If you look back at this, I was remarkably prescient. Well, almost.
The Giants did win 3-2 of some big Sandoval hits. And I knew they were going to lose to Bumgarner.
Phew, I was really close on this one.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
24 hours in paradise
Saturday, Brit and I departed DIA for MCI. We landed in Kansas City around 5:30, left with a rental car (a Buick) by 5:44. We were at Arthur Bryant's shortly after 6pm.
I ordered the combo (2 meats). I picked brisket and burnt ends. I got fried and beans. And a large souvenir soda. The combo is 10.50, with everything it was about 20 bucks.
Just phenomenal. Really fucking good. Everything was perfect. Well the fries weren't my favorite (not crispy at all) but who cares. I would order the same thing every time. It took about 20 minutes to get through the line. As we left, the line was out the door.
Brit didn't get anything there, so next stop was the Plaza. The buildings were decorated and lit up for the Royals.
We got an outdoor table at the Cheesecake Factory. By the time we left the Royals were up 4-1. We headed downtown. It was surprisingly crowded. I figured the sports bars would be packed. But the streets were jammed. Lots were charging $20 for "Event Parking." That cracked me up. The event in question is a baseball game in California. Eventually we drove by this scene:
It's not my picture. Because I didn't get out of the car. There was nowhere to park and the line to get in seemed impossible. (Because who's going to leave?) So we headed toward the burbs, Overland Park. When we were downtown it was 4-4.
We walked into a sports bar in Overland Park. It was full but not exciting. The Royals were down 4-7. Tired, we just headed back to the hotel. Turned on the TV, and the Royals were down 11-4.
The next morning we hit Gates before going to Arrowhead.
So fucking good. Gates and Arthur Bryant's really are the two best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City (and by extrapolation, probably the planet.)
Brit asked me which is better. My answer to her:
"Arthur Bryant's is probably a little better. But Gates tastes like home. If you could only have one meal, do you go with what's better or what tastes like home?"
Brit: "Probably home."
"Yeah."
But no reason to choose. Just go to both.
And then it's on to Arrowhead. The parking was a nightmare. They developed a new system and we were in the stadium complex 20 minutes before the game, but it took 40 minutes for them to route our car to a spot. Awful. I heard the Rams score from the car radio.
Eventually we got to our seats.
We're 28 rows up in the upper deck (of about 40) but right on the 50. They're actually really great seats. I didn't mind the height. And it's a great view. The first drive I got to watch, the Chiefs scored and tied it at 7-7.
With 7:46 left in the 2nd quarter, still a 7-7 game, Charles fumbled and the Rams took over at the Chiefs 8 yard line. This would be the turning point of the game.
1st and 2nd down resulted in 1 yard run. On 3rd and goal from the 6, Ron Parker sacked Austin Davis for a 14 yard loss. On 4th down, Zuerlein missed the 38-yard field goal.
That defensive stand allowed 0 points and even gained 20 yards of field position.
On the ensuing drive, the Chiefs hit a 53-yard field goal as the first half expired.
On the ensuing kickoff, Knile Davis returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
The Chiefs tacked on 17 more points and the Rams never had a chance. In garbage time, the Rams got the red zone for the first time since the fumble, but were sacked on 3rd and 4th down. It was a complete domination. The touchdown return after halftime was the best part.
After the game it was back to the MCI, the saddest international airport in the world.
I ordered the combo (2 meats). I picked brisket and burnt ends. I got fried and beans. And a large souvenir soda. The combo is 10.50, with everything it was about 20 bucks.
Just phenomenal. Really fucking good. Everything was perfect. Well the fries weren't my favorite (not crispy at all) but who cares. I would order the same thing every time. It took about 20 minutes to get through the line. As we left, the line was out the door.
Brit didn't get anything there, so next stop was the Plaza. The buildings were decorated and lit up for the Royals.
