Saturday will be a telling day in Roenicke era for Brewers

It might be hard to fathom, at first, but Saturday night's tilt with the Reds for Ron Roenicke and the Brewers will be very telling how how much the skipper, just one game into his tenure and his managerial career, has rubbed off on his team.
You would normally see the team take on some of its manager's qualities through the course of the season, but with the way Thursday's game unfolded, Saturday should have some signs all over it to show us how much the players are buying into Roenicke's formula as manager.
The game was going according to plan until the bottom of the ninth inning derailed everything and swung against the Brewers in Roenicke's debut. I know baseball players are programmed to forget what happened the day, but in the first game, with a new manager, with (maybe unfairly) high expectations surrounding the team, players have to know the skipper has their back.
As I wrote yesterday, Thursday was just one game of 162. From the players perspective, yes they had the spring to get used to their new manager, but at the same time still weren't in games that mattered. The off day today had to be spent at least having the conversation with Axford telling him he's still the guy. And telling Casey McGehee that he made the play he though was right.
For McGehee, Roenicke already showed him he had his back by coming out to argue the call. Something that makes him stick out even more after just one game as the manager. He was out arguing two calls Thursday. Something that maybe the previous manager of the team does not do. He showed he stood behind his players until the end.
Some will say he wasn't so stern after the game. Well, to that I say the game was over and in the game of baseball, it was already lost. Yes, it was a heartbreaker, but it was nothing to jump off a bridge over. As the guy leading the team, his demeanor, even at the Major League level, could be picked up by the players. If he's not too down by it all, they won't be down that much on the game and can move forward with the season.
The one thing about Roenicke that has stood out the most has been his transparency and honesty when asked about certain situations. He doesn't waste the media's time and was hardly putting on a sherade after the game Thursday after the loss. He truly was ready to move on. He will go back to Axford in the ninth inning. He did not dance around the fact that the baseline rule he went out to argue was too close to make a call. The umpire made a call and stuck with it. There was nothing more Roenicke could do.
The sun will come up Saturday morning, and the Brewers will play Saturday night. After being proven right with a couple moves that saw Carlos Gomez hitting second in the batting order and Wil Nieves catching on Opening Day, Roenicke can only hope to have that same magic for Game 2 of the season. This time, let's hope it lasts for nine full innings, not just 8 and a half.

It's late on a Friday night and the Nussie Hunter can only think about what the weekend holds. There are two great events going on, besides the Brewers games, in the Final Four and Wrestlemania. The WWE is known for having some of the hottest women in the world working for them. The Bella Twins are no exceptions. Just look at them. There's not only one, but two of them. Yes, I follow them on Twitter and they're funny, too. You can see more of them (and the rest of the amazing WWE Divas) on WWE.com, here.

Stepping back from the ledge after Day 1 of Brewers season

There were a lot of things to digest from the first Brewers game of the season Thursday. It's safe to say though, the one that sticks around the most was the sick-to-your-stomach feeling left after closer John Axford allowed four runs in the bottom of the ninth to let what looked like a sure win, slip away.
Initially, yes, I was upset and disappointed. Yes, Axford has had a rough spring and this outing only adds to the chaos that has been his month of March. I am a little concerned, but following how he handles himself, I'm confident he can work out of it and get back on track.
What I don't understand are the people who automatically jumped off the proverbial bridge calling Axford washed up and putting him in the same sentence as Derek Turnbow. It's one game people. Yes, he got some pitches up and gave up a big home run (how odd does a shot to right field look to a right-handed hitter?), but this is 1/162 of the season. It's hardly the end of the world.
Now, it sounds like I'm being a tad hypocritical, but think about it for a second. Yes, I was encouraged by what Yovani Gallardo was able to do on the mound in his six solid innings. The top five spots in the order all got hits for the Brewers (while only Wil Nieves got a hit for the rest of the order). Rickie Weeks had a home run (as the first Brewer to lead off the season with a homer) and a double. Ryan Braun was on base four times and was absolutely crushing the baseball. All of that is great. But I'm also not thinking they are all amazing.
Axford will tell you he has room to improve. Heck, so will Kameron Loe, who gave up a homer himself, and so would Casey McGehee, who was part of a wild play that kept the game alive for the Reds in the ninth. But, those guys have earned a few chances and I'm confident their overall body of work for this season will be very solid and this will have just been a bump in the road.
Don't get me wrong, getting this win would have been great for the Brewers psyche. After going 3-11 against the Reds last season, the Brewers desperately need to turn things around against the team that won the NL Central last season and has plans of doing it again this season. Going into their stadium on Opening Day and playing as convincingly as they did for 8 and a half innings would have had to send a bit of a message to the Reds.
Baseball isn't like football where you can live and die with every game. This one will have to be nearly forgotten and put in the rearview mirror for the Brewers. The best part of it all is, there's a game Saturday and Sunday, giving them a chance to put it behind them and move on. That's what makes this game great.
Please, put your jump to conclusion mats away people!!!


