College Basketball is almost here!

What does that mean? Well, for starters that means there is going to be either college football and/or basketball on every damn day of the week! Glorious.

The season kicks off in 2-3 weeks depending on schedules. Yes, that tends to mean weak match ups between D-II schools taking on in-state D-I schools.

Big Ten
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1. Purdue- Robbie Hummel will notch top honors
2. MSU-Ranked in the preseason top 10....again. Let's see if Izzo can deliver.
3. UW- Great backcourt, the loss of Butch will be felt inside though.
4. Minnesota- Two more years and MN will be tops in the Big Ten.
5. OSU-BJ Mullins will be fun to watch, still too many ingredients missing.
6. Iowa- Don't know too much about them this year.
7. Illinois-Webber will start the season on the hot seat. This could be his last season here.
8. Michigan- No hope.
9. NW- Big Ten doormat
10. PSU
11. Indiana- Crean has far too many problems, good riddance.

I think that Purdue will make the Final Four. They are returing all 5 starters from a team that surprised the living hell out of the entire conference, and put them back on the map. Great coach and a supporting cast for the Mr. Clutch (Hummel).

Final Four 2009 (impossible to predict with regions)
Purdue - Louisville - Gonzaga - Oklahoma
Petino delivers Louisville a title.

Best conference: Big East...by far. There is not a conference out there that can compete with this top league. From top to bottom, this is THE best league.

Marquette will have a good showing this year, despite my hatred for them. That could very well change though because my beloved Milwaukee Panthers will be slightly above average this season. With Buzz Williams bringing back McNeal, James, and Mathews the Screamin' Eagles will compete with the UCONN's and Louisville's of the Big East. They came very very close to the elite 8 last season. Buzz is a players coach and he recruited all of these players even while Crean was there. Recruits first fell in love with Buzz, then Crean built of that trust.
1. Louisville
2. UCONN
3. Marquette

As for Milwaukee.... I don't know what to say. The Jeter era has been a disappointment for this Panther fan. Yea-yea, he had a one-and-done appearence in the big dance a couple of years back....with Pearl's team. Make no mistake about it, if Jeter doesn't have a better record this season...he will be given his walking papers. I just don't have anything good to say about the guy's coaching skills. He's a nice guy, hell, I would say "hi" to him on my way to class every day. But he hasn't brought in the kind of players they need. A number of them lack character and Jeter has had his hands full with off the court incidents.
Ricky Franklin will head the charge along with a number of juco transfers. Avery Smith will also return after being kicked of the team. Cleveland State is picked to win the Horizon and thankfully Butler will have a down season. I predict a 4th place finish. UWGB second.

Here's an idea.....

The Milwaukee Brewers should do everything in their powers to court 30 year-old Orlando Hudson. This guy is the type of player who could come on this team and make an immediate impact. He has wheels, fantastic OBP, and a nice bat to go with it. Although there is always concern with his injuries, this is the type of guy that brings a winning attitude to a team the sorely needs a lead-off hitter and a second baseman. The latter of course has improved this past season with Rickie Weeks showing signs of defense. However, Hudson has the experience and athleticism to make a contribution to this otherwise young team.

Look at the numbers...

The guy hit .305 in 107 games, usually batting 3rd in the DBacks lineup in 2008

Career: Orlando is batting an impressive .282 with a .346 OBP (igh), but with an impressive .800+ OPS (yea!). He averages near/around 60 RBI's a season batting near the top/at the top most of his career.

On the negative side, he has only played in more than 145 games in 1 season (2006) since coming to the BIGS in 2002 (Blue Jays).

Defensively, he has far less errors than Weeks but still is prone to them. You will see a 8-11 error season, if that even makes sense (my typing).

Switch Hitter (SOLD!)

3 straight Golden Glove awards ('05-07)

2007 All Star

Ick... 2-11 lifetime at Miller Park.

Me likey.

Brewer Updates

Mat Gamel earned "Topp" honors in being selected as the Topps Minor League Player of the year. This depsite a drastic slip in his batting in the second half. It was his first half of the season that sent shock waves through the minor league ranks.

