Monday Moaning

Well, there are going to be some changes happening with the Cleveland Indians...After a week or so of Indians President/former GM, Mark Shapiro telling all of the media he wasn't going anywhere...As I write this post, the final details are being hammered out that will see Shapiro leave, and take the role of President for the Toronto Blue Jays...

Blue Jays president Paul Beeston is retiring...Beeston was the 'Jays first employee in 1976...Shapiro has been with the Indians since 1992, and was the GM from 2001-2010...Then he was promoted to President...Shapiro is highly respected in the baseball world for his eye for talent, and how he has managed a tight budget over the years...Shapiro is also on MLB's competition committee...He also oversaw the recent renovation to Progressive Field...The Blue Jays are planning on some major changes to the Rogers Centre...These plans may have helped to make the job attractive to Shapiro, as well as Shapiro attractive to the Jays...

Toronto made a huge splash at the trade deadline...And now are making a splash upstairs...

Personally, I wasn't much of a Shapiro fan...He held onto former Manager Eric Wedge too long...He traded Cliff Lee after winning the Cy Young, a year before he had to for a handful of players...Only one who is left and just panning out this year in Carrasco...He traded C.C. Sabathia after his Cy Young, for a slug Matt LaPorta (an elite prospect) and got Michael Brantley as a throw in...Brantley clearly has panned out well, but he was called a throw in...Sounds like dumb luck...Enough dumb luck to make people forget that LaPorta was a "can't miss player"...He traded Victor Martinez a year before he had to, for squat...

The best move he made was getting out of the GM role...Chris Antonetti has done well as GM...I'm not sure how much of the hiring of Terry Francona falls on Shapiro, but I'll put that up there as his second best move...

Speaking of Francona, there has already been fear that he would use his opt-out clause to possibly follow Shapiro to Toronto...Francona has already come out and said that he has no intention of doing something like that...Who knows, that could be just more bullshit, that we normally get in sports...Although, I have a lot more respect for Francona, and would trust his word more then Shapiro...


-Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta just threw this season 6th no-hitter, striking out 12...I hadn't looked at Arrieta as an ace, but he clearly has become the Cubs ace, and not Jon Lester...The guy was a inconsistent pitcher with good stuff, while with the Orioles, and now he has put it all together...Only problem for the Cubs, which is the same problem the Pirates have been having...Both these teams have been playing incredible baseball, and they can't catch the St. Louis Cardinals,(best record in baseball) who keep plugging along no matter who gets injured...Which has got to be about half their team now...So I guess Washington can't really fall back on the injury excuse anymore...


-While I was writing this post, and checking twitter, I was feeling ready to puke in my soup, as so many people are on social media talking about the MTV Video Music Awards...Which apparently are mostly about female pop stars trying see who can look like the biggest whore...And how can they have a Video Music Awards show, when MTV hasn't shown a music video in 15 fucking years...My God this world sucks!


-I'm getting warmed up for Football season...I laughed when I saw Illinois FIRED their head football coach 8 days before the season begins...I've got 7 games picked out for this first week of college football to help you gamblers out...I'll be posting that Wednesday night so you're ready for those Thursday games...And then I did  my fantasy football draft...I didn't want to play...Because I hate the NFL, and am doing what I can to avoid their shit...But Sully made me, so I said screw it...I'll win this bitch...Here's what NFL.com thought of my draft...

Suck it fellas!


-I'll close with this...As a Notre Dame fan, I really like reading THIS...I was always a Tom Zbikowski, but had no idea his life after football went this way...He down a hole, but is finding redemption...He didn't waste all of his NFL money...And he didn't waste all of his money from his undefeated boxing career...But he still needs the adrenaline...And he wants to do something important...He's a Chicago Firefighter now...His father Ed said...

"Now, he doesn’t have 80,000 people cheering for him and 30 million people watching him. It’s easy to be a hero when people are watching you, but to be a hero when nobody’s watching you and it’s 2 o’clock in the morning and you get a call?

“If you took his greatest knockout or the greatest game he has ever played, none of that will save a person’s life. You can score 100 touchdowns, and that won’t compare to saving someone’s life.’’

And Zbikowski isn't done there...He has more goals...Click that link for good read...

Have a week...

Christmas, Fantasy Football, and Hockey...