With Opening Day upon, that has to mean Wrestlemania is very close, too. In fact, it's Sunday. It's one of those things you have to take in every year and appreaciate the entertainment that is WWE. It's so good. This year, Shawn Michaels is getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. I have to think he is going to have a hand in keeping the Undertaker undefeated at Wrestlemania. Here's more of the brainchild of Vince McMahon in photos from the good folks at Sports Illustrated.

Time to jump right into the Nussie Hunter portion of today's post. I was checking out Coed Magainze today and came across a Nussie I probably should have known sooner. Her name is Rali Ivanova. She's a Twitter star, judging by the amazing TwitPics she posts. So much so, the good folks at Coed posted a TwitPic gallery of hers. Damn! Here's a sample and you can check out the rest, here. Oh, and don't forget to check her out on Twitter. I just followed her!

Axford opens selection of entrance music to Brewers fans

The opening of the Major League Baseball season is about five weeks away and Brewers closer John Axford has yet to choose his entrance music for the ninth inning at Miller Park.
Well, to be clear, he has narrowed it down to 15 songs and left the rest up to the fans to help him pick the one he will use as early as April 4 at Miller Park.
He made the announcement on his Twitter and Facebook pages and posted a poll, equipped with links to all 15 songs on his Facebook page. Be sure to check out all 15 of the choices and vote for yourself. This is a full democracy!
I went through all 15 songs and tried to imagine them raining over Miller Park for the ninth inning with the game on the line and came down to my Top 5. I weighed song title and open of the song as to how it would be received by the fans when the mustached man makes his entrance from the bullpen. I'll start you down from No. 5 to the one I voted for.

5. Rush "Working Man" The title says it all and I like the guitar riff at the start. Rush is always a good choice.


4. Audioslave "Cochise" This one starts out so strong and would be an absolute banger at the Cathedral. Pretty badass for a closer because of how it builds up to the open.


3. Omen "The Axeman" Umm, doesn't the title say enough? He IS the Axeman. I wouldn't be upset if this won.


2. Metallica "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Pretty sure this is an obvious choice given what Trevor meant to the development to John last year when he took over the roll. The only thing I could see against this would be that he wouldn't want to ride Trevor's coat tails and would want to move on to something fresh.


**My Pick**
1. Linkin Park "No More Sorrow" I love the buildup this song has and can totally see John trotting in from the pen and the place absolutely going nuts. And of course, he has no sorrow for those left in his path in earning save after save as the team rolls.


Going to move right into the Nussie Hunter portion of the broadcast and introduce you to Gemma Merna. I've never heard of the show Hollyoaks, but I guess she's good in it. Well, the one thing I do know is she looks damn good in her underwear in the latest Loaded Magazine. Take a look for yourself with these and the sample below.

