We've now had one game to declare winners and losers in the big offseason Johnny Estrada for Guillermo Mota trade...seems reasonable to me. Let's take a look at the winner:
Brewers - Mota pitched a perfect 8th inning, striking out 2, in a scoreless game. The Brewers also got generally athletic play behind the plate from Jason Kendall, including the one-man rundown of Kosuke Fukudome at 2B. Do we really think that Johnny Estrada could ever complete a one-man rundown like that? I'm going to say highly unlikely. Addition by addition and addition by subtraction, all in one trade? Too good to be true?
And that means the loser was:
Mets - **crickets** **crickets** **crickets**
I think that this trade still has the potential to help either team at this point, but right now the clear edge goes to the Brewers. Well done Doug Melvin.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Early Reviews
Well, the newly re-made Brewers bullpen was 75% solid today.
Unfortunately, the 25% non-solid component was the closer. Luckily the Cubs new closer was similarly brutal.
It was nice to see a Brewers comeback in response to the Cubs comeback (small ball? really?) and other than Gagne's little gaffe at not covering first base the new defense seemed solid too. Perhaps Goldy will have to remove the "not clutch" tag from Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart continues to be unquestionably clutch.
Fukudome will not get on base tomorrow. Guaranteed.
Unfortunately, the 25% non-solid component was the closer. Luckily the Cubs new closer was similarly brutal.
It was nice to see a Brewers comeback in response to the Cubs comeback (small ball? really?) and other than Gagne's little gaffe at not covering first base the new defense seemed solid too. Perhaps Goldy will have to remove the "not clutch" tag from Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart continues to be unquestionably clutch.
Fukudome will not get on base tomorrow. Guaranteed.
Game On?
If they do get this game in today (and my radio just told me they're going to start at 2 p.m.), look for Carlos Zambrano to be tough today.
He's well rested.
By the way, this is perfect "Ben-Sheets-Muscle-Pulling" weather if this one does go off as planned.
He's well rested.
By the way, this is perfect "Ben-Sheets-Muscle-Pulling" weather if this one does go off as planned.
Game On?
Is anyone reading this in Chicago right now? If so, does it look like this?
-----Update-----
The rain should clear, and the season is almost under way. Yost just said "losing Coredero will have no impact...," and "Our rotation is strong and durable." Oh, and Kendall is batting 9th with the dangerous Ben Sheets 8th. Off to a good start already Ned.
-----Update-----
The rain should clear, and the season is almost under way. Yost just said "losing Coredero will have no impact...," and "Our rotation is strong and durable." Oh, and Kendall is batting 9th with the dangerous Ben Sheets 8th. Off to a good start already Ned.
ESPN "Experts" Picks
The "Experts" at ESPN have weighted in on their predictions. This is always worth a look to see how much homerism was on display (I.E. Kruck = Phillies, Gammons = Boston, Phillips = Mets). It actually wasn't too bad this year...except for Steve Phillips. Of the 19 "experts," only Pedro Gomez and Nate Ravitz (who?) picked the Brewers to win the Central. The average win total for Milwaukee is 86 games.
Yost Likes To Say The Word "Braunie"
"They're going to pitch around Prince because of the intimidation factor," explained Yost. "Then they're going to get to Braunie. If Braunie stays in his game, (projected No. 5 hitter) Corey Hart is going to have a hell of a year.
"We've talked about it. The key is Braunie being selective. Because if he's not, I've got to change the order and put him in front of Prince."
"He came out of his game," Yost said. "When they were careful and pitched around Prince, they'd get to Braunie and he'd say, 'OK, I've got to go now.' Braunie's struggles in that area were self-inflicted. He was trying to do too much in those situations.
"The league never made an adjustment to Ryan Braun last year. When Braunie got in little funks, it was because he got overanxious and came out of his approach. When he stayed in his approach, they couldn't do much with him."
"We've talked about it. The key is Braunie being selective. Because if he's not, I've got to change the order and put him in front of Prince."
"He came out of his game," Yost said. "When they were careful and pitched around Prince, they'd get to Braunie and he'd say, 'OK, I've got to go now.' Braunie's struggles in that area were self-inflicted. He was trying to do too much in those situations.
"The league never made an adjustment to Ryan Braun last year. When Braunie got in little funks, it was because he got overanxious and came out of his approach. When he stayed in his approach, they couldn't do much with him."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
2008 Milwaukee Brewers Preview
There isn't a single WI sports fan who shouldn't be legitimately excited for tomorrow's first Brewer game. Both state basketball schools recently suffered tough losses to end their seasons, the Bucks completely suck, and all of a sudden the Packers can't win a home playoff game anymore and Brett Favre is retired. Couple that with the fact that team officials are predicting 3 million in attendance this year for the Crew, there is a lot of indirect pressure for this team to succeed this year. By succeed, I mean make the playoffs.
You've read some of the media predictions on this site before. Everybody is predicting Cubs, Cubs, Cubs. I won't/can't argue that. What I do know is that the Brewers are going to win a lot too, and all you can ask for is to be ahead or close the last two weeks of the season when we play the Cubs 6 times in the last 12 games. The stat geeks over at Baseball Prospectus basically are stating the Central is a two-horse race, with a shot that the other team gets the wild card. F it. I'll take either.
At the end of last season on my old site I did a review of 2007/preview of 2008, where I went on the record and stated that barring injuries, the Crew will win 91 games. I am going to stand by that prediction. Of all the weak areas they had going into the offseason (LF, CF, bullpen) it's safe to say the gaps have been filled. Let me ask two questions:
-Would you rather have Ryan Braun or Geoff Jenkins playing LF?
-Would you rather have Mike Cameron or Bill Hall playing CF?
Those questions answer themselves.
Now, our very own Brewer Hater Brad stated in his NL Central Preview that there are too many guys in the bullpen that can't be trusted. I reject that viewpoint. I actually consider the bullpen to be the main strength (besides the offense's ability to flat out hit bombs) of this team. I feel a lot more comfortable with veterans like David Riske, Saloman Torres, & Guillermo Mota than Ray King, Matt Wise, & Chris Spurling. I understand everybody's apprehensiveness towards Eric Gagne...I really do. But don't you think that if Mike Maddox can get good seasons out of Mike DeJean, Dan Kolb, & Derrick Turnblow, he can get a quality season out of a former Cy Young Winner? I'm betting on Maddox.
As far as starting pitching goes, the rotation is playing out the way I've stated and have wanted it too. But again, it all goes back to Sheets. If he gets his 34 starts...look out. If he goes for 20 and battles an ongoing case of I'maPussyitis again, then we'll be around 83 or 84 wins again. This is his last year as a Brewer, so I'm banking on something big from him.
We all know the rest of the story. The team is going to hit bombs. Offense won't be a problem. Both Prince & Braun are probably going to hit 50. Corey Hart might get to 30 but then there are 3-4 other guys who will be between 20-25 (JJ, Rickie, Hall, & possibly Cameron). There are no platoons. Each position guy is expected to play 150 games barring injuring (except Cameron & Kendall). Braun and JJ are in a race to see who can bag the first 100 cougars. The foundation for a great season has been set.
So there it is: a 91 win season. Labeled with the Woz Guarantee, it's a can't miss. But just to show I'm serious about this finally being the year we break the playoff slump, I'm willing to go a little extra. The beard will be making a comeback. I've already got two weeks of disgusting growth going already. To show my support, the beard will remain until one of the following two events occurs:
-The Brewers sweep a series
-They go 10 games above .500
I expect to be shaving before opening day at Miller. Considering this is what I looked like last year during a similar situation, the sooner the better.
Great 8
While watching the Great 8 I saw teams representing the Big-12, Pac-10, Big East, ACC, Atlantic-10, C-USA, and even the Southern Conference. But none from the Big-11. Hmm, that's weird. At least Michigan State looked good.
Full recap of Detroit happenings coming soon. Teaser: Larry McCarren can pound beers.
Full recap of Detroit happenings coming soon. Teaser: Larry McCarren can pound beers.
Friday, March 28, 2008
NL Central Preview: Chicago Cubs
As a reminder, for my NL Central preview I've scoured the interweb, and found a couple of fan comments about their particular team that I think are fairly representative of what each team's fans think of their prospects this season.
These were gathered mostly from the comment section that most websites now include with their stories (ESPN.com, Fox Sports, etc.) Please remember that any spelling errors or other ridiculous statemens are not mine - they come straight from fan comments.
Next up is the Chicago Cubs:
dacubbies112
do you know what is sad?....no matter how much the cubs lose, we will still be more popular and beloved than the brewers or cards. but there is one difference this year-we are the reigning nl central champs. try and come up with 5 better teams than the cubs in the nl cuz you wont. we have a stacked lineup now with the addition of fukudome and if somebody can step up to be a decent 5th starter then well repeat this year.
illinifaniwek
Who else has the roster to even compete with them in the Central? An ESPN poll placed the Cubs as the second most likely team to run away with the division. Of course, that means very little, but it does show that the Cubs are the favorites to win the Central. I guess if I had to pick a second it would be the Reds, then Cards, Brewers, Pirates and Astros. Can't wait for baseball to start, so I can forget about Duh Bulls and the Illini's pathetic seasons. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the Astros LOSE 100+ games.
Hoss3138
For all of those bashing the Cub fans, try and walk in our shoes for one day. There is NO other feeling like being a Cub fan. Following a team year after winless year to the tune of an entire century can leave a few people bitter. We got to watch as our grandfathers suffered let down, our fathers, and now us. Forgive us if we're not following your definition of baseball etiquette.
pyite75
You brewer fans can bash the Cubs all you want.You can say they choked,But come on who really choked.The brewers are the ones that choked down the stretch and gift wrapped the division for the cubs.I would rather see my team get a little more playoff experience then lay a big BLEEP down the stretch.When was the last time the brewers made the playoffs?Thats what I thought.All they have done is sign a bunch of ok players and somehow managed to BLEEP off there best player.So bash the cubs all you want,but you might want to take a look in that first base dugout at Miller Park before you start hateing on a team that was better than you last year.GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!
JA Adande
the cubs will win 90--they are a better team than last year, so its not out of the question to think they can win a couple more games. as much as i would like to think theyll win it all this year, its probably not going to happen. as kurkjian said, they have one number 1 pitcher, and four number 4's. dempster will be adequate, and if they sign marquis to one month contracts then maybe hell be good for a whole season! otherwise, come july he's gonna be terrible, as usual. they really should have gone with lieber over marquis. id say if they get brian roberts soon, and can nab another starting pitcher down the stretch then they have a good shot at being in world series contention. but as of right now, theyre 2 men short.
In summary....Jesus how to summarize this ridiculousness? I think in sum, Cubs fans think their team is one of the 5 best in the NL (might not be far off there), they can't help but rip on the Brewers and their fans at every opportunity (appreciate the concern, guys), they're loved even if they lose (get over it already), and you wouldn't want to walk in the shoes of a third generation Cubs fan (no argument there) and they probably won't win the World Series (unless they get Brian Roberts).
These were gathered mostly from the comment section that most websites now include with their stories (ESPN.com, Fox Sports, etc.) Please remember that any spelling errors or other ridiculous statemens are not mine - they come straight from fan comments.
Next up is the Chicago Cubs:
dacubbies112
do you know what is sad?....no matter how much the cubs lose, we will still be more popular and beloved than the brewers or cards. but there is one difference this year-we are the reigning nl central champs. try and come up with 5 better teams than the cubs in the nl cuz you wont. we have a stacked lineup now with the addition of fukudome and if somebody can step up to be a decent 5th starter then well repeat this year.
illinifaniwek
Who else has the roster to even compete with them in the Central? An ESPN poll placed the Cubs as the second most likely team to run away with the division. Of course, that means very little, but it does show that the Cubs are the favorites to win the Central. I guess if I had to pick a second it would be the Reds, then Cards, Brewers, Pirates and Astros. Can't wait for baseball to start, so I can forget about Duh Bulls and the Illini's pathetic seasons. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the Astros LOSE 100+ games.
