| Posts from March 2012 |
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by Chuck Friemund
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posted Mar 31 2012 1:23PM
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Many of the national pundits have the Brewers picked third in the NL Central behind the Reds and Cardinals. i dont get this at all. the back end of the bullpen may be the best in baseball and the Brewers have two legit aces in their rotation. i think toomany writers get bogged down by Prince's absence. i think Aramis will flourish in Miller Park.. i expect this to be a great three way race but clearly I see the Brewers repeating as division champs |
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by Mike Wickett
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posted Mar 30 2012 1:24PM
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And we've made it to the Final Four...
I absolutely LOVE the NCAA Tournament...but it goes so dang quick!! UGH! Well, we're at the Final Four. I think this is a tremendous group that we've got here. You've got a #1, 2 #2's, and a #4. Doesn't get much better than that. Here's how it will shake out....
#1 Kentucky vs #4 Louisville
Kentucky just looks amazing...they seem to do whatever they want, whenever they want. Between the AP player of the year in Anthony Davis, MKG, and Doran Lamb, they're a matchup NIGHTMARE for anyone. Louisville better be on their "A-Game" on D. Press, trap and force turnovers. DON'T let KY get set up in their halfcourt offense. If they do, they're dead. Louisville also MUST shoot the 3 well. I think if they played this game 10 times, KY would win 8...maybe more. I HOPE this is one of those two...but i doubt it. KY Marches on 75-67.
#2 Kansas vs #2 ohio state
I've said this before, and i'll say it again: When the buckeyes want to, they're capable of being the best team in the country. This is a fascinating matchup. The "bigs" (Withy & Robinson vs Sullinger & Thomas) will be a great battle to watch. Terence Robinson shouldv'e been player of the year, NOT Anthony Davis. Which TyShawn Taylor will show up? And how will Aaron Craft handle him? Is this the point where Bill Self exits stage left? I think so. I'll pick the buckeyes to play for the national title on monday night. osu over Kansas 70-66.
So i've got osu vs Kentucky in Monday night's National Championship game. Honestly, I'd prefer Louisville to play Kansas...i HATE osu and in our office pool, I place 2nd as long as KY doesn't win...but if you want my opinion, it'll be osu vs KY on Monday night.
HAPPY FINAL 4 WEEKEND!!
cheers to the freaking weekend...
~mw
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by Tim Allen
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posted Mar 29 2012 5:01PM
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(Phoenix, AZ.) - Who are the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers? Are they the up and coming team, that has multiple high draft choice/high-ceiling players? Are they that 70-win team we got so used to years ago? Macha-Ball anyone? Raise a toast to Yost? Someone help me please. In the five years that I've been here in Phoenix for Spring Training, the identity question was always easy to answer. This year, not so much.
One of the feelings that I get is that players are still getting to know each other this Spring. Although all MLB players are in that quote "Brotherhood", does Aramis Ramirez really know Mat Gamel? How well does Randy Wolf really know Alex Gonzalez? Likewise with Shaun Marcum and Jose Veras. Yes, the "core' is still here minus Fielder and JJ Hardy, but that core is not this team's true identity any more.
If I had to proclaim the 2012 Brewers' identity, I would point at one person and that's Manager Ron Roenicke. It Seems every time I hear him speak, I have more and more confidence in him. In talking with his players, I truly believe they feel the same way. It appears to me that Brewers' GM Doug Melvin picked a winner. I believe he expects to win, he's honest about his talent, and we haven't seen the "I hate to lose" attitude YET. Will we have a 2012 version of "Beast Mode"? Probably, but when it comes to steering the ship, it seems the Brewers have the right guy behind the wheel. |
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by Ramie Makhlouf
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posted Mar 29 2012 4:16PM
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I love my job! I really do. As I've said many times in the past, when I decided to get in radio my goal was to watch baseball and get paid for it. And these trips to Arizona for Spring Training are the epitome of that. However, even when you love your job as much as I do, you need a break from it. That's what I thought I was getting when I decided to hike Squaw Peak in Phoenix (pictured below). Just a few hours away from baseball and especially away from the Ryan Braun/PED conversation.
