Al's Ramblings

2012-01-28T22:31:00.001-06:00

On King of Queens, when Doug gets Chinese food, he orders beef and broccoli...with no broccoli.

Now that's funny. And Mrs. Obama would tell you, that's why Doug is built like me.

2012-01-28T22:09:00.001-06:00

Funny how many people said last year Drew Gooden was such a terrible player. His career line of 11 points, 8 boards, 75% FT, and 47% FG is almost exactly what you'd expect from a PF, and as an undersized center, he's really playing tough since Bogut went out.

2012-01-28T22:04:00.002-06:00

The Bucks should pair up with the Brewers next year at the On Deck event. They are way behind the Crew in PR.

2012-01-28T21:53:00.001-06:00

Kobe Bryant looks elderly out there, by the way. He's still scoring, but taking 25 shots a game will do that. He's shooting worse from the floor than Brandon Jennings for the season.

2012-01-28T21:48:00.002-06:00

Bucks beat the Lakers comfortably, go 6-2 in an eight day stretch, 4-2 on the road, playing without Bogut and Jackson part of the time.

Skiles may well be a coach of the year candidate if they can keep this up. He has this team playing way above their talent level.

2012-01-28T20:47:00.002-06:00

Eight year-old rises above ignorance, supports the player even though he made mistakes.

You realize the people that picked on him can't hold a football sitting on the sofa, right?

2012-01-28T19:28:00.001-06:00

I can't imagine a job more important...AP should be ashamed of themselves.

2012-01-28T18:08:00.003-06:00

One, I don't think many people care to watch Obama speak anymore, as they're living in Obamaville every day.

Two, even if you did watch, it's hard to get too excited about him saying he's going to do the same stuff he didn't get around to that he said he was going to do before, but was too busy spending money to get around to doing.

2012-01-28T15:48:00.003-06:00

This reminds me of Barbara Cochoran, who made a fortune from investing in real estate at the right time, telling anyone that will listen to invest in real estate, regardless of silly nuggets of fact like the biggest hosing decline in decades.

It's the same reason stockbrokers, who make much of their money buying and selling stock, have almost all their clients 90% in stock regardless of their risk threshold.

2012-01-28T15:31:00.002-06:00

I have no interest in the NHL, but do find franchise relocation interesting...Bettman hints for the hundredth time Quebec is first in line if a team moves, or if expansion occurs.

2012-01-28T15:24:00.001-06:00

Some parents should just be arrested.

2012-01-28T14:55:00.001-06:00

Waiting patiently for my share...

2012-01-28T14:33:00.002-06:00

All the Brewers' players and prospects are flying in from all over today for On Deck tomorrow. I assume many will be offered Bucks' tickets tonight, so many will be at the game.

The Admirals sold out last night, about 12-13K over their average, as Dierks Bentley performed a post-game concert.

For those not in the know, such as myself, Bentley is a country music singer.

2012-01-28T14:28:00.001-06:00

Every year, 100 people die from choking on ball-point pens.--OMG Facts

It shows up on Lifeinsure.com too. I chew on pens, but have never come close to swallowing one, never mind choking.

2012-01-28T14:14:00.003-06:00

NO trying to trade Chris Kaman, a solid if unspectacular veteran center who is in the last year of his contract, making $14M.

Unfortunately for the Bucks, the Hornets have no interest in trading him for another overpaid veteran...supposedly, they are asking for a young contributor, a draft pick, and trade exception money.

I'm 95% sure the Bucks did not pick up any "trade exception" in a swap, so they'd have to get creative in some sort of multiteam deal.

2012-01-28T14:07:00.002-06:00

The defense budget is about 20% of the budget, and make up more than 50% of the proposed cuts.

I'm all for cuts, here, there, and everywhere. However, I slice the fat everywhere else first and then take a good look at the military.

Not only haven't they cut hardly anything except defense, they're spending more on pork and bizarro economic theory than they are even considering cutting.

It ain't a revenue problem. You can outspend any amount of money coming in, and the current state of fiscal generational theft proves it.