Hoss3138
For all of those bashing the Cub fans, try and walk in our shoes for one day. There is NO other feeling like being a Cub fan. Following a team year after winless year to the tune of an entire century can leave a few people bitter. We got to watch as our grandfathers suffered let down, our fathers, and now us. Forgive us if we're not following your definition of baseball etiquette.
pyite75
You brewer fans can bash the Cubs all you want.You can say they choked,But come on who really choked.The brewers are the ones that choked down the stretch and gift wrapped the division for the cubs.I would rather see my team get a little more playoff experience then lay a big BLEEP down the stretch.When was the last time the brewers made the playoffs?Thats what I thought.All they have done is sign a bunch of ok players and somehow managed to BLEEP off there best player.So bash the cubs all you want,but you might want to take a look in that first base dugout at Miller Park before you start hateing on a team that was better than you last year.GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!
JA Adande
the cubs will win 90--they are a better team than last year, so its not out of the question to think they can win a couple more games. as much as i would like to think theyll win it all this year, its probably not going to happen. as kurkjian said, they have one number 1 pitcher, and four number 4's. dempster will be adequate, and if they sign marquis to one month contracts then maybe hell be good for a whole season! otherwise, come july he's gonna be terrible, as usual. they really should have gone with lieber over marquis. id say if they get brian roberts soon, and can nab another starting pitcher down the stretch then they have a good shot at being in world series contention. but as of right now, theyre 2 men short.
In summary....Jesus how to summarize this ridiculousness? I think in sum, Cubs fans think their team is one of the 5 best in the NL (might not be far off there), they can't help but rip on the Brewers and their fans at every opportunity (appreciate the concern, guys), they're loved even if they lose (get over it already), and you wouldn't want to walk in the shoes of a third generation Cubs fan (no argument there) and they probably won't win the World Series (unless they get Brian Roberts).
Projected Batting Order
Based on everything I've been reading, it looks like the following is going to be your Milwaukee Brewers batting order (when Cameron's greenies suspension is over).
2B - Rickie Weeks
CF - Mike Cameron
1B - Prince Fielder
LF - Ryan Braun
3B - Bill Hall
RF - Corey Hart
SS - JJ Hardy
P
C - Jason Kendall
When Kendall isn't playing, the catcher will hit 8th. When Cameron isn't playing, it looks like Ned is leaning towards batting Hardy 2nd and the Gwynn/Kapler platoon (Kaplynn? - eveyone always comes up with a stupid name for those platoons) 7th.
Personally, I hate having Hall bat 5th, and think Hart will be hitting there before long. Those guys are both streaky hitters (although Hall streaked to the toilet all of year last year) so I could see that one switching quite often this year. Also not sold on the catcher hitting 9th theory - does Ned just do this to make all of the Ned haters furious? I'm OK with Braun hitting 4th, but could see that one flip-flopped too with Prince hitting cleanup based on how these guys start out of the gates. It hasn't hurt Braun any in Spring Training to hit 4th, that's for sure.
2B - Rickie Weeks
CF - Mike Cameron
1B - Prince Fielder
LF - Ryan Braun
3B - Bill Hall
RF - Corey Hart
SS - JJ Hardy
P
C - Jason Kendall
When Kendall isn't playing, the catcher will hit 8th. When Cameron isn't playing, it looks like Ned is leaning towards batting Hardy 2nd and the Gwynn/Kapler platoon (Kaplynn? - eveyone always comes up with a stupid name for those platoons) 7th.
Personally, I hate having Hall bat 5th, and think Hart will be hitting there before long. Those guys are both streaky hitters (although Hall streaked to the toilet all of year last year) so I could see that one switching quite often this year. Also not sold on the catcher hitting 9th theory - does Ned just do this to make all of the Ned haters furious? I'm OK with Braun hitting 4th, but could see that one flip-flopped too with Prince hitting cleanup based on how these guys start out of the gates. It hasn't hurt Braun any in Spring Training to hit 4th, that's for sure.
Just One More Cubs World Series Prediction
Yet another scribe predicting the Cubs in the World Series. This guy also thinks the Mets are going to somehow finish third in the NL East...not so sure about that one either.
I'm really enjoying all of these Cubs World Series predictions....what's the saying, the bigger they are, the harder they fall?
I'm really enjoying all of these Cubs World Series predictions....what's the saying, the bigger they are, the harder they fall?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
GCHO Update
Before the Sweet Sixteen tips off tonight, I figured I would give a quick update on the Second Annual Greater Chuckie Hacks Open. As always, full standings can be viewed here. Note: the above image is in honor of our current second place competitor, the Frito Bandito!
1. Goldy - 98 points (38 out of 48 correct)
2. Tony K. - 96 points (36 correct)
3. Joel C. - 94 points (37 correct)
3. Charlie D. - 94 points (35 correct)
3. Michael U. - 94 points (35 correct)
Best Possible Score
- Charlie D. 206
- Goldy 204
- Mike U. 200
- Rich H. 200
- Matt M. 198
- Tony M. 196
- Lindsay C. 196
1. Goldy - 98 points (38 out of 48 correct)
2. Tony K. - 96 points (36 correct)
3. Joel C. - 94 points (37 correct)
3. Charlie D. - 94 points (35 correct)
3. Michael U. - 94 points (35 correct)
Best Possible Score
- Charlie D. 206
- Goldy 204
- Mike U. 200
- Rich H. 200
- Matt M. 198
- Tony M. 196
- Lindsay C. 196
Yet Another Cubs World Series Prediction
We all know by now that nobody thinks the Brewers will win the NL Central this year. Brad included.
Now even the fantasy baseball nerds are getting into the prediction business...here's what Eric Karabell says about the Brewers' chances of winning the division (in the guise of reviewing Eric Gagne's fantasy-worthiness as a closer):
25. Eric Gagne, Brewers: I could see him pitching well for his latest team, but I still have concerns about how his arm will feel in the second half of the season. All closers deserve attention in fantasy, even the bad and the brittle, and Gagne is a decent sleeper if he can keep his arm intact. I'll predict 22 saves, and Derrick Turnbow is a constant free agent pickup (and drop) the first three months of the season. Then Turnbow gets his chance, walks the ballpark and cedes the role to the one guy here with the long-term deal, David Riske. He ends up with 13 saves down the stretch as the Brewers can't make up the September double-digit deficit to the Cubs.
Next in line: Derrick Turnbow
Stealth guy: David Riske
Also worth noting - Karabell is predicting the Cubs to represent the NL in the World Series...also in the guise of reviewing Kerry Wood's fantasy-worthiness at closer.
27. Kerry Wood, Cubs: In a perfect world, the Cubs would win the World Series and Wood would get the last out. Well, I think the Cubs are going to represent the NL in the fall classic, but Carlos Marmol will be the one getting that final out. There's no way I can call Rich Harden a sell-high guy after his shutdown performance against the Red Sox in Japan and recommend Wood. Injuries will derail them both. Even the most optimistic among us have to question whether Wood will be able to pitch back-to-back days as the season progresses. I give Wood 16 saves but Marmol 20. And Bobby Howry gets one. One lonely save.
Next in line: Carlos Marmol
Stealth guy: Michael Wuertz
Now even the fantasy baseball nerds are getting into the prediction business...here's what Eric Karabell says about the Brewers' chances of winning the division (in the guise of reviewing Eric Gagne's fantasy-worthiness as a closer):
25. Eric Gagne, Brewers: I could see him pitching well for his latest team, but I still have concerns about how his arm will feel in the second half of the season. All closers deserve attention in fantasy, even the bad and the brittle, and Gagne is a decent sleeper if he can keep his arm intact. I'll predict 22 saves, and Derrick Turnbow is a constant free agent pickup (and drop) the first three months of the season. Then Turnbow gets his chance, walks the ballpark and cedes the role to the one guy here with the long-term deal, David Riske. He ends up with 13 saves down the stretch as the Brewers can't make up the September double-digit deficit to the Cubs.
Next in line: Derrick Turnbow
Stealth guy: David Riske
Also worth noting - Karabell is predicting the Cubs to represent the NL in the World Series...also in the guise of reviewing Kerry Wood's fantasy-worthiness at closer.
27. Kerry Wood, Cubs: In a perfect world, the Cubs would win the World Series and Wood would get the last out. Well, I think the Cubs are going to represent the NL in the fall classic, but Carlos Marmol will be the one getting that final out. There's no way I can call Rich Harden a sell-high guy after his shutdown performance against the Red Sox in Japan and recommend Wood. Injuries will derail them both. Even the most optimistic among us have to question whether Wood will be able to pitch back-to-back days as the season progresses. I give Wood 16 saves but Marmol 20. And Bobby Howry gets one. One lonely save.
Next in line: Carlos Marmol
Stealth guy: Michael Wuertz
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
NL Central Preview: Houston Astros
My NL Central preview is going to be a little bit different from your typical preview. Let's be honest - nobody wants to hear what I think about the division.
Instead, I've scoured the interweb, and found a couple of fan comments about their particular team that I think are fairly representative of what each team's fans think of their prospects this season. These were gathered mostly from the comment section that most websites now include with their stories (ESPN.com, Fox Sports, etc.)
Please remember that any spelling errors or other ridiculous statemens are not mine - they come straight from fan comments.
First up is the Houston Astros...without further adieu:
oldoug
The Stros hit the offseason needing to add starting pitching. Instead, they sacrificed defense and gutted a week farm system to add offense. Their ruling troika of McLane, Smith, and Wade have set the team back many years, and they will join the once proud Cardinals in fighting off the Pirates for fourth. The only hope of improving is for McLane to ignore Selig's slotting money in the draft, trust their scouts, and sign the best available players for the future. Definitely need Pence, Bourn, and Towles to come through, though the latter two are definitely lacking in experience. Will still be cheering them, but don't have high expectations.
p_rez
I know I was one of the first to start worring about all the players (prospects/starters) GM Ed Wade was sending away. It was an all too familiar site for me as Astro's fan. There was a time that I started to accept the fact that we had to just start over and rebuild from the ground up. I figured we would have to wait years and years for another contending team. To my surprise Ed Wade started to add peices to this broken puzzle. Unfortunatley, in my opionion, it still isn't enough. We still need a quality number 2 pitcher to help out the Wizard. One Ace and a mediocre pitching staff is not going to cut it. The Astro's are going to have to rely on there offense to out score their opponents. There is no other way I see it as of now..........
In summary, no farm system and no pitching means it's going to be a long season for Astros fans.
Instead, I've scoured the interweb, and found a couple of fan comments about their particular team that I think are fairly representative of what each team's fans think of their prospects this season. These were gathered mostly from the comment section that most websites now include with their stories (ESPN.com, Fox Sports, etc.)
Please remember that any spelling errors or other ridiculous statemens are not mine - they come straight from fan comments.
First up is the Houston Astros...without further adieu:
oldoug
The Stros hit the offseason needing to add starting pitching. Instead, they sacrificed defense and gutted a week farm system to add offense. Their ruling troika of McLane, Smith, and Wade have set the team back many years, and they will join the once proud Cardinals in fighting off the Pirates for fourth. The only hope of improving is for McLane to ignore Selig's slotting money in the draft, trust their scouts, and sign the best available players for the future. Definitely need Pence, Bourn, and Towles to come through, though the latter two are definitely lacking in experience. Will still be cheering them, but don't have high expectations.
p_rez
I know I was one of the first to start worring about all the players (prospects/starters) GM Ed Wade was sending away. It was an all too familiar site for me as Astro's fan. There was a time that I started to accept the fact that we had to just start over and rebuild from the ground up. I figured we would have to wait years and years for another contending team. To my surprise Ed Wade started to add peices to this broken puzzle. Unfortunatley, in my opionion, it still isn't enough. We still need a quality number 2 pitcher to help out the Wizard. One Ace and a mediocre pitching staff is not going to cut it. The Astro's are going to have to rely on there offense to out score their opponents. There is no other way I see it as of now..........
In summary, no farm system and no pitching means it's going to be a long season for Astros fans.
2008 NL Central Preview - Brad
Only 122 hours until first pitch! Here’s my annual inaccurate predictions of the NL Central. Matt will also be doing one and Woz will have an extensive breakdown of your Milwaukee Brewers.
