Bucks GM Larry Harris knows what it’s like to score the #1 pick. He accomplished that feat in 2005, after selecting Andrew Bogut from the University of Utah. Some say that he has been a bust, some say it’s too soon to tell. I say that Bogut is still maturing and therefore will need more time in order to fully develop and reach his star potential. This year is no different than 2005 for Harris, who has a chance to score yet another top pick. There are two elite players who undoubtedly will land in the top two spots: Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. In 2005, there was a controversy in Milwaukee as to who the Bucks should have taken, Bogut or Marvin Williams, and the consesus pick was Bogut. This year seems to be a bit different. Both Durant and Oden are extremely talented, on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. News leaked (via RealGM) that if the Bucks were somehow to get lucky once again, the pick would be Greg Oden. Others, including myself feel that it should be in the Bucks’ best interest to land the #2 pick, because of the low risk factor. Although both players have unlimited upside, some people will find a way to criticize the top pick no matter who it is. Where as at the #2 spot, Larry Harris won’t get bashed for picking the wrong guy. In addition, the Bucks wouldn’t have to pay #1 money, while still landing an elite player.

Does anyone else see Ned Yost beginning to cost the Brewers’ ballgames? I’m starting to get disgusted. In the opener against the Philles, after a leadoff double by Craig Counsell in the top of the 7th inning, Yost continues to play his agressive hand and send Counsell, who of course gets picks off with the top of the order coming up. That made me mad, but after a scuffling Rickie Weeks shot a base hit up the middle I was infuriated. Why is Ned Yost playing so agressive? There’s absolutely no need for it 80% of the time. Yost had gotten lucky on a couple of occasions (double steal against the Cards), but after that he has struck out almost every time. The basic point is that there’s no need to be over-agressive when you have a guy on 2nd and no outs. Especially after the way the Brewers were swinging the bats the entire game. That was just the start of a overall disappointing loss. In the bottom of the 8th, Yost elected to put left-hander Brian Shouse in the game with three right-handed batters coming up. Why? Yost is usually the one to play the matchups. I swear Yost is beginning to catch Mike Sherman disease. Constantly playing conservatively. It’s frustrating me. Then of Shouse gives up back-to-back hits, Yost finally brings in Turnbow, who is in a tough spot and gives up 4 earned, and the Brewers lose the game. These are the games I’m just so sick of seeing. Blowing the lead when it could have been totally avoided. Bring in Turnbow to start the 8th and there would have been no problem—guaranteed. Ned Yost, get some better advice from Dale Sveum in the future because I can’t take any more of these games. That’s why this team has been terrible the last decade.

After the dust settles and the Packers begin to regroup after Brett Favre reportedly demanded a trade, I’m glad the Packers organization did what they did. Ted Thompson did a great job handling the Moss trade, and not bringing in the guy, whose negatives outweigh the positives. Yes, Randy Moss would’ve brought another weapon to this team for one year but look at the big picture everyone. You can’t tell me that the Green Bay Packers are one player away from competing in the playoffs. If this team was close, then yes, Randy Moss probably would be a Packer, but the fact is, Ted Thompson is looking at the best interest of the team for future years and won’t succomb to Brett’s wishes. Brett, maybe you think this team could compete, but the fact is, it’s just not true. In fact, if your going to pout so much over a issue, good riddens. You’ll be gone next year anyway and the Packers might as well get some value for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved the Packers and Brett Favre my whole life, but Brett is simply acting childish by complaining to management. Brett, if you haven’t noticed, it’s not all about you. You had your shot with Javon Walker and how did you handle that situation? You called him out and he left. Maybe if you were more careful, you’d get what you want. Javon is a rising superstar, still in his mid- 20s, but instead you have to resort to a perennial cancer whose on the down side of his career. So Brett, please keep your mouth shut, let Ted Thompson handle everything, and play the year out. And Packer fans, if you can’t agree with Ted Thompson’s decisions, let’s evaluate what he’s done since coming to Green Bay. 1. He ridded this team of all Mike Sherman’s deadweight players (Ahmad Carroll, BJ Sander, Joe Johnson, Jamal Reynolds, Antawn Edwards). 2. He’s restored the Packers’ dreadful cap situation to the point now where if he sees a player worthy of paying, he will spend the money. (AKA Charles Woodson). 3. He’s basically instilled the philosophy of building through the draft and has essentially rebuilt the entire offensive line and secondary since his hiring. What more can you ask from the guy? Wins? Obviously, everyone wants the Packers to win. But doing it with a spend first thought-process is unacceptable. The Patriots have good reason to spend all the money they did because they’re close to winning a Super Bowl. Bottom line, and I’ve said this before: TRUST IN TED THOMPSON, HE KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING!!!

