Thanks to John in Menasha for sending this Sporting News Q/A with the Brewer's owner.
After watching the Yankees spend nearly $424 million on three free agents this offseason, Attanasio made headlines by suggesting that Major League Baseball implement a salary cap. Among the Yankees' high-priced newcomers is CC Sabathia -- the ace who helped lead the Brewers to the playoffs in 2008 (Milwaukee's first postseason appearance in 26 years). Mark Kass of the Milwaukee Business Journal recently spoke with Attanasio about the cap, the poor economy and the Brewers' revival.
Q: Why did you suggest the idea of salary cap, and how would it help the Brewers compete against the larger-market teams?
A: It was right after the Yankee had signed Mark Teixeira, after signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. It just seemed to me to have one team signing three free agents at those high prices, as compared to what the other 29 teams were doing, there was something wrong with the competitive balance in the league. Competitive balance has been great in baseball for the last decade or so, and we have to keep it like that. I am concerned, especially in a bad economy like this, that you have a segmenting out of the haves and the have-nots. When the gap widens between the haves and the have-nots, it throws the competitive balance out of whack.
Q: Do you think there is a chance a cap will get implemented?
A: It wasn't so much that I am hung up on salary cap as I would like to see competitive balance. Whether it is a salary cap or making the luxury tax payments greater, whatever you have to do to keep the competitive balance. What I don't want to do is have people think we need a handout here in Milwaukee. We don't need a handout in Milwaukee, but we do need the playing field to be level.
Q: Are you getting much support from other team owners?
A: A lot of owners are telling me privately that they agree with me, but I don't see a lot of people speaking up on the issue. It's a free country and you can speak your mind. I really hope this is something that Major League Baseball deals with over the next couple of years. It is important to the future of the game.
Q: How has the economic downturn impacted the team's operations?
A: It has impacted our ability and our willingness to spend money ... because you are just not sure what is going to happen in this economy. Frankly, with everything (that) is going on in this economy, I am getting a little nervous with our payroll at $80 million to $85 million. We are going to try and walk that fine line of spending money responsibly, with an emphasis on the word "responsibly" and not on the word "spend."
Q: You have to be happy with the ways things have gone so far. You've sold a million tickets more quickly than any year in team history, and sponsorships are holding their own.
A: I think this is a city that really embraces the Brewers. We have a great fan base. As you know, I've always felt that. That was one of the reasons why I was interested in buying this team.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Looks Like Goldy Will Be Able To Listen To Brewers Games This Year
The Journal Sentinel is reporting that the Brewers have narrowed their search for Jim Powell's replacement to 2 candidates, neither of whom have nicknamed themselves the Big Unit (to my knowledge).
I'm somewhat familiar with the work of Cory Provus, and find him to be fairly non-offensive. I'm sure the Pat Hughes connection helps there.
I don't listen to many Diamondbacks games so can't comment on the other guy.
I'm somewhat familiar with the work of Cory Provus, and find him to be fairly non-offensive. I'm sure the Pat Hughes connection helps there.
I don't listen to many Diamondbacks games so can't comment on the other guy.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Best NFL Mock Draft In The World
Todd from the Brew Town Beat organized a nice little NFL mock draft (first round) represented by a few of the best Wisconsin sports blogs around. Partaking in the shenanigans was Yours Truly, Todd, Bart from The Bucky Channel, and Dan over at the Sports Bubbler's Daily Drink.
All in all it was pretty good times! The Lions actually contacted all of us to assist their war room.
Click here to see all the high(low)lights of each pick.
St Louis Does Not Like The Cubs
Would have been even better if a hammered Tony LaVodka tried spelling this...
Mike Hunt, Blogger
Well, folks, Christmas has come late (or early?) in January.
Mike Hunt has started to blog. I'll let his first post wash over you, in full:
There are only two downsides to writing a 600-word sports column that appears four times a week in the newspaper.
It's 600 words. And it runs four times a week.
Occasionally, that's not enough words and not enough times to feed the 800-pound gorilla relentlessly gnawing on the 24-hour news cycle.
So welcome to Extra Points, where the stuff that falls through the cracks will be collected in a gently used Brewers clubhouse spittoon, filtered, sorted and sporadically presented in a semi-readable format.
We'll talk about the usual suspects and issues, at least the timely stuff I can't fit into the column. [Ed: Is Mike using the royal "we" in this thing?] We'll talk about the influence of sports on movies, books, music and culture in general. We'll talk about some pretty cool stuff I see along the road. But most of all we'll try to capture the spirit of the thing, whatever that thing might be, sort of like my man Dickie Dunn.
And as the spirit moves, we'll discuss things that might not have an immediate connection to sports. But trust us, connect they will. [Ed: Us?] For example, we'll eventually get around to talking about a song I heard on my favoite [sic] radio station the other day that managed to get "Milwaukee" and "Harvey Haddix" into the first two lines.
The intenion is to never be too serious, although we might encroach upon something approaching gravity should the need arise. If someone needs propping up or a kick in the seat, we'll try and accommodate.
And if things get too squirrelly, I just might say the heck with it and suggest we all go listen to the Marshall Tucker Band.
Thanks in advance for checking back from time to time.
There. That was pretty clear, wasn't it? This promises to be good times.
Mike Hunt has started to blog. I'll let his first post wash over you, in full:
There are only two downsides to writing a 600-word sports column that appears four times a week in the newspaper.
It's 600 words. And it runs four times a week.
Occasionally, that's not enough words and not enough times to feed the 800-pound gorilla relentlessly gnawing on the 24-hour news cycle.
So welcome to Extra Points, where the stuff that falls through the cracks will be collected in a gently used Brewers clubhouse spittoon, filtered, sorted and sporadically presented in a semi-readable format.
We'll talk about the usual suspects and issues, at least the timely stuff I can't fit into the column. [Ed: Is Mike using the royal "we" in this thing?] We'll talk about the influence of sports on movies, books, music and culture in general. We'll talk about some pretty cool stuff I see along the road. But most of all we'll try to capture the spirit of the thing, whatever that thing might be, sort of like my man Dickie Dunn.
And as the spirit moves, we'll discuss things that might not have an immediate connection to sports. But trust us, connect they will. [Ed: Us?] For example, we'll eventually get around to talking about a song I heard on my favoite [sic] radio station the other day that managed to get "Milwaukee" and "Harvey Haddix" into the first two lines.
The intenion is to never be too serious, although we might encroach upon something approaching gravity should the need arise. If someone needs propping up or a kick in the seat, we'll try and accommodate.
And if things get too squirrelly, I just might say the heck with it and suggest we all go listen to the Marshall Tucker Band.
Thanks in advance for checking back from time to time.
There. That was pretty clear, wasn't it? This promises to be good times.
Jim Powell Says Good Bye
I am sad to see Jim Powell go to Atlanta. I liked what he brought to the broadcast and thought he was really up on the entire Brewers system and gave great bits of info about the minor leaguers during the game. Sure he laughed at Uecker's stories that I am sure he has heard about 10 times each, but that was part of his job and made listening to the Brewers that much more fun. He wasn't afraid to mention if a player was playing bad. If he got real excited, he did sound like Kermit the Frog introducing the musical guest on The Muppet Show, but I didn't mind that. I thought he was a good announcer and a very knowledgeable baseball guy and he really added to the broadcast.
Over at brewerfan.net, Jim posted a good bye letter.
It's a nice read. Hopefully he has a good career in Atlanta. And hopefully his replacement here can measure up to his baseball acumen. If Bill Michaels is the new guy, I may never listen to the Brewers on radio.
Over at brewerfan.net, Jim posted a good bye letter.
It's a nice read. Hopefully he has a good career in Atlanta. And hopefully his replacement here can measure up to his baseball acumen. If Bill Michaels is the new guy, I may never listen to the Brewers on radio.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Obviously, He's Tempting
Generally, I like Adam McAlvy's work. So I was tempted to not even post this. But what the hell, it's been a slow winter.
In this story, which by my count is update #3,294 this offseason about how the Brewers won't be re-signing Ben Sheets, McAlvy writes the following:
Yet it is tempting to keep in mind that Sheets has pitched for the Brewers his entire career, and could be tempted to return if he does not find any attractive offers elsewhere. In Milwaukee he would be the team's No. 1 starter and would add depth to a rotation that currently has precious little. Brewers officials say they want to preserve payroll flexibility to make a move once the season starts, but the opportunity to land Sheets at a bargain price could be tempting.
It's a great label for Ben Sheets, actually.
Temptress.
In this story, which by my count is update #3,294 this offseason about how the Brewers won't be re-signing Ben Sheets, McAlvy writes the following:
Yet it is tempting to keep in mind that Sheets has pitched for the Brewers his entire career, and could be tempted to return if he does not find any attractive offers elsewhere. In Milwaukee he would be the team's No. 1 starter and would add depth to a rotation that currently has precious little. Brewers officials say they want to preserve payroll flexibility to make a move once the season starts, but the opportunity to land Sheets at a bargain price could be tempting.
It's a great label for Ben Sheets, actually.
Temptress.
Trenni a little down and dirty?
Looks like some bloggers out there think Trenni is a little wild.
Here's the question that was posed on the site:
BC editors were so excited about one office chat they decided to pose this question to fellow sports bloggers to get a pulse on the subject of “The Sports Broadcaster/Personality Most Likely To Have A Sex Tape Is…”
The fellas over at NFL Juice think Trenni would be 2nd on such a list. Here's their reasoning:
Close Runner-Up: Trenni Kusnierek of Fox Sports Net. Reason: Spring Break, 1997, Cancun, after-bar party on the beach, loud music, Cuervo 1800 shots, battery-operated toys…..and the rest is classified.
Lies! Lies I tell you! No way Trenni pulls these sorts of stunts. It's a shame the length that some internet personalities go these days just to hype up their own sites. Nothing but another vicious Trenni rumor from someone who doesn't have any idea how classy of a babe she really is.
Chuckie Hacks would never treat you like that Trenni. You're #1 here. Don't you ever forget it.
Thanks to LIFO for the tip.
Here's the question that was posed on the site:
BC editors were so excited about one office chat they decided to pose this question to fellow sports bloggers to get a pulse on the subject of “The Sports Broadcaster/Personality Most Likely To Have A Sex Tape Is…”
The fellas over at NFL Juice think Trenni would be 2nd on such a list. Here's their reasoning:
Close Runner-Up: Trenni Kusnierek of Fox Sports Net. Reason: Spring Break, 1997, Cancun, after-bar party on the beach, loud music, Cuervo 1800 shots, battery-operated toys…..and the rest is classified.
Lies! Lies I tell you! No way Trenni pulls these sorts of stunts. It's a shame the length that some internet personalities go these days just to hype up their own sites. Nothing but another vicious Trenni rumor from someone who doesn't have any idea how classy of a babe she really is.
Chuckie Hacks would never treat you like that Trenni. You're #1 here. Don't you ever forget it.
Thanks to LIFO for the tip.
Email Fun with Chuckie Hacks' Bloggers
After I saw Brad the Dinosaur's post yesterday making fun of VORP...I felt an email was in order to him explaining a few things. After writing a long email...I realized that I write for a blog...so I might as well throw it up as well for the masses to see.
I never have proclaimed to be a stat wiz, but I do understand the basics of all this new age stuff. And yes, from what I've read, VORP is already outdated to some other crap that I haven't learned yet. But it still doesn't diminish what the number represents, or the basic conclusions that you can draw from said numbers. Enjoy the exchange...Brad did.
Woz to Brad (Matt & Goldy CC'd)
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/team_audit.php?team=MIL
Brad,
Here, read up on VORP...this is last year’s team all ranked based on their VORP. Obviously Braun and Prince were 1 and 2 for hitters, while CC & Sheets were 1 & 2 for pitchers. Looking at stats like this is another reason why I’m a fan of Mike Cameron. He’s a big part of this team this year and was a huge part last year. We’ll need him to match last year’s production. His value cannot be overlooked.
The reason this stat is useful is that it tracks overall offensive value of any player across the whole league. That’s why you can compare Pujol’s VORP to Braun’s, or Hanley Ramirez’s to Lance Berkman. The point is not to factor who a potential “replacement player” would be on each team. Obviously some teams have a better guy they can bring up at 3b or RF in case one of their guys goes down. But that doesn’t mean that since that “replacement player” is better, the current guy in the position should have his VORP calculated based on that or whatever. Again, the replacement player they are referring to is a guy who has a VORP of 0…he brings nothing to the team. It’s an imaginary guy with stats that overall don’t contribute to a single run…which is the unit that VORP is measured in…runs.
And Yes, Bill Hall had a negative VORP. He literally cost the team runs this past year. If you would bring in some chump from Triple AAA or whatever (the “replacement player” , some guy that got the same number of plate appearances as Hall and would have had a VORP of 0, they are saying the Brewers are better off with that chump getting the at-bats instead of Bill Hall. Again, forget the replacement player. The stat is there to intuitively prove that Bill Hall is absolutely terrible.
