Cute Sports

Meghan Duggan wins Patty Kaz!

2011-03-19T13:01:00.001-05:00

Marquette on front page of ESPN.com

2011-03-10T08:47:00.000-06:00

And the picture is too good not to share.

2011-02-07T10:36:00.000-06:00

Unafraid to admit I'm a little afraid of the Bears

2011-01-19T14:26:00.000-06:00

As a Packer fan, I’m not thrilled about playing the Bears. When it comes to rivalries as old as this one, it’s not as simple as who is the better team. I love how well the Packers have been playing and I think they can win, but you never know what can happen in a Bears/Packers game. One of the teams could be horrible the rest of the season but come out with a victory in this game. There's pride and history on the line - that's so much more important that just a simple win or loss.

Aaron Rodgers was so effective against Atlanta due to his ability to hit some pinpoint passes. I don’t think he’ll be able to do that as effectively in the cold in Chicago. Footing was a huge issue in the Bears/Seahawks game and though they seem to have found a running game recently, the Packers have had problems on the ground all season and the likely-sloppy conditions aren’t going to help. The Bears didn't seem to have the same footing problems as the Seahawks, so it is to be hoped that the Packers can figure out the "secret."

One of the Packers biggest negatives is Special Teams. It's so depressing to watch, really. When was the last time the Packers were a threat to break a run-back for points? There's just no threat of the Packers getting major yardage on kickoff and punt returns. That's a completely missed opportunity on McCarthy's part. This potent offense would have been even better if the Packers could have won the field position battle at any point this season.

They’re going to have to hope they can keep Devin Hester in check and not give the Bears a short field the whole game.

That being said, the Packers are going to be UP for this game. Cutler managed a whole games against the Seahawks without being Jay Cutler and I can’t imagine that will last for another 60 minutes, especially against the Packers secondary.

Rose Bowl Route

2011-01-03T09:15:00.000-06:00

Rumor Mill: Brewers hire Roenicke

2010-11-02T14:30:00.003-05:00

UPDATE: Tom Haudricourt says the rumor has been confimed by someone close to the situation at the Brewers. Ron Roenicke is the Brewers' new manager

It's the third time in about a month that we have a rumor that the Brewers have hired a manager.

This time the source is a writer for a Chicago newspaper who's last claim to fame was a Twitter meltdown on all things Minnesotan.

Once again it's sources saying the hire has been made, so take it with a grain of salt.

Roenicke has been with the Angels for the past 11 seasons and has never managed at the major league level. He did mange in the minors and has spent the past five years as the Angels bench coach.

The Chicago media is interested in the Brewers hiring situation because White Sox bench coach Joey Cora is one of the finalists. ESPN.com is reporting that Cora was told today that he finished second in the decision-making process.

Stepan makes a splash with major league debut

2010-10-11T09:09:00.000-05:00

Derek Stepan left Wisconsin after two years and there was some question as to whether he was NHL-ready, or if he'd spend time in the minors before joining the NY Rangers.

After leading his team in pre-season scoring, Stepan made the team out of camp and made a huge debut on Saturday.

He became just the fourth person ever to record a hat trick in his first NHL game.

The first goal came as a shot deflected off his stick into a defensive player and in to the net. The second and third goals came when Stepan scored twice 3:12 apart late in the second period to complete the hat trick and put the Rangers ahead 4-1.

Stepan was just the second Ranger to score three goals in his debut. Ron Murphy did it in 1955

Doug Melvin squelches Brenly rumor

2010-10-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

From Journal-Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt's Twitter:

"Brewers GM Doug Melvin just denied the report that Bob Brenly will be the next manger. Said he hasn't interviewed anybody. So false alarm."

"Melvin had this to say about Brenly rumor: 'Unless somebody else has been doing the hiring process, that's not true.'"

"'Just another rumor to squelch' Melvin said..."

Brewers looking at Brenly

2010-10-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

Can't link Twitter from work, but 1250 AM's Doug Russell is reporting that a source says "Bob Brenly is close to agreeing to become the next Brewers Manager."

Brenly in the past has compared Miller Park to minor league stadiums and two seasons ago openly advocated a pitcher throwing at Ryan Braun.

When one of Macha's main problems was his inability to be close to Braun and Fielder, I'm thinking this is not a step in the right direction. While more fiery than Macha (who isn't?), this feels like another over-compensation. The pendulum swung from Yost to Macha (fiesty to asleep) and now it looks like Doug Melvin is letting it go way past center again.

Badger Hockey #13 in preseason polls

2010-10-06T11:22:00.001-05:00

USA TODAY/USA Hockey men's preseason poll

Sept. 27, 2010

Rank School (first-place votes) 2009-10 record Points Final 2009-10 ranking

1 Boston College (28) 29-10-3 504 1

2 Notre Dame (4) 25-13-5 462 7

3 Miami (Ohio) (2) 29-8-7 437 3

4 Michigan 26-18-1 383 8

5 Yale 21-10-3 334 6

6 St. Cloud State 24-14-5 308 5

7 Maine 19-17-3 281 NR

8 New Hampshire 18-14-7 206 11

9 Minnesota Duluth 22-17-1 195 NR

10 Cornell 21-9-4 162 9

11 Denver 27-10-4 146 4

12 Alaska 18-12-9 125 15

13 Wisconsin 28-11-14 115 2

14 Boston University 18-17-3 69 NR

15 Minnesota 18-19-2 50 NR

Others receiving votes: University of Notre Dame, 43; Rochester Institute of Technology, 38; Bemidji State University, 36; Ferris State University, 36; Union College, 34; University of Vermont, 28; Michigan State University, 21; Northern Michigan University, 18; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 16; Colorado College, 14; Northeastern University, 14; University of Nebraska at Omaha, 3; Merrimack College, 2.

***

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
October 4, 2010

Team (First Place Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Boston College (45) 29-10-3 993 3
2 North Dakota ( 3) 25-13-5 935 4
3 Miami ( 2) 29- 8-7 892 1
4 St. Cloud State 24-14-5 749 7
5 Michigan 26-18-1 741 11
6 Yale 21-10-3 719 8
7 Maine 19-17-3 639 18
8 Minnesota-Duluth 22-17-1 618 14
9 Denver 27-10-4 534 2
10 New Hampshire 18-14-7 510 12
11 Cornell 21- 9-4 509 6
12 Alaska 18-12-9 435 17
13 Wisconsin 28-11-4 295 5
14 Boston University 18-17-3 280 NR
15 Minnesota 18-19-2 271 NR
16 Michigan State 19-13-6 191 19
17 Notre Dame 13-17-8 156 NR
18 RIT 28-12-1 152 20
19 Union 21-12-6 136 16
20 Colorado College 19-17-3 127 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Vermont 105, Bemidji State 101, Northern Michigan 96, Ferris State 83, Nebraska-Omaha 49, Northeastern 39, Rensselaer 32, Mercyhurst 31, Quinnipiac 18, Merrimack 15, Ohio State 13, Colgate 9, St. Lawrence 5, Air Force 4, Mass.-Lowell 2, Robert Morris 1

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/rankings/?data=uscho1m&week=poll#ixzz11b3ByLVh

Former Badger Stepan Makes Rangers

2010-10-06T11:20:00.002-05:00

Former Badger Derek Stepan made the NY Rangers final roster this week and will start the season in the NHL.

Stepan, 20, left Wisconsin early after his sophomore year.

Teammate Ryan McDonogh was left off the Rangers final roster and will start the season in the AHL.

Badger Hockey TV Schedule Released

2010-10-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

(Dates and times subject to change)

DAY DATE OPPONENT All Times Central TV (Internet)

ICE BREAKER TOURNAMENT (St. Louis)

Friday Oct. 8 Boston University 8:30 p.m.

Sunday Oct. 10 Notre Dame/Holy Cross 3 p.m./Noon

FRIDAY OCT. 15 ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE 7 P.M. FSN/WC

SUNDAY OCT. 17 ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE 1 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

Friday Oct. 22 at Denver* 8:30 p.m. FSN

Saturday Oct. 23 at Denver* 8 p.m.

FRIDAY OCT. 29 MICHIGAN TECH* 7 P.M. (UWBadgers.com)

SATURDAY OCT. 30 MICHIGAN TECH* 7 P.M. WISC/Charter/TWar/WC

Friday Nov. 5 at Minnesota* 7 p.m. FSN

Saturday Nov. 6 at Minnesota* 7 p.m. BTN

FRIDAY NOV. 12 NORTH DAKOTA* 7 P.M. FSN/WC

SATURDAY NOV. 13 NORTH DAKOTA* 7 P.M. TVW/Charter/TWar/WC

FRIDAY NOV. 19 MINNESOTA DULUTH* 7 P.M. FSN/WC

SATURDAY NOV. 20 MINNESOTA DULUTH* 7 P.M. WISC/Charter/TWar/WC

COLLEGE HOCKEY SHOWCASE FRIDAY

NOV. 26 MICHIGAN 7 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

SATURDAY NOV. 27 MICHIGAN STATE 7 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

Friday Dec. 3 at Alaska Anchorage* 10 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 4 at Alaska Anchorage* 10 p.m.

FRIDAY DEC. 10 BEMIDJI STATE* 7 P.M. TVW/Charter/TWar/WPT

SATURDAY DEC. 11 BEMIDJI STATE* 7 P.M. FSN/WPT

THURSDAY DEC. 30 MASSACHUSETTS 7 P.M. FSN/WPT F

RIDAY DEC. 31 MASSACHUSETTS 7 P.M. FSN/WPT

FRIDAY JAN. 7 CANISIUS 7 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

SATURDAY JAN. 8 CANISIUS 7 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

Friday Jan. 14 at Minnesota Duluth* 7 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 15 at Minnesota Duluth* 7 p.m.

FRIDAY JAN. 21 MINNESOTA STATE* 7 P.M. (Bigtennetwork.com)

SATURDAY JAN. 22 MINNESOTA STATE* 7 P.M. WISC/Charter/TWar/WPT

Friday Jan. 28 at Michigan Tech* 6 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 29 at Michigan Tech* 6 p.m.

Friday Feb. 11 at Nebraska Omaha* 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 12 at Nebraska Omaha* 7 p.m.

FRIDAY FEB 18 MINNESOTA* 7 P.M. BTN

SATURDAY FEB. 19 MINNESOTA* 8 P.M. FSN

Friday Feb. 25 at St. Cloud State* 7 p.m. Charter

Saturday Feb. 26 at St. Cloud State* 7 p.m. Charter

FRIDAY MARCH 4 COLORADO COLLEGE* 7 P.M. TVW/Charter/TWar/WPT

SATURDAY MARCH 5 COLORADO COLLEGE* 7 P.M. FSN/WPT

Fri.-Sun. March 11-13 WCHA Playoffs (Campus Sites)

Thur.-Sat. March 17-19 WCHA Final Five (St. Paul, Minn.) FSN

Fri.-Sat. March 25-26 NCAA East and West Regionals (Bridgeport, Conn., and St Louis)

Sat.-Sun. March 26-27 NCAA Northeast and Midwest Regionals (Manchester, N.H., and Green Bay, Wis.)

Thur.-Sat. April 7-9 NCAA Frozen Four (St. Paul, Minn.)

* - WCHA league games Home games listed in BOLD CAPS. All times Central. FSN- Fox Sports Wisconsin; BTN - Big Ten Network; WISC - WISC-TV; TVW - TVW 14; Charter - Charter Extra; TWar - Time Warner Sports; WC - Wisconsin Channel (delayed); WPT - Wisconsin Public Television or Wisconsin Channel (delayed)

Geoffrion to start season with Admirals

2010-10-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

AP writer Colin Fly noted on Twitter that the Predators sent Blake Geoffrion to Milwaukee and that he will be with the team when training camp opens.

Badger Hockey Facility

2010-10-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Plans for a dedicated hockey facility that had been on hold due to lack of donations are back on track.

The facility will be used for both men's and women's hockey practices and would be a dedicated facility to host women's home games.

From the Wisconsin State Journal:

"A plan to build a $27.8 million practice facility for the University of Wisconsin hockey programs has been revived.

Six months after shelving the project, saying he was uncomfortable with the lack of private donations, UW athletic director Barry Alvarez said Friday that a "very good'' surge of gift funds has put it back on track."

This facility would be a huge boon for the program. The women's team seems a little lost in the size of the Kohl Center and would benefit from having their own ice.

what the Brewers are asking for Hart

2010-07-13T23:59:00.001-05:00

From MLBTradeRumors.com via Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle the Brewers asked for either Madison Bumgarner or Jonathan Sanchez in exchange for Hart.

Both are young pitchers under team control for some years.

The Brewers faced each of the young pitches during the Giants recent four-game stint at Miller Park and were able to muster just one run each day.

According to the rumor, the Giants' manager was unwilling to part with either arm.

Brewer fans should be happy that GM Doug Melvin is reaching for the moon with this trade.

