Michael "The Cry-Baby" Crabtree

Really Michael? You honestly think that you deserve more money at the #10 spot in the draft than Darrius Heyward-Bay just because Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay thought you would be drafted before him? You are ridiculous.

For those of you just tuning in, Michael Crabtree is threatening to sit out the entire 2009 NFL season and re-enter the 2010 draft if he doesn't get more guaranteed money than someone who was picked BEFORE him in the draft. And it is all because ESPN pundits predicted that Crabtree would go higher in the draft then he actually did. Wow. That is all I could really think to say when I first heard the news about this. I was, and still am, shocked and dumbfounded that this is even taking place. That would be like someone saying "GamerX scored 27 TD's with me in Madden last year. I want my money to reflect that!"

Let's look at it another way, Michael. Let's say you were projected to be drafted in the 6th or 7th slot but went as the Number 1 overall pick. You weren't projected to go first overall. The team is only going to offer you what your projected pick was. Do you see how this works, Michael? You get picked in a spot and you get your contract based on the ACTUAL PICK! Is ESPN going to have to put up a disclaimer every time "The Hair" and "The Idiot" debate where people will go in the draft? Warning: The picks guessed by these two men are not necessarily where the player will actually be picked. They are just guesses. Unbelievable.

Apparently, Crabtree is going on advice from his Adviser (cousin) and friends (people that want free money from him). You want my advice Mike? Quit listening to the knuckle-heads around you, sign the damn contract they offered you, get your ass to camp and make the millions of dollars I will never see. I work a full-time job AND a part-time job and will never come close to making $1 Million dollars in a year, let alone the $20 Million you're going to get guaranteed. Your car is going to be worth more than the house I will buy when I get married. Every teacher you ever had, who gave you the education you now have, combined, their salaries won't add up to what you will make in a year. AND YOU'VE NEVER EVEN PLAYED A DOWN OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL!

You are a spoiled athlete who thinks he deserves everything but has earned nothing. You made one, count it ONE, great play in college and you think you should be handed the world on a silver platter. I hope you do sit out this year. I hope you do nothing and the NFL world forgets all about you and you sit there on draft day next year and you hear pick, after pick, after pick, none of them calling your name. The 49ers are willing to give you money that will last you the rest of your life but instead, you want a few million more. You are basically spitting in their face and telling them the money they've offered you isn't good enough. I'll tell you one thing, you better really keep this hold out going because if you sign, and Mike Singletary gets a chance to have you on his practice field, he is going to chew you up, spit you out and stomp on your remains. I only wish I could have the chance to do the same.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a new Owner.

So This is What it's Like...

...to be a Pirates fan. A season which is over before the All-Star Break, watching your favorite players get traded for prospects who will become your favorite players that get traded for prospects. It's a vicious cycle and I'm sick of being a part of it. The "New-Look" Indians were slaughtered by the club from the Twin Cities last night and never even looked like they had a chance. They were outplayed in every single aspect of the game. Somehow, that same team took two out of three from the Tigers over the weekend, but that steam seems to be gone now. Eric Wedge better find a way to keep this team's spirits up and get them to fight until the very end of this season. That will tell us all we need to know about next season.

The Crushers are a season-best 10 games over the .500 mark! They are just two games out of first place in the East Division of the Frontier League, Paul Fagan is leading the league in wins with 11 and is 7th in the league in ERA. As a team, Lake Erie leads the league in runs scored with 429 and is tied for 6th in team batting average. Most importantly for their Frontier League livelihood, they are in 4th place in overall attendance and are averaging just under 3,000 fans for each game. Things are looking good for the future of the Lake Erie Crushers!

This just in, Braylon Edwards has FINALLY been cleared to practice and has joined the team, on the field, in Berea. Woopty Doo. Also, Donte Stallworth-less is supposed to be meeting with Roger Goodell to discuss his idiocy. Is there really much to say? "Donte, you effed up royally. You'll be lucky if I ever let you in my league again." And unfortunately, Goodell's ruling will probably be fought by the player's union and will probably not be upheld. There is talk that the player's union is complaining about the amount of power Goodell is wielding. Here's how I feel: If you don't want to be punished, DON'T F--- UP!!! How hard is that? Be a good citizen. Avoid weed, strippers and guns. Don't drive drunk. Don't cheat on your wife. Basically, don't be dumb.

