Daily Brew 8/12

The Packers kicked off their exhibition season last night with a 10-7 win over the Chargers. Here are a few things I took away from this game:

1. The Offensive line needs some work, but lets not panic yet. They still have the foundation of the line in their three main anchors (Clifton, Flannigan and Tauscher) and they are very deep at those positions with Bedell, Wells and Barry all capable of filling in for a game or two. Because they have those anchors, the line will be good, but don't expect 5 yards a carry again just yet. I think Adrian Klemm and Grey Ruegamer will be the starting guards come september 11, with Will Whittaker, Atlas Herrion and Matt O'Dwyer as the reserves.

2. Mike Montgomery, I like him. He's got a motor and doesn't stop working. We all know what we've got in Kenny Peterson, not much. I'm hoping Montgomery will take Peterson's spot on the roster. He's big, has long arms, and doesn't quit on plays.

3. Granted it wasn't that great of a play, but does Nick Collin's interception last night show you that he's got a knack for beeing around the ball? It just might. The kid is very athletic, and made a few good plays last night. Let him continue to work with LeRoy and lets see what he can do.

4. Al Harris, Ahmad Carroll, Joey Thomas, Chris Johnson, Jason Horton and Mike Hawkins. I know it's only a preseason game, but is anyone reading this really comfortable with any four out of this group serving as your secondary? Me neither. They are in desperate need of another corner. They don't have the pass rush to make up for their inadequacies in the secondary, and I saw Al Harris bite on a lot more plays than I'm used to seeing him bite on last night. I do think Bates scheme where his corners play the bump and run will help out immensely, because other than Carroll, none of these guys have recovery speed to make up for biting on a fake and getting burned, but there's still a long way to go.

5. Man did Brett Favre look sharp.

6. Get Bubba Franks a contract. David Martin and Ben Steele are good for one thing, dropping passes. They aren't that far off, the Packers have offered him $2.5 million a season, Bubba wants $4 million per. I didn't major in finance so Gaddis you'll need to tell me if this works, what about offering $3.25 million per?

7. Just as I said earlier in the week, new number, same bad play for Mark Roman. Seriously why is he still on the roster? Fabos, does he have compromising pictures of Bob Harlan, Mike Sherman and Ted Thompson? Please shed some light on this former Packer employee.

8. I didn't really see him stand out last night, but regardless I can already tell that Raynoch Thompson is better than Hannibal Navies.

9. Najeh Davenport went to Weight Watchers? How did I miss that story? That is absolutely hillarious, but then again it comes from the same guy who took a crap in some girls closet at Miami. Najeh if you're reading this, you've gotta do the "taking a crap" endzone celebration on your next TD and use the ball as a prop. That would put him in the Packers Hall of Fame instantly.

10. Did I mention Brett Favre looked pretty good last night?

After seeing the season 2 finale of the OC again last night, I am finally willing to admit that Trey indeed could have died from that gun shot. That being said I still stand firm in my believe he is not dead and is assembling the four horsemen of super heels.

I just went to the vending machines here at Charter and Nate Kaeding was filling the soda machine. Did Marty cut him already, and how did he already find a new job that quickly?

The Brewers open up a three game set with the Reds at Miller Park tonight. I will settle for nothing short of a sweep.

Did you see how the A's beat the Angels yesterday? You won't even see that happen in little leauge. Anahiem lost the division last night on that single play.

Jason White announced his retirement from the NFL yesterday and said his career is officially over. The 2003 Heisman winner, White had been in camp with the Titans. Here's my question, don't you have to actually have a career before it can "officially end", and don't you have to do something other than practice with a team as the fourth string QB to retire? If not them I might retire from Baseball next winter.

David Stern has given his approval to remove Steve Belkin as the Hawks representative on the NBA's board of governers. All this means is the Hawks may get Joe Johnson afterall, and might actually care about winning now.

