MLB Playoffs and NFL Quick Hits

Autumn. It's that time of year when Sam Adams Oktoberfest comes back to bars and liquor stores near you and when you have to get the damn leaves off of your lawn.

Yes folks, it's October.

At this time of year the MLB Playoffs begin and the NFL regular season is 4 games in and in full swing. October also seems like a perfect time for another Tom Ace blog post.

Baseball and I have been estranged for most of this year as my beloved NY Mets tweaked, tore, and strained themselves to a woeful 70-92 record for the season. The rag tag Mets, led by players like Jeff "Frenchy" Francouer and Luis "Look I Can Play Alright Sometimes" Castillo, just could not overcome the injury after injury to the teams core star players. During one stretch this year none of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, or David Wright were in the NY lineup.

Although upset, I can't really get down too much on the team. You take away the 4 best everyday players on ANY team and they are bound to struggle. And struggle the Mets did. Tons. Once again Mets fans look to next season in hopes of another championship. Note to Omar: we need a LF, a power 1B bat, and a #2 pitcher (Carl Crawford, Hank Blaylock, and John Lackey would be my choices).

That said, let's move on the to the teams that did not suck this season.

The current champs the Philly Philthies play the hottest team coming into the playoffs for the National League, the Colorado Rockies. I place great faith in momentum, and just can't trust the leaky Philadelphia pen. I give this series to the Rox in 4. Oh yeah, plus I f-ing hate the Phillies.

Staying in the National League (where there is no DH aka Real Baseball), the LA Dodgers play the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers limped into October and the Cards have really good pitching. That being said, it's tough to overcome errors like the one Matt Holliday made last night with 2 out in the ninth -- shades of Daniel Murphy if you will. I still like the Cardinals to take this one, especially since all the Yankee fans still have a woody for Joe Torre. I thought the Cards would take this in 4 but I guess let's call it 5 instead.

Moving to the American League, the Sawx play the Halos. Boston has tons of mojo in this series, beating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in their past 3 meetings in the postseason. That didn't help yesterday as Boston's Grungiest got shutout by pitcher John Lackey (Omar, sign this man!) and the Angels, 5-Love. I still got the Sox in 5.

The Minnesota Twin-kies play the hated New York Spankees in the other ALDS. New York fields a veritable pseduo All Star team led by the Captain of Intagibles and butt plugs, Derek Jeter. I personally like the frisky Twins and usually keep them as my fallback team on sad Mets seasons like this one. Nevertheless, I think Cy Young and Weight Watchers candidate CC Sabathia and the rest of the Yanks rotation will be too tough to overcome. I got the best team blood money can buy winning in 5.

With that, the ALCS will be another hyped up Boston - New York showdown. The media will be all over this and the public will just be glad to read stories not about Brett Favre. I look for Red Sawk traitor Johhny "I Once was a Caveman" Damon and Alex "Bitch Tits" Rodrigay to come up big in this series and help the Stanks take it in 6. Boston will breathe a collective groan and see if they can start a program to get Big Papi back on the juice.

The Cards and Rox will meet in the NL Championship Series and call me crazy but I also like Colorado in this matchup. They don't call it Rocktober for no reason. They just have "the look" -- in my eyes anyway. Hopefully Holliday makes a couple more ultra-costly errors for his former squad to help out my prediction. Rockies take the series at home in game 6.

And in the fall classic, the momentum driven Rockies will play the steroid injected Yankees. I like the mid-season switch from Clint Hurdle to current manager Jim Tracy and see it being similar to the Marlins' switch to Jack McKeon during their WS Championship year. The Rockies will rule Rocktober and crush the hearts of Yankee fans with their game 7 win (Hopefully! Please?!). All the Yankee faithful in attendance will sit in silence as the upstart Rockies celebrate their 2009 championship on the field of The New Yankee Stadium. You know, kinda like when the Diamondbacks did it in 2001. It will happen and it will be glorious.

I was going to write about the NFL too but this shit is getting long.

Still... Go J E T S !

Observations from MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis

Since I am starting this post at the top of the ninth inning, you will have to forgive me if these little ditties don't really have any rhyme or reason. I'm just trying to remember thoughts I had while watching what has been a quick and mildly entertaining all-star game. Oh, if you don't like baseball, screw you. On to the post...!