Bowling Green has started their practices too. I can't wait to get to the Doyt for the first game of the season against the Troy Trojans. Maybe my next post will be an evaluation of those men of Troy. BG's stadium should be rocking with their new head coach, plenty of returning starters, an emphasis on BOTH sides of the ball and dedication to excellence, on and off the field. I'm really excited about this football season. Before my Troy evaluation, I'll evaluate the Falcons. I am so ready for football season!!!

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.

Stepping Closer to the Edge...

...and ready to jump. I could not be more upset with the way the Indians have dismantled this team in the last two weeks. First it was Betancourt which wasn't a big deal. We got a reliever for a reliever, and a much younger one. Not a bad move. Then we shipped Ryan Garko off to San Francisco for a Single-A left handed pitcher, simply because Eric Wedge doesn't like the guy. Later, Cliff Lee and, another "Not-Eric-Wedge-Guy," Ben Francisco, get shipped to Philly for four prospects, not including the one guy the Indians really wanted. Last, and most infuriating, a proven leader on the team, Victor Martinez gets his salary dumped (Call it what it is) to Boston for two minor-league pitchers and a reliever. Not included in the deal was Clay Bucholz, the one guy the Indians really wanted. Are you seeing a pattern here? Here is what I envision trade negotiations involving the Tribe as taking place...

Opposing GM - Ok, we really want (insert player here).
Mark Shapiro - For the right price, he can be yours.
Opposing GM - Well, what is the right price?
Mark Shapiro - We want (insert top prospect here)
Opposing GM - No.
Mark Shapiro - Alright, whatever you'll give us then.
Opposing GM - How about (insert crappy minor leaguer or crappy reliever here)
Mark Shapiro - You've got a deal.

Please, Mr. Shapiro, tell me I am wrong. Tell me these are the guys you really wanted. Lie to me like you lied to me last night on the news when you said you thought this team could contend next year. You are a sham and a mockery...a shamockery. You, Eric Wedge and Larry Dolan all need to be punched in the face. I have so much anger in my right now and it is all directed towards the Dolan family, Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge. I am so sick of waiting until next year. I'll be doing that until I die. I have accepted that I will probably not see an Indians World Series Title in my lifetime.

As for the Crushers, they are keeping their playoff dreams alive. They've lost their last two to Traverse City though. For whatever reason, they seem to have a tough time against the team from Northern Michigan. Today, the Kalamazoo Kings come back to Avon for another weekend series and a 3.5 game lead. This is a great opportunity for the Crushers to gain a ton of ground on the Kings. They took 2 out of 3 from them last weekend. Hopefully a sweep is in order this time around. Lake Erie is still in the playoff hunt, holding on to the final spot right now. Three wins would certainly help things though!

Browns camp opens up today and for the first time in, I think, 4 years all the rookies are in camp on Day 1. That is great news. We should see a pretty good position battle for the QB slot between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. I'm thinking about making the trip to Berea on August 9th. Chris Mortensen from ESPN will be visiting training camp that day so I just might make my first ever trip to the Browns practice facility in Berea.

The Cavaliers missed out on Hakim Warrick but I don't think it's that big of a deal. They've made offseason moves that will help them reach their ultimate destination...until they remember they are in Cleveland...and cursed. I'm the most excited I've been for the NBA season since Michael Jordan was a Bull.

And now, the new ending to my posts. It will be at the end of every one until the message I am sending actually happens. Think of it as a "To do" list.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a new Owner.

Crushers Closing In!

The Crushers won their rubber match with the Kalamazoo Kings yesterday by the final of 10-7. Lefty Paul Fagan was cruising with an 8 to 1 lead into the 6th when Kalamazoo struck for 4 in that inning, and another 2 in the 7th. Not to worry though, the Crushers bullpen held on to the game and they won. Now, Lake Erie sits just 2.5 games back of Kalamazoo and they have another weekend series with them next Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This team is doing far better than I ever expected, getting a new team in an established league like the Frontier League. I expected them to hover around .500, just enough to keep the locals interested. Instead, they say boo to all that and make a push for the playoffs. I really hope they get there!