Joe Dillon is off the 40-man roster to make room for McGehee.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux is being targeted by the Texas Rangers to come on board their coaching staff. If Maddux did jump ship, this could have a slight effect on CC resigning because he connected well with the Mike. That being said, I could imagine the Brewers courting
Carl Willis of the Cleveland Indians. As the pitching coach for the Tribe, he delivered them their first ERA Title since the 90's in 2005. Granted, he's been with the Indian's organization for the past 10 seasons, 5 of those years in his current position. This is the guy who developed CC and helped Cliff Lee reach his prime this past season. He would do wonders for our young pitching staff and help us in the pursuit of resigning CC (which is a long-shot).

Brewers add depth to 3B

Today the Milwaukee Brewers picked up Casey McGehee off of waivers from the Cubs today.

Ken Macha, Milwaukee's new manager!

Tom Haudicourt called it first all along that Ken Macha would be the next manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. In an interview with ESPN AM 540 yesterday Tom etched in stone (basically), saying that all signs point to Macha as the new manager, basically putting his reputation on the line. Take it for what it's worth, as he also said Yost would be fired after the Boston series this past season after citing an unknown blog (badger blog was the name?). All was brought to my attention by the fine gents over at Rightfieldbleachers.com.

Tom has been in Philly and in Tampa during the World Series hanging closely to some credible sources. All signs are pointing to Macha. The announcement could be made as early as tomorrow depending on the outcome of tonights final innings. I think most of the state knew that Macha would be favored as Willie Randolph and Bob Brenly just seemed to be removed from the whole process and used more for the motions of the hiring. Randolph was considered probably due to the minority guidlines in the MLB and Brenly because there tends to be three finalists in most hirings for manager. Why not make things interesting by throwing in the Cubs announcer heh?

Cameron to NY Yankees ?/ Fielder & Braun top-ranked!

NY Post is reporting that the Yanks have interest in Mike Cameron if the Brewers don't keep him. In this story by Jsonline.com, the comments made by readers are actually pretty good. One guy brings up a good point....
Are the Yanks simply playing mind games with the Crew in an attempt to get CC. If the Brewers exercise their option with Mike Cameron, they would lose 10MM that could be used in a CC package. If that's the case....cut your ties with Cameron. Let him go to a team of ego-tistical fruit cakes. The ownership would never stand for his strike outs.

Don't get me wrong, Cameron was a great addition to the team. Besides his high strike out ratio...he did play some good D out in center (aside from the Philly's series). He also hit 20+ homeruns....after missing the first month of the regular season. He's a vet, and the last time I checked the team needs that.

But...if we truly have a shot at CC, the by all means...part ways with him. I know we don't have the deep pockets to compete with the Yanks.

- CC wins another top award, voted for by fans.

- Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun ranked #1 and #5 in a new book being published on MLB's top-young players in the league. I would have thought Prince would be lower than Braun because of his physical shape (i'm one to talk, i know). Baseball analyst Bill James' book has an extensive list under "Young Talent". Evan Longoria (my favorite) is #17. Nonetheless, two Brewer infielders in the top 5.... Flippin' sweet.

1. Prince Fielder, Brewers first baseman, age 24
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins shortstop, age 24
3. Tim Lincecum, Giants pitcher, age 24
4. David Wright, Mets third baseman, age 25
5. Ryan Braun, Brewers leftfielder, age 24
6. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox second baseman, age 24
7. Matt Kemp, Dodgers centerfielder, age 23
8. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels pitcher, age 26
9. Jose Reyes, Mets shortstop, age 25
10. Nick Markakis, Orioles rightfielder, age 24
11. Joakim Soria, Royals pitcher, age 24
12. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals third baseman, age 23
13. Cole Hamels, Phillies pitcher, age 24
14. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies shortstop, age 23
15. Felix Hernandez, Mariners pitcher, age 22
16. Jon Lester, Red Sox pitcher, age 24
17. Evan Longoria, Rays third baseman, age 22
18. John Danks, White Sox pitcher, age 23
19. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres first baseman, age 26
20. James Loney, Dodgers first baseman, age 24
21. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks shortstop, age 25
22. Brian McCann, Braves catcher, age 24
23. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers first baseman, age 25
24. Grady Sizemore, Indians centerfielder, age 25
25. Joey Votto, Reds first baseman, age 24

-Jersey guy fan of Brewers...here is his take....sort of pointless, but passes time.