- Ryan Howard you piece of crap. Not only did you check-swing strikeout with men on second and third to be the final out of the 8th, but you also look like a giant koala bear. I couldn't root for you and you absolutely gave me no reason to. C*cksucker!

- Manny "Jack Lalane" Ramirez would have gotten those RBIs for the National League. I have no doubt about it.

- Zach Grienke looks like my best friend in 4th grade. He might be 12 years old. This is coming from a 25 year old man who still gets carded to buy his Parliament Lights.

- Obama totally dissed Puhols after the ceremonial first pitch. Usually the President would take a picture with whomever (fancy yes, i know) caught the pitch, but Black Prez just shook his hand and walked on by. Sucks for you Albert! They didn't really show if Obama threw a strike or not, but it certainly looked better than Mark Wahlberg's embarrassing, ego-crushing, are you sure you even like baseball? attempt.

http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/celebrity-first-pitch-mark-wahlberg/

- As much as it pains me to say it, Jayson Werth just made a sick catch to end the inning for my buddy K-Rod. Slight hat tip to you Werth you scumbag. Nice soul patch you hippy.

- Mariano is up to close the game now for the American League. Douche bag.

- Jeter got hit by a pitch earlier in the game. I didn't hope he got hurt or anything since I know how shitty injuries are, but I still smiled.

- David Wright scored a run earlier in the game. Woooo let's go Mets!

- Miguel Tejada is the last chance for the National League (did I mention Koala Howard choked?). Hopefully Tejada is still juicing.

- I would wear glasses like Joe Maddon if I didn't have super amazing vision.

- The National League just lost again. Good job Koala you bitch ass. You suck too Heath "fat f-ing loud mouth" Bell.

- Carl Crawford robbed a home run from Brad Hawpe in the 7th. That was pretty sweet. He just got the MVP, too. I can't hate. He's a good player.

- Get Mariano's kid off the fucking field.

- I don't remember seeing any Pirates, A's, or Reds in the game at all. They pretty much suck anyway.

- The St. Louis Arch looks pretty cool.

- I wonder if all the Dominican players wanted to talk politics with Obama.

- No fucking way Prince Fielder is a vegetarian. Dude is immense.

Alright, Fox's post-game coverage is lame. I'm gonna watch a Seinfeld rerun.

Later Haters.

It's Been Too Long

Ee gads its been a long ass time since I've posted a damn thing on this site and for that I truly apologize.

I'm not making any promises but I'm sure I can do better than the 2 month+ stretch its been since my last post.

Anyhow, since I don't really have anything specific in mind for this post, and since I've left you without your Tom_Ace fix for so so long, I present to you today the first installment of...

The Tom_Ace's Friday 06/19/09 Running Diary !!!

Essentially I am going to just make comments on little things I observe throughout the day (thanks for the idea Sports Guy!). So yeah, grab a drink (preferably "The Tom"), sit back, relax, and enjoy motherfuckers!

8:17 AM -- I'm starting to write a blog post. It's been a while now. I'm kind of nervous. Hopefully my readers still like me. (crossing fingers)

8:18 AM -- God, I want a drink.

8:19 AM -- I'm sitting at work not particularly feeling like working. It is Friday after all -- it's the end of the week! Funny thing is I remember thinking to myself earlier this week, "I don't particularly feel like working right now. It's Monday, the beginning of the week!". It's all good though. I'm gonna go outside for a cig break now. In case you were wondering, I'm all about Parliament Lights. When I was younger I used to love having the conversation about what kind of cigarettes I or other smokers smoked. I got a real fucking kick out of it for some reason. I would be all interested about what brand and if they smoked menthol or not. If you blew a smoke ring you would blow my mind. I think maybe the whole thing reinforced to me how cool I was and am for smoking. Now I don't really care to talk about it all that much. OK, I'm lying. TELL ME WHAT KIND OF CIGARETTES YOU SMOKE!! NOW!! Parliament Lights are the best, so don't get it twisted.