Here’s the final ranking of NL VORPS from last year. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=309868
Note how ridiculous Albert Pujols is. That’s why I scoffed at people saying he wasn’t the MVP. Dude was the best. Period. Without him, the Cardinals would have been a joke.
A final thing to point out is that sabremetrics states that roughly every 10 runs that a player contributes (based on VORP) is worth 1 win. I think there may be a stat for that called WARP or something…but I’m not sure about that so let’s just ignore it.
So basically you can say from looking at these year end stats that both Braun and Prince single-handedly accounted for about 4 wins each for the team. If you read Keith Law or Rob Neyer or other stat guys that say stuff like, “He’ll probably be worth 2-3 wins for the team this year” this is what they are talking about.
Finally, add up all the VORPS of all the Brewers from their offensive stats. Unless my math is wrong, I came up with 198. So using the whole “roughly 10 runs equals a win thing here” we can project the Brewers should have been around 19.8 games over .500 last year based on these stats. Lets say 20 games to round up. Well…they went 90-72. 18 games over. Again, this is ridiculously crude, because I’m sure the stat nerds convert VORP into something else and go from there to calculate winning percentages and what not. But to start, they always try to project VORP, because it’s the basic value of what a player is worth, and it’s used in comparison to every other player in the league.
So while I enjoyed your other acronyms on your last post (quite funny indeed), hopefully this will help you understand VORP a little better. I can send you a couple of books if you’d like it to be explained in more detail or better than what I just did.
Goldy to Woz, Brad, & Matt
I like the fact that Woz has a library of VORP
books.
Brad to Woz, Goldy, & Matt
Hmmm, interesting. Is it possible for someone to have like a great OPS, but a bad VORP? Or vice versa?
Woz to Brad, Matt, Goldy
I can’t comment on any direct correlation, but on the surface a guy with a high OPS would have a “higher” VORP…but again, VORP is also the measure of runs provided based on PA’s, so a lot of it depends on how much the guy plays. Two great examples for the Brewers last year were Gabe Kapler and Russell Branyan.
Russell actually had the highest OPS (920), but his VORP wasn’t as high because he didn’t play enough. Kapler’s figures are similar.
But our top 4 guys in terms of VORP (Braun, Prince, JJ, Cameron) all had OPSs over .800. As far as I’m concerned, by any quantifiable measure, these 4 guys were our 4 best offensive guys last year.
On the flip side, check out Counsel and Kendall’s OPS…and compare then to the VORPs. Both guys VORP’s were around 0, and their OPS were around 650 (which is incredibly weak).
But Counsell and Kendall’s value goes beyond their offensive contributions (obviously)…anyway I don’t think anybody is saying these guys are on the team for their offensive contributions.
I like the Counsell signing BTW.
Matt to Brad, Goldy, Woz
But Mike Cameron strikes out too much!!!!!! I hate him!!!!!
And...that's where the thread ended. I actually had to work at that point.
Point? VORP ain't bad. It helps you understand what you should already know. Just another stat for the arsenal.
I never have proclaimed to be a stat wiz, but I do understand the basics of all this new age stuff. And yes, from what I've read, VORP is already outdated to some other crap that I haven't learned yet. But it still doesn't diminish what the number represents, or the basic conclusions that you can draw from said numbers. Enjoy the exchange...Brad did.
Woz to Brad (Matt & Goldy CC'd)
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/team_audit.php?team=MIL
Brad,
Here, read up on VORP...this is last year’s team all ranked based on their VORP. Obviously Braun and Prince were 1 and 2 for hitters, while CC & Sheets were 1 & 2 for pitchers. Looking at stats like this is another reason why I’m a fan of Mike Cameron. He’s a big part of this team this year and was a huge part last year. We’ll need him to match last year’s production. His value cannot be overlooked.
The reason this stat is useful is that it tracks overall offensive value of any player across the whole league. That’s why you can compare Pujol’s VORP to Braun’s, or Hanley Ramirez’s to Lance Berkman. The point is not to factor who a potential “replacement player” would be on each team. Obviously some teams have a better guy they can bring up at 3b or RF in case one of their guys goes down. But that doesn’t mean that since that “replacement player” is better, the current guy in the position should have his VORP calculated based on that or whatever. Again, the replacement player they are referring to is a guy who has a VORP of 0…he brings nothing to the team. It’s an imaginary guy with stats that overall don’t contribute to a single run…which is the unit that VORP is measured in…runs.
And Yes, Bill Hall had a negative VORP. He literally cost the team runs this past year. If you would bring in some chump from Triple AAA or whatever (the “replacement player” , some guy that got the same number of plate appearances as Hall and would have had a VORP of 0, they are saying the Brewers are better off with that chump getting the at-bats instead of Bill Hall. Again, forget the replacement player. The stat is there to intuitively prove that Bill Hall is absolutely terrible.
Here’s the final ranking of NL VORPS from last year. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=309868
Note how ridiculous Albert Pujols is. That’s why I scoffed at people saying he wasn’t the MVP. Dude was the best. Period. Without him, the Cardinals would have been a joke.
A final thing to point out is that sabremetrics states that roughly every 10 runs that a player contributes (based on VORP) is worth 1 win. I think there may be a stat for that called WARP or something…but I’m not sure about that so let’s just ignore it.
So basically you can say from looking at these year end stats that both Braun and Prince single-handedly accounted for about 4 wins each for the team. If you read Keith Law or Rob Neyer or other stat guys that say stuff like, “He’ll probably be worth 2-3 wins for the team this year” this is what they are talking about.
Finally, add up all the VORPS of all the Brewers from their offensive stats. Unless my math is wrong, I came up with 198. So using the whole “roughly 10 runs equals a win thing here” we can project the Brewers should have been around 19.8 games over .500 last year based on these stats. Lets say 20 games to round up. Well…they went 90-72. 18 games over. Again, this is ridiculously crude, because I’m sure the stat nerds convert VORP into something else and go from there to calculate winning percentages and what not. But to start, they always try to project VORP, because it’s the basic value of what a player is worth, and it’s used in comparison to every other player in the league.
So while I enjoyed your other acronyms on your last post (quite funny indeed), hopefully this will help you understand VORP a little better. I can send you a couple of books if you’d like it to be explained in more detail or better than what I just did.
Goldy to Woz, Brad, & Matt
I like the fact that Woz has a library of VORP
books.
Brad to Woz, Goldy, & Matt
Hmmm, interesting. Is it possible for someone to have like a great OPS, but a bad VORP? Or vice versa?
Woz to Brad, Matt, Goldy
I can’t comment on any direct correlation, but on the surface a guy with a high OPS would have a “higher” VORP…but again, VORP is also the measure of runs provided based on PA’s, so a lot of it depends on how much the guy plays. Two great examples for the Brewers last year were Gabe Kapler and Russell Branyan.
Russell actually had the highest OPS (920), but his VORP wasn’t as high because he didn’t play enough. Kapler’s figures are similar.
But our top 4 guys in terms of VORP (Braun, Prince, JJ, Cameron) all had OPSs over .800. As far as I’m concerned, by any quantifiable measure, these 4 guys were our 4 best offensive guys last year.
On the flip side, check out Counsel and Kendall’s OPS…and compare then to the VORPs. Both guys VORP’s were around 0, and their OPS were around 650 (which is incredibly weak).
But Counsell and Kendall’s value goes beyond their offensive contributions (obviously)…anyway I don’t think anybody is saying these guys are on the team for their offensive contributions.
I like the Counsell signing BTW.
Matt to Brad, Goldy, Woz
But Mike Cameron strikes out too much!!!!!! I hate him!!!!!
And...that's where the thread ended. I actually had to work at that point.
Point? VORP ain't bad. It helps you understand what you should already know. Just another stat for the arsenal.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I Thought Ted Never Spends Any Money?
I'd like to temper the excitement of delusional Packers fans who suggests Green Bay should go out an dump heaps of money to Albert Haynesworth, Terrell Suggs, Julius Peppers, Jordan Gross, Reggie White, CC Sabathia, etc... They can't. The common myth is that the Packers are boatloads of money under the cap. While they do have a nice chunk of change - it will shrink as soon as they extend Greg Jennings and Nick Collins.
Here's a list of available cap space in 2009 for every NFL team. The link has an explanation for each team, but I'll only show Green Bay's comments or this post becomes gigantic. From DraftSharks.com via FootballGuys.com.
** All 32 teams ranked by current salary cap space against the 2009 limit of $123 million per club. They are ranked from most cap room (Tampa) to least (NY Jets). These figures are not exact, but after weeks of exhaustive research at the NFLPA website, NFLMedia, ESPN, FOX, & local newspaper sites, they are pretty close. Detailed free agency & contract info included.
By John Miller, Draftsharks.com
1. Tampa Bay -- $42m under
2. Arizona -- $41m under
3. Denver -- $34m under
4. Kansas City -- $33m under
5. Tennessee -- $31m under
6. Miami -- $28m under
7. Buffalo -- $27m under
8. Detroit -- $26m under
9. San Francisco -- $26m under
10. Houston -- $25m under
11. Philadelphia -- $25m under
12. Cincinnati -- $22m under
13. New England -- $21m under
14. Minnesota -- $20m under
15. Atlanta -- $20m under
16. Pittsburgh -- $19m under
17. Baltimore -- $19m under
18. Chicago -- $19m under
19. Green Bay -- $18m under - Getting rid of Brett Favre and his $12 million salary for a 3rd-round pick turned out to be the right move. Then they signed Aaron Rodgers to a cap-friendly 6-year, $65 million deal on Oct. 31 – shoveling $12 million onto the 2008 cap before the league deadline. If they waited another 24 hours the entire pay increase would have to be treated as a signing bonus -- and pro-rated over the length of the contract for cap purposes. Now they have cap room to extend WR Greg Jennings, S Nick Collins, and S Atari Bigby.
20. Cleveland -- $17m under
21. Jacksonville -- $16m under
22. San Diego -- $14m under
23. New York Giants -- $11m under
24. Dallas -- $10m under
25. Carolina -- $9m under
26. Seattle -- $9m under
27. St. Louis -- $8m under
28. Oakland -- $4m under
29. Indianapolis -- $2m over
30. Washington -- $3m over
31. New Orleans -- $5m over
32. New York Jets -- $7m over
Here's a list of available cap space in 2009 for every NFL team. The link has an explanation for each team, but I'll only show Green Bay's comments or this post becomes gigantic. From DraftSharks.com via FootballGuys.com.
** All 32 teams ranked by current salary cap space against the 2009 limit of $123 million per club. They are ranked from most cap room (Tampa) to least (NY Jets). These figures are not exact, but after weeks of exhaustive research at the NFLPA website, NFLMedia, ESPN, FOX, & local newspaper sites, they are pretty close. Detailed free agency & contract info included.
By John Miller, Draftsharks.com
1. Tampa Bay -- $42m under
2. Arizona -- $41m under
3. Denver -- $34m under
4. Kansas City -- $33m under
5. Tennessee -- $31m under
6. Miami -- $28m under
7. Buffalo -- $27m under
8. Detroit -- $26m under
9. San Francisco -- $26m under
10. Houston -- $25m under
11. Philadelphia -- $25m under
12. Cincinnati -- $22m under
13. New England -- $21m under
14. Minnesota -- $20m under
15. Atlanta -- $20m under
16. Pittsburgh -- $19m under
17. Baltimore -- $19m under
18. Chicago -- $19m under
19. Green Bay -- $18m under - Getting rid of Brett Favre and his $12 million salary for a 3rd-round pick turned out to be the right move. Then they signed Aaron Rodgers to a cap-friendly 6-year, $65 million deal on Oct. 31 – shoveling $12 million onto the 2008 cap before the league deadline. If they waited another 24 hours the entire pay increase would have to be treated as a signing bonus -- and pro-rated over the length of the contract for cap purposes. Now they have cap room to extend WR Greg Jennings, S Nick Collins, and S Atari Bigby.
20. Cleveland -- $17m under
21. Jacksonville -- $16m under
22. San Diego -- $14m under
23. New York Giants -- $11m under
24. Dallas -- $10m under
25. Carolina -- $9m under
26. Seattle -- $9m under
27. St. Louis -- $8m under
28. Oakland -- $4m under
29. Indianapolis -- $2m over
30. Washington -- $3m over
31. New Orleans -- $5m over
32. New York Jets -- $7m over
We Could Use a Little More Road Bowling
Do you know what I think this country is missing? Road bowling. I think Matt and I could stage a fierce battle between Glendale and Cedarburg.
You may have seen road bowling on the ESPN show "Gaelic Games" which appeared on ESPN sometime in the 90's. I think this was a weekly show where they showed Irish sports, with the focus usually being on the week's top hurling match. However, it was the road bowling segment that really sparked excitement in the Goldy household, which is strange because my family is a bit of every nationality, mostly Scottish and Croatian, however, no Irish slipped in there.
To me it looked like a bunch of drunk people throwing a ball down a road from town to town. This is a sport I can support! The excitement came when the people on the side of the road got hit by the ball. It was awesome. However, according to wikipedia, there is much more to road bowling than what I just described:
A 28 ounce iron and steel cannonball the size of a tennis
ball (a "bowl" or "bullet") is hurled down a country lane. The player or
team with the fewest shots to the finish line wins.