Brewer News

Ken Macha (pictured)

I'm already going through withdrawal here. So here is some fix for ya.

This came as a bit of surprise to me. Jack Zduriencik took the GM job in Seattle and beat out 3 other highly recognizeable candidates. This surpised me because Jack was the last of the group to be considered for the position. That being said, he is certainly due for this step up and he will do some great things for that club. Milwaukee will immediately begin their search for a replacement and rumor has it that an internal candidate is being considered already. Melvin had to have known that this day would come.

CC Sabathia earned the top team awards today for the Brewers organization. Most noteworthy being the team MVP. He certainly deserves it and hopefully this last get-to-gether with his teammates will help him with his decision making that looms in the horizon. We will see if he can take either the MVP or CY Young award.

***This just in....

CC Sabathia just earned Player of the Year honors from my favorite publication, Baseball America. Check out this link.

Chicago Tribune is wondering who would replace Brenly if he were to go to Milwaukee. Apparently he is considered the best TV analyst in that market.

The Crew has now interviewed (that the public knows of):
William Randolph Anyone who throws out the race card with no evidence is not of interest to me. Keep in mind though....he had a laid-back approach in NY. Which is bad...but with that clubhouse full of ego's....one can't blame him for taking it easy.
Bob Brenly (more here) Interesting...he was most critical of the Brewers then the teams faced off. Then again, it's an analyst job for TV...tell the fans what they want to hear.
Macha
Sveum (out)
anyone I'm missing?

Now, if Valentine doesn't show interest...I would go with Macha. Good reasons why I like him, thanks to Rightfieldbleachers.com

In other news...apparently Jake Peavy is a dueche bag and doesn't want to play in Milwaukee. That's okay though. We don't want another Ben Sheets!

Brewer Rumors

Hi. Haven't had much time to update the blog in the past two weeks. Partly because there hasn't been much news that's worthy of mentioning.

Now there is...

GM Doug Melvin has a "short list" of manager candidates in addition to Dale Sveum. I feel that he is not completely sold on Dale and wants to explore all of his options, this according to Haudicourt. He would be foolish not to meet with other candidates.

Bobby Valentine was on that list and I believe he would be best for this position. He has been in Japan coaching a team in their pro league the past couple of years. Keep in mind that his success with the NY Mets in the later part of the 90's and 2000 should be noted. He took a team of nobody's and turned them around in to winning the NL pennant in 2000, where they lost to the Yanks in the Subway Series and also a wild card birth in 1999. He even has "turn-around" success in the Japanese League in the mid-90's and the past two years with the Marines (Japanese team), until he was canned due to a vendetta with the ownership. The crazy kook was so confident in his championship Japanese team...that he called for a final "World" series with the 2005 White Sox to see who would rule the Baseball World. (all this pointed out by wiki). He could have some consideration by the Mets too, as that was his pride & joy in coaching. He did some great things for that club. He surely has my vote. Sorry Dale. You can go back to coaching 1st or 3rd though!

The Crew needs a go-getter who won't be afraid to challenge management, the GM, and even his own players. My vote is for Bobby Valentine. My "what the hell are you thinking" vote goes to Willie Randolph. He is a twit who likes approach coaching by sitting on his ass and giving weird facial expressions. Oh, and throwing out the occasional race-card (see start of 2008 season). He's a hack.

______________________

In news that should concern the Brewers scouting operations, the brains behind the scene Jack Zduriencik is closing in on the GM spot for the M's. He is the one who has delivered us the likes of Ryan Braun, Matt LaPorta, Prince Fielder, and Yovanni Gallardo to say a few. This could have serious long-term effects on the Brewer farm system. There's no replacing this man.

