I didn't think I'd have a relevant opportunity to revisit one of the points in my most recent Brewers blog entry so quickly.  That point being:  Ray Durham was a great pickup and, given his experience and steadiness - especially in the field - maybe we should be seeing some more of him. 

In my last entry, I noted the comfort I took in seeing Derrek Lee's game-ending double play on Sunday directed at Durham rather than Rickie Weeks - who all season long has displayed a penchant for costly fielding errors.  If you're reading this you probably don't need a recount of how another inexplicable Weeks error changed the complexion, and ultimately the outcome, of yesterday's NLDS opener with the Phillies.  But I'll give you one anyway.  Bottom of the third inning.  Ruiz reaches on a single.  No outs.  Hamels tries to bunt him over.  Hall misplays what could have been a 5-6-3 double play, but still has time to get Hamels at first.  He makes a clean throw to Weeks, who's covering the bag at first for a bunt-charging Prince Fielder.  Weeks lets the ball trickle from his glove for an error. 

Continue reading "As I was saying about Ray Durham..."

So we're a quarter of the way through the regular season and the Pack is 2-2.  Their starting QB has an injury of unknown severity to his throwing shoulder and is backed up by two rookies.  They've lost their most effective defensive lineman (Cullen Jenkins) for the season.  They may lose their rock of a CB (Al Harris) for the season as well.  And if you count Rodgers, Jenkins and Harris, 10 of their 22 starters were listed on the injury report for this week's game against the Falcons.  Their leading rusher from a year ago (Ryan Grant) is averaging 3.38 yds/carry, has lost two fumbles, and has rushed for fewer yards on the season than he did in a single playoff game against Seattle last season.  Oh, and they may cut their punter (Derrick Frost) if he doesn't show marked improvement this week.

Continue reading "Early season gut check"

Caught a SportsCenter clip this morning of Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens talking about the "media conspiracy" to divide his team. 

Quoth Owens:

"I understand the political campaign is going on, (and) ESPN really hasn't had the ratings that they've had for a while.  I'm pretty sure that's why they made a big deal out of what I said...I think everybody in this locker room, from the coaches on down, know everything I said was blown out of proportion and shouldn't have been made into such a big deal."*

Mr. Owens, time for a reality check.  The reason your post-Redskins game comments, in which you complained you didn't get the ball enough, were reported at all is because your public complaints on this topic in the past have led to (or at the very least signaled) damaged relationships with previous quarterbacks and teams (Jeff Garcia - 49ers, Donovan McNabb - Eagles).  There's a pattern.  Your willingness to reengage in behavior that's been destructive to your previous teams is thus newsworthy.  

Continue reading "T.O. getting advice from GOP strategists?"