However, when I got to the top I struck up a conversation with a group of guys from Seattle. I told them what I do for a living and they asked how I think the Brewers will do this year. I said when I thought Ryan Braun was suspended 50 Games I had them winning about 80 games, but with an MVP in the middle of their lineup, they should be able to win 85-90 games and contend for the division. One of the gentlemen responded, "Damn cheater! Should be supended!" I'll spare you my reply because we've had that conversation and quite honestly, I'm done with it until we learn more.
After 3 days (and counting) in the desert, I'm ready to get on with watching baseball and getting paid for it! |
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by mike wickett
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posted Mar 26 2012 11:52AM
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An Elite Eight review...
Well...we're on to the Final Four. That was quick…I'm doing well in my bracket. I hope you are too. I'm currently in 1st, but I can't win. I can finish 2nd in the office in 6 of the 8 scenarios (I’m leading now, but UNC was my champ). A few things about the Elite 8...
1) Wow...Kentucky was IMPRESSIVE. That is one LOADED team. Baylor looked like the team i feared they would, coming into the tournament: not ready for the moment. Baylor has as much INDIVIDUAL talent as anyone in the country. They just don't always play as a team and Sunday, they got busted by a really good team, that PLAYS LIKE A TEAM.
2) UNC really missed their point guard BUT....yes, Kendall Marshall would've put the tar heels in the NCAA championship game...HOWEVER...they got almost NOTHING out of their "superstar", Harrison Barnes. When you're a player of the year candidate, and future lottery pick, you NEED to come up BIG in the biggest game/moment of your career...and he didn't. Will Barnes turn out to be like Lebron James, Alex Rodriguez or Phillip Rivers? (great talents, but just not clutch)...time will tell. Barnes needed to come up with more than 13pts and 0-5 from 3pt land...He'll have a good NBA career...I’m just not putting the ball in his hands during crunch time.
3) osu looks to be the real deal. I've said all year, that when ohio state wants to be, they can be the BEST team in the country...sometimes they show it, sometimes not. They did on Saturday night. Now they get the Jayhawks in what should be an INCREDIBLE matchup. CAN'T WAIT! (bart scott voice)
4) What did Rick Pitino say? Did he really say Saturday was the best day of his life, (sans children being born)??? Really? Rick...didn't you WIN a championship at Kentucky? Well, if this Final Four matchup didn't ALREADY have a ton of juice, that may seal it. Don't think UK fans didn't hear that.
I'll have my Final Four predictions later this week...oh...ANYBODY BUT KENTUCKY!
Cheers...
~mw
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by Ramie Makhlouf
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posted Mar 23 2012 6:17PM
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A spicy American twist on one of my all-time favorite Mediterranean dishes
Ingredients:
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 cup salsa
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1/4 cup rice
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
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1/4 tsp crushed pepper
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2 medium red peppers
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14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes w/green chiles
Directions:
Combine everything but the red peppers and tomatoes in a large bowl and mix well.
Cut peppers in half, clean, stuff with meat mixture, and place in a deep-dish pan. Cover stuffed peppers with the can of diced tomatoes, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes at 400 degrees, removing foil about halfway through. Let them cool off for about 5-10 minutes and enjoy!
(This recipe would also work great in the crockpot)
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by Tim Allen
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posted Mar 22 2012 12:38PM
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-Many fans don't know who Jose Veras is, but they will. The question is, can he fill the shoes of 2 bullpen pitchers, Hawkins and Saito? The crew needs another 6-7th inning pitcher. Can Kameron Loe be that guy?
-How many 'Brew-Isms' will I come up with this year? Remember, it was a BREW-tal winter, with lots of time to think of more.
