Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

Over a month since I have done a beer review, but have I got a dandy for you. Sierra Nevada comes out with a seasonal Barleywine Style Ale and it is fabulous. It is a very hoppy, bitter ale (similar to an IPA) with a citrus flavor. The color was a dark amber, but opaque enough to see through it a little. There was heavy lacing on the glass, which is what I love to see. The taste was quite strong and is not for the faint at palate. And with a 9.6% ABV ratio, one or two is enough to do you in, so sip it slow.

With a $10.99 per six pack price tag it is a bit pricey, but well worth it. When I grabbed it from the shelf it was in the wrong spot an I thought it would only be $8.99, so I was a little upset at the checkout line. However, after the first bottle I knew it was worth every penny. Highly recommended and well deserving of an A.

Happy Drinking!

MLB Preseason Predictions

So it has been almost a month since I have posted, and I apologize for my laziness. For this post I am going to list my predictions for the MLB season. Yes, I realize it has already started, but what has happened so far will probably be a lot different than the rest of the year. A baseball season has never been foreshadowed by the first week of the season. Here are the picks.

DIVISION CHAMPIONS

NL East: New York Mets

Next to the AL East, this is going to be the most competitive race in baseball. The Mets have a great lineup and even better depth after acquiring Gary Sheffield. Look for the Braves and Marlins to both contend. The Phillies surely have the bats and defense to defend their title, but I am not sure the starting pitching can stay consistent or healthy enough. The Atlanta Braves made what will turn out to be the best off season pick up in Derek Lowe, and the young Marlins rotation is one of the best in baseball (when healthy). The Florida Marlins also have this guy named Hanley Ramirez whom I consider the best player in baseball. Sorry Washington, but you have a ways to go.

NL Central: Chicago Cubs

I honestly feel this is the year that the curse of the goat can be broken. The Cubs lose only Kerry Wood from last year's team and they add Milton Bradley to their lineup which takes care of a rotational outfield position they have had the last few years. Their starters are older, but the experience will prove helpful. The only team I see having a chance to contend is St. Louis, but with health issues in their rotation (particularly Carpenter) I am not sure they have enough stamina. Their bullpen is also a concern. The Cincinnati Reds will be much improved, and I can see them making a push for this division next year.

NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers

I really like everything about the Dodgers. Great lineup, great rotation, and solid bullpen. They have a good mix if young and old, and a guy named Manny Ramirez who knows how to get it done. Arizona has a great rotation, but I don't believe much in their lineup. Everyone else in the division is an after thought.

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays

It will be the best fight for a division title this season. I am going with my heart a bit and picking the Rays to repeat as Champs in the division. However, they got rid of some dead weight in Johnny Gomes, picked up Pat Burrell, and did not dump any significant contributors from last year. It will be a shame that either the Rays, New York Yankees, or Boston Red Sox will be left out of the playoffs. They appear to be the best three teams on paper and any of them can win it. I think C.C. Sabathia is the key to the Yanks successes this year and will contribute greatly. I am really starting to hate Red Sox nation and hope they eat crow this year. Both Toronto and Baltimore will make great strides, and I would not doubt either of them being the Rays of this year.

AL Central: Minnesota Twins

There are a couple teams that could take this division, but I am going to go with the Twins. They have experience at most of their positions and a solid rotation. I think all teams can contend, and yes, that means the Kansas City Royals. I still think they are too young, but they will not be the bottom feeders of the major leagues. Mark my words.

AL West: Texas Rangers

Another decision that was tough. I think it is between Los Angeles, Oakland, and the Rangers. Texas has massive power and run scoring potential which may help make up for their terrible pitching. I like Oakland, but they will need pitcher Justin Duchscherer to come back from the disabled list fast. Do not count Los Angeles out either. Mike Scoscia is a great manager and will keep them in the hunt all year.

WILD CARD TEAMS

NL: Philadelphia Phillies

The defending world champions are too good of a team to stay out of the playoffs. I see it coming down between them and St. Louis, with Florida in the mix (prediction of the heart). 

AL: New York Yankees

As stated earlier, this could easily be Boston too. I used to hate the Yankees more than anything, but Boston is slowly taking over as my most despised team and I just really do not want them making the playoffs. 

PLAYOFF RESULTS

National League Championship: Los Angeles over Chicago

A battle of two historic teams. An intriguing match up that undoubtedly go into a 7 game series. I think the Dodgers have just a little more up their sleeves and make it into the World Series on the back of Manny and their pitching. Bartman is hanging around there somewhere.

