There’s a minute (read that as “my NOOT”, not the 60 seconds) fringe fraction of the population waiting to read “The One After the Yankees Lost.” Congratulations it’s here, you just have to scroll down to the bottom section of this nonsense called Wants & Needs.
I’m trying this new thing where I put the specific sections right below this intro so that @YouTheReader can pick and choose what you want to read. God forbid most of you devour top to bottom of this.
Wouldn’t want you to miss out on 14 minutes of your week that you could be scrolling on TikTok. I would feel terrible if that were the case :(
Week 8 NFL | CFB Week 9 | NBA/NHL | Irish Rugby | Trends Change, Rumors Fly | YouTube Rabbithole
a bit inside this bit (Vol. I)
So lately if you haven’t been following too close (and why would you) I have been playing this game with myself where the song that I use for this week’s link is used as a theme for the weekly column notes. Trust me, I get it looks weird AF from the outside, but you wouldn’t get it, you’re not a “struggling writer” who needs to come up with thematic concepts so that hopefully people come back to read your work Week to Week.
I’ll peel back the curtain a bit here, Anti-Hero will be used for Week 9, ‘22 followed by Shook Ones, Pt. II Week 10, ‘22 (yup, quite the contrast but can’t have the boys thinking I’ve gone cupcake). Taking suggestions for Week 11, ‘22 - first come, first serve. My Spotify shuffles from Mobb Deep to Enya so all genres are welcome.
Warning you that Jeannette has a quick trigger with this stuff so don’t be hesitant to submit a song (or mailbag question, I’ve been leaving Dave Thomas on read) to weektoweeknotes@gmail.com. You can also shoot a text, obviously, this ain’t that official but wouldn’t mind hearing some of your thoughts.
Navigating this through trial and error. Throwing stuff against the wall and seeing what sticks. Just want to be upfront with you and acknowledge that posting a dancing baby to Dreams and Taylor Swift saw a little uptick in clicks; so I have to do what the analytics tell me (if that went over your head that is a play on words based on how the Yankees’ rationalize all their decisions, without any feel).
If in order to expand the demographic for “sports content for the casuals” I have to make this a Taylor Swift-themed thing every week, ask yourself if you think I really give a shit about my social media “presence.” That said, it would be a really funny bit on your end if you clicked on my links 10x (great idea @Vulpi) or shared this post with someone you think might like it that I don’t know (instead of just hoarding my thoughts to yourself). Would be a real shame if it threw off the algorithm and we “trend” on SubStack.
Speakin’ out of context, people need some content…
MLB World Series 2022
Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies
A Yankees-Mets proxy war matchup between a juggernaut and a surprise. As the unbiased aspiring baseball historian that I am, this 118th fall classic should be an intriguing one with plenty of star power on both sides.
Here’s the information for tonight’s Game 1.
Say something nice about the: Phillies
The city of Philadelphia right now is on an absolute heater. The Eagles are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 6-0. James Harden decided he wouldn’t go trick or treating as Rick Ross and actually showed up in shape (after signing his new 2-year $68 million deal). Bryce Harper is on an absolute tear at the dish, hitting an astounding .419 with 5 homers this postseason after suffering through injury for most of this season.
Say something nice about the: Astros
Prediction: Astros in a 4-0 sweep. Hell, I would not be surprised that after Houston goes up 2-0 in the series that Rob Manfred doesn’t just hand them over the “piece of metal.” The ‘Stros are just so superior to Philadelphia in every facet of the game that I don’t even know why the Phillies would even show up to the ballpark. We should just crown the Astros champions before the first pitch tonight, it would be a miracle if the Phillies ever even had a 1 run-lead at any point in an inning of a game in the series…
Excuse me, I just threw up a little writing this. BRB.
Week 8 Picks
Warped Logic: Week 8, ‘22
Thursday Night
Baltimore Ravens @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As the reliable narrator that I am, it is only fair to you the reader to admit that I didn’t watch a lick of this game. I was out and about with some family visiting from Ireland, kick rocks. The new P. McDaid’s Irish Pub (located on 7th Ave and W 54th) was excellent at handling a bar full of Davis’. Great drinks and even better service!
Off to a rare 2-0 start entering the weekend of Week 8. Have me down for 34-13 Eagles over the Texans for Week 9’s Thursday nighter.
Sunday Mornin’ in London
I’m writing and editing most of this after P. McDaid’s Pub. It’s okay, there is no way my predictions after a few pints could be any worse in these Scary Hours and trying times than they are per usual.
Prediction: 17-12 JAX (-2.5 JAX & Under 39.5)
1 PM Slate
New England Patriots @ New York Jets
@CrookedFromBoston, you know who you are, keep that same energy you’ve been on about the Yankees this past week and I won’t mention how you stopped watching the Sox before August 1st. Just kidding, luv!