-Can Mat Gamel hit .285, with 20 HR's? My answer is YES, and probably will do better than that.
-Yo and Grienke WILL be one of the top 1-2 punches in the game. Yo through his experience, and Grienke on a contract year. THAT is going to be fun to watch.
I can't wait to see if Braddock or Parra or neither, make this team. Remember, Manny Parra is out of options. He pitched well out of the pen when he was healthy. He could be that pleasant surprise.
-With the changes in St. Louis, does that mean there will not be drama between the crew and Cards? NOPE. Let’s get ready to rumble. Based on what Kameron Loe told Sparky and me, he's not afraid to protect his players.
-I'm struggling with how to feel about Dale Sveum. On one hand I'm happy for him, on the other...I hate the Cubs.
-Let me explain: I'm sure, when you listen to the Post Game Show, you will hear that I made a wager on the Arizona Diamondbacks. I bet them to win the World Series. Now before you jump to conclusions, I hope they don't, seriously I don't want them to, I want the Brewers to win it. However, I figure it this way, sort of a psych game I play. As much as I hate the D Backs, if the crew does not make it, I can at least have some cash on the line. If the crew wins the World Series, I 'm happy, if they don't, then at least I make $$$ $20 bet pays me $520 I might mention, I DO have money on the crew as well.
-Mere days away from opening day, are you as jumpy as me?
-Smile Milwaukee, the World WILL Smile Back! See you on the radio.
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by Mike Wickett
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posted Mar 22 2012 12:03PM
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Sweet 16….and beyond…
I’ll be honest…after the first 4 days of the NCAA tournament, I needed a break from basketball. Usually I’ll soak up some NIT action (weird, I know) but this year for some reason was different. No NIT for me this time. But as of last night, I wanted my tournament back!! HAPPY SWEET 16!!
For the record, I’ve got 12 of the sweet 16 left, 7/8 & my whole Final 4 with UNC cutting down the nets.
Here we go…
4 WI vs 1 SYR: the Badgers have the firepower to shoot over the 2-3 matchup zone of the orange. Can they slow down Waiters & Jardine? Why not? They slowed down Vandy. BADGERS WIN 61-55
4 LOU vs 1 MSU: Rick Pitino teams create havoc for their opponents…and I have Louisville in the Final 4. So I HAVE to take the Cardinals in the upset, right? LOU wins 68-60
6 CIN vs 2 OSU: It’s the battle of ohio…gross….When they want to, I think osu can be the best team in the country. Gates vs Sullinger will be FUN to watch. I’ll (painfully) take the buckeyes 72-61.
7 FLA vs 3 MARQ: There’s a lot of similarities between these two teams. Neither team is extremely large. Both teams love the 3. Something about this MU team makes me think it’s a special year. MU 70-67.
10 XU vs 3 BAY: I hate this Baylor team. They have more athleticism than every team in the country, not named Kentucky. But they don’t play as a team all the time. Tu & Freese are good but in this case, talent wins out. BAY 70-65
13 OH vs 1 UNC: I don’t care if Kendall Marshall plays. The bobcats run is over. UNC will win 75-50.
4 IU vs 1 KY: Did it happen once? Yep. Will it happen again? Nope. This one’s not in Bloomington. Maybe next year, Hoosiers. KY 80-65.
11 NCST vs #2 KAN: Love this Kansas team. Big. Deep. Good coach. This should be a fun battle of the big’s. Will CJ Leslie keep coming up big for the wolf pack? Not this time. Kansas 61-54
My Final Four still stands: KY, UNC, Lou, osu
Cheers to the Sweet 16!!
~mw
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by Mike Wickett
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posted Mar 20 2012 12:59PM
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Tebow to Green Bay?
There's been some chatter around these parts about the Packers bringing in Tim Tebow to back up Aaron Rodgers. I can see arguments on BOTH sides...let's discuss...
Let's start with a few reasons why they SHOULD bring him in....