TimberRattler Davis wins single A Home Run Derby

2010-06-22T19:23:00.002-05:00

The single A All Star Game is happening in Fort Wayne this week and Brewer prospect and current T Rat Khris Davis rep-ed the team well by winning the Home Run Derby last night.

Davis hit a total of 25 home runs over three rounds to take the title.

Badger Trio gets high marks.

2010-06-22T19:20:00.001-05:00

From UWBadgers.com, "
Rivals.com put up a story earlier this month ranking the top "triplets" in college football, meaning the team with the best combination of quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

The Badger trio of QB Scott Tolzien, RB John Clay and WR Nick Toon came in at No. 9 in the top-15 poll."

Here's what Rivals.com said about the Badgers' trio:
"The Badgers' trio isn't as flashy as some others on this list, but Tolzien, Clay and Toon get the job done. As usual at Wisconsin, a bruising running back is the centerpiece. Defenses know the 248-pound Clay will get plenty of work, but he still averages 5.4 yards per carry for his career. Although Wisconsin retains its run-first style, the Badgers are opening up the offense. Tolzien became the first Badgers quarterback to complete more than 200 passes in a season. In recent seasons, Wisconsin has relied extensively on its tight end in the passing game, but Toon figures to change that this season. He had 54 catches for 805 yards and four TDs last season."

Brewers Prospect Lawrie to play in MLB ASG Futures game

2010-06-22T19:16:00.001-05:00

For the second straight year, Brett Lawrie will represent Canada on the World team during the All Star Game futures game.

Congrats Brett

Brewers win on walk-off sac bunt

2010-06-10T22:00:00.002-05:00

In case you didn't see it, tonight the Brewers had a bit of a stolen base/hit and run on with Carlos Gomez on first base. He never slowed and took third when the ball was fielded and thrown to first for the out. The ball was then thrown to third to try and get Gomez out, but was overthrown and Gomez came home on the error.

Make sense?

If not, Disciples of Uecker broke down the play with diagrams to analyze the Cubs' defense of the situation. Check it out here.

The World Cup is Here!

2010-06-10T20:18:00.002-05:00

The World Cup starts tomorrow with a 900 am CST match between host country South Africa and Mexico. That will be followed by Uruguay and France at 130 pm CST

Of course, all Americans should be ready to watch the US face England on Saturday at 130 CST on Saturday.

Also playing on Saturday are South Korea and Greece at 6 am and Argentina v. Nigeria
at 9 am.

The Nomad on Brady Street is having a block party and will be showing all games, as will Brocach, who's sign says they'll be open at 6 am and serving breakfast.

The Highbury Pub on Linclon and KK will be open for all games, as well.

Make sure you check out Ladies... for all your Group Hotties.
And former Lady, The Starter Wife, is doing amazing things with Group themed food on her blog, Black and Gold Tchotchkes.

Brewers finally release Jeff Suppan

2010-06-07T14:31:00.003-05:00

With his $10 million contract hanging around our necks, Doug Melvin and Mark Attanasio seemed to be hoping for a miracle resurgence from Jeff Suppan this season. When it didn't happen, they didn't seem to know what to do with themselves - or him. Already stuck paying for Braden Looper and Bill Hall's contract while they're no longer on the team, the Brewers seemed loathe to admit to another wrong contract.

But with the emergence of Kameron Loe, Zach Braddock and John Axford, the Brewers could no longer make excuses for trotting Suppan out in low-leverage situations while he wasted a roster spot and we constantly had to shuffle to make room for arms that are performing better.

Melvin was a bit defensive about the Suppan signing, rattling off the contracts of all the other FA pitchers that were signed during the same off-season.

Adam McCalvy has all of Melvin's comments here.

From J-S' Tom Haudricourt's Brewers Blog, Suppan's statement:
As I expected, Jeff Suppan did not want to do interviews with reporters about his release by the Brewers today.

Instead, Suppan released the following statement:

"I want to thank Mark Attanasio and Doug Melvin for all they have done for my family and me, especially how they handled this situation. I"ve played with a number of organizations and the Brewers are one of the classiest.

"When I signed in 2007, I was committed to winning and to this day I still am. Nobody is more disappointed with how things have turned out. I enjoyed my time here in Milwaukee, as both a player and a member of the community. As such, I will continue my involvement with the Brewers Charities for the remainder of the 2010 season. My commitment to this cause and the people it serves is unwavering.

"I wish the current organization, its fans and especially my teammates all the best."

Johnny Jolly could see lengthy jail time

2010-06-03T14:52:00.002-05:00

The prosecution is saying Johnny Jolly "bought, sold, funded, transported and aided in the buying, selling, funding and transportation of illegal narcotics including cocaine and marijuana" in Harris County from 2006 through May 2008.

It seems as though this may be an unfortunate side effect of Jolly's looking to not receive any punishment from the league by pleading guilty to any lesser charges.

Per Greg A. Bedard from the Journal-Sentinel, "Jolly has had – and I’m pretty sure still does – multiple opportunities to plead his codeine charge out for much lesser charges but has chosen not to do so at every turn. Likely because Jolly knew he’d get suspended if he pled guilty to anything under the personal conduct policy. Jolly rolled the dice but not making this thing go away quickly, taking his medicine from Roger Goodell and just getting on with his career. By going to trial, Jolly risked other things coming up as the prosecution prepared for trial. Whether these allegations are true or not, Jolly evidently lost on that gamble because if he would have pled out, the only thing most people would think about Jolly is that he made a stupid decision two years. Now he’s viewed in a whole new light."

Bedard answers all kinds of questions surrounding the case here, but the most important one is this:
Q: Did the Packers have any clue that allegations of drug dealing could be connected to Jolly?

A: This, I think, is a huge and very important question. If the Packers knew about these allegations and thought they had any merit, why is Jolly still a member of the team let alone receiving a first-round tender at $2.5 million? If the Packers did know, did they just turn the other way and hope no one found out so their on-field team would be better?

I don’t know and I’m not sure we’ll ever know.

Circumstantial evidence – the drafting of Mike Neal and C.J. Wilson, and moving Ryan Pickett to left end – could be taken as a sign the Packers thought they could be without Jolly for sometime.

But I talked with eight veterans in the locker room on Wednesday and seven said they had never heard a single rumor about Jolly and drugs. If most of his teammates didn’t know, how could the Packers? That is entirely possible. But the Packers, like every other team, employ security personnel that are at least supposed to have some idea about what their players are up to off the field.

One player said he had heard the rumors and thought the Packers had to have some clue.

So, like I said, we don’t know, and I’m not sure we’ll ever know.

Badger Men's Hockey Schedule

2010-05-21T00:37:00.002-05:00

The men's hockey schedule was released. 22 home games, 11 games against 2010 NCAA tournament teams and they end the season at home. Of note should be the games against new WCHA team's Nebraska-Omaha and Bemidji State. Also, the lack of a Badger Hockey Showdown Between Christmas and New Year's. Instead the Badgers will host UMASS and Canisius. The team will also be taking part of a season-opening tournament.

DAY DATE OPPONENT All Times Central
ICE BREAKER TOURNAMENT (St. Louis)
Friday Oct. 8 Boston University TBA
Sunday Oct. 10 Notre Dame/Holy Cross TBA
FRIDAY OCT. 15 ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE 7 P.M.
SUNDAY OCT. 17 ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE 1 P.M.
Friday Oct. 22 at Denver* 8:30 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 23 at Denver* 8 p.m.
FRIDAY OCT. 29 MICHIGAN TECH* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY OCT. 30 MICHIGAN TECH* 7 P.M.
Friday Nov. 5 at Minnesota* 7 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 6 at Minnesota* 7 p.m.
FRIDAY NOV. 12 NORTH DAKOTA* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY NOV. 13 NORTH DAKOTA* 7 P.M.
FRIDAY NOV. 19 MINNESOTA DULUTH* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY NOV. 20 MINNESOTA DULUTH* 7 P.M.
COLLEGE HOCKEY SHOWCASE
FRIDAY NOV. 26 MICHIGAN 7 P.M.
SATURDAY NOV. 27 MICHIGAN STATE 7 P.M.
Friday Dec. 3 at Alaska Anchorage* 10 p.m.
Saturday Dec. 4 at Alaska Anchorage* 10 p.m.
FRIDAY DEC. 10 BEMIDJI STATE* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY DEC. 11 BEMIDJI STATE* 7 P.M.
THURSDAY DEC. 30 MASSACHUSETTS 7 P.M.
FRIDAY DEC. 31 MASSACHUSETTS 7 P.M.
FRIDAY JAN. 7 CANISIUS 7 P.M.
SATURDAY JAN. 8 CANISIUS 7 P.M.
Friday Jan. 14 at Minnesota Duluth* 7 p.m.
Saturday Jan. 15 at Minnesota Duluth* 7 p.m.
FRIDAY JAN. 21 MINNESOTA STATE* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY JAN. 22 MINNESOTA STATE* 7 P.M.
Friday Jan. 28 at Michigan Tech* 6 p.m.
Saturday Jan. 29 at Michigan Tech* 6 p.m.
Friday Feb. 11 at Nebraska Omaha* 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Feb. 12 at Nebraska Omaha* 7 p.m.
FRIDAY FEB 18 MINNESOTA* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY FEB. 19 MINNESOTA* 7 P.M.
Friday Feb. 25 at St. Cloud State* 7 p.m.
Saturday Feb. 26 at St. Cloud State* 7 p.m.
FRIDAY MARCH 4 COLORADO COLLEGE* 7 P.M.
SATURDAY MARCH 5 COLORADO COLLEGE* 7 P.M.
Fri.-Sun. March 11-13 WCHA Playoffs (Campus Sites)
Thur.-Sat. March 17-19 WCHA Final Five (St. Paul, Minn.)
Fri.-Sat. March 25-26 NCAA East and West Regionals
(Bridgeport, Conn., and St Louis)
Sat.-Sun. March 26-27 NCAA Northeast and Midwest Regionals
(Manchester, N.H., and Green Bay, Wis.)
Thur.-Sat. April 7-9 NCAA Frozen Four
(St. Paul, Minn.)

Doug Davis to DL

2010-05-16T19:29:00.001-05:00

Doug Davis was scratched from his start for the Brewers tonight due to the inflammation of the lining around his heart.

According to reports, he had chest pains yesterday that he initially treated as heartburn but when it didnt get better, he Googled his symptons and headed to the hospital, afraid he was having a heart attack. Several tests later, the doctors had no answer and Davis was getting worried.

Turned out a cold virus in his system was able to get into the lining of his heart. The condition is not life threatening, but does require complete rest and lots of anti-biotics. He was placed on the 15-day DL and Adam Stern was recalled to take his roster spot.

The whole situation developed today, so there's been no word as to how this will affect the pitching rotation - though it's possible Jeff Suppan or Manny Parra could be moved from the bullpen to a starting role.

Preview of the Braves series

2010-05-10T15:26:00.002-05:00

I spoke to a Braves blogger and we exchanged questions about our squads.

Here's my answers to his questions that are posted at TalkingChop.com

1. The Brewers will come into the series with a record of 15-16. What has gone right and what has gone wrong in 2010?

This team is extremely inconsistent. It feels as though it's either go big, or don't go at all. This is a team that scored 26 runs this past weekend, but only scored one run in the four-game series last weekend. Clearly the Brewers have a lot of offensive power in their lineup, but sometimes it just doesn't show up. There hasn't been a long enough stretch of no scoring for anyone to seriously discuss is as an issue - a 17-run game makes you forget pretty quickly - but at some point the feast or famine offense is going to be an issue, I think.

Pitching is what has gone wrong. His most recent outing aside, Doug Davis has struggled. We had Jeff Suppan in the starting rotation. No one has been able to go deep into games. The bullpen is getting a lot of work which will likely be a problem near the end of the season. Right now we're very heavily relying on the Brewers to use the "we'll just score a lot of run so it doesn't matter how bad our pitching is" theory. That's only going to work for so long.

2. Braves fans know all about Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder and how good they are at the plate, but who besides these 2 have contributed the most on offense?

Casey McGehee. He's the best player that no one has heard of. We claimed him off waivers from the Cubs after the 2008 season and that was a total steal. He got a chance to get on the field when some other guys struggled and basically continued to prove he belonged there. He led all rookies in RBI last season and should have been more talked about for ROY. He literally came out of nowhere.

No one knew if last season was a fluke or not, so we're super excited about him hitting .304/.385/.536 with 6 HR and 28 RBI. Adding him to the already potent 3-4 punch of Braun and Fielder has really opened up our lineup.

Also, he has a son, Mack, who is affected by cerebral palsy and he's damn adorable. Last year Mack threw out a ceremonial first pitch before a game and Casey got a pinch-hit, go-ahead home run in that same game.

My favorite Casey moment was a game last season where Casey made an error at third, dropping a really easy pop-up. He made up for it by hitting his first career grand slam in the same game. That's the kind of player Casey is.

Star-divide

3. Yovani Gallardo has been fantastic for the Brewers this year and will likely pitch Wednesday against the Braves. What makes him so good and where would you rank him among the NL's most elite pitchers?

