting a free meal somewhere

- It was Israel’s 60th birthday

- Unlike Rachel Alexandra, the filly Eight Belles was not alive enough to enter the Preakness

- Arod was on Boli

- Hillary Clinton beats a certain Illinois senator in the West Virginia primary

- Sue Simmons apologized for using the F-word on air

- Bronson Arroyo was 2-4 with a 6.09 ERA

- That McLouth kid was hitting .304 with 10 homers

- US Dept. of Interior listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

- Gabagool was our only commenter

- mikefrancesa.com banned gman26’s IP address

- Mike and Chris were happy partners

I'M TIRED

2009-05-12T12:53:00.001-07:00

Many time, long time readers of this blog know that we love our Few Good Men quotes. But today we're going the way of Mel Brooks and Blazing Saddles. After listening to the early parts of today's show, I'm starting to feel like Madeline Kahn's Lilli Von Shtupp. Francesa is like a broken record. The same old shit every day. Bash the Mets, talk about Yankee Stadium, have on boring guests, say "I understand that the economy is bad", etc, etc.

In some senses it's boring that I'm writing another boring post about how boring Mike'd Up Francesa on the Fan is. But what can you do? There is no Sheriff Bart to come and rescue Mike. Apparently, he has successfully resisted all overtures for a co-host. Instead, we are consigned to a daily dose of retread opinions and long-standing biases spoken in an unenthusiastic delivery from a man who is clearly bored at the sound of his own voice.

Maybe I'm just having a bad day. Maybe Francesa will charm me back with ratings talk(where the hell has that been anyway?) or discussing the filly's chances this weekend. But for now, I'm just tired.

The Repeat Caller

2009-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just listened to a certain caller complaining to Mikey about Daniel Murphy. I am quite certain that this same caller phoned in to Joe and Evan this morning with the exact same phone call (please ignore the fact that somehow I know this). These types of callers have always amazed me. Do you really need to call in to multiple shows on the same radio station on the same day with the same exact argument? It's like when Lt. Galloway objected and then strenuously objected. We got the point the first time. This is almost worse in my mind than the "I'll hang up now and listen" or the "Mike, remember me, I called in 1998 telling you that Sosa and Mac were on steroids" call. We have talked here in the past about callers that bother you the most. Which irritates you more than any other?

What We Have Learned Today

2009-05-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

We have learned that the Yankees taking 2 of 3 from Baltimore is the lead story today in the New York baseball scene. We have learned that Girardi can't have it both ways when it comes to Joba's fist pumps. We have learned that Mike is still not happy with this Yankees team. We have learned that John Sterling never gives the score of the game. We have learned that when calculating the average age of the Red Sox, you can't include the 40-year-olds Wakefield and Smoltz, but you can include the 22-year-old Masterson. We have learned that Mike never expected Gardner to hit at the big league level. We have learned that Mike thinks Hughes has been somewhat disappointing. We have learned that Mike uses the word "core" far too much. We have learned Sabathia pitched a "gem" this weekend. We have learned that Mike uses the word "gem" too much. We have learned Nate McLouth's career is a waste because he plays for a terrible Pirates team. We have learned that Melky has looked a lot better at the plate this year. But we have also learned that Mike would love to pry that McLouth kid loose from Pittsburgh. We have learned that Damon's homer was far bigger than Arods. We have learned that for a person whose sole job it is to watch New York sporting events, Mike often ends up "missing that play" cause he was in transit. We have learned the Lakers will beat the Rockets. We have learned that no one is going to beat the Cavs. What we have not learned yet as of 2:19PM is if Mike Francesa is aware of another New York baseball team that has won 7 games in a row - a team that Mike left for dead a week ago...