Merry Christmas folks...Here we are, the day after Christmas...But I don't stop the holiday spirit right there..."The twelve days of Christmas" start on Christmas...Not before...So I have no problem leaving the lights on...Playing some Christmas music, and watching a couple extra Christmas flicks...I use to get bummed out Christmas night...After all that time, money and energy, for it to all be done in a day was a downer...But I've learned to enjoy it, and extend the fun with the kids...

Oh, the kids...Holy crap did they get spoiled...Every year Mrs. Claus and I say we're going to not spend as much...We're going to scale it back a bit...But then Christmas Eve comes, and we do our thing, and I take a picture, and we realize, 'We've done it again!'

Yeah, they got hooked up!

The kids had a blast...They loved all the stuff they got...Plenty of what they wanted, and plenty of surprises...Especially our oldest, who got a 32 inch TV for her room...Something tells me little brother is going to want to hang out there more...

Mrs. Beeze was also very happy with the sweaters, Kindle Fire HDX, and concert tickets I got her...She was very happy and surprised...I was very surprised when I opened a Rush tin, that had two sets of special edition Rush playing cards...But it also had a $200 Guitar Center gift card for me to put towards my dream guitar...I also got a really nice coat, and NHL14 for the Xbox, so finally my New York Rangers will be playing well!

-For a bit of sports news, I found myself shocked to be in the YouGab Fantasy Football Championship this past week...My team had struggled all year, and to my surprise limped into the playoffs...I had no idea...I hadn't even looked at my roster for a couple weeks...Then Sunday I looked, and I was in the Championship against Uncle B.O.B.  It came down to Monday night and him having Frank Gore going...Luckily, Colin Kappernick liked calling his own number near the goal line...Was to use Gore as a lead blocker...Championship, Beeze!

I may go all next year without trying...Maybe I'll go undefeated!

-Thursday Team USA begins their defense of their World Junior Hockey title...They open against the Czech Republic at 11:30 AM on the NHL Network...Sadly, fucking AT&T Uverse doesn't carry the NHL Network...I've been waiting two years for these two companies work out a deal, and it's pissing me off!

The U.S. then plays Slovakia Saturday, Germany on Sunday, and then the big test comes Tuesday against Canada...Team USA will roll 4 solid lines, and has two top-notch Goalies...Look for Providence College's Jon Gilles (drafted by Calgary) to carry the load...He has the potential to steal a game or two on his own...

If you have a chance to watch any of this tourney, featuring a ton of young hockey talent from all over the world...Check it out...

That's all I have for now...I need to go catch the last West Coast feed of "A Christmas Story"...

I hope you and yours have had and are having a great holiday season...


The Beeze.

Monday Moaning

For those who are use to reading my Monday Moaning post, you're probably use to an opening image like the one above...You also expect some sports coverage...For those new to this blog, or even those who have been here before, you may be wondering what does this picture have to do with sports? If there is anything that should be considered a sport that isn't, what's going on there sure as hell should be!

Over the past few years that I've been blogging, my posts and sometimes my comments on others' blogs, have offended people...Including little things like that picture...So I ask, if it offends you, why do you read it? I'll tell you why...That picture peaked your interest, and you're wondering, will I offend you today, of make you laugh, or make you think...That's one of the two reasons I write...

1. I write to get all the voices out of my head...I'm trying to get my emotions out, so I can go to sleep already...But I'm not that guy that just says I write for me...What good is it if nobody actually reads it? This leads us to number 2. By doing this, I'm trying to draw an emotion from you...If what I write makes you laugh, pisses you off, or makes you think....I win! I have done what I've set out to do...You may not like what I said, but if it affected you in some way, that's a good thing...I hope that clears things up with some of my haters...If not, tough shit I guess!

Now to some sports...

Of course I'm starting off with Notre Dame football! Why the f*ck wouldn't I? The Fighting Irish opened the Brian Kelly era with a 23-12 win...Were they outstanding? No...Were they good? Yes...It was nice to hear Kelly afterwards already thinking about what they need to work on...

The Defense had been questionable the last few years under Fatty Weis...They played okay, including two picks, but they still have plenty of work to do...Especially getting more pressure on the QB...

The Offense played well...Their third series, the O-Line started blowing the Purdue Defense off the ball...Both Armando Allen, and Cierre Wood ran the ball well...I would love to see the Irish be able to pound it down people's throats...