I'm not sure if you can rank Yovani Gallardo as an elite NL pitcher yet. He has the talent but hasn't reached anything near his full potential.

The biggest knock on Gallardo right now is that he's getting high pitch counts early in games and seems to lack the killer instinct. He's a nibbler and it costs him and the team at times. He had a beautiful outing Friday, allowing just two runs and notching 10 K's, but was out of the game after five innings because he was over 100 pitches. In the other two games where he threw 10 or more strikeouts, he lasted five and seven innings. Until he can figure out how to lower his pitch totals, he's going to stay in the "potentially great" category.

What makes him good is that he makes batters miss. He's a strikeout pitcher and a command pitcher. He does not get flustered or show much emotion. His fastball is mid-90s and he's got a better than average curveball.

There's a security factor with Yovanni. The team is comfortable with him on the mound. He just signed a long-term deal, putting him at ease within the organization. Those two factors mean that team's are facing a pretty formidable foe every five days. He's not trying to pitch his way in to anything. He's doing his job and he makes the eight guys behind him confident enough to do there's.

4. Take your pick for the next 5 seasons: Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo and Alcides Escobar or Jason Heyward, Tommy Hanson and Yunel Escobar. Why?

I'd take the Brewers trio.

Though Hanson is clearly the better pitcher right now, I'm convinced we haven't seen all that Gallardo has to offer. Both Hanson and Gallardo are big talents and I think I'd call that one a draw.

Alcides is an above-average fielder and has great foot speed. He's young and makes some stupid throws, but that should settle down and I still think he is an upgrade from J. J. Hardy. He has shown some impatience at the plate and the Brewers would really like to see him settle down and become a true #2 hitter in the batting order. A healthy, productive top 5 of Weeks, Escobar, Braun, Fielder and McGehee would be potent and would include a lot of speed on the bases. While we have yet to see a full season from Alcides, we have no reason to believe he won't improve or that we should be worried about injuries. With Yunel, you've seen struggles and injuries and he's a talent who's true depth you haven't been able to see yet.

While everyone is high on Jason Heyward, I'd take Braun any day of the week and twice on Sunday. In fact, there are few players in the majors that I would take over Ryan Braun. He's as good as advertised and seems to have gotten better each year we've had him. Something changed with clubhouse philosophy and he's been given free reign to steal bases. He's 8-for-8 so far and it's really added another dimension to the offense. What you're getting with Braun, besides the obvious power at the plate, is a clubhouse presence. He doesn't screw around, he doesn't like to lose and he'll say what he's thinking. Last year he made a comment to a reporter about pitching and our GM responded to the media that Braun could become his deputy. The kid is cocky, but it's mostly controlled and funneled on to the field. You need a guy in the clubhouse like that.

5. What would be considered a successful season for the Brewers in 2010?

Realistically, this the Brewers do not have the pitching to be a contender. Though we know that, I think most folks will be disappointed if they're not even in the race come September. With Prince Fielder's free agency looming, there's been a feeling of "now or never" surrounding this team since about mid-season 2008. Fans aren't going to be happy to see all this young, farm-grown talent come together and not see a decent playoff run come out of it. Losing to the Phillies in four games isn't going to cut it for the general public. The Brewers reached 3 million in ticket sales the past two seasons, but likely won't get there this year. If the front office wants to continue to draw crowds, the team has to produce.

However, after some disaster starts and Trevor Hoffman's blown saves, expectations have gone down a bit. It's always a roller-coaster ride with this team - feast or famine. I'm not sure anyone knows what to expect every time they turn on the TV or show up to the park.

I think if the Brewers are within breathing room of the Wild Card as the season winds down, it will appease the fan base for another year.

Make sure you go over to Brew Crew Ball to see his answers to my questions!

Way to go T-Rats

2010-05-10T15:23:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to say that we enjoyed the Mother's Day brunch with the Timber Rattlers. The alarm didn't go off and we were probably 40 minutes late in getting to the stadium, but there was still plenty of fresh food brought out and mimosas flowing. I was very impressed.

The game was slow and a little disappointing in it's lack of energy, but we still had a great time. Definitely worth the drive up from Milwaukee.

Bucks end of season links

2010-05-07T01:17:00.002-05:00

A few links to some season-ending articles on the Bucks -

This yahoo blog has been down this road with Scott Skiles when he was with Chicago and wonders if Milwaukee is going to see the same result.

This AP article points out how this year's team success was a perfect-storm and is unlikely to be replicated.

The Bucks have the 15th pick in the NBA Draft and Channel 12's Dan Needles is hoping they'll pick a PG out of Butler.

This article combines the end of the season with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's excitement about going to South Africa for the World Cup

Picking up John Salmons before the trade deadline was crucial to Milwaukee's success. Now, less than a week from the season end, the Bucks are already in talks with his agent to sign a contract, says the J-S.

This article from Sydney, Australia talks about how Andrew Bogut's All-NBA third-team nod is the first for an Australian in the NBA. Bogut received the honor despite missing part of the season.

Zaun's throw-back issues make news

2010-05-07T01:11:00.002-05:00

You may remember last Monday night when Gregg Zaun was having difficulties throwing the ball back to pitcher Yovani Gallardo. It was later reported that Zaun was having shoulder spasms and therefore had little feeling in his harm. A quick treatment between innings solved the problem and the story probably should have gone away, except the situation got major press play and poor Zaun's pathetic throws made headlines in some major places:

Yahoo Sports

New York Daily News

Baltimore Sun

Around the Horn blog

Spoiled baseball fan

2010-05-07T00:53:00.002-05:00

The Brewers are neither completely sucking nor riding the high tide, and I feel like there's nothing to write about. Sad, isn't it? If there are few things to cheer or few things to whine about, I'm stuck. Rough spot to be in, the Astros fans sarcastically say to me. I know it, I'm spoiled.

The best thing over the past few days?

Jeff Suppan didn't suck. He came in in relief in tonight's game and threw two scoreless innings, giving up one walk while notching one strikeout. Be aware - the apocalypse may be neigh.

But there has been some good:

While he was slumping to start the season, Gregg Zaun was on a lot of fan's Do Not Want lists, but his bat has heated up every since. Though he started 0-21, he is now batting .367 (18-49) during a five-game hitting streak. He was responsible for two of the three RBI tonight. Despite that awful beginning, he's hitting .270 - better than every regular starter but Braun and McGehee.

The bad? Despite getting out of it with no runs scored, Claudio Vargas once again struggled and loaded the bases with no outs. While he does seem to find a way out of these jams, that luck's only going to hold out so long.

With Trevor Hoffman's struggles at closer, some fans were calling for LaTroy Hawkins to take the closer's role. At the time Trevor gave up the two saves, Hawkins was just one decent appearance removed from his own pitching problems. Tonight, we were reminded why LaTroy wouldn't have been an upgrade. He, too, loaded the bases, but unlike Vargas, he gave up a game-winning, walk-off Grand Slam.

Badgers Joe Pavelski kicking major NHL butt

2010-05-07T00:52:00.001-05:00

Make sure you go here and read my Ladies... Post about Joe and his amazing post season stats.

Mother's Day with the Timber Rattlers

2010-04-29T21:22:00.002-05:00

It probably says a lot about me, my mom, and our relationship that we are all geared up to head to Appleton on May 9 to spend Mother's Day with the Timber Rattlers.

I've said before that I'd always rather be outside than indoors and the 10-day forecast right now show's upper 60's heading to next Sunday, so unless rain shows up, I can't think of a better way to spend a day than watching some Brewers prospects with Judy Buzzkill (my mom).

The T-Rats will wear special pink breast cancer awareness jerseys that will be auctioned off during the day and are also offering a pre-game brunch.

Ok, I know this makes me nerdy - but seriously, if we stayed in Milwaukee we'd go out to eat and maybe swing by Grandma's. This way we get to spend the whole day together.

MLB,com writer applauds Brewers for Suppan move

2010-04-29T21:19:00.001-05:00

I'm a few days late on this, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else, so I'll pass on the link to this column that basically says it's not Suppan's fault he's overpaid and while it's a bit "better late than never," at least the Brewers made the move.

Self-promotion

2010-04-29T21:16:00.001-05:00

If you're a Brewers fan and you don't already read Brew Crew Ball, you should. And I'm not just saying that because I write there. You will not find smarter fan conversation, more in-depth analysis or better coverage elsewhere. We started something new this season to preview each of the upcoming series and today I posted my first. I asked some questions of some Padres bloggers and in return answered some of theirs.

Go here to read their answers at Brew Crew Ball.

Go here to read my answers at Gaslamp Ball.

More excited than I should be about this

2010-04-29T21:05:00.003-05:00

ESPN announced the Juergen Klinsman will be one of their analysts for the World Cup this summer.

In general, soccer announcers and analysts here in the states are sub-par. Former players are trotted through a revolving door and ESPN has had a hard time finding one who's not only articulate, but able to provide insight.

Klinsman won the 1990 WC with Germany and coached the team in 2006's tournament. Having his experience on both sides of the touch line should lend itself well to commentating on the action.

But I got even more excited when I saw this quote on ESPN.com:

"What I can bring to the table in analyzing games and talking is to make people understand what goes on on a soccer field actually reflects a nation," he said. "I'd like to tell people why they're playing a certain way, what's in the back of their mind. It all goes back to roots of where they grew up and how they identify with their own nation.

"I think I can add quite a bit to certain background information. How you read games, how you explain certain things that happen because of the backgrounds people have."

He's light years ahead of many of the announcers in realizing not only that the analysis has been lacking but also what needs to be added.

I was already excited for the tournament to start, especially considering how poorly the Brewers season has started, but this just makes it so much better.

Let the countdown again.

Former Badger and WI native raking in playoffs

2010-04-29T20:37:00.003-05:00

Joe Pavelski probably isn't even one of the first five names a Badger hockey fan can name off the 2006 National Championship team, but he's quietly made a name for himself with the San Jose Sharks and he's been having a hell of a playoffs so far.

Pavs was the difference for the Sharks in their series-clinching win over Colorado last weekend. He scored the goal that forced overtime as well as scoring the OT game-winner. Over the course of six games, Pavelski has eight points in his first NHL post-season.

But Pavelski isn't the only former Badger doing well in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

In tonight's Western conference semi-finals, it looked more like the San Jose Badgers as Pavelski scored a goal that was followed about a minute later with a goal by teammate and former Badger Dany Heatley. It was Heatley's first playoff goal, though he contributed four assists in the Sharks' opening series and has missed playing time due to an undisclosed injury.

On the opposite side of the puck in this series is former Badger and Olympic silver medalist Brian Rafalski. Rafalski has also had his ice time limited by injury but managed to add five assists during the Red Wings opening series.

Madison native Adam Burish missed most of the Chicago Blackhawks season with a knee injury and has only seen limited time as he's eased back in to skating with the team.

Brian Eliott won the starting job in net for the Ottawa Senators as their other goalie suffered from a number of freak injuries. By the time his competition was ready to return, Brian had already won the starting job. And while he started the playoffs strongly, even being named Washington's top performer in game 2 with a .94 save %, he was pulled from the starter's role for the Sens final two playoff games.

Madison native Ryan Suter's Nashville Predators were knocked out of the first round by the Blackhawks

2010-04-27T13:35:00.001-05:00

Bob Uecker to have heart surgery Friday and is expected to miss 10-12 weeks. More details at a 3:30 press conference

Michael Davies signs AHL contract

2010-04-20T00:06:00.002-05:00

Thanks to @ChuckSchwartz for the heads up

Former Badger Michael Davies was signed to an AHL contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, an affiliate of the New York Rangers. Davies joines fellow WCHA'er Rhett Rakhshani as a recent signee.

Davies was undrafted, so congrats to him for being picked up so quickly after the season. With his numbers, it was only a matter of time before someone snapped him up.

In Saturday night's game, Davies was on the second line.

This article has this to say about Davies and the signing:

NEW KID -- New Sound Tigers forward Michael Davies scored 52 points this year at Wisconsin, which puts Capuano in mind of a former Sound Tiger.

"He reminds me a little of Colton Fretter," Capuano said. Fretter scored nine goals for Bridgeport at the tail end of 2007-08 and has 50 in the past two seasons for Portland and Springfield.

"They're similar size, but they've got great hands. They're good with the puck. He's a crafty kid. That's something that sure can help our team, having another skill guy around."

Davies, 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, joined the Sound Tigers on an amateur tryout on Tuesday. Capuano said he hoped to get Davies more conditioning and practice time before considering tossing him into a playoff game, especially against Hershey.

"It's going to be a great experience," Davies said.

"I hope I can use my creativity and I can help out the team in any way I can."

The Sound Tigers are playing the Hershey Bears in the first round of the AHL playoffs. Former Badger Andrew Joudrey plays for Hershey.

Blake Geoffrion makes Admirals home debut in playoff game 3

2010-04-18T17:17:00.022-05:00

Saturday night the Admirals came home for Game 3 of the first round of the AHL playoffs trailing the Chicago Wolves 2-0. The game was also the hometown premier of new signee, former-Badger Blake Geoffrion.

