Believeland: Started from the bottom now were....still here!

ITS GREAT TO BE ALIVE

WELCOME BACK

(Indians OF Michael Bourn attempts a bunt during practice....get used to seeing this....can you say Kenny Lofton 2.0)

The Tribe v.s. The World 2013: 

ROLL TRIBE ROLL BABY! The Cleveland Indians are UNDEFEATED in Spring Training this year!!!! Wait....Whats that? Oh Spring Training doesn't matter? Awe nuts....Anyway, those of you who feel that way I got news for you.....it does. It definitely sets the tone for the season. Just look at last season. The Indians ended up 7-22 last Spring Training. This year are hot off a skillet posting a record of 5-0! Could this be a sign of things to come...now I am not a psychic but I'd bet house money that we will better than last year. (Please knock on wood now)
The excitement and atmosphere around the Indians camp this year is higher than ever. New skipper Terry Francona brings a new attitude and energy towards the team. So if all of the acquisitions, new manager, and 5-0 start doesn't get you excited for the Tribe this year get this.....Tickets for the Indians Opening Day game v.s. The New York ($)ankees sold out in 6 minutes. BOOM.
If that doesn't excite you for this upcoming year, do us all a favor and check your pulse! Ok I know I know, until we live up to "455 The Fans", the excitement won't really seem real...at least to me. Nevertheless, the Tribe is off to a hot start in Arizona. The pitchers have looked really good. The offense has looked really good. Enough to cause 1B/OF Nick Swisher to put current teammate Ryan Raburn's jersey on during batting practice. Raburn hit 3 home runs in his first three at bats. (Don't worry I'm waiting for the plummet just like you are) But hey are we sure we're talking about the Cleveland Indians?  I understand its only February, but all these stats and positive energy has me just as confused as poor Molly Shannon.     >>>>    Confused?

So please have some faith in our Tribe. I promise they are moving in the right direction. I can feel it.  Remember without faith we have NOTHING.

For now lets just roll with it

Yesterday's Game v.s. Oakland resulted in a 14-10 WIN for the Tribe
Important notes:

• Pitcher Justin Masterson pitched two scoreless innings 
• Ubaldo Jimenez looks like he has his velocity back according to reports from AZ
• Michael Brantley had to receive stitches after sliding and being "spiked" by an opposing player. His status is day-to-day
• There has been buzz that even Indians mascot Slider has caught Indians FEVER! Slider's popularity has simply skyrocketed! Just ask Tom Withers AP sports writer for the Tribe.   >>>>> I hope this is true

The Tribe plays today @ 3 v.s. Kansas City (yes, they are still in the league)

  Roll Tribe

(Seriously what the hell is that)

All for One: (All about One? Nah we already tried that)
Unfortunately Kyrie Irving will not play tonight due to a knee injury..He is listed day-day, but the report also said he will for sure miss the next two game. However, he is still the man....that is all

(I bet he's thinking, "Hi I'm Kyrie Irving, and yes I'm THAT good")

The Kyrie Irving-less Cavs play tonight @ 8 p.m. against the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls


WOOF WOOF WOOF: 

 As stated in my previous post, the combine is in full swing. As I watched the NFL Network's coverage of the 2013 NFL combine, I came away with a few things

•  These kids are Freakish athletes...with a capital F
• According to NFL.com here are the results from their 40 times >>> 
• (40 times of the Defensive Lineman and Linebackers)
• (Remember some of these guys weigh 300lbs....WHAT ARE THEY FEEDING THEM AND HOW COME I WASN'T GIVEN ANY SEESH)
• The outfits these guys wear makes them all look like they jumped out of a multicolored  kaleidoscope (see below) 
• In case you were wondering, Manti Te'os Girlfriend still doesn't exist

(Told ya)

Really Under Armor.....REALLY?  Did you guy's really think these were cool? Seriously? Please excuse me while I take my sunglasses off after looking at that

Now that my eyes are adjusted, there were many Browns representatives present while the defensive lineman and linebackers participated in drills. Many experts believe in April's NFL Draft the Browns are targeting either a DL or LB with their #6 pick. The main thing I took away after watching these god-like athletes is they ALL HAVE SPEED. No matter the size. This must have put a huge smile on Browns GM Mike Lombardi's face. There are a lot of really really (yes i said it twice) good players they can draft at pick #6. Trust me any of these guys can come in and contribute immediately, which is all we can ask for.

As for the QB situation (which is still so far up in the air) current Browns gun-slinger/doppelganger to a Mr. Matt Ode, Brandon Weeden was recently signing autographs at the IX Center for the auto show. He was asked if he thought he could win the starting job in Cleveland this year - "I expect to be the starter this season, absolutely"
Now this seasons QB spot will be up for grabs according to everyone in the Browns front office, so we will see if your right Brandon. Personally, I believe we need a REAL franchise QB as I have stated before. However, if the right player is not on the market (in either the draft or free angency) I say don't bend over backwards to make someone into someone their not. Were from Cleveland, we all know we have patience. Otherwise why would we keep a team here whose record since 99' has been 60-122......Wow just wow

Weird thing is....we all go to the games, follow them everywhere, and give them our hearts to eventually rip out. Man do I love you Cleveland

(LB prospect Manti Te'o participating in drill @ NFL combine in Indy)

The NFL combine continues today. Defensive secondary will be participating in the various drills. Look for SPEED and absolutely ridiculous 40 times. Lets hope the Browns are paying more attention to their cover skills.

