Dreams and Chronicles of a Greenhorn Podcaster:
Chapter 5 - Sports Persona
When I re-entered the world of Sports Media, I instantly realized how different it was from my first crack at it 20 years ago. The next thing that popped into my mind was how much I’ve changed since then too. Then as I do when I reminisce, I reflect on the journey that brought me here.
After my freshman year of college at UW-Marathon County, I was deployed to Iraq and really took a detour in my life. For a bit I was dedicated to the military, then it was trying to settle down and start a family, that ended in a divorce, then I was dedicated to higher education and teaching, and then I got sober and realized I wasn’t chasing my true dreams.
I have since remarried and moved to Washington State. Sobriety took me to a different place consciously and unconsciously. Stepping away from my EBD Special Education teaching position really cleared up my mind. I spent years giving to the military, giving to the education system, and rarely giving back to myself.
So when I stepped back into the world of Sports Media, I felt like I needed to step away from the retired Staff Sergeant, the resigned Mr. Teacher life. I needed my sports personality. It came to me in the name of Bernie Bango. A combination of Bernie the Brewer and Bango the Buck. I tried on Bucky Bango as well, but I felt the Bernie Bango moniker in my soul. I grew up cheering for the Brewers and Bucks in the 90s…. both loveable losers in that era.
They, like myself, have grown throughout the decades and are now contenders, feisty small market teams. Hell, the Bucks even won it all in 2021. So as they have battled for relevance, I find myself, Bernie Bango, fighting for relevance in a crowded Sports Media World.
Just like the Bucks and Brewers, I am willing to grind to be successful in this industry. I just gotta figure out exactly how I am going to do that.
Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Bernie Bango
Dreams and Chronicles of a Greenhorn Podcaster:
Chapter 4 - What’s in a name? Big Cheese Sports
As I said in a previous chapter, when L.B. first reached out to me about doing a Wisconsin Sports Podcast in a DM on Twitter, I thought I was being scammed. But that’s definitely more on me being paranoid, rather than L.B.’s direct recruiting approach.
After a few conversations with L.B. I realized this was legit and he was giving the opportunity to passionate fans to live out a dream, explore a curiosity, or find a new hobby. No matter where this journey leads me, IE Sports Radio will always be where Big Cheese Sports started.
After some thought, I let L.B. know that I wanted to give it a shot. He gave me some Zoom dates and times for some meetings/training and told me to think of a name for the show. Having been a writer, actor, and singer in times in my life, I felt like I was curing that creative desire in my life.
I thought about all the things I love(d) about Wisconsin; Badgers, Packers, Brewers, Bucks, were the first things to pop into my mind. Then it went to cheese, beer, cranberries, beef, and just the overall dairy culture. I pondered upon nicknames for Wisconsin: Badger State, Badger Nation, Wisco, Sconnie, Sconnie Nation, The Dairy State, Middle Coast, Fresh Coast, but these were all ones I’ve heard elsewhere.
I wanted to create my own nickname for my homeland.
I grew up in Nekoosa, WI and shortly after I graduated high school I left for Basic Training and AIT. I returned 7 months later and lived in Wausau, WI while attending college. After my freshman year I was activated by the WI Army National Guard for 18 months, with 12 of those being in Iraq. I returned back home to Nekoosa in the late fall of 2005. I had no idea what I was doing in life.
I went to a community college for a semester, I’m pretty sure I was drunk 50% of my classes. I was then informed in the Spring of 2006 about Active Guard Orders for soldiers to work on along the Southern Border. Being a Northern boy, I had no clue about the Southern Border.
So, one of my best friends and I jump on these NG orders and spend the next two years living in Tucson, AZ. This is where it becomes extremely apparent to me that no matter where I travel to or live in the world, that once I say I am from Wisconsin there will be cheese and beer comments made instantaneously….
(So my wife went into labor while I was writing this Chapter. It’s been over a week now and we’re at home with our healthy baby boy. We like to call him our little cheese curd. Well I was rambling on about how I came to name my podcast, but the fact my baby’s nickname is little cheese curd, we can stop there.)
It just popped in my head, Wisconsin is the Big Cheese, sorta like NYC is the Big Apple. At first, I thought does this seem a little silly? But I thought about who I am, my personality, my love for cheese and sports, and that fact that it was an original name.
Big Cheese Sports started as an outlet shortly after experiencing a house fire. A mental health tool, an escape from pain and reality, and a dive into passion and personal interest. Instantly it became part of my self-care routine.
I have expanded my content into a blog (obviously), Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter, in addition to hosting my weekly show. I am working on Reels, memes, comic strips, interacting and bantering with fellow fans, hoping to build a fanbase.
I hope to add a video element to my podcast and will be having my first guests on the show tomorrow. The Crispy Brothers, a Wisconsin Sports Parody Act, are going to sit down and chat about their story and inspirations.
I love the stories about fans, content creators, athletes, and coaches. How did they fall in love with what they do, what motivates them, what are their plans and goals. How do they take care of their mental health, what are their life philosophies.
These are the topics are truly want to tap into, along with the humor and just having a good time. Most days it feels like no one cares, no one is listening or reading. However, this journey is mine and no one else’s. I hope to meet awesome people along the way, make some memories, and expand the domain that is Big Cheese Sports.
Dreams and Chronicles of a Greenhorn Podcaster:
Chapter 3 - Father Time
Episode 27 of Big Cheese Sports, Lords of Curdtown, was recorded this past Sunday and was definitely another small victory in this journey. I was joined by my co-host Steven Kopplin, and our banter and chemistry continues to grow. There are many obstacles in this journey, but I have identified my biggest foe this far; and that’s time.
I’m a school teacher, coach, husband, and soon to be father. I need to hold a job to provide for my family, coaching athletics runs in my family, and you also have to spend time nurturing and growing your bond with your partner, family, and friends.
So, with a full-time schedule already in place, where does one find the time to: watch sports, take notes, dissect game tape and highlight reels, research, write, record, and create. This has been humankind’s biggest adversary since we walked the earth. Never enough time to accomplish essential tasks, preferred tasks, and whatever detour the universe throws in our way.
I find time between breakfast and dog walks to write, I stream sports as I do household chores, I listen to podcasts while I workout, I watch highlight reels and game tape on lunch breaks, I find creative unique ways to indulge, inform, and innovate.
I try reaching out to other novice podcasters and content creators, once a week. Looking to collab, asking for advice, but mostly giving them some love, compliments, retweets, and shares. I also spend time admiring and researching those that make a living from it. Sometimes, I try rubbing elbows with them too.
You gotta take all the shots you can, whether you think you’ll sink it or not. It’s a grind, sometimes you find yourself trolling, sometimes just spacing out watching highlights, creating nonsense, stumbling over your words whether you’re writing or speaking, or troubleshooting why you can’t get your camera to focus.
What does all of this take? You got it. Time.
Time is healing.
Time is precious.
Time is money.
Time is linear.
Time is of the essence.
In fact, it took me five times to sit down and complete this entry.
Traveling time to 20 years ago I was about to move to Wausau and attend UW-Marathon County. The goal was to work my ass off there for two years and then transfer to UW-Madison. I did not make the right decisions to go to Madison straight out of high school.
I was going to major in communications and journalism with a minor in theater arts. I paid my way with the GI Bill from the Army National Guard. My freshman year went well, for the most part. I partied hard, passed most of my classes (lol) and made some fun memories.
That summer though I was activated with the 1-128 INF and set off on a 18 month deployment with 12 of those months being in Iraq. For whatever the reason, my dream to become a sports radio broadcaster and journalist disappeared.
Travel back to the Future and here I am, 20 years later, rekindled with my dream. I’m a completely different person, but yet the same guy. Maybe it’s a midlife crisis, maybe it was what I was supposed to be doing all along, for whatever reason it’s here, I’m just gonna have a good time.