Two Predators draft picks have made their debut with the Ads recently, first Ryan Thang joined the team from Notre Dame and on Friday, Geoffrion joined the team in Chicago.

Geoffrion was signed to an Amateur Tryout Contract. (for more info on the different levels of NHL contracts, read this breakdown) The way I understand it, the Preds wouldn't have brought Blake up to the NHL for the playoffs because they would have cost themselves a free agency year with him.

Multiple stories on Blake's signing and play mentioned that members of the Predators front office, including general manager David Poile, assistant general manager Paul Fenton and director of hockey operations Mike Santos, were planning on driving up from Chicago (where the Preds had a playoff game) to see Geoffrion play.

The drive was surely worth it, as Blake scored two goals, put in significant ice time, and was named First Star of the Game.

Love the lead sentence in this piece: "Who could have doubted the combination of Blake Geoffrion and Wisconsin ice?"

As I said a few days ago, the best part of this for me was Blake matching up with Chris Chelios just a week after Blake was in Detroit for the Frozen Four and Badger fans were gathering at Chelios' bar.

We were able to get front row seats to the right side of the goal the Ads attacked twice, so we had a great view of an incredible game for Ads fans.

After having been shut down the two previous games and with a half dozen players scratched from the night's roster, it seemed unlikely the Ads were going to walk away with a win.

However, Milwaukee was stellar on the PP, scoring four of their six goals while on the man advantage.

We were surprised to see Blake in the starting lineup after he was -2 the night before in Chicago.

Blake was matched up with Chelios on lines most of the night and as I tweeted last night, it seemed a bit like the Wolves had decided to give Geoffrion a little "welcome to the big leagues" party. Two separate times hits on Blake sent Wolves to the penalty box.

Geoffrion's first goal came on the opposite end of the ice and happened so quickly after period and so far removed from the goal that we didn't immediately realize that it had happened. He got the puck to the right of center and threw a shot on net from behind the face off circles that got through the keeper.

As the game progressed, Blake took a couple of face offs and looked to be the guy they cycled down and planted in front of the keeper.

His second goal came as a result - he got the puck just to the side of the net and threw it on the keeper. The rebound shuffled around and Blake got the puck back and put it home.

Early in the game the whistle was blown on the Ads offensive end and Blake was near the keeper so a Wolves player skated up to him to be chest to chest and "protect the keeper" as is often done. Except it was Chelios who stepped in and after a second they each realized who it was and they definitely talked to each other and Chelios gave Blake a butt slap.

Per the JS recap of last night, here's what Blake had to say on it: "It was unbelievable... On the ice for the first time with him, I was kind of in awe a little bit even though my dad said not to be like that at all."

"It was pretty cool. I said, 'Hello, Mr. Chelios.' He was like, 'What's up, kid.' That was my little moment with Chris Chelios and I'll remember it the rest of my life."

Lastly, here's a screen cap from the Preds website tonight as they are playing in the NHL finals. Game 2 is the top story - but Blake is #2. Pretty impressive after just his second game in the system.

(click on pics for enlarged version)

Here are the pics I took last night:

In the opening line up

Opening face off

Fighting off Chelios

Taking it to the net

Taking a hit at the net

Taking a face off

Once again against Chelios

Showing some D

Another face off

Chelios

Being named First Star

2010-04-17T21:15:00.001-05:00

Second BLAKE GOAL! He puts a shot on from just right of the goal and it gets deflected in

2010-04-17T20:11:00.001-05:00

BLAKE GOAL! Less than a minute into the 2nd period he put in a long shot from behind the face off circles

2010-04-17T19:34:00.001-05:00

Ok, play came to a quick stop and guess who ended up face to face - Blake and Chelios. They definitely said a hey and there were butt slaps

2010-04-17T19:33:00.001-05:00

I'm at the Milwaukee Admirals game to see Wisconsins Blake Geoffrion make his Milwaukee debut. Make sure you check my twitter stream for updates. @tristarscoop

Blake Geoffrion signs with Milwaukee Admirals

2010-04-16T12:29:00.001-05:00

Blake made it pretty obvious yesterday with tweets asking about life in Milwaukee and mentioning he was packing for Chicago, but the Admirals made it official today.

Blake Geoffrion signed an ATO with the Admirals and will be suiting up for them tonight in their playoff game at the Chicago Wolves.

Apparently the Predators start their postseason play in Chicago tonight, so it was possible that Blake was just going to meet with the Predators, but a tweet by the Ads has confirmed that Blake will suit up tonight.

No one knows if Blake has also signed with the Predators. That information seems to be rumored, but not corroborated at this time.

One of the best parts of this for me? Blake was just playing in the Frozen Four in Detroit – the officially meeting place was Chris Chelios’ bar and and Chelios spoke to the boys in the locker room – now Blake will be playing against him.

We were already planning on it, but the boyfriend and I can’t wait to be in house for the Admirals game Saturday night at the Bradley Center. Tickets are just $10. Come out and support Wisconsin’s only Hobey Baker Award winner and make him feel welcome!

Best article on Blake yet

2010-04-10T00:53:00.002-05:00

This College Hockey News article talks about the family legacy in a way that's not redundant and has some great quotes.

The final paragraph of this article:

But Geoffrion is only worried about one title this weekend and he’s dead set on adding his name to the small list of Hobey Baker winners and National Champions.

“The job is not done yet,” Geoffrion said.

Pictures of Blake winning the Hobey

2010-04-10T00:46:00.005-05:00

I'm sure his mom is thrilled that all the pictures of this huge honor include his mullet and 'stache!

Also fairly disturbed by the resemblance between Blake and Barry Melrose here

2010-04-09T19:40:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin's Blake Geoffrion just became the first Badger to win the Hobey Baker Award!

Wisconsin wins - are heading to the National Championship!

2010-04-08T18:46:00.002-05:00

Badgers win!
It was a no-doubter as the Badgers scored just 1:27 in the game and never looked back on their way to an 8-1 win over RIT.

Wisconsin will face the winner of the second semi on Saturday night at 6pm on ESPN.

Jim Rosvold picture from USCHO.com

Badger Hockey Frozen Four Links

2010-04-07T21:56:00.004-05:00

Andy Baggot's preview of tomorrow's game for the Capital Times

USCHO.com's Wisconsin preview

A USCHO article highlighting Blake Geoffrion and his decision to play his senior year at Wisconsin

Inside College Hockey (INCH) named Blake their Player of the Year

INCH also named Brendan Smith their Defenseman of the Year

Here's the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's coverage comparing this year's team to past UW National Champions

This bit from the New York Times blog matches each of the Frozen Four squads to a Final Four basketball team for some interesting parallels.

INCH's interview with goalkeeper Scott Gudmandson

This article from Madison.com talks about ice conditions and there's a funny video on the side bar about the mustaches.

The Detroit Free Press sponsored a live chat, taking on all kinds of topics about each team.

Here's on campus coverage from the Daily Cardinal.

This article from NESN.com breaks down the Badgers in two sentences:

Wisconsin is known to play a hard-nosed, physical, in-your-face style of hockey. As long as the Babdgers [sic] can maintain a disciplined game and keep penalties to a minimum, they pose a brutally tough challenge to any opponent.

USCHO had blog points throughout today's media day at the Frozen Four:

This one points out that the Badgers are undefeated on football fields - which they'll be playing on again in Detroit

This one is my favorite and needs to be posted in its entirety:

Today’s Wisconsin press conference got off to a rollicking start when the Badgers were told that they’d have a tough act to follow since the RIT players had been very entertaining.

Blake Geoffrion showed that his quick releases aren’t restricted to wrist shots.

“We’re better looking,” he fired back.

This one points out that the first game for this team's seniors was the game where the 2006 National Championship banner was raised.

This one talks about how Badger hockey teams have played in two previous Frozen Fours in Detroit in 1977 and 1990 - and they both won National Championship

This one has quotes from Mike Eaves about the long break between the regional championships and the Final Four.

This one talks about how the team is dealing with being heavy favorites and how they're handling the pressure.

Lastly, here's video of Blake Geoffrion and Ryan McDonagh from their presser:

Suppan named Brewers' 5th starter

2010-04-07T11:03:00.001-05:00

Using the excuse that his career track record outweighs his poor pre-season performance, Jeff Suppan has been named the Brewers’ 5th starter today. He will do a rehab assignment on Friday in Appleton with the Timber Rattlers and is likely to pitch Wednesday at Chicago, say Haudricourt and McCalvy.

In his comments on the move, manager Ken Macha seemed to say a lot without saying anything. He denied that salary was an issue and admitted that Chris Narveson had the bet spring, but appeared to use the small sample size argument.

This is all apparently based on how Suppan performs in single-A on Friday, I suppose giving everyone an out if he totally tanks and they can blame it on his “neck injury.”

In response to a question about keeping Parra and Narveson stretched out, Macha said he plans on using them in long relief and that they’re not single inning guys.

Of course, by assuming you’ll need long relief is assuming that multiple of your starters will fail miserably.

I think most people felt this was inevitable though they didn’t want to admit it. But I’m not thrilled that Suppan’s debut will be at Wrigley Field. His last outing was rife with long fly ball outs and homeruns. That’s only going to be amplified with the early spring, windy conditions we’ve been experiencing here along the lake.

That’s a combination just asking for trouble.

Opening Day is great - right?

2010-03-30T13:51:00.001-05:00

Despite my somewhat recent obsession with the Brewers (2005), I’ve never actually been to Opening Day. I know it’s a Milwaukee holiday to be celebrated on par with St. Patrick’s Day, but see, even with my Irish roots, I don’t head out on March 17.

The last time I could have been classified as drunk, it was off a bottle or two of wine. I can face it – I’m a light weight.

Besides, at $60 a ticket, I want to watch the game. I’m the girl at Miller Park telling you to sit down so I can see the game – I’m not there to get drunk, party, take pictures with my friends or fail to remember anything that actually happened.

I enjoy the game.

Add last year’s abundance of Cubs fans and there wasn’t much you could have done to talk me into going.

Yeah, yeah, call me a stick in the mud, but I was just as happy listening to Uecker on the radio and starting my season’s Miller Park watching at the next day’s game.

But Opening Day is a rite of passage for all Brewers fans and we decided that this year it was time to go. We aren’t able to buy season tickets because we’re both looking at out of state jobs and could be gone next month, so we couldn’t get tickets that way. We weren’t picked for the lottery, so it seemed like our Opening Day virginity was going to stay in tact for another year.

The miraculously two Fridays ago the Brewers sent out an unannounced email saying they had some seats left and those who’d signed up for the first drawing were now being given a second chance. Ten minutes, I had club level seats in my hot little mandibles. Sweet – not only do I get to go to the game, but I’m in area where d-bagness should be kept to a minimum.

So we hooked up with some friends who have done this before and the tailgating begins at 8 or 9 am. The mimosa fixin’s have been purchased, the menu is set and the countdown has begun.

And I’m a little afraid I’m going to hate it.

I’m trying to keep a positive attitude, but 30 year olds who know their alcohol limit and go barreling over that line anyway drive me nuts. I’m proprietarial about my Brewers. I’ve spent six months waiting for the season to begin again. I’m going to be really annoyed when I don’t get to see Prince’s first home run of the season because the guy next to me can’t hold his liquor.

Am I being a negative Nancy?

I’m telling myself that knowing all these things are possibilities is preparing me for the situation so that I don’t get AS upset, but maybe I’m ruining the fun before it ever begins.

There have to be Brewer fans out there who don’t go to Opening Day just to get wasted, right? Are any of you out there?

It can’t just be another excuse to get wasted that makes Opening Day such a huge day in Milwaukee, right?

The food has to be at least part of the equation, right?

Some people will be making elaborate spreads and crazy food, but we’re sticking to our tried and true tailgating grub. It’s been months since we’ve had it and it wouldn’t feel right to not include the taco dip and pasta salad in the festivities.

I’ve spent at least an hour on the phone this week trying to figure out how I can have fresh Miller’s Bakery Pretzel rolls on Monday morning. The answer is – I can’t. No one will be open on Sunday, so I’ll be buying my rolls on Saturday and hoping they still taste yummy on Monday.

We’re also rocking the Sendik’s Jim Beam bacon cheeseburger patties. Yes folks – all those things are mixed into the patty. If you haven’t discovered the greatness of these burgers, I urge you to check them out.

The weather is calling for 60 degrees – the whole thing couldn’t be any better, right?

I really am excited for this – I swear. It’s just a cautious optimism.

What to do with Suppan

2010-03-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Brewers manager Ken Macha was asked what Jeff Suppan would be doing today, as it was his scheduled day to pitch. Manny Parra and Chris Narveson are scheduled to pitch in the Brewers’ Spring Training game, but Suppan’s workload hadn’t been announced. Here’s what Macha had to say: “Hopefully I’ll be able to answer that tomorrow. That’s my best answer.”