A road shower advises the
thrower about the throw [or shot] much like a caddy, whilst another helper
stands ahead of the thrower, feet apart, to show the best line or path in the
road.
The thrower runs to the throwing mark and, in the Northern or County
Armagh style, extends the arm and bowl behind him as he runs. At the throwing
mark the arm is snapped forward by arching the back and shoulders, releasing the
bowl underhand before stepping over the mark.
In the Southern or County Cork
style, as the thrower runs to the mark the arm and bowl are lifted up and back,
then whirled downward into an underhand throw, releasing the bowl before
stepping over the mark.
Wherever the bowl stops (not where it leaves the road
surface), a chalk
mark is made at the nearest point on the road and the next throw is taken from
behind that mark.
Over tight curves, or corners where two roads meet, the
bowl may be thrown through the air (lofted). The loft must strike the road or
pass over it. If the loft fails to reach the road, it counts as one shot, and
the next throw must be taken again from the same mark.
If two players or
teams approach the finish line with equal shots, the winner is decided by which
throw goes farthest past the finish line.
Seriously, doesn't that sound like fun? There is drinking and gambling involved. I think we need to start a Milwaukee area road bowling league. Chuckie Hacks will supply the shirts.
Is This Legal?
Congrats to Jags RB Fred Taylor for his son getting 1st team All-State (Florida) honors. Big deal athletes churning out more athletes happens all the time, right? Yeah, but Taylor's kid is in 8th GRADE! Can you even play varsity in 8th grade? In Florida the answer is Yes:
Glades Day appealed to Taylor because of its academic reputation and because it offered a chance for Taylor to play varsity football as a middle-schooler for a program that two years ago won the Class 1A title. The Florida High School Athletic Association allows junior high students to participate in varsity sports when they attend school in the same building as the high-schoolers, which is the setup at Glades Day.
Hmmm. The only similar situation I know of was when Jesse Keller played middle linebacker on the Saukville Rebels 8th grade team as like a 3rd grader. It might have even been 2nd grade. No kidding - his old man was coach and Junior was a man-child. You know, one of those big, farm-tough kids who was twice a strong as everybody in 3rd grade combined. His jersey was retired by the Rebels and now enjoys wrestling steer in his spare time. I wish I was making this up - he has the scars to prove it. I like Jesse Keller, good guy.
Glades Day appealed to Taylor because of its academic reputation and because it offered a chance for Taylor to play varsity football as a middle-schooler for a program that two years ago won the Class 1A title. The Florida High School Athletic Association allows junior high students to participate in varsity sports when they attend school in the same building as the high-schoolers, which is the setup at Glades Day.
Hmmm. The only similar situation I know of was when Jesse Keller played middle linebacker on the Saukville Rebels 8th grade team as like a 3rd grader. It might have even been 2nd grade. No kidding - his old man was coach and Junior was a man-child. You know, one of those big, farm-tough kids who was twice a strong as everybody in 3rd grade combined. His jersey was retired by the Rebels and now enjoys wrestling steer in his spare time. I wish I was making this up - he has the scars to prove it. I like Jesse Keller, good guy.
Monday, January 26, 2009
VORP = WTF + POS
I must admit, anything more complex than OPS and WHIP…K-bye, I’m not interested. Oh, I understand their usefulness - to a point. This rant goes out to VORP. VORP is everywhere, a new age OBP. I know what it means – Value Over Replacement Player – but can’t understand it in practice. Why is this “replacement player” a fictions Joe Schmoe used in everybody’s VORP calculation? Don’t some teams have better substitute players at certain positions than others? How about two years ago when the Crew started the year with Counsinino at third base? His replacement (Ryan Braun) was an infinitely better option. Does Counsinino have a negative VORP? No, because all “replacement players” are equal according to the formula. Makes no sense. My calculations come to the conclusion that VORP is a big pile of stank.
Yet, I did throw a few numbers together and create some new statistics for the Brewers. We might have to keep track of these.
RIBBS (Ryan Is Banging Busty Sluts) – Number of hot chicks Braun destroys in a 162 game season. Use a multiplier of 1.25 after hitting a game-winning bomb….the quality of poon increases. Use a multiplier of 6.29 if he’s out with this hat. 2009 Projection: Infinity
WHOPPER (When Has Overweight Prince Practiced Eating Restraint) – As a percentage of total meals. Career Number: %0.000. 2009 Projection: %0.001 – I predict he'll accidently drink a diet Coke, confusing it with liquid chocolate.
NYPPI (Ned Yost Postgame Press Interview) – Percent of interviews that Yosted sounds like a condescending asshole. 2009 Projection: ZERO, HE'S GONE!!!
TAPS (Take A Pitch, Stupid) – Most of the team scores well in this category, but it’s originally created for Corkey Hart. Percent of bad pitches the Brewers watch, rather than swing at. 2009 Projections: Brewers: Lower than the league average. Hart: Death Valley-low.
OUCH (OUts Caught Hurt) – Number of innings caught by our Curious George-looking catcher. 2009 Projection: Every damn one.
ASSS (Average Shitty Starts from Suppan) – Percentage of starts from Jeff Suppan that are considered shitty. Career Number: %50. Last month of 2008: %100. 2009 Projection: %62
UMPH (Untimely Miles Per Hour) – In MPH, the speed of a Trevor Hoffman changeup which is guessed correctly by opposing batter and moosed into Bernie’s Terrace. 2009 Projection: Hopefully this stat isn’t used.
Packers Hire Kevin Greene And His Hair
New Packers OLB coach? Kevin Greene. Or is it player/coach, I'm not sure. "Hey Poppinga, you suck! Gimme that helmet, I'm going in..."
Random Garbage
Reading about the NFL Hall of Fame candidates. Cortez Kennedy was 1992 NFL defensive player of the year when the Seahawks went 2-14! Now THAT'S impressive.
Shouldn't Magic Johnson be dead by now?
Marquette - Notre Dame on primetime tonight. I like it! Run and gun, baby. Harangody with 30 and 14. Hate to say it, but Dom James has actually turned into a point guard! No, really, he has. It only took 3.5 years, but he finally figured out its better if he distributes the ball, plays great D, and doesn't shoot. Kudos, Dom! It is primetime tonight, so he could easily revert back to Bad Dom.
Did the NBA fold yet?
More MLB Network Love: Watching that nightly show a few days ago and they started the first half hour talking about these teams - Twins, Braves, A's, Orioles, ChiSox, and Tigers. Yep, 30 minutes in and not one mention of the Yankess, Red Sox, or Mets. You hear that, ESPN???
For the third time, I've heard someone say Ueck is an A-Hole at autograph sessions. What's with that? Anybody experience this?
Bucky = NIT
Super Bowl - Steelers 30, Cards 21
Weekly Bucks Report - Injury Time!
We're throwing up the Weekly Bucks Report on Monday this week, due to the Michael Redd injury. Let's see what CH correspondent Two Name has to say about the whole ordeal.
And now, starting at guard, 6-foot-3 from Nevada, Ramon Sessions! No wait, from Michigan State, Charlie Bell! Hold that, Damon Jones! One of those three guys will join Luke Ridnour in the starting backcourt the rest of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After Michael Redd tore his ACL and MCL Saturday against the Kings, the Bucks will be without their best scorer and the focus of opposing teams’ defensive game plans for the duration of the season. Paging Andrew Bogut. Paging Richard Jefferson.
Bucks fans had thoughts of a “Big 3” heading into the season with Redd, Bogut and Jefferson leading the way. But with nagging injuries to Redd and Bogut, and now Redd missing the rest of the season, that potentially potent threesome unfortunately never came to fruition. With Bogut getting back into the mix after dealing with back spasms, it’s time for the Aussie and RJ to take this team over.
RJ has been a nice all-around addition for the Bucks, but you can tell he’s taken a backseat to Redd in terms of asserting himself offensively. Bogut, who shoots 57 percent from the floor, needed to be more aggressive when Redd was healthy. Now it’s imperative that he force other teams to double team him and give his teammates open looks at the basket.
Redd is really good at making something happen out of nothing, whether it’s hitting jumpers or driving to the basket and getting fouled. Sessions is not a shooting guard, though he did play OK when paired with Ridnour earlier in the year when Redd hurt his ankle. But guys like Sessions, Bell and D. Jones (I can’t believe he is going to play significant minutes for the Bucks) won’t fill it up unless their teammates put them in good positions to score.
I thought Redd was playing his best basketball of the season lately. He was driving to the basket instead of setting for jumpers, and he has picked up his defense. I’ve been down on Redd in the past, but you can’t deny how big of a loss this is. But now Jefferson needs to be a more powerful perimeter threat and No. 1 or 2 scoring option for the Bucks.
Jefferson’s 17.3 ppg mirrors his career average. But we need to see the slashing, get-to-the-foul-line RJ that led to a 22.6 ppg average last year with the Nets. If Jefferson can pick up his game and Bogut can stay healthy and become more involved with the offense, I still think the Bucks can compete for a playoff spot in the East. Come on, it’s the East.
Of course, Charlie V needs to continue his torrid pace of late, or at least be more consistent on a nightly basis. And whoever plays shooting guard can’t be an afterthought each time out.
Frankly, I’m more worried about how the Bucks will react defensively without Redd. Sessions is too small to guard a formidable 2-guard in the NBA, Bell is banged up and Jones does not play defense whatsoever. That means The Fresh Prince will be defending shooting guards periodically, weakening the Bucks’ interior defense and rebounding.
Milwaukee has a favorable schedule the rest of the season, but losing Redd is going to be the ultimate test of this team’s depth, something that’s been a question mark all season.
Player of the week: Charlie V. The Big Smooth is averaging 19.1 points per game in January and has played outstanding the last four games, dropping 23, 32, 27 and 18 points. The best part of those performances was he had three 10-rebound games during that span, proving he’s willing to bring it on both ends of the floor. You can forget the Charlie V trade talk now that Redd is out for the year. We need his scoring now more than ever.
This week: A bunch of winnable games this week for the Bucks, with or without Redd. Milwaukee travels to Indiana and Toronto before hosting Atlanta Saturday. Have to win 2 of 3 this week, no questions.
And now, starting at guard, 6-foot-3 from Nevada, Ramon Sessions! No wait, from Michigan State, Charlie Bell! Hold that, Damon Jones! One of those three guys will join Luke Ridnour in the starting backcourt the rest of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After Michael Redd tore his ACL and MCL Saturday against the Kings, the Bucks will be without their best scorer and the focus of opposing teams’ defensive game plans for the duration of the season. Paging Andrew Bogut. Paging Richard Jefferson.
Bucks fans had thoughts of a “Big 3” heading into the season with Redd, Bogut and Jefferson leading the way. But with nagging injuries to Redd and Bogut, and now Redd missing the rest of the season, that potentially potent threesome unfortunately never came to fruition. With Bogut getting back into the mix after dealing with back spasms, it’s time for the Aussie and RJ to take this team over.
RJ has been a nice all-around addition for the Bucks, but you can tell he’s taken a backseat to Redd in terms of asserting himself offensively. Bogut, who shoots 57 percent from the floor, needed to be more aggressive when Redd was healthy. Now it’s imperative that he force other teams to double team him and give his teammates open looks at the basket.
Redd is really good at making something happen out of nothing, whether it’s hitting jumpers or driving to the basket and getting fouled. Sessions is not a shooting guard, though he did play OK when paired with Ridnour earlier in the year when Redd hurt his ankle. But guys like Sessions, Bell and D. Jones (I can’t believe he is going to play significant minutes for the Bucks) won’t fill it up unless their teammates put them in good positions to score.
I thought Redd was playing his best basketball of the season lately. He was driving to the basket instead of setting for jumpers, and he has picked up his defense. I’ve been down on Redd in the past, but you can’t deny how big of a loss this is. But now Jefferson needs to be a more powerful perimeter threat and No. 1 or 2 scoring option for the Bucks.
Jefferson’s 17.3 ppg mirrors his career average. But we need to see the slashing, get-to-the-foul-line RJ that led to a 22.6 ppg average last year with the Nets. If Jefferson can pick up his game and Bogut can stay healthy and become more involved with the offense, I still think the Bucks can compete for a playoff spot in the East. Come on, it’s the East.
Of course, Charlie V needs to continue his torrid pace of late, or at least be more consistent on a nightly basis. And whoever plays shooting guard can’t be an afterthought each time out.
Frankly, I’m more worried about how the Bucks will react defensively without Redd. Sessions is too small to guard a formidable 2-guard in the NBA, Bell is banged up and Jones does not play defense whatsoever. That means The Fresh Prince will be defending shooting guards periodically, weakening the Bucks’ interior defense and rebounding.
Milwaukee has a favorable schedule the rest of the season, but losing Redd is going to be the ultimate test of this team’s depth, something that’s been a question mark all season.
Player of the week: Charlie V. The Big Smooth is averaging 19.1 points per game in January and has played outstanding the last four games, dropping 23, 32, 27 and 18 points. The best part of those performances was he had three 10-rebound games during that span, proving he’s willing to bring it on both ends of the floor. You can forget the Charlie V trade talk now that Redd is out for the year. We need his scoring now more than ever.