TO and Drew Rosenhaus went on TV last night and played victim during the halftime show on ESPN. First of all could Chris Berman have tossed him bigger softballs? Seriously those were like bowling balls. Just shut up already. I'm not one of the highest paid recievers in the league, at least that's what TO and Drew Rosenhaus said when in actuality if you include bonuses he's making over $7 million a season which only puts him behind Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss. He also said he had to sign a "secret waiver" before the Super Bowl that would allow the Eagles to dissolve themselves of his contract should an injury happen. Well TO, it wasn't that much of a "secret" and what do you expect, you weren't medically cleared to play. He also said the Eagles won't be happy with him if he doesn't get a new deal and then in the next sentence said "I'm not trying to be a distraction." What? The kicker was when he compared what he's done to, are you ready for this...Brett Favre. Favre said it's not his job to make sure Aaron Rodgers is ready to play, that's Aaron's job. Who would argue with that? Apparently TO. He asked why Favre wasn't villified for saying that but TO is for what he's doing. I'm so disgusted with this Prima Dona, Selfish, Self Centered, Baby that I'm not even going to discuss this anymore.

Holdout Over

I have officially ended my holdout from Our Turn Next. A mutual agreement that will benefit both parties was struck just minutes ago, thus ending my 29 hour holdout.

Daily Brew 8/11

It's beginning to be too much for me. Ned, c'mon, what are you doing? If this were wrestling, I'd be waiting for the sababtage and heel turn any moment now where Yost rips off the Brewers uniform and is fashionably sporting a Cardinals t-shirt. But it's baseball, so I have to wonder, is Ned Yost a robot who hasn't been programmed for managing in close situations, just given a general database of baseball knowledge? Is he showing up to the games drunk like Mr. Buttermaker? Or, is he just a big Seinfeld fan and pulling his own Constanza experiement and trying to get canned ala George and the Yankees? One out, bottom of the 7th, runners on the corners, you trail 1-0, the worst hitting pitcher in all of baseball is at the plate (Ben Sheets). Do you A.) pinch hit with Wes Helms, B.) pinch hit with Russell Branyon, C.) pinch hit with Chad Moeller, or D.) pinch hit with Chris Capuano. Even though it wasn't on the list, Ned chose E.) Allow sheets to ground out and not advance the runner home, promptly follwed by Chris Magruder doing the same to end the inning. Final score Cardinals 3, Brewers 0. In golf vernacular Ned, nicely played. You just teed off with your pitching wedge.

While I still hate him, I will say this, Drew Rosenhaus is a smart man. So T.O. and Javon Walker both showed up to camp on time despite reports that neither man would. Why? Doesnt' this take their leverage away? No. Rosenhaus made a genius move, and told T.O. to show up to camp, work out, practice, but do it on your terms. Make the Eagles hate you and make life in Philly a living hell. All of this will change if you get a new deal, tell them that. It is highly unethical, a scumbag move and just overall repulsive, but sadly it might just work. This way the player (until TO-gate yesterday) looks like a good guy and is showing up doing what's asked of him, and it's the team who won't work with him. Please Eagles, please, don't back down.

The Maple Leafs are working out a deal with Eric Lindros, Eric freaking Lindros. Lindros already turned down a $1.5 million deal from the Columbus Blue Jackets, so you would think this will be for more money than that. Are you completely nuts, or just partially? If this guy takes a high five the wrong way he'll get another concussion and will be forced to retire. I'm also assuming that contract will be tough to insure. Well I can only think of one good authority to ask the opinion of on this matter...Zeke, what would you do?

(Isiaah Thomas) "Oh I'd definitely sign him, matter of a fact we (Knicks) already tried.

(JG) But doesn't he play Hockey Zeke?

(IT) "Eric is just an athlete, period. We feel he could do a great job of replacing Kurt Thomas, and would give us the worst 5 contracts in in any sport, ever(Lindros, Marbury, Tim Thomas, Q Richardson and Allan Houston)."

(JG) Well if you put it like that Zeke...

You see, while he may seem like he's crazy, oh hell the guy is full blown crazy but regardless, he does have a plan afterall.