Astros still sour about their Cub game at Miller Park

Brandon Backe, RHP for the Houston Astros still angry.

Suppan Flops - Brewers dream season comes to end

Well, having attened the two home games I can honestly tell you that I had the time of my life. The overall atmosphere was like none other. Below is a list of things I did like and did NOT like during the post season.

Did NOT like:

1. CC pinch hitting/Sveum throwing in the towell

2. Corey Hart sucking big time

3. Rickie Weeks in the starting line up.

4. Jeff Supan proving to me that he is a bust

5. Braun and Fielder's quiet first two games

6. Mike Cameron's fielding in the first two games

7. Cheap thundersticks give-away at the door yesterday

8. Seeing deuche bags wear their Packer garb rather than dishing out $10 for a brewer shirt

9. Dude with the cowbell in my section. What is this...high school football? You really think that by sitting in 400's (section) that you will bring the fans to their feet and spark a burst of energy with the prolific banging of your make-shift cowbell? You really think that? Besides, that is pretty old school if you are just now coming in to the cow bell phase. Will Ferrel has come and gone, you are the one, my friend, living in the past where you think he is still funny. Next time, keep your stupid cow bell at home or I will piss on my hand and walk up to you and bitch slap you. You pathetic, obnoxious, twirp.

10. Ben Sheets: done for the season. You're not an ace anymore, nor have you been. You should open your eyes and realize that you could be a great closer.

Things I liked:

1. Going to a game at Miller Park in October!

2. Seeing JJ Hardy try to carry this team on his back. He is the real deal.

3. The fan support in Milwaukee was unreal. The park was actually shaking. A couple in front of some friends of mine had to go to first aid to get cotton balls put in their baby's ears.

4. Bob Uecker throwing out the first pitch on Saturday. Bud Selig (saved Milwaukee baseball) throwing out Sunday's game.

5. Yovanni pitching his brains out. Had it not been for a couple of errors (Camerson's should've been an error) we would've been in Game 1. He was lights out, despite having missed the season. First pitcher in major league history to start game 1 in the post season with only 2 starts in the season.

6. The Bullpen bailed us out a lot this series. Granted, they didn't deliver us a come from behind win, but they kept us in it...with in 3 or 4 runs most of the games. Gagne did redeem himself for at least one month of bullshit play.

7. Torres coming in and notching the first post-season save for Milwaukee in 26 years. He kept his cool and didn't crap the bed. He has been a godsend for this club.

8. Sveum and Yount together in the dug out. Granted, I will be the first one to tell you I hate the '82 throwback crap. Get off it. But I did like seeing these two together in the dugout.

9. The vendors at Miller Park. The beer man in my section was always near. After shelling out $80.00 for my old man and I to chug beers, I can say that was money well spent. Also, I noticed looking around the park in between innings that their were the bright lime green shirts speckeled through out the stands. Each section had at least 4 vendors on each aisle, readily available for any transactions. I notice this type of stuff having worked in the service industry. In my book, Miller Park was a great host to the fans of Milwaukee and Philly.

10. Geoff Jenkins get a standing ovation when he had an at-bat on Saturday. He deserves it.

I spent roughly $1,200.00 on tickets, consessions, parking, gas, and beer over the weekend. That is ridiculous...however, I had a great time enjoying October baseball in the city that I absolutey love. I only wish that I will be able to bring my son to a playoff game at Miller Park in the future. I was lucky enough to go to Saturdays game with my brother and dad, and then my wife (Kelly) on Sunday. It was a good time. Would've been better if the Badgers pulled out a win on Saturday. The entire Miller Park parking lot had their tailgates open and the Badger game blaring.