This week: A bunch of winnable games this week for the Bucks, with or without Redd. Milwaukee travels to Indiana and Toronto before hosting Atlanta Saturday. Have to win 2 of 3 this week, no questions.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
More Commenting Fun!
More absurdity from "Brewer Nation" on the JS Blogs. I never read this nonsense, but was looking to hear from people at the Brewers On Deck thing. It quickly turned into a discussion on starting pitching when this gem from "andrew" caught my eye:
"...regardless, sign Pedro Martinez, Mulder, or Benson to a minor league contract and hopefully we can get a comeback player to help down the stretch if needed... high reward low risk."
Riiiiiiight, genius! Like Pedro's gonna sign a minor league deal and ride a Greyhound bus from Nashville to Toledo all summer. There's better odds of the Brewers signing ME to a minor league deal than Pedro.
"...regardless, sign Pedro Martinez, Mulder, or Benson to a minor league contract and hopefully we can get a comeback player to help down the stretch if needed... high reward low risk."
Riiiiiiight, genius! Like Pedro's gonna sign a minor league deal and ride a Greyhound bus from Nashville to Toledo all summer. There's better odds of the Brewers signing ME to a minor league deal than Pedro.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
He's Going To Break Out This Year! Promise!
ITEM!
Although it comes as part of a fantasy baseball preview, we're going to count this as the first Rickie-Weeks-to-break-out-this-year article of this year.
Stop me if you've heard this before:
You can player-hate on Weeks because of his strikeout rate, suspect defense and .245 career average, but you should not completely forget how big of a talent he is. The two-time NCAA Division I batting title winner can hit for a better average, and his Triple-A manager once went on record as saying Weeks has better power than eventual 50-homer man Prince Fielder. Oh, Weeks can also run.
Or this:
Weeks has had wrist issues that hindered him the past few years, but he turned the corner after the All-Star break last year. After a hitting .217 in the first half, Weeks posted a more respectable .263 average, .378 OBP and .451 SLUG after the break. Those are reachable levels that can make Weeks a top five Fantasy second baseman because of his rare speed-and-power mix.
Apparently, 27 is a big year for baseballers (for fantasy baseball purposes). Presumably, good fantasy baseball stats equate to good actual baseball stats.
With Weeks, I'll believe it when I see it. And this is coming from someone who absolutely HAD to have Rickie on his fantasy team, so much so that he traded Jose Reyes for Weeks in a keeper league about 4 years ago. Yeah, that has worked out well. WV is very proud of that trade.
Although it comes as part of a fantasy baseball preview, we're going to count this as the first Rickie-Weeks-to-break-out-this-year article of this year.
Stop me if you've heard this before:
You can player-hate on Weeks because of his strikeout rate, suspect defense and .245 career average, but you should not completely forget how big of a talent he is. The two-time NCAA Division I batting title winner can hit for a better average, and his Triple-A manager once went on record as saying Weeks has better power than eventual 50-homer man Prince Fielder. Oh, Weeks can also run.
Or this:
Weeks has had wrist issues that hindered him the past few years, but he turned the corner after the All-Star break last year. After a hitting .217 in the first half, Weeks posted a more respectable .263 average, .378 OBP and .451 SLUG after the break. Those are reachable levels that can make Weeks a top five Fantasy second baseman because of his rare speed-and-power mix.
Apparently, 27 is a big year for baseballers (for fantasy baseball purposes). Presumably, good fantasy baseball stats equate to good actual baseball stats.
With Weeks, I'll believe it when I see it. And this is coming from someone who absolutely HAD to have Rickie on his fantasy team, so much so that he traded Jose Reyes for Weeks in a keeper league about 4 years ago. Yeah, that has worked out well. WV is very proud of that trade.
Friday, January 23, 2009
This Post Is Brought To You By The Number 51
Brad recently asked the question - "why not Brian Shouse?"
I can answer that question in two words. Trevor Hoffmann.
No, not because of Hoffmann's salary. And not because he took the final spot in the bullpen.
It's because of the #51, Hoffmann's uniform number forever, which, not coincidentally, was the number that Shouse wore so proudly for the Brewers from 2006-08. Do you think Shouse, who is currently the best Brewers player who ever donned #51, would come back now and be forced to wear some other number?
Don't believe me that Shouse was the best 51 the Brewers had to offer? Check this list out:
Brian Shouse (2006-08)
Kane Davis (2005)
Luis Vizcaino (2002-04)
Jimmy Haynes (2000-01)
Carl Dale (1999)
Eddy Diaz (1997)
Ramon Garcia (1996)
Sid Roberson (1995)
Josias Manzanillo (1993)
Wow. Josias Manzanillo, huh?
Surprisingly, there were no #51s on the Brewers in 1998, 1994, or from 1982-1992. Obviously, I didn't go back before 1982, since Brewers history began that year.
So K Bye Shouse.
I can answer that question in two words. Trevor Hoffmann.
No, not because of Hoffmann's salary. And not because he took the final spot in the bullpen.
It's because of the #51, Hoffmann's uniform number forever, which, not coincidentally, was the number that Shouse wore so proudly for the Brewers from 2006-08. Do you think Shouse, who is currently the best Brewers player who ever donned #51, would come back now and be forced to wear some other number?
Don't believe me that Shouse was the best 51 the Brewers had to offer? Check this list out:
Brian Shouse (2006-08)
Kane Davis (2005)
Luis Vizcaino (2002-04)
Jimmy Haynes (2000-01)
Carl Dale (1999)
Eddy Diaz (1997)
Ramon Garcia (1996)
Sid Roberson (1995)
Josias Manzanillo (1993)
Wow. Josias Manzanillo, huh?
Surprisingly, there were no #51s on the Brewers in 1998, 1994, or from 1982-1992. Obviously, I didn't go back before 1982, since Brewers history began that year.
So K Bye Shouse.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fielder Signs, Passes Physical
Milwaukee locked up Big Poppa for 2 years - $18 million. The bigger news is the JS blog title: "Fielder Passed His Physical." Apparently, they didn't test for: Obesity, cholesterol, heart disease, a bad back, bad knees, gluttony, and unknown gastric bypass surgery.
Jim Powell - Get Up, Get Outta Here, GONE!
It's official, Powell goes to Atlanta. No more of these dialogs:
Ueck: "One time I was up with two outs in the ninth, we're down one."
Powell: "Yeah." (Starting to smile)
Ueck: "The other team didn't seem too concerned. 3 and 2 count (ignored the first 4 pitches)."
Powell: "Ha, yeah."
Ueck: "Sure, I looked over in the opposing dugout...and they were all dressed in street clothes waiting for the bus back to the hotel!"
Powell: (Even though he's heard this same joke 73 times by now) "Bwwwhahahahahahahahaha! That's great....oh, fantastic. You are the best story teller human history. Can I rub your smokey?"
Better yet when Powell tries to crack a joke, only to get completely stonewalled by Bob.
Bob: "Boy that Ben McDonald sure is pitching a gem."
Powell: (Thinking..."Ooo, I've got a great one here....") "Yeah, you can't call him Ronald McDonald tonight! Hahaha."
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
Bob: "2-1 count to Ruben. Sierra."
Actually, maybe I will miss Powell.
Ueck: "One time I was up with two outs in the ninth, we're down one."
Powell: "Yeah." (Starting to smile)
Ueck: "The other team didn't seem too concerned. 3 and 2 count (ignored the first 4 pitches)."
Powell: "Ha, yeah."
Ueck: "Sure, I looked over in the opposing dugout...and they were all dressed in street clothes waiting for the bus back to the hotel!"
Powell: (Even though he's heard this same joke 73 times by now) "Bwwwhahahahahahahahaha! That's great....oh, fantastic. You are the best story teller human history. Can I rub your smokey?"
Better yet when Powell tries to crack a joke, only to get completely stonewalled by Bob.
Bob: "Boy that Ben McDonald sure is pitching a gem."
Powell: (Thinking..."Ooo, I've got a great one here....") "Yeah, you can't call him Ronald McDonald tonight! Hahaha."
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
- Awkward Silence -
Bob: "2-1 count to Ruben. Sierra."
Actually, maybe I will miss Powell.
Baseball Tonight Sucks
Baseball Tonight = USA Today
MLB Network's Hot Stove show = Baseball America
If the highlight show is anything like Hot Stove, I will never need to watch those jokers on Baseball Tonight ever again.
MLB Network's Hot Stove show = Baseball America
If the highlight show is anything like Hot Stove, I will never need to watch those jokers on Baseball Tonight ever again.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A Chuckie Hacks congratulations!
Former Brewer legend (and when I say "legend" I mean "quite possibly the worst player to wear a Brewer jersey in the last decade") Chris Barnwell has been named to the provisional roster of TEAM CANADA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The linked article says that Barnwell is a member of the Astros currently. Good for him. Looks like he signed a couple days ago.
You may all remember Mr. Barnwell as the donkey-licious tool who somehow maneuvered his way into the Show for the Crew in 2006. He played 13 games, fired off 2 singles in 30 at bats, and was probably scared to talk to Prince Fielder. God did he suck.
But hey, he's got 2 more MLB hits then I'll ever have...so congratulations Chris! Represent Canada with pride!
Big hat tip to Not So Anonymous Jake for the tip.
The linked article says that Barnwell is a member of the Astros currently. Good for him. Looks like he signed a couple days ago.
You may all remember Mr. Barnwell as the donkey-licious tool who somehow maneuvered his way into the Show for the Crew in 2006. He played 13 games, fired off 2 singles in 30 at bats, and was probably scared to talk to Prince Fielder. God did he suck.
But hey, he's got 2 more MLB hits then I'll ever have...so congratulations Chris! Represent Canada with pride!
Big hat tip to Not So Anonymous Jake for the tip.
Brian Shouse - Why Not?
I've never really heard a good explanation of not bringing "Shousie" back. Yes, he's old (39) but he's a crafty lefty set-up man...those guys can pitch into their late 50s. And, yes, I also know he was pretty poor with inherited runners. Maybe this was because Ned Yost was f_cking clueless and didn't know how to use him. Need more proof? The Brewers finished 92-70, yet were only 34-35 when Shouse appeared. Was it because Shouse sucked (2.81 ERA, 1.169 WHIP), or Ned was clueless? I say sign him, he can't cost all that much.
More Messed Up Pro Bowl Stuff
Chad Pennington just can't get a break. Czabe talked about this a little while ago. Not only was Pennington passed over for an original Pro Bowl selection (Manning, Favre, Cutler), and first alternate (Rivers), but also second alternate (Collins). So, the guy who had more MVP votes than every QB in football (not named Peyton) combine is not even the 2nd alternate in the AFC?? Makes sense.
Oh, and Al Harris is going to Hawaii, filling in for somebody. Zero INT's, doesn't tackle, and missed 4+ games because of a messed up spleen....this also makes perfect sense.
Brewers 2009 Payroll Taking Shape
With the submission of arbitration numbers by Prince, Weeks and Hart, we now have a pretty good idea of where the Brewers' payroll is going to be in 2009 given the players who are currently in the picture.
Thanks to the incomparable Cot's Baseball Contracts, the known 2009 salaries of the Brewers are as follows:
Jeff Suppan: $12.5 M (!)
Mike Cameron: $10 M
Bill Hall: $6.8 M
Trevor Hoffmann: $ 6 M
J.J. Hardy: $4.65 M
Jason Kendall: $4.6 M
David Riske: $4.25 M
Dave Bush: $4 M
Seth McClung: $1.66M
Jorge Julio: $.95 M
Todd Coffey: $.8 M
Ryan Braun: $.745 M
RJ Swindle: $.4 M
Mike Lamb: $.4 M
The midpoint for the arbitration figures submitted by the Brewers and Prince, Weeks and Hall (which is a fair estimate of where those salaries will end up) is as follows:
Prince Fielder: $7 M
Rickie Weeks: $2.4 M
Corey Hart: $3.25 M*
*(gracias, AP)
Add all that up, and you get to just over $70.4 M for 17 players.
Then you add in renewal salaries for Villanueva, Gallardo, Tony Gwynn Jr., Mike Rivera, Manny Parra, Mitch Stetter, maybe that Morlan guy to get to the Brewers payroll for their 25-man roster. Trot Nixon and Chris Capuano are also possibilities - they're on minor league deals at the moment.
Figure those guys will average $.5 M a man (which is too high, probably, but we'll go with that for argument's sake) and the Brewers payroll will come in at around $74.5 M without adding anybody else.
We've heard that Milwaukee's budget is around $80 M for 2009. If that's accurate, I don't see room for Ben Sheets (or any other significant addition) in this picture without a corresponding move to shed some salary.
Thanks to the incomparable Cot's Baseball Contracts, the known 2009 salaries of the Brewers are as follows:
Jeff Suppan: $12.5 M (!)