Annoyance of the week: Packers dynasty talk

Maybe it's the Bears fan in me, but I'm thinking it's more of the sports fan in me when a talk of "Dynasty" comes up. That's what made all the talk this week about the Packers being able to get back to the Super Bowl for MANY years to come.
My favorite Packers writer, Jason Wilde, had it about right with his post earlier this week on them "being built to last" but that doesn't mean they'll get back to the big game multiple times over the next handful of years.
Now, before you jump down my back, hear me out here. You can look at history to show you dynasties don't come around too often. You can look at more recent history and see they are even more uncommon.
Let's look at that recent history. Dan Marino went to the Super Bowl in his rookie season. He never went back.
The very next year, the Chicago Bears were supposed to be the next dynasty after winning the Super Bowl with the youngest team in the NFL. Well, the strike in 1987 derailed that, after the Bears made the NFC title game in January 1987.
The 49ers, Cowboys and Bills are all dynasties of the 90s and late 80s, so there's a point to you Packers fans thinking it was going to happen.
But the Packers in 96 and 97 were thought to have many more coming, but Brett Favre never made it back after that, either.
In the 2000s the Rams had two years. The Giants have gone twice, with vastly different teams, but the last team, that beat the Pats was supposed to be a young group and could be a dynasty, but that went nowhere.
Yes, the Patriots are the only dynasty in the last 10 years. I would not count the Steelers, because for me, one of the criteria for a dynasty is at least back-to-back appearance in the Super Bowl.  Yes, they could have won three, but that doesn't do it for me.
So, can the Packers become a dynasty? It's possible. For me, though, for all of those guys that had to step up this year, that means more guys think they deserve a piece of the pie and want to get the payday they feel they deserve either with the Packers or somewhere else if the Packers won't give it too them. That will make things a little more difficult for the Packers. That will already start this offseason (after a CBA gets agreed upon) when a handful of guys, including A.J. Hawk could end up in different places. Hawk is due $10 million if he stays around and was on the trading block before injuries went down, but Ted Thompson is not the guy that spend big money on good players.
To me, it was a perfect storm that got the Packers here. The story surrounding the Packers is injuries, but for them to not strike the key parts for multiple games (Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews each missed one) and it was up to the role players to come through when called upon. The chances for those guys to come through in the future is less likely. Obviously the core should stay in tact, but look at every title team in every sport and it's those role players that make the difference. Dare I say this was the best group of role players ever assembled outside of the big time players on the team and if a big chunk of them seek out the big payday, things could go south.
The one thing the Packers have to control this is what Thompson and Mike McCarthy have taken a lot of credit for over the last couple of months and that is talent evaluation. They might be two of the best at it in the NFL. That will be the biggest key to keeping things going and getting the Packers back to the Super Bowl. If some of those role players leave, different guys will have to be ready.
Things will have to fall perfectly for that to happen, though, and I don't think it will.


The big news yesterday from 1 Miller Park Way was the Brewers announcing their bobblehead days. As a fan, this might be as big of a day for me as Opening Day. This is the day I plan out and know at least a handful of games I will be attending. Leaving with some free garb doesn't hurt things.
Here's the schedule (And the full schedule from the Brewers)
Sun. April 24: John Axford Bobblehead (It's what's pictured and looks awesome!)
Sun. May 22: Casey McGehee Bobblehead (My favorite guy, so you know I'm pumped for this)
Sun. June 12: Zack Greinke Bobblehead (The Cy Young winner and the guy lots are putting all their hope behind)
Sun. July 10: Hot Dog Bobblehad
Sun. Aug. 14: Craig Counsell Bobblehead (Milwaukee's favorite son in his final season)
Sun. Sept. 25: Randy Wolf bobblehead (Have to give the big money guy his bobble)
While I was a bit upset there was no Yovani Gallardo bobble, I saw Adam McCalvy post this on his blog and it was pretty clear he was flexed out in favor of Greinke in what could be his only year in town. It's a safe choice and Yo is here for a few more years, so it's not the time to get upset about this. Either way, this should be a great season. All of those, minus the hot dog, will be welcome additions to my bobble family.

A bit of this day in history before we get into the Nussie Hunter segment. Bust Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson on this day in 1991. So good and so historical.


Now to the Nussie Hunter. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will show up in my mailbox next week and the folks at SI are drubbing up the press machine for it. One of our favorite girls, Brooklyn Decker was featured on this promo poster below. Will she make it back to back years on the cover? We'll have to see. Either way, check this out. And get ready for Monday night on Letterman to see who is on the cover!