Cubs - Well, according to the experts, the Cubs are the hands-down favorites to win the division. Looking at the lineup, rotation, and bullpen...it's hard to argue. Adding the import makes them a more balanced lineup with another LH bat that can get on base. Kerry Wood is supposedly throwing lights out and will be the closer. Even if he gets hurt (shocking, I know) Marmol is a lights out closer in waiting. The rest of the bullpen is solid....and the rotation is the best in the division. Hate to admit it, but they are the class of the NL Central. Record: 89-73
Reds - I think the Reds will make some noise this year….I swear I picked them second before I saw Verducci at SI do the same thing. You know they'll score some runs. I've been to that phone booth twice and the ball jumps out of there like it was shot out of a cannon. n. They splurged on CoCo, but he should be good for at least 2 of those 4 years. The Reds blew a whopping 28 saves last year, so just how much did they need him? Signing Cordero moves Stormy Weathers to the 8th inning role, which he is more suited for. All they need is Chuck Crim and Doug Jones to make an all ex-Brewer bully. Arroyo and Harang-atang makes for a decent front end and if they get anything from uber-prospect Homer Bailey (should be a Brewer, but we drafted Smokey Jeffress), look out. They have a nice mix of veterans (Dunn, Cordero, Harang, Griffey, Stormy), proven youngsters on the rise (Phillips, Encarnacion), and MLB ready prospects (Bailey, Votto, Volzquez, Bruce, Cueto). Call me crazy, I like this team....which means they will win about 73 games. Record 85-77
Brewers - After pissing away the division in 2007, what can the Brewers do for an encore? Mash, that's what. Mash early and often, although the lineup is woefully right handed. Adding Cameron was a great defensive addition. Even so, the Brewers are still below average defensively at C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, and LF. "SS?" you ask. I have no idea what range factor is, but JJ's was the worst in baseball last year. Many (including Baseball Prospectus and nerd Bill James) have him moving to 3B in the not too distant future. They key of the season might be Eric Gagne. Did we sign the Texas (very good) or Boston version (gas can) of Gagne. Last year you could pencil in 40+ saves from Cordero and forget about it. Not this year. If Gagne blows up, in comes Turnbow, or McClung...a situation Brewer fans would rather avoid seeing. Quite frankly, there's just too many guys in the bullpen I don’t trust: Gagne, Turnbow, Torres, McClung, Cappy, Mota, etc. And as deep as the rotation is, Gallerdo is already hurt (trust me, they'll take their sweet time bringing him back) and after Sheets goes on the DL, you're left with a bunch of 5 inning pitchers. Oh, and you still have Ned Yost handling this situation. Overall, I'm not so sure if this team is any better than last years version. I hope I'm wrong, REALLY wrong. Record: 84-78.
Cardinals - What the hell happened? Didn't they win the World Series like 18 months ago? Suppan, Edmonds, Rolen, Eckstien, Marquis, Weaver, Carpenter (hurt), and Hancock (dead) all MIA. Replaced with....Troy Glaus? That's not good enough. The Pujols elbow issue has to scare the hell out of the front office. That baby could blow at any second. With the Cards struggling to compete, it wouldn't surprise me if they shut him down well before September. Oh, and expect at least 3 more guys to miss time with DUIs. Record: 75-87
Astros - If baseball rosters went 4 deep, Houston would be pretty good. Oswalt, Berkman, Caballo, and Pence makes for a solid core. That said, the direction of this team (if they have one) baffles me. You figure they would go cheap/young/rebuild after the closing of the Biggio-Bagwell-Lidge-Clemens era. But the farm system sucks so bad they had to go the veteran route picking up Miggy Tejada, Kaz Matsui and Joe Valverde. Bad idea. This team isn't close this year, and wont be for a long time with a bone-dry farm system. The rotation blows after Oswalt. Record: 75-87.
Pirates - New owner, new GM, new Manger, same shitty Pirates. Take a look at that lineup? Holy Hell! Don't they draft in the top 5 every year? And all you can give me is Andy LaRoche and Xavier Nady batting 4-5? They do have some good, young arms but asking this team to win 75 games is like asking Woz to not drink at a Miller Park…ain’t gonna happen. Too bad because they have a sweet ballpark and a lot of history in that organization. Record: 68-94
All NL Central Team
C - Yaddy Molina (STL). Forget the numbers, this guy completely shuts down the opponents running game. He's like Henry Blanco, only with a useful bat (.275, 40 RBI).
Honorable Mention: Geovany Soto (CHI)
1B - Prince Fielder (MIL). Big Poppa has unseated Pujols at the ripe old age of 23. Prince is in a better lineup, should drive in more runs, and doesn't have 21 things wrong with his elbows. Plus, he's pissed. A pissed off Prince is good for the Brewers, bad for the NL Central.
Honorable Mention: Al Pujols (STL), Derek Lee (CHI)
2B - Brandon Phillips (CIN). The noted Brewer-killer is now an everyone-killer. He had a breakout year with pop (30 bombs), a solid average (.288), speed (32 steals), and very good defense.
Honorable Mention: Freddy Sanchez (PIT)
3B - Aramis Ramirez (CHI). A-Ram hit .310 and topped 100 RBIs for the 5th time in his career.
Honorable Mention: Edwin Encarnacion (CIN)
SS - Miggy Tejada. His best days are behind him, but he's the best of the bunch. Playing at Houston will only help his numbers.
Honorable Mention: JJ Hardy (MIL)
OF - Adam Dunn (CIN). Don't worry about the low batting average and big strikeout totals. His on base was .386 while mashing 40 bombs and 106 RBIs. I think he's in a contract year as well...always a production-booster.
OF - Carlos Lee (HOU). The Horse keeps mashing, in a park tailor made for his swing. .303, 32, 119 in his first season in Houston.
OF - Ryan Braun (MIL). Braun may have never played an inning of OF in his life, but his bat is that good. This guy is a beast with attitude. Is .324-34-97 in 113 games any good? Knock on wood: no sophomore slump.
Honorable Mention: Alph Soriano (CHI), Corey Hart (MIL), Jason Bay (PIT), Hunter Pence (HOU)
SP - Roy Oswalt (HOU)
SP - Carlos Zambrano (CHI)
SP - Aaron Harang (CIN)
SP - Ian Snell (PIT)
SP - Tom Gorzalany (PIT)
Honorable Mention: Ted Lilly (CHI), Rich Hill (CHI), Ben Sheets (MIL), Adam Wainright (STL), Yo Gallerdo (MIL)
CL - Jose Valverde (HOU).
Honorable Mention: CoCo Cordero (CIN), Matt Capps (PIT)
Well, there you go. Banking on any of this to happen will only cause heartache and stress.
Cubs - Well, according to the experts, the Cubs are the hands-down favorites to win the division. Looking at the lineup, rotation, and bullpen...it's hard to argue. Adding the import makes them a more balanced lineup with another LH bat that can get on base. Kerry Wood is supposedly throwing lights out and will be the closer. Even if he gets hurt (shocking, I know) Marmol is a lights out closer in waiting. The rest of the bullpen is solid....and the rotation is the best in the division. Hate to admit it, but they are the class of the NL Central. Record: 89-73
Reds - I think the Reds will make some noise this year….I swear I picked them second before I saw Verducci at SI do the same thing. You know they'll score some runs. I've been to that phone booth twice and the ball jumps out of there like it was shot out of a cannon. n. They splurged on CoCo, but he should be good for at least 2 of those 4 years. The Reds blew a whopping 28 saves last year, so just how much did they need him? Signing Cordero moves Stormy Weathers to the 8th inning role, which he is more suited for. All they need is Chuck Crim and Doug Jones to make an all ex-Brewer bully. Arroyo and Harang-atang makes for a decent front end and if they get anything from uber-prospect Homer Bailey (should be a Brewer, but we drafted Smokey Jeffress), look out. They have a nice mix of veterans (Dunn, Cordero, Harang, Griffey, Stormy), proven youngsters on the rise (Phillips, Encarnacion), and MLB ready prospects (Bailey, Votto, Volzquez, Bruce, Cueto). Call me crazy, I like this team....which means they will win about 73 games. Record 85-77
Brewers - After pissing away the division in 2007, what can the Brewers do for an encore? Mash, that's what. Mash early and often, although the lineup is woefully right handed. Adding Cameron was a great defensive addition. Even so, the Brewers are still below average defensively at C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, and LF. "SS?" you ask. I have no idea what range factor is, but JJ's was the worst in baseball last year. Many (including Baseball Prospectus and nerd Bill James) have him moving to 3B in the not too distant future. They key of the season might be Eric Gagne. Did we sign the Texas (very good) or Boston version (gas can) of Gagne. Last year you could pencil in 40+ saves from Cordero and forget about it. Not this year. If Gagne blows up, in comes Turnbow, or McClung...a situation Brewer fans would rather avoid seeing. Quite frankly, there's just too many guys in the bullpen I don’t trust: Gagne, Turnbow, Torres, McClung, Cappy, Mota, etc. And as deep as the rotation is, Gallerdo is already hurt (trust me, they'll take their sweet time bringing him back) and after Sheets goes on the DL, you're left with a bunch of 5 inning pitchers. Oh, and you still have Ned Yost handling this situation. Overall, I'm not so sure if this team is any better than last years version. I hope I'm wrong, REALLY wrong. Record: 84-78.
Cardinals - What the hell happened? Didn't they win the World Series like 18 months ago? Suppan, Edmonds, Rolen, Eckstien, Marquis, Weaver, Carpenter (hurt), and Hancock (dead) all MIA. Replaced with....Troy Glaus? That's not good enough. The Pujols elbow issue has to scare the hell out of the front office. That baby could blow at any second. With the Cards struggling to compete, it wouldn't surprise me if they shut him down well before September. Oh, and expect at least 3 more guys to miss time with DUIs. Record: 75-87
Astros - If baseball rosters went 4 deep, Houston would be pretty good. Oswalt, Berkman, Caballo, and Pence makes for a solid core. That said, the direction of this team (if they have one) baffles me. You figure they would go cheap/young/rebuild after the closing of the Biggio-Bagwell-Lidge-Clemens era. But the farm system sucks so bad they had to go the veteran route picking up Miggy Tejada, Kaz Matsui and Joe Valverde. Bad idea. This team isn't close this year, and wont be for a long time with a bone-dry farm system. The rotation blows after Oswalt. Record: 75-87.
Pirates - New owner, new GM, new Manger, same shitty Pirates. Take a look at that lineup? Holy Hell! Don't they draft in the top 5 every year? And all you can give me is Andy LaRoche and Xavier Nady batting 4-5? They do have some good, young arms but asking this team to win 75 games is like asking Woz to not drink at a Miller Park…ain’t gonna happen. Too bad because they have a sweet ballpark and a lot of history in that organization. Record: 68-94All NL Central Team
C - Yaddy Molina (STL). Forget the numbers, this guy completely shuts down the opponents running game. He's like Henry Blanco, only with a useful bat (.275, 40 RBI).
Honorable Mention: Geovany Soto (CHI)
1B - Prince Fielder (MIL). Big Poppa has unseated Pujols at the ripe old age of 23. Prince is in a better lineup, should drive in more runs, and doesn't have 21 things wrong with his elbows. Plus, he's pissed. A pissed off Prince is good for the Brewers, bad for the NL Central.
Honorable Mention: Al Pujols (STL), Derek Lee (CHI)
2B - Brandon Phillips (CIN). The noted Brewer-killer is now an everyone-killer. He had a breakout year with pop (30 bombs), a solid average (.288), speed (32 steals), and very good defense.
Honorable Mention: Freddy Sanchez (PIT)
3B - Aramis Ramirez (CHI). A-Ram hit .310 and topped 100 RBIs for the 5th time in his career.
Honorable Mention: Edwin Encarnacion (CIN)
SS - Miggy Tejada. His best days are behind him, but he's the best of the bunch. Playing at Houston will only help his numbers.
Honorable Mention: JJ Hardy (MIL)
OF - Adam Dunn (CIN). Don't worry about the low batting average and big strikeout totals. His on base was .386 while mashing 40 bombs and 106 RBIs. I think he's in a contract year as well...always a production-booster.
OF - Carlos Lee (HOU). The Horse keeps mashing, in a park tailor made for his swing. .303, 32, 119 in his first season in Houston.
OF - Ryan Braun (MIL). Braun may have never played an inning of OF in his life, but his bat is that good. This guy is a beast with attitude. Is .324-34-97 in 113 games any good? Knock on wood: no sophomore slump.
Honorable Mention: Alph Soriano (CHI), Corey Hart (MIL), Jason Bay (PIT), Hunter Pence (HOU)
SP - Roy Oswalt (HOU)
SP - Carlos Zambrano (CHI)
SP - Aaron Harang (CIN)
SP - Ian Snell (PIT)
SP - Tom Gorzalany (PIT)
Honorable Mention: Ted Lilly (CHI), Rich Hill (CHI), Ben Sheets (MIL), Adam Wainright (STL), Yo Gallerdo (MIL)
CL - Jose Valverde (HOU).