Mike Cameron: $10 M
Bill Hall: $6.8 M
Trevor Hoffmann: $ 6 M
J.J. Hardy: $4.65 M
Jason Kendall: $4.6 M
David Riske: $4.25 M
Dave Bush: $4 M
Seth McClung: $1.66M
Jorge Julio: $.95 M
Todd Coffey: $.8 M
Ryan Braun: $.745 M
RJ Swindle: $.4 M
Mike Lamb: $.4 M
The midpoint for the arbitration figures submitted by the Brewers and Prince, Weeks and Hall (which is a fair estimate of where those salaries will end up) is as follows:
Prince Fielder: $7 M
Rickie Weeks: $2.4 M
Corey Hart: $3.25 M*
*(gracias, AP)
Add all that up, and you get to just over $70.4 M for 17 players.
Then you add in renewal salaries for Villanueva, Gallardo, Tony Gwynn Jr., Mike Rivera, Manny Parra, Mitch Stetter, maybe that Morlan guy to get to the Brewers payroll for their 25-man roster. Trot Nixon and Chris Capuano are also possibilities - they're on minor league deals at the moment.
Figure those guys will average $.5 M a man (which is too high, probably, but we'll go with that for argument's sake) and the Brewers payroll will come in at around $74.5 M without adding anybody else.
We've heard that Milwaukee's budget is around $80 M for 2009. If that's accurate, I don't see room for Ben Sheets (or any other significant addition) in this picture without a corresponding move to shed some salary.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Brewer Roundtable - Trade Talk
The question over at Bernie's Crew this weekend was possible trade talk for the Crew. A main discussion point was whether or not the Brewers should consider trading Prince Fielder...which of course I am vehemently against. Check out how CH responded (meaning yours truly) about half way down.
I'm happy with the way the other guys on the other Blogs responded. There was actual realistic non-Journal Sentinel commentator-like analysis. You'll see a common theme of people realizing that teams aren't going to give up good talent (or heck, even comparable talent) for mediocre players like Bill Hall or average pitchers like Jeff Suppan. Here's a few snidbits pulled from some of the write ups that I found interesting or were just good points:
From BTB: Well, obviously I'd love to trade Bill Hall and/or Jeff Suppan, but I'm also a realist.
From BCB: To the right team, Fielder could have some value. He's a slugging first baseman, he's uniquely marketable and any team that acquires him will have him under their control for the next three seasons, although his price tag will escalate over those years. Problem is, Adam Dunn is a comparable hitter and he's still a free agent, so if a team were looking to invest in a few seasons of a slugging first baseman, they could sign Dunn and wouldn't have to trade anything away.
Right Field Bleachers were the only guys who wrote saying they were in favor of trading Fielder for anything, signing Adam Dunn, and then trading Corey Hart too. That's definitely going to happen!
Prince is never going to sign a long-term deal with the Brewers so the team might as well swap him if they can get a nice return, whether that's this offseason or in the future. Also, earlier this week, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggested the Giants would be willing to trade Jonathan Sanchez for Corey Hart. That's an interesting idea too... What I like best about both of these scenarios though is that the Brewers could sign Adam Dunn to fill the offensive hole the trade would create.
Mostly good stuff with good points. Check out the link.
I'm happy with the way the other guys on the other Blogs responded. There was actual realistic non-Journal Sentinel commentator-like analysis. You'll see a common theme of people realizing that teams aren't going to give up good talent (or heck, even comparable talent) for mediocre players like Bill Hall or average pitchers like Jeff Suppan. Here's a few snidbits pulled from some of the write ups that I found interesting or were just good points:
From BTB: Well, obviously I'd love to trade Bill Hall and/or Jeff Suppan, but I'm also a realist.
From BCB: To the right team, Fielder could have some value. He's a slugging first baseman, he's uniquely marketable and any team that acquires him will have him under their control for the next three seasons, although his price tag will escalate over those years. Problem is, Adam Dunn is a comparable hitter and he's still a free agent, so if a team were looking to invest in a few seasons of a slugging first baseman, they could sign Dunn and wouldn't have to trade anything away.
Right Field Bleachers were the only guys who wrote saying they were in favor of trading Fielder for anything, signing Adam Dunn, and then trading Corey Hart too. That's definitely going to happen!
Prince is never going to sign a long-term deal with the Brewers so the team might as well swap him if they can get a nice return, whether that's this offseason or in the future. Also, earlier this week, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggested the Giants would be willing to trade Jonathan Sanchez for Corey Hart. That's an interesting idea too... What I like best about both of these scenarios though is that the Brewers could sign Adam Dunn to fill the offensive hole the trade would create.
Mostly good stuff with good points. Check out the link.
Sheets Chatter
Via MLB Trade Rumors, a Mets blog is reporting that Ben Sheets is asking for 2 years, $18 million with a 3rd year option and incentives. The Mets want to do a Brad Penny-type deal, with a low guaranteed amount and a bunch of incentives.
If this is true, there has to be something seriously wrong with Sheets' health, to the point that he is not confident about pitching a lot in 2009, doesn't there? Why else wouldn't he go for a 1-year deal to re-establish his value? Why would he want an extra year at $9 m/year, when he turned down arbitration which would have netted him in the ballpark of $13 m for next year?
The only answer that makes sense to me is he wants more guaranteed money ($18 m vs. $13 m) because he isn't sure he can pitch a lot in 2009. Or maybe his agent screwed up by telling him to decline arbitration. Or maybe a combination of the two.
I know lots of fans want the Brewers to bring Sheets back, and part of me does too, but do we want to deal with this again?
If this is true, there has to be something seriously wrong with Sheets' health, to the point that he is not confident about pitching a lot in 2009, doesn't there? Why else wouldn't he go for a 1-year deal to re-establish his value? Why would he want an extra year at $9 m/year, when he turned down arbitration which would have netted him in the ballpark of $13 m for next year?
The only answer that makes sense to me is he wants more guaranteed money ($18 m vs. $13 m) because he isn't sure he can pitch a lot in 2009. Or maybe his agent screwed up by telling him to decline arbitration. Or maybe a combination of the two.
I know lots of fans want the Brewers to bring Sheets back, and part of me does too, but do we want to deal with this again?
Weekly Bucks Report
Before this week's Bucks Report, I have to remind everybody of 1 thing: the only reason any of us are currently conscious is because Jack Bauer doesn't feel like carrying us. Good lord! How ridiculous was it at the end last night when Jack was filling in the shallow grave dumping dirt right on her face as that FBI chick was still breathing! Incredible. The things Jack Bauer does for this country are ridiculous. What a patriot.
Oh yeah, the Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Tuesday and is written by a friend of CH known only as Two Name.
Twelve days. Seven games. Two back-to-back sets. That’s the challenge facing the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks through the rest of January.
The schedule is tough enough. But when you’re playing without the most valuable player on the roster – Andrew Bogut – the challenge is even more daunting. Bogut tried to play through back spasms against Minnesota and Washington, and it might have made the situation even more dire for the long term.
It’s unclear how long Bogut will be out. And the way the schedule plays out for the next 12 days, there’s no time built in for rest. If you look at the schedule in February, for example, there are two stretches where the Bucks have three straight off days. They haven’t had two consecutive off days all through January. They can’t get healthy, and there’s no time to reflect on what has gone right or wrong, whether it’s via practice or film study. (At least I think they study film in the NBA …)
That might explain the win-one, lose-one nature of the Bucks’ play the last few weeks. It’s tough to get an emotional win one night and have to set up and do it again the following evening, especially when you’re playing across the country. There’s no excuse for losing to the Clippers Saturday considering Baron Davis, Chris Kaman and Zach Randolph all were out with injuries.
The next 12 days could define the Bucks’ season. If Bogut is out for the next 10 days, that could spell trouble. The Bucks have to play Dallas this week and Atlanta twice in the next two weeks. But there are winnable games against Minnesota, Toronto and Sacramento mixed in between. They should win four of the remaining seven games in January, with or without Bogut. If they happen to go 1-6 or 2-5, they’re playing uphill the rest of the way in terms of earning a playoff spot.
Interesting nugget: One of the things I love about watching the Bucks with the NBA League Pass is I get the broadcast of the opposing teams for about half of the games. Getting a break from Jim and John is always a plus, and it’s good to hear how other teams’ commentators view the Bucks. Plus, I pick up an interesting stat every once and awhile that our beloved broadcasters never pass along. For example, the Kings’ announcers said the Bucks force the most turnovers of any team in the league. Great stat, though I couldn’t verify it (Editors Note: I've got to stick it to Two Name here for being unable to "verify" the stat. Here's the link. Wow. The Bucks are causing the most turnovers in the league at 16.3/game. BTW...Two Name...it's called the internet. Use it. I found this in 90 seconds.)
Player of the week: Out of nowhere, Scott Skiles decided to play Joe Alexander significant minutes this week, and the rookie looked like he belonged – at least for spurts here and there. He finished with 13 points – on 6-of-8 shooting – and five rebounds against Miami and scored nine points while shooting 50 percent from the floor against the Clippers. While Bogut is out, guys like Alexander need to provide the Bucks with unexpected production of the bench. By the way, check out seejoedunk.com. It’s pretty funny, and Marty Conlon even makes an appearance.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Dallas and Sacramento with Atlanta sandwiched in between. Sacramento should be a lock, and they need to split to the other two games for a 2-1 week.
Oh yeah, the Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Tuesday and is written by a friend of CH known only as Two Name.
Twelve days. Seven games. Two back-to-back sets. That’s the challenge facing the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks through the rest of January.
The schedule is tough enough. But when you’re playing without the most valuable player on the roster – Andrew Bogut – the challenge is even more daunting. Bogut tried to play through back spasms against Minnesota and Washington, and it might have made the situation even more dire for the long term.
It’s unclear how long Bogut will be out. And the way the schedule plays out for the next 12 days, there’s no time built in for rest. If you look at the schedule in February, for example, there are two stretches where the Bucks have three straight off days. They haven’t had two consecutive off days all through January. They can’t get healthy, and there’s no time to reflect on what has gone right or wrong, whether it’s via practice or film study. (At least I think they study film in the NBA …)
That might explain the win-one, lose-one nature of the Bucks’ play the last few weeks. It’s tough to get an emotional win one night and have to set up and do it again the following evening, especially when you’re playing across the country. There’s no excuse for losing to the Clippers Saturday considering Baron Davis, Chris Kaman and Zach Randolph all were out with injuries.
The next 12 days could define the Bucks’ season. If Bogut is out for the next 10 days, that could spell trouble. The Bucks have to play Dallas this week and Atlanta twice in the next two weeks. But there are winnable games against Minnesota, Toronto and Sacramento mixed in between. They should win four of the remaining seven games in January, with or without Bogut. If they happen to go 1-6 or 2-5, they’re playing uphill the rest of the way in terms of earning a playoff spot.
Interesting nugget: One of the things I love about watching the Bucks with the NBA League Pass is I get the broadcast of the opposing teams for about half of the games. Getting a break from Jim and John is always a plus, and it’s good to hear how other teams’ commentators view the Bucks. Plus, I pick up an interesting stat every once and awhile that our beloved broadcasters never pass along. For example, the Kings’ announcers said the Bucks force the most turnovers of any team in the league. Great stat, though I couldn’t verify it (Editors Note: I've got to stick it to Two Name here for being unable to "verify" the stat. Here's the link. Wow. The Bucks are causing the most turnovers in the league at 16.3/game. BTW...Two Name...it's called the internet. Use it. I found this in 90 seconds.)
Player of the week: Out of nowhere, Scott Skiles decided to play Joe Alexander significant minutes this week, and the rookie looked like he belonged – at least for spurts here and there. He finished with 13 points – on 6-of-8 shooting – and five rebounds against Miami and scored nine points while shooting 50 percent from the floor against the Clippers. While Bogut is out, guys like Alexander need to provide the Bucks with unexpected production of the bench. By the way, check out seejoedunk.com. It’s pretty funny, and Marty Conlon even makes an appearance.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Dallas and Sacramento with Atlanta sandwiched in between. Sacramento should be a lock, and they need to split to the other two games for a 2-1 week.
Well Duh...
Nice little shout out on Sports by Brooks regarding the old Brewer logo. Brooks mentions it in passing while commenting on a hockey logo or something:
(Best logo ever? No, that’s the 1980s Milwaukee Brewers. This is #2.)
Well...how bout that. Thanks Brooks. Hat tip to Lifo for the find. Just in case anybody has forgotten...
Just a great logo. Pulled from OnMilwaukee.com.
(Best logo ever? No, that’s the 1980s Milwaukee Brewers. This is #2.)
Well...how bout that. Thanks Brooks. Hat tip to Lifo for the find. Just in case anybody has forgotten...
Just a great logo. Pulled from OnMilwaukee.com.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Happy 2nd Birthday, Chuckie!
Yep, Chuckie Hacks is officially two years old on Tuesday. Special thanks to Matt, Goldy, and Woz for their lame insightful posts. Also to all the visitors/commentors that make it worthwhile. God speed.
Vote: Adam Dunn or Corey Hart?