2012-01-28T13:39:00.002-06:00

Heyman reports that Oswalt turned down a one-year, $10MM offer from the Tigers, and that being close to his Mississippi home is a major factor in his decision.--MLBTR

Someone ought to show Roy a map, as I doubt if SL is more than a bit closer by ground than DET and that Detroit's airport is far better for commercial and private travel.

SL may well have a verbal agreement in place, but am waiting to announce it after they make a deal to clear a spot in the rotation and/or 40 man roster.

2012-01-28T13:27:00.002-06:00

Down 25 pounds in 3.5 weeks. I'm taking a relaxed attitude on weekends, and often just going off plan one day and my body is already rebelling after my first "average" meal in days.

Funny how that works.

2012-01-28T13:10:00.002-06:00

Our freezer out in the garage hasn't been working up to its potential (and my sit down intervention had no effect at all), so while I was grilling lunch, the Rambling wife checked it out. While roasts and meats were still hard as a rock, the french bread we brought in for lunch was so soft it was ready to eat, like it was fresh from the oven (except it was cool, not warm). Turns out, no fewer than six outlets, outside, garage, and dining room were not working, but no circuit breakers had popped.

She checked the one on our deck, hit reset, and nothing. Then, she hit test and reset, and suddenly, all the outlets are functional again. Irony is, we can't recall using the deck outlet since before Xmas, so we've probably just been getting by with an insulated box for a month plus. None of the other five outlets had anything plugged in (one was behind our hutch, I didn't even know one existed there).

At least this happened in the winter, even if it has been warmer than usual.

2012-01-28T12:43:00.001-06:00

Oof.

And they wonder why so many home school.

2012-01-27T22:49:00.001-06:00

Moore’s friends told paramedics the actress was doing “whip-its,” or sniffing canisters like whipped cream for its nitrous oxide. The caller also revealed Moore has been having “issues.”--TMZ

In answer to my question, drugs.

Exhaustion never means being tired, it means they're too embarrassed to say.

2012-01-27T20:17:00.002-06:00

Almost looking forward to my weekly weigh-in tomorrow. Been working out a bit more this week, eating healthy foods, and not much of 'em, darn it.

Of course, my only goal is to beat Gleeman.

2012-01-27T19:03:00.000-06:00

I just accepted invites from a bunch of people on Linked In...first time I've checked it in years.

2012-01-27T16:32:00.002-06:00

Brett Lawrie broke up with the soccer player and is now dating this young lady.

She seems nice, but it's too bad she's so darn unattractive.

2012-01-27T16:24:00.001-06:00

Expanded playoffs in '12 depends on union approval. Logistics tight.

As long as planes exist, no big deal.

2012-01-27T15:37:00.001-06:00

Im close to 500,000 followers. When I get there, u have a choice, I can do a shot with u or flash a boob--Jenny McCarthy

This is the person the public chooses to believe about epilepsy, while ignoring the medical community.

Egads.

2012-01-27T15:28:00.005-06:00

If the Crew wants a 1B/OF to platoon/protect Gamel, this guy hits RH and is just 25.

His splits show he hit LHP and RHP about equally last season in AAA. Good pop in his bat, takes his walks, and by the looks of it, has options remaining.

The Rays system is loaded, so they are a good team to poach as their 40 man fills up.

Honestly, I doubt if he makes it to the Crew, SEA and HOU, for example, should both grab him in a second.

EDIT: Gleeman agrees, and points out he was the IL MVP last season.

EDIT 2: In glancing at his minor league numbers, he has played about 100 games at 3B as well. He'd be a nice pickup, especially since he likely has an option or two.

2012-01-27T11:31:00.002-06:00

Hypocrisy in Hollywood? I for one am shocked...shocked.

2012-01-27T11:08:00.004-06:00

BP says the Tigers infield defense will be about 20 runs below average, which, while bad, isn't even the worst INF Fielder or Cabrera have ever been a part of.

20 runs is a lot to make up, but replacing Inge's 550ish OPS with Prince or Miguel makes up for it, plus some.

EDIT: Inge is unhappy. He's always been a selfish player, not wanting to catch part-time so the Tigers could save a roster spot, so it's far from surprising. Considering his '11 campaign was historically bad, I'm sure no one cares.