Brewers farm system depleted by offseason moves

Hey all. I do some work for Examiner.com and would like you to check it out. I wrote a story today on the Baseball America Prospect list and how the Brewers system is depleted.
Yes, it is depleted, but to me, that's for the better. Things are promising for 2011 with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum in the fold.
Follow the link to the story and be sure to comment and let me know what you think!
I plan on linking the stories from here on out. So you won't have to check both places.

A year of Wilber's Way: Of course we back MJ!

It's been a year since I went from standard sports nerd who would bicker to anyone who listened to a sports nerd with his own .com. It's hard to believe, but I have a couple special treats and thank-yous for you the fans that have made this space both a success and a blast for me to pen when I've gotten a chance in the past year.


I have to start the day with a discussion on Michael Jordan's comments regarding LeBron James and the trio that has formed in Miami. If you haven't read the comments, be sure to check them out, here.
Now before everybody jumps and asks what does MJ have to do with any of this, let me say he's one of the greats, of course some guy with a microphone on NBC is going to ask.
But I want to look at what he's saying for a minute. Michael is one of the fiercest competitors out there. And as he said he would have never called up Larry or Magic to join forces. And while it wasn't just him that won those six NBA titles, when the game was on the line, everyone, including Scottie, deferred to him to deliver. Then when MJ gave it up to Paxson, B.J. or Steve Kerr, they delivered.
I know you're thinking that Michael didn't speak up when Karl Malone and Gary Payton went to play for the Lakers. But look where they were in their careers. Both were in the twilights of it all and came on as role players to help Kobe. You almost wanted to see them win it.
And what about KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Boston? KG had suffered for years in Minnesota, getting one real legit run with Sam Cassel and Latrell Spreewell. And Ray made noise in Milwaukee with the Bucks in 2001, but nothing before getting dealt to the Sonics and was looking for something big. It made sense and you felt for all three guys. Especially after the Celtics lost out on the No. 1 pick in the draft months prior to Danny Ainge making the trades to get that team together.
This Heat team is different, LeBron is coming off back-to-back MVP seasons and Dwyane Wade carried the team to an NBA title a couple years back. He just needed help. So he goes and gets Chris Bosh, who has not even played in a playoff game, as an inside presence, and said two-time MVP. It seems to me like LeBron doesn't want to be "the guy" when it matters and will defer to Wade in the crunch time. Now Bosh is no Magic or Bird, but Wade and James are two of the top three players in the NBA right now. Some compare it to the AAU mentality that a lot of the guys have in the league today, and I see it. Most of the top teams have ridiculous names on the same team because they are friends. It's not something we've seen in the NBA, EVER.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see if it's the move that will get the Heat many titles, not just one.

OK, moving on to some fun stuff as part of the year-celebration, I found this picture of Carl Pavano growing his mustache.


Now I'm all about a guy growing his mustache out as part of the team, but Jimmy Traina at SI.com's Hot Clicks does not even mention John Axford, who saved yet another game tonight for the Brewers after taking over for the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman.


Decide for yourself which is better, but I'm going with the Ax!

Alright, now for the REALLY good stuff as part of the year celebration, the Nussie Hunter has not one, but two Nussies for your enjoyment.
The first is Anna Kournikova, who threw out the first pitch at a Cardinals game a couple days ago. I'm the farthest thing from a Cards fan, but she looks great in pig tails and the jersey, if I must say so. You can see more here.


Alright, now the second Nussie of the day has been all over the dude sites the past couple weeks and next month with grace the pages the Playboy. If you don't know her yet in America, you need to. Her name is Kelly Brook and she really hasn't done anything than be a WAG, but she looks damn good in a bikini, as you can see below. And check out a ton more, here!