Things I hope to see next year:

1. CC Sabathia. Offer him some significant ownership and nice deal. C'mon Mark!

2. Sheets being brought back as a closer

3. Hall and Weeks gone....gone baby gone

4. Hart in center and one of the young guns in right.

5. Kendall taking some time off during the season. Rivera traded. And Solome back-up catching.

6. Hart shaving his weird beard.

7. Fielder having a strong season, all 6 months.

8. If we lose CC (good chance), we bring in a bonified ace to replace him. Yovanni is good, but not great.

9. Cappy coming back and making an impact

10. Kapler coming back.

Congrats to Philly. They were the better team and they beat us in a way that didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. We out lasted the Cubs....that made my night complete on Saturday! I hate Chicago. This week I will give final grades on everything Brewers.

Brewers Strike Back

Finally, the Milwaukee Brewers bats came alive last night and it ultimately led to a victory. All you need to do is be patient at the plate and hit the damn ball. They did just that.

Dave Bush (MVP if you ask me) pitched the best game of his career. He was sturdy the entire performance, never letting the elements get the best of him. Despite a loud and wild Milwaukee crowd cheering his every pitch he kept his head in the game and delivered an excellent performance. Melvin certainly saw something in this studios kid that other teams, including the Jays, didn't see. He has been very reliable down the regular season stretch.
In the five innings that Bushy pitched, he gave up only 5.1 hits and 1 earned run with 3 strikeouts. The defense assisted in the cause and should be highly credited for their showing.

Offensively, their charge was led by JJ Hardy who went 3 for 4. No where to be found was the Braun-Fielder show. In fact, both went silent at the plate with only Fielder reaching base on a walk once. The supporting cast was the factor last night. Even Corey Hart (shmuck) played decently.

Well... I went to last nights game and am going to head down there right now for todays game. Can't wait.

More thoughts....and links to stories....

Okay.... I have cooled off a bit. I am still holding on to hope that CC will pitch game 5. I don't want to believe that last nights below average performance was the last I would see of him in Navy and white.

So...

Why isn't Jeff Supan pitching tomorrow in game 3? I mean, isn't this the whole reason why we signed this guy? He did indeed earn MVP in a post season series, did he not? Hmmm. Well, it could be that the club has finally come to terms that he is not the guy they had hoped for during Christmas in 2006. Although he is a good humanbeing....he just doesn't have the same consistancy he once had in St. Louis and KC. Too bad.

So...

Dave Bush will get the nod. This Wake Forest alumni will be tasked with the most important duty in the Brewers 26 year history. He will be given the job of saving the Brewers and delivering their first post-season win in 26 years. Something tells me that he may up for it. In fact, I have a gut feeling that he will be lights out. Keep in mind here people, had it not been for those couple of horrid innings CC and Yovanni had, we could be in a different situation here. Really. Their bats have been better than ours. The only difference is that our hits have come late and not amounted in anything (that being a win). They have been timely, even late - clutch hits...but they didn't amount to much.

So...

Where are the homeruns? I mean holy balls. They have to erupt on Saturday playing in a controled climate, no swirling eddies out in Rightfield, and no rain coming down on their bats. The elements will all be under wraps and the Brewers will have to make Philly pay for their ass-whipping they bestowed on them only days prior. Call me crazy....the bats will come alive tomorrow.

In other interesting news..

The Cubs suck in the post-season! I mean, are the Dodgers that much better than the Phillies? No. Yet the Crew has only lost by 3 runs each game on the road. While the Cubs have been just crushed at Wrigley. I love it. I hate the Cubs. Even if they "helped" us the last week. Hate them.

Ending on a happy note.......... This makes me proud to have lived in Milwaukee.

Lack of hitting dooms Crew / Hart continues to suck

Good News.... The Cubs continue to choke and keep the excellent tradition alive. Isn't this supposed to be the year? You chokes. I hate you flatlanders more than I hate Corey Hart.

CC Sabathia had to pitch 3 games, all of which on 3 days rest. So when I saw him struggle early and often in last nights game, I sort of made up excuses for the guy. I figure hey, the guy delivered us here. He literally scooped up the entire club and plopped us down at the steps of Philly. I think at that point he thought it was time for some help. That help never came.