Booed Up

2009-05-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Few things bother Mike more than unnecessary celebrations, uncalled for fist pumps and badly announced games, but I'm quite certain that nothing gets under Francesa's skin more than the great Mariano being booed on his homefield. And last night that's exactly what happened. After allowing back-to-back homers to the Rays, the Yankee Stadium crowd let Mariano know how unhappy they were. By doing so, Yanks fans may have shifted the universe in Francesa's mind. For fans of the show LOST, this for Mike, is the equivalent of when Ben moved the island and time was thrown off. All hell broke loose. And I have a feeling that all hell is going to break loose today on Mike'd Up. Boo the bullpen. Boo Teixeira. Boo Cano. Boo Burnett. Boo Sabathia. But do NOT boo the great Mariano. This is what I think is coming today. Although I could be wrong and Mike just might make this show all about Yankee Stadium being a joke and a bandbox. He very well might go that route and deflect attention from Rivera coming up small in a very big spot. It should be interesting...

Mike's Kryptonite

2009-05-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

When this blog was first created, one thing I never thought I would do was write a post that included the names Mike Francesa and Superman in the same paragraph. But here goes. We all know about Superman and more importantly, we know that the caped superhero was vulnerable to kryptonite. Exposure to the mineral debris weakened and had the potential to kill him. So what does this have to do with the host of the number 1 ranked sports talk radio show in the country? Not much really. But it got me thinking that every person has something that can nullify their powers and debilatate them. For Superman, it was the radioactive material from Krypton. So what exactly then is Mike Francesa's kryptonite? Anyone that has followed Francesa and the New York baseball scene this week has noticed signs of cracks in the big man's foundation. But what exactly is the perfect storm of events that would bring Francesa to his knees - what is his krpytonite? After careful consideration, we have determined the following things all occuring would be his undoing:

- David Wright delivers a game-winning walk off hit 3 days in a row
- YES does a video montage of Joba's 12ks to the song "You're Simply the Best"
- Reading Bronson Arroyo's line from last night: 1.0 IP, 81.00 ERA, 10.00 WHIP
- Andy Pettitte changes his name to Andrew
- Michael Kay's show beats Mike'd Up in the ratings
- Daniel Murphy goes 6 games without misplaying a ball
- The expensive seats at Yankee Stadium remain unoccupied
- The Yanks reacquire Farnsworth and Hawkins to solidify the bullpen
- Jon Heyman and Omar Minaya stop taking Mike's calls
- Sweeny Murti and Eddie Coleman attack Mike instead of vice versa
- Saratoga Racetrack issues a press release saying that due to the economy they are shutting down
- Chris Russo reveals his new friendship with Bill Parcells
- Tom Coughlin informs Mike that no one uses the term "max protect" anymore
- Diet Soda vending machine at WFAN breaks down

We're quite certain that these events all transpiring around the same time would have the same effect on Francesa that kryptonite has on Superman. But what did we miss?

Mike's Nightmare

2009-05-06T09:50:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure this will be a totally Yankeecentric show. Mike is going to come out firing at the boys from the Bronx. No one will be safe as he turns both barrels on the front office, manager, coaches and the whole dang roster. o - 5 against the hated Sawx? Inexcusable! Inconceivable! I mean, come on, some of those guys are playing haard out there. The true Yanks like Capt. America, Cano (new addition), Andy and Mo are busting their tails out there! These mercenaries aren't worth the paper their contract's been written on, so far. The Yanks core is intact and showing the grit and hustle that wins games! These guys don't know what being a Yankee is about! They better learn or the Yanks will just swallow their mistakes, eat the $400 MM and find guys who know what this tradition is all about!

Across town, on the other hand, is a bunch of lucky prima donnas who are lucky they play in an inferior division in an inferior league. They have no grit at all. No dirty uniforms and not enough edge! Delgado is obviously unable to perform under the bright lights of this city, Wright can't hit in a big spot and Luis Castillo kicks dogs and trips old people.

GMan, I think all of this will save us from much on Favre, thankfully. Also, the NBA is not compelling enough yet so I bet we get wall to wall NY baseball today. Starting with the poor play of the Yanks before moving to the luck of the Mets and Sawx. This is gonna be fun!