As Haudricourt put it, since when do veteran pitchers not know what they’ll be doing the next day?

Over on this morning’s Mug at BCB, Kyle wondered if Suppan would be pitching in a minor league game or some other such under-the-radar outing. Fan opinion is not behind keeping Suppan in the rotation and another poor outing that is reported on would not go over well here in Milwaukee.

Suppan’s contract is for $12.5 million dollars this year, which I understand the Brewers have a hard time swallowing, but they need to take a cue from the Bill Hall trade and accept that it was a bad business decision. Forcing him into the lineup purely to justify the expenditure only complicates and multiplies the problem. Yes, Bill Hall is with another team while we overpay for much of his contract, but at least we aren’t being affected by his poor choices at the plate or negative presence in the clubhouse, nor is the club dealing with the fan’s negativity. Other than the negativity, it’s the same situation with Suppan.

One week ago, ESPN’s MLB rumor page reported that scouts who watched Suppan pitch in AZ this spring have said that he is completely cooked and is no longer able to get major league hitters out.

As I’ve mentioned before, Suppan’s last outing was questionable when he needed to be told to use his off-speed pitches.

And now scouts are pointing out how crappy he is – meaning teams around the league must be rubbing their hands together at the thought of facing him every fifth day.

Watch BrewCrewBall.com for more on this tonight.

Behold the Power of the Mustache

2010-03-29T01:01:00.003-05:00

These kids' parents deserve Badger Fan of the Year Awards. They were at Saturday night's win and made some great camera time. Of course they look a little like Mario and Luigi, but seriously, when I called for fans to sport mustaches I never imagined they'd drag their kids into it!

Suppan's even worst than we thought

2010-03-25T11:38:00.002-05:00

Per John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus on ESPN Rumor Central via UeckerPowell ‘s Twitter feed:

Scouts who have watching (Jeff) Suppan pitch in Arizona this spring say he is completely cooked and no longer able to get major league hitters out.
_

Who knows what to make of this bit of information. Suppan’s been as horrible as we feared all Spring Training long, but this bit of information surprised me. Sure, he’s been giving up Braden Looper – like numbers of homers and the rest of his outs have been long fly balls, but I never imagined he’d just totally lose what little talent he had.

In today’s Mug over at BCB, Kyle provided a few quotes from both Suppan and Macha. According to Suppan it was his first chance to use all his pitches and he was “amped-up” and Macha said he had to send Peterson to the mound to remind Suppan to throw off-speed stuff.

The Macha quote is pretty disturbing – did Suppan think he was going to use his blazing fast ball to strike out the side? I mean, I never worried about Suppan’s smarts on the mound before that, but now I’m concerned he’s losing his mind as well as his ability.

Macha also said the problem was one that’s been gone over before. The Macha quotes came off sounding tired and resigned.

Badger fans and Mustaches Unite!

2010-03-25T11:11:00.003-05:00

The Badger men’s hockey team went with the unconventional playoff mustaches in lieu of playoff beards this year.

This article from Madison.com talks about how the guys know they’re “cheesy” and compares notes on who’s got the best stache growing so far. The reasoning behind the ‘staches instead of beards? The beards haven’t worked over the past few seasons, so they changed it up.

If you’re not following Blake Geoffrion’s twitter account, you should be. Not only has he taken time to answer fans’ questions, but he’s provided some spectacular pictures of his teammates’ post-season looks.

Cody Goloubef Aaron Bendickson JohnMitchell and Michael Davies

The pics inspired me, as they should all Badger fans. What better way to support the hockey team then to sport some ‘staches of our own?

Heading to the Regionals in St Paul? Sport a ‘stache.

Watching the game at home? Sport a ‘stache.

I’ll be heading to a costume shop after work to pick up some mustaches. If you do the same, please post links to the pictures in the comments.

NCAA Men's Hockey Championship Field Set

2010-03-21T11:08:00.002-05:00

The Badgers are a #1 seed and will be playing in the west regional in St. Paul , MN. Wisconsin draws Vermont.

Vermont finished eighth in Hockey East during the regular season and were helped in getting an at-large bid when Boston College beat Maine for the Hockey East tournament championship and Cornell defeated Union for the ECAC title.

Vermont's pairwise ranking was no doubt helped by their 6-1 record against out-of-conference teams.

Tickets for the regional go on sale tomorrow at 10am here.

Badgers will play at 8PM vs Vermont, St. Cloud and Northern Michigan will play at 4:30. Winners play at 8PM Saturday.

Here's the rest of the pack:

East Regional, March 26-27
Times Union Center, Albany, New York

Friday, March 26, 3 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU HD
No. 1 Denver (27-9-4) vs. No. 4 Rochester Institute of Technology (26-11-1)

Friday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU HD
No. 2 Cornell (21-8-4) vs. No. 3 New Hampshire (17-13-7)

Saturday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU HD
East Regional Championship

West Regional, March 26-27
Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Friday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN Syndication HD/ESPN360.com (ESPNU tape delay – Friday, March 26, 11:30 p.m. Eastern time)
No. 2 St. Cloud State (23-13-5) vs. No. 3 Northern Michigan (20-12-8)

Friday, March 26, 9 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU HD
No. 1 Wisconsin (25-10-4) vs. No. 4 Vermont (17-14-7)

Saturday, March 27, 9 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU HD
West Regional Championship

Northeast Regional, March 27-28
DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts

Saturday, March 27, 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN Syndication/ESPN360.com (ESPNU tape delay – Sunday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time)
No. 1 Boston College (25-10-3) vs. No. 4 Alaska Fairbanks (18-11-9)

Saturday, March 27, 5 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN Syndication/ESPN360.com (ESPNU tape delay – Sunday, March 28, noon Eastern time)
No. 2 North Dakota (25-12-5) vs. No. 3 Yale (20-9-3)

Sunday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU
Northeast Regional Championship

Midwest Regional, March 27-28
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Saturday, March 27, 4 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU
No. 1 Miami (Ohio) (27-7-7) vs. No. 4 Alabama-Huntsville (12-17-3)

Saturday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, ESPN Syndication/ESPN360.com (ESPNU tape delay – Saturday, March 27, 11:30 p.m. Eastern time)
No. 2 Bemidji State (23-9-4) vs. No. 3 Michigan (25-17-1)

Sunday, March 28, 8 p.m. Eastern time, ESPNU
Midwest Regional Championship

2010-03-17T22:53:00.003-05:00

The Arizona Cardinals and former Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson have agreed to a two-year contract worth $7.25 million, a source told ESPN.com Wednesday.

The source said the deal includes $3.25 million guaranteed, and with incentives would max out at $18.25 million

Whisenhunt said he got a text from Leinart on Wednesday saying he "knew there was going to be competition, but he was going to show he was ready to play. "

"So that indicated to me that Matt was in a good place," the coach said. ".... I don't know necessarily that it was a function of any announcements about us reaching an agreement with Derek as much as it was just Matt staying in communication. That is what we want from our players and I was excited to see that."

2010-03-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

Marquette unis featured on Uni Watch

2010-03-15T09:28:00.002-05:00

Sunday’s Uni Watch blog installment was all about Marquette’s uniform history. It’s a great read with a ton of pictures. Make sure you go check it out.

How Wisconsin hockey could be #1 overall seed

2010-03-15T09:06:00.002-05:00

From USCHO.com:

For Wisconsin to be the Overall Number One Seed, here it is per our PairWise Predictor and our Chief Editor Todd Milewski.

CCHA Semifinal #2: Ferris State defeats Northern Michigan
CCHA Semifinal #1: Michigan defeats Miami
CCHA Championship game: Michigan defeats Ferris State
CCHA Consolation game: Northern Michigan defeats Miami
ECAC Semifinal #2: Union defeats St. Lawrence
ECAC Semifinal #1: Brown defeats Cornell
ECAC Championship game: Brown defeats Union
ECAC Consolation game: St. Lawrence defeats Cornell
Hockey East Semifinal #2: Maine defeats Boston University
Hockey East Semifinal #1: Vermont defeats Boston College
Hockey East Championship game: Maine defeats Vermont
WCHA Play-in #1: Minnesota-Duluth defeats North Dakota
WCHA Semifinal #2: Wisconsin defeats St. Cloud State
WCHA Semifinal #1: Minnesota-Duluth defeats Denver
WCHA Championship game: Wisconsin defeats Minnesota-Duluth
WCHA Consolation game: St. Cloud State defeats Denver
Atlantic Hockey Semifinal #2: Sacred Heart defeats Air Force
Atlantic Hockey Semifinal #1: RIT defeats Canisius
Atlantic Hockey Championship game: RIT defeats Sacred Heart

Tom Crean latching on to Marquette success

2010-03-14T21:17:00.003-05:00

Former Marquette coach Tom Crean tweeted this today:

Congratulations to everyone at Marquette. 5 straight NCAA tournaments and some people thought the Big East was a reach when we entered.

Using "we" might be a bit of a stretch considering he bailed on the team two seasons ago. He's had a rough time getting Indiana started so maybe he's looking to up his credibility by taking retroactive credit for some of Marquette's success. Or maybe we're reading too much in to it. Either way, it rings a little false, doesn't it?

Packers jersey revealed

2010-03-12T16:48:00.004-06:00

Here's what the jersey it's based on looked like.

And here's the new jersey that will be worn this year.

Thanks to Packers Lounge for the picture.

I love the jersey it's based on, but it doesn't translate well the current uniform fabric and layout.

Sportswriter LOVES Brewers

2010-03-12T15:21:00.001-06:00

Keith Law is at the Brewers Spring Training game today and has been looking forward to the opportunity since last night and today has apparently not disappointed. Let’s take a look at his tweets from the past day and a half.

“Sometimes in Spring Training, I look at the next day’s probably pitchers and I want to light myself on fire.”

“I mean, tomorrow, I might go see…Doug Davis. Really? I’m “scouting” Doug Davis? Where the heck did I put those matches?”

“I need a new pitcher. Or a beer.”

“’Carlos Gomez’ is a Spanish phrase meaning ‘Willie Mays Hayes.’”

“Claudio Vargas? Seriously, I should’ve just asked for the beer.”

Clearly Keith is really high on the Brewers. Not sure what they did to piss him off so much, but I haven’t seen anywhere near this kind of vitriol for anyone else this Spring Training. Apparently he is not impressed.

Marquette FINALLY beats Villanova

2010-03-11T20:28:00.002-06:00

After losing four games in a row to Villanova by a total of four points, Marquette had their revenge today in the Big East tournament.

The Golden Eagles were a preseason pick to finish 12th in the Big East. Now they're heading into the semi-finals of the Big East tournament. They've far surpassed expectations, beaten great teams and basically played out of their heads for months. Finally, people are starting to notice.

This is a great article about Marquette's incredible season, Coach Buzz Williams and the team's philosophy.

An excerpt:

Of the Golden Eagles’ 32 games, 15 have been decided by four or fewer points, 13 by a single possession.

Marquette’s worst loss? By nine to Wisconsin.

“Their poise in the last eight to 10 minutes of a game is great because they know the deal,’’ Williams said. “We’re not going to blow anybody out. We have to keep it tight and hope it turns into a fight.’’

Packers to wear throwback jersey

2010-03-10T13:37:00.000-06:00

JSOnline.com reported yesterday that the Packers will be wearing a third, alternate jersey during the upcoming season. The report says it’s guaranteed for one game, but may make another appearance.

The blurb doesn’t offer any information but does point out that Uni Watch was the first to break the info.

Today, Clay Matthews tweeted asking if anyone knew anything about the jerseys, and dropped the hint that they’re from the 1920s era.

According to JS, the uniforms will be unveiled on Friday at 4 pm at Packers Fan Fest.

Some Badger Hockey stats

2010-03-08T19:38:00.002-06:00

Despite their absolutely abysmal showing in Minnesota this weekend, the Badgers are the #3 team in the nation. One of the ways they've gotten to that point is their prolific scoring, both from offense and defenders.

As a team, the Badgers are:

Averaging 4.06 goals per game - 2nd in the nation

134 goals scored - 1st in the nation

104 points from defensemen - 1st in the nation

Averaging 3.15 points per game from defensemen - 1st in the nation

+1.53 scoring margin - 1st in the nation

Badger men's basketball honors

2010-03-08T19:34:00.003-06:00

After impressive performances against Iowa and Illinois, Jon Leuer was named Big Ten Player of the Week. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 73.0 percent from the field over those two games.

Additionally, Trevon Hughes was named to the second-team all conference team, Jason Bohannon was named to the third team and Leuer was given honorable mention despite missing nine games this season.

Congrats, Badgers!

Badger men's basketball vs Iowa

2010-03-08T19:06:00.007-06:00

Back in January the University of Wisconsin sponsored a Twitter weekend during which I won tickets to last Wednesday's game. The seats were awesome.

The Badgers railed upon Iowa and it was the Jon Leuer show. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Leuer's 18 points were double that any other player on either team.