Honorable Mention: CoCo Cordero (CIN), Matt Capps (PIT)
Well, there you go. Banking on any of this to happen will only cause heartache and stress.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Where's Prince?
Not to be a homer, but how is Prince only 40th on this list? The Top 50 For The Next 5 Years. I don't care if he brings nothing to the table defensively. You're telling me there are 39 guys that GMs would rather have for the next 5 years instead of Prince? No way, no chance.
K bye Claudio...
...good luck with all your future endeavors.
Ned & Doug called me at work and told me they were taking my advice and getting rid of Vargas, I just didn't expect them to tell me they got nothing in return.
Reader Highplaya wants to know why he wasn't traded for a low prospect or a double A pitcher.
Brad just emailed me and asked why they couldn't get at least a few crates of big league chew.
Really? Just release him?? Release a proven 4th or 5th starter just like that???
Is Melvin telling us he couldn't pry away the Devil Rays rookie ball shortstop...or the Royal's single A backup LF...or Crash Davis & $125K in cash?
WTF?
Ned & Doug called me at work and told me they were taking my advice and getting rid of Vargas, I just didn't expect them to tell me they got nothing in return.
Reader Highplaya wants to know why he wasn't traded for a low prospect or a double A pitcher.
Brad just emailed me and asked why they couldn't get at least a few crates of big league chew.
Really? Just release him?? Release a proven 4th or 5th starter just like that???
Is Melvin telling us he couldn't pry away the Devil Rays rookie ball shortstop...or the Royal's single A backup LF...or Crash Davis & $125K in cash?
WTF?
The Crew's Current Pitching Situation
With Capuano now out of the picture, it's time to take a closer look at the current Brewers pitching situation. While I guess it's conceivable that some other format can be used, for this exercise let's assume that the Crew will start the year with 12 pitchers, 5 in the rotation and 7 in the pen.
Let's start with the Locks in the Bullpen:
- Gagne
- Turnblow
- David Riske (quietly going about his business, having a solid spring)
- Guillermo Mota (currently owning souls in Arizona, team high 9 appearances)
- Shouse (doing his thing)
- Torres (just getting in the groove)
Locks for the rotation:
- Sheets
- Suppan
- Parra (I'm officially throwing him in. He's been getting a lot of love recently from the national media & even Yost is saying that his recent hiccups haven't cost him much).
The rest is where it gets a little tricky. First a few notes:
-There is only 1 bullpen spot remaining. Question is: do you go with a reliever or do you with one of the leftover starters? The two main relievers battling for this last spot are Seth McClung & Chris Narveson and I consider them both wild cards. Both are having solid springs...especially Narveson (who most people haven't heard of, check out this article).
- Update: The Brewers just announced they will keep McClung, so the bullpen is essentially set.
-There are two starting spots remaining. Claudio is either in the rotation or has to be traded, since he is out of options. Carlos & Dave Bush both have minor league options left...
-Gallardo will be back in the rotation in 1 month, barring a setback.
Let me be clear about two points: I don't know how the hell Carlos hasn't locked up a spot yet, and Claudio Vargas has no long-term impact/presence on this team. He is just a guy. I've emphatically stated that he needs to be traded when his value is still relatively high. The Brewers (even with their current injuries) still have extra arms available. Good teams make trades in situations like this. Pitching is a high commodity all over MLB. Look at the prospects the Brewers gave up just to rent Scott Linebrink last year.
Here's the way I'd like to see them go. Look for a good deal for Vargas and ship him out. Start the season off with Sheets, Suppan, Parra, Carlos, & Bush. When Yo comes back, Bush will either get sent down to Triple A, or get moved to the bullpen if Melvin can get something in return for McClung. At this point, if the Brewer's starters are bitten by the injury bug, we have Bush & Action Jackson ready to go.
I have a conference call with Melvin & Yost at 3pm CT today, I'll let you guys know how it works out.
Let's start with the Locks in the Bullpen:
- Gagne
- Turnblow
- David Riske (quietly going about his business, having a solid spring)
- Guillermo Mota (currently owning souls in Arizona, team high 9 appearances)
- Shouse (doing his thing)
- Torres (just getting in the groove)
Locks for the rotation:
- Sheets
- Suppan
- Parra (I'm officially throwing him in. He's been getting a lot of love recently from the national media & even Yost is saying that his recent hiccups haven't cost him much).
The rest is where it gets a little tricky. First a few notes:
-There is only 1 bullpen spot remaining. Question is: do you go with a reliever or do you with one of the leftover starters? The two main relievers battling for this last spot are Seth McClung & Chris Narveson and I consider them both wild cards. Both are having solid springs...especially Narveson (who most people haven't heard of, check out this article).
- Update: The Brewers just announced they will keep McClung, so the bullpen is essentially set.
-There are two starting spots remaining. Claudio is either in the rotation or has to be traded, since he is out of options. Carlos & Dave Bush both have minor league options left...
-Gallardo will be back in the rotation in 1 month, barring a setback.
Let me be clear about two points: I don't know how the hell Carlos hasn't locked up a spot yet, and Claudio Vargas has no long-term impact/presence on this team. He is just a guy. I've emphatically stated that he needs to be traded when his value is still relatively high. The Brewers (even with their current injuries) still have extra arms available. Good teams make trades in situations like this. Pitching is a high commodity all over MLB. Look at the prospects the Brewers gave up just to rent Scott Linebrink last year.
Here's the way I'd like to see them go. Look for a good deal for Vargas and ship him out. Start the season off with Sheets, Suppan, Parra, Carlos, & Bush. When Yo comes back, Bush will either get sent down to Triple A, or get moved to the bullpen if Melvin can get something in return for McClung. At this point, if the Brewer's starters are bitten by the injury bug, we have Bush & Action Jackson ready to go.
I have a conference call with Melvin & Yost at 3pm CT today, I'll let you guys know how it works out.
Thompson: NFL Executive of the Year
Ted finally made Favre retire and inserts his guy at QB, right Matt?Well, well, well Thompson haters. Looks like its not just me who appreciates good work when he sees it. The Sporting News named TT the NFL Executive of the Year. "Oh, but he has no idea what he's doing," cries TT haters.
"If I had told you before the season that the Packers would go 13-3 and make it to the NFC title game, you would've sent me to the loony bin," says Ron Wolf, the Packers' former general manager who hired Thompson in 1992 as assistant director of pro personnel. "Ted understands every aspect of how an organization works. That's why he was able to put together a winning team so quickly."
More gushing praise from Wolf:
"I'm sure the Packers had other needs at that point, but Ted saw the need for a young quarterback (Rodgers), and now that pick has a lot greater impact than it did at the time," says Wolf. "You can look pretty smart if you have a knack for planning ahead. That's Ted. The Packers are in good hands."
20 Questions With....
This is comedic gold. The Wisconsin State Journal had an article and 20 questions with Madison Memorial forward Jeronne Maymon. If you haven't herd of him, he was basically a man-child at the HS State tournament, carrying Memorial to the finals. UW and MU (among many) have shown interest, with no scholly offers to this point. Why? Well, as you will see, lets just say his academics are questionable.
My proudest high school basketball accomplishment has been: Winning the (Associated Press) Player of the Year Award.
My most memorable high school game has been: The game this season Minnetonka. How about an "against" after the word "season?"
Besides basketball, people know me for: Me being so goofy and making them laugh as well as being a handsome young man. People know you because you’re handsome, yeah right.
My basketball/athletic role model is (and why): Kobe Bryant because his swag that he is invincible. What?
The opposing team/player I most like to compete against is (and why): To tell the truth, I don’t even know if I like playing against everybody. Come again?
If I weren’t playing high school basketball in the winter, I would be: Working out or chillin’. Perfect.
My favorite fast-food restaurant is: TGI Friday’s. Not a fast food restaurant, but whatever.
My favorite radio station is: 106.7.
Top tunes on my iPod are: The Boss, Donks (Li’l Wayne), They Know Remix (Rick Ross), Hit Me on My Chip (Romey). Really? Me too!
My favorite place on the planet to hang out is: Everywhere. Um, a little more specific please?
The car I drive to school is a: I don’t drive a car.
The car I would dream of driving to school is a: A Chevy. Gold. Not a Corvette, not a Silverado…”A Chevy.”
My favorite class: English. Clearly.
Cumulative grade-point average: 2.3. That won’t even get you into Oshkosh!
My proudest academic/school-related accomplishment(s) has been: I don’t know. Interesting, go on…
In five years, I see myself: In school studying physical therapy. With grades like that, of course.
In 25 years, I see myself: Maybe chilling with my wife and five children in a nice house someplace hot watching my kids grow into young men and women. Good stuff
My proudest high school basketball accomplishment has been: Winning the (Associated Press) Player of the Year Award.
My most memorable high school game has been: The game this season Minnetonka. How about an "against" after the word "season?"
Besides basketball, people know me for: Me being so goofy and making them laugh as well as being a handsome young man. People know you because you’re handsome, yeah right.
My basketball/athletic role model is (and why): Kobe Bryant because his swag that he is invincible. What?
The opposing team/player I most like to compete against is (and why): To tell the truth, I don’t even know if I like playing against everybody. Come again?
If I weren’t playing high school basketball in the winter, I would be: Working out or chillin’. Perfect.
My favorite fast-food restaurant is: TGI Friday’s. Not a fast food restaurant, but whatever.
My favorite radio station is: 106.7.
Top tunes on my iPod are: The Boss, Donks (Li’l Wayne), They Know Remix (Rick Ross), Hit Me on My Chip (Romey). Really? Me too!
My favorite place on the planet to hang out is: Everywhere. Um, a little more specific please?
The car I drive to school is a: I don’t drive a car.
The car I would dream of driving to school is a: A Chevy. Gold. Not a Corvette, not a Silverado…”A Chevy.”
My favorite class: English. Clearly.
Cumulative grade-point average: 2.3. That won’t even get you into Oshkosh!
My proudest academic/school-related accomplishment(s) has been: I don’t know. Interesting, go on…
In five years, I see myself: In school studying physical therapy. With grades like that, of course.
In 25 years, I see myself: Maybe chilling with my wife and five children in a nice house someplace hot watching my kids grow into young men and women. Good stuff
Email Herb Kohl about Simmons!
I've had several Hackers email me the link below which is Senator Kohl's main contact information. Can Chuckie Hacks be responsible for getting Simmon's an interview? Can't hurt to try! What else are you going to do today between 8 - 5? Work? Please...send an email!
Email the Senator!
Email the Senator!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wow, Just Wow!
Inspired by a slate of bad games this afternoon and Duk's latest post on the Big League Stew involving the Honkey Tonk Man, http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Hey-look-The-Honky-Tonk-Man-At-a-Brewers-game?urn=mlb,72932, I present you this video. There is just so much awesomeness, I'll just let you watch and listen. Has to be in the running for best You Tbe video ever. Also, are Bobby the Brain and Digger Phelps brothers?
Bill Simmons Update
Wow, he just trashed the Bucks in his latest article.
Note to Senator Kohl: I know you check out this blog 3-4 times daily, at least give Simmons a token interview!
Simmons goes through a list of why the Bucks are in trouble and then finishes with this little gem of a thought:
If your team had a creative, enterprising, thinking-out-of-the-box bone in their lottery-ridden body, they would have jumped on my "candidacy" quickly and tried to milk a few weeks of P.R. out of it. Why?
Note to Senator Kohl: I know you check out this blog 3-4 times daily, at least give Simmons a token interview!
Simmons goes through a list of why the Bucks are in trouble and then finishes with this little gem of a thought:
If your team had a creative, enterprising, thinking-out-of-the-box bone in their lottery-ridden body, they would have jumped on my "candidacy" quickly and tried to milk a few weeks of P.R. out of it. Why?
BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY WAY THEY WOULD EVER GET A CASUAL FAN REMOTELY INTERESTED IN THE DAY-TO-DAY PROCEEDINGS OF THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS!
Anyway, since the Bucks refuse to acknowledge my candidacy, it looks like I'm going to have to shift to Plan B: Openly and frequently torturing them. Stay tuned.Tourney Talk - On To Detroit
Welcome to Detroit...
Great weekend of basketball. Buzzer beaters, upsets, and overtime games all over the place. I'm sure glad College Football doesn't have one of these tournament things...sigh. Still hurts to think about the Marquette game. Those damn Brothers Lopez are just too tall. James: 4-16. Figures.