MLB.com talks about the Brewers interest in free agent Adam Dunn. Apparently, that interest is over:
But with Cameron and his $10 million salary in the fold, and Ryan Braun a franchise cornerstone in left field, the only way for the Brewers to fit a hitter like Dunn into the outfield would be trading right fielder Corey Hart. Melvin is not willing to do so.
I have to ask, who would you rather have - Dunn or Hart? Notes: Dunn would be more expensive, worse on the base paths and bad in the outfield....but...Hart was terrible in the 2nd half , and a general douchebag with the fans- will his downfall continue into this year?
Dunn: 40 bombs, 100 RBI, .386 on-base, .513 slugging
Hart: 20 bombs, 91 RBI, .300 on-base, .459 slugging.
WBC Rosters
For whatever reason, the media sort of poo pooed it the World Baseball Classic in '06 - especially when the US failed and we were left with a Cuba-Japan championship game. Personally, I loved it. Not USA losing, but the entire format. It's another good idea from the much maligned Bud Selig. Anyway, the preliminary rosters came out today. Just look at the infields for the US and Dominican Republic. Holy smokes! They might be fighting each other out of the dugout to see who plays each game.
USA:
Mark DeRosa
Derek Jeter
Derek Lee
Larry Jones
Evan Longoria
Brian Roberts
Jimmy Rollins
Dustin Pedroia
Kevin Youkilis
David Wright
Dominican:
Adrian Beltre
Robinson Cano
Carlos Pena
Jhonny Peralta
Albert Pujols
Miguel Tejada
Hanley Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez
Placido Polanco
Jose Reyes
Alex Rodriguez
Some serious lumber off the bench, to say the least. Looking for a sleeper? How about Venezuela with a roster that includes:
Felix Hernandez
Crazy Carlos Zambrano
Johan Santana
Miguel Cabrera
Bob Abreu
Maggs Ordonez
Oh, and Vinny Rottino is on team Italy. That's all you need to know about their chances. Nick Punto might be their best player.
USA:
Mark DeRosa
Derek Jeter
Derek Lee
Larry Jones
Evan Longoria
Brian Roberts
Jimmy Rollins
Dustin Pedroia
Kevin Youkilis
David Wright
Dominican:
Adrian Beltre
Robinson Cano
Carlos Pena
Jhonny Peralta
Albert Pujols
Miguel Tejada
Hanley Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez
Placido Polanco
Jose Reyes
Alex Rodriguez
Some serious lumber off the bench, to say the least. Looking for a sleeper? How about Venezuela with a roster that includes:
Felix Hernandez
Crazy Carlos Zambrano
Johan Santana
Miguel Cabrera
Bob Abreu
Maggs Ordonez
Oh, and Vinny Rottino is on team Italy. That's all you need to know about their chances. Nick Punto might be their best player.
It All Adds Up
On Monday, Chicago Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry circulated an internal memorandum to the front office staff to inform employees of a change in the club's preferred courier, from DHL to FedEx.
"In light of the restructuring of DHL's global shipping enterprise, the Chicago Cubs have negotiated a preferred shipping rate with FedEx," Hendry said in the memorandum. "Effective immediately, please utilize FedEx for all of your ground and air shipping needs. The savings that the club will realize from this new partnership with FedEx is exciting for the franchise."
As with each offseason move made by the Cubs, the news of the change in couriers spread quickly to the team's fanbase, all of whom are searching for ulterior motives for the move.
"This has to be related to Peavy, IMHO," said commenter "Cubz4evah2006" on a Chicago Sun-Times message board. "Hendry is freeing up finances to make another run. Make the move Jim!!!!!"
Cubz4evah2006 then went on to list the entire Cubs 25-man roster with Peavy in the fold, and said that now that the Cubs rotation has Peavy it is "just sick."
Other Cubs commenters had similar feelings.
"Peavy is from the South. FedEx is based in Memphis. It fits." affirmed "GraceyRyno", commenting on a blog post on top-25 Cubs blog "BleedCubbieBlue". "DHL is based in like Germany or something."
The FedEx move is the latest in a long line of transactions related to the inevitable acquisition of Jake Peavy from San Diego, which includes the trade for Kevin Gregg, the decision not to re-sign Kerry Wood, the trade of Mark DeRosa, the trade of Felix Pie, the re-signing of Ronny Cedeno, and the free agent acquisition of Milton Bradley.
"In light of the restructuring of DHL's global shipping enterprise, the Chicago Cubs have negotiated a preferred shipping rate with FedEx," Hendry said in the memorandum. "Effective immediately, please utilize FedEx for all of your ground and air shipping needs. The savings that the club will realize from this new partnership with FedEx is exciting for the franchise."
As with each offseason move made by the Cubs, the news of the change in couriers spread quickly to the team's fanbase, all of whom are searching for ulterior motives for the move.
"This has to be related to Peavy, IMHO," said commenter "Cubz4evah2006" on a Chicago Sun-Times message board. "Hendry is freeing up finances to make another run. Make the move Jim!!!!!"
Cubz4evah2006 then went on to list the entire Cubs 25-man roster with Peavy in the fold, and said that now that the Cubs rotation has Peavy it is "just sick."
Other Cubs commenters had similar feelings.
"Peavy is from the South. FedEx is based in Memphis. It fits." affirmed "GraceyRyno", commenting on a blog post on top-25 Cubs blog "BleedCubbieBlue". "DHL is based in like Germany or something."
The FedEx move is the latest in a long line of transactions related to the inevitable acquisition of Jake Peavy from San Diego, which includes the trade for Kevin Gregg, the decision not to re-sign Kerry Wood, the trade of Mark DeRosa, the trade of Felix Pie, the re-signing of Ronny Cedeno, and the free agent acquisition of Milton Bradley.
I'm Surprised He Didn't Have Front Row Seats
From our resident Marquette hoops expert Nubs:
Go here and watch the video for some amusing extra-curriculars at the Marquette/Providence game. It's always good when the family gets involved.
Also worth noting - the highlights show Dom James passing up an open fast break 3-pointer, in order to get Wesley Matthews a layup. I'll admit I've not watched Marquette much this year, but that seemed out of character.
Go here and watch the video for some amusing extra-curriculars at the Marquette/Providence game. It's always good when the family gets involved.
Also worth noting - the highlights show Dom James passing up an open fast break 3-pointer, in order to get Wesley Matthews a layup. I'll admit I've not watched Marquette much this year, but that seemed out of character.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Packers Hire Dom
Looks like Dom Capers is the guy. Made a name for himself running a 3-4, but has experience using a 3-4, 4-3 hybrid. Perfect. Finally, a defense that will confuse the opposing offense. Capers is experienced and well respected, if nothing else. I guess Mike Vandermause's blog post from the GBPG looks even sillier now than it did last week. Sheesh, two potential DC's landed jobs somewhere else and this guy's freaking out (Jan, 15th):
Will someone out there take this job?
Maybe it's not a question of whom the Packers will name as their next defensive coordinator, but rather, can Mike McCarthy find someone highly qualified who wants the job?
Fair or not, there's an impression that the leading candidates have given McCarthy a stiff-arm to the face. Mike Nolan interviewed with McCarthy and took Denver's DC position. Gregg Williams interviewed with McCarthy and today was named the Saints’ DC.
Will someone out there take this job?
Maybe it's not a question of whom the Packers will name as their next defensive coordinator, but rather, can Mike McCarthy find someone highly qualified who wants the job?
Fair or not, there's an impression that the leading candidates have given McCarthy a stiff-arm to the face. Mike Nolan interviewed with McCarthy and took Denver's DC position. Gregg Williams interviewed with McCarthy and today was named the Saints’ DC.
What a half
Man, that was a fun half of football to watch. The Cardinals' offensive game plan was nearly flawless in the first half. Their offense was hitting on all cylinders. Obviously a great week of preparation. They called exactly the right play almost every time the Eagles brought the blitz. Fitzgerald is just in the zone right now. With Boldin looking like he is playing at at 75% his normal ability, I can't believe how much single coverage Fitzgerald is seeing. Heck, the Cardinals got hosed on that kick-off call and they are still dominating the game. The crowd seems amazing there. Let's see if the Eagles can do anything in the second half. McNabb looks just brutal. Kind of like how Favre looked in big games the last 8 years.
A Way Too Early Draft Guide
An amalgamation of quick hitters while scouring those always accurate Mock Drafts. Packers pick 9th…here’s a list of names to keep your eye on.
GB Needs: DT, DE, OT, CB, LB.
GONE BY #9
GB Needs: DT, DE, OT, CB, LB.
GONE BY #9
Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
Matthew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
DONT WANT THESE GUYS:
Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss) - Anybody read this book? Oher (and the LT position) is the main topic and it's pretty clear he's borderline retarded. Because of a terrible upbringing, he entered high school with like a 2nd grade education level. His HS coach had to show him plays by moving around salt and pepper shakers because he couldn't grasp the concept of Xs and Os. That was about 4 years ago, so I'm sure it's much different now...but I'm just sayin'. It's a pretty good read. Oh, and the general consensus from a few scouts is that he's basically a pussy.
Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia) - Every time I see an O-Lineman named Eugene, I think of Eugene Chung. That's not a good thing.
Vonta Davis, CB (Illinois) - Brother of Vernon Davis. Vernon Davis is a head case. Guilt by association.
Everette Brown, DE (Florida State) - Thoughts of Jamal Reynolds dance in my head...
Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State) – Smallish, with the proverbial “motor that doesn’t stop.” Some will say "Dwight Freeny," I say "No thanks."
Rey Maulauga, LB (USC) - More of a 3-4 MLB. Not sold on him in the NFL.
DAMMIT! - Cross him off too
Gerald McCoy, DT (Oklahoma) - Never heard of the guy until Todd McShay had GB drafting him at 9 a few weeks ago. Watched him wreak havoc in the Mythical National Championship game vs Florida. He’s the real deal. Unfortunately, Big Mac announced he's returning to OU. DAMMIT!
THE WANT LIST (in no particular order):
Malcom Jenkins, CB (Ohio State) - DE and DT are priorities 1a and 1b, but this guy is too talented to pass up.
Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas) - Texas guys scare me, and he did nothing against OSU in his last game. But…everyone seems to love this guy and he was awesome versus a really good Oklahoma O-Line earlier this year. Plus, he can bench press a Buick - which is nice. The Chiefs will have a serious look at him at #3, as Kansas City had an embarrassing 10 sacks last year. Yes, 10! For comparison, the Packers weaksauce pass rush generated 27. I’m guessing that Tamba Hali pick hasn’t worked out.
Peria Jerry, DT (Ole Miss) - Only to hear my old man refer to him as "Jerry Perry" for the foreseeable future. Actually, I watched him a few times on TV and love him. Ted likes to trade down, and he could probably get Jerry a little lower than 9th. Maybe even in the 15-18 range.
Aaron Curry, OLB (Wake Forest) - See Malcom Jenkins. Easily the #1 LB on the board.
Jason Smith, OT (Baylor) - If you make a name for yourself at Baylor, you must be awesome.
Sen'Derrick Marks, DT (Auburn) - He's a DT with the name Sen'Derrick, what's not to like? A reach at 9.
Greg Hardy, DE (Ole Miss) - Get's the "Plaxico Award" for the guy most likely to shoot himself in the leg after receiving millions of dollars. The nightlife in Ashwaubenon better stand guard. Top 15 talent, though.
TRADE DOWN?
Alex Mack, C (Cal) - Can get him around #20. Supposedly "The best Center prospect in the last 10 years." Sounds good to me. Scotty Wells gets banged up quite often, and Mack is a guy that "you can plug in there for a decade."
BJ Raji, DT (Boston College) - Have no clue about this guy, but he's a DT and automatically in the mix.
DJ Moore, CB (Vanderbilt) - Also around #25. A poor-man's version of Charles Woodson (college years). Cover corner, played a little WR, returned some kicks.
THE WILDCARD:
Michael Johnson, DE (Georgia Tech) - This guy is all over the board. A bunch have him top 5, a bunch have him late teens. He’s dripping with talent and ”serious upside potential.” Problem is, one play he's a young Jevon Kearse...Aundry Bruce the next. Then again, people said the same thing about Mario Williams and he’s been great. A physical specimen at 6-7, 255 pounds. I could see him destroy the combine and go in the top 7.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Got Some Money To Burn? Todd Coffey is Signing Autographs!
I just received an urgent email from the Milwaukee Brewers, announcing the autograph schedule for their "Brewers On Deck" event scheduled for January 24.
Along with the schedule, they announced the fee for various player/coach/announcer autographs. I'll sum them up here - you'll have to find the autograph schedule on your own, because I'm not repeating it here.
For $25 each, you can get the following autographs:
Ryan Braun
Trevor Hoffman
Bob Uecker
For $10 each, you can get the following autographs:
J.J. Hardy
Yovani Gallardo
Corey Hart (impressed that he's showing up, given that he hates the fans)
Tony Gwynn (I'm assuming this is Jr., though it wasn't stated)
Dave Bush
Jeff Suppan (he better not be getting to keep this money)
Carlos Villanueva
Rickie Weeks
Mike Cameron
Ken Macha
Todd Coffey and Manny Parra (unclear whether this is a package deal of if it's $10 for each? Either way it's a steal.)