End Chapter 3
9 Aug 2023
Dreams and Chronicles of a Greenhorn Podcaster:
Chapter 2
It was about one week after my wife and I had a house fire, that LB from IESports Radio reached out to me about doing a Wisconsin Sports Podcast. My wife and I had just found out we were pregnant and then had our lives turned upside down by the fire. Typically this isn’t a time one should be starting a new hobby, right?
I grew up in Central Wisconsin; we got papermills, dairy farms, cranberry marshes, alcohol, and sports. Growing up, I was always a spectator at my big brother’s High School Sporting events. We listened to Ueker and the Brewers on the radio in the summers. My dad’s family piled into his parents tiny living room to watch Favre and the Packers. I attended by first Bucks game during the ‘96-97 season and watched “Big Dogg” Glenn Robinson and Vin Baker record Double-Doubles against Chris Webber and Juwan Howard of the Washington Bullets. (Also Ray Allen’s rookie year)
‘96-’97 was a big sports season in my life playing and watching.
In the Summer of ‘96 I played on an extremely talented 11-12 year old baseball team that would’ve given you Sandlot Vibes, Fall of ‘96 played my first year of tackle football, winter of ‘96-’97 played on a traveling basketball tournament team, and spent time between those seasons getting beat up at my dad’s boxing gym.
That January we watched the Packers win the Super Bowl at a party in my Uncle Pat’s basement. I distinctly remember Favre’s 54 yard TD pass to Andre Rison on their 1st drive of the game, followed by the iconic shot of a helmetless Favre running off the field. Then in the 3rd quarter when the Patriots got it within 6. Desmond Howard made a 99 yard house call on the ensuing kickoff to assure the Packers would win Super Bowl 31.
I was absolutely hooked after that day.
Now, here I am 26 years later chasing a dream of make a living from talking, writing, and watching sports. I have visions of interviewing coaches, players, fans, and whoever else wants to talk about sports. I write this chapter as I am working on notes for my 27th show which will be live and recorded tomorrow morning.
As other podcasters I am hoping to create original content, while also being able to create content that thousands of fans might be interested in. I currently only record audio for my podcasts, but really hope to bring a video element to my Podcast within the next few months.
I research, read, watch game tape, study recruits’ and prospects’ highlight reels, take notes, and meditate before each show. I fight with my nerves, I make mistakes every episode (big and small), I self-promote through twitter, IG, reddit, and blogging.
The biggest lesson that I have learned in this content creators world, is a lesson I first learned when I was a young athlete. To be good, it’s going to take time, hard work, effort, early mornings, late nights, planning, prepping, practicing, celebrating victories, and learning from your losses.
Even though social media is set up for us to hunt for instant gratification, which it can provide. For it to become a source of income, a career, or to consider yourself an influencer, it takes delayed gratification for 99% of us. Yes, there are people who go viral quickly and unexpectedly, but those moments are rare.
For some of us, it takes something to remind you about our dreams and desires. Like a complete stranger, LB from IESports Radio, reaching out and asking if podcasting is something I’ve ever thought of doing. I thought it was a scam at first.
But in a time of disarray and chaos caused by a fire, I had two things there to comfort me and help me through this traumatic time in my life. That was my wife and sports.
I realized this winter that sports and athletics have inspired me to be brave, motivated me to achieve lifelong goals, picked me up in the lowest times of my life, they’ve made me laugh, they’ve made me hang my head and cry, they’ve made me shout victoriously from literal and metaphorical mountains.
They’ve saved my life and helped form the human I am today.
I owe it to myself, to chase this dream, these passions, to enjoy this journey and experience. In a sense, give back to the sports world what it’s given me. And that’s Love; Tough and Unconditional.
Thanks for the read.
End Chapter 2.
Aug 5 2023
Dreams and Chronicles of a Greenhorn Podcaster:
Chapter I
According to demandsage.com it is estimated that over 460 million people listen to podcasts. There are roughly around 5 million podcasts, equaling out to approximately 70 million episodes.
Celebrities, Athletes, Musicians, Authors, Doctors of all kinds, the educated, the uneducated, politicians, and a plethora of nobodies are starting podcasts at the fastest rate ever. How do you set yourself apart? How do you choose topics or themes?
We have mental health podcasts, self-help podcasts, story podcasts, educational podcasts, comedy podcasts, true crime podcasts, history podcasts, news and politics podcasts, music podcasts, arts and entertainment podcasts, sports podcasts etc. etc.
So why are so many people starting podcasts? The rich and famous, do it to maintain that fame and wealth, but I’m sure some are doing it for good causes as well. I’d hope that some of them are doing it to connect to their fans on a deeper level.
But for the majority of us, we are searching for that fame or some sort of notoriety; like myself and my Podcast: Big Cheese Sports. I focus on sports in the state of Wisconsin but also talk about cheese, pop culture, mental health, current events, and life growing up in Central Wisconsin.
Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are all getting into the mix. In this day and age of social media, post-pandemic, we are searching for human connection, to be heard, appreciated, respected, and validated. We all have our niche interests and hobbies and what better way to connect with those around the world then on platforms such as Podcasts.
Whether you are a creator or listener it’ll connect you with people that share your interests, no matter how rare, bizarre, or extra plain they are. We can listen without judgement, or you can create by just talking into the abyss and get whatever is on your brain out of there.
While it may just be a hobby for some, it’s a career, or desired career for others.
At one time in my life, Sports Broadcasting and Journalism was my absolute dream job. I did not have the money or grades for a top notch college or university, so I joined the military for educational benefits. Two combat tours, a diagnosis of PTSD, and a 15 year battle with substance abuse; I finally snapped myself out of the 9-5 grind till you die work society nightmare.
I have re-found my love of writing, watching, and talking sports. I took a 20 year detour from my dream and now hope, like millions of others, to be noticed, heard, and maybe someday paid for my Podcast and the content I create.
I know I have a long way to go. But I’m relying on my education, humor, creativeness, dreams, and intrinsic drive to get me where ever on this journey. I am looking for workshops, other creators to collab with, and every bit of wisdom I can get from those who have achieved before me.
Follow along as I chronicle my journey from being an unknown blogger, podcaster, and content creator to becoming…. whatever comes from this journey. I’m loving every success and learning from every defeat thus far.
I am passionate about what I am doing and whether this dream becomes monetary or not, I’m going to enjoy the ride while it lasts.
End Chapter I
Aug 4 2023
Baked Takes: Burnes Throws like a Boss at All-Star Game
High Plains Drifter. (A Potent Psychedelic portal to a dimension just beyond our own)
Brewers end up with one All-Star at the break. It’s not the return of Christian Yelich like we all wanted. It’s not the originally voted in Airbending Devin Williams. It’s a familiar and peculiar face, leading the Brewers in wins(7) and IP (107.1) making his 3rd straight appearance in the MidSummer Classic. So, let’s have ourselves a MidSummer’s Night Dream that Burnes’ Cutter is on point in his appearance. We watch him throw a full inning, millions around the world watching as he cuts down three straight batters in dominant form. His NL teammates rejoice, front offices around the League keep playing that inning over and over in their heads. The Brewers front office receives multiple offers a few days later. The Brewers will be in the driver’s seat as they workout a deal. They land some prospects, but more importantly a corner INF that has a consistent bat that can help immediately. Brewers pitching staff gets healthy and finds their rhythm, CC is on point with all his lineups and changes, and we squeeze every drop out of our bats that we can. We take home the Central Title, we win our Wild Card Series as the 3 seed, Brewers win their NLDS in 5! Unexpectedly, the Brewers have backed into the 2023 NLCS. Brew Crew goes down in 6 but the players walk-off the field with their heads held high. Honestly, I don’t know if this is feasible with this team, but if we resign Woody on the off-season, our trade acquisition on the corner stays, we continue developing prospects, the future shows that we can remain contenders. Sometimes we need to remember we are a small market team and just contending for the Division Title is enough. Because every Division Title we win, is a chance at a miracle in October.