When will the Brewers stop winning? Well, if they stay healthy, they may keep plugging away until they reach the playoff for the first time since Harvey’s Wallbangers’ 1982 club. With J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder manning the solid infield, and reducing errors, the Brewers are putting themselves into position to win every game. Last year was a bit different story, as the infielders were still rather inexperienced. But it hasn’t been all about the youngsters. With platoon players Geoff Jenkins, Kevin Mench, Tony Graffanino, and Craig Counsell all making key contributions, the Brewers have quite possibly the best offense top to bottom in the NL. The rotation has also been superb for the Crew, as the starters have gone 12-2 combined in the last 19 starts. The bullpen has also managed to put it all together, without Jose Capellan, yes, without him. Derrick Turnbow has returned to his 2005 form, becoming once again one of the most prolific strikeouts relievers in the MLB. Franciscio Cordero has also been lights out, converting all of his saves chances. With a record of 20-10, the Brewers have reached 10 games over .500 for the first time in 15 years. If the tendancies continue, and the team stays healthy, you can bet that the Brewers current 5 game lead in the NL Central will continue to grow, and they can make a legitimate run for the 2007 playoffs. And look out MLB, because the Brewers have 3B Ryan Braun and SP Yovani Gallardo on the way up from AAA very soon.

With the 2007 NBA Lottery upcoming, the Milwaukee Bucks will have an interesting decision to make. Assuming the lotto-balls fall the way they’re supposed to, the Bucks will get the #3 overall pick in the draft. The two-outright stars (Kevin Durant and Greg Oden) will most certainly go 1-2, then Bucks will find themselves in an interesting spot. The question is what are Larry Harris’ plans for free agency? Does he plan to lock up Mo Williams to a deal, or would he rather let Mo take his paycheck and head elsewhere for next season? That is proably the most burning question right now, because this decision may cost Harris his job. If he decides to not pay Mo, there are still options. They could trade down a few spots in the draft and pick up Mike Conley Jr, the point guard from Ohio State. However, if Harris deems Conley not NBA “ready” enough, Chauncey Billups would also be an intriguing option to fill the possible void at point. If Harris decided to stay at three, do they go with another big man? Tarheel freshman Brandan Wright is projected to Milwaukee at three, and Florida players Joakim Noah and Cory Brewer will most likely be available. But if the ball bounces the Bucks way again, (like in 2005), the decision at #1 should be a pretty easy one. Yes, Oden is a rare big man, but Kevin Durant’s talent and upside would be too great to pass up. He also would fill a need for the Bucks, at the 3. Bobby Simmons has thusfar been a major disappointment, and may be better off if he went back to his old role in which he won an award with the LA Clippers. What was that? 6th man. Simmons needs to play off the bench. This decision would be the best for Harris, so let’s hope the Bucks get lucky once again. The best situation would be to let Mo and Reuben Patterson walk, assuming they’re offered ludacris contracts, and resign guards Charlie Bell, Earl Boykins, and forward Ersan Llyasova. Then try like heck to land Billups, who has expressed verbal interest in Milwaukee. Just think: PG Billups, SG Redd, SF Durant, PF Villanueva, C Bogut. 6th man: Simmons, others off bench: Boykins, Bell, Gadzuric, Noel. If I was the East, I’d be nervous if the Bucks had that lineup. Bottom line: Trust in Harris, not Herb Kohl.