Tiger Woods has started his day +4 throughh his first 6 holes of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol CC. On a side note, I was officially credentialed for this event. I was apparently grandfathered in because I covered last years PGA Championship.

Braylon Edwards had a deal, then he didn't, then he did. I guess. He and his agent had negotiations with the Browns yesterday, and it looked as though a deal was about to be signed. Then it hit a snag when the Browns wanted first right of refusal in regards to his marketing deals, Edwards and his camp refused and left without a deal. His agent said they were leaving Cleveland, but hours later they were back and had a deal. What?

The Packers begin their pre-season tonight when they take on the Chargers at Lambeau. Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers will see a lot of playing team so that should be interesting to watch. I for one am getting a little leary of all the comparisons Nick Collins is drawing to LeRoy Butler. Butler wore #36 and Collins is wearing it, that's where it ends.

...Of the Day

Story: T.O. leaves Eagles camp today after a dispute with Andy Reid. This is getting so disgusting that this is the last you will ever see me mentioning it.

What the...?: Apparently a contract dispute has lead to Garcia bolting Our Turn Next to simply write full time for the Brew City Beat. I guess the selecting all of his writting, and then copy and paste function has been wearing on him, so he needs to concentrate on just one site. Unfortunately for us, it is not this one. He has been bringing some of the best ideas and most well-written posts to this site and it saddens me to see him go, but I do understand this is a business and he has to do what is best for his family. If he ever decides to come back, I for one will welcome him back with open arms. Gaddis may not be so welcoming, however.

Link: Seriously, the Sports Guy's mailbags are some of the best things I have ever read, and that includes A Tale of Two Cities.

Random Thought: If you're in a new area and are looking to meet new people, my cousin swears by myspace.com

Prediction: The Garcia holdout won't last very long (at least I hope it doesn't).

-Until next time...

Daily Brew 8/10

Due to a contractual dispute, the Daily Brew can no longer be read on Our Turn Next. If you wish to read it, you'll have to go to Brew City Beat. My agent Drew has advised me it would be in my best interest not to post on the site anymore until I am shown the respect I deserve, and am the highest paid memeber of the blog. I would like to thank all of my readers and fans for their support. It's nothing personal, it's just business.

Taps

I actually have something to write about today, so no ...of the day post. That is how it is going to work, just so I write something every day, ...of the day posts, but when I have somethine to write, that's what you'll get.


The sound you hear coming from the South is not booing (although there is that), the calling for Dusty's head (although there's that), the constant groans from the crowd when something goes wrong (there's that too), or even Ron Santo seemingly dying with every Cubs inning (yup that's there also). Nope, what you hear is the sound of Taps playing for the Cubs 2005 season. As a Cubs fan it is very hard for me to admit that it is officially over. Granted, many of you probably were saying the season was over a few weeks ago, and you were right, but we are eternal optimists, thinking we can pull it out until the last out of the season, or at least until we remember we are Cubs fans and the team will eventually screw up.

For those who don't know, the Cubs dropped their 7th straight game today, losing to the Cincinatti Reds at home 8-3 this afternoon. The team is 11-15 since the All-Star break. Their record in August is 1-7, record at home is 27-28, on the road they are 27-31, are 54-59, five games under .500, 17.5 games behind St. Louis, 2 games out of 3rd place, and 7 games behind Wild Card leading Houston. The 7 games isn't even the biggest factor, it's that 6 teams are ahead of them and two of those teams (Philadelphia and New York) recently hosted the Cubs on a 1-5 road trip. What does all of this mean? It's time to look at 2006. Think about it, even the most hard core, believing Cubs fans have to start wavering when they consider the following: After the end of the series against the Reds, they will have 48 games left, 25 at home, 23 on the road. Out of the teams they play, only five of them are part of the teams ahead of them for the postseason (including the Cardinals and Braves) and it is hard to catch teams you don't play. They do have a winning record over 6 of the 10 teams they are playing during the remainder of the season, most of these teams are playing well right now. Let me just break down the rest of the season for you by who they play and how much they play them:

Atlanta (0-3) 3 games at home*
Florida (4-2) 3 games at home*
L.A. (3-0) 3 games at home
San Francisco (2-1) 3 games away
Colorado (3-1) 3 games away
Pittsburgh (8-3) 2 games at home, 3 away
Cincinatti (5-6) 3 games at home
Milwaukee (6-7) 3 games away*
St. Louis (3-2) 8 games at home, 3 games away*
Houston (3-3) 3 games at home, 7 games away*

The * denotes those teams which are ahead of the Cubs in the standings. Many people right now are probably saying, "Hey if they sweep Houston, they will be three games up." While beating Houston would be huge, it still isn't going to do much when they can't do anything anymore about New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, all of whom are ahead of the Cubs in the Wild Card race.

The team had a great chance to do some damage after the All-Star break, but basically fell flat on their face. We heard how the team was finally going to be back together after Prior and Wood both were back in the rotation, well Wood got hurt again and is now in the 'pen. Then when Wood was going to come back to the 'pen, Scott Williamson was returning, and Nomar would finally be back, the team was supposed to get a shot in the arm. Corey Patterson's demotion was supposed to add a spark to the offense, adding Matt Lawton was supposed to do the same. After hearing all of this during the season and all of the booing which takes place at Wrigley right now, it kind of makes me wish the 2003 season would have never happened. The expectations on everyone were raised so much after that magical run that anything shy of a World Series the following seasons has simply brought out the worst in Cub fans.

Granted, the team could have and should have played much better over the past few years with the talent they have, or are supposed to have, but injuries have hurt the club, trusting players who haven't proven themselves has hurt, errors and playing fundamentaly unsound defense has hurt, baserunning mistakes have hurt. The team has definitely not been perfect over the past few years and we need to accept that as fans. We used to get excited with an 80 win season, or just the chase for the post season. Now, since 2003 happened and the Cubs were a pick for many people to win the 2004 World Series, we don't enjoy the chase, we just expect to be there at the end of the season. While expectations are good, they can also hurt a team when they don't live up to them. Obviously the fans don't like it and they start getting on players when they don't perform, and that's not going to help anything.

Here's my plea to Cubs fans for the rest of the season and moving forward to 2006: Let's cheer loud for the good plays, louder still for the great plays, and loudest yet for plays which could have been made better, scream when guys show hustle and encourage them to do so if you see them slacking off, remember how fun it was just to dream for the team to make the post season instead of expecting it because the ride will be more enjoyable, believe the team can come back in the late innings, be loud so they know they have our support from the moment they step on the field, make them remember how greatful we are for their entertainment, and I promise they will do better. Let Dusty manage, let the pitchers pitch through their problems, and hitters hit through theirs, they are professionals, it will get better. Remember most of all, our eternal battle cry, "Wait til next year" and all will be well in Cub land again.

After all, think about this as a potential team:

Starting Pitchers: Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, Jerome Williams, Greg Maddux, Rich Hill, perhaps Angel Guzman
Relief Pitchers: Will Ohman, Scott Williamson, Michael Wuertz, Kerry Wood, and Ryan Dempster
Lineup:

CF: Felix Pie, Corey Patterson, or pipe dream Johnny Damon (won't happen, but it's fun to dream)
2B: Todd Walker
1B: Derreck Lee
3B: Aramis Ramirez
LF: Matt Murton
RF: Jeromy Burnitz, but I doubt it, I would say Corey Patterson here if he's still on the team
C: Michael Barrett (Henry Blanco)
SS: Ronny Cedeno

I don't think Jeromy Burnitz will be back, nor do I believe Nomar will be back. There is a chance Todd Walker won't be back, if the team trades him, I hope they don't, but I have a feeling they will. Cedeno will probably be the new starter at shortstop, Lee, Ramirez, and Barrett will definitely be back. There is no reason to think Matt Murton won't be the everyday left fielder next year and depending on what happens with Corey Patterson and if the Cubs make a run at Johnny Damon, Felix Pie may or may not be the starting center fielder next season. I'm leaning towards yes, but we'll see. Alright, that's enough thinking about 2006, and I'm sure Gaddis will tear this apart, but hey, wait til next year!

