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Showing posts with label Charlie Tritschler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlie Tritschler. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

RISP: The Scariest Acronym For A Brewer Fan

As a fan, you hate to see things keep happening every year.  For Marquette, it is that they never have a big man who can make an impact on the game.  For the Green Bay Packers, they have played down to their opponent way too many times, take the 7-3 loss to Detroit for an example.  For the Milwaukee Brewers, it's scoring with runners in scoring position. 

The Brewers went 2 for 23 over the last two games in the split against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and right now, they are hitting .21l with RISP on the road.  That is a sign that this team is nowhere near being a team who can challenge for the National League Central.  The Brewers have had this problem for what seems like my entire life. I cannot tell you how many times I can remember the Crew leaving the bases loaded with less than one out. Their other specialty is having one or two in scoring position with two out, Ryan Braun on deck, and they strikeout to end of the inning. 
I cannot decide what's more frustrating in baseball... having a team whose bullpen blows every game (see Houston Astros) or having a team who cannot deliver the big hit. I think that's asking if I would rather drink gasoline or antifreeze, both suck. The other thing with the lack of clutch hitting is it doesn't seem to just randomly appear so I think the RISP will be the root of most problems for the Brewers this season on the road because it sure as hell isn't pitching. Randy Wolf had one bad inning where he made a mistake with Matt Kemp, and was able to maintain his composure through five. 

Hopefully, the bats come out in Petco Park but that place is a house of horrors for the Crew. I believe the Crew gets going around nine tonight.  

-Charlie. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Pondering About The NBA Lottery

I have a real love/hate relationship with the NBA Draft Lottery.  I like that they do not use the traditional worst team picks first, but I hate how people make such a big deal out of it.  Especially since there is a good shot, the NBA will be heading to a lockout (love that word, pysch.).  Add also to the fact, this could be one of the least memorable draft classes in a long time.  The Milwaukee Bucks only have a 1.1 percent chance so it would be their luck that they get a high draft pick in what appears to be an irrelevant draft. But these are all assumptions, so until we watch these guys play, how are we certain they are all destined to be Stromile and Robert Swift?  Not related, I know shocking.  

Now, I am not NBA historian, but I decided to look at past drafts starting in 1997 to see if this really has the potential to be uglier than The Terminator's divorce.  Sometimes I think draft insiders look too much into things, and freak out when in reality, some of these guys are winners and it translates into good things at the next level.  I decide to look at guys who have all made key contributions to playoff teams, or been solid starters for teams. I end in 2009 because last year remains unclear.  


1997: Tim Duncan, Chauncey Billups, and Tracey McGrady
1998: Antwan Jamison, Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce
1999: Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Richard Hamilton, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry

2000: Kenyon Martin and Jamal Crawford (reaching a bit there) 
2001:  Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson, and Richard Jefferson
2002:  Nene, Amar'e Stoudamire and Caron Butler
2003: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Kirk Heinrich, and Nick Collison
2004: Dwight Howard, Devin Harris, Luol Deng, and Andre Iguodala
2005: Andrew Bogut, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, and Andrew Bynum
2006: LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, and Rudy Gay
2007: Kevin Durant, Al Hortford, Mike Conley, and Joakim Noah
2008: Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, and Eric Gordon
2009: Blake Griffin, James Harden (we think), and Brandon Jennings

If i peer into my crystal ball, I think the 2010 class has a chance to be similar with John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins for sure, and plenty of guys I wouldn't sleep on like Gordon Hayward or Paul George.  Basically, people believe this will be as worst as 2000 or 2002. I think 02' is more realistic because a lot of the busts in that draft were college-experienced players rather than high schoolers and foreign-born players. The likes of DaJuan Wagner and Chris Wilcox to name a few. 

For whatever it's worth, I love the way Derrick Williams plays and said in March, he would be an awesome piece to have for any team in the lottery.  I also think Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight could be pretty solid point guards in the league plus Jimmer Fredette will be great off the bench for a team who is on the cusp of making the playoffs. So if your team gets the first pick tonight carry a glass-half full approach and tell yourself it adds to your team plus he can contribute in the future.

-Charlie.