The Indians winning streak came to an end last night thanks to a 4-run 8th inning for the Angels. Answer this for me; why would you bring David Huff out for the 8th inning when he's already had a few innings where he struggled? Just get to the bullpen at the beginning of the inning. Don't put them behind the 8-ball, bringing them in with runners on. I know, I know. Relievers aren't supposed to let inherited runners score. Well they do, and they did. But hey, props for the winning streak they had going. Not many teams, 20 games under .500 would fight like this team is. At least they still have one of the best pitchers in the league.............damn.

Cliff Lee just got traded. Ok, not a big deal. I knew it was coming. I prepared for that. Ben Francisco is going with him. That pisses me off a bit, especially since the Indians got hardly anything in return. We got one player who is almost major league ready and three players who won't be ready for a year or two. Really? I hadn't been calling for Shapiro's head, just Wedge's, but now I want them both on a silver platter. I am sick of perpetually preparing for 2 to 3 years from now. I want to win and I want it soon! And why the hell are you getting a SHORTSTOP in this deal!?!? We've got Asdrubal Cabrera for at least 4 or 5 more years, if not more!!! Are there ANY brains at Indians headquarters?! I am FUMING right now. I don't know, my Tribe boycott may have to begin a little sooner than it was planned. We'll see how this plays out.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro.

Five In a Row, Garko Gone, Crushers; Crushing

The Indians have done the unthinkable. They've won five, count 'em five, games in a row. And it wasn't just the Mariners or the Royals they beat last night. It was the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of Orange County, of the USA, of the Earth, of the Milky Way. Or simply, the Angels. It's amazing that this team is doing this well right now, and if it weren't for the offense coming out of their season long slumber, there is no way this would be happening. Need proof of that? The Indians won 8-6 despite back-to-back-to-back Home Runs by Juan Rivera, Kendry Morales (I need to start playing him more in my fantasy league) and Mike Napoli. Victor Martinez was the hero, connecting on a 3-run homer in the ninth inning off of Brian Fuentes. Fuentes has 17 straight saves going into last night and hadn't blown one since May 30th. I love that this team keeps fighting, I just hate that it takes them being 20 games under .500 to start doing it. And guess what else...Eric Wedge wasn't there. He was suspended for the bean-ball that Winston Abreu threw in the game against the Mariners on Saturday. I like how we do without him. I know, I know he had nothing to do with the Tribe winning or losing last night, but I really don't like the guy.



And one of the reasons is him sending away another player who wasn't one of "his" guys. Ryan Garko was sent to San Francisco for a Minor League pitcher. Our Minor League teams are going to be great! We're getting a ton of PROSPECTS which means the Indians won't be good for another 2-3 years. I don't want A, AA or AAA Championships. I want a World Series Title. I'm starting to think a complete overhaul of the front office needs to take place. Wedge and Shapiro need to go. Bring back Mike Hargrove and John Hart! If people could be resurrected, I'd suggest getting Dick Jacob's to buy the team back from Larry Dolan.



The Lake Erie Crushers now have the 3rd best record in the Frontier League which puts them in good position for the Playoffs. They need to keep playing their game and doing it strong. The beat Kalamazoo last night, 6-5 in a little bit of a thriller. Lake Erie's closer gave up a 3-run homer in the ninth that let the Kings tie the game but the Crushers got the winning run across in the bottom of the ninth on a throwing error by K-Zoo's shortstop. Right now, the two teams are playing the rubber-match at The Pro (All Pro Freight Stadium) and the Crushers are up 4-1 in the bottom of the 4th. If they win, they will be just 2.5 games behind Kalamazoo in the East Division. Keep it up Crushers!



Football season is drawing ever closer and that means Fantasy Football! I am looking forward to this season and the possibilities it brings. I am going for a victory, and anything else will be failure!

That's called a "Winning Streak"

That's right folks, the Indians have dared to leave the cellar and are now in fourth place in the AL Central, just 12 games out of first place. This weekend, the Indians scored 31 runs while giving up just 5 and the starting pitchers (Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey) had an ERA of 0.89. For the record, Jeremy and Aaron didn't give up diddly. I'm so glad Aaron was able to get on track. I was worried when he gave up those 3-runs last Sunday but he got his stuff straightened out and has thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings against the Mariners. He got help from a handful of Double Plays on Friday and retired something like 12 in a row in that game as well. As long as this team keeps trying I will be happy, but I WILL boycott this team if Eric Wedge is the manager next year.