-Until next time...

Daily Brew 8/9

Legendary manager Gene Mauch passed away last night. Mauch managed four teams to a combined 1,901 wins, 11th most all time, but Mauch will probably be most remembered for his losses. The monumental collapse his Phillies had in 1964, the ALCS loss to the Red Sox in 1986 after Dave Henderson's infamous homer off Donny Moore, and of course the collapse in 1982 when leading the series 2-0, the Brewers take the next 3 to advance to the World Series. His 3,938 games coached are sixth most in major league history, but unfortunately Mauch will always be remembered as a guy who never won the big games.

The Brewers dropped a big one last night to the Cardinals, what d'ya know Victor Santos was on the mound. Was he the pitcher of record, no, but again when he takes the mound the team seems to lose. Am I the only one seeing this? The bullpen failed them for the first time in a while by giving up 4 runs in 2 innings allowing the Cardinals to pick up the 8-4 win. Doug Davis takes the mound tonight, he'll be opposed by Anthony Reyes who is making his major league debut.

The Cubs got shelled by the Reds, the freaking Reds, 9-0. Get on the phone, call Kerry Wood, and tell him to shut 'er down, it's over. The Cubs also announced that they traded Mike Remlinger to the Red Sox for a minor leaguer.

In news I neglected to touch on upon my return from vacation, the Bucks announced over the weekend that they have resigned Toni Kukoc for one more year. The move however, as Larry Harris officially announced today, means they cannot resign Zaza Pachulia, who has since joined the Hawks. I am absolutely ecstatic that Special K is back, he is going to do wonders with Andrew Bogut and help him out immensely. The team also made the signing of Bobby Simmons official, and has said they will do the same with Redd and Gadzuric later in the week. I'm telling you, this team could win 45+ games. Look at the projected rotation:

C Bogut B Gadzuric, Santiago (FA, probably gone)
F Smith B Kukoc, Fizer (FA, may resign)
F Simmons B Mason, Ersan Ilyasova (2nd round pick,might play overseas)
G Redd B Welsch, Gaines
G Ford B Williams, Strickland (FA, probably gone), Goldwire (FA maybe back)

I'm guessing Simmons will start ahead of Mason and Bogut ahead of Gadzuric as both guys are energy guys better suited to come off the bench and add a spark. There have been talks of a Ford, Redd, Mason, Simmons and Bogut lineup much like the Suns use, but if used at all, it will be used for in game situations. The talent is there, and they are relatively deep with three starters from a year ago (Williams, Mason, Gadzuric) coming off the bench along with Kukoc.

N'ail Diggs twisted his knee at practive yesterday and will reportedly miss 3-6 weeks. While a big blow, it is better than the early speculation that he could be lost for the season. Look for Ray Thompson to start on the strong side once Diggs returns giving the Packers are linebacking corp or Diggs, Barnett and Thompson, all quick athletic guys.

One thing I definitely want to see is the "Four Horsemen Super Heel" group angle played on the upcoming episode of the OC. Don't know what I'm talking about? Ask Gaddis or check out the comments on Nate's 8/4/05 of the day post. More to come later...

Madden '06 today. I'm going to pick it up during lunch in about an hour. Hopefully I make it back to work today.

Pancakes bitches.

...Of the Day

Story: I haven't heard or read a bigger story in the past day than the passing of Peter Jennings. The ABC News anchor died yesterday at his home at the age of 67. Although my loyalty and viewership in news coverage switched from Jennings to Tom Brokaw when I attended UW-La Crosse, Jennings was the first network anchor I can remember watching. I was there with him for all 25 hours of New Year's Eve 2000, and was there as he reported on all of the countries' individual celebrations. Jennings will be missed by many people for many different reasons, but he won't soon be forgotten.