2012-01-26T23:49:00.003-06:00

The Badgers held Indiana to just 50 pts, its lowest output of the year (previous low was 63 at OSU). 50 pts is also 29.8 below IU's avg.--Patrick Herb

If you can defend like that, you're going to be in every game. Badgers had one bad loss (home vs. Iowa), but otherwise, have been just like always; tough, gritty, and usually coming out on top.

After Sunday, they'll be tied for 3rd in the conference.

2012-01-26T23:41:00.000-06:00

Fact checking on conservatives?

The irony is, anyone is surprised.

2012-01-26T22:58:00.002-06:00

I have to think that Jon Leuer will gain a lot of playing time with Bogut down...and while he will be up and down, I hope he can develop a bit of a mean streak, as he's been pushed around quite a bit under the basket thus far. I don't think Drew Gooden is physically capable of playing much more than 20-25 minutes a night, and he looks like he's in constant pain. His vertical jump means he plays shorter than his actual height.

Be great if Leuer and Larry Sanders can at least provide some defense and rebounding...Leuer has shown he can shoot the ball.

2012-01-26T22:53:00.001-06:00

James Andrews Miller, who co-authored a book about ESPN last year, tweeted a reminder about Rome's popularity, saying that the yearly income from his radio show alone is $30 million.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna walk ion front of a truck...a big one.

2012-01-26T22:34:00.002-06:00

Nothing funnier than reading the comments on the betting site regarding the Badgers/Hoosiers...UW favored by 7, and late game WIS free throws and IND misses made it a 7 point victory, a push. People who had bet the Hoosiers thought they had it sewn up, and, are a bit frustrated to say the least.

Good win for Bo and his team, they have the weekend off.

2012-01-26T19:49:00.001-06:00

Brewers On Deck schedule released.

I've always felt it should held the same day (or 2nd day) single game tickets are on sale, but it looks like a good time, if you're into autographs.

2012-01-26T18:50:00.001-06:00

Due to numerous distractions, outbursts and shouts of profanity during the afternoon, the Assembly gallery is being cleared--McIver

Grow up.

2012-01-26T18:46:00.000-06:00

Devastating news for Bucks, Bogut likely out for season with ankle fracture.

2012-01-26T16:18:00.002-06:00

How's Illinois' tax hikes working out?

Take a gander.

Who would have guessed that taking money from job creators would lead to fewer jobs?

Shocking.

I'm sure they'll find several people have responded with their feet, and left the state as well. This is not a quick, easy step, but common sense says if you can live across a border and have more money in your pocket, that's exactly what people will do.

2012-01-26T14:17:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to Bob Uecker, who is 77 today.

2012-01-26T14:08:00.004-06:00

JCPenney changes to everyday low prices, merch marked down 40%.

Be interesting to see how this works. Target used to run jewelry on sale 50 weeks a year, and changed it to ELP, and sales plummeted. They actually have paid fines because some states get on them for the "sale" price being the regular price.

Of course, if you're going to copy a retailer, Wal Mart's the best to ever exist.

2012-01-26T13:46:00.002-06:00

Jim Leyland's lineup as of today: " Jackson CF; Boesch RF; Cabrera 3B; Fielder 1B; Young LF; Avila C; Peralta SS; Dirks/Thomas/Kelly DH; Raburn 2B"--Bowden

All that, and they look like they still need to add a bat to DH. Vlad, Ibanez, Derrek Lee, Ramirez, Damon available. All of the DH options listed above had a sub .300 OBP last year.

2012-01-26T13:43:00.001-06:00

A's DFA a former top pick/prospect that can play all over the field.

Probably have several teams making offers for him, anyone who can play the infield and has any offensive ability at all will draw attention.

EDIT: Farris may be a better defensive 2B, but this guy is far more versatile and a better hitter, and younger. No way I would not do that swap, if the opportunity presented itself.

2012-01-26T13:28:00.003-06:00

Jim Leyland: "Miguel Cabrera is going to play 3B...let me make it perfectly clear."--Bowden

This would seem to give Cabrera at least the first couple months at 3B, though he may well be removed late in games. 3B don't really get many balls hit to them, and teams do not bunt much (for instance, no one bunted at Prince in his time in MIL). I assume his range will be limited, but if he hits like normal, most fans won't even notice.