The Southwest Showdown

I have to tell you I am conflicted on who to pick for the Western Conference Finals.  The reason? Well there are so many tasty story lines for each team, we could serve them as a huge plate on an episode of Man v. Food.   There is so many things that interest me about this individual series, and then the series after it if either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Dallas Mavericks advance.  I don't care if I am the 2414th blogger to say this, but I am so happy to not see the same teams in the Conference Finals. It's a great change of pace, and either team in the NBA Finals will be a breath of fresh air. Hopefully I can figure out the pick by the end of this post.




NBA Playoffs 2011: Where
everyone including me jumped
back on the Dirk bandwagon

Dirk v. KD-  I trust Marc Stein of ESPN.com when he talks about Dallas, and he discussed at great length how Dirk isn't as bad of a defender that people make him out to be.  He says that he is a good team defender. I know he will not guard Kevin Durant, nor will Dirk guard KD, but he is one of the only players who can look Durant in the eye each time down the court. The funny thing is both of these players should guard each other, but worry about getting tired on the defensive end. I predict both guys have huge series unless they start matching up with each other. Also both of these players need to hammer the lane, and try to find the other so rack up the fouls early.

Old Fellas v. Young Gunnas- This is like watching a YMCA adult league where you see the older men maybe some former college stars taking the young, upbeat college kids for the championship. The Mavericks have a great number of players from my time growing up an NBA fan like Jason Kidd, Peja Stojakovic, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, and even Dirk. All of these guys are ring-less, and everyone of them minus Dirk knows this is their last shot at an NBA title.

In the other corner, Durant ready to put himself on the next level of superstars in the NBA, Russell Westbrook making the argument for either being the best second banana in the NBA, or the next Stephon Marbury, and Serge Ibaka on the cusp of being an All-Star player on both ends of the court. I can almost guarantee you there will be some chippy play in the first two games as a way for each side to establish themselves, just like in Y ball. The old men want to show these 'kids' who owns the court.

J-Kidd v. Russ- I heard Kidd's quote yesterday saying Westbrook is the second-fastest point guard he faces in the league right now, other than NBA MVP Derrick Rose.  Kidd is a crafty veteran, but I find it hard to believe he will be able to keep up with Westbrook for the entire series. Although Kidd is drinking from the fountain of youth that Mark Cuban bought his team before the playoffs so who knows maybe he can do it.  I do believe unlike the Memphis series, this could be a Westbrook-first series.  I think my biggest beef with Westbrook's shooting has been his lack of finishing near the paint therefore it looks like a shittier shot than it actually was.  Also it's not his fault Scott Brooks coaches with a children book instead of a playbook.

Mark Cuban- Notice how Cubes (people who are cool with him can call him that) is barely doing any interviews during the playoffs?  Just giving emphatic gestures from his seat like a proud father at his son's high school game.  He isn't giving any quotables to the opposing team or bitching about the officials.  I figured out  the reason why... Cuban has been burned before by David Stern, and he will be damned if it happens again to him.  Cuban knows like the players do, they have a great opportunity to win the whole thing, and Cubes opening his mouth will cause more trouble than anything else.

Every and I mean every NBA conspiracy theorist knows that's true, and would also feel it is poetic justice if Stern hands Cuban, the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Miami Screwjob.  In case you are wondering, this would rank 2nd in Awkward Sports Moments, only thing higher will be when Tiger Woods is set to win a major championship with his porn star girlfriend looking on.

Fear the Beard:  If I didn't mention James Harden, then I should not be discussing the NBA. Harden has finally stepped up to the plate and been the player we all expected him to be out of college. I have been very impressed with the way he has become a great role player for a playoff team. Also, if you are a regular reader here, you know I enjoy tremendous facial hair because I cannot grow a good beard to save my soul. The power of beard in sports has worked in mysterious ways this year with Brian Wilson's beard beginning the momentum then Brett Keisel's beard getting to the Super Bowl losing to one of the only things that can stop an epic beard.... the Green Bay Packers.  Also my buddy Microwave would probably pour a drink on me if I didn't add, he grew a Harden-like beard where I concluded he will be only non-Amish white guy to pull off this look.