American League Championship: Tampa Bay over New York

The Rays return to the World Series for the second straight year. After a year wiser in playoff situations, they will coast through the first round and then beat the Yanks in six. Watch for rookie David Price to be huge in the postseason for Tampa.

World Series: Tampa Bay over Los Angeles

I know most will think I am picking the Rayas because I am fond of them. Part of that is true, but the other part of me has witnessed how this team can pull out wins. They play great defense, pitch well, and I believe they will be much stronger at the plate. Evan Longoria will soon be the All-Star third baseman of the AL, Price is going to be a beast of a pitcher, and if they can find an option at closer a little more reliable than Troy Percival, they will be tough to stop. Look for a 7 game series, and which ever team has the home field advantage will take the title. Since the AL has been so dominant in the All-Star game, I do not foresee that changing.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

NL Most Valuable Player: Hanley Ramirez

This has a lot to do with what the Marlins' record looks like come end of the season, but no where else will you find a player that can get on base, display power, and run as fast as Hanley can. He is reliable night in and night out.

NL Cy Young: Johan Santana

People forget how good of a season he had last year because the win total was not there. I feel things will change in his run support luck, and they will realize he is the best pitcher in the NL.

NL Rookie of the Year: Jordan Schafer

I could easily have gone Cameron Maybin, but I did not want to seem too much like a homer. Schafer is going to be a stud, and will help the Braves to a much improved record.

AL Most Valuable Player: Miguel Cabrera

Some many candidates to choose from. I could have gone Mark Teixeira, Evan Longoria, or someone like Grady Sizemore. Cabrera is just consistent, and without him the Tigers would have no power. I could see him hitting 35 homers and 120 RBI with a .320 batting average. 

AL Cy Young: C.C. Sabathia

He is just a great pitcher and will help the Yankee rotation out immensely. Usually slow to start the season, but he will pick it up. Keep an eye on Zack Greinke of Kansas City though. He will have a huge year.

AL Rookie of the Year: David Price

Most people are going with Matt Weiters, and for good reason. He is supposed to be a Mike Piazza at the catching position but with defense. I am going to stray from that and say Price because I have seen what he can do in pressure situations. Take a look at his ALCS performance against the Red Sox last year, and that was a shadow of things to come for this young man's career.

Stay tuned for a great year. Baseball is a wonderful game and I love every moment of the season. I will update my predictions after the All-Star break.

Michelob Irish Red

Let me start by saying Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! About a week ago I started to get into the St. Paddy's Day spirit a little soon (given my Irish background, I see this as acceptable), so I decided to give a try to Michelob's Irish Red Ale. I have found their "craft" beers to actually be pretty decent, and for the price (about $6 a sixer) it is worth the try.

I found this brew to be pretty similar to Killian's in appearance and taste, but a little darker in redness and definitely more hoppy in taste. It presented a wonderful aroma of nuttiness and it was also in the taste. There was a bit of a chocolate hint that lingered. Went down easily and I would have no problem knocking back a few of these. Overall I rate it a B-. If you are looking for something new to try for the holiday give it a shot. I still prefer a good old Guinness for my Irish celebration. 

Happy Drinking and, again, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

My Personal Profile

Since I have not filled out my profile here on blog spot, I decided to use this post to tell you a few things about myself. I was born in raised in South Florida. Deerfield Beach is where I spent the bulk of my childhood and graduated from Deerfield Beach High in 2004. During my high school years I participated in football and soccer. I started as punter/kicker and played some strong safety for the scout defense. In my senior year we had the opportunity to win a state championship but came up short losing 31-28 in the semi-finals. That was certainly my most memorable time in high school. I was also sports editor for the school newspaper, and while doing this I found a love for reporting about sports. I thought I was destined to go into journalism in high school, but it never came to fruition.

Instead I enrolled at the University of Kentucky the fall of 2004 in hopes of pursuing a pharmacy degree. After realizing chemistry was a subject I would struggle in, and money would be hard to come up with for attending an out of state college, I decided to transfer back to Florida and enrolled at the University of South Florida in the Spring of 2005. I was not sure what I wanted to major in initially, but finally I turned to a subject that I loved all through grade school...History. I finished college with a major in History, focusing on the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement in America, and a minor in political science. During my time at USF I attended many sporting events, especially football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. I really miss those days of free tickets and a team I enjoy. Now living in Tallahassee I am surrounded by the cockiness that is Florida State country.

I moved up here in May of last year after graduating to follow my fiance, Mary-Beatrice, as she has begun her journey through medical school. It took my a while to find a job, but I now work as a P.E. coach for the Leon County school board. I'd prefer to be teaching in social studies in the classroom, but it's a job for now and being able to bean kids with dodge balls is not too shabby.