Mike Rivera and Eduardo Morlan (ditto)
For free, you can get the following autographs:
Mat Gamel
Angel Salome
Taylor Green
Casey McGehee
Mark DeFelice
Brad Nelson
Vinny Rottino
R.J. Swindle
Tim Dillard
Mitch Stetter
Comments:
1. Notice anybody missing? I'm absolutely shocked that Prince won't be in the house.
2. The fees for autographs are telling. Yo Gallardo, Manny Parra, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks, you have not arrived yet, according to the marketing department.
3. Given the $10 fee, how long are the lines going to be for Todd Coffee, Mike Rivera and Ed Morlan?
4. Kudos for Cameron showing up, after the Brewers spent the winter trying to trade him to New York. Kudos also to Corey Hart, or perhaps this is part of a mandatory program that the Brewers are putting Hart through to try to make him at least pretend to like the fans.
5. Of all the free autographs, I'd go after Mat Gamel or Mitch Stetter. I want to say something to Stetter to see if he's as crazy as he appears.
6. I'd pay at least $10 for a Seth McClung autograph, again for the off chance that he would say something insane. Too bad he's not available.
Along with the schedule, they announced the fee for various player/coach/announcer autographs. I'll sum them up here - you'll have to find the autograph schedule on your own, because I'm not repeating it here.
For $25 each, you can get the following autographs:
Ryan Braun
Trevor Hoffman
Bob Uecker
For $10 each, you can get the following autographs:
J.J. Hardy
Yovani Gallardo
Corey Hart (impressed that he's showing up, given that he hates the fans)
Tony Gwynn (I'm assuming this is Jr., though it wasn't stated)
Dave Bush
Jeff Suppan (he better not be getting to keep this money)
Carlos Villanueva
Rickie Weeks
Mike Cameron
Ken Macha
Todd Coffey and Manny Parra (unclear whether this is a package deal of if it's $10 for each? Either way it's a steal.)
Mike Rivera and Eduardo Morlan (ditto)
For free, you can get the following autographs:
Mat Gamel
Angel Salome
Taylor Green
Casey McGehee
Mark DeFelice
Brad Nelson
Vinny Rottino
R.J. Swindle
Tim Dillard
Mitch Stetter
Comments:
1. Notice anybody missing? I'm absolutely shocked that Prince won't be in the house.
2. The fees for autographs are telling. Yo Gallardo, Manny Parra, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks, you have not arrived yet, according to the marketing department.
3. Given the $10 fee, how long are the lines going to be for Todd Coffee, Mike Rivera and Ed Morlan?
4. Kudos for Cameron showing up, after the Brewers spent the winter trying to trade him to New York. Kudos also to Corey Hart, or perhaps this is part of a mandatory program that the Brewers are putting Hart through to try to make him at least pretend to like the fans.
5. Of all the free autographs, I'd go after Mat Gamel or Mitch Stetter. I want to say something to Stetter to see if he's as crazy as he appears.
6. I'd pay at least $10 for a Seth McClung autograph, again for the off chance that he would say something insane. Too bad he's not available.
Championship Sunday
I thought it was TinyTony, WI. To be honest, without having a rooting interest, I think I like the conference championship games better than the Super Bowl. You have two games of utmost importance, you don't have a two week build-up the leaves you wishing they would just play the stupid game already, you don't have to watch the game with people who have no clue what is going on.
It's football, pure and simple. 6 plus hours of exciting football watching. Plus, you can say things like, "I would have never guessed his name is Clancey Pendergast" when they show the Cardinals defensive coordinator.
Anyhow, my picks for this week are Arizona and Pittsburgh. Arizona has actually played a good game in the playoffs. I don't think you can say that about the Eagles. Their D was good on the short yardage stops against the Giants, but their O has been shaky. My only fear here is that the Cards can't run. I am a little more indecisive about the AFC game. I like the Ravens, but they seem a little banged up right now, including Jim Leonhard who concussed himself on the Crumpler fumble. I think Willie Parker will eat them up.
What are your thoughts?
Baseball Salary Cap Wouldn't Work?
According to this guy, a baseball salary cap (which everybody I know wants) wouldn't work. Slicing up the current numbers, a realistic cap and floor would be $103 million and $75 million, respectively. The author claims the system would crumble because some teams can't afford a $75 payroll, and would have to shell out way too much money for crappy players just to reach the floor. Plus, there's been more than enough parity over the last decade, a salary cap is unnecessary even if it would work. An interesting read. DEBATE.
Article.
Article.
Bogut out for western road trip; Beginning of the end for the Bucks?
Unfortunately, the Bucks will not be able to call in "Cadillac" Anderson off the bench for help. Well, Andrew Bogut will not be accompanying the Bucks on their west coast road trip and has been advised by a back specialist "who suggested rest". This is not a good sign for the Bucks. At the season's half-way mark, the Bucks are sitting at 19-22 and fighting it out for one of the last Playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are about to embark on a 3 game western road trip where the Bucks traditionally fall on their faces. However, two of the games on this trip are against Sacramento and the Clippers, teams with a combined 18-60 record. Winnable games, even on the road for the Bucks. A 2-1 trip would be great. Heck, a 1-2 trip would be somewhat acceptable. However, if they lose all 3 games, with two of the losses coming against a 10-win and an 8-win team, the Bucks could go in the tank.
The reason I am worried this might happen is because Bogut is out. The Bucks just don't function efficiently when he is not in there. Gadzuric is just brutal (and the 12th highest paid player in the NBA!). Elson doesn't offer much. When the Bucks go with their small line-up there is just a huge hole inside. It sounds like Bogut will be dealing with this issue for the rest of the season. It was painful to watch him run up and down the court against Miami. If the Bucks lose these 3 games and Bogut continues to be hit or miss based on health, this promising start by the Bucks could go down the tubes quickly. We already know the hold-overs on the roster are conditioned to tank late in the season. Lets up this team puts up some fight and can make the playoffs and put a scare into somebody.
To Foul, or Not To Foul?
Wow, Bucky handled that full court press worse than my high school team did. Now that's bad. Anyway, it came down to Badgers up 3, with 6 seconds left, guy from Minny nails a triple - goes to overtime. Not to question Bo, but why not foul in that situation. It's not just him, I see it over and over and over. Why not foul the guy before he even gets the chance to tie the game with a 3 point bomb? It happens all the time. You figure hitting a 3 is almost easier than fouling, guy makes the first free throw, misses the second on purpose, they get the rebound and put it back in the basket....all with a couple seconds left. Am I wrong?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
1990s Flashback
1994 NCAA tournament, second round. Marquette vs Kentucky. In one of the slickest performances I can remember, Tony Miller single handily slices right through the vaunted Kentucky/Rick Pitino press. No, this wasn't a classic (1996-97) Pitino/Kentucky squad. But watching Miller weave through the press over and over and over, rendering it useless, was impressive. His final numbers were unspectacular (box score), but that didn't tell the story. MU ended up winning and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in a coon's age. The 90s version of Big Baby Glenn Davis, Damon Key, moosed in 25. Gunner Robb Logtermann had 14.
A little research finds that Miller was actually a highly, highly, sought-after option quarterback in high school. Big boys like Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio St, Colorado, and Notre Dame wanted him. Just think, it could have been he, not Tommy Frazier, winning back to back titles for the Corn. Choose hoops, and MU, instead.
Alas, the min-run ended with a loss to Grant Hill and Duke. I can still see Jimmy McIllvaine eating Hill's nards on an alley-oop. Duke was just plain better.
Brew Town Beat: Bringing It
I would just like to give a shout out to Todd over at The Brew Town Beat for his following description of Wrigley Field:
That last part made me think of this line:
The Old Style six pack is long gone, now home to the City Brewery, but Old Style is
"reformulating" its brew much like Schlitz did to huge success in 2008.
Heileman's Brewery is now based out of Chicago, but is brewed by MillerCoors,
and remains most famous on a national stage for intoxicating fans of the
flagship bar of Chicago's boys town: Wrigley Field. (Seriously, boys town is two
blocks away, this is not a reach, stab or missile. It's geography).
That last part made me think of this line:
I'm a man who discovered the wheel and built the Eiffel Tower out of metal and
brawn. That's what kind of man I am. You're just a woman with a small brain.
With a brain a third the size of us. It's science.
More 80's Brewers Baseball Card Fun
Are we sure this is Paul Householder? Because to me, it looks like it could be some County Stadium usher just hanging out in a Brewers jacket. If this man is indeed Paul Householder, he had a non-descript two year stint with the Brewers where he really didn't do much of anything. Baseball Reference.com lists his number 1 similar batter as none other than Faye Throneberry. Well, alrighty then.
In regards to the 1986 Topps set, it is pretty brutal looking. Nothing much going on here and most of the photos are of the players doing absolutely nothing baseball related (including photos of guys who look like County Stadium ushers). I guess the same could be said for the '86 O-Pee-Chee set as well, except half of that card was in French.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Jeff Suppan is Jeffrey Hammonds!
Better watch out Jeff Suppan, if you don't step it up this year, you are going to be forever ingrained in Brewer lore as the NEXT FREAKING JEFFREY HAMMONDS! Thank you Mike Hunt.
Here's the line from Hunt's last column, which was written again in advising the trading of Prince Fielder (which makes my blood boil to a level that can't be described).
Jeff Suppan must show he's not the first Jeffrey Hammonds of the Mark Attanasio/Doug Melvin era.
How absurd is this comparison? Hunt should be ashamed of himself. It is fact...I repeat...FACT...that the Jeffrey Hammonds contract is the worst contract in Brewer history, on a wide variety of levels. It takes you back to a time of bad personnel management. It takes you back to a time of desperation. It takes you back to a time where the Milwaukee Brewers locked in $21 million dollars to some chump who had never played more then a 123 games in 8 SEASONS up to that point...and his one "ok" year was when he was jacking doubles in Colorado.
Hammonds "played" here for two+ injury-riddled seasons of putrid baseball the likes this town had ever seen. I hated him then. I despise him and everybody who looks like him now.
To compare him to Jeff Suppan? What? Jeff Suppan, the career average pitcher who has started 30+ games every year for the last 10 years? The guy that has taken the mound 65 times the last two years for the Crew and has been serviceable. The guy who gave a gritty performance in game 4 of the NLDS last year...no wait...scratch that last one.
For christ sake Hunt, like Bill Lumbergh in Office Space, Jeffrey Hammonds represents all that is soulless and wrong (in baseball terms).
Jeff Suppan is an average player who probably makes more then he should but he actually serves a purpose and provides some sort of service.
When you say "Jeffrey Hammonds" to any loyal Brewer fan, he/she should cringe in thought. You can't compare him to Suppan.
Mike Hunt, Chuckie Hacks demands you call Jeff Suppan today and issue him an apology for comparing him to the most despised Brewer of all time.
Here's the line from Hunt's last column, which was written again in advising the trading of Prince Fielder (which makes my blood boil to a level that can't be described).
Jeff Suppan must show he's not the first Jeffrey Hammonds of the Mark Attanasio/Doug Melvin era.
How absurd is this comparison? Hunt should be ashamed of himself. It is fact...I repeat...FACT...that the Jeffrey Hammonds contract is the worst contract in Brewer history, on a wide variety of levels. It takes you back to a time of bad personnel management. It takes you back to a time of desperation. It takes you back to a time where the Milwaukee Brewers locked in $21 million dollars to some chump who had never played more then a 123 games in 8 SEASONS up to that point...and his one "ok" year was when he was jacking doubles in Colorado.
Hammonds "played" here for two+ injury-riddled seasons of putrid baseball the likes this town had ever seen. I hated him then. I despise him and everybody who looks like him now.
To compare him to Jeff Suppan? What? Jeff Suppan, the career average pitcher who has started 30+ games every year for the last 10 years? The guy that has taken the mound 65 times the last two years for the Crew and has been serviceable. The guy who gave a gritty performance in game 4 of the NLDS last year...no wait...scratch that last one.
For christ sake Hunt, like Bill Lumbergh in Office Space, Jeffrey Hammonds represents all that is soulless and wrong (in baseball terms).
Jeff Suppan is an average player who probably makes more then he should but he actually serves a purpose and provides some sort of service.
When you say "Jeffrey Hammonds" to any loyal Brewer fan, he/she should cringe in thought. You can't compare him to Suppan.
Mike Hunt, Chuckie Hacks demands you call Jeff Suppan today and issue him an apology for comparing him to the most despised Brewer of all time.
Something To Shoot For in 2009
Based on a complex statistical analysis, I have determined a guaranteed way for an NFL team to reach the conference championship game. It's quite simple, really.
- Finish in the top 4 in the NFL in terms of defensive yards allowed / game; and
- Finish in the top 4 in the NFL in terms of defensive points allowed / game; and
- Finish in the top 4 in the NFL in terms of defensive rushing yards allowed /game.
Pittsburgh (#1/#1/#2), Baltimore (#2/#3/#3) and Philadelphia (#3/#4/#4) all meet these criteria.
