April 12, 2004
Is the Curse Over: Will We Hug or Slug Doug come September?
By Marty Coultas
Welcome back sports fans. It’s been one hell of an exciting week in Wisconsin sporting news. Well, not really, but the Bucks did secure the coveted first round home court advantage for the 2004 NBA playoffs. Their opponent? As of today is not known, but I guarantee it is a team we can win a series easily at home.
Remember Milwaukeeworlders, this is something I told you would happen in last week’s column. And, as the playoffs are set to begin in less than one week, as yet again I predicted last week, TJ Ford will not be in uniform, but will be traveling and practicing with the team to, as Coach Porter says, “ Learn the ins and outs of playoff basketball.” Perhaps, Mr. Porter, could it be to keep him from contaminating his personal decisions that have been more of an impact on his ‘injury’ than many fans realize. Guess, we will know next year. Until then we must rely on the good ole guys, the ones with the experience, maturity and know-how of what the NBA playoffs are like, (Good luck Toni, Michael, and Bryan; you are going to need it.)
But, until the time comes to examine our Milwaukee Bucks and the first round of the playoffs, we will this week concentrate on your Milwaukee Brewers. An improving franchise? In my opinion yes, but as I have been out and about this week talking to sports fans around the Milwaukee area, I think I may be alone in thinking that this year our team may actually have a chance at yes, I am going to say it, a WINNING record.
Welcome home Mr. Yost. Welcome back Scottie, Ben, and all you other guys whom nobody can pronounce your names. We have missed you in the off-season. With the best, yes I did say BEST record in the Cactus League, your Milwaukee Brewers might just be a team to be reckoned with 26 weeks from now.
On opening day in St. Louis not only did the Brew Crew have to face the sold out crowd at Busch Stadium; they had to watch your, (Mind you, I did not say my,) President George Bush throw out the first pitch. Ben Sheets said he was ready, but the butterflies were there. No doubt about that Ben. I know if I was going to start the 2004 baseball season and I had Bush standing near me, I would have butterflies as well. Possibly for different reasons, but what does that matter?
IT’S BASEBALL TIME!!!
With an opening series against one of the best teams in baseball, according to Mr. Baseball himself, Bob Uecker, the Brewers were quick to prove that they are not a team to be overlooked. Scottie Po, I cogitate proved that when he and his buddies flew into good ole St. Louie with an all or nothing determination that ended up with the Brew Crew taking the series three games to one.
Yes you say, Marty, but Ben Sheets sucked on Opening day in St. Louis, how can our ACE pitch like a little leaguer and still expect the home town fans to respect him? Well, my friends, it’s called opening day. Jitters Jitters Jitters. Perhaps you have forgotten that Mr. Sheets was an Olympic GOLD medalist just a few short years ago, who after winning his medal flew back to Milwaukee to pitch nearly a perfect game in one of the final games at our beloved County Stadium?
How Marty, you may ask; Can you be so sure our Brew Crew is tough enough to face the ironclad hands of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, AND Jeff Maddux. Well my friends, very easily and very steadfast.
With one year under their belt, And one hell of a difficult year it was, the Milwaukee Brewers coaching staff may have FINALLY figured it out. Mike Maddux (Yes, they are related) and Ned Yost have worked the entire off-season to prepare this team for what may be the most hair raising season since, well..... Well, I guess since last year. But that is beside the point.
With the only memorable highlights from last season being Randall Simon whacking the blood out of our worshipped Italian sausage (Who, by the way has a 56% winning percentage against the three other competitors,) and Jenkins and Ritchie making the All-Star team, we have lots to look forward to this season.
With a team that began rebuilding while still playing its regular 2003 season schedule, the Milwaukee Brewers are back, and this year they are on a mission. Forget that one of our two All-Stars is gone. Jenkins is here, mind you, making a lot more money than ever before, but hey, he’s the lead dog of this young franchise, and as my father always says,
“The view never changes unless you are the lead dog,” and my friends, like it or not, Mr. Jenkins has got to be the lead dog this year.
We also welcome back Scottie Podsednik, the most overlooked rookie from one season ago. A man who should have won ALL rookie honors, but in a game as biased as the National Powerball Lottery, (Notice how people with REAL teeth and comprehensible speech NEVER win,) this guy is the real deal. Forget about his so-so Spring training. That’s over. According to Po, he has put it behind him and is ready to play. So far, with only one week in, he has proven that a fact.
The fact that the Brew Crew seem to have their opening game on the road every year
(Thanks Bud!) does not matter with this years team. They have proved that a fact as they won three times in a four game series in St. Louis, matching the total wins they had against the Cards the entire 2003 season. The Brewers and the Cards play 13 times each season, and for you readers that may not find that statistic at all impressive, think of your Milwaukee Bucks beating Allen Iverson all four times they play him each year.
Seemingly unfeasible.
But, Milwaukeeworlders, I believe this is our year. Of course I do not think that Scottie and Jeff and Bennie will still be playing come October, but I do believe that maybe, just maybe, Ned Yost and Doug Melvin have something great in their hands. With nothing but exceptional minor league talent just waiting to be called up, and rookies and veterans just waiting to prove they have what it takes, this little team we call the our team, may possibly just have the skills to pay the bills.
Finally.
I know I am sick of paying for Miller Park. How about you?
Until next time, keep your ears open and your noses clean.....Marty the
Sports Chick
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