The Cold Water Express

2009-05-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

I caught just a few minutes of Mike'd Up today while in my car. But that little time was classic Francesa. For any Mets fan feeling a bit positive about last night's game in Atlanta, Mikey tossed some cold water on the Amazins victory. So after setting up the fact on Monday that the Mets had a huge 2 game series in Atlanta this week (where he pointed out that they are awful), Mike mostly dismissed last night's game by telling us that Atlanta isn't a good team. And that John Maine walked 6 batters. And that the Mets don't know what they are doing with Oliver Perez. And that Jose Reyes has only scored 10 runs this season. And that Ryan Church is going to lose his job to Sheffield. And that Daniel Murphy still can't play left field. And that this Japanese pitcher ain't going more than 5 innings. And that Jon Niese isn't pitching well in the minors. God knows what the big man would have said had the Mets lost last night. Thanks for providing some clarity today Mikey.

Best Weekend of the Year (Delayed)

2009-05-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Some people think it's Masters Weekend, others think it's the start of the NCAA tournament and still others think it's NFC/AFC Championship weekend. Me? I think it's the first Saturday in May. Baseball is in full swing, the Derby is on and there's usually a big fight. This past weekend fit that bill and it was as badass as ever.

Mets played the Phils, Yanks played Anaheim, the Derby was run and Manny Pac laid waste to my beloved Hitman. All in all, a better weekend could not be had for a sports fan.

I missed most of Mike's show yesterday so I don't know what he touched upon. Did he spend time on the A-Rod book? Did he speak about the NYY comeback on Friday night? Was it a seminal moment? Does he anticipate a coming together for the team? Did he deride the Mets performance on Saturday and question the Perez signing again? I'm pretty sure he spent time on the Derby. Did he give the winner credit or did he call it a fluke. Did he offer any insight that only an "insider" could provide? Did he even mention Manny Pac? Did he know there was a fight?

Now it's Tuesday and the Mets played a good game and the Yanks played a poor one will his opinions change? Is it nice to see Tex break out of his slump even though the Yanks are now 0-4 against the Sawx? Will be blast the Yanks for locking paying fans out of the game even though the stadium was at about 35% capacity?

Will he give Heyman a spot today so he can spread some more news on various Boras clients including this guy?

Ellipticall'd Up

2009-05-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 40 minutes at the gym watching - make that trying to watch Mike'd Up while riding the Eliptical machine. Watching Francesa while working out is sort of a weird experience. I usually enjoy it because it makes the workout go by faster. But today was the extreme opposite. As soon as I entered my cardiac information, plugged my headphones in and found the YES Network, I was welcomed by Mikey interviewing someone from the Daily Racing Form. I mean I totally expected the customary horse racing spots today, but did they have to time it that I get some dude from the DRF at the onset of my workout? So what was I to do? Naturally I changed the channel. I landed on the Family Feud. Can you name the 4 most glamorous cities in the world, according to 100 people on the street? I will give you a hint as to one of them - it's a city that Mike often points to in analyzing the outcomes of sporting events...Anyway, I watched the father/son combo of Herb and Herbie (no joke) botch the $10,000 round. Name a place that you go to that's always crowded? Herbie went with the ballpark. Unfortunately only two people agreed. How about a country that starts with the letter "S"? Herb went with the Soviet Union. Zero people concurred. In case you are wondering, Spain was the number one answer. Herb squared ended up with a total of 126 points, 74 short of the promised land.