Prediction: Originally in the latest Snotap pissing match also known as the NBA Bracket Challenge, I took the Thunder to the NBA Finals. So I would have to take them to win this series right?  Nope, I also took Dallas to lose in round 1 too, I think the Mavericks win because they have better coaching, not because they are more experienced, or Dirk is better than KD.  The Thunder will lose Game 5 or Game 6 because Scott Brooks gets outcoached by Rick Carlisle. After watching the three overtime game and other instances in the past month, I cannot trust Brooks any longer in this NBA Playoffs.


Dallas Mavericks in Six.

-Charlie.

First Taste: New Bon Iver



Bon Iver also known as Justin Vernon, the pride and joy of Eau Claire, Wisconsin released his first single off his new album, which drops in about a month. This is a good jam, and you can download it for free at pitchfork.com. Definitely something to put in your study mix this week if you still got finals like this poor sap.  I have one more thing to post, then I am done for the day.  More from me this week though, school's out.. blogs increase greatly.

-Charlie.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Time To Solve The Road Woes

The Milwaukee Brewers had a successful home stand going 5-1, putting their record at home at 13-6. The Crew has been nearly untouched when they tap the keg at Miller Park. But when they leave the friendly confines of Miller Park, they struggle like a Double A Baseball team with a record of 6-15.  I am one not to worry about things too early, but I really think the Brewers need to start showing some promise on the road in the upcoming four games on the West Coast. To me, it would be a sign that this team isn't average and inconsistent at best.

I know the Crew does not play well on the west coast, I really cannot explain it either. I don't know if the players get caught up in nice weather, the strippers, or the Sunset Strip, but they cannot seem to lock down on the West Coast. With their record currently at 18-21, winning the last five of six, the last thing the Brewers could afford to do is lose 3 of 4 and then be back where they started at the beginning of May. The NL West right now is garbage, and the Brewers take advantage of it this week.

They did last week against the San Diego Padres who they play again for two later this week. I mean excuse the Wednesday afternoon implosion, they played pretty solid against the Spanish Fathers. The Brewers send out Shaun Marcum tonight who is the Brewers best pitcher right now, and Randy Wolf goes the following night who has been a mixed bag all year. But Wolf has always seem to pitch well in his home state of Californina.  I also know these two guys need to have solid starts to try to preserve this bullpen. The rate we are going, I think Kameron Loe's arm will fall off the mound in a horrifying scene at some ballpark in the middle of June.

My dad and I talk all the time about how the Brewers are a team of mental giants.  They overthink everything, and I do believe they think they cannot hit the ball outside of Miller Park. Both of these stadiums are tough to get the balls into the bleachers so it will take a string of singles for the Brewers to get victories this week before heading back to Miller Park for another large home stand. If the Brewers could say get three out of four, the Brewers could be looking at a great month of May. 

-Charlie.

DOY: Taj Gibson!



I really think I need to go to the gym when I watch sports because something cool happens all the time. This happened in the gym, and the Big Cat working out next to me, I went absolutely bananas.  Big Cat looked at me like I was a Leper.  Seriously, just an awesome dunk. I love Dwyane Wade's attitude about the whole thing saying "I have done that 90 times to people, and it happened to me once."  "I will take the 90 to 1 ratio."

-Charlie.

First Taste: Houston's Superhero



Wow.  I have to assume that this guy was drunk because you can do some special shit with a nice buzz working like superhuman stuff.  If he did not have anything to drink, my next assumption is this guy is a parkour warrior, and he bet his friends he could escape Minute Maid back.  What an American hero. I got a couple things ready to go, but then I will be on my No Days Off flow for the rest of the day.      

-Charlie. 

Sunday, May 15, 2011

NBA Bracket Challenge Second Round Update

NBA Bracket Challenge: My table isn't going into Blogger right now, but basically as you can see the first number is the first round numbers, then the next number is the second round. The final number is the total amount of points. Mike Fant doing it big with Eric falling from 1st to 5th.
Mike Sant 32 34 66
Patrick 25 34 59
Charlie 26 30 56
Mitzy 27 22 49
Rocky 26 20 46
Easy E 32 12 44

Jordan T 25 12 37


If you forgot the rules here they are.  If someone feels I messed up the math, let me know.