Considering it's a power park and they won 90 games last year, DET may be the favorite to lead the AL in wins at this second.

Cabrera is about 5 runs below average at 3B for his career. Even if he can come in at -10 for '12, if he hits like he has, no one will care. He's replacing Brandon Inge's 548 OPS in the lineup. That makes McGehee's poor '11 look like Babe Ruth.

2012-01-26T13:18:00.002-06:00

Kevin Whelan DFA'd by Yankees. Has struck out more than a batter per inning his entire career. He'll get plenty of attention, though he only throws 91. Must do it with a deceptive motion or something, he throws almost all fastballs and splits.

You're seeing some very good players DFA'd, as rosters are full, as young prospects have had to be added and free agents have had to be added to the 40. Right now and late March are excellent times to be poaching.

2012-01-26T13:13:00.003-06:00

Prince's press conference today in DET. Everyone saying he looks lighter.

It's funny how these guys forget that baseball uniforms have no ability to hide extra inches, but regular clothing can. One more reason why managers always look so goofy.

2012-01-26T13:07:00.001-06:00

Dodgers were mystery team trying to get Prince. DC and LA both offered 6-7 years, say reports. DET went 9, so the decision was easy.

2012-01-26T12:56:00.003-06:00

As I've said before, giving kids more food they do not like and/or will not eat will simply lead to more food being thrown away and more kids bringing lunch from home.

If the Rambling son was presented with a chef salad, he'd pick out the meat and cheese and leave the rest. I'm not sure why lettuce in the trash is supposedly a positive.

2012-01-25T21:19:00.003-06:00

Bucks win a game on the road after Bogut goes down with a sprained ankle.

They are a decent team without Andrew...if they hit about 50% of their 3's. Needless to say, that won't happen often.

2012-01-25T21:10:00.002-06:00

Requiring more wins to play in a bowl will lead to fewer bowl games and teams scheduling easier non-conference schedules.

As one who enjoys "minor" bowl games, I can't think of a single positive to this proposal.

2012-01-25T21:01:00.002-06:00

The Brewers, who are comfortable with lefty Chris Narveson as their fifth starter, would sign Oswalt only at the right price.--Rosenthal

I have nothing against signing Oswalt and dealing another SP, as doubtful as that is. Odd to keep seeing the Crew mentioned, Rosenthal talks about them every time he brings up Roy.

2012-01-25T18:30:00.002-06:00

I never eat breakfast, so you'd think I'd clock in at about 110 pounds.

Seriously though, it is amazing that studies have little consistency. One of these days, someone's going to say smoking is good for you...

2012-01-25T18:18:00.002-06:00

Cosby wonders why we're spending so much money on education and getting poor results.

2012-01-25T18:13:00.004-06:00

Walker's approval at 51%.

I'd guess outside Dane and Milwaukee counties, it's probably about 67%. Among people over 65 in Marathon County, it's about 95%, FYI.

2012-01-25T18:12:00.002-06:00

Hart says Weeks was more of a leader than Fielder, among other things.

2012-01-25T16:54:00.001-06:00

Rumor has it he has agreed to pay back $1 per for the next 50K years.

2012-01-25T16:24:00.002-06:00

Woman fired over, gasp, working through lunch.

This is all because of legal issues, including lawsuits of people working off the clock. I had to enforce stuff like this in retail, and it is incredibly, mindnumbingly painful to tell a hard worker to quit working.

2012-01-25T15:42:00.003-06:00

Reds give a player for Wilson Valdez, while the Crew signed a similar player in Izturis to a minor league contract.

The funny thing is, Dusty will find a way for him to PH in the 8th and 9th inning. He always has to have a veteran or three on the bench with a sub .300 OBP.

2012-01-25T15:38:00.003-06:00

Braun will not attend On Deck, due to confidentiality of appeal. He is excused by Mark A, just like he has a paper route and MA drops the bundle off at the corner.

It is to everyone except MLB, of course, who tells everyone everything.