It was Senior Night and after the game they honored the two seniors, Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes. This included a video on the video board for everyone to see, which I thought was a really cool touch. You can watch that video here.

Olympic Badgers!

2010-03-08T17:52:00.008-06:00

At Wednesday's Badger Men's Basketball game they honored the four Badger women who were on the US Women's Olympic hockey team that won the silver medal.

Badger men's hockey at the Olympics

2010-03-08T08:47:00.002-06:00

Saw this this weekend and thought it was worth passing along. There’s a constant debate about which path players should take to the pros and these stats give good credence to taking the college path. They’re also Wisconsin heavy, which I think is just as telling. All three of UW’s representatives on Team USA are mentioned.

From USCHO.com via College Hockey, Inc.

College players in the Olympics

All three of the Directorate Awards chosen by the IIHF went to former college players – Michigan State’s Ryan Miller at goalie, Wisconsin’s Brian Rafalski at defenseman and Jonathan Toews at forward.

Wisconsin’s Ryan Suter led the tournament in plus/minus at -9.

Ohio State’s Ryan Kesler and Wisconsin’s Joe Pavelski ranked second and third, respectively, in faceoff wins.

Not a bad advertisement for college players, it would seem. It’s not a clear victory, but it’s a decent step in building the case.

Badgers for the Hobey?

2010-03-04T10:17:00.000-06:00

USCHO broke down the Hobey Baker race today as we head into the final weekend of the regular season. The list of 10 will be released in two weeks and Elliot Olshansky handicapped the biggest names in the running for the award.

Multiple Badgers made the list.

There are four guys listed as Moral Locks and Brendan Smith is one of them. Here’s the paragraph on Brendan.

Brendan Smith, Wisconsin – He’s the top-scoring defenseman in the country, the No. 16 scorer overall, and he has more goals than six of the forwards who are ahead of him. He’s also improved his defensive play for a team that is a favorite to advance to the Frozen Four.The other three locks are Denver’s Mark Cheverie, UNH’s Bobby Butler and Maine’s Gustav Nyquist.

There are three guys listed as on Solid Gournd followed by Blake Geoffrion and seven other players listed as Question Marks. Here’s Geoffrion’s breakdown:
Blake Geoffrion, Wisconsin – Our friends at INCH think that Geoffrion is the Badgers’ top Hobey contender, and while I think that distinction belongs to Brendan Smith, Geoffrion certainly has a strong case. He’s a senior leader on one of the nation’s top teams, the No. 5 goal-scorer in the country, and a name player and NHL draft pick who stuck it out for all four years of college. The main thing that could derail Geoffrion’s candidacy is a case of “too many cooks spoil the sauce.” Wisconsin has four players who could make a case as a Hobey candidate, and while Smith’s scoring numbers as a defenseman separate him from the pack, the three forwards – Geoffrion, Michael Davies, and Derek Stepan – could wind up taking votes from one another. Also, he’s missed time recently due to injury, which could play a role. I think Geoffrion’s the best of the bunch among the Wisconsin forwards, but I’m not on the committee.
Lastly, there are the Outside Shots. Michael Davies and Derek Stepan are listed with 5 other players. Michael Davies, Wisconsin – Davies has had a very nice senior year for the Badgers, but takes, to my thinking, a clear backseat to teammates Brendan Smith and Blake Geoffrion when it comes to the Hobey race. He is a senior, and he has a higher point total than Geoffrion, but I think that Geoffrion’s goals give him the preferred spot behind Brendan Smith.
Derek Stepan, Wisconsin – See above, although Stepan is, to my thinking, a less likely pick than Davies. He’s a sophomore as opposed to a senior, and his numbers are skewed more heavily towards assists than Davies’ are. One thing Stepan may have going for him is his performance at the World Juniors, although that’s not really a matter for consideration where the Hobey is concerned.

Officially

2010-03-02T10:46:00.001-06:00

100 days until the beginning of the FIFA World Cup

To celebrate, here’s ESPN Soccernet’s list of the top 50 players of the 2010 World Cup

Top 10:

1. Argentina’s Lionel Messi
2. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo
3. England’s Wayne Rooney
4. Brazil’s Kaka
5. Spain’s Xavi
6. Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba
7. Spain’s Andres Iniesta
8. Spain’s Fernando Torres
9. England’s Steven Gerrard
10. Ghana’s Michael Essien

Spain has 6 players in the top 16 and 9 total players on the list

The only American is Landon Donovan at #50

Lazar Hayward, Big East Player of the Year?

2010-02-28T20:23:00.003-06:00

Interesting article here that uses statistical analysis of player stats to determine who has been most important to their team's success. We're not talking such simple stats as points scored. This is more like calculating how many points a player scores per his team's 100 possessions.

Using these stats, this writer says that Marquette's Lazar Hayward could be the Big East Player of the Year.

Citing that only four players in the country take a higher percentage of their team's shots while on the floor, he leads all Big East players with steals in conference, and that Lazar is the senior leader on a team that lost a lot of leadership, it may be hard to argue with this analysis when the season is over.

Women's Hockey Gold Medal Game

2010-02-25T13:36:00.000-06:00

All 9 women’s hockey players with Wisconsin Badger backgrounds that are at the Olympics will be vying for the gold medal tonight about 5:30 ish tonight and I’ll be live blogging again over at No Alibis, No Regrets. Come by and hang out, comment and enjoy what should be a really great game.

GO USA!

The future of women's hockey as an Olympic sport

2010-02-17T22:06:00.004-06:00

In this article, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports makes the assertion that women’s hockey is so lopsided that the sport be given eight more years to fix the disparity or be dropped from the Olympics.

Of course, he doesn’t actually give any suggestions for how to fix the gap that exists between Canada and the United States and the rest of the world.

Instead of a productive use of his column inches, Passan paints the North American teams as bullies and slaughterers, as though it’s somehow their fault that other countries are lagging behind.

The worst of the article is the assertion: “This is women’s hockey: a goal-a-minute beatdown in all but a few matchups.”

You’ll notice the lack of the qualifier “Olympic” in Passan’s overstatement. This implication that all women’s hockey games result in double-digit wins is absurd and misleading.

Even if you make the assumption that he’s talking Olympics, its complete hyperbole. The problem is bad enough – exaggerating it isn’t going to help solve it in any fashion.

During yesterday’s USA-China game there was discussion of players like Angela Ruggiero visiting China in order to spread the game. While it’s admirable, it’s going to take much more than some celebrity endorsements to grow women’s hockey and I believe it’s the job of the IOC, as well as both Team USA and Team Canada and their respective Olympic offices, to help start youth programs as well as Olympic Development camps and teams. It behooves both of the two top teams to be involved and be advocates of the game before it becomes obsolete. But until men's hockey becomes more of a priority for China, it's hard to imagine women's will get any support or credit.

Another avenue to work would be to partner with the NCAA to have more international scouting, bringing more talent into the United States and Canada to be developed in the universities. Using these already established programs keeps costs down and adds another level of development for international players after high school. Scholarships and grants can be established to help defray costs. Though these take some money to set up, they’d still be cheaper than starting a program from scratch and could be subsidized by donations.

Remember, too, that countries like Sweden, Switzerland and Finland have a history of supporting women's athletics - these were some of the first countries to support world-class international women's soccer, as well. They don't seem to hold with the same stereotypes other teams are fighting against.

Most solutions will take time to implement and see production from. One "fix" that could be implemented immediately would be an aggregate, round-robin style tournament where each team plays each other twice, a la Champions League soccer. Giving teams another shot at each other should allow for adjustments. Both Switzerland and Sweden have pulled upsets of Canada and the US and this style tournament should give us more of those.

I don’t agree with Passan’s 2018 deadline. I understand using softball as a measuring stick, but it’s short sighted to say that in eight years these teams are supposed to turn things around. That means China’s 12 year olds need to learn to ice skate, puck handle and shoot on an international level before their 18th birthday to be ready for qualifying.

The skills needed for softball and hockey differ so much that you can’t set the same time frame for them or compare them. In the time it takes to teach someone how to play softball and start playing games, a possible hockey player would still be learning how to skate.

A member of the Slovakia women's team was quoted this week talking about the large scores. She pointed out that in the beginnings of hockey, the men's Canadian teams were getting beaten by double digits and she basically said that people need to be patient.

Monday night, a pair of Chinese figure skaters won the gold medal. Just 20 years ago, a Chinese pair was literally laughed off the ice. Russian pairs had won Olympic gold for 12 years running.

Here's the medal table from the last 3 Olympics.

Games	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1998 Nagano	United States	Canada	Finland
2002 Salt Lake City	Canada	United States	Sweden
2006 Turin	Canada	Sweden	United States

I'd love to know what the difference is for Sweden this year, as they've not shown as they have in the past.

Perhaps the biggest mystery of women's hockey is the lack of time and money spent on Russian women's hockey. Some internet research brought up little but more questions. For a country not only so hockey-obsessed, but also so committed to their Olympic caliber athletes, it seems unfathomable that there isn't more support for their women's team. They do not have a residency program - the biggest thing holding them back from furthering their work as a team.

Clearly there's a huge gap that exists between Canada and the US and the rest of the field this year, but threatening these programs with cancellation certainly isn't going to implore them to spend more money, time and effort to improve programs that could be basically obsolete in less than a decade.

It's up to the IOC, USOC, COC and the respective teams to make an effort to push the importance of this game. You'll remember my gushing about taking little girls to see Team USA during their Qwest Tour. It breaks my heart to imagine that this year's babies might never had that chance. And I can't help but wonder what happens to the thousands of little girls out there who currently dream of being Olympians. Do they stop playing? Does the caliber of college hockey drop because there's nowhere to go after you graduate? The implications are far-reaching and painful to think about.

Live Blogging Women's Hockey

2010-02-15T18:48:00.003-06:00

I'll be liveblogging the US Women's Hockey game against Russia tomorrow at 4:30 pm over on UW Hockey Blog Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets.

I'll be using Cover It Live, which is the program we used when we liveblogged the All-Star Game for Ladies... so you should be familiar with the program.

I believe this link will take you to the live blog when it goes live at about 4:15 pm tomorrow, but I'll come back and update tomorrow to make sure.

Come check in with me if you're at work and can't watch the game or just to join in the discussion. Hopefully the game will be a little more exciting than yesterday's rout.

Brewers' Sausage Problems

2010-02-15T11:54:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday was truck day for the Milwaukee Brewers and as part of the hoopla/story, the Brewers had pictures of the Racing Sausages helping to load the trucks and eventually showing them being loaded in themselves.

Concurrent to that story was a promotion in which Brewers Charities were auctioning off a chance to have the Racing Sausages Sing to your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day – four full days after the Sausages were shown being loaded up and shipped away.

Listen, I’m an adult - I know how these things work. But seriously, this is why characters don’t talk and why you don’t see more than one Mickey at Walt Disney World. There’s an illusion created and the Brewers kind of smashed it all on their own with this one.

It’s hard to believe that no one within the organization put two and two together here and realized what these over-lapping “promotions” would mean. Simply not showing the Sausages being loaded into the trucks would have kept the illusion alive. There would have still been photo ops of Sausages helping load the trucks.

Lesson learned here: Never double-book your Sausage

In which I create imaginary scenarios because I'm desperate for baseball

2010-02-15T09:34:00.000-06:00

The boyfriend and I went out for happy hour and an Ads game with Liz and Aaron on Friday night. With Corey Hart having just completed his arbitration hearing, we were talking players who were also seeking more money.

Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was also in arby with the Giants and I mentioned that I had imagined the following scenario in my head.

Lincecum walks in with a Cy Young in each hand and plops them loudly on the table. He crosses pulls down his sunglasses, crosses his arms and proclaims “Jeff Suppan is making $12 million next season. (pause to look everyone in the eye) I rest my case.”

He grabs the Cy Youngs and strides back out.

Seriously, you know you can see this happening and Lincecum is ballsy enough to do it.

Live Blogging Women's Olympic Hockey

2010-02-14T14:05:00.022-06:00

*It's a final. USA wins their opening Olympic game!

*Julie Chu and Jinelle Zaugg with some pretty back and forth passing leads to Chu putting one in right at the back post with under a minute left in the game. 12-1 USA

*I had mentioned a goalie switch, but it doesn't seem to have happened when I said it did. It happened about 10 minutes left in the period. Not sure what I missed, but there was a whole discussion about Brianne McLaughlin and her college.

*China scored while I was watching Nordic. Switch the station for 4 minutes and miss all the action

*Ok, that was the best thing I've watched so far. Men's Nordic was a crazy sprint to the finish. The French guy who won the gold didn't lead the whole race. A Japanese made a sprint too early, forcing everyone to sprint early. USA Lodwick who led the whole time couldn't hold it. USA's Spillane took the lead and lost it last 100 yards

*Switched over to men's alpine for a minute because the Americans look to be making a coup and I missed a goal. It's 11-0 Team USA

*Badger Molly Engstrom takes a shot from the hash marks on the boards of the right faceoff circle and makes it 10-0. USA has 54 shots. 9:00 minutes left in the game.