Heat-Bulls Preview

If you were to rank the NBA Playoffs right now from the best teams to the worst remaining, BCS style, would the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat get the top spots?  I mean it might be crazy to think but if a team like Memphis or Oklahoma City gets into the NBA Finals, I will believe whoever loses this series got robbed at an opportunity to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.  People have jumped back on the 'Heat are unstoppable bandwagon,' and some are even calling for a quick series. I don't see that, and nor do I think the Heat are winning this series as I am taking the Chicago Bulls in seven games.

The first reason is obvious, Derrick Rose. The Heat has no point guard that can keep up with D-Rose in an enduring playoff series such as this one. Dywane Wade will do his best, but I do think a la Paul Pierce, his offensive numbers will fall off by exerting so much on the defense. Even though Wade is a top notch defender, Rose is so much quicker than anyone else on the court and find his way to the basket efficiently.  I think he learned a lot after losing game four by shooting over 30 times that he needs to do his best to get everyone involved in the offense.

While I was wavering on who to pick for this expected great series, Michael Wilbon of ESPN and noted Chicago fan made a great point about Luol Deng and Keith Bogans.  He said 'They are defensive-minded guys first, Deng and Bogans would rather being doing that then scoring on offense.'  That earned a complete co-sign from me and think Chicago's man to man defense is going to cause the role players of the Heat to step up in ways we haven't seen all year.  If the Heat's much criticized bench lives up to this challenge, they deserve to win because as I have said before, I will doubt something until you make me a believer.

The point about Deng and Bogans also means Chris Bosh needs to play at another level in this series for the Heat to win. We haven't seen it out of Bosh all playoffs, but with the Bulls' only defensive liability in Carlos Boozer, Bosh might get his opportunity to put his stamp on this team. Also trust that the Bulls will give him his shots, just like no one forgets the kid who peed his pants in the 6th grade, no one forgets Bosh's woeful 1 for 18 performance against the Bulls earlier this season. I assume the Bulls attempt to shut down LeBron and DWade, and make the other players beat them. Call it the Anti-Dwight Howard if you will. 

The Heat are playing at the highest level, so are the Bulls, this usually equates to a great series. I think you are going to see LeBron get his chance to close out a pivotal game (Game 5 did speak volumes to me personally).  You also will see a bunch of great defense, and I will be shocked if either team gets over 100 points in regulation. There is a lot of things to like in this series and I for one cannot wait for tip off in the Windy City tonight.

-Charlie.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Brewers-Pirates Preview

I don't know what to think about the Milwaukee Brewers' season so far. It is like a bad season of Entourage right now where you get a couple good episodes here and there, but it's really just a shit season.  The Brewers have been far too inconsistent for me to consider them worthy of challenging for the NL Central crown.  They have owned the Pirates like I do with life so hopefully that trend continues for the both of us.



Friday
James McDonald (2-2 5.65) v. Yovani Gallardo (3-2 5.11)- Don't let McDonald's numbers fool you, he has pitched very well in his past three starts. He is a guy who a lot of people expected to make some noise for Buccos so the Brewers could have their hands full. Yovani takes the rubber after a near no-hitter on Saturday afternoon. I swear my motivation post inspired him to do great things. Yovani needs another good start in an attempt to get on track.

Saturday
Jeff Karstens (2-1 3.61) v. Chris Narveson (1-3 4.38)- So happy to see that asshole Karstens take the mound on Saturday afternoon.  I think it's fair to say that Karstens has been the chief instigator for a lot of the Brewer-Pirate bad blood. I hope for 4 long balls from Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.  Narvie needs to get on track quickly or I would recommend Marco Estrada take some of his starts. He is having problems again with the big inning, and it's hurting the Brewers.

Sunday
Kevin Correia (5-3 3.25) v. Zack Greinke (1-1 5.40)- Correia had the Dave Bush Disease where he blew up in the sixth inning against the Brewers earlier this season in April.  He has good stuff and has pitched well this season therefore you cannot expect another bad start. Greinke tows the rubber for his second-straight home start. With the Sunday crowd, you always get a good atmosphere, and I assume it will be even better for him.

-Charlie.

