Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda, caught using pine tar. TWICE!

Well, I was at Fenway tonight watching the Yankee game, and I don't think I ever want to go back. There were just WAY too many things wrong with tonight's game that I noticed, some before it even started.

First, I did not agree with the lineup. I think Ichiro should've played right field, while Gardner took left field. More speed for the outfield. Second thing I noticed, as it was absolutely FREEZING, and windy as all hell....was, "why isn't Pineda wearing sleeves? It's so cold." Didn't make sense to me. Well, he went on to pitch a horrible first inning. So horrible that he felt the need to turn to pine tar again, for the second time this year! Here...we...go.

Pine tar on the neck. Why? Look I have no problem with "cheating" as long as you don't get caught. I just have many concerns as to why he would go this route and over expose himself, when he could've easily hid it, ON HIS WRIST UNDER HIS SLEEVES! It's almost like he WANTED to get caught! 

When the 2nd inning started, I left my seats & headed to the concession stands. As I was on the line, the tv screen was focusing on Michael Pinedas neck. The camera man was ALL over him. I had to look twice. When I first noticed it, I thought it was sweat. He couldn't POSSIBLY make this noticeable two times in a row, right? But, then I thought, sweat? It's like 55 degrees and I'm in layers over here. So take two, I'm looking and I can't stop staring at this tv. I knew it was gonna happen....

My emotions were crazy. I actually had a huge amount of anxiety. I was nervous, for Pineda & the Yankees. Plus, I really don't like seeing stuff like this in person. I would've honestly preferred NOT to be at this game. So, I rushed down to some open seats not too far back behind home plate. Red Sox manager John Farrell, called time out, then proceeded to make his way towards home plate. It was over...

(Photo by myself, snapped of a tv screen inside Fenway Park)

The place went nuts. We all knew it was going to happen. After Farrell was done saying whatever it is exactly that he said to the home plate umpire, the ump walked to the mound. He checked Pinedas glove, made him turn around (like it was an airport security check),and then, (what appeared to be without permission by Pineda), the ump decided to touch his neck where the "pine tar" appeared to be. There goes our fifth starter. Pineda was EJECTED in only the SECOND INNING! Girardi came out quickly to talk to the ump. But I mean, what could he have possibly had to say? There was no getting out of jail card for that move.

Pineda was replaced by Phelps, who looked weak, although he was unprepared. 

My thoughts? Dumb, careless, senseless, absurd, shocking, disappointing. As I said before, this was SO easy to hide. Also, Girardi knew about this. ESPN totally singled this guy out because they HATE THE YANKEES! If it were someone on Boston, they wouldn't have brought much attention to this. 

I am still in the car on my way home, so I have yet to watch all the post game interviews. What I've read so far, ESPN reported that Pineda admitted to using pine tar at tonight's game, and stated he used it because he wanted to "get a better grip on the ball." Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated he is "embarrassed" for his team. 

“We are all embarrassed this has taken place,” Cashman said. “I think Michael is embarrassed, and we are embarrassed that somehow he took the field like that. It’s just a bad situation and clearly forced the opponent’s hand to do something I’m sure they didn’t want to do, but they had no choice but to do.”

A 10 game SUSPENSION is likely, but we won't know until at least the morning I'm assuming. 

This is just a really rough start for the 2014 Yankees. Phelps will likely take Pinedas spot if/when he is suspended.

This is going to make headlines & the front page in the morning, for sure. It should be very interesting to see what happens next. The Yankees will likely discipline him to make sure this doesn't ever happen again, but with a young mindset like Pineda, my thoughts are he's going to wannna to try & get away with this again. We shall see....

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Jets sign Vick, release Sanchez, Eagles release Jackson, pick up Sanchez, and more.

On March 22nd, 2014, the Jets picked up free agent, quarterback Michael Vick, to a one year deal, worth 5 million dollars.

Vick is set to be the teams backup QB, as Geno Smith will continue to be their starting QB. 

Via espn.go.com

"As of now, Geno is the starting quarterback for this football team," Vick said in a conference call with reporters. "From this point on, we're going to compete every day."

After finishing last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' bench, Vick said recently he wants to be a starter again, so he obviously thinks he will have that shot with the Jets at some point. For now, he wasn't about to make headlines with a bold proclamation. He vowed to support Smith and help him develop.

"I wouldn't say I'd necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench, but I know what I signed up for," said Vick, who described Smith as a good friend. "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."

As far as who's going to wear #7, well expect Smith to keep his number. TMZ reported that Vick is more then willing to find a new number to wear as a New York Jet. Vick stated, "I want to pick a new number for the Jets, Number 7 is Geno's number."

This has been quite a controversial story lately, as many Jet fans are unhappy about the new addition to their team. This is going back to Vick's dog fighting days, as most fans don't want to forgive and forget. I've seen a lot via social media lately, even diehard Jet fans stating they are now boycotting the team, since signing Vick. 

The Jets new backup QB is most likely not going to receive a nice welcome. However, if he can do justice and help improve the team, fans will likely forget about his dog fighting days, and he may eventually become a fan favorite.

The Vick signing came just one day after the Jets released their former starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has now signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, to a one year deal worth 4 million dollars. 

Not a good swap. I'm seeing a LOT of VERY frustrated Philly fans on social media over this signing. Oh, and let's not forget their beloved DeSean Jackson! 

The Eagles released receiver DeSean Jackson, early Friday afternoon. Speculations of Jackson being an affiliated gang member have reportedly been a factor in his release. However. Jackson has denied being affliliated to a popular gang, "The Crips."

Via beta.sportingnews.com

"Jackson was reportedly interviewed by police about what knowledge he may have had about the murder. Investigators reached out to inform the Eagles of their plans to talk to Jackson, but reportedly never heard back from the organization."