*One of China's players just got in behind her keeper to make a kick save and keep the puck out of the net. Nice sacrifice for a player down 9-0.

*Team China has just 4 shots on goal, so this is not a very exciting match. Feels like everyone's just been waiting for this thing to end since about 5 minutes gone in the 2nd period.

*Now 9-0 USA on a shot by Jenny Potter that's put away by #Badger Meghan Duggan

*Goalie change for Team USA and it's still not Jessie Vetter. This better be because she's being rested.

* Ok Jocelyne Lamoureux just scored the most redonk goal. Between the legs pass to herself and then five-holed the goalie. Another top 10 play. USA 8 China 0

*Cheap, Cheap shot on Erika Lawler as she outskated a Chinese player and got taken down into the boards. Saying there's nothing wrong w/ hit? Lawler could barely limp off the ice. C'mon Erika, be ok.

*GiGi Marvin just fed Lisa Chesson a gorgeous pass on the far post which Chesson finessed in to the upper corner to make it 7-0 with 16 minutes left in the 2nd period

* NICE! First cheesehead sighting in the crowd at the women's hockey game!

*China goalie really is very impressive, though the score doesn't show it. She's made a couple of great saves. Unfortunate she has no support

*Badger Molly Engstrom takes an outside shot and Jenny Potter screened the goalie and tipped it in for a PP goal. Potter with the hat trick as USA now leads 6-0

*2nd period underway with Team USA on PP

*end of 1st period

*And just :21 seconds later Jenny Potter puts in the rebound off a Hilary Knight shot. 5-0 USA

*Finally, a #Badger gets on the board! Meghan Duggan has 3 Chinese defenders surrounding her and manages to beat the keep. 4-0 Team USA!

*UNREAL stop by the Chinese goalie after a poor clear from behind the net goes straight to Julie Chu's stick.

*Turns out #Badger Jinelle Zaug-Siergiej has a blog and has been updating it from the Olympics. She has cool pics from opening ceremonies, etc.. Seems like it will provide some cool insight to the Olympic experience.
http://jinellezaugg.blogspot.com/

*2-0 Team USA as Julie Chu stole a clearance pass and got it to Kelli Stack in front of the net. Just under 10 to go in the first period.

* Ok, the announcer guy just called Erika Lawler a "mighty mite."

*Angela Ruggiero just schooled the Chinese defenders through the zone and slides the puck under the goalies leg to make it 1-0 Team USA

*The women's Olympic hockey team starts their attempt to win the gold this afternoon.

Player to watch in the women's hockey game? Badger sophomore Hilary Knight. Knight is the youngest player on the team with possibly the best wrist shot EVER in women's hockey. Let that sink in.

Also, Jessie Vetter isn't in goal, but no one has said why. She's been called the best keeper ever. She has the NCAA record for shut-outs. She won the Patty Kaz. Why the heck isn't she playing?

Culver's Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic

2010-02-09T22:20:00.029-06:00

This past Saturday we spent the day in Madison for the Culver’s Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic. Both the women’s and men’s teams played outdoor games at Camp Randall and we were lucky enough to be in attendance for both.

With weather in the high 20s the whole time, it was cold but not unbearable and the Badgers did a great job of having warming areas available for fans.

We got to Camp Randall about 1 pm because we wanted to see the exhibits and still be in our seats for the women’s games. Inside the football practice facility there were traveling exhibits from both the International and USA Hockey Halls of Fame.

The IHHF exhibits included quite a bit of historical memorabilia, which was my favorite part. They also featured some pieces of Wisconsin history.

There were four NHL trophies on display. The Stanley Cup had been in the house for fans that wanted to see if Friday night, but sadly was not on display on Saturday.

The exhibit from the USHHF was weighted heavily to the Miracle on Ice and Badger Mark Johnson, but also featured a couple of cool pieces highlighting both Wisconsin’s and Michigan’s history of playing each other and playing hockey outdoors.

The biggest draw was video of the Miracle on Ice game. We walked in at about 18 minutes left in the final period and stood with a group of about 30-40 people and watched the match unfold. Unfortunately, the DVD has clearly seen a lot of wear, as it started skipping and stopping with about four minutes left in the game, meaning we didn’t get to see the post-game celebration and reaction, which would have been the coolest part to me.

While this litho is cool and signed, by far the coolest part is the easel made of hockey sticks. I NEED to have one of these.

This uniform is from 1924.

The top jersey is the captain's jersey from the Wolverine's third straight NCAA championship in 1953. The bottom is a rare jersey from 1948.

There was also a table there displaying the Hobey Baker Award and it was manned by two reps. As I walked up to the table another fan was commenting that the Hobey should go to Blake Geoffrion. One of the men behind the table said that with a name like Geoffrion he should be in the running. He then started rambling a bit about Boom Boom. When he realized he had gone off in his own little world, he looked back at the fan and asked if this Blake kid was related.

Yes sir, your organization has Blake in the running for your award – maybe you should know who he is.

( Blake is Boom Boom Geoffrion’s grandson. Boom Boom is credited with inventing the slap shot.)

We headed to our seats and were there for intros and the National Anthem. At first puck drop, we estimated a couple of hundred people were in attendance, which is pretty standard for women’s hockey games.

We had received tickets to the Badger Warm Up for Christmas, so we spent the second period inside the Field House. Tickets to the event were $25 and included all you could eat brats, soda, chips, cookies, cheese and beer as well as appearances by the UW Spirit Squad, Band and Bucky. We only stayed for the length of the period, so we didn’t get to see the live auction. Considering it was the only place to warm up with alcohol, as well as the cost of lunch, we figure the tickets were worth it. Plus, the hockey game and the men’s basketball game being played in Michigan were both being broadcast on screens in the Field House, so we didn’t feel we missed out on too much.

The women’s team dominated Bemidji State 6-1, setting the stage for the men’s game.

My favorite part of the outdoor rink was this homage to Badger Bob Johnson, who's known for the phrase.

Of course, Phil was there. By far the coolest part of the experience of being in Camp Randall was hearing the call of "(#) We Want More" echo back to us from the fans on the other side of the stadium. It literally gave me chills the first time around.

Digging the striped hat Rueggsagger wore the full game.

This was pretty cool - the women's team lined up and swayed and sang along with the fans to "Varsity."

There was about an hour between the two games, which wasn’t too difficult. By the time the team’s hit the ice for warm-ups and intros were down, there was very little downtime. One of the more poor decisions was to play piped in music during this time, instead of letting the band play.

The absolute worst part of the whole day was that the band was placed in about section N and therefore was completely unable to be heard where we were sitting on the east side of the stadium. We were in section U, just to the south of center ice and we could barely hear anything that was played the entire game. We lost out on the energy that is always so great during a hockey game in the Kohl Center. There was no crowd unity. It was a bit of a downer, to be honest.

One of the cooler details was having teams of mighty mites lining up to form a "tunnel" for the Badger men's team to travel through to get on and off the ice.

Puck Drop

Sadly, that puck is not in the net, but outside it.

Teaser picture

2010-02-07T23:05:00.003-06:00

Here's just a few of the pictures I took at yesterday's Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic. The rest will be uploaded in the coming day.

Badgers' Trevon Hughes featured in USA Today

2010-02-02T20:15:00.002-06:00

Thanks to the Badger Men's basketball Twitter feed for this link.

Read up on how attending St. John's Military Academy in Delavan changed life for Trevon Hughes.

Awesome time-lapse video

2010-02-02T20:07:00.002-06:00

Click here to see a 52-second time-lapse video of the rink being constructed inside Camp Randall Stadium. Very, very cool.

Pitt to Big Ten rumored

2010-02-01T08:29:00.001-06:00

No news sources reporting it yet, so it’s just conjecture, but this site is saying the student-athletes were told about it this weekend and official announcement will come on Thursday.

The same site says it sets up a natural rivalry with Penn State and the addition will set up a conference championship game.

There’s no speculation about who will replace Pitt in the Big East.

Badgers Camp Randall Classic

2010-01-31T17:18:00.003-06:00

Base ice is down, boards are up and graphics went down today!

Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic forecast

2010-01-28T10:02:00.002-06:00

Early forecast for the Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic, from weather.com:

Sat Feb 6
Snow Shower 40%
32°F

I couldn’t have asked for a better day if that’s what we get. I was hoping for 30’s and we can only hope it’s pretty, fluffy, makes for great pictures, looks like we’re in a snowglobe snow!

I am seriously hyped now.

2010-01-25T08:53:00.001-06:00

It was a big weekend for the Wisconsin Badger men’s hockey team as they took three points from the #1 team in the country.

After the teams tied on Friday night, I was super excited to be at the Kohl Center for Saturday night’s game and I wasn’t the only one. The crowd was really hyped and loud and it was one of the more electric crowds I’ve seen over the past few seasons. Every hit or stolen puck in the first few minute elicited a large cheer.

It was also one of the most exciting, heart-attack inducing hockey games I’ve ever seen. Both teams had more than a few “coulda-should-woulda” plays with pucks sitting in front of the net or bouncing off the metal. The Badgers out-shot Denver 15-4 in the first period and it felt like the Badgers having not capitalized more than once was destined to come back to bite them.

Once again the penalty kill and power play were unbalanced. Denver was 2-5 on PP while the Badgers went 0-for-5. The Pioneers made up more than half their shooting deficit on a PP at the beginning of the second period.

Michael Davis was dominant, adding a goal and an assist, putting him over 100 points for his career. He has an incredible 24 points over the last 12 games.

The most spectacular play of the night goes to Jordy Murray who took a puck down and around the net and put the puck in on a wraparound, all while halfway falling to the ground. It was gorgeous and the look on Murray’s face was part “hell yeah” and part “I can’t believe I just did that.”

The three points on the weekend didn’t really affect the Badgers standings or their Pairwise Rankings.

Make sure you check out the breakdown on 60 minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets about how this weekend’s points could help the Badgers in the future and also their mock bracketology tournament draw.

This is so cool!

2010-01-24T17:58:00.002-06:00

No pun intended, but construction is beginning on the outdoor hockey rink at Camp Randall and there is a live camera trained on it so you can see the progress. How awesome is that?

Check in here over the next few days to see the rink as it's put together for the Feb. 6 games!

Seth McClung oFficially out as a Brewer?

2010-01-23T15:40:00.000-06:00

From: @73_MC
Sent: Jan 23, 2010 3:35p

Macha told me he was going 2 decide between me and another pitcher 2 sign for next year. Well its not me they decided 2 go with Kenny Powers

sent via Tweetie
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/73_MC/status/8124645921

Badgerific

2010-01-23T00:12:00.002-06:00

There are 23 Varsity sports played at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and 11 of them are competing this weekend, which is pretty cool.

Men's and Women's Basketball
Men's and Women's Hockey
Men's and Women's Tennis
Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field
Men's and Women's Swimming
and
Wrestling

are all competing on campus this weekend.

In my opinion the biggest matchup is #4 Wisconsin men's hockey facing #1 Denver.
Tonight, they skated to a 3-3 tie.
The Badgers were down 2-0 entering the third period and scored three straight goals to hold a 3-2 lead until the final two minutes, when Denver tied the game.

The Badgers haven't beat Denver at the Kohl Center in five years. Including tonight's game, the Badgers had been scoreless against the Pioneers in 8 straight periods. Coach Mike Eaves is 2-9 against Denver at home.

Fans should be incredibly happy with a tie.

This just means the game I'm attending tomorrow night will be even more exciting!

No Soup for You?!

2010-01-20T16:04:00.002-06:00

With the signing on Doug Davis, the Brewers now have six starting pitchers on their roster - Dave Bush, Davis, Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan and Randy Wolf. Since the rotation is only give guys, someone clearly has to go.

Does this mean we're finally clear of the dreaded Soup-start?

According to Adam McCalvy, GM Doug Melvin said, "Players help make these decisions." I assume Melvin's saying their performances will help determine who makes the starting rotation.

The biggest variable and the guy standing in the way of a Soup-less existance is Parra. He's been so eradic that there's no way you can put his name permanently in the rotation.

The other problem is that I find it hard to believe that Soup's large contract will allow the Brewers to let him ride the pine. He's notorious for needing an inning or two to warm, so I don't see how we can trust him to come out of the bullpen.

Don't forget, too, that the Brewers went into Spring Training two years ago with seven (I think) SP on the roster and injuries brought them down to the needed five. Soup is basically our protection in case of injury or a Turnbow-style breakdown by Parra.

Brewers sign Doug Davis, pending physical

2010-01-20T15:43:00.002-06:00

The deal is one-year for $4.25 million base salary. There's a mutual option for $6.5 million in 2011 with a $1 million buyout and $1 million in incentives each season, per Adam McCalvy.

Brewers announce 40th anniversary plans - and some uni news

2010-01-20T11:14:00.004-06:00

From Brewers.com:

The Milwaukee Brewers will celebrate their 40th Anniversary season with numerous special events and promotions to mark the milestone.