Anyway, with the Feud over, it was time to get back to Francesa. Horse racing talk must be over right? Wrong. Tom Hammond from NBC Sports was on. I learned that Mike is not comfortable with the surface at the Derby. It's probably a good thing then that he's actually not racing on it. I also learned more than I ever wanted to about turf tracks. Time to switch the channel. I briefly ended up on some VH1 reality show with some hot girls walking around practically naked. I kind of wanted to leave it on this show but there was a girl next to me on another eliptical and somehow I felt dirty and sleazy watching this show, as if I was viewing porn in a public place. Next up was SNY, which was airing the Mets first home game after 9/11. As a Mets fan, I miss that team. Fonzie, a juiced up Piazza, Ventura, Bobby V, Bruce Chen...okay, maybe I don't miss Bruce Chen. It was early in the game and it was clear my workout was not going to last until Piazza's epic bomb, so it was time to switch back to Francesa, who must have been on to something different by now. Wrong again. Hammond was still on. And Mike delivered one of his famous "No Question" Questions. What is this you ask? These are questions where Mike asks his guest something, then provides the answer to his own question, then waits for the interview subject to agree with Mike, then follows that up with the words "no question." Today's example was Mike asking Hammond about who a mystery horse was in the Derby, then answering it himself, tossing it to Hammond for him to agree with, then finishing the thought with "no question."

And that's where my patience and workout ran out. I will say that my time on the elliptical did seem to fly by....

TALE OF TWO SHOWS

2009-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

I tuned into Mad Dog Unleashed around the Two O'clock hour. I didn't listen long, but it was refreshing to hear Chris get fired up about the Celts/Bulls. He was replaying it and constantly saying, "I wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls won on Saturday." His open was fun and energetic. It was a stark contrast to the morbid atmosphere that inhabits Mike'd Up Francesa on the Fan, or MUFF.

Mike briefly touched on Game 6 of the Bulls/Celtics in his open. Even though this series is going down as one of most memorable in history of NBA, Mike must have his qualifiers. He has said that the series at times is 'not well-played' and on the air yesterday with Barkley, he called it 'bizarre'. He conceded that it was a great series, but he has a talent for sucking the positive vibe out of something. He bemoaned the Saturday night game time for game 7 saying, "The NBA is trying to hide their games now." At times like this, I say to myself, 'Is this guy that self-loathing?' I already know the answer.

So while Russo's show probably jetted off into an entertaining 5 hours, Mike got away from the NBA to lead with a very stale topic, the Mets. Of course, once he does this he invites callers who bring up his vendetta against Wright. As a result, the show takes on a negative feel, which permeates the airwaves, depressing the hell out of me. But I guess you reap what you sow.

OMG! This is gonna SUCK!

2009-05-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

I am just thinking about what's been going on in the sports world of late and am realizing that today will be a terrifically painful afternoon of radio on the Fan for most of the lurkers of this blog. Let's list some reasons:

- NYY are on a roll and have their young studs putting up back to back gems. Mike is going to make Joba and Hughes out to be better than the 2006 versions of Bonderman and Verlander.

- NYM are in a slide and going to Philly for the weekend. Mike is going to pontificate on the gravity of this series and he'll be egged on by the idiot callers screaming for Wright's departure. It's enough to make you puke.

- The Kentucky Derby. A big portion of this show, I bet, will be dedicated to "the most exciting two minutes in sports" today. Mike will be spouting off about mudders, speed horses and closers all day. He'll handicap the race and name drop for hours. It's enough to make you puke.

- CHI/BOS series is going to a 7th game. I don't watch much NBA but this series has certainly caught my attention. OT games, scraps, momentum shifts and the like have made this series very interesting. Sadly, we won't get analysis from Mike as he'll only be bemoaning his being "totally wrong on this one" over and over again. We got it Mike, you whiffed this one. It's no big deal. If you didn't fire Sal, on the spot, after he declared D. Wade the best player in the NBA, I suppose we should cut you some slack as the NBA is clearly not your area of expertise.

- M from M will definitely get a call in there today.

So, that's what I think we have to look forward to today. Full disclosure: I think horse racing is stupid but I will watch the Derby and I'll wager on it. It's only two effin minutes, after all. The rest of this show is basically par for the course. Yankees are coming on strong and the Mets are choking. This is nothing new but it will also allow Mike to sweep to ARod stories under the carpet. That works for me because that story is boring, Selena Roberts is a hack and the Daily News wishes it were The Post.