8:47 AM -- So I was smoking a cig with my co worker and as we were walking back in the building he screams "porno flicks"! I turned around thinking dude was crazy or on something but then he explained that the back of my shirt read "Kicks, Chicks, and Porno Flix". Damn my youthful urban rebellious fashion sense. I put on the t-shirt this morning not remembering the words on the back of it. Damn it. I asked around the warehouse to see if we had some duct tape laying around that I could use to tape over the obscene part. Of course, we do not. Now whenever I leave my desk I have to tuck in my shirt and look like a douche bag. I'll just tuck in the back and make it look gangsta. Word.

To give you an idea...

Yes, of course I rock the studded belt to work. Yes, of course my pants are always that low.

9:19 AM -- Sometimes drinking coffee makes me feel weird, wired, and antsy, and sometimes it doesn't do shit for me. This morning I am feeling the former. I suspect it could be the 2 shots of espresso I had them put in it today.

9:56 AM -- It's not 10:00 AM yet? I think another cig break is in order.

10:37 AM -- Sorry if this has been boring so far but this morning has not been all that eventful or inspiring to write about. Besides handling my work bi'ness, all I can seem to think about is going out later. While this work week hasn't been too stressful or anything, I really could use a dose of the HDP (homies, drinks, and partying). I'm fairly certain many of you out there can empathize with me. Oh yeah, even though I am a rebel, I decided to turn my t-shirt inside out to alleviate the whole tucking in / douche bag situation and any drama with the office bosses. They win today's battle, but they won't win the war.

12:08 PM -- So... it's almost time for lunch. Usually I bypass eating any kind of meal during lunch and I go to the gym and get my swoll on. If you haven't seen me lately... phew! Straight Cotton D. OK, I pretty much look the same but I'm much more physically fit than I have been in a while -- ever maybe. I'm considering going on a diet to cut some weight too but I'm not sure if it's that serious yet. If you've read this blog before you know how much I love food so it'd be tough. A couple more sets of abdominal excercises wouldn't hurt my cause either. I'm feeling pretty good though. Regardless, today I won't be going to the gym and instead will probably make a quick mall / Target trip. I got some shit I need to pick up.

1: 38 PM -- As planned I went to the mall and got myself a new silicone case for my Storm. This one is neon green cause I'm gangster like that. Somehow my old one tore and my idea to heat it up and meld it back together didn't work out so well. Apparently silicone cases are not like plastic. I held the torn part above my lit zippo for a while and all of a sudden it started turning white and disintegrating. It was pretty cool except I was in my office at the time and it started to smell something wicked. The HR lady at work was walking around at the time too. She didn't say anything to me though. Anyhow, I also got 3 crunchy tacos, fiesta potatoes, and a mountain dew for lunch. Ironically I actually would have preferred to just have the protein shake I have after my workouts at the gym. Shit is functional, flavorful, and refreshing.

1:40 PM -- The screen print graphics on my inside out t-shirt keep sticking to my lower back -- fuck.

2:06 PM -- Bone Thugs-N-Harmony "1st of the Month" just came on my slacker radio player. I remember when I was young and had this song on tape after I recorded it off the radio. I also remember a time when I kept playing and stopping the song so I could memorize the lyrics. Unfortunately I had a hard ass time just understanding those fools, especially that crazy ass Bizzy Bone. Unfortunately I still can't understand those fools. Now my slacker radio is playing Pink. At least I can understand what this bird is saying.

2:38 PM -- I'm officially burned out on this week. Shit, I don't even want to do this right now and this is for "pleasure." I persevere though for you, my dedicated audience. After seeing two episodes of Top Chef Masters so far, I gotta say I approve. 3 and half to 4 stars. I heard host Kelly Choi could be kind of annoying but she doesn't really have enough camera time to get to that level. They have her presenting the challenges and getting the hell out of the way. I think the adjusted tournament format of the show works out fairly well too. I didn't see how they could get all those "master" chefs to move into one apartment for a month like they do the regular contestants. Plus could you imagine Elizabeth Faulkner making out with Wiley Dufresne on the couch one night and then things being really awkward between them the next day because they both have significant others? Yeah, me either. Plus I'm pretty sure Faulkner digs chicks -- nice. Padma fo'eva.

3:01 PM -- Despite some struggles this year, this has to be in here somewhere: Let's Go Mets! We're kicking some (Devil) Ray ass this weekend.