Prediction: 23-20 NYJ (+2.5 NYJ & Over 40.5)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles
@KChoo going brazy once he sees this prediction.
Prediction: 24-10 PHI (-10.5 PHI & Under 43)
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys
I have family who is Cowboys fans so I’ll be honest and say I’m a bit more partial when it comes to Dallas than most. Never know if I should pick for them to win or mush against them (so they can be happy, I’m just that kinda guy). The GIF above is the Cowboy’s rookie running back from UF, Malik Davis (not related if you’re wondering), who would presumably back up Tony Pollard if Zeke can’t go.
Prediction: 26-15 DAL (-9.5 DAL & Under 42.5)
Miami Dolphins @ Detroit Lions
@TheNewUncle, congrats, has he decided on becoming a Jets or Phins fan yet? Here is a W prediction despite the division rivalry.
Prediction: 28-24 (-3.5 MIA & Over 51.5)
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings
@YouTheReader please see below Trends Change, Rumors Fly if interested in my thoughts on Kyler’s QB play.
Prediction: 28-23 MIN (-3.5 MIN & Under 51.5)
Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
Here’s a link for context on the GIF above, just looking out for ya if ya can’t keep up!
Prediction: 30-21 LV (-1 LV & Over 49.5)
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Season 4 and Final Season has started, you can catch up on Hulu. Darius is the best character.
Prediction: 22-14 ATL (-4 ATL & Under 41)
4 PM Slate
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
@DFlyer how far away from The Gulch is this proposed new stadium?
Prediction: 20-17 TEN (-2.5 TEN & Under 40.5)
NY Giants @ Seattle Seahawks
@Adubbs ice up for kickball playoffs, don’t worry I’ve been picking against the G-Men every week and they keep winning. Good luck next Sunday, cheers!
Prediction: 27-23 SEA (-3 SEA & Over 44.5)
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams
@YouTheReader keep scrolling for the newest weekly section Trends Change, Rumors Fly for some perspective on the blockbuster trade involving Christian McCaffrey.
Prediction: 23-21 SF (-1.5 SF & Over 43)
Washington Commanders @ Indianapolis Colts
Much respect for Matt Ryan’s handling of getting traded from his home of 14 years (because the Falcons wanted Deshaun Watson) and benched in his new one in Indy. Then again, if I ever reached the pinnacle echelon of my profession and was set to make at least $320 million over the course of my career, I too think I could act professionally when it was over.
Prediction: 16-12 WAS (+2.5 WAS & Under 39.5)
Prime Time
Sunday Night Scaries
Green Bay Packers @ Buffalo Bills
On passes thrown 25+ yards downfield, Josh Allen has more Touchdowns than Aaron Rodgers has completions. Rodgers is 3-24, 122 yards, 0 TDs, while Allen is 11-15, 497 yards, and 5 TDs. That’s it, we’re retweeting @doug_clawson, that’s the Tweet.
Prediction: 34-20 BUF (-11 BUF & Over 47.5)
Monday Night Football
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Brownie the Elf is still the logo of FirstEnergy Stadium. I would take the Keebler Elf over him. Grown man strength. Bengals even without Ja’Marr.
Prediction: 31-17 CIN (-3 CIN & Over 45)
College Football Week 9 Features - “Sunday Scouts”
#2 Ohio State at #13 Penn State | 12 p.m. | FOX
Ohio State (7-0): C.J. Stroud (QB), Emeka Egbuka (WR), Miyan Williams (RB)
Penn State (6-1): Ji'Ayir Brown (S), Nicholas Singleton (RB),
#9 Oklahoma State at #22 Kansas State | 3:30 p.m. ET | FOX
Oklahoma State (6-1): Bryson Green (WR), Jason Taylor II (S)
Kansas State (5-2): Deuce Vaughn (RB), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (EDGE)
#3 Tennessee vs. #19 Kentucky | 7 p.m. | ESPN
Tennessee (7-0): Jalin Hyatt (WR), Kamal Hadden (CB)
Kentucky (5-2): DeAndre Square (LB), Will Levis (QB)
NBA/NHL ARE BACK!!!
Unfortunately, everybody knows the NBA doesn’t really start until Christmas Day and I would sound like an absolute fraud trying to cover anything but #PlayoffRangerHockey. Ghostwriters, please feel free to send your content to weektoweeknotes@gmail.com.
That said I’m sure we got some local fans and so for now I can’t let ‘em down, walk around with my guard up. Here are some half-ass Locals Only gifs.