What the...?: Wayne Gretzky takes over as the coach for... the Phoenix Coyotes, what? I know he probably lives in Arizona now, but not only does it not seem right the "Great One" is coaching in Arizona, but it does not seem right that a team is even in the desert. Why would he take this job? Well, according to him, it's all he knows. But still, go to the Oilers (do they still exist) or Kings, not the Coyotes.

Link: It's another NHL story, but read on about the Todd Bertuzzi saga and his recent reinstatement into the NHL after a one year banishment.

Random Thought: Which has the longer waiting line, the release of the new Harry Potter book last month, or the midnight release (at select locations) of Madden 2006?

Prediction: Oklahoma will win the Red River Shootout.

-Until next time...

An Ode to Geoff

Since returning from the All-Star break July 14, Geoff Jenkins has been on an absolute tear. Before the Break, Geoff was batting .258 with 9 home runs and 33 runs batted in. Not exactly the numbers you expect from a corner outfielder getting paid over $8 million per season. His season was going so bad that his averaged had even dipped down to .230 and he was benched against left handed pitching.

Fans and media members were looking for a way to exile this guy out of Milwaukee, coming up with deals to propose to large market teams just to get his contract off the books.

Just before the All-Star break, Jenkins slowly begin to see the ball better and started going to opposite field. As a result he saw his average spike from .237 to .258. Then the All-Star break came. Carlos Lee was appearing in the Home Run Derby, and had lead this team offensively all year. He was the star and what used to be Geoff's team. Jenkins was all but forgotten.

On July 14, Jenkins began a stretch that would see him collect a hit in the next 10 games (making it a 16 game hitting streak). In 6 of his next 18 games, Jenkins had multiple hit games. By the end of July his average was up to .281 and the power numbers had gone up too.

Jenkins hit 4 home runs and drove in 18 during that 18 game stretch, raising his totals to 13 home runs and 50 RBI. So far, just 6 games into August, Jenkins already has 12 hits in 24 at bats, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, 4 rbi and 25 total bases. Since the All-Star game he is batting .434. If he keeps that pace up, it could be historical. His .434 average is already the second best post All-Star game average in League history.

So while guys like Carlos Lee, Lyle Overbay, Brady Clark, and even Ricky Weeks get all of the attention and most of the credit for this team's offense, Jenkins has steadily carried the offense during the second half and quietly repositioned himself as the team's leader.

Despite the struggles he was going through at the plate you never heard him complain. He never moaned, he didn't have any outbursts, and he didn't whine to the media when he was benched in favor of a right hander when a lefty was on the mound.

He never stopped playing hard, especially on the defensive side, the trademark of his game. You have to respect that, especially in today's day and age. During a stretch where he was struggling last year he told me in an interview that that's when he plays especially hard on defense. "If I'm not contributing runs with my bat, I better take them away with my glove." I remembered that quote because of how selfless it was.

We're all familiar with those "Geoff Jenkin's tears" where he will just go off offensively and carry the team. We waited for it the last few years, but it never seemed to come. Until now that is, the famous tear has come, and then some.

Daily Brew 8/8

I'm back from a much needed day off and I feel rejuvinated and better than ever. Apparently I missed the Orioles canning their manager, I was too busy hanging out in Waukesha watching the Crew, and season 1 of Entourage (alongside the O.C. as a must buy). The new White Stripes album is great, I just picked up the new Jason Mraz and will give that a shot today, but I digress...

The classiest anchorman of all time passed away yesterday. Peter Jennings lost his battle with lung cancer and passed away at his home in New York City yesterday. He was 67 years old. Jennings had been the anchor of World News tonight since 1983, and always made the telecast seem smooth and effortless. The man's career was truely remarkable, he covered the Berlin wall going up, and coming down, the Civil Rights movement, South Africa's struggle for equality and the Voting Rights Act. As a kid who always wanted to be on the air as an anchor or host of some sort, Jennings was one of the first I remember watching and wanting to be like.

