It’s just 25 games into the season, but already the Brewers’ Double-A Affiliate, the Huntsville Stars, have gotten off to a hot start (17-8). One of the key contributors to their early success: Matt LaPorta. LaPorta, the club’s 7th overall selection in the 2007 MLB Amateur League Draft, was a first-baseman by trade at the University of Florida, but with Prince Fielder anchoring the position for the immediate and hopefully extended future, LaPorta was forced to make a position switch. That position was left fielder; where GM Doug Melvin saw him as the best fit. The best fit, huh? Well looking at it long term, left field was the lone position the Brewers had yet to shore up. That was until, of course, Ryan Braun made the switch there before this season. Nevertheless, since settling in his new home in the outfield, the young man hasn’t been phased one bit. Like Braun, LaPorta has been on an accelerated path to the majors, not because the team’s rushing him, but because he’s crushing his opposition. Just to give you an idea, in his first major league at-bat in Rookie-Ball, LaPorta launched a home run. Since then, LaPorta made a short stop in West Virginia (Single-A), and then played in the Arizona Fall League, one of the most prestigious leagues at the minor league level, after being selected by the club to represent them. Braun was also chosen in 2006. In 30 games for the Mesa Solar Sox (a Fall League team), LaPorta socked 6 dingers, tied for the league lead over that span. LaPorta has since then opened the ‘08 campaign in Double-A Huntsville, where he has picked up where he left off–raking. Through 24 games (82 at-bats), LaPorta has blasted 6 bombs, with 22 RBIs (both tops in the league). And if that’s not convincing enough, he also ranks 4th in runs scored (18), 2nd in total bases (behind only teammate Mat Gamel), 4th in slugging percentage (.602- tied with Gamel), and 7th in on-base slugging percentage. Hopefully that’s enough to convince you. I wouldn’t be surprised to see LaPorta reach Triple-A Nashville in the next few months, and possibly be called up as soon as September 1st, when the active rosters expand to 40. LaPorta ranks as the Brewers #1 prospect, as well as the #23 ranked player in all of baseball by Baseball America. As far his position once he reaches the big league club? Don’t be surprised if he ends up in right, with Corey Hart sliding to center after Mike Cameron leaves (Cameron signed a 1-year deal).

Before I get to all my Day 2 analysis, I figured I should provide a link to this excellent chart outlining all the Packers moves over the course of this weekend (it’s on the very bottom of the page). Whew, now that’s a lot of movement. Here’s my quick analysis of the second day picks, six in all, as well as my predictions on these players’ chances of making the team:

Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas- It’s ironic he ends up with the same team he was raving about at the NFL Combine. I love this pick. Finley finally gives the Packers an athletic tight end (Bubba was not athletic) that can stretch the field. He’ll provide Aaron Rodgers with a valuable check-down. He needs to improve his blocking, but he’s got plenty of time. Finley’s chances of making the team: Extremely good.

Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest- Ted Thompson fools all with a trade up, marking the first time he’s ever done so as the Packers’ GM. And I think it was the perfect time to do it. Thompson was a projected 2nd-3rd round pick, dropping because of injury concerns. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s got a great shot to make fans forgot Corey Williams quickly–great pick. Thompson’s chances of making the team: Very good.

Josh Sitton, OL, Central Florida- A little surprised they chose this guy with higher rated offensive-lineman on the board, but it’s a typical TT move. Underrated guy who was a major reason Kevin Smith rushed for 4,800 yards last year. The reason I think he’ll make the team is because he’s versatile (TT mentioned his ability to play both guard and tackle spots). Sitton’s chances of making the team: Good.

Breno Giaconimi, OT, Louisville- I had done a lot of research before this year’s draft, and this guy’s name was connected to the Pack in numerous draft circles. He’s a monster, (6′7+, 300 lbs.) that gets bonus points for having the most commonly mispronounced name on Wisconsin TV stations tonight. Giacomini’s chances of making the team: Good.

Matt Flynn, QB, LSU- Another quarterback? I can’t imagine Packer nation’s reaction to this pick after it flashed on the screen, but please remember everyone, this is in the 7th round. Flynn is the perfect #3 (as long as no veteran is signed) guy behind Rodgers and now Brohm. He doesn’t have a great arm, but it won’t hurt him because the West Coast Offense predominantly consists of slants and shorter routes. Solid pick given the circumstances. Flynn’s chances of making the team: Average if veteran QB is signed, good if not.