As for Bucky, they will win by 10. Steve Curry is just the type of guy everyone will be talking about all week, only to see Flowers put the clamps down. Oh, Curry will get his...he always does. The Badgers strength inside will be too much. I was impressed with Davidson scoring 74 on the stingy G-Town defense. I'll be giving a full report from Ford Field next week. MGD Mike and I got some tickets about a month ago, and it just so happens we won't be the Wisconsinites taking over "America's Baghdad:" Detroit. How about Villanova upsetting Kansas and Bucky rolls into the Final Four beating a 14, 11, 10, and 12 seed?
Nice knowing you Cappy...
...good luck with all your future endeavors.
Assuming he opts for surgery, Chris Capuano has likely thrown his last competitive pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers. After his subsequent Tommy-John surgery, he will most likely fall into the Cal Eldred territory of pitchers: bouncing around from a couple teams having maybe a few decent years as a reliever.
He will be 31 by the time he is ready to start pitching competitively again 1 year from now. I know Capuano is very athletic and well-conditioned, but it will most likely then take him another full year to build back to being able to pitch a full starter's season again. He will be 32 and a free agent at that time. The odds (and time), don't appear to be on his side.
Baseball's a funny game. He appeared to be on the trading block the entire off-season, though Melvin never pulled the trigger with some possible deals (the Rolen deal comes to mind). It's tough to decipher the legitimacy of any of those deals in hindsight, but it's worth noting.
Teams can't cut guys because of injury, so the Crew is on the hook for his 3.8 millionish salary this year, and he's going to wind up on the 60 day DL. I'm guessing they are going to designate him for assignment (effectively releasing him) at the start of spring training next year. If he makes it through waivers, then we can resign him to a minor league deal possibly. Most likely though, he's gone.
Capuano was a good/adequate pitcher that worked hard and was very likable in Milwaukee. His 2005 season was one of the main reasons the Crew had their first non-losing season in 13 years. While his productivity slipped the next two years and his inability to win last year (although it wasn't entirely his fault) was one of the main reasons the Brewers missed the playoffs, it's too bad to see him go down again with the same injury.
Assuming he opts for surgery, Chris Capuano has likely thrown his last competitive pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers. After his subsequent Tommy-John surgery, he will most likely fall into the Cal Eldred territory of pitchers: bouncing around from a couple teams having maybe a few decent years as a reliever.
He will be 31 by the time he is ready to start pitching competitively again 1 year from now. I know Capuano is very athletic and well-conditioned, but it will most likely then take him another full year to build back to being able to pitch a full starter's season again. He will be 32 and a free agent at that time. The odds (and time), don't appear to be on his side.
Baseball's a funny game. He appeared to be on the trading block the entire off-season, though Melvin never pulled the trigger with some possible deals (the Rolen deal comes to mind). It's tough to decipher the legitimacy of any of those deals in hindsight, but it's worth noting.
Teams can't cut guys because of injury, so the Crew is on the hook for his 3.8 millionish salary this year, and he's going to wind up on the 60 day DL. I'm guessing they are going to designate him for assignment (effectively releasing him) at the start of spring training next year. If he makes it through waivers, then we can resign him to a minor league deal possibly. Most likely though, he's gone.
Capuano was a good/adequate pitcher that worked hard and was very likable in Milwaukee. His 2005 season was one of the main reasons the Crew had their first non-losing season in 13 years. While his productivity slipped the next two years and his inability to win last year (although it wasn't entirely his fault) was one of the main reasons the Brewers missed the playoffs, it's too bad to see him go down again with the same injury.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Greater Chuckie Hacks Open. Post-1st Round Update
We will have a new winner in this year's GCHO as defending champion Paul Wambold has decided not to participate. Paul must figure he is too much of an expert to participate in such a contest such as this one.
Through the first round, we have a tie at the top. I am tied with Joel C. with 54 points (27 games correct). We also have a 4-way tie for third. Tony M. has two of those second place entries. After sweating out the first game of the tourney in which his alma matter, Xavier, had to make a strong second half run to overtake the Georgia Bulldogs, Tony is sitting pretty with two top entries. Also tied with Tony are none other than Chuck Carr and Tim B, our DC area representative.
Some other bracket facts:
- We have a tie for best possible score. I am tied with Tim B. with a best possible score of 222.
- Mark P. and Andy D. are currently in last place. Don't know about Andy's entry, but I will cut mark some slack since this could be the entry submitted by his 10-year old daughter. If this is Mark's legit entry, then he deserves ridicule.
- We have two Brads in the competition and at this point, their wives are beating both of them. That's not good.
- Kyle K. told me he did not enter this year because he didn't want to spend the money. Didn't realize our zero dollar entry free was too high. I'll cut him some slack as he did move to a new city last weekend. It's either that or he is Captain Sandy Vagina.
- Again, thanks to all who entered. Many new names this year.
- Hope every one is enjoying the tourney so far and is as sick of the commercials as I am. I hardly ever eat at Applebee's. Maybe once a year. After this weekend, I am looking to make that zero times.
- You can check the standings here.
The Glue? Off the Reservation.
Jenks is getting to know a new press corps in Philly.
You might be surprised when you read about his least favorite ballpark.
You might be surprised when you read about his least favorite ballpark.
Friday, March 21, 2008
I am f'ing good!
That is what Stephen Curry said today. Has to be one of the best halfs in NCAA tourney history. He was fun to watch. Will be interesting to see Flowers guard him in the Sweet 16 if it comes to that.
Also congrats to #5 for Western Kentucky. Also, I think WKU's hispanic guy had a mullet.
Wrapping Up Cal-State Fullerton
A couple of thoughts about last night's Badgers win:
- Brian Butch should never be allowed to play with his back to the basket again. He has zero post moves. Especially when guarded by a 6-5 guy, why not face up and shoot jumpers down low if you're Brian Butch? If I have to watch one more garbage bricked hook shot I'm going to puke.
- That Akognan guy was as advertised. You just can't guard a guy 5 feet behind the 3-point line - if he makes those shots you just tip your cap (figuratively, of course, because you don't wear caps in basketball).
- The only guy who consistently takes bad shots that are not in the flow of the offense for Wisconsin is Trevon Hughes. He's got a little Dom James in him, and that is not meant as a compliment. Brian Butch takes bad shots (see above) but they are in the flow of the offense.
- Key to last night's game was Wisconsin's ability to draw fouls. I'm not positive about this, but I think they were in the bonus within the first 5 or 6 minutes of the second half.
- Everybody's favorite 2nd round upset (USC over UW) isn't going to happen.
- It's too bad that CBS went away from the K State/USC game in the 2nd half - I wanted to see more of K State. This will probably be a tough battle for UW - maybe Beasley will end up on the Bucks next year? K State looked pretty good against USC from what I saw, although clearly they didn't play that well all season or they would have been better than an 11 seed. We'll see which K State team shows up tomorrow. It would be nice if UW could make some jumpers...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
3 more wins til the Final 4
Marquette to the 2nd round bitches. First time in the James-McNeal-Matthews era.
THAT was an exciting basketball game to watch. Marquette decided to take it straight to the hoop the entire game, and beat UK on the glass and on the free throw line. Some comments:
-I watched the game at a little dive nook in DT Milwaukee called "My Office." The bartender was a little buzzed on cuervo by the time the 2nd half rolled around. Every time they called Jasper's name from Kentucky he would scream out "Jahhhspa!" no matter what he was doing. It was rocking.
-While fouling Burke like that off the ball was a bush league intramural type play, he shouldn't have been in the game in the first place. He's a liability at the line at that point in the game when free throws matter the most. Crean shouldn't have had him in there.
-Joe Crawford reminded me of Baron Davis. That was a siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick game.
-Wes Matthews & D. James: combined 5-19 from the floor, but 17-20 from the line. Nice job fellas. Hats especially off to Wes for going 8-8 in the final minute. That's how you close down a game.
-Bilas said Crean told him before the game that Ousmane Barro was Marquette's "X-factor." My response: "No, he fucking isn't."
Stanford prolly up next.
Merry Christmas!
The best day on the whole calender is finally here! The beer is on ice, steaks are in the fridge, chips are ready to be devoured, and the TV is glistening in HD. Lets all hope:
- Dom James doesn't shoot 3-16
- Your brackets don't implode by 8:00 tonight
- Gus Johnson gets to call a bunch of really, really close games
- Butch's elbow doesn't go backwards
- Bill Raftery gets to yell "ONIONS!!" at least twice a game
- And you don't run out of beer.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Who's going further?
For the record, I personally have WI falling to USC in the 2nd round. In the Hacks pool, I've got Marquette going to the final 4, just to piss Matt & Goldy off. In reality, I think they're going to lose to Texas in the Sweet 16 (They are going to bury Stanford). Go on record in the comments section...who you got going further?
Hey Look, 2 Bucks Posts in 1 Day!
NBA.com Story
LARRY HARRIS IS OUT AS BUCKS GM.
What does that mean? Nothing, as Herbie calls all the shots anyway.
LARRY HARRIS IS OUT AS BUCKS GM.
What does that mean? Nothing, as Herbie calls all the shots anyway.
Cubs Spring Training Preview
Jon Donovan takes his turn today previewing the Chicago Cubs (or more accurately, their Spring Training site).
Standard fare.
Except that he interviewed a couple of twenty-something Cubs fans bragging about thier exploits (in an apparent effort to show their Cubs-fan-worthiness?)
Some highlights:
Morrison tells the story of the time he got put in "Cubbie Jail" twice in one game: First, when he had to wrest a home-run ball from a friend, a Brewers' fan, to throw it back on the field. (He took too long to do it, and the cops rung him up for it.) The second time, after he was sprung, he bought a ticket from a scalper to get back in the game, only to be caught again.
Awesome! You're so awesome!
Radford claims the guys got Dempster to stop in at a Wrigley-area bar after a game. "Dempster's down," Radford says. "He drank one, too, and said, 'I got to go home or my wife will be mad.' Everybody knew that was cool."
Everybody knows that Dempster's down. Actually, he's awesome.
"I pushed a 7-year-old girl over to get a ball once," McCloi says with a straight face. "And I didn't get it."
Cubs fans - beating up little girls from Mesa to Moline.
Standard fare.
Except that he interviewed a couple of twenty-something Cubs fans bragging about thier exploits (in an apparent effort to show their Cubs-fan-worthiness?)
Some highlights:
Morrison tells the story of the time he got put in "Cubbie Jail" twice in one game: First, when he had to wrest a home-run ball from a friend, a Brewers' fan, to throw it back on the field. (He took too long to do it, and the cops rung him up for it.) The second time, after he was sprung, he bought a ticket from a scalper to get back in the game, only to be caught again.
Awesome! You're so awesome!
Radford claims the guys got Dempster to stop in at a Wrigley-area bar after a game. "Dempster's down," Radford says. "He drank one, too, and said, 'I got to go home or my wife will be mad.' Everybody knew that was cool."
Everybody knows that Dempster's down. Actually, he's awesome.
"I pushed a 7-year-old girl over to get a ball once," McCloi says with a straight face. "And I didn't get it."
Cubs fans - beating up little girls from Mesa to Moline.
The ball is tipped...
Couple quick hitters over lunch ...
- Check out the Badgers NCAA preview over on Deadspin. I tried to make it as basketball centric as possible while sticking with the Deadspin style of previews that were not as basketball-centric. Thanks to Matt and Tony K. for their input.
- Among the tid-bits I sent in that were not included is the fact that the Badgers are 5-0 this season when Erin Andrews is in attendance and only 1-2 when Doris Burke is working the game in some capacity. Just wanted to point that out. (Again, thanks to Matt)
- Don't forget to sign up for the Greater Chuckie Hacks Open NCAA bracket thingy if you have not yet done so. Follow the instruction here.
- Rick Rickert update!: Rick played on Kirk Penney's team in the Australian National Basketball League, the New Zealand Breakers. Rick missed the latter part of the season with a bulging disc in his back but was leading the league in offensive rebounding when he went down with the injury. Pepe the King Prawn approves. In a great stoke of marketing, the team gave fans a chance to watch the playoff games with Rick. Good times!
- Looking forward to the tournament as always. What better reason to take 2 PTO days in March! Lot of people are on the USC bandwagon and it appears as if Georgetown id getting less respect than the Badgers in the Midwest Bracket. I think Marquette has a great chance to make it to the second week. Stanford blows.
