Al's Ramblings

2012-01-31T16:47:00.001-06:00

This is why they need to verify the signatures. Fraud is rampant, as rules are only for the little people.

2012-01-31T16:44:00.002-06:00

The 43rd Annual WSOP will take place from May 27 to July 16, 2012.--Rio Vegas

Yet another year I will not be there. Full schedule out tomorrow.

2012-01-31T16:41:00.003-06:00

Obama is simply out of his element when talking to the public.

Of course, having spent his life at Harvard and then organizing, it should come as no surprise. In business, you learn how to communicate with everyone.

2012-01-31T16:34:00.002-06:00

Both Letters of Intents are in... Lookin at both of dem and is like Damn--DeAndre Herron

Herron is a top OL prospect from Indiana, who committed to Louisville a long time ago. He has since visited Indiana and is trying to decide between Louisville and Indiana. I would assume he's struggling because his home state team has appeal, and he'd probably get to play sooner. Who knows, he might well have a girlfriend he would like to stay close to.

Talk about a strange thing...many high school athletes would give anything to have a D1 scholarship offer...heck, in the Wausau area, the news covers a D2 signing just as heavily as a D1, and often carries D3 and NAIA signings. At this moment, he'd probably give anything to just have it be done.

2012-01-31T16:19:00.002-06:00

AZ looks to lessen union influence, because they can't afford not to.

I blame Walker.

In twenty years, no one will remember these days, and people will wonder how states could have ever paid such insane bills. The answer, of course, is we couldn't, we just ran deficits every year.

2012-01-31T16:05:00.002-06:00

Brewers introduce peanut free zones, for three games. I guess we'll see if there's a demand.

2012-01-31T15:57:00.001-06:00

Wall Street Journal story blasts global warming and its doomsday, panic ridden believers. Says to simply "follow the money."

History will show this to be a moneymaking pyramid scheme, though somehow, it will probably blame W.

2012-01-31T13:59:00.001-06:00

Yo will be the 2nd bobble of 2012.

2012-01-31T12:37:00.002-06:00

Special forces will be especially hurt by defense cuts.

As the article says, I have a spare tire in my car, not because I'll need it today, but because I know I'll need it someday.

I'm frustrated because they spend money like it doesn't matter, and when the talk turns to cuts, they run straight to the military.

Seal team 6 may be Seal team 4 1/2 soon.

Peace through strength. Knowing you will die if you challenge the US troops is all the motivation most need.

2012-01-31T12:14:00.001-06:00

Pro Bowl ratings very good.

2012-01-31T12:01:00.002-06:00

Bovada Poker announces a two month series of tournaments, Feb. 6- Apr. 1, big guarantee for the main event.

Since the DOJ has stated online poker is legal at the moment (a few months after they in effect, shut it down, we're in the very best of hands), feel free to go to Bovada (Bovada is what used to be Bodog, by the way) and get ready to play, nanny staters be damned.

The irony is, there are literally hundreds of offshore sports books operating, which is illegal per the 1960 Wire Act, and the DOJ has not done a thing to prosecute them. Even George Orwell would shake his head.

2012-01-31T11:55:00.001-06:00

Badgers' basketball team stopped at Joe Paterno statue, left behind a signed cap. As his former players said with disgust, people sure are a lot more willing to stand behind now than they were a couple months ago.

Witch hunts tend to end badly.

2012-01-30T21:31:00.001-06:00

Several teams looking for a 2/3 who can score, per Hoops Hype and Hoops World.

2012-01-30T21:19:00.001-06:00

I've mentioned before that Jackson and Devin Harris match up almost perfectly money wise for a trade. Chris Kaman makes $4.8M more, so that's not going to work.

2012-01-30T21:16:00.000-06:00

Stephen Jackson did not play in the first half. This occurs often when a team has a trade in the works, as the Hornets have not played Chris Kaman since they decided to deal him last week.

EDIT: Beno and Brandon played at the same time, so something is up. They haven't done that for a month.

EDIT 2: Bucks up 20, 2 minutes left, bench cleared, Jackson still sits. Something's up, and Jim/Jon seem to be going out of their way not to bring it up.

