4 Magical Words

For some the four most magical words in the English language are 'pitchers and catchers report". The Milwaukee Brewers pitchers and catchers had their first workouts yesterday and everybody seems to be healthy going into the season. For the first time in forever the Brewers have few, if any questions about their pitching staff. And it's a good thing because the loss of Prince Fielder and the possible suspension of Ryan Braun will certainly put a crimp in the offense. But maybe not as much as people think. Aramis Ramirez will not replace all of Fielder's offense but he did win a Silver Slugger award last year which goes to the top hitter at each position in the league and will certainly produce more than the Crew got out of Casey MeGehee last year. The infield defense should be much better as well which should mean lower scoring, close games. With K-Rod and Ax at the back of the bullpen, the team should win more than their share of those.

Every team is a pennant contender in February...but with the many changes to the Cardinals...the Cubs in complete rebuilding mode....the Pirates not their yet...and the Astros a complete disaster...that leaves the Reds as a possible contender with Milwaukee. With the Brewers pitching...I like their chances.

Manny is back! The Oakland A's...looking for chaep power, have signed the enigmatic slugger even though he has to sit out a 50 game suspension for PEDS. If nothing else, the addition of Ramirez and Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes should make the re-building A's somewhat interesting to watch.

It looks like the greatest relief pitcher in major league history may be hanging it up after this season. Mariano Rivera said yesterday that he has made a decision about his future and nothing that happens this season will change it. Sounds like retirement to me.

High school hockey sectional action tonight....Wausau West hosting Mosinee at Marathon Park...Lakeland at Northland Pines......Sparta at Wisconsin Rapids and Chequamegon at Eau Calire Memorial.

Girls hockey sectionals include the Central Wisconsin Storm hosting Marshfield at the Mosinee Rec Center and Point/Rapids hosting Northland Pines.

Songs Of the Day    (from my I-pod)

In Germany Before The War-Randy Newman (1977) I know Newman is an aquired taste and not everybody "gets" him but his haunting piano melodies and sardonic lyrics never fail to "get" to me. From his masterwork "Little Criminals"

In God's Country-U2 (1987) a single from "The Joshua Tree" that didnt fare well. I like it's juxtaposition of good and bad...depending on your perspective