The Lake Erie Crushers have been staying strong too, although they did lose to Kalamazoo yesterday. The next couple games are important for them. They've got the Kings on their home field with a chance to gain a couple games in the standings. Right now, the Crushers are sitting at 32-25, just 4.5 games out of first. As for playoff standing, if I understand correctly, they are a full game up on the Southern Illinois Miners for the final playoff spot. I think I'm going to head to the game tonight to catch the game. Anyone else want to go? Let me know!

The Cavs have made another move, signing Jamario Moon to 2-year deal. He'll be coming off the bench and will be a good compliment to the offense. I really like the Cavaliers chances for the 2009-10 season with the new additions and the people that are sticking around. Any team that can bring a title to this city will be greatly appreciated, although if you ask any Clevelander, I bet they'd say they'd rather have the Indians or Browns do it first.

While we're talking about the Browns, they signed their first round draft pick, Alex Mack so he'll get to training camp on time. I am very, very interested in seeing how Eric Mangini and his staff work out. I am a little weary of this season and I'm not going to get my hopes up too much because I know that if I do, it will be that much harder to take when they fall on their faces. They play a decent schedule this year but I think they can be fairly successful.

The Chicago Cubs are all alone in first place in the National League Central but the Cardinals are doing all the right things to stay in the race. The Yankees are starting to put a little space between themselves and the Red Sox, with a 2.5 game lead right now. The Angels are still leading the West and will probably end up running away with it. The Rangers are staying close but the Angels just won't lose to let them catch up. The Phillies own the NL East and the Dodgers are 8 games up in their division, and I don't see them looking back anytime soon. I can't wait for the playoffs, even though I know my team won't be in them. Playoff baseball is very exciting!

Alright, I'm out for now. I really hope the Indians can keep it up tonight against the Angels, but I am not optimistic. I wish I could be.

The Indians Suck...

...so I'm not writing about them today. Instead, I will be writing about my trip to the Great Lakes Brewing Company for dinner on Monday night...Enjoy!

Monday night, Amanda took me to the GLBC for my birthday dinner and it was absolutely great! I started the night with a pint of GLBC's AltBier, a beer that is only availably at the Brewery. It is a German style Hoppy beer and it is absolutely delicious. For dinner, I ended up with a Black and Bleu Burger and the beer sampler. The burger had blackened seasoning, some steak sauce (which I usually don't like) and bleu cheese (one of my favorites). The burger was a little over seasoned, as salt was one of the most prominent flavors when I didn't get a good amount of cheese in a bite. All in all, the dinner was good, but I wish I would have had the Pretzel Chicken. I hear that is one of their best dishes!

And now, the beer sampler...

#1 Dortmunder Gold - For anyone who has tried this, you know it's good. It's GLBC's answer to Miller Lite and Bud Light, but way(x10) better. Nice golden color and a great taste with a smooth finish.

#2 Burning River Ale - An American Pale Ale, which, in my opinion are much better than India's version. This is definitely a full flavored beer with citrus and pine notes. I like it!

#3 Edmund Fitzgerald Porter - If you like coffee and chocolate, this beer is for you. If you like just one of those things, you'll still like this beer. A quick whif gives you both of these smells. The hops are also well noticed. Not my favorite GLBC Beer, but still very good.


#4. Eliot Ness Amber Lager - My favorite beer in GLBC's collection. It has a great malty taste and the hops balance the flavors very well. If you haven't tried this one, you should do so IMMEDIATELY!!!

#5. Commodore Perry IPA - I usually don't like IPA's because of their bitterness but this one has a sweet finish that makes it very, very good. I really don't know what else to say about this one other than saying that even if you don't like IPA's, give this one a try.


#6. The Grassroots Ale - This is a new beer for GLBC and I like it quite a bit. It is brewed with Herbs that they grow on a small section of the Hale Farm and Village. The herbs are noticeable from the first scent. I would definitely give this beer a shot if you like something a little bit different!

So there you have it, my night out at the GLBC! If you've tried any or all of these beers, give me your thoughts!