I’m Bernie Bango, this is Baked Takes Issue #1
And I’m outta here…
Like it or Leave it; this is your 2023 Packers Draft Class. #GoPackGo
1 May 23
Every football season fans get to play GM for their favorite football team thanks to Mock Draft Apps on the Internet. Many make hypothetical trades, select subjectively, and/or do very little research or game tape watching as they make their picks. I’ve always thought that fans do a better job predicting March Madness Brackets than they do predicting Draft Classes. Personally, I didn’t get a single pick correct for the Packers this year. However, I am absolutely stoked for the class we are bringing in.
Day One
With our first and only pick of round 1 the Packers selected Lukas Van Ness aka Hercules aka Luke Ness Monster aka LVN. Pack fans were immediately split on the pick. Most that had an issue with it was because all of the top WRs were still on the board. Packers haven’t selected a WR in the first round since they took Javon Walker in 2002. With the rebuild and transition to a new QB, one would think that they would get him the most help possible. However, you win championships with defense and after seeing our pass rush after Rashan Gary got injured, this was an A+ pick in my cheesehead. Look for LVN to be part of the pass rush rotation on opening day and to be getting more and more snaps as the season goes on. With a ceiling comparable to JJ Watt, we’ll see how bright this kids star can shine
Day Two
The Packers focused on what I am now referring to as Weapons of Love or Love Weapons. Packers got two monster TEs to catch passes in Musgrave and Kraft. They both can make plays after the catch, but have a little blocking work to do. I hope that they both reach their potential and we see the best TE duo since Gronk and Hernandez. The other weapon we got on day two was WR Jayden Reed. He plays bigger than he’s listed, he’s worked for everything he has, and I think he drops into the slot spot from the get go. Now while you’ll run into Packer fans that think Kraft and Reed were reaches; I think Gute and MLF know exactly what they are doing and their getting all the pieces they need. They aren’t worried about what everyone else is saying or doing. They have their strategy, their solutions, and they are sticking to it. Expect all three of these players to have a positive impact on this offense in year one. Also, we are finally going to see the MLF’s pure offense. Rodgers definitely had his influence on the offense and calling audibles at the line. Well with Love at the wheel, I think he’s taking all directions from MLF without question. This offense is going to find rhythm and Packers will be humming that tune all season.
Day Three
The focus on the third and final day of the draft was defensive depth, special teams and searching for another weapon in need of some polishing. I personally believe we found a few diamonds in the rough through these rounds. I want to start out with the DL picks; Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks were both versatile picks, they can line up anywhere on the DL. Colby is a tweener OLB/DE and Brooks is a tweener DE/DT. Expect both of these guys to see some time on the active roster this season. Not sure if they will receive regular snaps this season, but with their versatility and work ethic, they offer the Green and Gold immediate depth. Green Bay also selected two WRs on day 3, but only one of them has the potential is getting regular snaps in their career. Dontayvion Wicks and Grant Dubose were those two receivers. Wicks has big play potential but will need to have consistent hands to work his way into the WR4 spot. Grant Dubose has good size, but lacks speed and skill to be an everyday guy. We’ll see if Dubose has any special team’s talents to offer. Packers also added some depth to their defensive backfield. Carrington Valentine the CB out of Kentucky is a great physical specimen for the position but gets out of position often and guesses on double move routes resulting in getting beat deep. I think he could offer coverage on punts and kickoffs. As for Anthony Johnson Jr. out of Iowa State, we found great Safety Value in round 7. Johnson Jr. was projected as a 5th rounder, no idea why he slid to the 7th, but if he comes into camp and impresses, he could work his way into the starting lineup by seasons end. The other 3 picks on this day are only worth a sentence each. Sean Clifford has nearly hit his ceiling and will be a clipboard backup. Anders Carlson is here to put pressure on Crosby and hopefully learn from him. Lew Nichols III will be a project on the practice squad.
Overall I give the Packers a B+ on this draft. But, I believe the real draft grades come a year or two later for most players
Bucky Badger Battles the Bradley Braves in 1st Round of NIT.
13 Mar 23
Whether your still trying to hold a torch to Greg Gard’s seat or wiping tears from missing the NCAA for the second time in 24 years; Badger basketball is not done this season. Badgers landed a 2-seed in the NIT and I am hoping the Badgers show up Hangry. They will get to Host the Bradley Braves Tuesday, March 14th 8:30 pm CST on ESPN at the Kohl Center.
Bradley is led in scoring and rebounding by a pair of 6’9 forwards out of the Netherlands. Rienk Mast leads the Braves in scoring (13.8) and rebounding (7.9), followed by his Dutch counterpart Malevy Leons who is averaging 11.3 pts and 6.0 reb. Keep your eye on Leons on both sides of the court as he leads Bradley in steals (1.5) and Blocks (1.5). Expect to see Wahl and Crowl matched up with the Dutch Duo; I have confidence in our starting bigs slowing these two down. They’re talented, but I don’t think they B1G talented.
Leading the Bradley team at the point position is Junior Duke Deen, who leads the team in assists. Deen is a quick pesky point at 5’8 but I expect Hepburn to lock him up on D and hopefully post him up on O. I foresee Klesmit matching up with 6’6 Zek Montgomery who shoots 44% from 3. Klesmit will need to perform defensively like we know he can to prevent Zek from getting hot from 3. Connor Essegian who has been a shaky on D at times should match up with Connor Hickman, who is also from Indiana. Who will win this battle of Indiana Connors?!
Bradley Head Coach, Brian Wardle will have his squad ready. Wardle has 8 players that receive 16+ minutes a game. Wardle has been flexible with his starting lineups this season, so don’t be surprised if these matchups look a little different as the game begins. Two Bradley reserve players Badgers will keep their eyes on are Ja’Shon Henry and Darius Hannah. Henry a Senior forward from Saskatoon is 6’6 230 and shoots 57.8% from the floor. Darius Hannah who is from Milwaukee, WI, comes off the bench with high energy and does a little bit of everything.
Darius Hannah is the big brother of current Wisconsin 4-star recruit, Davion Hannah. So, there is a likely chance that Davion will be in attendance tomorrow night to watch big brother. This might be the biggest reason I hope the Badgers show up ready to play. Davion has a stack of offers and if the Badgers want him to land there, it could start with an impressive performance in this game. (However, I expect him to land at Marquette and do big things with Shaka.)
Badger Nation, don’t expect a blow out over a team that won the MVC regular season title. The Braves will show up with confidence having won 25 games this season. The Braves haven’t played since March 5th when they lost in the MVC title game against Drake. Will the longer layoff plague the Braves?
Badgers vs. Braves is going to boil down to 3 things
Both teams average 8 made 3s a game. Who will hit their average or go beyond 8?
Neither team shoots FTs very well and are both right around the 67% mark from the charity stripe.
Bradley is second in the MVC in offensive boards and rebounding margin. So Badgers better be ready to box out.
Badgers 3 Keys to Victory
Make your open 3s.
Shoot above 70% from the line.
Limit Bradley’s second chance points.
If the Badgers execute in these three areas they’ll take home the W. My Prediction is Badgers- 67 Bradley-61
The Freak has Frequent Flyer Miles and we’re getting Khash Back.
30 Jan 23
The three games leading up to Giannis’s week of rest, he averaged 12.6 ppg on 34.6% shooting from the floor. Since his return he’s played in 4 games and is averaging 38.3 ppg on 70.6% shooting from the floor. If this doesn’t support the idea of load management I don’t know what does. Giannis has to be getting tired of going through stretches of carrying this team. Especially, when we have injuries or other players going through shooting droughts. Feed Giannis in the paint and clear the lane for takeoff. This week of play lead Giannis to become Big Cheese Sports first Big Cheese of the Week!