Irish Rugby
For Americans reading this, if you’re neutral and don’t have a side of the scrum to root for you will now be getting spammed from time to time about the #1 ranked Men’s international rugby football team in the world. We got a few fixtures coming up next month between South Africa, Fiji, and Australia that is crucial to World Rugby’s ranking system and will play a key element in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
In preparation, I’ll give you a few names to get to know, the first one this week being Dublin’s own Johnny Sexton. The 37-year-old Irish captain plays fly-half and for my American audience kicks the extra points (worth 2) after a try (touchdown equivalent, worth 5).
USA Footy - World Cup 2022
After not qualifying for the 2018 Men’s World Cup, the United States is sending some footballers over to Qatar at the end of November. Qatar, located in the Persian Gulf, would have been way too hot to play in June/July (when most World Cups are held).
Group play in the World Cup is as simple as you play each team in your group once and the top 2 teams after the 3 matches advance based on points. You get 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and none for a loss. Very insightful stuff here.
Group B Schedule (USA)
USA vs Wales (Nov. 21, 2 PM ET (Monday Before Thanksgiving))
USA vs England (Nov. 25, 2 PM ET (Black Friday))
USA vs Iran (Nov. 29, 2 PM ET (Acceptable Time to Play Christmas Music))
The One After The Yankees Lost (Wants & Needs)
Yes, I’m pretty much 30 years of age and it still bothers me that a certain brand of pinstriped laundry loses to another shade of laundry in a child’s game where the goal is to hit a round ball with a round bat squarely. Yet another October of disappointment where the Bronx Bombers failed.
To paraphrase the Sports’ Pope, Mike Francesa’s words, the great part about October baseball is how boring instances in-between pitches and the lulls in the action that might put you to sleep when watching in the dog days of summer turn into moments of anticipation that can leave you breathless. A relatable modern-day example of playoff baseball is the boring moments in June when you might want to check your phone and mindless scroll are the complete opposite in October when you have family and friends texting you “Yes! There we go.” Or “Goddammit why is he going with Trivino here” and thus I have to leave my phone in another room (as a cable cutter my TV stream tends to be 30 seconds to a minute behind you guys).
There’s only so much that fans have control over. We don’t get to decide when the owner wants to raise the price of chicken buckets from $22.45 to $23.85 thinking nobody notices. We don’t get say when they jack the parking lot prices up to $50 and then make you sit in your car for 45 mins unmoved because they don’t have a functioning herding system. The fact that there are reports that players and execs were offended by fans booing their dreadful ALCS performance is absurd. You play in The Bronx, grow a pair, or GTFO.
I’m not complaining about how supply and demand work, that’s futile. That said, if you’re charging this fan experience, I don’t want or need to hear money being an issue from the owner who inherited the billion-dollar franchise. Re-up both Judge and Rizzo. If you have to eat Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks’ contracts, so be it. You price gauge your fans and they still show up, how about acting like the most prestigious organization in America for the first time since George?
**Awkward silence** “Damn you seem rather salty?”
Well with me, if there’s ever an awkward silence, at least 3 times out of 10 a conversation starter directed towards me, whether it be with family, friends, or co-workers, has something to do with how or what the Yankees are doing (and that’s fine, I love it that way). My “what do you want to be when you grow up?”, was always responded with “Center-fielder for the NY Yankees.” Once that naive thought was over with, another would enter my mind while I’d play MVP ‘05 or one of The Shows in middle school. How cool would it be to be the GM of the Yankees? That’s never happening either but can we as fans want and need someone to replace Doctor Evil or do we just have to sit here and wait for the owner to finish his glass while he’s on his yacht or better yet, private jet over to AC Milan?
Cashman took over the ‘98 Yankees and Stick’s farm system and yes made some solid savvy additions like Scott Brosius but let’s get something straight: from 2002 to 2022, he’s been a failure. 1 ring in the Bronx in 20 years is pathetic. Is it really that crazy of me to think that if I gave my 12-year-old cousin an Xbox controller and his transactions on a videogame were relayed into a Brian Cashman earpiece, would they really be in worse shape over these past 2 decades? Maybe I’m grasping at straws here but my main point is I just don’t think Brian Cashman is irreplaceable whatsoever. Time to move on. This was somewhat therapeutic but I’ll probably go unhinged like this again once offseason moves (or lack thereof) start becoming official. To any Yankees fans out there still reading up to this point, if you have any wants or needs with this offseason don’t be afraid to send ‘em my way. I’ll bark up the wrong tree for you.
Trends Change, Rumors Fly
League 10965 Blockbuster Trade
I know you don’t care about my fantasy team or league but Tuesday morning a deal was agreed to in principle between TD Bank and New Era (formerly Box Office Brown).