Only Acceptable Heat Rant



I don't like the Miami Heat whatsoever. If you read my work on the NBA, you know that. But this is epic. Dan LeBatard did something along these lines for the New York Jets, but this is even better. He just comes at with line after line.  One word to say to you on this Friday... BAM!

-Charlie.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What If Dirk Played For The Milwaukee Bucks?


Jason McIntyre who is a fantastic writer for The Big Lead posted a question on Twitter yesterday afternoon about if people remembered that Dirk Nowitzki got traded on draft day. As a Milwaukee Bucks fan, I sure as hell do, the Bucks traded Nowitzki away for Robert 'Tractor' Traylor, that's like dealing Kate Upton for Kristie Alley. My buddy Bails pointed out that the Mavs were the only team who went overseas to scout Dirk so this trade was pretty much inevitable, but here is my question… why the hell didn't the Bucks scout Dirk? If you think about Dirk is perfect for Milwaukee. He is German and Milwaukee is a German-based city. The man would have had a beer named after him by the third year plus so many more endorsements from the Brew City.




Whenever we talk about these what-if situations, people always wonder if a player would be the same if he played elsewhere. My answer would be yes for Nowitzki because I truly believe he is a top 20 player of all time right now, and will climb up that ladder if the Mavs win the NBA Finals. I think a majority of the NBA teams could have drafted Dirk, and he would have been a great player. I believe 1998 was the last year that the Bucks picked in the lottery for a long time because Ray Allen hit his stride, Sam Cassell was brought in, and Glenn 'Big Dog' Robinson had already been in his prime at the time of drafting him. Nowitzki would not have any pressure in Milwaukee, and been allowed to grow in the first couple years. Let's also remember the Bucks missed out on Paul Pierce who was drafted a spot below Dirk, got to love the Bucks in the NBA Draft! 


If the Bucks kept Dirk, they would have easily been in the NBA Finals. The 2001 team that should have been in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first place if it wasn't for David Stern playing the role of Vince McMahon guaranteeing the Philadelphia 76ers and Allen Iverson would be playing the Lake Show. It was a screw job, and everyone who watches basketball knows that. Sorry my rant is over about that, but Dirk would have played the four with a monster lineup that would have been the best team in the Eastern Conference. 


That team would have had Cassell-Allen-Big Dog-Nowitzki-Tragic Johnson with Tim Thomas coming off the bench as a vital sixth man. The other question I have, would Ray-Ray have played in Milwaukee for another 10 years? The naïve side of me that has purple jersey hanging in my childhood bedroom would like to think that could have been a possibility. To me, Dirk would have been the first basketball superstar the city of Milwaukee has seen in over 30 years. They had some great players in the 80s and in the 90s but no one at the level of Dirk. I do hope that Brandon Jennings or Andrew Bogut becomes that guy for a franchise that seems to be stuck in neutral.


The other side of this would be what if Dallas never got Dirk? I still think they find their superstar somewhere down the road because with Mark Cuban's money, they really were able to afford anyone. They might have kept Steve Nash and paired him up with another player. It's fun to play these sorts of games and wonder what if sometimes. Because these dreams will never be realities, rather just a wish that something better would have happened for your team. 

 

-Charlie.

First Taste: Falling Star (R3K Remix)



This is a pretty awesome mash-up. It has a funky beat plus includes two artists I enjoy very much in Kid Cudi and Florence and the Machine. A good jam to play outside today when working on homework, or when you get done with your finals. I will be away from the Tap today sadly after the 10 AM, so enjoy me while you can a-holes.

-Charlie.

Closing Time: Andrei Kirilenko Channels His Inner-Birdman




(Props to Ball Dont Lie) Seriously, this might be the scariest thing I have seen since the Betty White Sex Tape (kidding, thank God). Like what the hell is that? Gotta love Russians though, just pour AK47 some vodka and give him this tat in full. I bet he didn't even move a muscle for this enormous tattoo. Another thought... he has to have mirrors on his ceiling because that's the only way, this makes sense. He can watch his tattoo give his 'I don't care if you sleep with other women' smokebomb wife the business. Obviously, I await the Chris 'Birdman' Anderson counter. Your move Mr. Birdman.