While Giannis is playing with high energy this past week, Khris Middleton has returned to action in a reserve role. In his first 3 games he played 15 minutes and in the last game against the Pels he played 18. They are taking the right approach with Middleton’s return. Giving us a little more Khash back at a time. Earvin Magic Johnson tweeted after the Pelicans game saying that the Bucks championship aspirations depend on a healthy Khris Middleton. I couldn’t agree more Magic. We all saw the struggles the Bucks went through last postseason when he went down.
Another big piece to the Bucks making a deep run in the playoffs will depend on the health of Bobby Portis. He is currently in the top 5 of double-doubles on the season. He was averaging 15 and 10 in home games. Not only Bobby POTUS a fan favorite, he provides great depth in the front court allowing Brook, Giannis, and Khash to take breathers in the game without us having to worry about them being off the court. He brings a tenacity to this team and brings fans to their feet.
The last thing the Bucks need to do is make a trade to try and find a 3 and D guy to come off the bench. Here is a list of Bucks players that I could see us parting ways with via trade: Serge Ibaka, AJ Green, George Hill, Jordan Nwora, and Grayson Allen. Now while I personally hope we hold onto Allen, I know a lot of Bucks fans that would be okay with us parting ways with him. We also have some second round picks we could throw into the bag. Our next 1st rounder in 2029 has got to stay OFF the table though. Here’s a list of players we could bring in with a combo of those players and picks: Cam Reddish, Jae Crowder, Immanuel Quickley, Josh Richardson, and Jordan Clarkson.
Bucks are trending upward and are closing in on the 2 spot in the East. The Bucks just need to stay in the top 4 of the east, get and stay healthy, then make a small trade before the deadline and I think they will have what it takes to make another Finals run. The 6ers and Celtics will be the teams to beat. We’ll see what the Nets can do come playoff time as well. But I am feeling good as a fan, and bringing home the Larry O’Brien is the plan.
Should He Stay or Should He Go Now?
23 Jan 23
If he goes there will be trouble, if he stays there will be double.
It’s beginning to feel like Deja Vu in Green Bay at the QB position. I can currently think of 3 different outcomes as we wait for his decision.
#1 If A-A-Ron stays I don’t know if he’ll be back to MVP level, but I fully believe he’ll play better than this year. Hopefully, but doubtfully, he’ll show up at OTAs if he decides to return to the Pack. Either way he’s had last season at the preseason at this point to keep growing that chemistry with his young WRs. If he stays that means Packers brought back all is homies in Mercedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, and David Bakhtiari. Packers wouldn’t be able to add any free agents due to cap space and would need to deepen their roster via the draft. If this is the case I would want to see them draft a TE, S, and an Edge Rusher with their first 3 picks, in no specific order. Although, we’d likely lose Jordan Love and would need to replace him in this draft which would hurt us in landing a rookie that could make an immediate impact.
#2 Aaron and the front office agree to trade him to another organization. There’s only so many teams out there that could absorb Rodgers massive contract. Teams like Duh Bears and Cincy are happy with their young QBs and won’t be any part of this. Teams like the Jets and Titans, which are two teams that’d be great landing spots, would have to clear cap space to make that move. Maybe they wouldn’t be great landing spots though, depending on who they move. The other New York team has a major decision with Daniel Jones, but I think Daboll would like to keep him. There’s another tricky QB situation in Seattle with Geno, another great landing spot for Rodgers to win immediately. However, I think with 2 first round picks Seattle tags Geno and drafts his eventual replacement. Houston who has a laughable QB Room has the number 2 pick and could take a QB. I can’t imagine Rodgers wanting to go there anyways so nix that idea. That leaves us with two decent options. Atlanta and New England. Atlanta in the ever fluctuating NFC South is a team that could bring in Rodgers and at minimum win their division. New England, now that is an interesting one. Would Kraft bring Rodgers in, what do they do with Mac Jones? Patriots D is solid, but they’re lacking offensively. They were only one game away from making the playoffs. Rodgers and Belichick would have to get along though.
If a trade occurs, Packers free up cap space, can make some moves to help with the Love Era in Green Bay. We could potentially land players or draft capital in a trade. I don’t mind this idea, but think it is the least likely to happen.
#3 Aaron retires we’re left with 40 Million in dead cap and Aaron laughs all the way to the bank with nearly 60 Million. Then the Jordan Love Era begins during the middle of a Recession in Green Bay. This is my least favorite scenario. But in 2024, we can really start the rebuild of Titletown.
Badgers Wahlowing in the muck and mire.
14 Jan 23
Badgers are currently on a 3 game skid and the talking heads are calling for the head of Coach Greg Gard. Badger star, Tyler Wahl, has been out since 10 minutes into the Gophers game on January 3rd. Badgers barely held onto that game against their rival. However, the first two games without Wahl the Badgers showed fight and had their chances. There was the 79-69 loss @ Illinois and a late blown game against MSU at home, 69-65. B1G losses are always tough pills to swahlow but there was hope there with Crowl and Hepburn carrying the team. However, this weekend both were MIA and only Freshman Connor Essegian scored double digits against the Hoosiers. The Badger critics were crying early into this one as there was hope the Badgers matched up well with a banged up Hoosier team that had lost 3 in a row. The “Fire Gard Bandwagon” is growing after our three losses without our star player. Badger fans are currently drunk from the “Big Fick” Football Energy Drink. The Hoosiers played with an urgent intensity of defense and played tough in the paint of offense with our top post defender out of the game. Trayce Jackson-Davis ate Crowl for lunch and came back for seconds and thirds. Indiana is now 9-1 at home on the season and they’ve righted their ship for the time being. Badgers now need to play with the same urgency and tenacity that they faced in Bloomington. Badgers will get Penn St. at home on Tuesday night. The Nittany Lions have only played 3 true road games this season and are 1-2. The key to this game will be guarding the perimeter and limiting the Lions open looks from 3. The Lions are leading the B1G in 3 pointers attempted, made, and %. With or without Wahl, Badgers will have a chance in this one and hopefully get the Fire Gard Crowd to quiet down for the moment.
Bad News Brewers
05 August 2022
In the last week the Brewers made an okay trade at the deadline that quickly turned into a head scratcher. Then after the trade, they were sadly swept by the Pirates. Brewers Twitter has erupted in frustration. The Brew Crew faithful have targeted their criticism mostly towards owner Mark Attanasio. So far, I’ve just sat back and watched as the mayhem unfolded before me. I’ve had a lot of thoughts and feelings about this debacle and it’s time to share.
Josh Hader: He’s been mentioned the last couple years to be a potential trade candidate. So, when I heard he was traded, I was bummed, but not surprised. However, what we got at first didn’t seem like the haul one would expect for one of the top closers in the game. Most of us were expecting a couple top prospects and a bat that could help immediately. Instead, we got an OF prospect (Esteury Ruiz, Padres 28th prospect) that might make an appearance this year; Taylor Rogers the Padres closer who has good numbers but the eye test shows Hader is more dynamic, Robert Gasser a LHP that is the Padres 7th ranked prospect, and Dinelson Lamet a solid pitcher that could start or be a middle relief type guy. To say, it was nothing to write home about, but the return for Hader was not completely satisfying. I tried being positive and said let’s just wait to see how it plays out. It didn’t take long.