OK...Let's se how this show shakes out. As I think about it, Barkley may make an appearance and that's usually a pretty good spot.

The Open? Hughes or the Mets?

2009-04-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Before remembering the Mets had a day game I was fully prepared to hear that the Yankees pitching woes were lessened by half. Granted, Hughes went out there and gave the NYY a performance they needed and NYY fans should be enthused with their prospects going forward. However, I anticipate Mike blowing this out of proportion, putting Joba back in the pen and putting to rest talk of NYY pitching issues.

After the Mets lost in the manner they did I am not sure where he'll start. This game had all the factors that Mike loves: bad bullpen work, no timely hitting, "core" failure in the "clutch" and lack of run support for one of his boyfriends.

So, which way will he go? The new golden boy or the standard whipping boy?

My prediction: Mets doomed season with this "core"

FRANCESER ON THE FAN

2009-04-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's a busy Monday for Mike'd Up Francesa on the Fan. Not living in the NY Metropolitan area, I don't have the luxury of watching Mike's dress rehearsal on Sunday night on NBC. Is it still on? But since we all like to predict things, let's setup Mike's show today.

Chances that Mike...
*Opens the show with a call to end restrictor-plate racing. "Roe was very upset after watching Carl Edwards' car hurtle into the fence at Talladega." - 0%
*Flip-flops again and says that he now likes the Bulls to beat the Celtics - 20%
*Calls Andy Pettitte 'Andy' - 77%
*Brushes off the Red Sox sweep of the Yankees by talking about how the Red Sox are historically good in April - 100%
*Downplays Ellsbury's steal of home with 'Everyone's making this out to be Jackie Robinson. Enough already.' - 60%
*Calls Mr. T brilliant for getting Mark Sanchez, then talks about how Sanchez will have a hard time filling the shoes of Joe Namath - 20%
*Doesn't mention Mike Tannenbaum by name, just calls him Mr. T as if the rest of the listening public should know the nickname - 95%
*Criticizes the Mets for only winning two of three from the Nats - 100%
*Brings up a topic in the first segment that no one else is thinking about except him(for example, something that Mel Kiper said during two days of draft coverage, the 7th race at Aqueduct, Hedo Turkoglu's 'excessive' celebration for hitting a game-winning shot in a playoff series, etc.) - 30%
*Changing Met scapegoat status from David Wright to Ollie Perez - 86%
*Is lukewarm about the Giants draft - 50%
*In talking about the Giants draft, brings up Ernie Accorsi or George Young but doesn't mention current GM Jerry Reese - 10%
*Ridicules Al Davis - 100%
*Previews tomorrow's Barcelona-Chelsea Champions League game with Tommy Smyth - 1%
*Criticizes all the hype and coverage surrounding the draft and then continues to breakdown each team and how they fulfilled their needs - 40%
*Mentions the New York Rangers' playoff series - 2%

Any other prognostications?

The Sinking Ships that are NY Baseball

2009-04-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

I already know callers today and fans of both teams are gonna set it up on tee for Mike. Both teams had bad performances yesterday and fans will complain all day. Clutch, expensive, obstructed views and despair will be all the rage for today. Don't do it, I implore you. The season is young and both teams, probably, will be fine. I mean, I hope the Yankees won't be fine but that's wishful thinking.

Now, I am not a major stat head. I don't wish that baseball games were played on a computer. I do like watching games and I do like going to games, eating hot dogs etc. That said, I wanted to lay out some quick numbers so we know that Mike's rhetoric is wrong. The first 10% of the baseball season is a small sample size and there is a good chance that they don't tell the whole story. So, here we go:

On the Mets being a sub-.500 team:

Mets Runs: 61 Mets Runs Allowed: 60

Outscoring your opponent will typically result in wins. Just saying.