I'm not going to get too excited over this win, but since Kelly was hired, I've felt like he's the right guy for this program...The Irish should win at least 8 games this year, and if the continue to progress under Kelly, 10 games could be possible...That said, I expected them to thump Michigan next week, but after the game the Wolverines played against UConn, the Irish better be ready for a battle...

Nothing comes easy in College Football...Just ask Ole Miss...I know everyone has mentioned it, but screw it...Jacksonville State beat Ole Miss 49-48 in overtime Saturday, and it's worth mentioning again!

The NFL season opens Thursday, which means some important shit had to happen this weekend...Mainly, drafting for my two fantasy football leagues...And as always, I feel confident that I'll beat all your assess! I won't bore you with my rosters, just know I'll be taking some people's money!

Moving along...By now we've all heard about the little scuffle at the U.S. Open...Now the "Situation" looking guy has been taking some shit, and as much as I don't want to stick up for his Italian, "Jersey Shore" ass, dude was in the right...F*ck that bitch, and that old guy, and all the other haters...Knock that old f*cker down "Situation"!




BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!

Derrelle Revis will be signing with the Jets Monday! No terms available right now, but it's rumored to be a 7 year deal, with a shit-load of money!

Before I go, I hope everyone has had, and will continue to have a great Labor Day weekend...The Beeze family checked out our local high school game Friday night...Saturday night the Mrs. and I got out of the House for awhile...A little dinner and a MOVIE...Sunday friends of ours came to town for the Air Show...F*cking Blue Angels are amazing! Monday, I plan on relaxing...It's Labor Day...We all should relax and take a break from the grind...Just like Peter Gibbons...



Later, The Beeze.

The Beeze's Hump Day Hits

Well here we are again...Time to get our Hump on!

It's the most wonderful time of the year folks...Football season is here...Yes, I'm a huge Hockey fan, and there's nothing better than the Stanley Cup Playoffs...But growing up in North East Ohio, it is all about Football...And here, the season started last Friday...The kids and I followed the High School Band down to the stadium, and watched our team take on their neighborhood rival...The owned us, 26-0...They needed to get payback for the beating we gave them last year...

Tomorrow night the College Football season kicks off with a few games...A little warm up for Saturday...Ahhh, Saturday...Fighting Irish Football returns as they take on Purdue...The first step to the turnaround many of us have been waiting for...I'm ready for it!



I have to fired up for College Football, because living in Cleveland, I don't have much faith in the Browns...Thank God there's Fantasy Football to keep me interested in the NFL...Speaking of Fantasy Football, here's a tip from the Beeze...

DON'T DRAFT THAT HACK MATT LEINART! While you're at it, just avoid drafting any Arizona Cardinals...If Derek Anderson starts, he'll throw just as many to the opposing team as he will to his own guys...Believe me, I saw him do it last year! Cardinals receivers numbers will be down...And don't think Beanie Wells will be the key...teams are gonna put 8 in the box to stop the run, 'cause they don't fear anyone at the QB position...

Back to College Football...Many expected the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to have big season this year...Well, things aren't looking so good anymore...As the 'Heels are getting ready to open their season, they're being investigated by the NCAA for multiple violations...There are rumors of players having contact with an agent...Also there has been even more talk about some inappropriate academic behavior having to do with the teams former tutor...Accusations include, the tutor doing assignments for some of the players...It's also been said the tutor also worked for Coach Butch Davis' family...Well, Butch, you were dolt in Cleveland, why would that change just 'cause you moved back down south?

Now to the important stuff...On this fine Hump Day, which cheerleader tops your preseason rankings...


A. Some Beaver power from Oregon State!



B. How about some practice time with a Sooner?



C. Who wants to see if those Clemson Tigers growl?

D. Is it always Christmas at Arizona State?

E. The Wolfpack seems flexible at NC State!

As Always, read and Respond...

Later, The Beeze.

My Fantasy Football Team

So last night we had The Fish House Fantasy Football Draft...We play for money, and the right to bust balls...I had the second overall pick in a 10 team league...So then I had that long wait between my first and second pick...But I stayed busy keeping track of everyone else, since I'm the Commissioner....

Here's my team in the order I drafted them...

1. Maurice Jones-Drew (RB)


Everyone thought I was going to take Turner...But MJD gets some receiving points for ya too...I think he's gonna have a good year...I had Turner last year and he was great...But for some reason MJD kept popping in my head...So I went for it...