The Brewers will host four "Retro Weekends" during the 2010 season, designating one decade to each weekend to highlight that specific era in Brewers history. The first of the four Retro Weekends will honor the 1970s Brewers teams during the weekend of May 14 - 16 when the Brewers take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park. The following month, when the Brewers face the Seattle Mariners over the weekend of June 25 - 27, the Brewers will look back to the 1980s. Then, throughout the weekend of July 23 - 25 when the Brewers play the Washington Nationals, the team will honor the Brewers of the 1990s. The celebration will culminate when the team recognizes the 2000s during the weekend of August 27 - 29 as the Brewers play the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Each weekend will feature the return of alumni from those decades, and on the first three Fridays, the current Brewers will don retro Brewers uniforms from the celebrated era. On each Sunday of the Retro Weekend, all fans will receive a Bobblehead representing one of the greatest moments in the Club's history. To supplement the special uniforms and all-fan giveaways, the in-game experience during those Retro Weekends will include trivia, music and costume contests reflective of the particular decade.

But the better, more exciting news for Uni-Nerds like myself is that the Brewers may cease being one of the few major league teams to not have their city name on their away jersey.

From John Okray, fellow uni-nerd, came the message that he commented on the Brewers Facebook fan page about the 40th Anniversary logo, saying:

“Love the logo. you guys do a great job at the marketing department! Is this logo going to be a patch on the uniforms? Also, is “Milwaukee” going to be on the away uniforms this year? The city name has not been on the away uniform since the transition to Miller Park.”

To my huge surprise, the admin. of the Brewers fan page messaged back and said:
“John – The patch will be on all uniforms this year. Also, stay tuned for some “Milwaukee” uniform news. Your wish might come true.”

John thinks this was the Brewers’ way of saying yes without giving anything away.

He has given me some other “insider” type information that will be used in my Monday and Tuesday posts over at BrewCrewBall.com. Make sure you check the site both afternoons for lots and lots of uni talk.

_____

I didn't see this initially, but there's already a breakdown of unis that will be worn, alumni who will be there and the bobbles that will be given away.

1970s Retro Weekend
· May 14 – Brewers will wear reproductions of the home 1972-77 uniforms with "BREWERS" in royal blue block letters on the jersey front and the yellow "M" logo on the cap. The Phillies will wear light blue '70s road uniforms. Alumni Gorman Thomas and Jim Colborn are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· May 16 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of the Milk Marketing Board: Hank Aaron hitting his 755th and final home run as a member of the Brewers.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1970s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
1980s Retro Weekend
· June 25 – Brewers to wear reproductions of the home 1978-89 uniforms, highlighted by pinstripes with "BREWERS" block letters on the front and a ball & glove logo hat. The Mariners will wear light blue road uniforms worn from '81 to '84. Alumni Robin Yount and Paul Molitor are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· June 27 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of Red Prairie: Cecil Cooper's base hit to drive home the winning runs in Game Five of the 1982 ALCS.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1980s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
1990s Retro Weekend
· July 23 – Brewers to wear reproductions of the home 1997-99 uniforms, featuring "BREWERS" in block letters on the front, while the cap features an "MB" logo. The Nationals will be wearing their current uniforms. Alumni Greg Vaughn and Jeff Cirillo are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· July 25 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway: Robin Yount recording his 3000th career base hit.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1990s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
2000s Retro Weekend
· August 27 – Brewers and Pirates to wear current uniforms. Alumni Geoff Jenkins and Bob Wickman are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· August 29 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of Palermo's: CC Sabathia securing the final out of the final regular season, playoff-clinching game in 2008.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 2000s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.

Rickie Weeks, Carlos Gomez avoid arbitration

2010-01-19T11:42:00.002-06:00

Rickie Weeks received a $300,000 dollar raise when he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract today to avoid arbitration, according to Tom Haudricourt.

Carlos Gomez also signed a one-year contract, but the terms have not yet been released.

Jody Gerut signed a one year, $2 million contract yesterday to avoid arby.

That leaves Dave Bush, Corey Hart, Carlos Villanueva and Todd Coffey as the only arbitration-eligible players the Brewers have left.

By the way, it usually happens that the player submits a figure they think they're worth, usually a little on the high side. The club submits a figure they want to pay, usually on the low side. They tend to split the difference and that's what the player is paid.

Jody Gerut made $1.775 last season and signed for $2 million this season. If they met in the middle, it's pretty obvious the Brewers offered him less than he made last season. Wonder if that will effect his play/attitude. (idea via BrewCrewBall)

Vikings vs Saints for NFC Championship

2010-01-19T10:34:00.002-06:00

This is the front page of Monday's New Orleans Times-Picayune.

I spent six years in New Orleans and I have a lot of friends who are Saints fans and frankly, they’ve been absolutely unbearable this season. I avoid Facebook and Twitter like the plague on game day because I can’t stand the “Who Dat” cheers.

Saints fans have quintupled in number since this season began and suddenly everyone thinks this is the team of destiny and it’s totally annoying me.

I admit that it’s a totally personal reaction and that the Saints are a good team. Hell, I’m glad Green Bay lost in the first week of the playoffs because I think they’d have been dismantled by the Saints and that would have been embarrassing.

I’m having this totally visceral reaction to the Saints fans and it’s making me want them to lose.

The problem is, they’re playing the Vikings. And while I’m annoyed by the Saints and their fans, I despise the Vikings, Brett Favre and the gratuitous attention they’ve received this season.

It’s a good thing I have a good, old, crappy box TV, because if I have to see one more side-by-side of Favre as a Packer in the Super Bowl running around the field next to him running last weekend, I might just throw the thing.

I don’t want either of these teams to win this game.

I’m admittedly disdainful of Favre. I have irrational amounts of hate for him. I hate every reporter, pre-game show and ESPN segment that has been a redundant cycle of idolatry and hype. I turned off the first Packers/Vikings game because I couldn’t stand the unreasonable blathering of the announcers.

I just don’t think Favre deserves it. I’d be pissed to see him in another Super Bowl.

I don’t have respect for his methods and I would think that other players should be upset that he seems to have rewritten the rules for himself and has gotten rewarded for it. He retired twice in a little over a year and managed to miss two pre-seasons/training camps in the process. It just irks me that he’s been allowed to dictate and everyone has fallen all over themselves to accommodate him and now it’s working out. That’s dangerous precedent.

All this is in addition to my long-standing hate of all things Minnesota – Vikings included. It’s a state rivalry thing and it just breaks my heart for the Vikings to have success.

Moral of the story – I hope the Colts dismantle the winner of this game in the Super Bowl.

The Internets had died

2010-01-14T10:43:00.001-06:00

At least they are at my house. We haven’t had internet since Saturday. The repair man supposedly came out on Tuesday at the exact same time I came home. Claims he was outside and left a door tag. I drove past the front of the house, we wasn’t out there and there was no tag.

He’s supposed to come again tonight. We’ll see what happens.

I have tons to write about and pictures to download and upload from both the men’s and women’s hockey games I attended last week, plus the Marquette bball game. I promise I’m not being lazy – I just can’t access those pesky interwebs. Hell, I’m typing this on my BlackBerry.

Bear with me folks. My apologies for the absence.

From MSNBC.com - Upon Further Review, Packers got screwed!

2010-01-11T09:14:00.000-06:00

After further review, Packers got screwed
Posted by Mike Florio on January 11, 2010 7:50 AM ET
We've received more than a few e-mails in the aftermath of Sunday night's for-the-ages battle between the Packers and the Cardinals regarding the non-call on the play that delivered victory for the home team via a sack, fumble/interception, and 17-yard sprint for a score.

At first, the words "tuck rule" dominated the discussion.

Then, the focal point became the blow to the head and the yanking of the facemask that Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers endured as Arizona defensive back Michael Adams collided into Rodgers.

Here's the video.

As one league source said via e-mail, "It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay."

And we agree, completely. The incidental facemask call disappeared a couple of years ago, replaced by a rule that even a minor grab of the bars attached to the helmet triggers the major infraction.

Moreover, we've routinely seen quarterbacks take minor blows to the head and draw flags for roughing the passer.

So what happened? Though the tuck rule didn't matter because the ball bounced off Rodgers' foot before it was caught by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, the official undoubtedly was watching Rodgers' arm and the ball for any evidence of the convoluted mechanical process that makes a fumble not a fumble when the quarterback was in the process of moving his arm forward but hadn't released the ball before having the ball knocked out.

The bigger problem is that the FOX announcers and the folks talking into their ears didn't bother to delve into the question of whether not one but two penalties had occurred. Joe Buck said "Rodgers gets a hand to the face" during the live call, but Buck and his producer(s) blew an excellent opportunity to explain first that the tuck rule didn't matter in this case and second that what did matter was the failure of the men in black and white to see that Adams had not only hit Rodgers in the head but also had grabbed and tugged his facemask.

So, yes, Packers fans, you have every right to be upset.

Then again, watch the video. Adams didn't get a free release from Rodgers' blind side. He had to cut in front of an underneath receiver before circling into the backfield, and Rodgers could have (and should have) seen Adams coming.

By our count, Rodgers had the ball in his hands for three full seconds before getting hit.

When Rodgers was getting thrown around like a rag doll in the first half of the season, he quietly was being criticized within the locker room for holding the ball too long. And that's the biggest thing that the Packers need to address this offseason in order to make Rodgers into a guy who can deliver consistently in the clutch.

Wisconsin Football, Present and Past

2010-01-08T10:40:00.003-06:00

Two quick things - The Wisconsin Badgers finished the season ranked 16 in the nation. Congratulations Badgers!

Also, former Badger Jim Leonhard has joined the Twitterverse - follow him @jimleonhard

Elvis' 75th Birthday

2010-01-08T08:53:00.002-06:00

My brother lives in Memphis, so it's pretty difficult for him, and by extension, us, to avoid all things Elvis.

For Christmas, I bought him and his girlfriend some "dates" and this weekend they'll be heading to Elvis Night at the Mississippi River Kings hockey game. (Can't wait for the pictures.)

I was reading through a slideshow on MSNBC.com about places to celebrate the King's birthday and was surprised that Milwaukee made the list because of a celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

from the site: Milwaukee

From Jan. 7-31, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is celebrating Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday with a special exhibit featuring Elvis’ red and white 1956 Model KH Harley-Davidson motorcycle and photos taken during Presley’s 1968"Comeback" television special.

Throughout the month, visitors are invited to leave a birthday message for Presley, and anyone sporting Elvis-style sideburns and glasses will get a discount on museum admission. The museum’s Motor Bar & Restaurant will also be serving some of Presley’s favorite dishes, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Check out the whole slide show here.

Marquette beats Georgetown, I was there

2010-01-07T13:07:00.003-06:00

We went to the Marquette/Georgetown game last night and were rewarded with the Golden Eagles finally managing to pull out a close game against a ranked opponent.

Marquette was picked in the preseason to finish 12th in the Big East, so the fact that they were even in these games was a bit of a win, but really, there’s nothing to make you feel good about losing out on two big upsets by a total of three points.

The game was fun to be at – the crowd was jazzed and the university had done a good job of getting tickets sold despite the fact that school is on winter break.

The big winner from last night’s game was David Cubillan. Those of us who have watched Marquette over the past few seasons know that Cubi can either be very hot or very cold and there doesn’t seem to be an in between. He’s a shorter guy who can be deadly from beyond the three point arc but who can frustrate when he’s cold from back there and spends the whole game putting up bricks.

But Cubi’s impressive 6-for-6 from three point land led the Golden Eagles and kept them in the game when they were unable to get penetration or points in the paint.

Georgetown’s zone defense had Marquette puzzled. Georgetown is a rather tall team and they had a considerable size advantage on the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s lack of size made it impossible for them to get under the hoop and allowed Georgetown to outscore Marquette 32-6 in the paint. However, despite the size disadvantage, the Golden Eagles out-rebounded the Hoyas 31-28.

From the Washington Post’s coverage of the game:
“…with a dazzling display of long-range shooting…For the Hoyas, it was death by a thousand three-pointers with five Marquette players combining to hit 12 shots from beyond the arc.

The star among them was David Cubillan, who was 6 for 6 from three-point range while muzzling Georgetown’s most potent scorer, Chris Wright, on defense.”

Sadly for Georgetown, in the post-game news conference junior Austin Freeman said the Hoyas’ game plan was to stop Marquette from shooting the three.

Not only did the Golden Eagles take 26 threes, but they made 12 of them.

Though his effort don’t show up in terms of points, assists or rebounds, the other hero of the night was Lazar Hayward, whose defense of Greg Monroe was as much a difference in the game as Cubillan’s threes. Monroe was only able to muster 10 points while turning the ball over 4 times.

The atmosphere inside the Bradley Center was some of the best I’ve experienced in person. Early on it was obvious this was going to be another close fight. With every made three, the fans got louder and more pumped.

wanted to post pics from Team USA game

2010-01-05T19:19:00.000-06:00

But its not working. Check out my twitter for live updates tonight. @tristarscoop