The Milwaukee Brewers finished the season in 3rd place after a disappointing 77-85 record. It cost Ken Macha his job although GM Doug Melvin will be back. Of course, a big part of the problem is the pitching staff that Melvin assembled for Macha. Macha did not mesh well with the young Brewer players. He refused to play agressive baseball and seemed almost catatonic when talking to the press. The Brewers face an important off-season. With a talented crew of players in place and a couple of decent pitchers to build a staff around...it now falls to melvin to find the right leader for this team...and also to turn the chip that is Price Fielder into some much needed help for the pitching staff. if that can be accomplished in the next few months, I don't see any reason why the Brewers cannot contend next season.

The Lions are a team on the come. They havent earned the respect from the officials to take the next step. Once again a huge number of penalties called on Detroit but it was one that wasnt called on the Packers that proved to be a killer for the Lions upset bid. The non-call on Charles Woodson's obvious interference on 3rd down during the Lions last drive would have given Detroit a first down and a chance to take the lead in ther game.  I questioned why they didnt go for it on 4th down in that situation. They put alot of faith in their defense to get the ball back which they couldnt do. Credit the Green Bay offense for finding a running game on that last drive to ice it away. Green Bay's defense certainly needs to do a better job of getting off the field but a win is a win...no points for style...take it and move on.

The Badgers couldnt get it done on Saturday but I'm not joing the ranks of critics who question UW's non-conference schedule and seem to think that's the reason they lost the game. We knew the seconday was going to be a question mark this season. they miss Chris Borland in the middle of that defense. It would help if the recievers could catch some balls for first downs...how many drops were there? Scott Tolzein has played better but he didnt get alot of help...and John Clay's ankles are not healthy. James White needs to get more touches. Don't keep running Clay out there just because he was a so-called Heisman candidate. If he can't cut...he's not helping.

The Baseball playoffs begin on Wednesday and Thursday. Cincy plays at Philly and Atlanta is at San Francisco...The Yankees at Target Field against the Twins and Texas at Tampa.

Songs of The Day-  (From My Ipod)

Goldfinger-Shirley Bassey (1964) the Bond theme against which all other are compared. It went Top Ten in the US and features an unknown session guitarist named Jimmy Page. Produced by George Martin.

Gone At Last-Paul Simon w/Phoebe Snow  (1975) a duet that was featured on both of their albums at the time...it features a propulsive instrumental track, gospel flavor and Snow's soaring vocals. Here's a 90's live version from the Letterman Show