Brett Swain, WR, San Diego State- Ted said in his post-draft press conference that Swain caught his eye while scouting SDSU’s quarterback Kevin O’Connell. There’s absolutely no way this guy makes the active roster, but worst case scenario he creates good camp competition and makes the practice squad. Swain’s chances of making the team: Little to none (may make practice squad).

My final thoughts on the draft: Ted did a great job, although I’m not big on grades, so I won’t give one. But I feel eight of these nine have a good chance of making the final 53 man roster. The competition should be fierce in camp, and I’ll be especially interested to see how the quarterback’s perform in the preseason. Even after Mr. Irrelevant was chosen, the madness didn’t stop. Undrafted free agents began to sign, and the Packers have already inked multiple names. Here’s that list thus far:

TE Michael Peterson (Northwest Missouri State)
LB Danny Lansanah (UConn)
RB Kregg Lumpkin (Georgia)
WR Taj Smith (Syracuse)
LS J.J. Jansen (Notre Dame)
P Ken Debauche (Wisconsin)

Some intriguing names here. Of those, I think Jansen and Lansanah (left) have legitimate shots to make the team. Peterson, Smith, Lumpkin, and Debauche should all create healthy competition, with Lumpkin and Smith good practice squad candidates (along with Swain). Remember everyone, in Thompson’s blueprint, this is the year where depth isn’t just added, it’s significantly improved. They did a great job accomplishing that this weekend.

For all those fans who were surprised the Packers dealt their first rounder, it’s time you do a little more research. The Packers’ head man didn’t waste any time accumulating picks on Day 1, dealing the 30th overall pick to the Jets for their second and fourth rounders (#36 and #113, respectively). I was thinking and hoping this would be the case, especially after watching Mike Jenkins, Antoine Cason, and Kentwan Balmer evaporate quickly off the board before 30. Dustin Keller, Brandon Flowers, and Limas Sweed were all there, but honestly, they weren’t alot better talent-wise than who they could have got trading down, and I’m glad Thompson recognized that. Now on to the picks:

With the #36 pick, the Packers select WR Jordy Nelson from Kansas State. Rip this pick as much as you want, but after watching this guy’s game film, he looks special. I especially loved the clip of him torching Kansas’ Aqib Talib (who went 20th to Tampa Bay) for a TD. Nelson possesses great size (6′3, 217 lbs), great hands, and tremendous route running skills. One aspect of Nelson’s game scouts question is his timed speed (he ran a 4.50 40), but for those same “experts,” please remember this kid was a track star in the 100 and 400. Nelson was incredibly productive during his senior year, racking up over 1,600 yards and 11 TDs. So productive, in fact, that his worst statistical game was 82 yards against San Jose State. There are definite concerns, however. He only had that one standout year; his first two years at receiver he had 84 grabs, while during his senior year he racked up 122. Packer fans can also question his role in 2008, as I did originally. At the moment, he appears to be at best #4 on the depth chart, with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones ahead of him. He has return experience, which looks to be the most likely route for him to break onto the scene next year, but in the long run, Nelson should replace Driver and find his niche as the perfect slot guy for the Packers. 

With the #56 pick, the Packers select QB Brian Brohm from Louisville. Another pick that’s controversial at this point (what Thompson pick isn’t), Brohm provides one thing as  Nelson does: competition. Thompson has stressed that so often throughout his tenure and it hasn’t changed; it’s just amazing how many people are still surprised by these kind of choices. Regardless of position, Brohm was the best player available. The Packers were rumored to be interested in Brian at 30 and also trading up for him before 56, but to the team’s surprise, he fell to them. Had he declared last year, Brohm might have been a top 10 pick. He is a perfect fit for the West Coast Offense, as he is extremely accurate and has good timing on his throws. The knocks on him are his arm strength as well as his durability, both attributes Aaron Rodgers’ lacked out of Cal. It’s Rodger’s job to lose, and hopefully having Brohm behind him will push him to perform up to his full potential. I didn’t expect the Pack to take a QB this early, but he is too talented to pass up.