2012-01-25T13:05:00.002-06:00

Reason discusses a dumb pledge.

If you read the lines in question, it basically says the plan is to throw money at schools and not ask for an iota of proof they're doing a good job.

As noted, DC spends $20K on every pupil, and has a system that does nearly nothing.

It ain't a revenue problem.

2012-01-25T11:27:00.002-06:00

Since Prince became the full-time 1B in 2006, he played in all but 13 games.

Those that worry about his health and durability haven't been paying attention. He may not age well, but he's only 27. Worry about that in 5 years.

My guess is DET will have him DH once a week or every other week, especially when the hot summer months rolls in. That may actually leave him fresher than he was in MIL.

2012-01-25T11:12:00.001-06:00

And they wonder why I don't watch his speeches. I saw one a half-decade ago, so I'm good.

2012-01-25T10:57:00.002-06:00

Romney gives 15%, Obama 1%.

If the past is any indication, Biden gave a guy on the street $5, and then waited for him to get change so he could return $4.25.

2012-01-24T23:43:00.002-06:00

Ann notes Obama did not know his way out of the chamber...and the first comment makes a golf analogy.

Pretty much sums up the last three years.

2012-01-24T23:07:00.003-06:00

So, drugs, alcohol, or an eating disorder? Because as we all know, people working 100 hours a week do not suffer from "exhaustion"...and neither do celebrities.

Before she claims to be "exhausted," Demi should try, you know, getting a job.

2012-01-24T22:37:00.002-06:00

The mortal enemies of Social Security and Medicare are those who, in contempt of the plain arithmetic, continue to mislead Americans that we should change nothing. Listening to them much longer will mean that these proud programs implode, and take the American economy with them.--Mitch Daniels, SOTU response

Heh. Even worse, the lies that say Paul Ryan is trying to take away grandma's Medicare, even though those 55 or over would keep the current plan. If nothing else, this administration has shown it despises math, and simply has no understanding of it.

I'm not sure where I read it, but this quote says it all to me:

It does not matter what Obama said tonight, what matters is the two words he did not say...Solyndra and Keystone.

No problem throwing $500M at a boondoggle, but will not spend a penny to bring needed oil into the US and provide thousands of construction jobs and many permanent ones...not to mention increase the supply of crude and hopefully lower the cost of energy for everyone.

2012-01-24T21:07:00.001-06:00

What has kept the Democratically controlled Senate from producing a budget for 1,000 days?--Reason

Heh. In all fairness, they voted present.

2012-01-24T20:37:00.002-06:00

We’re going to watch Big Bang Theory. It’s a rerun, but so is this speech.--Instapundit

Heh. I'm just thankful he spent $1T to keep unemployment under 8%...somewhere, Jimmy Carter is offended he keeps being mentioned in the same sentence.

2012-01-24T19:47:00.003-06:00

Fielder's first free agent years...9y/$214M.

Braun's first free agent years, on his two extensions...7y/$127M (or 8y/$138M, if option is exercised).

This is why teams sign players to long-term deals, to give the player security at a huge discount.

By the way, Keith Law said Braun's contract was terrible. There's a reason he's not working for a MLB team, my friends.

2012-01-24T19:17:00.002-06:00

Fangraphs has a mix of quality stuff, but posts so much junk like this, it's tough to hunt for the non-sucky stuff.

Prince, as of today, is a 1B who is just a few runs below average. He is by no measure a DH, as he's played 150+ games at 1B since he debuted seven seasons ago. His build certainly does not suggest him to age gracefully, but for any site that claims to be anything more than ESPN fanboys, calling him a DH is woefully embarrassing.

2012-01-24T19:13:00.000-06:00

I could tell this chart was false by looking at it, but in case you've seen it and wondered...

2012-01-24T19:11:00.001-06:00

Someone on my Facebook just said Prince won't play every day in Detroit, because they already have a 1B.

Casual fans are just painful.

2012-01-24T16:37:00.003-06:00

Cabrera will play 3B, per reports. He has not played an inning there since '08, and not regularly since before that, so I doubt if it takes. I think he'll end up at DH/LF in '12, and go year-to-year.

