February 28, 2005

Spring Renewal

By: Marty Coultas
Milwaukeeworld.com

Hello again Milwaukeeworlders, the sports scene in our beloved State continues to be filled with questions and there are not that many happy answers.

Our Milwaukee Bucks continue to improve and periodically put on a show with high energy and effort but more often than not, they are simply overmatched and under manned. While it is gratifying to see our boys whip up on Ray and the Northwest leading Supersonics, our eight games below 500 record is probably more indicative of who we are than the 73 point effort that Seattle put forth is indicative of who they are. It is unfortunate, but Coach Porter and the rest of the organization are going to have to admit that the team we have in place is neither talented enough nor committed enough to be a serious contender. From my viewpoint, the abysmal level of play in the overall league is even more proof that we are not very good. When a team cannot make progress as the overall quality of the opponents is decreasing, then the organization is not making the right decisions. How long will Senator Kohl continue to foot the bill so that the shrinking fan base in Milwaukee can enjoy an occasional afternoon or evening of blaring noise and spandexed cheerleaders? At some point even the jovial Senator will have to give up.

I have to admit that I thought the Badgers men might make us all proud last Thursday night at Michigan State. It just goes to show that you need to be careful to keep realistic expectations. I thought that maybe the Badgers would get into the task towards the end of the season and be ready to come out “smoking” for the Big Ten Tourney. I am now thinking that I will be thankful that they get a first round bye. The departure of Boo Wade into the Wisconsin penal system had a greater impact than I expected. He was the player who might have provided the leadership that the team desperately needs. Shambliss clearly did not develop into a floor leader and the other kid is still too young and out of control to earn the role of leader. Mike Wilkinson has fulfilled his role as the hard nosed inside guy and Tucker has shown flashes of brilliance but we do not have a team that can put away the opposition. Wisconsin allows too many multiple point runs by the opposition and has shown a pronounced challenge in free throw ability. I was hopeful that a strong end-of-season run would garner our boys a better seed in the NCAA Tournament but, alas, I am afraid we are once again destined to be about a seven. We might get a better place if we could somehow win the Big Ten Tourney but, as I have said many times, there is no better team than Illinois and our chances are slim at best.

The Milwaukee Journal and Green Bay papers plus the sports Blogs are reporting that the Packers will lose both Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. The latter is reported to be the most highly valued player on the free agent market. If both of those gentlemen depart from the Packers, then I think there is a greater than 60/40 chance that Brett “hangs em up.” One thing that an aging quarterback does not want to have to face in the twilight of his career is the prospect of suspecting that his best offensive linemen will be the best that we can afford at this time. The two guards mentioned have been Brett’s bodyguards these last few years and the people available to replace them are not going to keep him hit- free the way these two gentlemen have done. He knows it, the Packers know it and I suppose, in a way, the fans know it too. The good thing is that Sherman has about 20 guys on his coaching staff, so maybe some of them can suit up and fill in from time to time.

Baseball season is here. The Cactus and Grapefruit league play starts this week. And hope springs eternal for all the fans of all the teams. The mighty Brewers have the same record as the Red Sox and the Yankees and we can brag that our young pitching staff will come into their own this season. Ah spring, when young hearts turn to thoughts of love and the fans of America’s Pastime are rewarded with visions of what might be.

That is it for this week. Until next time, keep your ears open and your noses clean.

Ciao,

Marty the Sports Chick
Milwaukeeworld.com

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