Mets Don't Hit with RISP:

Mets OPS: .767 Mets OPS w/RISP: .792

NYY are "clutch":

NYY OPS: .767 NYY OPS w/RISP: .747

For comparison purposes, here is the LAD:

LAD OPS: .861 LAD OPS w/RISP .792

So, you see, the early numbers mean little, if anything. In fact, it seems as though the Mets are "clutch" and the others are not. Don't let Mike get away with his falsehoods today. The Mets have had some bad luck and haven't played very good defense. Hitting and pitching, while not ideal, have been pretty close to average, hence the 2 under .500 record.

MONDAY

2009-04-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

MIKE'D UP FRANCESA ON THE FAN
Mike came out swinging this morning about the new Yankee Stadium. Mike believes that something must be done on this road trip. Maybe they can put some gaffer's tape on the openings in the stadium to slow down the wind. Maybe they can rope of the Jeffrey Maier seating section to move back the wall. In any case, this is all a smoke screen for Mike. He's making a big fuss about this to deflect any criticism of Wang and the Yankee bullpen. He downplayed Wang's ineffectiveness and said the Yankee should 'come up with an injury' so they can DL him. "No one checks these things," he told us in making a case for summoning a strained muscle. Nice, Mike. Let's encourage cheating. Besides Maier and the Swipe, is that really the Yankee way.

MAD DOG UNLEASHED
I expected Dog to come out and spend a lot of time on the offensive propensities of the new Yankee Stadium. Instead, Dog is doing the NBA today. Snore. He said that he was going to 'catch us up' on Citi Field later in the show because that's where he was this Saturday. Aren't you a little late to the party Chris? I know they banned your show from there, but couldn't you have made an earlier trip? The highlight so far was when some guy asked for his analysis of the Rangers/Capitals series. It ceases to amaze me that over the years, even on the Fan, people would call up to ask hockey questions of both Chris and Mike. Are you paying attention people? That's not their bag, baby.

The Pope has Spoken

2009-04-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

OK...I am no finance major BUT Mike telling some caller just a few minutes ago that taxpayers didn't help finance the NEW Yankee Stadium is just grossly wrong. This is merely from Wikipedia and it took me < 10 seconds to find. Enjoy...

Financing

Rather than the $800 million value affixed to the stadium (which is for the stadium and not for the parking garages, highway improvements and other items associated with the construction), independent analysts have set the tab for the complete project closer to $1.3 billion. The city's share includes allowing the Yankees to occupy 22 acres (89,000 m²) of Macombs Dam Park and John Mullaly Park (which is already used for stadium parking on game days), and to build parking garages on those parks. City-funded artificial surface will be placed on top of those parking garages to make up for the lost parkland. The city would retain ownership of the land, but would not charge the Yankees rent or property taxes. In addition, the city would foot the bill for acquiring scattered parcels of land near the waterfront, about a half-mile away, and building smaller parks as replacements there. The cost of renovating the existing parkland would be about $25 million; building new parkland will cost $150 million. That cost includes demolition costs for the historic Yankee Stadium, which would be completely torn down. The building's destruction would be paid for entirely by the city and replaced with parkland. The city will also issue tax-exempt bonds for the Yankees' new stadium. The Yankees would repay those bonds with payments in lieu of taxes; the Yankees have not paid taxes.

View from right field upper-deck during the first contest held at Yankee Stadium, April 3, 2009

The Yankees have arranged for the lease on Yankee Stadium to be classified as an "operating lease", even though many accountants think that the Yankees' early involvement in the building of the stadium should have precluded operating lease accounting. This is extremely important to the financing because it means that the Yankees will be able to keep significantly more revenue from the stadium and will not have to share it with the rest of Major League Baseball.