2012-01-24T15:36:00.001-06:00

Another former Brewers' player finds a new home, Frankie Cordero signs with TOR, will be the 8th inning fella, setting up Santos.

2012-01-24T15:13:00.002-06:00

We all knew he was gone, or at least should have. That said, Prince did nothing but play hard every day and play very well for the Brewers. He chose to sign for the most guaranteed money, and ends up in a situation that's probably as good as he could have dreamed of. I certainly can't fault him for that.

Thanks Prince, and best of luck.

2012-01-24T15:06:00.003-06:00

Doug is a classy man.

We're very lucky to have him. Compare the Brewers' official response to Gilbert losing Lebron.

Be it the Seligs or Mark A, the Crew is always an organization that does and says the right thing.

2012-01-24T15:02:00.002-06:00

I actually wondered then why it would not be a good fit...Martinez can catch 110-120 games, and Cabrera can DH, as well as play 3B/LF.

2012-01-24T14:58:00.003-06:00

Allow me to say that I would not require an opt-out clause if you gave me $214M...but Fielder did get one. Unknown when his chance to leave will be, or if he has more than one.

2012-01-24T14:53:00.002-06:00

I wonder how many season tickets the Tigers sell over the next few days? They have an almost guaranteed 90 win team, and I'd say 100 is not a stretch at all. It's a depressed market, but there's plenty of casual fans that have disposable income that will want to lock up playoff tickets.

2012-01-24T14:51:00.002-06:00

Brewers will have 27th (DET's) and 28th (their own) picks in June draft, then another between first and second round, about 35th or so.

2012-01-24T14:36:00.002-06:00

If Prince were single, today he went from "stocky" to "ruggedly handsome" and "a burly powerhouse."

2012-01-24T14:28:00.002-06:00

Prince signs with Tigers, 9y/$214M.

Wow.

He will live at home during spring training, and he is likely familiar with Detroit because his dad played there.

Best of luck to Prince, though he can now buy and sell me with his daily paycheck. DET also becomes the overwhelming favorite to coast to the division title, in an already weak AL Central.

2012-01-24T13:26:00.003-06:00

I just checked the message boards, and one poster asked since two other Brewers' players supposedly had "high results"...is it possible there are two more players that tested positive that the results did not leak that are also going through the appeal process right now?

Wouldn't that be something?

2012-01-24T13:11:00.003-06:00

No doubt energy and food prices have gone up like mad since '09. With relative peace in the Middle East, it seems to be a direct cause of an unspoken ban on more drilling, as well as the continued "ban" on new refineries in the US.

2012-01-24T13:08:00.000-06:00

Sources: Marlins, Orioles not in mix for Fielder. Rangers out, per Nightengale. Barring surprise, Nationals appear favorite.--Rosenthal

DC is negotiating with themselves, according to this.

2012-01-24T12:56:00.002-06:00

Just asking: If Prince Fielder winds up entertaining offers of seven years, wouldn't that put him back in range of Milwaukee Brewers?--Olney

Supposedly, the Crew offered 5y/$100M+, and said a sixth year was something they would discuss...Boras never got back to them. Now, they've done a lot since then, extended Weeks, signed Ramirez and Gonzalez, settled with KRod in arby.

Rumor has it that DC and Prince are putting something in the 6-8 year range together. I said before last season that I thought Prince would end up in BAL or DC, and as things progressed, I just felt BAL made so much more sense (because of the DH, gaping hole at 1B, and need for a rebirth of the franchise), that eventually, he would end up there.

For Brewers' fans, DC is a near perfect destination, as their first round pick is the highest one that is not protected. A mid 1st round pick and a choice between the 1st and 2nd rounds is a pretty decent return.

2012-01-24T12:18:00.001-06:00

Braun has convinced an awful lot of us that he's not guilty, whether he's suspended or not. I agree, he ain't stupid.

2012-01-24T12:15:00.000-06:00

The Nats do seem destined to sign Prince. You wonder why it has not been done yet.

2012-01-23T22:29:00.002-06:00

I could have sworn Betemit signed with someone earlier this offseason. Another very nice pickup by the Orioles. Impressed with what Duquette has done with budget limitations.