- Shamrock shakes rock!
- Be sure to check out the Big League Stew (link on the right). Good discussion of Angels clubhouse fantasy football and Chone Figgins love of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Most likely the Last Bucks Post of the Season
My god do the Bucks suck.
This is the lowest their team has ever been since the mid-90's when Big Dog when running the show alone. They lost last night at home to the worst team in Basketball, the Dwayne Wade-less Miami Heat. They are now on a 6 game losing streak, and have dropped 6 games back of the 8th playoff spot (ie...they are done).
At this point, 1 thing is for sure. The team is going to be blown up this offseason. It looks/feels like the Senator is going to clean house starting with the GM, which will probably lead to a new coach and a fresh bunch of players.
The Bucks bother me so much, I can barely write about them without getting angry. If you want to read some insightful stuff related to them, head over to The Bratwurst.
The only other meaningful stuff related to the Bucks is that Bill Simmons continues to mention them in his writing. His facebook group now has over 10,500 members.
Feel free to sign up for the group. It's gonna take something on that level for the Bucks to be relevant in Milwaukee again.
This is the lowest their team has ever been since the mid-90's when Big Dog when running the show alone. They lost last night at home to the worst team in Basketball, the Dwayne Wade-less Miami Heat. They are now on a 6 game losing streak, and have dropped 6 games back of the 8th playoff spot (ie...they are done).
At this point, 1 thing is for sure. The team is going to be blown up this offseason. It looks/feels like the Senator is going to clean house starting with the GM, which will probably lead to a new coach and a fresh bunch of players.
The Bucks bother me so much, I can barely write about them without getting angry. If you want to read some insightful stuff related to them, head over to The Bratwurst.
The only other meaningful stuff related to the Bucks is that Bill Simmons continues to mention them in his writing. His facebook group now has over 10,500 members.
Feel free to sign up for the group. It's gonna take something on that level for the Bucks to be relevant in Milwaukee again.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Jim Powell - Not a Blog Fan
This was found on a very good Brewer blog named In-Between Hops.
It appears Brewer radio announcer and Bob Uecker ass-kisser Jim Powell is not a big fan of blogs. From his first (ironically enough) blog entry:
The world was bad enough when people just tried to jam their opinions down your throat while at the bubbler at work or school. Now everyone with an internet connection feels compelled to publish their every musing on any and all issues ad nauseam. I like my opinions just as everyone agrees with their own, but I have no impulse to believe that my every thought should be scrutinized and fleshed out by everyone else.
Hey Jim, you can click on a different website whenever you wish. Unfortunately, if we want to listen to Brewers baseball in our cars, we have no other choice but to listen to you. That's bad for us.
It appears Brewer radio announcer and Bob Uecker ass-kisser Jim Powell is not a big fan of blogs. From his first (ironically enough) blog entry:
The world was bad enough when people just tried to jam their opinions down your throat while at the bubbler at work or school. Now everyone with an internet connection feels compelled to publish their every musing on any and all issues ad nauseam. I like my opinions just as everyone agrees with their own, but I have no impulse to believe that my every thought should be scrutinized and fleshed out by everyone else.
Hey Jim, you can click on a different website whenever you wish. Unfortunately, if we want to listen to Brewers baseball in our cars, we have no other choice but to listen to you. That's bad for us.
RBI Baseball in the Dodgers Clubhouse
Good stuff over on the Big League Stew today regarding Matt Holliday and RBI Baseball. Being a major leagure sounds like it would be pretty fun.
Personally, I was always partial to Baseball Stars, but enjoyed a good game of RBI as well.
Personally, I was always partial to Baseball Stars, but enjoyed a good game of RBI as well.
100,000!
Sometime today Chuckie Hacks will get its 100,000 hit, a number I thought we would see in about 2012. Thanks to everyone who continues to read all our pointless drivel, poor attempts at humor, and factually incorrect ramblings. Whoever makes hit number 100,000 will receive a Chuckie Hacks bumper sticker...if we had those.
Same Old Weeks?
Sounds like Dick Weeks is playing like the same old Weeks: bad defense, lots of strikeouts, and now he's hurt...swollen hand. This is not the start the Brewers were hoping for.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Playing for Second Place in the Central
As if the Brewers and the rest of the NL (outside of Chicago) didn't have enough to worry about....Kerry Wood picked up a save in a Spring Training game.
He throws a fastball, a curveball and a slider. And he throws them hard. It's all rosy in Wrigleyville - what could possibly derail this train?
He throws a fastball, a curveball and a slider. And he throws them hard. It's all rosy in Wrigleyville - what could possibly derail this train?
Monday Morning Guess Who? - UPDATED
The first person to guess what movie this guy is from wins a Chuckie Hacks prize. The answer will SHOCK you!
UPDATE: Reader Erik nails it. Motherfucking Billy Bob (apparently Ron Lester in real life). Depending on what paragraph you read on IMDB, he has lost anywhere from 250 to 348 pounds. Another fun fact: he had to have 17 cosmetic surgeries to take care of all the excess skin.
What does this have to do with WI sports? I have no idea. All I know is that I felt it was my duty to share with the Chuckie Hacks masses that Billy Bob is no more.
Good luck selling life insurance Ron, you'll never land another movie role again.
Initial Bracket Thoughts
Editors Note: I haven't had a good looking bracket in about 4 years, so take this for what its worth.
The Big-11: As much as I've pounded the Big-11 this year, things are set up pretty nicely for them. Purdue and Michigan State get first round byes vs Baylor and Temple, respectively. Seriously, I had no idea Baylor was even in the discussion for an at-large bid. I herd the word "bubble" about 25,000 times in the last two weeks and never herd the Bears even mentioned. Temple has been so far off the radar the past few years Matt thought John Chaney still coached the Owls. Do they still run the straight 2-3 zone? Anyone? Indiana plays the typical 8-9 coin flip game. Bucky's road until Kansas isn't too tough with Georgetown, in my opinion, being clearly the worst #2 seed on the board. USC could give UW headaches in round 2. All told, the Big-11 could easily be 4-0 after round 1, with a chance for some more wins after that. Not saying they will, but its set up nice to do so.
The Little Guys: I love seeing the mid majors knock off the big conferences, but they all play each other! Davidson-Gonzaga, Kent St-UNLV, S. Alabama-Butler, Western Kentucky-Drake. South Alabama a 10 seed at-large from the Sun Belt is a bit high. Plus, somehow, they had an RPI of 29! That RPI is a joke.
Marquette: Can Tommy Golden-Tan win a NCAA game without Wade? It's the same story for MU. They have the ability of beating both Kentucky and Stanford, but will they? UK is without their best player, which is nice. If they get by them, Stanford provides another style contrast with MU. Despite MU's big men being not much more than just bodies, they defend other bigs pretty well...which they would have to do vs the brothers Lopez. I'll pick them to lose to UK, just so I'm pleasantly surprised if they win.
UCLA: They have the easiest walk to the Final Four. Duke is junk as a 2, Xavier is the 3, and UConn is the 4...who should be more like a 6.
The Big-11: As much as I've pounded the Big-11 this year, things are set up pretty nicely for them. Purdue and Michigan State get first round byes vs Baylor and Temple, respectively. Seriously, I had no idea Baylor was even in the discussion for an at-large bid. I herd the word "bubble" about 25,000 times in the last two weeks and never herd the Bears even mentioned. Temple has been so far off the radar the past few years Matt thought John Chaney still coached the Owls. Do they still run the straight 2-3 zone? Anyone? Indiana plays the typical 8-9 coin flip game. Bucky's road until Kansas isn't too tough with Georgetown, in my opinion, being clearly the worst #2 seed on the board. USC could give UW headaches in round 2. All told, the Big-11 could easily be 4-0 after round 1, with a chance for some more wins after that. Not saying they will, but its set up nice to do so.
The Little Guys: I love seeing the mid majors knock off the big conferences, but they all play each other! Davidson-Gonzaga, Kent St-UNLV, S. Alabama-Butler, Western Kentucky-Drake. South Alabama a 10 seed at-large from the Sun Belt is a bit high. Plus, somehow, they had an RPI of 29! That RPI is a joke.
Marquette: Can Tommy Golden-Tan win a NCAA game without Wade? It's the same story for MU. They have the ability of beating both Kentucky and Stanford, but will they? UK is without their best player, which is nice. If they get by them, Stanford provides another style contrast with MU. Despite MU's big men being not much more than just bodies, they defend other bigs pretty well...which they would have to do vs the brothers Lopez. I'll pick them to lose to UK, just so I'm pleasantly surprised if they win.
UCLA: They have the easiest walk to the Final Four. Duke is junk as a 2, Xavier is the 3, and UConn is the 4...who should be more like a 6.
Second Annual Greater Chuckie Hacks Open, Take 2
Ok, it seems like the link from the last post didn't work so well. So the following is the invite e-mail to join the Chuckie Hacks bracket competition. I think you need a CBS sportsline ID to sign up for this. If you don't have one, its free and easy to sign up for. Also, as I mentioned, if you are unable to get in, send an e-mail to chuckie_hacks@yahoo.com and I'll send you an invite. Thanks
You are invited to join my on-line college hoops bracket group! To accept this invitation and join the group, click the link below (or cut and paste the link into your browser's address bar). You'll be asked to enter the group's password before you can join. The group password is included below.
http://gcho.mayhem.sportsline.com/e
Our Group password is: robdeer
You are invited to join my on-line college hoops bracket group! To accept this invitation and join the group, click the link below (or cut and paste the link into your browser's address bar). You'll be asked to enter the group's password before you can join. The group password is included below.
http://gcho.mayhem.sportsline.com/e
Our Group password is: robdeer
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A #3 Seed
Wisconsin drew a 3 seed in the Midwest, which in my view is the weakest of the four regions. People are pissing and moaning that they deserved a #2 seed but I'd rather be a 3 in the Midwest than be a #2 out west, personally.
They're playing Cal-State Fullerton, better known for their baseball program than hoops. I always like to look at one key stat when scouting the really low seeds to see if they can pull an upset - 3 point shooting. In my opinion, the only way the low seeds can pull an upset is if they go crazy from distance.
CS-F has an RPI of 80. It looks like it has a couple of pretty good outside shooters (they shoot 38.6% from 3 point as a team), and are lead by a 5-11 4th year junior guard named Josh Akognon (19.9 ppg, 39.2% 3 pt, 90.4% FT) and a 6-4 5th year senior guard named Frank Robinson (16 ppg, 7 rpg, 34% 3 pt, 73.8% FT). I would say Flowers shadows Akognan and throw Krabby on Robinson to try to shut down those two. This is a guard oriented team, with the tallest guy who plays any meaningful minutes listed as 6-6 if ESPN.com can be believed. Should be interesting - one would think that Wisconsin will be able to impose its will on the inside with Landry and (to a lesser extent) Butch.
If UW gets past CS-F, they get a date with either Kansas State or USC. K-State is horrible on the road, so I'd expect USC to beat Beasley and K-State. If UW makes it to the Sweet 16, they'll likely get a date with Georgetown, the weakest of the #2 seeds in my opinion. That would be a really interesting game, matching the two top defensive clubs in the country against one another.
Of course, the various basketball analysts are already spitting out opinions as fast as they can type. An interesting contradiction from SI.com's Stewart Mandel, who says that this year, top seeds have greater separation from the rest of the field than is usually the case.
On the flip side, the bottom half of the at-large part of the bracket (six through 12) is as weak as I can remember.
Then, of course, in almost the next breath, Mandel picks a six seed, USC, to make the Final Four out of the Midwest. Makes sense.
Luke Winn of SI.com had an interesting item in his basketball blog:
That said, while Kansas may not have deserved a No. 1 seed, there's little doubt that, efficiency-wise, the Jayhawks are the best team in the country. John Gasaway of Basketball Prospectus recently published a list of the top eight major-conference efficiency margins this season, and KU was at the top:
Rk. Team Pace PPP OPPP EM
1. Kansas 69.2 1.16 0.92 +0.24
2. Wisconsin 60.2 1.09 0.91 +0.18
3. UCLA 64.9 1.13 0.96 +0.17
4. Tennessee 71.5 1.12 0.97 +0.15
5. Louisville 67.0 1.06 0.91 +0.15
6. N. Carolina 74.7 1.13 0.99 +0.14
7. Duke 75.3 1.11 0.99 +0.12
8. Georgetown 62.6 1.04 0.92 +0.12
For some context, 75 percent of last year's Elite Eight teams were in the top eight nationally in major-conference efficiency margin -- and Kansas, which lost to UCLA in the quarterfinals, was ranked No. 1 then as well.