Dinelson Lamet: He was a Brewer for about as long as it takes an old man to take a shit. Just two days after acquiring Lamet, they Designated him for Reassignment. Huh? Yeah, that was a calm reaction compared to the explicit response from most Brewers fans. Lamet has since been claimed off waivers by the Rockies The Brewers continued picking up pitchers after their first trade. They traded INF Mark Matthais for RP, Matt Bush; and traded Single-A OF Tristan Peters for RP Trevor Rosenthal who hasn’t pitched in two years. Yes, you read that right, it’s been two fucking years since he stepped on the mound. As a result, Lamet DFA’d and then picked up by the Rockies. The Hader trade has left a bad taste in the fans mouth. Why trade for more pitchers when you got two that can help now for Hader.
Matt Bush: The moment we acquired Bush, the links to his history quickly appeared on social media. Many fans siting that he is a straight up POS and has no place in baseball. As a person who has made poor choices in life and has burned some bridges along the way. I am a believer in second chances. Especially when you serve your time, do your best to make reparations, then keep your head down, mouth shut, and remain grateful for the rest of that journey. I do not condone or support any of Bush’s actions that led him to serving time. He pled no contest, which in my eyes means, I’m guilty and I’m not even going to try and justify or excuse my actions. Just give me my punishment. Although, some might see it as not wanting to fully admit. However you want to look at it, he served over 3 years in a correctional facility and let’s hope he corrected his flaws and grew as a human being. He’s a scorcher and can be a great relief guy. It hurt though when in his second appearance for the Crew he threw a wild pitch in extra innings giving the Pirates the sweep of the Brewers.
In conclusion, the Brewers do not seem serious about playing for the world series. These moves seemed like money savers, while keeping them at a spot where they should at least play meaningful baseball throughout the regular season. The 90s kid in me looks up at me with a mouth full of Big League Chew and says, “At least they’re on TV everyday and they make the playoffs on the regular now too!” But the disgruntled nearly 40 year old that stands here today responds, “I wanna fucking win it all kid. You Play to win the Game! Hello?!” Either way you wanna cut it, I will never stop cheering for the Brewers, but it is time for Mark to shit or get off the pot.
P.S. If we match up against the Padres in the Playoffs, look for Hader to go from our Savior to the nail in our coffin.
Half Barrel Brew Time
04 July 2022
Happy Fourth of July! And happy halfway point of the Major League season. Your Milwaukee Brewers are 46-35 and in first place of the NL Central. They have a two game lead over the 44-37 St Louis Cardinals. Since an 8 game skid early in June, the Brewers are 13-7 in their last 20. They have two 4 game W streaks in those 13, with sweeps against the Reds and Rays. Unfortunately, the IL remains a revolving door for the Crew. One player gets healthy, one player gets hurt.
Pitcher’s on IL
Freddy Peralta SP 60-day
Jake Cousins RP 60-day
Miguel Sanchez RP 15-day
Adrian Houser SP 15-day
OF’s on IL
Hunter Renfroe RF 10-day
Tyrone Taylor CF 7 day
Even so, the Brewers have led or have contended for the NL Central lead all season. Demonstrating the depth and diversity of this team. Not to mention Counsel’s constant chess moves. At the moment we have more Pitcher’s on the IL, but it is the position player’s that worry me at the moment. With two starting OF’s on the IL, our OF depth is being challenged. Renfore is on his second stint on the IL, with another lower body strain. Tyrone Taylor is on the concussion protocol after taking a double of his dome. Yes, you read that right, a double off of his dome. Our defense in the OF has been questionable at times this season, however Taylor and Renfroe’s bats might be what is missed most right now.
Speaking of bats, Yelich is batting his best in nearly a few years. His slash line for the last 15 games is .328/.443/.448. Now while the slugging percentage doesn’t jump out at you. Yelich’s production is a sign of light, and maybe a new direction for his career. He is leading the Brewers in Hits (76), Runs (53), BBs (40), and SBs (12). This is exactly what we need from that leadoff position.
Tellez and Adames continue to have surges of power and are tied for the team lead in HRs with 16 a piece. As a result, they are 1 and 2 on the team for RBIs. Tellez with 53 and Adames with 45. Even with those power surges, it is Hunter Renfroe that leads the team in Slugging Percentage (.490). Renfroe’s health will be key for a Brewers playoff run this fall.
Other bats that have been helpful this first half have been McCutchen, Caratini, and Narvaez. Cutch leads the team in Batting Average with hitters over 200 ABs (.257). Hopefully, he can keep the average up as he will see less days DHing and more days in the OF due to injuries. Caratini and Narvaez continue with excellent defense behind the plate and with their timely hitting. It will be interesting to see what the Brewers do with the return of Pedro Severino.
Finally, onto to pitching. Burnes looks absolutely locked in. Leading the team in wins (7), ERA (2.36), Ks (124), and QS (12). He will be competing for another Cy Young by seasons end. Woodruff has looked great in his last two starts since coming off the IL. He’s had a total of 18 Ks in the last two games and only one ER. Lauer was off to an electric start this season but has had some ups and downs recently. I expect him to refind his mojo during the All-Star break.
Relief pitching has been nearly lights out in the 8th and 9th. I can’t think of another team that has a better combo of finishers coming out of their Bullpen. Devin Williams and Josh Hader will play with fire sometimes, but rarely get burned. Williams is leading the League with 21 Holds. While, Hader is leading the League in Saves (25). Other RPs chipping in from the BP are Boxberger, Milner, Gott, and Suter.
Two things I would try differently coming out of the 1st Half
Bat Wong in the 2 or 9 spot. He should be next to Yelich
Return Jason Alexander to the starting rotation.
Brewers start the second half of the season with a six game homestand. Three against the Cubbies and three against the Bucs. Now, I’d love to see them run the table in those six, I believe we go 4-2. Tyrone will be back before we hit the road. Renfroe will return after the All-Star break. Brewers will get healthier, fingers crossed, and continue to build on that NL Central lead.
I’ll be back in a couple weeks when we hit the All-Star Break. #ThisIsMyCrew
USC/UCLA to the B1G
02 July 2022
It’s been 48 hours now since the announcement of USC and UCLA’s future transition to the Big Ten. At first I started having flashbacks to EA Sports NCAA Football where you are allowed to edit conferences. That’s what these conference changes are starting to feel like. Despite that feeling, I am for the pending super conferences. At this time it is clear the biggest factor in this move is money. We were talking about super conferences prior to the NIL. Now, the NIL has only sent us snowballing towards the end of the modern college football world. As I said, I like this addition to the B1G, but there are some drawbacks hidden in there as well. Here are a list of Pros and Cons to this change.
Cons
Tougher travel on the student athletes
Strictly money motivated (Greed!)
Breaking up rivalries in the PAC12?
What happens with the Rose Bowl?
Pros
B1G will land a massive marketing deal
B1G now has a West Coast presence
Warm destinations for traveling fans
New and intriguing regular season matchups
More teams coming to the B1G is a certainty
I know there seems to be a line drawn between fans, for and against this change. However, the only thing constant in life is change. As much as we love the history of these conferences, the traditions that were built, it’s become a billion dollar industry. Schools, as well as the NCAA, are guilty as charged when it comes to having their hand in the cookie jar. The last time the B1G expanded west was in 2011 with the acquisition of Nebraska. In 2014 the B1G reached the East Coast with the additions of Rutgers and Maryland. A decade after that expansion, come 2024, the B1G will reach from sea to shining sea.
Next teams to potentially join the B1G
Washington
Oregon
Washington St.
Oregon St.
Notre Dame
Earlier I stated that there would be super conferences on their way. Texas and Oklahoma are already on their way to the SEC. The Power 5 are moving towards the Super 2. The Power 5 schools have a total of 65 teams. The Big Ten is currently at 14, but in two years time will be at 16. I believe this will put the B1G halfway to their goal. My guess is that there will end up being two super conferences, the B1G and the SEC. They will both grow to 32 teams. Then, break those teams down to 16 team divisions, down to 8 team groups and maybe even 4 team pods. They will do their best to keep rivalries alive, conference championships meaningful, while giving us a fresh look. Most of the Pac-12 will be absorbed by the B1G and the ACC mostly absorbed by the SEC. The Big 12 will be pecked at like leftovers. I’d love to see a Notre Dame USC Big Ten rivalry game or how about Bama and Clemson starting an annual rivalry? We will have the battle of the UWs Wisconsin vs Washington. How about the increased intensity between Miami, Florida, and Florida St all being in the same conference. We knew this day was coming and the dominoes are falling.