The Packers held their family game scrimmage against the Bills on friday night. I take two things from this, first off I didn't think it would be possible, but I really do hate Sterling Sharpe even more than I used to. I like how Sterling was trying to tell us what is going on in Green Bay even though he has no idea. Though I've never met him, I've heard numerous stories from former colleagues and if all 1,026 stories are true, Sterling Sharpe is probably one of the top ten biggest jerks in the world. Which reminds me, nevermind I'll save that one for later. The second thing I came away with was yes, the O-line did look bad, but this was a SCRIMMAGE. A half speed scrimmage, stop telling us you have concerns or Brett Favre could be in trouble. Could this line be bad? Maybe, but this scrimmage where guys aren't going all out isn't an indicator for that.

Defensive Coordinator Jim Bates grew a porn mustache over the offseason. He must have been used to seeing it on Wanny all those years in Miami that he just broke down and grew one. Just like I tell Gaddis, the one thing that will make an average looking girl hot is your exposure to her. The longer you're around her, the more you start to believe she's hot. Well apparently the same thing goes for hideous looking mustaches. Bates officially moved rookie saftey Nick Collins onto the first team on the depth chart. Collins if you remember was a bit of a reach and a project, but he could pay off. My only gripe with him is he's wearing number 36. You don't give a saftey number 36. You don't give anyone 36!

The Brewers got to .500, then one game below it, and then .500 again over the weekend by taking four out of six from the Mets and Phillies. Toma Ohka pitched 8 scoreless and Turnbow came in to get the save in yesterdays game. Geoff Jenkins remains on fire, a friend of mine told me over the weekend that he saw a stat which said Jenkins has the second highest Post All Star game batting average in Leauge history. That is hugh, second highest in leauge history. He's almost batting .400 and is single handedly carrying this team while others struggle. Think of where they would be if he wasn't just raking the ball right now. I've already said this, but I gotta say it again, sorry Geoff, I didn't think you had it left in ya. The Brewers are now 55-55, one and a half games ahead of Gaddis and Nate's beloved Cubbies, and four and one half back of the Astros for the Wild Card. Do I think they can win the Wild Card? No, in fact if they would, they would be skipping level 2 on the rebuilding scale and would jump right to level 3, the playoffs. I don't think they'll do it, but it feels good to be in August and say "The Brewers are .500 and under five games out of the playoffs." Say it once, it feels awesome. The Cardinals come into town this week, and you gotta take 2 there. This series could make or break their season.

Freddie Jones announced his retirement from the NFL just four months after signing a long term free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers. The retirement will give Freddie more time to pursue his music career (c'mon I thought it was funny, you've never heard of the Freddie Jones Band?) Unfortunately Todd Stinkston ruptured his achillies tendon. I say unfortunately despite the fact that I hate the Eagles because it means T.O. now has leverage. I honestly thought this could be the year the teams and owners defeated Drew Rosenhaus, just like Cub fans say "Wait till next year." Ty Law has reached an agreement with the Jets. I think the Jets were the team willing to pay him the most money, and I have no problem with a guy like Ty Law going for more money. You've already won three Super Bowls and have some injury concerns, might as well go after the big pay day.

I want to touch on a few things the Twinsman said. Yes, now that Torii Hunter is done, so are your Twins. Will the Twins ever win anything? They're like the Susan Luchi (sp?) of baseball. They're always nominated (playoffs) but never do anything at the show. I also whole heartedly agree with your assertion that the Vikes will not be as good as they're hyped to be this year. Yes Duante lost Moss, yes I too believe that Troy Williamson will be a huge bust. You know the fact that they took him ahead of Mike Williams because he has a bit more speed is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. I'm not surprised it came from this franchise. They just did to themselves what the Titans did in 1998, which allowed the Vikes to get Randy Moss.