Random:

If you are avid music listener (which I assume in this day and age we all are) I suggest you give this guy a chance. Christopher Francis Ocean  a.k.a. Frank Ocean left victorious at the 2013 Grammy's for "Best Contemporary Urban Album" Channel Orange, and "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" for his song with the ever amazing Kanye West for their tune "No Church in the Wild".  
Back to Frank, his music is nothing like I have ever heard before. The smooth & suave sound will elate your ears and force you to hit continuous play on your iPod. He finds his inspiration from old school artists such as Stevie Wonder,The Eagles, Marvin Gaye, and many others. Though his work is mostly hip-hop, you can hear the creativity from his idols. "Channel Orange"  first debuted on July 10, 2012, and I have been a fan ever since. You will get to know that I am a music junkie, ranging from artists such as Dave Matthews to Lil Wayne, but I know good music when I hear it. Please do yourselves a favor and give this guy a chance. Not many people will because Frank has been open about his sexuality. Crazy right? 
 It is still somewhat unclear if he is bi-sexual or gay, because in his songs he talks about being with men and women. Frank released a statement soon after his album came out saying, '"I don't know what happens now, and that's alrite. I don't have any secrets I need kept anymore...I feel like a free man." This was history for the hip-hop world. 
Name one time you heard a hip-hop icon admit he's gay? You simply can't. Most hip-hop artists rap about objecting women which another story in itself. Therefore, I applaud Frank Ocean for being open and honest....after all its just music right? So who cares if he's straight, gay, or bi-sexual. All that is CERTAIN is the guy makes incredible music. Please give it a listen....you won't be let down and tell me what you think!
>>>>>>     (Pyramids is my favorite song)
Frank Ocean: Channel Orange  

(Frank Ocean)

Every post I will upload a funny picture of my family's dog Bella.  She is half Yorkie, and half Poodle. Personally I think she's more rat than anything. Nevertheless, I still love her! Big thanks to my other sister Dana, she sends me these all the time. They really do make my day!

 Bella

I love hearing feedback and questions, so please comment! Also, if there are certain topics you would want me to cover....do not hesitate to ask!



 Quote of the day:

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”

 - Ralph Waldo Emerson


Coming Soon:

• NHL - Struggling Blue Jackets & streaking Blackhawks (16-0-3) - They haven't lost this season
• NCAA MARCH MADNESS IS COMING!!!!!

I will not be updating this blog everyday due to the harsh realities of college....I'm sure you'll understand....But if there is a big story I promise I will get to it! 
 
Thanks for reading...and see ya real soon!

Believeland: The Beginning

WELCOME TO BELIEVELAND!

Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Vincenzo Chiuchiarelli, and I am not a writer. I will repeat once more....I AM NOT A WRITER (your probably thinking of my sister Kara the London-go-er/world traveler)She received all the writing abilities so therefore this blog will not be formal in any way, shape, or form. 

Back to me, I am a simple and stubborn Cleveland sports fan because that is exactly how I was born and raised (you can thank my father for that one) I have a wonderful family, friends, and girlfriend (HI JESS!!!!) I attended Walsh Jesuit High School and spent two years at the greatest place on earth Bowling Green State University. Currently I am a student at The Ohio State University...and oh in case you were wondering Ann Arbor is a Whore! 
Back to why you are here! This blog is simply to get my voice out there in this social media driven world we live in. Adapt or die right? So here you will only see info, stats, and nothing but the cold hard truth about Cleveland Sports. I will also throw some miscellaneous topics in here to spice things up! And if you do not understand my humor then you can shut up...See that was a joke! Your doing great!


Anyway,from this blog I can guarantee you a few things:

1.  I will poke fun of Cleveland a lot, but I still love the CLE!
2.  Non-bias material...just the truth!
3.  What everyone needs...a laugh here and there

Cleveland will always occupy a giant portion of my heart. If you do not care what I have to say...there is a X at either the top left or right corner (depending on what web browser you use) feel free to exit now! 

Thank you if you stayed!

Now back to business. This is going to be a year round blog about everyone's favorite sports teams from everyone's favorite city; Cleveland.

(ain't she pretty and ugly at the same time!)

I will be pulling links, quotes, and sometimes videos from various websites. This will be the flagship for anything CLEVELAND SPORTS! Please pass this link on to friends family and animals that can read. (I'm serious my friends once taught my dog Spanish...yeah explain that one)So please folks sit back and enjoy hearing about the mistake on the lake!!!!




ENJOY!