With the 60th pick, the Packers select CB Patrick Lee from Auburn. This was probably, for the majority of fans, the most sensible pick of the night. Lee is a big, physical corner that fits the mold the Packers look for in their press scheme. Working at AM 1570 the Score in Appleton, WI, I was able to listen to an interview conducted by host Justin Hull last week with the same Patrick Lee. Justin asked Patrick how he’d feel coming into Green Bay with Woodson and Harris to learn from, and Lee welcomed the opportunity. I expect Lee to have the best shot to make an immediate impact of the first three picks, possibly at nickel-back, but also on special teams. He needs to become more polished (he didn’t start at Auburn until his senior year), but he has all the makings of a solid future starter in Green Bay.

Overall, I thought the Packers did a great job on Day 1, setting themselves up for the future. As far as positions I think will need to be addressed tomorrow, a tight-end and change of pace running back would be nice. Guys like Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) and Steve Slaton (RB, West Virginia) could be possibilities. Plenty more analysis to come tomorrow, as the team holds at least six more selections (one 3rd, three 4ths, one 5th, and one 7th). Draft coverage starts at 9:00 AM, so get up early, because players will be flying off the board real fast. Some of the best of the rest: LB Dan Connor (Penn State), CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), QB Josh Johnson (San Diego), OG Jeremy Zuttah (Rutgers), and CB Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky).

Bucks’ GM John Hammond announces the hiring of his new coach, Scott Skiles, who will replace Larry Krystkowiak. To be honest, I don’t know a ton about Skiles other than 1) he’s a former Bucks’ guard and 2) he’s a defensive minded coach, but that is enough to satisfy me at this point. He has a career record of 281-251, most notably a 82-49 year coaching the Bulls in 2006. We’ll wait and see.

The Brewers deal outfielder Gabe Gross to Tampa Bay for minor-league pitcher Josh Butler. A little surprising to see this move after he scored the winning run yesterday, but with Tony Gwynn Jr. back off the DL and Mike Cameron set to make his debut next week, Gross was a goner one way or another. Butler is a former second-round pick of the Rays in 2006, and will report to Single-A Brevard County.

The Packers brought in free-agent QB Daunte Culpepper today, formerly of the Vikings and Raiders. Nothing but a grade-A smokescreen. Ted Thompson is baiting teams (and media) into thinking he’s getting his backup QB via free-agency, while it’s highly probable he’ll go the draft route. Culpepper would bring little if anything to the table other than experience (which is outweighed by the character and injury issues).

Chiefs’ DE Jared Allen is dealt to Minnesota for the Vikings’ first rounder and two third rounders. Minnesota subsequently resigned Allen to a 6-year, $74 million deal, making him the highest paid defensive player ever. Good deal for both teams. Kansas City is obviously trying to rebuild, and for Minnesota the opposite is true; at least on defense. As far as the extension? It’s certainly justifiable, as Allen has racked up 43 sacks over the past four seasons, making him the most productive pass-rusher in the league behind Jason Taylor (46).

Redskins offer their 08′ first (#21 overall), as well as a possible 09′ first rounder for disgruntled Bengals’ WR Chad Johnson. Head Coach Marvin Lewis quickly reacted to the situation saying Chad should “stay away,” while Bengal management quickly shot down the reported offer. This is shocking. Chad wants out, but it’s hard to fathom the Bengals are willing to let a player of his caliber walk right out the door.
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*UPDATE: 10:32 PM: Titans agree to deal Adam “Pacman” Jones to Dallas for a 4th round pick. In addition, either team has the potential to receive a undisclosed 09′ pick. If Jones is reinstated and gets substantial playing time, Tennessee would get the pick. On the other hand, if Jones’ case is rejected, Dallas would get the pick. Either way, it’s a low risk deal for Dallas, and Tennessee will lose its headache.

For the fans who have lost all hope in the Milwaukee Bucks’ chances to return to Eastern Conference prominence, hold on. The Bucks have finally managed to negotiate outside their own organizational ties (something Wisconsin teams struggle to do), bringing in GM John Hammond, left, largely credited for building up the Pistons to their current status amongst the NBA’s elite. At first take, Herb Kohl may have finally notched a solid hiring, generating the kind of buzz the team hasn’t seen since they signed George Karl back in 1998. But even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.