Now I have no idea what this means, but I guess it's impressive to be #2 on that list of teams. If this does mean anything, perhaps the Midwest region isn't that weak, since 3 of the top 8 teams on that list (Kansas, UW, Georgetown) are the top 3 sees in the region.
They're playing Cal-State Fullerton, better known for their baseball program than hoops. I always like to look at one key stat when scouting the really low seeds to see if they can pull an upset - 3 point shooting. In my opinion, the only way the low seeds can pull an upset is if they go crazy from distance.
CS-F has an RPI of 80. It looks like it has a couple of pretty good outside shooters (they shoot 38.6% from 3 point as a team), and are lead by a 5-11 4th year junior guard named Josh Akognon (19.9 ppg, 39.2% 3 pt, 90.4% FT) and a 6-4 5th year senior guard named Frank Robinson (16 ppg, 7 rpg, 34% 3 pt, 73.8% FT). I would say Flowers shadows Akognan and throw Krabby on Robinson to try to shut down those two. This is a guard oriented team, with the tallest guy who plays any meaningful minutes listed as 6-6 if ESPN.com can be believed. Should be interesting - one would think that Wisconsin will be able to impose its will on the inside with Landry and (to a lesser extent) Butch.
If UW gets past CS-F, they get a date with either Kansas State or USC. K-State is horrible on the road, so I'd expect USC to beat Beasley and K-State. If UW makes it to the Sweet 16, they'll likely get a date with Georgetown, the weakest of the #2 seeds in my opinion. That would be a really interesting game, matching the two top defensive clubs in the country against one another.
Of course, the various basketball analysts are already spitting out opinions as fast as they can type. An interesting contradiction from SI.com's Stewart Mandel, who says that this year, top seeds have greater separation from the rest of the field than is usually the case.
On the flip side, the bottom half of the at-large part of the bracket (six through 12) is as weak as I can remember.
Then, of course, in almost the next breath, Mandel picks a six seed, USC, to make the Final Four out of the Midwest. Makes sense.
Luke Winn of SI.com had an interesting item in his basketball blog:
That said, while Kansas may not have deserved a No. 1 seed, there's little doubt that, efficiency-wise, the Jayhawks are the best team in the country. John Gasaway of Basketball Prospectus recently published a list of the top eight major-conference efficiency margins this season, and KU was at the top:
Rk. Team Pace PPP OPPP EM
1. Kansas 69.2 1.16 0.92 +0.24
2. Wisconsin 60.2 1.09 0.91 +0.18
3. UCLA 64.9 1.13 0.96 +0.17
4. Tennessee 71.5 1.12 0.97 +0.15
5. Louisville 67.0 1.06 0.91 +0.15
6. N. Carolina 74.7 1.13 0.99 +0.14
7. Duke 75.3 1.11 0.99 +0.12
8. Georgetown 62.6 1.04 0.92 +0.12
For some context, 75 percent of last year's Elite Eight teams were in the top eight nationally in major-conference efficiency margin -- and Kansas, which lost to UCLA in the quarterfinals, was ranked No. 1 then as well.
Now I have no idea what this means, but I guess it's impressive to be #2 on that list of teams. If this does mean anything, perhaps the Midwest region isn't that weak, since 3 of the top 8 teams on that list (Kansas, UW, Georgetown) are the top 3 sees in the region.
Bubble, Bubble, Bubble, Bubble, Bubble....
Anybody else sick of this term? Its everywhere. Over, and over, and over. Talk about media generated debate. Do these teams even do anything in the tourney? More than likely, they will be 12 seeds that might win a game and fall in the second round. I’ve herd more about Syracuse in the last 2 weeks than UCLA, Kansas, and Wisconsin combine! Who really cares if Villanova, Ohio State, or Virginia Tech get in? Maybe they win one game. Speaking of, the V-Tech coach, after losing to Carolina by 2 yesterday, emphatically stated:
“If you don’t think we are one of the best 65 teams in the country, you are clinically insane.”
Well, tie me up in a straight jacket and throw me in a padded room. Check out their resume. Their best win is against, all together now, bubble team Miami (FL). Oh, and they lost to Penn State, Richmond, and NC State.
Another popular debate is “who should get a #1 seed?” This one is more legitimate, because certain 1 seeds can play 50 miles from home, a big advantage. The 1-2 seed debate was in full swing on ESPN last night until Bobby Knight opened his mouth. I love Knight. He’s 20 times better than I expected and could listen to him all day. Anyway, right in the middle of this “hot button topic,” Knight says something to the effect of (paraphrasing):
“Who cares? As for 1 or 2 seeds, it doesn’t matter. They all win the first round. In the second, they play a 7, 8, 9, or 10 seed. These teams are all pretty much the same. Then in the third round, a 1 seed usually plays a 4, and a 2 plays a 3. 3s and 4s are also the same teams, so what does it matter?”
There was a bunch of stunned faces on the set because they know Knight just dismissed one of their favorite, go-to debates. It was priceless
“If you don’t think we are one of the best 65 teams in the country, you are clinically insane.”
Well, tie me up in a straight jacket and throw me in a padded room. Check out their resume. Their best win is against, all together now, bubble team Miami (FL). Oh, and they lost to Penn State, Richmond, and NC State.
Another popular debate is “who should get a #1 seed?” This one is more legitimate, because certain 1 seeds can play 50 miles from home, a big advantage. The 1-2 seed debate was in full swing on ESPN last night until Bobby Knight opened his mouth. I love Knight. He’s 20 times better than I expected and could listen to him all day. Anyway, right in the middle of this “hot button topic,” Knight says something to the effect of (paraphrasing):
“Who cares? As for 1 or 2 seeds, it doesn’t matter. They all win the first round. In the second, they play a 7, 8, 9, or 10 seed. These teams are all pretty much the same. Then in the third round, a 1 seed usually plays a 4, and a 2 plays a 3. 3s and 4s are also the same teams, so what does it matter?”
There was a bunch of stunned faces on the set because they know Knight just dismissed one of their favorite, go-to debates. It was priceless
For Matt
This was too good not to comment on. It's the latest entry from Mike Hunt - Matt's all time favorite journalist. Hunt talks about the Michigan State-Bucky game noting the officials, Bo Ryan's knees, Izzo's struggles with Wisconsin, blah, blah, blah. Same old Hunt: basically stealing money from the JS with articles that journalism students at UW-Parkside could write. The last sentence is just a gem:
But if you had to bet on which team will have more NCAA staying power, go with the one still playing.
No shit...Bucky's gonna be like a 2 seed and Sparty about a 7. Of course you would bet Wiscy will stick around longer! This guys sucks.
But if you had to bet on which team will have more NCAA staying power, go with the one still playing.
No shit...Bucky's gonna be like a 2 seed and Sparty about a 7. Of course you would bet Wiscy will stick around longer! This guys sucks.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Lowering Journalistic Standards in Motown
My goodness.
Here is the most ridiculous piece of "journalism" that I have read from a major metropolitan newspaper since the last Mike Hunt column I lambasted (hard to keep track of).
I wrote for the Badger Herald when I was in college, one of the student newspapers at UW Madison, and even we knew that you're supposed to leave your affiliations at the door when you write a story. No cheering in the press box. No homerism.
This column is from major newspaper, in a big city. The editor that ran this should be ashamed, much less Drew Sharp, the "columnist" who wrote it.
Why did Michigan State lose to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals? The officiating, of course.
There’s losing and there’s getting robbed. The Spartans wouldn’t make this distinction.
I will.
What happened in Saturday’s Big Ten tournament semifinal was officiating shoveled straight off the stable room floor.
There’s always an unfriendly whistle and those inequities usually balance themselves out over the course of a season. That’s never an acceptable excuse for defeat because if coaches and players better execute those situations within their control, their fate wouldn’t rest in the judgment of those beyond their control. But the Spartans got an unfair whistle in their 65-63 loss to Wisconsin.
I’ve seen plenty of poorly officiated basketball games in my time and I’ve heard plenty of venomous declarations from coaches and players certain they were wronged by striped shirted conspirators. They’re instantaneously dismissed as whiners unwilling to objectively assess their own accountability for their fate. They’re seeking a crutch and it’s always easier blaming the guy with the whistle.
But when one team fouls out four big men in rapid succession while the other team, known for taking many physical liberties, doesn’t have anybody with more than three fouls, then there’s a problem.
When referees make themselves the show, constantly calling incidental conduct away from the ball while too often ignoring obvious contact that impedes upon the ball handler’s ability to drive to the basket, then there’s a problem.
I watched this basketball game from start to finish. The officiating was definitely tight out on the perimeter, with big men for both teams getting called for multiple fouls when trying to defend picks at the top of the key.
What this clown forgets is that Michael Flowers missed much of the game due to foul trouble. Marcus Landry had 3 fouls just after halftime. Greg Steimsma was limited due to fouls as well.
Basically, the officials called it both ways. Wisconsin adjusted. Michigan State didn't. They lost the game because their freshman point guard made some freshman decisions in the last minute (which you have to live with), and Wisconsin started to hit some shots from the outside. If Michigan State played defense with their feet and not their hands, they might have avoided being called for 30 fouls. Something to work on for next year, I guess.
Wisconsin played about as bad as it could have for the first 30 minutes of this game, and still managed to pull it out. This should be encouraging for Badgers fans as the NCAA tournament approaches, and should be discouraging for the Spartans fans who are witnessing yet another season of underachievement.
But I'm sure they would be undefeated if the officials didn't hate Michigan State.
Here is the most ridiculous piece of "journalism" that I have read from a major metropolitan newspaper since the last Mike Hunt column I lambasted (hard to keep track of).
I wrote for the Badger Herald when I was in college, one of the student newspapers at UW Madison, and even we knew that you're supposed to leave your affiliations at the door when you write a story. No cheering in the press box. No homerism.
This column is from major newspaper, in a big city. The editor that ran this should be ashamed, much less Drew Sharp, the "columnist" who wrote it.
Why did Michigan State lose to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals? The officiating, of course.
There’s losing and there’s getting robbed. The Spartans wouldn’t make this distinction.
I will.
What happened in Saturday’s Big Ten tournament semifinal was officiating shoveled straight off the stable room floor.
There’s always an unfriendly whistle and those inequities usually balance themselves out over the course of a season. That’s never an acceptable excuse for defeat because if coaches and players better execute those situations within their control, their fate wouldn’t rest in the judgment of those beyond their control. But the Spartans got an unfair whistle in their 65-63 loss to Wisconsin.
I’ve seen plenty of poorly officiated basketball games in my time and I’ve heard plenty of venomous declarations from coaches and players certain they were wronged by striped shirted conspirators. They’re instantaneously dismissed as whiners unwilling to objectively assess their own accountability for their fate. They’re seeking a crutch and it’s always easier blaming the guy with the whistle.
But when one team fouls out four big men in rapid succession while the other team, known for taking many physical liberties, doesn’t have anybody with more than three fouls, then there’s a problem.
When referees make themselves the show, constantly calling incidental conduct away from the ball while too often ignoring obvious contact that impedes upon the ball handler’s ability to drive to the basket, then there’s a problem.
I watched this basketball game from start to finish. The officiating was definitely tight out on the perimeter, with big men for both teams getting called for multiple fouls when trying to defend picks at the top of the key.
What this clown forgets is that Michael Flowers missed much of the game due to foul trouble. Marcus Landry had 3 fouls just after halftime. Greg Steimsma was limited due to fouls as well.
Basically, the officials called it both ways. Wisconsin adjusted. Michigan State didn't. They lost the game because their freshman point guard made some freshman decisions in the last minute (which you have to live with), and Wisconsin started to hit some shots from the outside. If Michigan State played defense with their feet and not their hands, they might have avoided being called for 30 fouls. Something to work on for next year, I guess.
Wisconsin played about as bad as it could have for the first 30 minutes of this game, and still managed to pull it out. This should be encouraging for Badgers fans as the NCAA tournament approaches, and should be discouraging for the Spartans fans who are witnessing yet another season of underachievement.
But I'm sure they would be undefeated if the officials didn't hate Michigan State.