Pivotal Series in the NL Central
20 June 2022
This is what baseball fans live for; almost 70 games into the season the Brewers and Cardinals are tied atop the NL Central as they prepare for a four game series. Tonight has the likelihood to be a pitchers duel and team defense will need to execute when the ball is hit into play. Game 1 starters are Brewers CY Young Winner Corbin Burnes and Cardinals Wins and Ks leader Miles Mikolas. This is one exciting way to start off this crucial series. Cardinals and Brewers are 10.5 games up on the 3rd place Pirates, so every matchup between these two clubs will be deciding factor come season’s end.
Brewers are coming off a 3 game sweep of the lowly Reds. That might have been the medicine needed to cure the Brewers recent struggles. The Cardinals are in the middle of a 7 game road trip and just lost a series (1-2) in Boston to an incredibly talented Red Sox team. The Brewers Cardinals season series is currently tied 4-4 with four more games on the way. I expect it to be a playoff atmosphere at Am Fam park as Brewers faithful hit the summer running. We also know that Cards fans travel well and will happily drive across Illinois for this rivalry.
Both teams are battling through some injuries. Brewers are short at second base and I expect to see a rotation of guys used there for matchups and defensive purposes. Brew Crew is still missing SP Brandon Woodruff but word on the street is he is back working in the bullpen and rehabbing. The Crew is also without their new bullpen piece Trevor Gott. However, the Brewers get their biggest bullpen weapon back in closer Josh Hader who was home on paternity leave. Cardinals will be without their pillar behind the plate in Yadier Molina. Brewer fans will not miss him as he has raked against them throughout his career. Cardinals will also be without SP Steven Matz and OF Corey Dickerson. It will be interesting to see how these injuries impact this series.
Brewers bats seem to be rebounding from their 3 week slide. Yelich continues to impress from the leadoff spot. Renfroe is on a power surge. McCutchen is finding consistency. The catching combo of Caratini and Narvaez has been a pleasant surprise at and behind the plate. Plus, Urias is finally busting out of his slump. Even with the recent positives for the Brewers offense, they have not been as productive as the Cardinals. Paul Goldschmidt is having an MVP caliber season. Then on top of that the Cardinals can Hit, Score, and Steal. They rank in the top 5 in the Majors for Avg, RBIs, Hits, and Stolen Bases. Brewers pitching staff needs to be zeroed in to get it done this week.
As it has been the last few seasons it will be the Brewers arms that determine this series. Here are the pitching matchups for the week:
Monday- Burnes 4-4 2.52 ERA vs Mikolas 5-4 2.62 ERA
Tuesday- Ashby 1-5 4.25 ERA vs Flaherty 0-0 6.00 ERA
Wednesday- Lauer 6-2 3.57 ERA vs. Wainwright 5-5 3.06 ERA
Thursday- Alexander 1-0 2.42 ERA vs. Hudson 5-3 3.31 ERA
I love the matchups we will be seeing on the bump this series. We have potential for some pitching and defensive battles and a game or two of explosive offensive showings. Craig Counsell will need to find the right lineups and matchups in this game of chess. Now, while I would love the Brewers to take the series 3-1 at home, and I think they could possibly do so; my prediction is we split the series 2-2. Taking the season series to an even 6-6. Leaving both clubs as 40-32 and neither team taking the reigns of the NL Central.
Brewers’ slump busted?
13 June 2022
After going more than a week without a win, the Brewers won their series finale in DC against the Nats on Sunday afternoon. Losers of eight in a row the Brewers got a much needed W. They had lost 10 of their last 11 and due to injuries, their pitching staff looked human and their flawed offense looked horrendous at times. The offense was shutout three times in this stretch. Then when the offense was productive (5+ Rs) our pitching staff got knocked all over the ball park. We saw superhuman Hader get whacked for a couple solo shots to blow his first save this season. They also dropped a couple games in extra innings. If the ball bounces different in a few of those games, were not talking about a slumping team. However, It has definitely been a couple of tough weeks for the Brewers. But the big question is, “Are the Brewers busting out of their slump with this win?”
3 reasons why they are busting out of their slump.
1. Yelich hitting leadoff, last 5 games. (9 hits, 1 HR, 2 SBs, 4 Rs) This is the best production we’ve seen since he hit for he cycle on May 11th.
2. Jason Alexander continues to impress on the mound and the bullpen combo of Hoby, Box, Devin, and Hader pitched to what’s become the Brewers BP standard.
3. Adames seems to be healthy, his defense was a much needed boost in the infield and on Sunday his bat returned. (2-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI)
3 reasons why they are NOT busting out of their slump.
1. Their injuries don’t seem to be stopping, IL - Woodruff, Wong, Brosseau. Day-to-day - Urias.
2. The current team batting average is .231, putting them at 26th in the MLB.
3. The Brewers head to New York for a 3 game series against the NL best Mets, 12 of our next 15 games are against teams over .500.
While I want to remain optimistic that the Brewers are going to bust out of this slump and get hot. I think they play around .500 ball over the next two weeks. We won’t see 8 losses in a row again this season, but we’re still in a tough stretch of games. Pitching will get back to form and the bats can hopefully get back to their average, which is the middle of the pack in the MLB. The Brew Crew will get back into first place, but it will be a battle with the Redbirds all season.. Brewers have got to start taking care of business against sub .500 teams, especially those in the NL Central. The best we can hope for against foes over .500 is to split them 50-50. I have faith we still have some hot streaks as a team to come and the Brewers will win the Central again.
Soldier’s Bond
Written Memorial Day of 2010 Today’s Date: 30 May 2022
There are soldiers that don’t know what it’s like to be missed.
There are soldiers that will return and won’t be kissed.
There are soldiers that will not be coming home;
And some that will, but will be all alone.
There were soldiers that were too young to die.
There were soldiers that hung their heads and cried.
There were soldiers who have lost their way;
And some that won’t see another day.
There are soldiers that have nothing better.
There are soldiers that don’t even get a Dear John letter.
There are soldiers who will sacrifice their lives;
And some that won’t think about it twice.
There were soldiers that fought for our nation.
There were soldiers that fought for God’s creations.
There were soldiers who were fathers and mothers;
And some that lost their sisters and brothers.
There are soldiers who fight for the right cause.
There are soldiers who fight while their life is on pause.
There are soldiers who will never be the same;
And most will get no recognition or fame.
We are soldiers and we will never quit.
We have soldiers we will never forget.
We are soldiers now and forever;
And that’s a bond no one can sever.
Quarter Barrel Brew Time
22 May 2022
As I sit here and watch game 3 of the Brewers Nationals series, I realized we are a quarter of the way through the season. The Brewers sit at 26-14 and even though I’ve heard a lot of complaining about Brewers’ bats thus far, this is the best 40 game start in franchise history.
But let’s take a closer look at those bats; the Brew Crew sits right in the middle of MLB standings at #15 with a team batting average of .238. Now while this doesn’t make teams fearful of their bats, we can be hopeful, because at the 16 game mark Brewers were #26 in team batting avg. Now while we remain patient and hopeful that their team average rises, we can be excited about their MLB rankings with 54 HRs (#4), 183 RBIs (#4), and 28 Stolen Bases (#3). The Brewers definitely have their feast and famine moments offensively but they are doing enough to be sitting atop the NL Central.