Your Cleveland Indians:
The Cleveland Indians have opened up their 2013 campaign in Goodyear Arizona. This is where they conduct their spring training games and workouts. Now if you have been living under a rock this past off-season, you might not know the star studded new names that have joined the Tribe. The Indians signed former Ohio State grad and Yankees Outfielder Nick Swisher. This was HUGE in terms of having a power bat in our lineup. It seems the past few years the Indians have been lacking power. Swisher who is 32 , is in the prime of his career needs to produce, produce, and produce some more. Along with newcomers OF Michael Bourn and OF Drew Stubbs. These guys will all add speed and more speed, something the Tribe has also been lacking. The Tribe also signed 1B/DH Mark Renyolds, and veteran pitchers Scott Kazmir and Daisuke Matsuzaka. These moves were all great and I applaud the Indians front office for making it happen. The only problem is that all of these men are ATLEAST 30 years of age. This causes reason for concern . Either we win now or we start at square one. Maybe we are at square one? Regardless, it will always come down to pitching and defense. The less guys that get on base, the lesser chance they have of scoring. Its a simple formula that will carry you into October. Lets hope the Wahoo's are back in town. 
 The Tribe takes on Oakland today @ 3:05. They are 3-0 to start Spring Training
ROLL TRIBE 

(Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona)

Your Cleveland Cavilers: 
As the Caviliers season drags on (and I mean dragggggsssssss onnnnn), the improvement of the team is prominent. The ringleader of it all is PG sensation Kyrie Irving. That just sounds like an all star name doesn't it? The kid is unstoppable when he wants to be.With the help of 2 year PF Tristan Thompson who is steadily improving, and rookie of the year candidate Dion Waiters, the cavs are moving in the right direction. The NBA season is a very long one, and I don't know about you but I'm already sick of it. That piece of trash in South Beach will probably win another ring so can we just get it over with? This brings me to my final thought. Rumors are floating around and have been for some time that Delonte West's step son a.k.a LeBron James will be returning to Cleveland once he is a free agent in 2014 (here we go again decision 2.0) I'm not saying I would hate the idea (who doesn't love a good fairy-tale ending?) The Heat just beat the Cavs last night 109-105 in South Beach. When Lebron was asked what he thought about the idea of playing with Kyrie Irving he simply said he hadn't thought about it. Yeah ok LeBron just like you told us you never thought about playing with Dwayne Wade and that ugly T-Rex looking thing called Chris Bosh before the decision. And oh have you ever heard that saying that a picture says 1000 words? You be the judge....
Cavs play the bulls FEB 26 @ Chicago 8:00 p.m.

(Kyrie Irving and LeBron James exchanging a "look")

Your Cleveland Browns:

In a very busy off-season, new GM Mike Lombardi definatley has his hands full. The NFL Combine where college stars are invited to show off their skills and attributes is underway in Indianapolis. The Browns are in need of so much help in so many areas, it is very difficult to pinpoint a position of need that they need to focus on. If I were GM the first thing they need is a pass rusher. In this day and age of the pass-happy NFL, you need a guy who can rush the QB and rip his head off. Clearly, the Browns have been lacking one since we came back into the league in 99'. The next area where they should really focus in at the combine is secondary. WE CAN'T COVER ANYBODY. EVER. Except Joe Haden occasionally. Batman needs robin. Once our secondary gets fixed, our strength of stopping the run will shine. The Browns have many great young pieces such as 2nd year receive Josh "Flash" Gordon, and 2nd year RB Trent "Yeah my biceps are that big" Richardson. These two are going to be corner pieces for this franchise for years to come. However, the ship cannot go anywhere unless it has a captain or quarterback. Lets be honest, Brandon Weeden is a serviceable QB at best. He has a strong arm, decent pocket presence, and hes not afraid to take shots down field. However read back what I just wrote.....He's a serviceable quarterback, and that's being generous. Look at all the teams that go to the playoffs and win. Patriots have Brady, Packers have Rodgers, Broncons have Manning, Giants have the other Manning, Squeelers a.k.a. Steelers have Roethlisberger, and the Ravens have Flacco. All of these guys are ELITE quarterbacks. Not serviceable ones. My point is, until the Browns find that golden boy with an arm that will lead us to the Super Bowl (not just playoffs), we will be stuck in the cellar of the NFL and will continue to be a laughing stock. I cannot stress how important this upcoming draft is (how many times have we said that in the last decade) Every Cleveland fan is awaiting the Browns to turn the page and start winning. I really like what former GM Tom Heckert has bulit here so far lets just hope Mr. Lombardi won't repeat his unsuccessful ways like he has in the past. God bless that man, and please God if your listening...Can we please catch a break?

(Browns new GM Mike Lombardi...doesn't he look promising?)

The NFL Draft begins April 25-27. 


RANDOM:
A great new series just sprung up on Netflix called "House of Cards". 13 episodes paint you a picture of the possible harsh reality of politics in the United States. The main character Kevin Spacey plays a congressman from South Carolina. The story is all about the in's and out's of how politics really works, and the not so law abiding citizens that govern these Unites States. Greed, money and sex fuel the show. Now the creators of the show insist it is extremely accurate to how politics really works. I suggest you watch and judge for yourself. I must warn you however, its addicting.   


Quote of the Day:
  "I did yesterday what they wouldn't. So today I can accomplish what they can't. Boots To Asses."
- Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson


Thanks for reading....see ya real soon