Brewers Thoughts
I caught the Brewers/Padres game on FSN last night. A couple of thoughts:
- I think I'm going to like Cameron at the top of the lineup. He seemed to make things happen on offense with his aggressiveness on the basepaths.
- Actually, the whole Brewers team was running like crazy, taking extra bases, stealing bases, etc.
- Claudio Vargas seemed to pitch pretty well, and he looks like he's dropped about 20 pounds from last year. He still nibbles, though. The Padres lineup was full of minor leaguers (most of the big club is in China, apparently).
- Randy Wolf started for SD. His brother was the home plate umpire. Um....that ain't legal, is it?
- Mota and Riske both got in the game. Mota pitched OK, he throws hard. Riske would have had a 1-2-3 inning except Abraham Nunez Brauned a routine throw from third for an error. I don't think Nunez is going to make the team.
- Gabe Kapler looks a hell of a lot better wearing #33 than the last slug who wore that number for the Brewers.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hubert Davis - Still an Idiot
Basketball "expert" Hubert Davis once again showed his keen analytical skills at halftime of the Badgers-Michigan game. I'm going to paraphrase this, because we couldn't really hear it very well, but this is what I was told he said...
Wisconsin is going to have a hard time going very far in the NCAA tournament because they struggle to score 50 points in a game.
Never one to take Hubert as his word, I did a little research:
Wisconsin is going to have a hard time going very far in the NCAA tournament because they struggle to score 50 points in a game.
Never one to take Hubert as his word, I did a little research:
- Wisconsin averages 68 points per game.
- Wisconsin has not scored less than 50 points in a game this season.
- In fact, they scored 60 points or more in 26 of their 31 games (including today's 51 point game, when they sleep-walked through a 17 point win over Michigan).
- They've scored 70+ points 12 times this year.
- Oh, and Wisconsin is #1 in the country in scoring defense at 54 points per game.
- And #7 in the nation in margin of victory (14 ppg).
MU And The Big East Tourney - Round 2
Marquette's on to the semis as they ran Notre Dame off the gym in the second half, winning 89-79. 89 points? In that tournament? That might be a record. MU’s much maligned bigs played very good D on ‘Gody. McNeal seems to be pissed after being left off the 11 man (wtf?) All Big East first team. He's taking it out on the BE Tourney with another monster game. 28 points, 6 boards, 4 treys. Little Guy Mo Acker also came up huge, going bananas in the last 2 minutes helping MU score a whopping 57 points in the second half. That's more than Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Northshitstern scored in their entire games yesterday.
Up next is Pitt, who will try to grind it out, MU wants to run. Should be an interesting clash of styles.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cubs Will Win The Central - Take 31
Yet another article predicting a division title for the Cubs. That's fine. I get that. The Cubs are the reigning champs with plenty of solid players. But one particular comment needs to be addressed:
"...a division in which the only serious threat may be the Milwaukee Brewers, an organization with even less World Series familiarity than the Cubs."
Brewers Last World Series Appearance: 1982
Cubs Last World Series Appearance: 1945
Less familiar? The Brewer's WS drought, although dry, looks more like a monsoon compared to the Cubs'. That's 37 years more recent??
"...a division in which the only serious threat may be the Milwaukee Brewers, an organization with even less World Series familiarity than the Cubs."
Brewers Last World Series Appearance: 1982
Cubs Last World Series Appearance: 1945
Less familiar? The Brewer's WS drought, although dry, looks more like a monsoon compared to the Cubs'. That's 37 years more recent??
Name Members of a Random Team
Today we introduce a new feature to Chuckie Hacks entitled, "Name Members of a Random Team".
For whatever reason, my boss and I tried to come up with members of the 1990 Reds team that stunned Oakland in the World Series. I was 13 at the time and this is what I came up with off the top of my head
Guys who I know or am pretty sure were on the team:
For whatever reason, my boss and I tried to come up with members of the 1990 Reds team that stunned Oakland in the World Series. I was 13 at the time and this is what I came up with off the top of my head
Guys who I know or am pretty sure were on the team:
- Jose Rijo
- Norm Charlton
- Randy Myers
- Rob Dibble
- Tom Browning
- Chris Sabo
- Eric Davis (Isn't this the series he didn't play because he almost killed himself running into an outfield wall in the playoffs?)
Guys who I think may have been on the team:
- Paul O'Neil (rookie year possibly)
- Marinao Duncan
- Not sure if Larkin was around yet.
- Glenn Braggs?
OK, I am grasping at straws now. If you know anybody else without having to look them up, please post the names in the comments. I'll look up the roster later and post it.
EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT
OK, here is the complete roster or the 1990 Reds. I could not find a post-season roster, so this looks like everybody who played a game for the Reds in 1990.
Looks like the starting line up was:
C: Joe Oliver
1B: Todd Benzinger/Hal Morris
2B: Mariano Duncan
SS: Barry Larkin
3B: Chris Sabo
OF: Billy Hatcher
OF: Eric Davis
OF: Paul O'Neil
P: Jose Rijo
P: Tom Browning
P: Jack Armstrong
P: Danny Jackson
P: Ron Robinson
CL: Randy Myers
Bench (Guys with more than 20 ABs):
Glenn Braggs
Jeff Reed
Herm Winningham
Ron Oester
Luis Quinones
Ken Griffey
Rolando Roomes
Billy Doran
Other pitchers (more than 20 IP):
Rob Dibble
Tim Layana
Norm Charlton
Tim Birtsas
Rick Mahler
Scott Scudder
Nice call on the Benzinger, Brad. Would have never got tha one. Griffey was on this team and yes, it was a Billy Hatcher year. Also nice to see Danny Jackson on there, who was the pitcher of the year in a Kansas City men's baseball league when I lived down there. He also runs a bowling alley. Good times!
MU And The Big East Tourney
MU struggled, but won, the JV portion (Seton Hall) of the Big East Tourney last night. It wasn't pretty, ugly at times, but the Gold pulled it out thanks in large part to getting to the line 35 times. Only made 20, but MU was pounding the glass like a young Buck Williams. Hayward (15-10) and McNeal (Great D, 21 pts) lead the way. Lawrence Blackledge is not a good free throw shooter.
Up next is those hated Irish, who have a nice little team. They can score inside, outside, slow, or fast. Look for an entertaining ballgame in the high 70s-low 80s. A welcome reprieve in the traditionally grind-it-out Big East Tournament.
Up next is those hated Irish, who have a nice little team. They can score inside, outside, slow, or fast. Look for an entertaining ballgame in the high 70s-low 80s. A welcome reprieve in the traditionally grind-it-out Big East Tournament.
Apparently this guy hates Cappy
Some schmuck named Jim Street decided to write a very researched game piece about the Brewers spring training game yesterday. Here was the title of his piece:
Capuano can't find groove vs. Seattle
Left-hander struggles for third straight outing in Cactus play
Then he writes exactly 1 sentence about Capuano in the actually article:
Chris Capuano struggled again, allowing 6 hits and 5 runs (all unearned) in 3 2/3 innings.
Way to take the time and breakdown Cappy's outing Jim. Seems to me that Cappy was in a fine or perhaps adequate groove until the errors started piling up. I wouldn't deem allowing 5 unearned runs as "struggling."
In the same paragraph he also referred to Carlos as "Carl Villanueva." Not sure if that was a format issue with the web page or something, but for the sake of every cougar Carlos is going to bang this year I don't want to ever see him referred to as "Carl" again.
Real beat writers Adam McCalvy & Tom Haudricourt actually found time to write decent articles about the game, noting the lack of quality defense for Capuano. All three of the errors and all of the runs Cappy let up were after two outs. So using my powers of common sense, if said errors didn't happen then Cappy would have pitched 4 innings of run-free ball. Nice game report Jim.
In other news, the Chuckie Hacks management team is sending me on my first assignment, and I'll be attending the spring training game this Saturday against the powerhouse Kansas City Royals. A post with quotes and analysis will follow.
Then he writes exactly 1 sentence about Capuano in the actually article:
Chris Capuano struggled again, allowing 6 hits and 5 runs (all unearned) in 3 2/3 innings.
Way to take the time and breakdown Cappy's outing Jim. Seems to me that Cappy was in a fine or perhaps adequate groove until the errors started piling up. I wouldn't deem allowing 5 unearned runs as "struggling."
In the same paragraph he also referred to Carlos as "Carl Villanueva." Not sure if that was a format issue with the web page or something, but for the sake of every cougar Carlos is going to bang this year I don't want to ever see him referred to as "Carl" again.
Real beat writers Adam McCalvy & Tom Haudricourt actually found time to write decent articles about the game, noting the lack of quality defense for Capuano. All three of the errors and all of the runs Cappy let up were after two outs. So using my powers of common sense, if said errors didn't happen then Cappy would have pitched 4 innings of run-free ball. Nice game report Jim.
In other news, the Chuckie Hacks management team is sending me on my first assignment, and I'll be attending the spring training game this Saturday against the powerhouse Kansas City Royals. A post with quotes and analysis will follow.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Second Annual Greater Chuckie Hacks Open
It's getting to be that time of the year again and I would like to give everyone a heads up about the Second Annual Greater Chuckie Hacks Open. The GCHO is a NCAA bracket competition that is done for fun. The added bonus this year is that the winner will be given the opportunity to make a post on Chuckie Hacks if he/she so chooses. What an honor!
Lets review last year's top 5:
1. Paul Wambold 180 points
2. Tony Kern 176
3. Tony Matera 174
4. Tim Burg 172
5. (tie) Kyle Kroner, Mark Pierson 168
Also a special shout out to Chopp who finished in last.
To join in on the excitement this year, please go to: http://gcho.mayhem.sportsline.com/
The password is: robdeer
Should be good times.
Cameron in USA Today Today
Front page story in the USA Today today on Mike Cameron, Jay Gibbons and Jose Guillen - three players who are suspended (or fighting suspensions) for the beginning of the season.
A couple of interesting tidbits on Cameron:
On the reaction from opposing fans this spring:
The fan standing behind the dugout at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Ariz., was merciless, screaming obscenities, trying to provoke a fight.
I think HoHoKam is where the Cubs spend their spring. Heckling with swears in a Spring Training game? You stay classy, Chicago Cubs fans.
On Cameron's signing by the Brewers after the suspension was announced:
Cameron, also in negotiations with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees, instead received a one-year, $7 million contract with Milwaukee with a $10 million club option in 2009. It easily was the best signing of the offseason, San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers says.
"We wanted to sign him, and we certainly would have signed him at that price," says Towers, who had Cameron the last two seasons. "You're talking about a guy who's not only extremely talented but one of the best clubhouse guys we've ever had in San Diego."
On Cameron's melon:
Cameron, after listening to pleadings from his wife, scheduled an appointment for Friday with a Phoenix neurologist. He will undergo a battery of tests, Cameron says, to make sure he still isn't suffering from the aftereffects of his violent 2005 outfield collision with former teammate Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets.
"I'm fine physically," Cameron says, "but mentally, I'm not so sure. It's just little things. Lapses here and there. I may be fine, but it can't hurt. I just want to find out for sure, and whether I need anything to help me."
Umm...great.
A couple of interesting tidbits on Cameron:
On the reaction from opposing fans this spring:
The fan standing behind the dugout at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Ariz., was merciless, screaming obscenities, trying to provoke a fight.
I think HoHoKam is where the Cubs spend their spring. Heckling with swears in a Spring Training game? You stay classy, Chicago Cubs fans.
On Cameron's signing by the Brewers after the suspension was announced:
Cameron, also in negotiations with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees, instead received a one-year, $7 million contract with Milwaukee with a $10 million club option in 2009. It easily was the best signing of the offseason, San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers says.
"We wanted to sign him, and we certainly would have signed him at that price," says Towers, who had Cameron the last two seasons. "You're talking about a guy who's not only extremely talented but one of the best clubhouse guys we've ever had in San Diego."
On Cameron's melon:
Cameron, after listening to pleadings from his wife, scheduled an appointment for Friday with a Phoenix neurologist. He will undergo a battery of tests, Cameron says, to make sure he still isn't suffering from the aftereffects of his violent 2005 outfield collision with former teammate Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets.
"I'm fine physically," Cameron says, "but mentally, I'm not so sure. It's just little things. Lapses here and there. I may be fine, but it can't hurt. I just want to find out for sure, and whether I need anything to help me."
Umm...great.
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