3:14 PM -- I really want a new tattoo. I've been toying with a bunch of ideas in my head as of late, most recently thinking about adding a Japanese style dragon to my right shoulder above an existing tattoo on my upper bicep area. Thoughts?

3:45 PM -- Brain. OFF.

Alright folks, I'm getting outta work soon so I gotta end this thing. Have a great weekend and drink tons for your boy.

As always, be careful. I love you, aight?

Nike Hall of Fame Event - David Wright @ Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer St

I was fortunate enough to attend the Nike Hall of Fame event in NYC last night at the Nike Sportswear store on 21 Mercer. These HOF events are essentially opportunities to get to know NYC sport legends in a more intimate setting and out of the glare of the media spotlight where you can get to know them outside of their public persona.

The guest at last night's Nike HOF was none other, than Mr. David Wright -- starting 3rd baseman of the New York Mets!

In this blog I'll be giving a quick summary of the night.

This picture is some artwork that greets you as soon as you enter the Nike Sportswear store. It's made up of exclusively New York Met and New York Yankee baseball cards. The folks at Nike provided sharpies and encouraged people to draw or write whatever they liked on the cards.

Considering last night's event was for David Wright, and the crowd was predominantly if not completely full of Mets faithful, I'm sure the things written on the Yankee cards was fairly interesting (ahem Jeter is gay ahem).

If I didn't love Nike before, I certainly do now. When I got into the store and grabbed a seat, I was immediately offered free beer, hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. Of course I got one of each. OK, I had 4 beers total, but who's counting?

Here is a closeup of the beer bottles they were handing out. They are the aluminum don't shank somebody kind and they include both the Mets logo and the Citi Field inaugural season patch that appears on the Mets home unis this season.

My cousin Jeff took this picture as I was about to shake D. Wright's hand. I haven't washed my right hand since.

This picture is during the interview session with D. Wright and host Chris Isenberg. The interview was cool and definitely different than the classic ESPN interview. Although I kind of hoped D. Wright would be more candid, I came to the conclusion that he really is just a wholesome and conservative dude from Virginia. He did crack some funny jokes here and there though. The one sticks out in my mind is when he mentioned Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey tripping off the mound while pitching the other day.

My cousin Jeff took this last pic as D. Wright was leaving the event. Apparently he had a mini police escort.

I Know. You Hate Me.

Yes, I know. I promised you guys to post more often, I strang you along, got your hopes up, and smashed them to the ground like Plaxico Burress' football career (zing!).

I'm sorry, I'll try and be better (ahem bullshit ahem).

Anyhow, here's a quick post of the random thoughts going through my head.

These are real thoughts from Friday, 04/03/09 at 5:53 PM.



I f-ing love oysters. If you don't add tabasco, you're a bitch and you're missing out. Apparently my thoughts on a Friday early evening are littered with curse words. That's OK.




Baseball is back and the Mets will begin their pursuit of a World Series Championship. I f-ing love baseball and the Mets. I will undoubtedly be doing a post strictly on this topic soon. Maybe Monday even. It's a date.


It's Friday! I'm getting drunk later! Oops, I mean I will be responsibly enjoying alcoholic beverages at some point!

I'm going to the Bronx Zoo on Sunday. Animals are fun! Didn't a chimpanzee (sp? - too lazy to check) beat a woman down recently? I won't be going to see them -- asshole ass monkeys.

I left my work phone at Tom B's crib yesterday. I need to pick it up.

I need to shave every other day now. I'm a man! One day chin strap, one day.

Enjoy your weekend you fuckers!

Damnit Now I'm Hungry

You’re all probably tired of reading me write about alcohol all the time (I’m lying who the hell gets tired of drinking?). Anyhow, for something different, today’s post will cover another subject near and dear to my heart -- food.

I LOVE FOOD. I am constantly watching the Food Network and other food related TV shows, I would gladly pay to eat at [good] "fancy" and expensive restaurants, I've been known to throw down in the kitchen a bit, I will occassionally glance at a food blog or two, and I want more foie gras.

This post will cover my three favorite foods. For the sake of building suspense that you will not feel anyway, I will present my favorites in reverse order. Screw you.

3. FRIED CHICKEN

Yes folks, fried chicken is indeed food crack. It’s fairly cheap and you can get it everywhere. There are fast food chains, grocery stores, and every diner or eating establishment has their own version of fried legs, wings, thighs, and breasts.