We got an outdoor table at the Cheesecake Factory. By the time we left the Royals were up 4-1. We headed downtown. It was surprisingly crowded. I figured the sports bars would be packed. But the streets were jammed. Lots were charging $20 for "Event Parking." That cracked me up. The event in question is a baseball game in California. Eventually we drove by this scene:
It's not my picture. Because I didn't get out of the car. There was nowhere to park and the line to get in seemed impossible. (Because who's going to leave?) So we headed toward the burbs, Overland Park. When we were downtown it was 4-4.
We walked into a sports bar in Overland Park. It was full but not exciting. The Royals were down 4-7. Tired, we just headed back to the hotel. Turned on the TV, and the Royals were down 11-4.
The next morning we hit Gates before going to Arrowhead.
I ordered something I've never had before. A double decker combo, two meats in one sandwich. I picked beef and pork. The woman behind the counter described it to somebody else, "21 slices of meat."
So fucking good. Gates and Arthur Bryant's really are the two best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City (and by extrapolation, probably the planet.)
Brit asked me which is better. My answer to her:
"Arthur Bryant's is probably a little better. But Gates tastes like home. If you could only have one meal, do you go with what's better or what tastes like home?"
Brit: "Probably home."
"Yeah."
But no reason to choose. Just go to both.
And then it's on to Arrowhead. The parking was a nightmare. They developed a new system and we were in the stadium complex 20 minutes before the game, but it took 40 minutes for them to route our car to a spot. Awful. I heard the Rams score from the car radio.
Eventually we got to our seats.
We're 28 rows up in the upper deck (of about 40) but right on the 50. They're actually really great seats. I didn't mind the height. And it's a great view. The first drive I got to watch, the Chiefs scored and tied it at 7-7.
With 7:46 left in the 2nd quarter, still a 7-7 game, Charles fumbled and the Rams took over at the Chiefs 8 yard line. This would be the turning point of the game.
1st and 2nd down resulted in 1 yard run. On 3rd and goal from the 6, Ron Parker sacked Austin Davis for a 14 yard loss. On 4th down, Zuerlein missed the 38-yard field goal.
That defensive stand allowed 0 points and even gained 20 yards of field position.
On the ensuing drive, the Chiefs hit a 53-yard field goal as the first half expired.
On the ensuing kickoff, Knile Davis returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
The Chiefs tacked on 17 more points and the Rams never had a chance. In garbage time, the Rams got the red zone for the first time since the fumble, but were sacked on 3rd and 4th down. It was a complete domination. The touchdown return after halftime was the best part.
After the game it was back to the MCI, the saddest international airport in the world.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
football triple crown (I was there)
On Saturday, Illinois got their first Big Ten win of the season over Minnesota, who was 3-0 in the Big Ten.
On Sunday, I saw the Chiefs blowout the Rams in person 34-7 to get to 4-3 on the season.
And on Monday, I beat Bobby 129-90 to get to 7-1 on the season. Luck put up 32, Hilton 24, Lacy 21.
On Sunday, I saw the Chiefs blowout the Rams in person 34-7 to get to 4-3 on the season.
And on Monday, I beat Bobby 129-90 to get to 7-1 on the season. Luck put up 32, Hilton 24, Lacy 21.
Monday, October 27, 2014
First Avs Highlights of 14-15
There hasn't been a whole lot to get excited about for the Avalanche this year. They're 27th in a league of 30 teams and just lost to #28.
Although it feels like the season just started, it's already 11% over. In the NFL, it would be the 4th quarter in week 2. Plenty of time to turn it around, but they've already dug themselves a hole.
Anyways, they finally had a nice game, hanging 7 on the Canucks. And there were some beauties:
Spin and nice pass by Duchene, Iginla backhands it top shelf.
Duchene dangles and makes another nice pass, McGinn buries it.
Duchene turns a 2 on 1 into a breakaway. That's what speed do.
Iginla makes a sick backhand tip. Wait for the last angle.
Although it feels like the season just started, it's already 11% over. In the NFL, it would be the 4th quarter in week 2. Plenty of time to turn it around, but they've already dug themselves a hole.