2012-01-30T20:36:00.002-06:00

Outstanding group of minor league free agents signed by the Cubs. Theo writing off 2010, for the most part, but they have a solid foundation in place.

2012-01-30T18:36:00.003-06:00

GAB delays posting recall petitions online. it's evaluating privacy concerns, They are official public documents now, privacy out the window.--Kurt Sculler

Apparently, the GAB is afraid Mickey Mouse and Adolf Hitler will be offended. Kurt is correct, public documents should be "public," and should be online already.

2012-01-30T16:22:00.003-06:00

Brewers sign Corey Patterson to minor league deal. Veteran OF to play LF in Nashville Gord Ash spoke of, I assume. About a .300/.415 career hitter vs. RHP, can't hit LHP at all.

Patterson is fast and is solid defensively, but has never hit enough to get much playing time. That said, as AAA depth, he's a solid option. With Logan Schafer and Caleb Gindl also in Nashville, and also LH hitters on the 40 man, I doubt Corey will get a look in MIL, but he's a good guy to have. I'm sure Doug would trade him for nothing if another team called and promised him a 25 man spot.

And yes, Corey spent a month or so in Nashville and September with the Crew in 2009, so I'm sure that relationship led to this signing. Patterson is one of those guys just on the cusp of being a 5th OF, but just has never developed the plate discipline. Nice AAA depth, but if he's in the majors for any length of time with the Crew, lots has gone wrong.

Adam confirms the plan is for Patterson to play LF in Nashville. At this point, I assume Corey is just looking for regular playing time to be noticed and get a major league spot.

2012-01-30T16:13:00.001-06:00

Reasonable profits board may be the most frightening idea to capitalism of out lifetime. No surprise noted socialist Dennis Kucinich is pitching the idea.

2012-01-30T15:43:00.001-06:00

Wisconsin Department of Corrections releases prisoner data. 21,095 total prisoners; the DOC considers 12,720 as violent.--WI Reporter

I wonder what the criteria is, as over half seems much higher than I would have guessed.

2012-01-30T14:49:00.004-06:00

Federal government surveys show hunger and poverty is almost nonexistent in the US.

I've discussed this many time, as only in America is someone with a house, car, cable/satellite TV, dishwasher, AC, cell phone, and DVD/DVR considered "poor."

In many nations, this is considered royalty/very wealthy.

This will be completely ignored in the old media, though it says a lot about the extreme optimism that many of us see in Reagan's America.

2012-01-30T14:31:00.000-06:00

Lucroy will the first bobblehead of 2012.

Nice likeness.

2012-01-30T12:47:00.002-06:00

Occupy thug murders parents.

These are the types of people we're dealing with. I find it hilarious that some just keep making excuses for them. Druggies and scum are bad, bad people.

You have to keep in mind, regular people are far too busy with their lives too stand outside all day. When you can, you are either making cash there or being supported. It is basically a recipe for drug dealers and drug users to clutter the cityscape.

2012-01-30T12:41:00.001-06:00

Parra claims to be 100% and ready to go.

2012-01-30T12:35:00.001-06:00

MLB releases entire 2012 schedule today. Brewers do not open open first day, as many teams play Thursday and then use Friday as the makeup date.

2012-01-29T22:25:00.002-06:00

Help Lindsay make it to the Fan Cave!

I'll just come out and say it...Lindsay is quite attractive, but somehow approachable. Sure she'd shoot us down, but she'd be nice about it.

2012-01-29T21:26:00.002-06:00

No motion or shifting by the offense
Defense must run a 4-3 at all times
No press coverage except inside the 5 yard line
No blitzing
Not allowed to rush a punt, PAT or FG attempt--special rules for Pro Bowl

The Rambling brother just e-mailed asking if I was watching the game, and I had actually just switched over from the CONCAF women's final. I wonder why no press coverage is allowed, as the game is plenty offensive in nature. I read no 3 WR sets were allowed, but that must have been changed, as I've seen several.

2012-01-29T20:02:00.002-06:00

Public transit often gets you there late and grumpy.