Which one do I think is best? Of course homemade is the best -- its made with love. Not for nothing, but can one of my darker friends please invite me over for dinner sometime? Come on.

Anyhow, if you can’t get your paws on some home made fried chicken, try out the grocery store. I know for a fact that Shop Rite and Pathmark make totally decent (decent as in amazing) fried chicken for really decent prices. The other day I picked up an 8 piece for $7.00 -- not bad at all. And if you’re Filipino, and I am, all you’ll need is some rice and you’re set for a banging meal.

Fast food franchise wise, the answer is simple. The best fast food fried chicken comes from Popeye’s -- no question about it. It’s crispy, its spicy, its fucking fantastic. Hook yourself up with some red beans and rice, a biscuit, a Hi-C fruit punch, and you’re good.

I will admit that I was a little intrigued by KFC’s new commercials saying they have “a cook in every KFC” and use Tyson brand chicken. Then I thought, WTF they didn’t have cooks and real chicken before? Whatever, KFC gives me stomach aches. I think it’s their oil.

2. LECHON / ROAST PORK




It might be a Filipino or Hispanic thing but GD lechon is awesome. For those not in the know, lechon is a whole roast pig as shown by the picture above.

Some may be intimidated by the seeing the actual face of the thing they’re about to eat but not me. Shit, some people even eat the eyeballs. Even if you are scared, try the stuff. You will change your mind.

The best part of lechon is the skin. It’s crispy and delicious. Pork Rinds you get at Quik Chek do not do lechon skin justice -- although I eat those too.

The actual pork meat is really tender and good as well. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about this. Maybe lechon is my #1 favorite food…

1. STEAK

And the champ (for now) is steak. I’m a man, what can I say? I love steak and will order it almost anywhere, anytime, and often.

You know how George Costanza ordered a t-bone steak at lunchtime to encourage his co-workers to call him “T-Bone”? Well me, I order steak at lunchtime and they call me Tom. It’s just not usual.

First things first, I like my steak medium rare. I came across some trouble with this the past two times I’ve ordered steak at two different places. Both times the server presented me with a good looking steak, until I cut it. The steaks were medium/medium well, and if you’re like me this is unacceptable. How do I combat this? Do I ask for straight up rare? For reference the picture above is what I’m looking for. Is that not medium rare? Is my expectation wrong?

In terms of cut, ribeye is my favorite. I also like eating prime rib at Houlihans, will eat any other cut of steak you offer me, and secretly will always think filet mignon is crap.

Anyhow, I’m hungry as hell now and all I’m doing for lunch is going to the gym. This blows.

PS - Don’t trip Baus, this is just a one time thing. I’m not stealing your gig. =)

Sorry

Sorry blog audience -- I have neglected you.

The life of Tom_Ace has been quite eventful as of late: work has been extremely busy (damn), I went on a family snowboarding trip to Okemo Mountain in Vermont (awesome), and I went on an unexpectedly good business trip to Orlando (very fun).

I won't bore you with my work problems, but unfortunately I just haven't had much time to think or write anything worthwhile.

Snowboarding was fun. I just wish I was better at it. Next season, next season...

Someone buy me a Lib-Tech Skate Banana.

I'm probably not good enough to make full use of all its capabilities but I'll learn.

Even though it was for work, my trip to Orlando was kind of off the chains. My part of the presentation went well, the dinner and drinks with the client was great (and free), and I even saw a bikini show. Let's just say the nickname I have for the city of Orlando did in fact hold true. Let's just say I was glad it was St. Patrick's Day and little shamrock stickers could be strategically placed and used as substitutes for a bikini top.

Here is a pretty bad picture I took using my phone's camera. Check it though -- the girl to the far left looks almost naked. That is because she pretty much was. Hooray for Orlando!

Anyhow, hopefully I'll have more free time to hook ya'll up with my flavor. My writing, I mean.

I know I am supposed to be doing a Happy Hour alcohol entry so here is a little tip. Before taking a shot of alcohol, take a deep breath in. Then drink the shot all the way down. Then, you exhale. Makes the shot hella easier. Trust me.

Have a great weekend folks.

Be careful. I love you, aight?