Anyways, they finally had a nice game, hanging 7 on the Canucks. And there were some beauties:
Spin and nice pass by Duchene, Iginla backhands it top shelf.
Duchene dangles and makes another nice pass, McGinn buries it.
Duchene turns a 2 on 1 into a breakaway. That's what speed do.
Iginla makes a sick backhand tip. Wait for the last angle.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Royals are going to win the World Series
Royals in 6 or 7.
Truthfully, I think the the Royals will win games 3 and 4, lose to Bumgarner in 5, and then earn the hardware in front of the home crowd in game 6.
If they drop one of 3 or 4, and I could see a 3-2 Giants victory off some big Sandoval hits, it doesn't concern me. Because then you'd get a game 7.
I think the Giants only hope is to take care of business in San Francisco.
- - -
Two nights ago, I saw something I've never seen before. The Royals lost a playoff game.
Last night, I saw something I've never seen before and never thought I would ever see. The Royals won a World Series game.
- -
Truthfully, I think the the Royals will win games 3 and 4, lose to Bumgarner in 5, and then earn the hardware in front of the home crowd in game 6.
If they drop one of 3 or 4, and I could see a 3-2 Giants victory off some big Sandoval hits, it doesn't concern me. Because then you'd get a game 7.
I think the Giants only hope is to take care of business in San Francisco.
- - -
Two nights ago, I saw something I've never seen before. The Royals lost a playoff game.
Last night, I saw something I've never seen before and never thought I would ever see. The Royals won a World Series game.
- -
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Way too early CFB playoff analysis
This morning there were 5 undefeated college football teams.
Baylor lost.
Notre Dame and FSU play each other today.
Ole Miss and Miss St play each other later.
So we're going to have at most, 2 undefeated teams come playoff time, possibly 1, possibly 0.
It appears the winner of Notre Dame/FSU should wrap up a playoff spot, barring a letdown later.
The SEC champ will for sure get one.
Another SEC team could get in.
Michigan State and Oregon need to run the table to have a shot.
Perhaps even the Notre Dame/FSU loser could get the 4th slot. There's room for a surprise team. Lots could happen...
- - -
Just to go on record, I'll assume FSU wins tonight.
1 SEC Champ (Let's say Alabama)
2 FSU
3 Oregon
4 Auburn
Baylor lost.
Notre Dame and FSU play each other today.
Ole Miss and Miss St play each other later.
So we're going to have at most, 2 undefeated teams come playoff time, possibly 1, possibly 0.
It appears the winner of Notre Dame/FSU should wrap up a playoff spot, barring a letdown later.
The SEC champ will for sure get one.
Another SEC team could get in.
Michigan State and Oregon need to run the table to have a shot.
Perhaps even the Notre Dame/FSU loser could get the 4th slot. There's room for a surprise team. Lots could happen...
- - -
Just to go on record, I'll assume FSU wins tonight.
1 SEC Champ (Let's say Alabama)
2 FSU
3 Oregon
4 Auburn
What a piece of shit
"Welcome to the worst World Series ever"
I clicked because I thought it had to be a joke. Some sort of ironic twist headline. But no, he's serious. Because they're wild-card teams?
It may be a good Series, it may be a bad one. But to say it's the worst ever before a game has been played, after these two teams have ripped through the opposition, just makes you sound stupid.
I clicked because I thought it had to be a joke. Some sort of ironic twist headline. But no, he's serious. Because they're wild-card teams?
It may be a good Series, it may be a bad one. But to say it's the worst ever before a game has been played, after these two teams have ripped through the opposition, just makes you sound stupid.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
On October 25, I'll be landing in Kansas City at 5:41pm Central Time.
On October 25, the Kansas City Royals will be playing Game 4 of the World Series, in San Francisco, at 7:07pm Central Time.
This trip was booked back in early August. Now it's just hard to believe.
For what it's worth, Game 5 (if necessary) begins at 6:07 Mountain Time. I'm supposed to land at 7:10 Mountain Time. By the time I get home and put the kids to bed the game could be over, or in the late innings.