The Titans took a chance on a guy (Kevin Dyson) who was speedy, despite Randy Moss and all of his talent still on the board. The Vikes swooped in and took Moss, and the rest is history. After witnessing that, how could you do it to yourself this time? Good luck with Dyson 2K5, I mean Williamson. He'll fall into the Sam Bowie category when it's all said on done, you know the "how could you take Bowie when Jordan was there" that'll turn into "how could you take Williamson when Williams was still there?" It is possible they just spelled his name wrong, or got the two confused when they wrote it down on the card? This is the Vikings afterall.

The biggest reason why they'll be a dissapointment is...Mike Tice. Everytime I see him across the sidelines, I feel good about my chances. He joins a list that already includes Ron Zook, Dave Wannstadt, Dave Campo, Marty Mornenwig, Wayne Fonts, Ray Rhodes, Steve Spurrier (NFL version), June Jones, Butch Davis, and Dennis Erickson. Congratulations Mike, that's a pretty good looking crowd you're running with.

The NFL Hall of Fame game is tonight, the Bears will take on the Dolphins, and tomorrow is the launch of three straight huge tuesdays. Tomorrow Madden 2006 comes out, next Tuesday 8/16 the new 311 CD comes out, and tuesday 8/23 the O.C. Season 2 comes out. I might take the next three Wednesdays off to recover.

Favorite ESPN Personalities

Garcia's post last week on his 10 ESPN personalities inspired me to copy his idea and post my list of my 10 favorite. It would be great if everyone would post a comment and let us know who their favorites are as well. Anyway, here's my list:

I'll start with some people who were a close call, but just didn't make it:
Gary Thorne
Linda Cohn
Mel Kiper, Jr.
Harold Reynolds

10. Gary Miller- By far is the best sidline/ on field reporter at the worldwide leader and actually adds insight into games and what is going on with teams and fans during the game. Always has something interesting to say and adds some humor as well.

9. Reece Davis- Has one of the most unappreciated jobs on ESPN. Host of Women's College Game Day he is always professional and never takes shot at the low rated sports he has to cover. Also, is one of the guys the network calls upon to fill in when other anchors are on the DL.

8. Mike Patrick- So much enthusiasm is brought to every broadcast he does, whether it is men's college basketball, women's college basketball, or what he's most known for, Sunday Night Football, that you can't help but get excited watching the games. He is a great play-by-play guy and sometimes makes me wish he did every sport.

7. John Anderson- From Wisconsin and is probably the best anchor of the new century. While Dan Patrick was perfecting his radio show, Anderson stepped right in and the 5:00pm edition of SportsCenter kept going strong with John at the helm. Never misses a beat no matter what story he's covering and injects humor into the highlights.

6. Dan Shulman- Great voice and is getting better and better as the radio play-by-play man for Sunday Night Baseball and is slowly becomming the best college basketball play-by-play man they have, and has taken over as Dick Vitale's lead man.

5. Karl Ravich- The reason I enjoy watching baseball tonight. Always on his game when the cameras are rolling, it's just a shame that Chris Berman takes over as the host when the playoffs start. Ravich makes everything run smoothly.

4. Scott Van Pelt- As a golf fan, I love Van Pelt. I never laughed so hard watching PTI as I did in 2003 when he was previewing the British Open and did his Stephen A. Smith impression to analyze the field. Absolutely great everytime he is on the camera and he knows his golf, which is why I like him so much.

3. Dan Patrick- Top man at the network for the better part of a decade and a half. Not only is he always perfect in his delivery and timing on camera at ESPN, but his radio show is a main reason ESPNRadio gets the ratings it does.

2. Peter Gammons- One of the best analysts ESPN has for any sport they cover. Never has an off night and you can just tell that he loves the game. He should have his own show he's so good.

1. Chris Fowler- He gets the top billing because of his work on College GameDay. The show is a hit and moves along perfectly smoothly because Fowler keeps Herbstreit and the sometimes maniacal Lee Corso in line. Plus, he's dealing with raucous crowds behind him and never misses a beat. Knowledgable and brimming with confidence he is the face of the best pre-game show on any network.


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-Until next time...