Let’s take a look at those arms now. Woodruff isn’t quite off to the start we were hoping, but after his last outing, 6 IP, 6K, and only 1 ER, he may be settling in. Even with Woodruff’s struggles, he still leads the team in Wins (5). Lauer and Burnes really look like they’re dealing heat every time on the mound. Lauer has an ERA of 2.16 and Burnes an ERA of 2.26 are a great 1-2 punch. Lauer already has Brewers fans campaigning for a 2022 Cy Young tour. Hader picked up his 100th save and was the fastest pitcher to ever do so. Devin Williams is settling as the set up guy once again, as Counsel slides around the other puzzle pieces to the bullpen. Gott, Boxberger, Ashby, and Suter look to be the key pieces to really solidify that bullpen. But looking at the pitching staff as a whole we are in a great place; MLB rankings at this moment are up there: 26 Wins (#4), 3.34 ERA (#5), 18 Saves (#1), and 411 Ks (#1). This staff will continue to be the strength of this ball club throughout the season.
Besides the Cardinals, the rest of the NL Central doesn’t seem to be too threatening. We should be able to collect many more wins from the Cubs, Pirates, and the Reds this season. The Brewers have a 10 day road trip coming up and we will get a very meaningful series @STL to potentially extend our NL Central lead. Brewers very much looking like they’ll make another playoff appearance this season; I’m impressed by the pitching staff and if we can get that team batting average up to .250 I will like our chances to make a run at the NL Pennant.
Highlights from the Quarter Barrel
26-14 Best 40 game franchise start
Hader reaches 100 Saves
Keston’s walk off homer in Brewers’ first extra inning game
The emergence of Rowdy Tellez’s power
Urias is turning into an All-Star right in front of our eyes
Final Reflection & Future
18 May 2022
Well it was a roller coaster of a series with a lot of woulda, coulda, shoulda’s. Woulda been a 5 or 6 game series with a healthy Khris Middleton. Coulda been viewed as a legendary series for Giannis if they won with his 200 Pts 100 Reb and 50 Ast (first player ever to do that in a series). Shoulda been a lot less flopping in the series and I hope the NBA does something about it. Nevertheless, those things didn’t go down that way and the Bucks season is over. I’m bummed we didn’t get to defend our title. I also understand that the battle of staying healthy is and always has been part of the playoffs. Last year people were shouting at us that our title should have an asterisk because of injuries on the Nets roster. If that were really the case, nearly every NBA title would have an asterisk on it, as many championship teams came upon opponents with injured players. I am proud of our Bucks and how they fought and never quit (until the second half of game 7) and nearly took down the hottest team in the league while missing their second best player. We’ll be back next year, Fear the Deer.
As for the Future, the moment the game ended I started seeing fans demanding to tear it down already, fire Bud and trade for Dame were the two biggest angles. Bud has a flyer from me, he won it all last year and I think that gives him 3 years to try to make run at it again, minimum. Coach Bud needs to find some ways to create more offense in 1/2 court sets without Middleton and some new defensive schemes to switch to when the normal systems and strategies are getting torched. As for the Dame trade talk; I’ll pass on that and I hope it doesn’t happen. I love Dame, dude is a baller, I tune into Blazers games to watch him play. However, we would likely need to give up Jrue and/or Middleton for him. Plus, he has a monster 4 year 176 mil contract that we would need to take on. Yes Dame and Freak would be fun as hell to watch, but could we put enough around them to make a run for it all? What’s Dame’s D like? And this is The Freaks team, can he play second fiddle? Here’s the thing, our big three is still in their prime, we definitely have them for 2 more years, they have great chemistry, and we were missing one at the most important time. We have to hope for Bud to grow and find some new pieces in the supporting cast. George over the Hill has got to go. Wes I could take or leave him for another year, his D is still solid but is limited on O. Brook has got one year left and I think revisit that then. Bobby stays, Planet Pat Stays, and I like Grayson for one more year. Bye bye to Ibaka, Carter already said his farewells to the city of Milwaukee, and Nwora I could go either way. Three players I would love for us to target to add depth and scoring are as follows in no specific order: TJ Warren, Delon Wright, and Joe Ingles. I think small tweaks coaching and roster wise, with a healthy Middleton, and we will be back in the title hunt next year. Go Bucks!
The Big Bang-O
12 May 2022
It’s just been over 24 hours and I am still in a bit of disbelief of last night’s win. I started cleaning and rearranging a book shelf in my living room going into the 4th quarter. I was getting into some negative, bummed out feelings and needed to distract myself. A few minutes later I was still feeling the same feels. With just over two minutes left in the game when Horford jammed down a put back dunk I was thinking “damn man, did Big Al just hit us with a nasty dagger?” That dunk was right after Milwaukee had multiple chances to make it a 2 point game and now it was a 6 point game. Then on our next possession we snagged yet another offensive board and it got kicked to Giannis at the top of the three point line and went straight into his shooting motion. I know I was not the only Bucks fan in the world that thought WTH Freak? Attack the hoop as he was going up, but he rattled it home and we were down 3. As he back pedaled down for D the camera zoomed in and with a trickle of blood seeping from his brow I thought this is going to be iconic, he is locked in right now. After a missed jumper by Tatum and exchanging turnovers, the Bucks got out in transition, I thought Bobby had a good look but he kicked it out to Jrue who didn’t even think about it and let it fly! Tie game, 105 up, with 43 seconds remaining. We got a couple clutch FTs from Tatum, some handholding defense by the Celtics, and then Giannis getting fouled on his way to the hoop, side out. Giannis gets the ball attacks the hoop again with Grant Williams on him and gets fouled. This is what the Celtics want in my opinion, up 2 with a 65% FT shooter at the line. My strategy would’ve been Hack-A-Freak if I am Boston. This is where my breathing started feeling like hyperventilating. Giannis sinks the first, exhale, whew, waiting for the second I was thinking sub in Brook and have two bigs for the O board.… Giannis put up the second, off the rim, missed it, Brown and Smart collide in the air going for the board. The ball seemed to hang there as Bobby plucked from mid air. Bobby put it right back up, off the back board, 360 around the rim and in! 108-107 we’re up? we’re up! 11.4 seconds left and Boston took a full TO and advanced the ball, I was looking for a play to Tatum but they in-bounded to Smart. Smart went straight to the hope and for a split second looked like he was going to get a clean look but Super Jrue flew out of no where with a clean block. OMG OMG I kept repeating, Planet Pat went on to knock down two clutch FTs in the arena he won a High School State title in. Allowing Jrue to go for the beautifully timed swipe on Smart and the Celtic’s last chance. GAME OVER. We got to see Smart’s saddest flop of all in those dying moments. Bucks players and fans rejoice. But the job is not done, there’s a lot of work left. Bucks in 6.
(Special Thanks to Brent Suter’s Actual Raptor for the photo)
Rough Night to be a Wisconsinite
9 May 2022
Every multi-sport/multi-team fan is going to have some rough nights or weekends. Tonight was one of those nights for Wisconsin sports fans. Bucks trying to jump out to a 3-1 lead and Brewers trying to get back on track after back to back losses. Brewers heavily relied on their pitching staff last year and they rode them to an NL Central crown. With expectations on them this year fans are expecting great outing after great outing from the pitching staff. Tonight was one of those nights the pitchers got dusted up and the Reds could smell blood in the water. Brewers were able to produce 5 runs which would’ve won them most of their games last year. However, with Woodruff off to a rough start and the bullpen not having on their pieces in place there are going to be nights like tonight we give up 10 runs. Luckily, there’s a lot of baseball left, we’re 19-11 and still a couple games ahead of the Cardinals for 1st. The game that hurt more tonight though was the Bucks game. After nearly another dead even first half dog fight, the Bucks came out and played another good 3rd quarter. Not as nice as their game 3 third quarter, but good enough to give them a 7 point lead heading to the 4th. That’s when the Celtics completely took over again, and this time they didn’t need the refs help. Celtics completely caught fire, it felt like they didn’t miss the entire quarter. Bucks on the other hand couldn’t find their flow, looked lost a few times on D, offense became stagnant, and couldn’t knock down a few of their open looks. They were able to out rebound the Celtics 48-38, and 13-4 on the offensive glass, but with the Celtics shooting 50% from the floor and 90% from the FT line, the Bucks tough guy approach got taken down by the shooters touch. Tatum seemed to snap out of his funk with 30 points and Horford had a career night with 30 points. Bucks really have their work cut out for them going into game 5 in Boston. We still have Giannis and the shots got to start falling. Fear the Deer.