Of course, none of that matters if the Royals sweep the Giants and the only 24 hours that I'm in Kansas City this year (and the first time since 2011) coincides with the city's first major championship since 1985.
On October 25, the Kansas City Royals will be playing Game 4 of the World Series, in San Francisco, at 7:07pm Central Time.
This trip was booked back in early August. Now it's just hard to believe.
For what it's worth, Game 5 (if necessary) begins at 6:07 Mountain Time. I'm supposed to land at 7:10 Mountain Time. By the time I get home and put the kids to bed the game could be over, or in the late innings.
Of course, none of that matters if the Royals sweep the Giants and the only 24 hours that I'm in Kansas City this year (and the first time since 2011) coincides with the city's first major championship since 1985.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
State of Sports
The Chiefs are 2-3. They're a middle of the pack NFL team and will finish behind the Chargers and Broncos. But nothing that happens this season can take away the incredible Monday Night Football win over the Patriots. I'll be at the Chiefs-Rams game in two weeks which looks winnable. And despite being two games behind the Lions, if I know the Lions, the burger bet is still up for grabs.
The Avalanche are 1-2, getting their first goal of the season in their first win of the season. New Av Briere scored the GWG at with .5 seconds left in the game.
The Avalanche are 1-2, getting their first goal of the season in their first win of the season. New Av Briere scored the GWG at with .5 seconds left in the game.
The Royals are up 2-0 in the ALCS, which just feels strange to type. In fact, it's possible that the Royals could win the World Series during the 24 hours we'll be in Kansas City (though it would be a sweep and it would be on the road). In three weeks, I won't be a Royals fan anymore. But man, this is fun.
Illinois Football is a dumpster fire. Beckman is a dead man walking. In Lunt and Bailey, we have two of the best quarterbacks in the conference, and we still can't win a game. This team is bad and will be bad for a while.
Illinois Basketball though, is on the rise. I've already predicted I expect this team to reach the Final Four in the next five years.
Tasty Salted Pig Parts is 6-0. I'm 5th out of 12th in points scored, but have a 3 game lead in my division. A 2-4 teams has scored more points than me. I drafted the best QB, but picked up the 3rd best TE and 4th best DST on the waiver wire. My most disappointing player is Lacy, my first round pick. But he was still a better pick than Peterson. A 1 vs 4 matchup with Mark is not out of the question.
Tasty Salted Pig Parts is 6-0. I'm 5th out of 12th in points scored, but have a 3 game lead in my division. A 2-4 teams has scored more points than me. I drafted the best QB, but picked up the 3rd best TE and 4th best DST on the waiver wire. My most disappointing player is Lacy, my first round pick. But he was still a better pick than Peterson. A 1 vs 4 matchup with Mark is not out of the question.
Super Bowl Choke Job is 4-2. I'm currently 4th in standings, but 2nd in points scored. 4 teams make the playoffs, so I'm still sitting pretty. I have Gordon stashed, so I feel even better about my chances of making the Super Bowl in this league.
In Calcutta, I invested in the Packers and Patriots and they are both leading their divisions. Surprisingly, the Panthers, Cardinals and Cowboys are also leading their divisions and the Bills could make the playoffs as well.
To sum up, things are going quite well. Everything has some hope, except for Illinois Football.
To sum up, things are going quite well. Everything has some hope, except for Illinois Football.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Royals Riding an 8-Game Postseason Winning Streak
After being miserable my entire life, the Royals are 5-0 in the playoffs. And 4 of the 5 games have gone to extra innings and been thoroughly entertaining. I thought the Royals blew their chance in the top of the 7th, and especially in the top of the 9th, only to get a three run lead in the top of the 10th, and still face the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the 10th. These have been some of the best baseball games I've ever seen.
I still think the best is this. But man, this is fun.
Today I've got Game 2 of the Royals at 2pm and then the Avs home opener at 7pm. (I'm not even counting the dumpster fire that is Illinois Football.)
Anyways, as previously noted, this is fun.