I've told this story before, but I always used to give an associate at TRU a ride home on Sunday nights, because if she left the store at 9PM, she would get home at 10:45. If I gave her a ride, she'd get home at...wait for it, 9:12. It was up the highway a mile, take the exit, and less than a mile from there. It was so long because the 9:10 bus might come at 9:05, or maybe 9:30, and then, she had to change buses after waiting 25-30 minutes.

No one puts up with that unless they simply have no choice.

2012-01-29T19:12:00.001-06:00

The Orioles are pursuing Koji Uehara of the Rangers as well as McClellan, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.--MLBTR

BAL continues to make very good moves for a team in their position. Not only will those players help immensely, both could have a ton of value at the trade deadline as well.

2012-01-29T18:40:00.001-06:00

Just had someone tell me there was no damage to anything, and the police are making it all up.

The color must be an incredible shade of dumb in their world.

2012-01-29T18:22:00.004-06:00

Occupy Oakland throws rocks and bottles at police, then complain about being tear gassed. Damn near destroyed city hall.

As I predicted, the druggies and thugs that make up the group have pretty much gone back to shooting up and vandalizing, except where the weather is still warm, where unfortunately, they're still violent and ne'er-do-wells, and accomplishing absolutely nothing.

Pelosi and Reid, by the way, have not spoken out against these clods at all, after ignorantly supporting them back when they were thought of as too stoned to do much damage.

2012-01-29T15:34:00.000-06:00

I wish someone would decide what catastrophic climate condition I should stay awake worrying about at night.

And yes, the planet's warming trend ended in 1997, almost to the day when Al Gore started preaching and lying to us, as he made his fortune lacking honesty and ethics.

EDIT: Already an e-mail asking how gratifying it is to see Gore's fictionumentary literally rendered worthless. It's been fiction to me since it came out, and thousands of e-mails prove it. It ain't science, it's fraud for profit.

EDIT 2: Don expects the US media to bury their heads in the sand...does not fit the narrative. And, to be blunt, it's embarrassing to be 100% wrong for the past fifteen years. Like the climategate e-mail scandal, the old media will cover other stuff and continue to forget to ask Obama why they have not submitted a budget in three years, while then asking Gingrich when he quit beating his 2nd and 3rd wife.

2012-01-29T15:14:00.003-06:00

Sure sounds like a

Hart
Morgan/Gomez
Braun
Ramirez
Weeks
Gamel/RH half of platoon
Gonzalez
Lucroy
pitcher

batting order. Of course, minor adjustments could be made, depending on preferences and requests. Who knows, Gonzalez may ask to hit 8th, as he has often hit in that spot.

2012-01-29T14:34:00.000-06:00

I asked a kid if he got Prince Fielder's autograph. He said no. I said neither did we.--Doug Melvin

Heh.

2012-01-29T13:13:00.002-06:00

Lots of complaints about size of crowd and length of lines at Brewers On Deck. Great to see huge crowds, even if it is for something I have less than no interest in. The good thing is, it's like a couple months of sound clips in one day.

2012-01-29T13:08:00.002-06:00

I'm not extremely excited but I'll do whatever they want me to do--Corey Hart, on playing 1B

I doubt he plays there myself, as they don't seem to have a RH hitting option for RF, and it seems unlikely Hart will be comfortable there. I still think Brooks Conrad, or an as of yet unsigned player will end up platooning with Mat.

2012-01-29T13:03:00.004-06:00

Surprised to hear Weeks does not consider himself at 100% yet, three months after he last played and with rest and rehab since.

He was probably playing at 60-70% when he came back. He did not look like himself, especially in the field. Pain has a way of doing that.

2012-01-29T11:46:00.002-06:00

Charlie Sykes' dog is dying. His wife writes about it here.

Tough stuff if you love dogs, not to mention have a graying soon to be 16 year-old cocker spaniel who grows more weary by the day.

2012-01-29T11:40:00.002-06:00

Brewers expect to have record attendance season.

Expect might be a bit strong, but that's their goal, and I'm sure they're excited and also trying to create a buying atmosphere. Remember, a ticket purchased now is one less that has to be sold later, be it on a snowy, windy night or a damp, chilly evening in September.

It goes unsaid also that they expect to have a contending team. If they're 55-61 in mid-August, lots of luck selling those remaining weeknights the rest of the way. That's why they want to sell them now.

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.