If the Brewers are going to turn it around, now's the time

I know I haven't written too frequently to start the baseball season, but let's be real, there hasn't been much positive to write about and I don't really think you want to hear me rant on my Brewers, so I've limited it to about once a week.
During that time I've had a few friends of mine tell me "Two more losses and I'm done with this team. Getting ready for Packers Training Camp." After I stopped shaking my head at their bit of fair weather fandom that I hate, I took a look at the calendar and realized the "Brewers Love" that has surrounded Milwaukee the last two summers could really take a hit unless things turn around on this homestand.
Here's why, the Astros (15-29) and the Mets (22-23) are both last place teams in their respective divisions and both are horid on the road. Both are also quite horrible on the road. The Astros come in 6-11 away from Minute Maid Park and the Mets are 6-14 away from Citi Field. I know the Brewers are the only team in the NL at 4-14 at home that have not won double-digit games at home so far this season. So something has to give. I don't see them struggling at home all season and there is no time like now to turn this thing around and start making hay at the Cathedral that Selig built.
Just as Adam McCalvy wrote on Brewers.com yesterday, the Brewers are in line to hit one of the "ups" of the roller coaster that is the MLB season
Let's start with the Astros, they do come to town first, and the pitching matchups are relatively favorable for this offense to catch a little fire. (PROBABLE PITCHERS)
 It starts Tuesday night with Randy Wolf, who himself needs to bust out of his slump, going against Felipe Paulino who is 0-6 with a 5.36 ERA. That has slump buster written all over it if you ask me.
Wednesday night (a game I will be in the 223 for) is probably the toughest matchup of the series when Roy Oswalt (2-6, 2.66 ERA) takes on Chris Narveson (4-1, 5.17 ERA). Oswalt has taken the loss because the offense hasn't been able to get him run support, so if they can put a couple on him early, Narv Dog can settle in.
Thursday afternoon has Dave Bush making his first start since he only got one out against the Twins Friday night. To be honest, I'm not so confident in him as I have been. He was probably the most consistent hurler they had last year and hasn't shown any signs of even being the same guy on the mound. Brett Meyers (3-3, 3.25 ERA) hasn't been a slouch this season for the Astros and won't be easy to get past.
The Brewers are just one game better than the Astros in the running for the worst record in the NL and I know for a fact they are better than that. Now is the time to prove it. If the bullpen can use today's off day to get right and lined up and a starter can actually get through seven innings (I know I'm asking for a lot) things might fall into place for Braddock, Axford and Hoffman to close things out like they did Sunday.
Now to the Mets, they are dropping like a rock in the NL East and can't win on the road. With Johan Santana (4-2, 3.41 ERA) on the mound Friday night, that might look tough, but the Brewers seem to hit him well. It might be a game Yovanni Gallardo starts which could make it a big-time pitching matchup. As of Monday night the Brewers have not scheduled a starter. But I'd venture to guess they'd go with Yo just to give them the chance to win.
That leaves Saturday open and would could be Manny Parra or Marco Estrada, but could also be Chris Capuano, who would have to be on the 25-man roster by that point or he could ask to become a free agent. Have you seen the way he's pitched? I'd say it's worth a shot. As The Brewers Bar points out, here are the options to make that happen. I'm on board with those. Vargas would be the odd man out, but fresh arms are needed and he's not producing.

OK, now for some good stuff. The Chicago Blackhawks punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals yesterday. That's great, but Duncan Keith stole the show by losing 4 teeth and not missing much time on the ice. Here he is postame.


On a non sports, but a damn funny note, found this on SI.com's Hot Clicks today. The Onion is a damn good source of news. HONK, HOOONK, HONK!

Tired Of Traffic? A New DOT Report Urges Drivers: 'Honk'

And finally, it's time for our Nussie Hunter. Now, we like women that like sports. If they're hot, it only adds to the awesomeness. Meet Jenn Sterger. She's been on my radar for awhile, working for SI, ABC Sports and now Versus for The Daily Line. She's on Twitter, has a blog and does a knock down job on the DL. I'm not just saying that to try to get to interview her for this space (Jenn, if you're reading this, hit me up on my Twitter link above!), but because hot girls in sports suck. But if they know what they are talking about, totally fit in. Well, Jenn just shot some photos for Maxim. Check them out.
Here's a sample.