Veering off the sports road, I'm headed to a column on a topic that is driving me crazy.
The state, or lack thereof, of Wisconsin roads -- and the crap flowing from the powers-that-be as to how to pay for repairs.
One side says hey, let's charge MORE to state drivers via higher registration and titles. Seems to me that's a tax on Wisconsin citizens, hidden in the term "fees". And all the folks who come to enjoy our state don't pay a dime.
The other side says let's raise the gas tax, thereby having not only Wisconsin citizens, but those wonderful visitors from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota & Michigan help improve our infrastructure.
OH NO! says the other side, that's a tax and we can't raise taxes.
Seriously? It amounts to probably two bucks a week. That's pretty much the price of a cup of coffee...or a scratch-off card.
I think we could all absorb that.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
One-Third Of The Way Through Milwaukee's Season
I was at the health club the other morning (yes, it's true!) and as I paused during the workout, one of the guys who works there stopped by to chat.
Tony is built like an up-right freezer with legs -- not the look I'm shooting for but a nice guy none the less.
He stopped by the machine I was on, paused and said "So, what's wrong with the Brewers? I don't follow baseball much, but I see them losing a lot. You went to Opening Day, right? Thought I would ask you ..."
Well, Tony, Milwaukee is a a little over a third of the way through the season, posting a 38-28 record. That mark is good enough to put them in a tie for the Central Division lead with the hated Chicago Cubs.
That's not a bad record, all things considered. Being 10 games above .500 after the very tough opening schedule, one that featured a LOT of Cardinals, Cubs and Dodgers. I'm satisfied with that, despite the up-and-down pitching the team has shown.
Still, pitching seems to be a bit of a sore spot. Granted, most EVERY team wants better pitching. But Milwaukee needs better pitching. Beyond the surprising seasons that Brandon Woodruff (8-1, 3.87 ERA) and Zach Davies (7-0, 2.41 ERA), the staff has been a bit shaky. Jhoulys Chacin, currently on the Injured List, has struggled and while he was good over the weekend, Chase Anderson....yes, indeed...chase him off the mound and right out of Milwaukee.
Gio Gonzalaz was signed to eat up innings, but is on the IL as well. And Jimmy Nelson just returned to the mound after 21 months since his injury -- he's getting his sea legs again.
Milwaukee missed on free agents Craig Kimbrel (Chicago Cubs) and Dallas Keuchel (Atlanta Braves), but when you consider their price tags, it may have been a smart decision. The Cubs overpaid for save specialist Kimbrel (three years at $43 million) and Keuchel took a one-year deal with the Braves for $13 million.
The Brewers are already paying $120 million in salary this season. General Manager David Stearns is wise to bide his time and make a trade or two with teams like Toronto, Baltimore or Kansas City -- teams that may be looking for an influx of more young talent.
And, of course, Milwaukee could dangle Eric Thames as bait, since his numbers are more attractive now than struggling Jesus Aguilar.
Expect a move or two to strengthen the starting pitching and the bullpen. But all in all, this Brewer offense is good enough to take Milwaukee to another trip to the post-season.
Tony is built like an up-right freezer with legs -- not the look I'm shooting for but a nice guy none the less.
He stopped by the machine I was on, paused and said "So, what's wrong with the Brewers? I don't follow baseball much, but I see them losing a lot. You went to Opening Day, right? Thought I would ask you ..."
Well, Tony, Milwaukee is a a little over a third of the way through the season, posting a 38-28 record. That mark is good enough to put them in a tie for the Central Division lead with the hated Chicago Cubs.
That's not a bad record, all things considered. Being 10 games above .500 after the very tough opening schedule, one that featured a LOT of Cardinals, Cubs and Dodgers. I'm satisfied with that, despite the up-and-down pitching the team has shown.
Still, pitching seems to be a bit of a sore spot. Granted, most EVERY team wants better pitching. But Milwaukee needs better pitching. Beyond the surprising seasons that Brandon Woodruff (8-1, 3.87 ERA) and Zach Davies (7-0, 2.41 ERA), the staff has been a bit shaky. Jhoulys Chacin, currently on the Injured List, has struggled and while he was good over the weekend, Chase Anderson....yes, indeed...chase him off the mound and right out of Milwaukee.
Gio Gonzalaz was signed to eat up innings, but is on the IL as well. And Jimmy Nelson just returned to the mound after 21 months since his injury -- he's getting his sea legs again.
Milwaukee missed on free agents Craig Kimbrel (Chicago Cubs) and Dallas Keuchel (Atlanta Braves), but when you consider their price tags, it may have been a smart decision. The Cubs overpaid for save specialist Kimbrel (three years at $43 million) and Keuchel took a one-year deal with the Braves for $13 million.
The Brewers are already paying $120 million in salary this season. General Manager David Stearns is wise to bide his time and make a trade or two with teams like Toronto, Baltimore or Kansas City -- teams that may be looking for an influx of more young talent.
And, of course, Milwaukee could dangle Eric Thames as bait, since his numbers are more attractive now than struggling Jesus Aguilar.
Expect a move or two to strengthen the starting pitching and the bullpen. But all in all, this Brewer offense is good enough to take Milwaukee to another trip to the post-season.
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