Alternatively, if a team cannot meet these criteria, it will advance to the conference championship game by doing all of the following:
- Finish in the top 4 in the NFL in terms of total offensive yards / game; and
- Finish in the top 4 in the NFL in terms of points scored / game; and
- Finish last in the NFL in rushing yards / game.
Arizona (#4/#3/#32) meets these criteria.
Get to work, Ted. The roadmap has been laid out for you. You're welcome.
Jorvorskie Lane On Standby?
The Texas A&M connection continues. It started with Mike Sherman, continued with Robert Ferguson, Mike Montgomery, and Johnny Jolly, and now...RC Slocumb's kid, Shawn, is the new special teams coach.
Plucking guys from one school is great...unless that program's been irrelevant for the last decade. Maybe Leeland McElroy can coach the RBs and Quentin Coryatt the linebackers. Remember when Coryatt destroyed that 160 pound WR from TCU coming over the middle? That was awesome. Ah, the old Southwest Conference....
Oh, and Jim Haslet might be the leader for D-Coordinator. The earlier talk that he and Coach Pawsitive had a bad relationship while in The Big Easy were totally bunk. I approve this hire.
Brewers with Silly 80's Baseball Cards
Check out good old John Henry Johnson. Good thing he was a reliever when the Brewers were in the AL because I don't think he could put a helmet over that mop of hair. JHJ pitched 2 seasons with the crew ('86 and '87). Pitched in 19 games in 1986 and had a great 2.66 ERA and won 2 games and saved one. In 1987, his only meaningful contribution was the photo on his baseball card as he posted a 9.57 ERA in 10 games.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Guess This Potential Juicer?
It's fun (although probably unfair) to look at a players number's, add in other factors, and speculate. Take this guy, for instance. Forged himself a decent career in the late 80s/early 90s. Then, during his contract year, has a huge surge of power numbers...at age 34. Gets his contract, goes to Team B, and those same numbers fall to pre-contract year levels. Coincidence? Perhaps. Oh, and Team A was loaded with guys thought to be on the juice.
Any Guesses?
Year, Age, Team, Homers, RBI, BA, OBP, Slugging
1986 24 Team A 2 4 .333 .375 .733
1987 25 Team A 16 56 . 284 .349 .463
1988 26 Team A 9 51 .265 .334 .402
1989 27 Team A 7 42 .273 .319 .352
1990 28 Team A 9 57 .251 .291 .372
1991 29 Team A 6 67 .274 .312 .386
1992 30 Team A 12 53 .279 .345 .411
1993 31 Team A 10 43 .285 .333 .416
1995 33 Team A 15 65 .278 .322 .458
1996 34 Team A 35 100 .272 .342 .529
1997 35 Team B 12 54 .248 .302 .394
1998 36 Team B 14 54 .242 .310 .410
1999 37 Team B 4 42 .284 .358 .391
****UPDATE****
Rex from the sweet blog "I-94 Sports" gets some extra credit. It seems 1996 was a completely F-ed up statistical season. Guys like friggin Geronimo Berroa hit 32 bombs. Click here for more messed up anomalies.
Any Guesses?
Year, Age, Team, Homers, RBI, BA, OBP, Slugging
1986 24 Team A 2 4 .333 .375 .733
1987 25 Team A 16 56 . 284 .349 .463
1988 26 Team A 9 51 .265 .334 .402
1989 27 Team A 7 42 .273 .319 .352
1990 28 Team A 9 57 .251 .291 .372
1991 29 Team A 6 67 .274 .312 .386
1992 30 Team A 12 53 .279 .345 .411
1993 31 Team A 10 43 .285 .333 .416
1995 33 Team A 15 65 .278 .322 .458
1996 34 Team A 35 100 .272 .342 .529
1997 35 Team B 12 54 .248 .302 .394
1998 36 Team B 14 54 .242 .310 .410
1999 37 Team B 4 42 .284 .358 .391
****UPDATE****
Rex from the sweet blog "I-94 Sports" gets some extra credit. It seems 1996 was a completely F-ed up statistical season. Guys like friggin Geronimo Berroa hit 32 bombs. Click here for more messed up anomalies.
Initial Thoughts On The MLB Network - Thumbs Up
A big thumbs up to the new MLB Network. Love Harold Reynolds. No, I don't know if Trenni has served him a 10 foot restraining order yet. If you never see them sitting next to each other, then we can draw conclusions. Speaking of...Woz, I think your dreamboat Trenni has put on a couple pounds. She's wearing a sleeveless outfit on the commercials and those arms are going "lunch lady" ever so slowly.
I could see some of the on-air guys being pretty good: Barry Larkin, Tom Verducci, Al Lieter, Harold, etc... Vasgersian is cheesy, but enjoyable. Please, please, please, don't let Mitch Williams play the "Rob Dibble ESPN" role. Every night they'll have a Baseball Tonight-type show starting at 6 PM and going until the last pitch of the night. I'll take these guys over the likes of 'Nando Vina, Orestes Destrade, Jeff "The Trash Heap From Fraggle Rock" Brantley, and Karl "Toupee" Ravich. Seriously, has his hair EVER changed in 20 years? Look at it...he's sporting a rug - Book it!
The shows are pretty good, too. Cures the winter baseball Jones. Caught a show about the 82 Brewers. Man, what a group of slobs. And Ben Oglive...you don't have to jack your pants up to your teets. Hideki Matsui thinks these were too high.
Bottom line: ESPN and Baseball Tonight? K-Bye on my television, hello MLB Network.
I could see some of the on-air guys being pretty good: Barry Larkin, Tom Verducci, Al Lieter, Harold, etc... Vasgersian is cheesy, but enjoyable. Please, please, please, don't let Mitch Williams play the "Rob Dibble ESPN" role. Every night they'll have a Baseball Tonight-type show starting at 6 PM and going until the last pitch of the night. I'll take these guys over the likes of 'Nando Vina, Orestes Destrade, Jeff "The Trash Heap From Fraggle Rock" Brantley, and Karl "Toupee" Ravich. Seriously, has his hair EVER changed in 20 years? Look at it...he's sporting a rug - Book it!
The shows are pretty good, too. Cures the winter baseball Jones. Caught a show about the 82 Brewers. Man, what a group of slobs. And Ben Oglive...you don't have to jack your pants up to your teets. Hideki Matsui thinks these were too high.
Bottom line: ESPN and Baseball Tonight? K-Bye on my television, hello MLB Network.
Weekly Bucks Report
The Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Tuesday on CH during the NBA season...written by a former WI sportswriter turned FIB magazine writer. He is known only as Two Name.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bucks at this point in the season is, will they make any trades before the mid-February deadline?
The one player who constantly surfaces in these discussions is Charlie Villanueva. If there is a more polarizing player on this team than the Big Smooth, let me know. You can love Charlie V one game and chastise him the next. That up-and-down performance is what I can’t decide exactly how I feel about the guy.
In my first Weekly Bucks Report, I said Villanueva had the most potential of any player on the roster. I still think that’s true. When he wants to play, he is a potential All-Star in this league – remember, players aren’t voted to the All-Star team based on their defense. Last Monday’s game against Toronto was the perfect example of how good Charlie V can be.
Mike Redd scored 35 points that game, but the Bucks would not have won if it weren’t for Villanueva. He scored 25 points, but his impact went beyond scoring. He grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Plus, he fought for loose balls and came up with some big plays not reflected in the box score.
Villanueva has scored 23 points or more in four of the Bucks’ last six games. There’s two ways to look at his recent success: His trade value will never be higher, or the Bucks need to be prepared to pay him after his contract expires at the end of the season. Remember, the guy is only 24 and a former top-10 pick.
I know he’s soft and he might get even softer after he gets paid, but you can’t deny his explosiveness off the bench. It’s hard to find a 6-11 forward who can drop 20 on any given night. I think the only way you trade him is if you get a banging power forward who is young. I don’t want Nick Collison or Chris Wilcox in a straight-up trade for Charlie V. I need something more, especially the way he’s been playing lately.
I’m still split on this, but I’m leaning toward keeping Villanueva and seeing how the year plays out. What do you guys think?
Outside of Villanueva, I really don’t know who else John Hammond would trade on this roster. Ramon Sessions has value and would be attractive for many teams, but I doubt the Bucks would part with him, despite rumors. I think the East is weak enough that if the Bucks continue to improve, they could get out of the seventh or eighth spots – avoiding Boston or Cleveland – and build on some playoff experience.
Bogut returns: Bogut came off the bench against Minnesota after missing four straight games with back spasms. The Bucks split those games in his absence, but a lack of rebounding and a viable threat inside offensively changed the way teams approached the Bucks. Bogut responded nicely with 14 points Saturday on 7-of-8 shooting, but he missed two crucial free throws late in the loss to the T’wolves.
Misleading numbers?: Anybody who watched the Bucks fail to stop the penetrate-and-kick game that led to a ridiculous amount of three-pointers against New Jersey and Minnesota would find this hard to believe, but the Bucks are still hanging around the top-10 in defense. Milwaukee was fifth in the NBA in defense last week and the Bucks have dropped to eighth, as of Sunday. That is an impressive statistic, considering the defensive cloud that hangs over this franchise. But they have work to do after two late lapses allowed one team to get back into the game (New Jersey) and another (Minnesota) to steal a victory.
Player of the week: Without Villanueva and his 25 points, the Bucks never would have beaten Toronto last Monday.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Miami Wednesday before heading to the West Coast to face Sacramento and the Clippers. They need to go 2-1 this week, no questions asked.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bucks at this point in the season is, will they make any trades before the mid-February deadline?
The one player who constantly surfaces in these discussions is Charlie Villanueva. If there is a more polarizing player on this team than the Big Smooth, let me know. You can love Charlie V one game and chastise him the next. That up-and-down performance is what I can’t decide exactly how I feel about the guy.
In my first Weekly Bucks Report, I said Villanueva had the most potential of any player on the roster. I still think that’s true. When he wants to play, he is a potential All-Star in this league – remember, players aren’t voted to the All-Star team based on their defense. Last Monday’s game against Toronto was the perfect example of how good Charlie V can be.
Mike Redd scored 35 points that game, but the Bucks would not have won if it weren’t for Villanueva. He scored 25 points, but his impact went beyond scoring. He grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Plus, he fought for loose balls and came up with some big plays not reflected in the box score.
Villanueva has scored 23 points or more in four of the Bucks’ last six games. There’s two ways to look at his recent success: His trade value will never be higher, or the Bucks need to be prepared to pay him after his contract expires at the end of the season. Remember, the guy is only 24 and a former top-10 pick.
I know he’s soft and he might get even softer after he gets paid, but you can’t deny his explosiveness off the bench. It’s hard to find a 6-11 forward who can drop 20 on any given night. I think the only way you trade him is if you get a banging power forward who is young. I don’t want Nick Collison or Chris Wilcox in a straight-up trade for Charlie V. I need something more, especially the way he’s been playing lately.
I’m still split on this, but I’m leaning toward keeping Villanueva and seeing how the year plays out. What do you guys think?
Outside of Villanueva, I really don’t know who else John Hammond would trade on this roster. Ramon Sessions has value and would be attractive for many teams, but I doubt the Bucks would part with him, despite rumors. I think the East is weak enough that if the Bucks continue to improve, they could get out of the seventh or eighth spots – avoiding Boston or Cleveland – and build on some playoff experience.
Bogut returns: Bogut came off the bench against Minnesota after missing four straight games with back spasms. The Bucks split those games in his absence, but a lack of rebounding and a viable threat inside offensively changed the way teams approached the Bucks. Bogut responded nicely with 14 points Saturday on 7-of-8 shooting, but he missed two crucial free throws late in the loss to the T’wolves.
Misleading numbers?: Anybody who watched the Bucks fail to stop the penetrate-and-kick game that led to a ridiculous amount of three-pointers against New Jersey and Minnesota would find this hard to believe, but the Bucks are still hanging around the top-10 in defense. Milwaukee was fifth in the NBA in defense last week and the Bucks have dropped to eighth, as of Sunday. That is an impressive statistic, considering the defensive cloud that hangs over this franchise. But they have work to do after two late lapses allowed one team to get back into the game (New Jersey) and another (Minnesota) to steal a victory.
Player of the week: Without Villanueva and his 25 points, the Bucks never would have beaten Toronto last Monday.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Miami Wednesday before heading to the West Coast to face Sacramento and the Clippers. They need to go 2-1 this week, no questions asked.
Monday, January 12, 2009
PJ Gets Labeled
PJ Hill gets that one label no NFL hopeful wants to hear...
"Considering the amount of juniors coming out, he should've stayed in school," the executive said. "That's my take on it.
"I'm sure there are circumstances that maybe (are the reason) he is coming out. He's really going to have to blow 'em away in the testing part of it. He's a talent and we all know that. But I just think he's just a guy."
"Considering the amount of juniors coming out, he should've stayed in school," the executive said. "That's my take on it.
"I'm sure there are circumstances that maybe (are the reason) he is coming out. He's really going to have to blow 'em away in the testing part of it. He's a talent and we all know that. But I just think he's just a guy."
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