2012-01-23T20:58:00.002-06:00

Nicole Brown Simpson, dead for 17.5 years, is the #1 search on Yahoo, because LA detective Phil Van Atter passed away.

2012-01-23T19:12:00.000-06:00

Just got an e-mail from a reader who claims Dan Patrick also said two other Brewers had high levels (but apparently under the limit) when they were tested the same time as Braun. said the tests were said by some to be out of whack, for some reason.

This does not mean Braun's results were wrong, or that he'll be found not guilty, but there seems to be some oddities.

2012-01-23T15:56:00.002-06:00

I've said it before, but I wish they'd stop doing the lottery for Opening Day tickets. It makes them seem hokey and kind of unprofessional.

If they do have extras, give the full season ticketholders a chance to buy them up. Still some left? Put 'em online with the other 80 games.

2012-01-23T15:53:00.002-06:00

Mitch Stetter (and Sean Green) both sign with TEX.

A loogy and a roogy, you have to wonder if Mike Maddux may have said nice things about Mitch, who has been effective when healthy the past few years, unless a RH steps into the box.

2012-01-23T15:22:00.001-06:00

Braun said to be upbeat, will be at On Deck event.

If he is suspended before then, I doubt he'll be there.

2012-01-23T14:28:00.002-06:00

I'm pro-choice, and also anti-abortion, which I realize straddles that fence in a manner usually reserved for those in elected office. I just don't feel the government has any right to tell people what to do, at least until the baby (and yes, we all know it's a baby, let's not be ignorant and call it an embryo) can live on it's own, which is about 5 months into the pregnancy. If technology someday allows a fertilized egg to survive just after conception, I'll be in favor of ending abortion. Until that day, to me, it's a medical procedure that I wish fewer women would choose to have.

All that said, remember when Obama was a brilliant speaker? Saying abortion gives our daughters the same opportunity to succeed as our sons has to be one of the clumsiest statements in presidential history.

2012-01-23T14:24:00.001-06:00

Direct quotes from Dan Patrick, hat tip to JS:

"There were whispers that this was a personal medical issue, that he was taking something for that, that may have spiked his test. I since found out (Sunday) that that is not the case.

"Ryan Braun may be exonerated here. He may be found innocent. And judging from all of the information I was told, there's a good chance that he should be."

Patrick went on to say that MLB is "cut and dried" about what is allowed to be in a player's system but said what Braun tested positive for "wasn't a masking agent."

"The bigger issue here is the testing and was Ryan Braun a victim of the testing by Major League Baseball," added Patrick. "Let's see how this plays out... The feeling I got (Sunday) from somebody involved in the process in this, it's not as cut and dried as people would think. And Ryan Braun may be an innocent man."

And by the way, not only did MLB allow the original test result to leak, they also have a leak in the appeal process. Painful.

2012-01-23T14:18:00.000-06:00

BAL trying to lure money from Angelos to bid for Prince.

2012-01-23T14:15:00.001-06:00

So sad to hear about passing of former Packers radio voice, Jim Irwin. He was kind, gracious... a Wisconsin treasure. Rest in peace, Jim.--TMJ

I loved Jim, and his unabashed homerism. A sad day for those of my generation who listened to sports on the radio. Condolences to his friends and family.

2012-01-23T14:10:00.002-06:00

Dan Patrick among the first to cautiously take Braun's side.

I don't think Ryan took a PED, I think he may have taken a drug or something that either fooled the machine or has side effects that spikes testosterone/shows up as synthetic (and, if it's man made, probably is)

2012-01-23T14:08:00.001-06:00

Conference Championship games averaged a 29.1 rating and 53.7 million viewers...most-watched Conference Championship Sunday in 30 years.

Two great games too, which kept the viewers watching 'til the end, which probably helped immensely.

2012-01-23T14:04:00.001-06:00

Breakfast burritos made, and sadly, I probably ate several slices of bacon when you add up all the "little bites" I took. Extra time on the bike for me.

We watched Shark Tank, we enjoyed it, but the Rambling son thought it moved a bit slowly. Of course, his generation's attention span is about the same as a gnat's, but hence the world we live in.