The first two games of the series were a complete debacle at the plate. On the mound, Wednesday was pretty damn solid all around. Despite Yovanni's 3rd inning struggles, the bullpen held the game together and kept the Brewers in it. Even last night, once CC left the game the Brewer bullpen kept us close. They are probably thinking to themselves:
"Hey guys, you told we had better show if we make it to the post season...well we're here...where the F*** are you?"
Cheesy? Yes. But probably their thoughts? One can only assume.

Corey Hart has been a burden on this club ever since the Midwest flight landed in Philly on Tuesday. Despite making some significant catches in the outfield, the lack of hitting and his chronic-swinging at the very first pitch has screwed the club over in so many way. Most noteworthy being last night. The bases are loaded and the Brewers have 1 out. Brett Myers knows in his head that this prick (Hart) is going to swing at the first pitch....I mean, the lame-ass did it a couple of times the night before against Hammels....right? Well, if only Vegas oddsmakers could've acted a little quicker they could've had made some killer cash on that call....that call being Hart swinging in to a double-f******play off the first pitch he sees and grounds out. Only after the Brewers gain first momentum with a free-pass that led to walking in a run. From that point on, the Brewer bats should have been more patient than John McCain in a Hanoi Hilton. Instead, the likes of Corey Hart completly defy reason (baseball's logic) and decides to go after the first F****** pitch.

He sucks. I could give two shits about how great he was in the first half. That's like some highschool virgin banging his first girl and blowing it 5 seconds in to the ordeal. He didn't seal the F****** deal and couldn't close. He was a non-closer. That's sort of what Corey Hart is. Mind you Brewer fans....this is the same prick who whined like a little bitch because Milwaukee's fan base were booing the team at every chance they got. Well....don't F up then you son of a bitch.
-You may be a great base runner
-You may have had a stellar first half
-You may be an All Star, thanks to the fans of Milwaukee
-You may have a semi-decent arm out there in right
+ But you suck when it counts most. You funny-looking turd.

Now on another turd....Rickie F'n Weeks.

Thumbs down to Sveum who decided it would be a good move to have him in the starting line up on Wednesday. Holy Balls.....WTF. Then to see the guy unable to catch a routine throw-out covering first made me whip my baseball cap at my TV. The god damn ball hit the palm of the mit. The palm. That's like kicking someone in the balls and making contact with one, or the other, or even both testies...but missing all together. Billy Hall should also be tea-bagged for bobbling the double play to begin with.

Then there was Mike Cameron...you know, the 3-time Gold Glover out in center who has been great most of the season for us. Well, he decides to play center like a little leaguer, completely misjudging routine fly balls and having to make up ground. Then, to blame it on the wind?!?!?! How long have you been doing this for? Last nights game was the worse play. Although there was wind (note to John Smoltz...look at the flags you dope), Cameron again misjudged a ball that resulted in another double for some dueche bag named Wirth. Shane Vicotino would have surely caught both of the balls. This isn't the first time you have done this...I still like you though...anyone who goes hard over 20 times in a season, and missing a month, is a stud in my book.

So, to sum it up....the three (make it four w/ Cameron) dueche bags who lost the last two games for us are the following:
1. Hart
2. Weeks
3. Hall
4. Cameron

Now for the positive side of things.....

I hate to reference 1982....but the Brewers did go down by 2 games, only to come back and defeat the Angels in the ALCS. Of course there a number of differnces here, but my point is this...we have two more home games before we back out to Philly for the capper. We could easily pull off two wins against the chodes. Why? Well, they have had difficulty hitting as well. They should have beaten the Brewers by a combined 10 runs (AT LEAST) in the last two games, due to our lack of hitting. Instead they pull off close 3-run wins? Forget about it. These pricks are surely beatable. And their 'pen isn't much to write home about.

Bushy will have to pitch the game of his career. Prince will have to hit in clutch situations. Braun will have to more aggressive on the bases (that hurt last night!). And the vets will have to step up. Durham has already.....now where are you Cam, Counsell, and Kendall? Most of the named have been in the World Series at one time or the other....are you just too old to hit? C'mon.

We WILL WIN game 3 tomorrow. I have money on it. This is a for sure bet and I can assure you that the Crew will pull off a win. We're down...but not out.