I love watching professional athletes really get engaged in what they are doing. It's so easy to get jaded with the money, the fame, the constant scutiny in the cyberworld these days. Since the meltdown of Tiger Woods, you can argue that Lebron James has been the most scrutinized and over-analyzed athlete in the country. Despite putting up one of the most dominating regular season performances of all-time...he is being roasted on a daily basis for his in-ability to transfer that to playoff success and his seeming willingness to pass up the big shot at the end of games. Last night, with the Heat's season on the line Bron-Bron went off on the Celtics, scoring 45 (30 in the first half) in a 98-79 rout. Of course it won't mean a thing if Miami cant close the deal at home on Saturday night...and then its the young legs of the Thunder waiting...but maybe, just maybe...Lebron James is ready to shut everyone up.

How bout Nori Aoki? The swing isnt pretty sometimes but as Ron Roenicke says "he gives you good at-bats almost every time". He hit two homers yesterday including the game-winner and is certainly making a case for regular playing time, even when everyone is healthy.

The Woodchucks scored late again last night in a 6-5 win over the Rafters in Wausau. They have been coming up big at home since an Opening night whitewash and host Rapids again tonight. I'll be in the booth with Jim Sannes tonight on Foxsports1390WRIG.

Congrats to Stevens Point, Stevens Point Pacelli, & Tigerton as they earned trips to the WIAA State girls Softball Tournament with sectional wins yesterday.

The Wausau Post 10 Bulldogs opened their American Legion season with a 15-1 win over Wisconsin Rapids. Ryan Zweck took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and the Bulldog offense banged out 20 hits in the victory. Wausau will host Eau Claire in a doubleheader on Saturday at noon at Athletic Park. Admission is always free

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

Jardin Botanico-Michael Franks (1979) one of the most laid-back singers around....who always surrounded himself with the best jazz players around..this is one of many tunes he did about escaping to paradise

Java Jive-Manhatten Transfer (1975) from their break-through LP and the first featuring the clssic lineup