-Charlie.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tell Tale Signs From Triple Overtime

Last night I thought it would be just a normal sports night with nothing going on and allow for my hiatus to continue from writing some lengthy posts.  Oh, how wrong I was as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in three overtimes last night 133-123. It was one of those games where there ended up being so many interesting story lines that came out of this game, and could define the rest of the NBA Playoffs.



The first thing the Tuesday Morning Point Guards have jumped on has been the lack of coaching that went on in this game, which made for a sloppy overtime period.  Now, I agree there were some horrific moments in this game, but when two teams play 63 minutes, it is obvious there are going to be a lot of flaws for us to nitpick.  Additionally, Lionel Hollins versus Scott Brooks is not like Phil Jackson versus Chuck Daly. Hollins made an obvious error by putting O.J. Mayo out there to foul when he had five, and don't even get me started with Mr. Brooks.

I tweeted yesterday that Brooks is the Ned Yost of the NBA.  The guy is absolutely clueless. There is no offense, and he has no idea how to manage his big guys. I understand Serge Ibaka's ankle is weak and had five fouls, but why did Ibaka only get in the game after Kendrick Perkins fouled out in the third OT?  It makes zero sense to me.  At least rotate him for defensive help, but BrooksYost babied his ankle way too much.  The other problem with Brooks' style is he forgot to tell Russell Westbrook to pass the ball.

Westbrook had 40 points, but it was a forced effort. He did not let the points come to him, instead Westbrook decided that he would have the ball at all times attempting to score each time down. He ignored the fact that he had Kevin Durant on his team who by the way, only shot 20 times compared to Westbrook's insanely high 33. Not to mention, Westbrook played six minutes less than KD making that number even more ridiculous.

The only fair defense of what happened last night would be Durant facing guys like Shane Battier and Tony Allen, two guys who are lock down defenders. Even so, I think KD can make things happen against those individuals. Durant not touching the ball for nine minutes is inexcusable. Westbrook's style of play reminded me of Allen Iverson or Stephon Marbury.  It was finally clear last night that Westbrook wants no part of being the second banana of this team.

I would like to see Westbrook dish it off to James Harden or Durant, and start to move around the court to create a better shot.  Westbrook has this theory about himself that he can do similar things to Derrick Rose, which he sure as hell cannot.  Oklahoma City isn't going to win a ton of games with Westbrook throwing up garbage at the rim. The worst thing about this all is that Brooks cannot handle these personalities so if this napalms on the Thunder, they will be split up like the Minnesota Timberwolves did back in the day when Marbury didn't realize his role of number 2.

-Charlie.

First Taste: Well This Is Awkward



Big Cat gave me this last night, and as a journalism student, I feel bad for the blonde who had to do the Shake Weight report then I feel bad when the anchor refers to South Park. That's when things got weird and the most sexual innuendo I have ever seen from a newcast. I am assuming they got in some trouble, but then again, it's Los Angeles. They live a fake life there.

-Charlie.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Closing Time: Jack Sparrow-The First Jam Of The Summer



Lonely Island has a new CD out this week. I don't know if I would recommend an entire CD by Samberg and the boys, but this song is golden. Michael Bolton who hasn't been relevant since Office Space absolutely kills it.  Oklahoma City-Memphis will be talked about tomorrow.

-Charlie.

First Taste: Live Jack Johnson To Start Your Monday



I know I haven't been around much to take care of my pride and joy SnoTap that it makes me sick, but just want to let you guys know that I am still around here.  Trust me, give me until next Wednesday and I will be back in full force for the summer. We do have Mitchy getting a press pass for Greinke Fest tonight (Sike! but really he is going).  Enjoy a nice Jack Johnson live tune I have been digging lately, and have a good one.

-Charlie.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Motivating The Milwaukee Brewers



(Might be the greatest montage of all time)

The Milwaukee Brewers have lost seven straight games, and find themselves in last place in the National League Central.  They also have the worst record in the National League along with two other teams. While I am not ready to join the done club, I am starting to get worried. It feels like this losing streak will never end, and the Brewers are making all the wrong moves whether it be pitching, defense, offense, etc... I thought about doing this a couple beers deep tonight to really get fired up, but instead, I restored to coffee, heavy metal, and this montage to rally the troops right now.