On to Hammond, who has been a hot commodity around league circles for the past few years. The first managerial move on his docket? Most likely replacing Larry K, and if so, good riddance. Hammond has connections to both Larry Brown and Rick Carlisle (both former head coaches in Detroit out of a job), and is confident he’ll be able to get this ship righted. How long that will take, however, is anyone’s guess. And for all those fans still sitting on their hands, be patient. It’s been a while since Milwaukee has reeled in a big name executive like this, so there has to be some reason for optimism. Let’s just take a wait and see approach. On to the players, and I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, this team needs a new direction. Michael Redd has not played like the $90 million leader we payed him to be. Charlie Villanueva is an interesting guy with loads of potential, but since Larry Harris took his starting job away after drafting Yi, his value resides as a bench player. Bobby Simmons is nice player who can’t stay healthy. Dido for Bogut. Mo Williams is a shoot-first point guard. Charlie Bell has an attitude. In other words, this team needs to be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up. Hopefully that’s what Hammond has planned.

The good news is, the Bucks sit in a favorable position in the NBA Draft, holding another top 10 pick. Who will they target? After randomizing the order 20 times on ESPN.com’s Mock Draft Lottery, the following selections ensued: (by the way, the Bucks have a 4.3% chance of drawing the top pick)

Pick Number: 1st overall (1), 3rd overall (1), 7th overall (11), 8th overall (7).

Selections: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State (1), Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona (1), Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA (13), Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana (4), DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M (1).

Not surprising. The Bucks currently stand as the league’s 7th worst team winning-percentage wise, and with so few games left, those percentages won’t change that drastically. Regardless of where they’re picking, I think point-guard is the way this team needs to go, more specifically a lock-down defender. Westbrook, left, would fit that bill perfectly. He has great bloodlines coming from UCLA, and is freakishly athletic. Bayless would also be a nice fit, but Westbrook is the better passer. If the Bucks pick anywhere after #3 (Rose and Mayo alert), and Mr. Westbrook is there, he should be the pick.

When the ball is thrown up in the air tonight to begin the 2008 Final Four in San Antonio, it ought to be special. Why? This is no ordinary year, as it’s the first time ever all four #1 seeds have made it this far. Combine the quality of these teams with an electric atmosphere, and it has a chance to be the best three games, on any level, collegiate basketball has ever seen. UCLA, Memphis, North Carolina, and Kansas- all perennial powerhouses with traditions of excellence. Not only is each team loaded with talent up and down their roster, from freshmen to seniors, but the four coaches combined, Ben Howland (293), John Calipari (374), Roy Williams (560), and Bill Self (347), have racked up an astounding 1,574 combined victories in their coaching careers. Rose (MEM), Collison (UCLA), Rush (KAN), Lawson (NC), Douglas-Roberts (MEM), Love (UCLA), Chalmers (KAN), Hansbrough (NC), Dorsey (MEM), Mbah a Moute (UCLA), Collins (KAN), and Ellington (NC) are just a short list of names you will hear constantly tonight, along with lots more; each of these teams can go 8, 9, even 10 deep if they need to.  The outcomes? North Carolina and Memphis are playing extremely well, probably the best they’ve played all year judging by their performances last weekend. Not that Kansas or UCLA are slouches by any means, but they have definitely had their case of the hick-ups on their way. I’ll take North Carolina and Memphis tonight, with North Carolina cutting the nets down when it’s all said and done. Regardless of what the outcomes are, because unfortunately someone has to lose, cherish tonight, you may never see four teams this good paired together in a long, long time.

Update- 11:20 P.M. Once again my prognosticating abilities are put to shame. The common theme in this tournament seems to have been, “one team blows out the other, regardless of seeding.” I guess I can’t feel too bad though; I don’t think anyone expected Kansas to blow out UNC by 18, and Memphis to toss around UCLA by 15. Who knows, maybe the game of the year will end up being Western Kentucky’s dramatics against Drake in the first round. Who woulda thunk it.

Update- Monday- 10:55 P.M. Congratulations to both teams on their great seasons. The reason Kansas won it, 75-68? Well, just ask John Calipari how he feels about backing his team on the free-throw shooting now. Douglas-Roberts and Rose missed three from the charity stripe in the final minute of regulation, leading up to the game-tying three by Mario Chalmers. And as the phrase goes, “if you give them (Kansas) an inch, they’ll take a mile.”