2. Ryan Grant (RB)

3. Greg Jennings (WR)

4. Philip Rivers (QB)

5. Jason Whitten (TE)
He was a stud for me last year!

6. Anthony Gonzalez (WR)

7. Willie Parker (RB)

8. Ted Ginn Jr. (WR)

9. Matt Ryan (QB)

10. Julias Jones (RB)

I don't know how he's gonna work out, but WTF...I can always drop him...When I need another Kicker or Defense...

11. Steve Breaston (WR)

12. Domenik Hixon (WR)

13. Visanthe Shiancoe (TE)

14. New England Patriots (Defense)

15. Leon Washington (RB)

16. Rian Lindell (K)

So that's the team...I feel really good about my QBs and TEs...I would've liked another proven WR...But there's always a couple WRs and RBs who show up out of nowhere on teh waiver wire...We'll see...Good luck in your leagues...I've got another draft Thursday at the Gab.

Later, The Beeze.

Monday Moaning

Is it Monday already...Well it's Sunday right now, but many of you won't read this until Monday, so don't get nit picky with me....Sorry, little angry write now. I guess we should start there, with my anger....

I lost in my fantasy league today...It was my fault, I was thinking to much. I got up this morning and read everything I could, watched everything I could, and finalized my roster at 12:54 PM...Well I $h!t the bed, or at least the f**kers I listened to, and the f**kers I played $h!t the bed.

First mistake...I played Ted Ginn instead of Wes Welker...The reasoning...I didn't expect Matt Cassel to go all "Brett Farve" and light it up the same week that he lost his father. I also liked Ginn as a deep threat against the 49ers secondary....I suck.

Second mistake....I plated Maurice Morris instead of Kevin Faulk...The reason...Same as the reason for not playing Welker...Also everyone was talking up Sammy Morris, who did have a good day.

Third mistake....Well I don't know if it's a mistake yet, but with all the bullsh!t that was going on in Dallas, and with Donald Lee projected to do better, I played Lee instead of Jason Witten....Lee gave me 0 points...Thanks dipsh!t.

Then there was Anquan Boldin...One of my two studs...Boldin completely $h!t the bed....1 f**king point. My other stud Turner the Burner did all he could for me, but it just wasn't enough.

I wasn't expecting to win it all....I had been holding my team together with Popsicle sticks and duct tape....I had 6 running backs hit the IR this year, so considering I won my division, I didn't do that bad...But f**k I wanted to win. The whole league is full of sh!t talkers, and I like being the biggest one.


Alright, enough of that. Saturday night was great....if you want to read about it check this out....http://thebeezewax.blogspot.com/2008/12/restaurant-review-bistro-on-lincoln.html.

After all the fantasy studying this morning, we took the kids to see Santa. It was the first time my son wasn't freaked out by the guy...Actually he started talking the poor guys ear off. My daughter may be starting to catch on...She said "I don't think that was the real Santa...Maybe it's one of his helpers." My wife responded with a "you may be right honey." I wasn't getting involved.

After that it was full on football, although I did mix in writing about 10 Christmas cards...We try to split up the list, and I noticed the wife hadn't done hers yet...Anytime I'm not the procrastinator is good...It give me a small and brief advantage.

Now to some Notre Dame hockey news. First of all the Fighting Irish were on the NHL network Friday night, so that was sweet for me. Saturday nights game was aired this morning...It's always cool to see some college hockey getting love on TV.

The top-ranked Irish played a home and home series with Bowling Green this weekend.

Friday night at Bowling Green, Notre Dame won 3-1. The goal scorers were...Teddy Ruth, Ben Ryan, and Christian Hanson. Goalie Jordan Pearce made 19 saves in the victory.

Saturday night in South Bend, the Irish won 4-3, taking their season record to 14-3-2. The goal scorers Saturday were....Dan Kissel, Calle Ridderwall, and Christian Hanson-2. Hanson's two goals took his season total up to 13. Pearce made 18 saves in the victory.

In other Irish Hockey news, Tim Wallace '06 was called up from the minors Tuesday by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Wallace was signed as an undrafted free agent in '06, and has been in the minors for the last 2 seasons. He's one of 4 former Irish hockey players in the NHL right now...The others are Penguins teammate Mark Eaton, Red Wings defenseman Bret Lebda, and Blues forward Yan Stastny. With Wallace, there are now 15 former Notre Dame players who have seen time in the NHL.

Have a good week, I'm sure I'll be back ranting about something tomorrow.

Later, The BEEZE.