New York state taxpayers will pay $70 million to help the Yankees build parking garages (as authorized by the State Legislature). The parking garage project would cost $320 million. City and State taxpayers will forgo up to $7.5 million annually in lost taxes resulting from the sale of $225 million in tax-exempt bonds authorized on October 9, 2007, by the New York City Industrial Development Agency (administered by the New York City Economic Development Corporation) to finance construction and renovation of the parking garages.^[13]^[14] However, if the parking revenues are not enough to pay a reported $3.2 million land lease to the City of New York, the entity that will operate the parking garages and collect revenue will be able to defer that payment.^[15] State taxpayers, through money that has accumulated from the MTA's budget since the 1980s, will also pay all of the costs of a train station on the Metro-North commuter railroad.

In addition to the public subsidies and billions of dollars of increased revenue, the Yankees will benefit from a change to Major League Baseball's 2002 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that deducts new-stadium building costs from a team's net local revenue, which in turn reduces a team's revenue-sharing payments. For the Yankees,the largest contributor to the revenue sharing pool with roughly $300 million in overall revenues, this rule means 40 percent of their share of the price tag may be borne by the remaining 29 baseball teams. All told, the Yankees and the taxpayers can each expect to pay about $450 million, and the Yankees will cover the remaining costs from diverting revenue sharing payments that would have been paid to the other baseball teams.

Lonn Trost, the Chief Operating Officer of the Yankees, confirmed in February 2008 that the new stadium would retain its original name, Yankee Stadium.

AS PER JD'S REQUEST

2009-04-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mike has opened the floor to every disgruntled Met fan who has stepped inside Citi Field. Of course, the number of those people compared to the rest of Met fans is approximately 0.012%. But hey, WFAN is the voice of the fan, so that's what we get.

I will state upfront that I am a Met fan. Not like that's a huge secret that this blog is populated by Met fans. So I heard the first two segments of Mike and wondered if he was being fair. And I think he is. On a Tuesday in April, with no big sporting events, no PED scandals, no more deaths, what else is there to talk about? The opening of this ballpark is a big deal. Obviously, some people are missing the days at Shea. The same Shea stadium which was brought to the ground by criticism and it's out-datedness. Yet apparently, the Mets have built a stadium worse than Shea. That is if you believe the first hour of a sports radio talk show in New York represents the overwhelming majority of opinion of the quality of this new field.

Mike said after hearing a couple of callers vent, "Hey. This isn't coming from me. It's coming from you guys." Deep in his heart of hearts he wish he could rip the Mets a new one. Instead, he'll let everyone else do it. Mike noted how the Mets were going to have to place 'a premium on defense' because the outfield was so good. I have a feeling that one will work itself out and actually become a home-field advantage.

But while this is a worthy topic today, I don't anticipate much stadium talk about after June 1. Then we can settle into baseball talk. And when they rip down Citi Field in 40 years, some of us can call up and complain about how the new park sucks.

Speaking of over/unders, what are the odds that the day after the new Yankee Stadium opens, it's a lovefest? But that is in essence the difference between the two teams, their fans and their culture. I'll leave it to you to fill in the blanks.

Mike Hearts Phil; Mike from Montclair Hearts Himself

2009-04-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I ever realized exactly how much Mike loves Phil Mickelson. He was honestly distraught about the water and the missed eagle putt on the back nine. He wants to shake Phil, hug Phil and give him the Robin Williams/Matt Damon treatment from "Good Will Hunting." I think it's touching. Or, maybe it's creepy. Either way, I hope Bronson or Manny don't get too jealous. The opening stuff about Citi field was boring but the 2nd segment about the Masters was riveting. Until, M from M emerged. This guy is unreal. First, he always allows for a pause after he's introduced and before he opens his stupid mouth. It should be fair warning to quick, turn the station but I am a masochist so I stay. Maybe the pause is so he can record the call for his ever-growing audition tape? Then, he never greets the host. Just launches into his nonsense. Who does this guy think he is? Just from listening to him I know he reads Lupica and watches the Sports Reporters while slowly nodding his head as the rest of us wait, impatiently, for Lupica to shut up. He has this pompous, arrogant air about him when he talks about cut shots into the green or the prices of tickets at Brooklyn Cyclones games. I wonder how many times he's had his life threatened at some stupid cocktail party?