Bernie Bango’s Bucks Bulletin
1 May 2022
Bucks have proceeded to the second round where they run into Boston; who is coming off a sweep of the preseason Eastern Conference favorite, Brooklyn Nets. Bucks won in 5 (which I predicted), but games one and two were rough. I was nervous coming into this series, as Boston looked focused and clutch in their series with the Nets. Bucks were looking better their last three games, after Khash went down with an MCL Sprain. Before game 1, I was thinking this could be a 7 game series with it going either way. I’m not sure if tougher competition and the loss of our second All-Star had me worried; but after game one today I am feeling quite a bit different. Lopez, Portis, and Giannis created a wall around the hoop today, Bucks only had 5 blocks but they contested shot after shot in the paint. The Bucks were +14 in points in the paint. Bucks also won the rebound battle 54-48. This looks like the key to this matchup. If Bucks control the paint on both ends of the floor they will control their own fate. Giannis had a triple double with 24 points 13 rebounds and 12 assists and made a dynamic duo with Jrue Holiday and his game high 25 points 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Bobby Portis chipped a double double with 15 and 11. This is going to be a physical series, reminiscent of the Bucks Celtics playoff match-ups in the 80s. However, Milwaukee has the best player on the court this time. As long as the Bucks assert themselves in the paint on both sides of the hardwood it’ll be Bucks in 6.
Cousin John’s 3rd Annual NFL Draft Party
29 Apr 2022
An event that has grown almost as big as the sport’s championship, the NFL Draft continues its American Tour this year in Vegas. Parties full of predictions pack pubs and homes around the country, and now we can even place bets on those predictions from the palm of our hand. However, millions of diehards have been choosing a more civil way to enjoy the draft via video conferencing. In fact Pat McAfee, Aaron Rodgers, and AJ Hawk were video conferencing/streaming their reactions and conversations live during the draft last night. Minus the live stream, there’s a handful of us that have linked up online to take in the draft the last few years. Started by my Cousin John, an avid Packers and Brewers guy who also cheers for the Bucks and Badgers is the organizer of this meeting of sports junkies. Fans of the Packers, Vikings, and Eagles were onboard last night to watch the first round. We were calling in from the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Washington. The Vikings ended up being the punchline for most of the night due to their inexplicable trade which even their own fans and journalists graded it out as a D or F. After a quick shot at the Eagles fan about missing on more round 1 WRs, they put a great 1st round together with DT Jordan Davis from Georgia and trading pick 18 for WR AJ Brown. Then my brother Luke dropped in on the party just in time for the Packers picks. The Packers with two first round picks and nearly their entire fanbase demanding a WR, what do they do? They select a LB and a DL, both from Georgia and continue ignoring the glaring need at WR, for at least one more day. The day 1 pass catchers were all gone by picks 22 and 28, so they went with players they had rated high and have the potential of making the Packers D a top 10 Defense in the League. I’m pretty sure I heard screams of anger coming from the Dairy State last night, nonetheless WR frustration won’t set in here until after day 2 of the draft. With timely trash talk, season dreams spoken over Gentleman Jack, and No love for Jordan Love I look forward to connecting with this crew again next year.
Fun Facts from the Night
It has been a full 20 years since Packers drafted a WR in Round 1
Black Velvet makes an 8 year Aged Whiskey that is silky smooth
Mark Sanchez is the all-time playoff wins leader for the Jets(4)
Brew Review at 10%
24 Apr 2022
We’re a tenth of the way through the season and the Brewers are second in the NL Central at 10-6. They have some arms that are looking strong: Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes seems to have picked up where he left off, Hader is serving his famous Haderade, and after some rough outings it appears Devin Williams won’t be punching a wall again soon. Gott and Boxberger are two bullpen guys I’ve really enjoyed watching throw. However, the bats almost seem nonexistent at times and could be the death of this Brewers team, again. It seems like yesterday we had the opposite problem, all bats and no arms. Yelich has his OBP over .300 but I doubt his AVG will ever see that number again. McCutchen has proven to be a solid pick up this year and leads the team at this time with 14 hits. Rowdy Tellez has gotten rough and rowdy with the ball 3 times this year, leading the team in HRs. Brewers are 26th in the Bigs when it comes to batting AVG, but lead the league in 5 quality starts from their pitching staff. Counsel is of course doing Counsel things and I will never doubt his management. I have a good feeling he’ll manage our Crew as long as they will let him. Expect more micromanagement from Counsel throughout the season, the Pitching staff will settle the rest of the way in and be one of the League’s best. But expect mediocrity from the bats, and slumps throughout the season, just hope they can get enough done so we can have playoff aspirations.
Top 3 moments so far:
Sweeping the Bucs
Lauer’s gem with 13Ks
A Gypsy Goodbye?
22 Apr 22
This can’t be it, can it? This weekend’s bout could be a farewell fight for the Gypsy King. From being born 3 months premature to retiring 3 fights premature in this boxing fanatic’s eyes. From the beginning of his life, Tyson Fury has been fighting. Fought his ol’man when he was 14 and broke his dad’s ribs. After winning the heavyweight title in 2016, battled addiction, suicidal ideation, and took his mental health battle public. Never have we seen a British fighter, or any fighter so transparent about his thoughts, feelings, and personal demons. Some may even forget he is British with his American-like swagger and lifestyle. He comes from a long line of bare-knuckle brawlers and is able to out-box or out-brawl his opponents. This weekend he steps into the ring to defend his crown against a former sparring partner; seems anti-climatic for a guy whose trilogy of fights against Wilder has the world begging for him to unify the heavyweight titles. But earlier this month Fury declared, “This is the final fight of my career, I’m retiring after this, $150m in the bank, healthy, young, I’m gonna buy a massive yacht abroad. I’m retiring, I’m out, this is my final fight, I’m done.” I feel like he is a man of his word, so I believe him when he says this is it. So, thank you sir, you were the best heavyweight since the man you were named after, Iron Mike. Here’s the three fights I wish you’d stick around for….
Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua
A young up and comer/new number one challenger
Bucks vs Bulls
17 Apr 22
Easter Sunday typically brings us thought of resurrection, Christ rising after 3 days in a tomb. Bulls fans earlier this year were hyped and were getting those vibes that their team had been resurrected, especially when they spent some weeks in 1st place in the East. After dominating the 90s, and having the greatest player on the greatest dynasty, the Bulls were relevant again. Yes, they were a blip on the radar in 2010-11 with MVP Derrick Rose, but those dreams were short lived. In 2014-15 the Bucks and Bulls met in round one and after going down 3-0 the Bucks tried tackling their way back into the series but ultimately fell 4-2 in a game six beatdown. Back to to this season, just when Bulls became optimistic, Grayson Allen committed a flagrant foul on Alex Caruso and Bulls fans called for Allen to be crucified. But what this marked was not the resurrection of Bulls Nation, but the Revelation that the Bucks were the superior team in the Central Division. The Bulls’ prayers will not be answered because the Bucks are not looking to be seen as the savior of basketball. They are the Pontius Pilate, the villain of this rivalry, and they’re going to nail this series down in 5 games. Fear the Deer.