In my free time I dedicate my life to following sports, enjoying and cooking food, and reading about new things. There are many other things I enjoy, but I would consider these things to be my passions. My favorite sport is football, particularly college. Since it is my Alma mater, USF is my favorite team. I am also a close follower of the Miami Hurricanes as they were my childhood favorite. I am a hometown follower, so my favorite professional teams are the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and Florida Marlins. I am not too big into hockey, but if the Florida Panthers are on I will watch them. In addition to team sports, I also really love boxing (obviously) and golf. I could never get tired of watching Tiger Woods play golf, even though it does not bother me when someone else wins.

Food is another passion of mine and I am a fan of all types of cuisines. However, nothing beats going to an upscale steak house for dinner in my book. My order is usually the same too. I will start with a gin martini, up, with an olive garnish and some sort of seafood appetizer (usually crab cakes). For the main course I'll get a 10-12 oz. NY strip cooked medium-rare. As a side I prefer some sort of potato (usually baked) or a creamed vegetable (spinach is best), and if they have onion rings I am all for it. A glass of merlot to complement my steak is a must. As a finishing course I tend to leave the dessert choice up to the lady since I am not big on sweets. If cheesecake is on the menu though, I will always suggest it. To finish off the meal a drink of aged scotch whiskey fits the bill.

I like to cook all types of food, but I find my best work to be done either on a grill or some sort of pasta. Never grill without a beer in hand, and I like them all. I tend to gravitate towards the microbrews because I enjoy a beer with bold flavors. However, I am still finishing up some Coors Lights that are left over from my Super Bowl party and I am getting by just fine on those.

My other interests lie in reading and music. I am always reading something to expand my knowledge. Whether it is news on the computer to keep updated with current events, or a fiction novel for pleasure. When I was younger I used to hate reading, but now I enjoy because I just love to learn. I want to continue my education by earning an MBA. I have put it on hold for the moment to finish all my teaching certifications and also since I am not sure where I will be living in the next couple of years (hopefully NYC when Mary has completed her clinicals and starts residency). I can also be found listening to music, and am a fan of most genres. I have no interest in techno, country, or real heavy/thrash/screamo rock stuff. My favorites are reggae, rock, blues, and hip-hop. I enjoy listening to classical a lot too, especially during dinner.

Later on in life I would like to open a pub/restaurant that would serve quality food and beer.

Anything more you are interested in, do not be afraid to ask. There are several more things I could put up, but I could go on for days.

Boxing Thoughts

Since I am back to catching up on my blogging, I am going to dedicate this post to the happenings in the boxing world. Since I last wrote about boxing, Antonio Margarito has been stripped of his welterweight title and was suspended one year from fighting in the United States for wrapping his hands in what appeared to be plaster. The plaster was meant to get harder as his hands sweat and got the substance wet. I am glad they caught this before the fight happened against Shane Mosley. I feel Margarito should be banned for life. Had an official not caught this, Mosley's life could have been on the line. Mosley then went on to beat the crap out of Margarito resulting in him being knocked out. "Sugar" Shane looked like his old self, and now appears to be the top welterweight fighter in the world. Perhaps a match with Miguel Cotto or Joshua Clottey next? Would be entertaining.

A deal was finally agreed on between Manny Pacquiao and Rick Hatton. Should make for a great fight, as Hatton appears to be the only person that could contend with Pac-Man at the moment. I still anticipate Pacquiao winning the fight, but be sure to tune in May 2 for it, as it could go either way.

My second favorite boxer, Kelly Pavlik (Andre Berto is number one for me), returned to action on February 21 against mandatory challenger Marco Antonio Rubio and knocked him out in the ninth. Everyone knew Pavlik would win because he was in front of his hometown Youngstown, Ohio fans. Every superstar needs a pick me up, and after getting beat down by Bernard Hopkins, Pavlik needed this. Plenty of opportunities for his next fight, but I would like to see either Arthur Abraham (not likely) or Vernon Forrest (more likely).

If you are interested in some good fights tune in this weekend for Tomasz Adamek vs. Jonathan Banks for Adamek's Ring Magazine/IBF Cruiserweight titles and Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz for Marquez's Ring magazine and the vacant WBO and WBA lightweight belts. Best of all these fights are on Showtime (Adamek/Banks tonight) and HBO (Marquez/Diaz tomorrow), so you do not have to pay the pay-per-view prices. Just head to a local sports bar, or since most people have these channels, the comfort of your own couch and get as drunk as you want. I expect both current title holders to retain with Diaz having the best shot at an upset.