"In 2012, another gang-related murder occurred at a party held in a building owned or leased by one of Jackson's family members, police told NJ.com. While searching the building, investigators found documents belonging to Jackson, including his car title, a gun permit issued in New Jersey and credit card receipts. Again, Jackson was not considered a suspect."

Jackson released the following statement following his release. "First I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly.  I would also like to thank coach Andy Reid for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless" — DeSean Jackson

The Jets reportedly are interested in possibly scooping up the former Eagles receiver. Way to turn an already sloppy team, into a team consisting of a few criminals! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Knicks end their 8 game winning streak, sign Phil Jackson, inching the playoffs, Brooklyn Nets streak(s), and more.

On March 12th, 2014, the New York Knicks signed former NBA coach Phil Jackson, as their new president. Jackson will earn 12 million per year.

The Knicks were back to looking a little sloppy, ending their 8 game win streak, by losing 2 in a row. Following an EXTREMELY tough loss to the Lakers, Jackson told the New York Times, "It was awful, huh." Last night after defeating Sacramento, the Knicks are back to being just 2 games behind Atlanta for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Without too much time left to get their act together and pull through, the Knicks couldn't have found a better time to scoop up Jackson, as he is VERY much needed. 

A lot of fans have been unhappy with Mike Woodson lately, but is he to blame 100%? I certainly wasn't expecting this team to shape up after their horrific performance the past few months.

Melo scored 36 points last night, and JR Smith tied a franchise record with NINE 3 pointers! After last nights win, New York is 30-42, facing the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night. 

Just wrapping up a road trip with 10 regular season games left, the Knicks are set to return home to face the Brooklyn Nets, whose 4 game win streak, was broken in New Orleans on March 24th. 

The Nets have won their last 10 home games, with their last 3 games on the road, ending in overtime. Brooklyn is currently 37-33, losing their last 2 games.

By:: Dana Pelotta (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

 

More Wu Tang! New album(s)on the way, Raekwon & Ghostface release new track, take the stage with The Lox, and more.

On March 18th, 2014, Wu Tang released their first single titled "Keep Watch," off their up incoming album, "A Better Tomorrow." No word yet on when the album release date will be.

Raekwon and Ghostface Killah dropped a single earlier today, "Thim Slick Remix." The song starts off with the original song by Fabolous, ending in Rae and Ghost taking over the end in a VERY raunchy, sexually explicit verse! Check it out here, it's DEFINITELY worth the listen! 

A "secret album" titled "Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" WON'T be released, ever. One copy will be made, and sold to the highest bidder, for AT LEAST one MILLION DOLLARS! 

Via Spin.com

Wu-Tang reportedly want to restore music's place as art. The single copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin will crisscross the world's museums, galleries, and festivals on a tour, just as a work art might, according to Forbes.com, which cites RZA and co-producer Tarik "Cilvaringz" Azzougarh. Heavy security and special headphones will guard against piracy. Dates for the exhibitions have yet to be announced. After the tour is over, Wu-Tang will sell the album — if we're lucky, to a wealthy benefactor who will keep it available for the rest of us.

Last night at the Best Buy Threatre in New York City, The Lox surprised fans by bringing out Rae & Ghost for their 5 Boro Metro PCS Tour. The two came and went without saying anything about their upcoming album, or performing together. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to make the concert last night. For a full review of the show, check it out here.

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Joe Girardi names Michael Pineda as the rotations 5th starter.

After speculations for the past few months, Joe Girardi announced earlier today, that Pineda will in fact take the 5th spot in the starting rotation.

Pineda is coming back after a season ending shoulder injury in 2012.

The 5 man rotation will be as follows:

CC Sabathia

Hiroki Kuroda

Ivan Nova

Masahiro Tanaka

Michael Pineda

A young arm like Pineda could be a huge asset to this team. If he stays healthy, along with the rest of the rotation, this could be one of the strongest, most solid rotations the Yankees have seen since 2009. Only time will tell if this is a good or a bad move. However, Phelps can easily take the 5th spot, if Pineda is unable to get the job done. 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Recap:: Wu Tang Brunch this past Sunday in Queens. A day dedicated toWu Tang & their music, plus Raekwon & Sun God perform!

Sunday was a packed house at Studio Square, in Astoria Queens, as fans came to show their love for REAL hip hop!

Hot 97's own DJ Big Ben was amongst a few DJ's to spin straight classics ALL day, that continued to the early night. 

The show kicked off around 6pm, as the "Killah Bees" took the stage first. Midgets in bee costumes and girls in black hooded catsuits danced to old school hip hop, before Raekwon performed a few songs, followed by Sun God, who is the son of Wu Tang member Ghostface Killah! 

         

I didn't get a chance to catch Sun God perform, but I did get the chance to meet him, and he is a very nice guy! "You look just like your Dad," was the first thing I said to him, and he very politely replied with a "thank you." This was also my first time meeting "The Chef" Raekwon, and what an honor it was. Another very nice guy, a true gentleman!

I'm hoping more events like this take place in the near future, and if so, count me in! I'm there! 

By:: Dana Pelotta (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Jennifer Lopez premieres new single "I luh ya papi" featuring FrenchMontana

If you haven't heard JLo's new song, featuring French Montana, you might be just as disappointed as I am. 

Jennifer Lopez is back to the music. Miss Info reports that Lopez, has recently been in the studio with Robin Thicke, Chris Brown, and Future. Hopefully she has more to offer on her upcoming album titled, "Same Girl," as this song is completely typical and BORING! 

Take a listen, if you must, and see for yourself here. Lopez, it might be time to hang the hat up! 

By:: Dana Pelotta (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)