1) Mike McCarthy would do wonders with him. He's obviously made Aaron Rodgers great, turned Matt Flynn into a record setting QB and if there’s ANYONE who can tighten up Tebow's delivery, it's Mac. His Quarterback school is becoming legendary.
2) There IS an opening. If you haven't noticed, the Packers lack a backup QB. For years I've heard "ted needs to bring in a backup QB to push Flynn. They need someone with experience." Well...I believe Lefty Jesus has played in a big game or two.
3) He's cheap. Imagine the value of trading a 5th round pick for Tim Tebow. He's worth AT LEAST that.
Now...here are a few reasons why the Packers should NOT bring him in...
1) The circus. The Packers sure aren't the type of organization to embrace a lot of hoopla while trying to win a another championship. They sure don't like when their players misbehave and wind up on the front page. I'm pretty sure you can point to when Ari Fleischer was brought in during the favre/thompson divorce as even move evidence towards this. Distractions aren't Mac's "thing".
2) The Packers don't need gimmick plays. Have you seen their offense? I hear it's pretty good. They don't need any help scoring points through the air. A zone read? Nope, don’t need it.
3) Would this stunt the growth of Graham Harrell? He could be the next Matt Flynn. He came from a pass-happy offense at Texas Tech and with Mac's teaching, he could be solid backup after another qb school...or Mac may groom the next one out of the draft.
And now my verdict: Would it be neat? Yes. Would I buy a Tebow jersey? Probably. Would i make the move if I were the Packers? Nope.
Cheers...
~mw
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by Sparky
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posted Mar 18 2012 7:25PM
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I realize that when Matt Flynn agreed to the deal on Sunday with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday that it was probably the happiest day of his life. After all, it was the most money he has made in his career with terms of the deals being reported at three years for up to twenty six million dollars and ten million of that being guaranteed. He went from being the backup quarterback to the MVP of the league to the starting QB of the Seattle Seahawks in just under three month’s time, not too shabby.
However, maybe it’s a rush to judgment to think that Flynn will be handed the starter job in Seattle. Tarvaris Jackson is still in Seattle a year after the Seahawks signed him to a 2 year eight million dollar deal, which came a year after Charlie Whitehurst signed a similar deal. Whitehurst by the way just signed a deal back with the Chargers to backup Phillip Rivers. Are you seeing a trend by Seahawks GM John Schneider? I am. He appears to be playing roulette and hoping to land on the right number one of these years.
There were other options that Matt Flynn could have chose instead of rushing to sign a deal as soon as had one offered to him. San Francisco, Denver, and Tennessee are all in a holding pattern right now waiting to see what former Colts QB Peyton Manning is going to decide. Meanwhile, former Niners quarterback Alex Smith reportedly turned down a three year offer from San Francisco and as of Sunday was in Miami visiting with Joe Philbin and staff. Let’s say they end up signing Smith, Manning signs with Denver, Tennessee still has Matt Hasselbeck, and the Jim Harbaugh led Niners team is left with a second year quarterback in Colin Kaepernick. That scenario works perfectly for Flynn as he puts in a situation much better then Seattle as San Francisco is ready to win a Super Bowl now, while the Seahawks just want to get to five hundred. In the grand scheme of things, Flynn didn’t get a big deal amongst quarterbacks in the NFL. This means it’s safe to assume that a team willing to ante up for Manning would be able to afford the small deal he signed with Seattle. I realize that the scenario would have to play out but even if he waited and it didn’t play out, where were the Seahawks going? They didn’t have any other options amongst free agent quarterbacks that were better than Flynn.
Congratulations to Matt Flynn on his new deal but maybe next time he and his agent will think this out a little better before just signing the first deal that comes his way.
| | | Tags : Locations : Denver, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, TennesseePeople : Alex Smith, Charlie Whitehurst, Joe Philbin, John Schneider, Matt Flynn, Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, Tarvaris Jackson, Tim Hasselbeck
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