I still think the best is this. But man, this is fun.
Today I've got Game 2 of the Royals at 2pm and then the Avs home opener at 7pm. (I'm not even counting the dumpster fire that is Illinois Football.)
Anyways, as previously noted, this is fun.
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
This is SO 2014 Journalism
What I mean by that is, now more than ever, it feels like there are articles being written where the author knows the audience likes a subject, and the author is critical. And then finds a subject that the audience doesn't like so much, and is very favorable.
To wit, Grantland published an article yesterday titled, Overrated, Underrated, or Properly Rated: Weezer.
In this article, Weezer's masterpiece Pinkerton is called overrated, while their two disappointingly mediocre albums that follow it are called underrated.
This is the world we live in.
In this article, Weezer's masterpiece Pinkerton is called overrated, while their two disappointingly mediocre albums that follow it are called underrated.
This is the world we live in.
this map hurts my head
It's not a big exaggeration to say that the Royals have been in last place all my life. So to see this...it's hard to know what to make of it. It feels like the scene in Back to the Future II when the Cubs win the World Series. (Also, how great is it that the movie was made 30 years ago and it was a joke for the Cubs to win it all and they still haven't?)
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
So Satisfying
I thought I had it clinched when I was up 91 to 29. And then going into SNF, I thought Mark had it clinched. This is a special one.
Biggest Blowout Ever
I crushed him.
Just for comparison, here's a shot of the entire league's scores for week 5.
I picked up the Packers D when I heard Ponder was starting against them. I had enough points Thursday night to cover the victory.
(Earlier I tried to trade Lacy and Gates for Jimmy Graham. Glad that owner declined.)
I'm really in the driver's seat. I've stashed Josh Gordon and Moreno on my bench for the playoffs. This week I'm going against the 5-0 team. This has #1 seed implications.
Sunday, October 05, 2014
Hoagie Central on The Royals
In 2007, I gave the Royals a chance.
"if they ever make the World Series, at least I could say that I never followed another team."
I even live-blogged opening day.
13 games in, they were the worst team in the league.
In July I was hoping they would not finish last in the division. (They would.)
In 2008, they were winning their division (in the first week) (They finished 4th)
And last year, they started 17-11.
A few weeks ago, I was preparing to jump on the bandwagon.
I remember back in 2007, I found the blog Royals Review. They were getting over 100 comments per blog post when they were last in the division. Those fans are loyal to the point of insanity. I am not one of them.
But right now they are up 5-1 in the 3rd with their ace on the mound, with a 2-0 series lead over the best team in baseball. For those fans that were commenting back in 2007 on a hopeless team, I can only imagine what that feels like.
- - -
It's kind of crazy that I have no memories of the Chiefs winning a playoff game, but now I've seen the Royals have one of the best comebacks to knock off the A's, and then two more road extra-inning wins over the Angels. Who knew the Royals would have been the better stock to get in on if you wanted to see Kansas City playoff victories.
"if they ever make the World Series, at least I could say that I never followed another team."
I even live-blogged opening day.
13 games in, they were the worst team in the league.
In July I was hoping they would not finish last in the division. (They would.)
In 2008, they were winning their division (in the first week) (They finished 4th)
And last year, they started 17-11.
A few weeks ago, I was preparing to jump on the bandwagon.
I remember back in 2007, I found the blog Royals Review. They were getting over 100 comments per blog post when they were last in the division. Those fans are loyal to the point of insanity. I am not one of them.
But right now they are up 5-1 in the 3rd with their ace on the mound, with a 2-0 series lead over the best team in baseball. For those fans that were commenting back in 2007 on a hopeless team, I can only imagine what that feels like.
- - -
It's kind of crazy that I have no memories of the Chiefs winning a playoff game, but now I've seen the Royals have one of the best comebacks to knock off the A's, and then two more road extra-inning wins over the Angels. Who knew the Royals would have been the better stock to get in on if you wanted to see Kansas City playoff victories.
Saturday, October 04, 2014
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