Content after a strong opening series with the rival Cubs in the Windy City, the Brewers will travel home tonight to get set to play the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day in Milwaukee. The Brewers were able to take two of three from Lou Pinella’s club, chosen by some prognosticators as the early favorites to reach the World Series. Recapping the three-game set, Ben Sheets wielded a gem in the soggy opener, much like his showing to kick off the 2007 campaign against the Dodgers. Sheets went 6 1/3 innings pitching two-hit ball, both hits coming off the bat of new Cubs sensation, outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.  Unfortunately for Sheets, Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano was pitching equally strongly. Sheets didn’t last long enough to notch his first victory of 2008, but a great start nonetheless. Jeff Suppan, although he didn’t quite outperform Sheets, also pitched solid in the second game of the series (6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 K), good enough to propel the Brewer offense to a 8-2 win. And going for the sweep this afternoon, Dave Bush struggled mightily with his command, walking five batters through 5 1/3 innings. Bush was tagged with all six earned runs, and due to the Brewer offense’s inability to figure out Ryan Dempster, the Cubs won the finale, 6-3. In all, it was a great series to get the ball rolling. The one thing that irks me is the fact that Dave Bush was sent out by Ned [Yost] to start the sixth after giving up four in the previous inning. Hopefully this kind of start sends a message to Bush that he won’t be able to stay in the rotation consistently having poor starts this year, especially if Carlos Villanueva, Manny Parra and Yovani Gallardo (when he comes back) all show they are clearly superior. The formula for the Brewers, despite a bit clique, lies in this sentence: play .500 baseball on the road, play great baseball at home, and if you do that, the rest will take of itself. Tomorrow, the Brewers will begin a six-game home-stand with series against the Giants and Reds, before heading out east to take on the Mets. Let’s take a look at the pitching matchups for the Friday-Saturday-Sunday series with San Fran:

Game 1: Jonathan Sanchez (1-5, 5.88 ERA) vs. Carlos Villanueva (8-5, 3.94 ERA)
Game 2: Kevin Correia (4-7, 3.45 ERA) vs. Manny Parra (0-1, 3.76 ERA)
Game 3: Barry Zito (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. Ben Sheets (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
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*Note: Game 1 & 2 statistics from 2007. Game 3 stats from 2008. Game times are 1:05, 12:05, and 1:05, respectively (all Central Time).

If Indiana head coach Tom Crean still thinks he’s got the best job in the world, he’s sadly mistaken. Sure the state of Indiana has had a colorful past to look back on, with “Hoosiers” and Bob Knight all producing memorable moments–had, of course, being the key word. For all those who side with Crean’s decision that’s your choice, but he’ll regret his decision come next March, when chances are his new team will be struggling to earn an NCAA bid. Key departures for next season include seniors Mike and D.J. White, named Big Ten player of the year, Eric Gordon, who will likely bolt to the NBA Draft as his stock may have reached it’s pinnacle, not to mention the final two starters for 2007, sophomore Armon Bassett and junior Jamarcus Ellis, who were dismissed from the team early this week due to disciplinary reasons. What does this mean? Indiana’s storied past will suffer a definite bump in the road. Mr. Crean will basically have to build from the ground up like he did at Marquette, which no doubt will lead to growing pains for himself and fans early in his tenure. Crean stated in his press conference Wednesday he wouldn’t have left Marquette under any other circumstances beside this one, which I find hardly believable. Tom, anyone can say that, but if Oklahoma State (who now has a head coaching vacancy) or any big program for that matter offered to double, even triple what IU offered you, I have no doubts you’d take the deal. Moving away from IU, Marquette now begins their own quest for a qualified head man, and after first hearing the news of Crean’s departure a number of names popped into my head. Sean Miller (Xavier), Tony Bennett (Washington State), Rob Jeter (UW-Milwaukee) and Anthony Grant (VCU), among others like former MU coach Rick Majerus. Regardless, whomever is hired will enter a great situation, assuming “The Big Three,” Dominic James, Wesley Matthews, and Jerel McNeal, all choose to stay for their senior years.