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"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision..."

-Muhammad Ali







Sunday, October 24, 2010

Bleedin' Red

Sitting at my desk working, I realized I haven't done my first (of the season) Sunday game-day preview. We're going to make these brief, to-the-point, and full of witty humor (hopefully). At least, that's the plan. The truth is there never really is a plan around here. If you've read Beer League for any decent amount of time, you probably know that it's quite a "flexible" site. Plans come along, they change, they morph, and normally they don't turn out like they were expected to. That being said, it's the plan to make previews excitingly subtle.

The Jags are coming into town this weekend. Actually, they're probably already here. But, in all honesty, with the way that franchise is going, it wouldn't be surprising if the team booked a one-way train trip to St. Joseph with the idea that KC played their regular season games on the same turf as their training camp days.

Regardless of the Jag's leadership downfalls, they will find their way to 1 Arrowhead Dr and they will show up to play. Yes, they may be starting a 50 year old man who's cell phone rang as he was mowing the back 40 (here's to you, Todd). Yes, their defense may not be able to stop O.J. Simpson in a white Bronco (but really, who can?). However, the Jags are a professional football team (really?). They will show up to make their best, most assertive effort to win.

Now that that's out of the way, let's break it down like Ursher (purposely mispelled). Furthering the Ursher agenda, the "DJ gonna make ya fall in love again" if you ain't feelin' the Chiefs' love recently. Not like it's a difficult call, but KC takes this one in Dior s-t-y-l-e today (if you got the "Blank Check ref' just there, congrats).

Look for Haley on the sidelines with a big smile today. He's going to be watching his RB's taking over the game as well as "letting out" the leash on Cassel. Matt, welcome to the NFL. Today is your official intro. KC is primed like Jiffy Lube. They're pumped like a Spalding. They're stoked like a 3 year old on Christmas morning. And, they're yoked like "The Sitch". That. Just. Happened.

KC throws up a W today with a convincing 28-13 victory. Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday Afternoon Recliner Recap

If you're reading this blog (which you obviously are), you've most likely heard the phrase "Monday Morning Quarterback". Usually, this term refers to a synopsis of the past weekend's football action. Well, in true Beer League style, "Tuesday Afternoon Recliner Recap" is being unveiled today as Beer League's own version of this quick Chiefs game "brief" and opinion sesh (Yes, sesh).

After having a couple days to calm down from the blown Brandon Flowers call, I've decided against sending the long and elaborate hate mail note (which was carefully scripted with individually cut letters from a slew of leftover magazines...You know, real villain-type stuff) to the officiating crew from Sunday. Of course, any coach in his/her right mind would go into their spiel on how the game wasn't decided by any single factor, rather a series of factors which, if different, may have achieved a more desirable result. But, we know very well that's coachspeak for, "Ya, I couldn't believe the call either and you can bet we'll be making an official complaint later this week". Rant over.

Looking at purely the box score, it's quite easy to speculate as to "why" we lost the game--allowing 21 fourth quarter points is not the most efficient way to slap a W up on the board. In fact, the number of teams who have allowed 21 points in the fourth quarter and still won is... Well, ok, I'm not actually going to look the exact number up. It would seriously cut into the spell of creativity I'm currently under and possibly ruin the rest of this post. So, (off the record) you can just take my word that it's probably not a very large number.

Speculation as to why or how the Chiefs lost aside, it would be difficult to find a fan, analyst, coach or writer out there not searching E*Trade frantically for stock in the Kansas City Chiefs. If you're curious, they haven't officially began carrying it, but the rumor is the IPO could be kicking off sometime next week. The buzz around the Chiefs has evolved from it's pre-pubescent, gangly, non-confident week 1, 2 and 3 days to it's current stage of roided out excitement.

In all honesty, that's no stretch of the truth. It's not often a team can look so good losing a game--a frequently echoed sentiment which the TV crew began during the their broadcast. More importantly, the players believe they're good. Has Beer League asked them? No. Do we need to? Not really. Even casual fans watching Sunday must have noticed the intensity, passion, and swagger the team displayed on the field.

All the preaching from Haley and Co. about everyone having a job to do, a role to fill, and a great attitude to hold onto is very blatantly coming to life amongst our boys in red. Sometimes a great blueprint can seem monotonous, bland and over-played. Sometimes it can feel like the "construction" may never actually be completed. And, sometimes things come together so perfectly, it can seem too perfect. Scott Pioli came here with his proven blueprint for success. Piece by piece. Brick by brick. Shingle by Shingle. This house is going up. Get your hard hats ready.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Picking Up the Pieces

After roughly 2 months of complete inactivity at Beer League, it's time to pick up the pieces and begin again. Many readers have expressed their concerns over never again having the opportunity to set up camp under a nice shade tree in their favorite neighborhood park (laptop, notebook, or cellular device in hand) on a perfectly warm, yet gently breezy afternoon while they indulge in the latest "Down on the Farm Report". After which they experience a slight chill, devour the sunlight, become filled with complete and utter joy, then meander tenderly through the grass towards the closest ice cream vendor. Mint-chocolate chip? Double brownie fudge? Or, just plain vanilla? Do you actually have an ice cream stand in your neighborhood park? Did anyone actually articulate this experience in an e-mail? It doesn't matter. The point here is the fans have spoken loudly and clearly. Beer League is coming back in full force.

But, baseball season is over! (I know, I know. You're not technically supposed to begin with the word "but". But, I actually enjoy using it that way and it's my blog. If you want, you can start your own blog on proper English and writing techniques. But, my guess is nobody will read it.) Anyway, you're probably wondering how the site will continue with baseball season nearing it's end--at least as far as the Royals are concerned. The answer is exciting and fan-driven. It's come to my attention that many readers enjoy the current content of the site, which is great! However, they sometimes don't fully understand the constant baseball references and statistics. This is why Beer League has made the decision to expand the brand.

Expand the Brand? Can you explain that, please? Definitely. The site will continue to cover important Royals news including prospects, player and personnel acquisitions, and all other pertinent information to fans. In addition, beginning this week a Kansas City Chiefs Gameday Preview will become a regular weekly post. Don't worry, a more creative title will be crowned when the actual post goes up.

Ok. So, we've got Royals coverage. We will have Chiefs coverage. Is that it? The site goes into a Rip Van Winkle-style slumber for 2 months and only ONE new line of business? Not so fast. What you're about to read may cause a tremendously substantial obsession with Beer League Sports Talk (come on, like you didn't have one already?). This is the part geared towards those faithful readers who have tried, and tried, and tried to enjoy the site without that "die-hard" passion for the developmental side of baseball.

Enough ranting. Let's get back to the introduction of Beer League's newest, hippest, and most edgy line of blogging-- Meat and Potatoes. This new addition will focus on a multitude of eateries ranging from the bar and grill atmosphere to the walk-in sandwich shop to the world of fine dining. Ok, just messing with the fine dining. Some of the eatery-reviews will center around "gameday" experience, some will center around "hang-out" experience, some will center around "quality of satiation" (both food and drink), and all will come with ratings, recommendations and additional information. No schedule will accompany this new line, however an estimate of 1 Meat and Potatoes review per week can be expected.

As this new segment is an evolving and generally unexplored area for Beer League, tinkering, toying, and playing may be present from week to week. With that, it's a refreshing and exciting time for the whole Beer League community. Please "tune-in" this weekend to check out the Chiefs preview.

Time to dust off the bookmark on your toolbar for Beer League Sports Talk. Maybe it's a bit chilly for the shade tree and ice cream, but a night-time fire and your favorite blanket should do the trick. The pieces have been picked up and the site is ready to roll.