As Bruce Boudreau said once upon time, "So shit's not going right?  It's not f---ing working the last 10 days, f---ing, get your heads out of your ass, fucking make it work by f---ing outworking the opposition."  Seriously, sums up how the Brewers are playing right now.  A couple things are not working in the Brewers favor in what will be known as The Road Trip From Hell...

1.) The bullpen is having trouble holding leads, thank Uecker the Crew sent Sean Green's corpse to Nashville, and hopefully the others can figure that shit out because if they cannot, Milwaukee will be looking up at the rest of the division for the entire year.

2.) When the Brewers get down in game, they give up. They don't think they can rally and make something happen. When I can tell in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that you have quit on that game, nothing is more effing frustrated than that.  That has to stop immediately. If the Brewers get down in the next couple of games, I would like to see Ron Roenicke get tossed out of game... just flip shit on an umpire.

 3.) If Yovani struggles this afternoon, put his ass on the Disabled List saying he has elbow tightness or as I like to call it, The Jeff Suppan Special. Surely, the Crew can find someone better than Yo right now.  I hope he finds a way to get shit done against the Cardinals this afternoon.

4.) Start playing small ball again. They were in the beginning of the year, and it's disappeared into thin air. Start manufacturing runs, instead of looking for the long ball.

If you want me to provide some optimism, they only play on the road seven more times this month. Currently, their record stands at 5-14 on the road, and 8-5 at home. Hopefully, the fans at Miller Park can rally around this team without the boos and start providing additional motivation.  I am holding out hope that this something we as fans can laugh at by August 1st. But who knows, it has to start today against Kyle Lohse. The Crew have to turn the corner in the upcoming 10 days, or it could be another disappointing Milwaukee summer.

In case, the Brewers continue to look like a Class-A ball club this afternoon.  Here is an awesome Kate Upton video that can make any man feel better.



-Charlie.

Lights Out In Los Angeles?

I am really trying to remember the last time I remember a seven-game series in any sport that has been more polarizing than the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.  I mean I am stunned.  I thought it would be good series, and put my ass out there saying this would be the best series out of the four.  Now, the Mavs have the Lakers on the brink of getting bounced from the Western Conference Semifinals. Even though I am struggling this Saturday morning to find the words to talk about this series, I am going to do the best I can.  

Before we talk about the Lakers struggles, Dirk Nowitzki is playing out of his mind. There is no question who is the best player on the court in this series. It seems like no shot is impossible for Dirk right now. Last night watching the game with my friends, I think we thought every shot Dirk took down the stretch was going in. Funny thing, Dirk didn't miss. I have ragged on Dirk for his playoff misfortunes in the past couple of years, and I need to give a ton of credit when it's due.  
The Lakers are a mess.  Right now, they look like the model-thin hot girl who is celebrating her 21st birthday weekend.... Just a drunken mess. They have no team concept whatsoever. The Lake Show turned into the Shit Show. My friends and I could not believe that Kobe Bryant didn't touch the ball nearly enough in the final three minutes last night as Dallas went on a 17-5 run to close out Game 3. The crazy thing about it is Bryant didn't give up like he is sometimes known to do, rather every other player tried to get theirs. For example, Pau Gasol tried backing down Dirk then tried to hit him with a Dirk-like fade away, clank. Lamar Odom sized up a defender, and attempted to isolate with Kobe's hands failing in the air also a clank. This team's chemistry is destroyed.  

 The Lakers are like this long time cruise liner that used to be very luxurious, but has suddenly become old with holes. Those holes are Derek Fisher, Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Pau Gasol turning into Charmin again. This ship is sinking fast, and Kobe Bryant cannot save it. I don't think Kobe can no longer carry his team to victory.  He just doesn't seem to have the ability to do it anymore. It's crazy to say that, but I think the exorbitant amount of games has finally caught up to Mr. Bryant. 

A part of me wants to see the Lakers win Game 4 and then the possibility win Game 5 making this a series again. But the other part of me who hates dynasties wants to see this team just quit and give up get blasted by twenty plus tomorrow afternoon. Sunday, very well could end the latest era in the NBA. 

-Charlie.