DHonks

While the Big East got seeded as expected, it's sort of interesting that the conference got punished for being so good and so balanced. Teams 3-7 were bunched very tightly, and two were affected by injuries. The teams beat each other up during conference play, so there was no standout 3rd team. I definitely feel they deserved better than a 6, 9, 10, 11, etc, although I don't know who that third team should be. I thought Creighton was a bit overseeded given their play after losing Watson. With Wisconsin it's tough. They've played 2, maybe 3 good games in their last 7-9 efforts. I know the committee doesn't look at recent success all that much, but we knew last month (when hot) Wisconsin wasn't among their top 16 seeds. Given their slide, it's no wonder they got an 8. Still, they should probably be a 6 or 7.

Wisconsin could have problems with Va Tech. Buzz had a good record against Bo Ryan in their years.

I have been hearing "Social Security" will be gone all my life. That isn't going to happen. Look at the outrage whenever they even hint at changing anything. They can raise the age, they can tinker with means testing, but there will be SS. As far as 20 somethings saving more than any previous generation, I don't believe that. Years ago, before 401k, it was commonplace for employers to offer pensions, and most people had full time jobs. The 20 something generation is underemployed, and they have to voluntarily sign up for 401k. So I can't believe that combination would equal saving more than a generation who all had pensions. You never know how true these studies are, and then they always change. For example, just heard earlier this week that 50% of all Americans couldn't write a check for $500 if they had to. FVBrewerfan, Social Security will be here. It doesn't pay out very much on average now (a little over $1200/month on average), and it will only pay out less. Created in the 1930s, the Social Security Trust Fund ran a surplus until 2009. Beginning in 2010 (I believe in part due to the Obama temporary tax cut), the SSA began collecting less money annually than it was due to pay out. Therefore, the Trust Fund was tapped into. By 2033 the Trust Fund will be drained and tax collections will only cover 75% of expenditures. Therefore, massive changes will be needed, likely a combination of tax increases, benefit cuts, means testing, and increasing the eligibility age. Perhaps SSA will also stop some of it's long-term disability coverage. In 2033, the Social Security shortfall is projected at over $600B. Congress needs to do something about this. They should have done something about this years ago. That's why all people today need to be investing. I love asking my students if they could save $5 every pay period, and they all raise their hands. Then point out that at normal growth rates, $5/pay period would amass $40k+ of wealth by retirement age. We can all do a better job of this.

Some things to note from this thread: -new analysis debunks the myth that it's better to switch more conservatively as one gets older. In general, an equities-based strategy will yield better results -20 somethings are actually saving more for retirement than any previous generation. It's misleading though, as it is because many companies are realizing the benefits of automatically enrolling their new hires in retirement plans. I wish it were because of financial responsibility, since I teach this in class, but it's not. -real estate seems safe, until there's a bubble. I know people in AZ that were well over 100k underwater on their homes nearly a decade after the crisis. -if you're under 50, don't plan on Social Security. Our politicians have screwed us over by continuing to pander to old people at the expense of the young. In 2033 we're going to be in serious trouble. I warn all my students that they cannot rely on Social Security in its current form. It is not viable, and our politicians are afraid to deal with it.

brewcrewdue80, UWM would have been playing on Tues or Wed in the First Four, along with the other 3 worst automatic qualifiers. As for the big line, I'm not so sure. I've been going to Vegas for 9 years now for March Madness, and we've noticed a progression of smaller betting lines for #1 and 2 seeds. We may see 2 or 3 lines in the 20s, but there likely won't be anything higher than about 24. And TPlush, had Valpo won the Conf tourney, they likely would have been a 12 or 13 seed. This kind of thing happens every year in conference tournaments.

Wait, late inning relief is sketchy? Unproven maybe, but we're loaded. cl- Feliz setup- Joba, Barnes, Blazek, Knebel, Magnifico (maybe) mid- Suter, Torres, Marinez

Good win for Bucky yesterday...much needed. With conference tourneys left, there's a lot to play for? Marquette with a very difficult matchup vs Seton Hall. Who does Bucky have? What are the thoughts on Wichita St? I see them a 5, maybe 6. Some have them in the 8-9 game

I'm starting to wonder hat as well. The committee has made it known they value top-50 wins, and Marquette is strong there. Given their surge and Wisconsin's slide, it's possible Marquette gets a better seed. I see wisc losing tomorrow, and not sure who they would face in the B10 tourney. From what I read, Marquette plus Seton Hall next week.

I shuttered at the thought, because every time he covered first on a bunt I expected the ball to get thrown into RF. His footwork was terrible covering 1b, and he almost seemed to turn his head away from the ball as it arrived. Of course, I also was wrong when I guaranteed that Fielder would whiff and one time take a routine throw to the face.

wow, this is a crazy end for Bucky. I have a little money with a friend in Vegas for wagering, and asked him to roll winnings from earlier games tonight on both Iowa +12 and mlb +650. Unfortunately he couldn't get the wager in. I fully expected to lose. I may not like the Badgers, but they really need to figure this out. They always show up and represent in March, and this is now 5 of 6 they've lost, and they really should have lost the previous 2. If they lose to Minnesota and go 1-1 in the Big Ten tournament, they'll have lost 7 of 9 (fortunate it's not 9 of 11). Maybe some of you naysayers were right, and they might be a 7 or so seed. Their fall is like Xavier, only Xavier's is linked with injuries

You can deal from positions of depth (CF) to acquire the starter to get you over the hump

At this point Marquette is likely in the tournament. A win vs Creighton would be a lock, and getting a BE tourney win would help. Scary how good their 3-point shooting is. They seem to be finding their identity.

Marquette has been terrible with the lack of leadership, especially from seniors. But they have some very good wins and are in the 2nd ranked conference, so that helps. Coming into the final stretch, I expected Marquette to go 2-3, 3-2 at best. They've gone 2-1 so far. If they can win 1 of 2 and then win a game in the BE tourney, they should definitely be in the conversation

I don't know. It's for pitchers to get their arms in shape. MLB has the only functioning minor leagues in major US sports, and this is a great chance to evaluate the state of the entire system against good competition. It's a huge money maker for teams as well. For AZ's economy, I would think it's the perfect length

I thought Hayes looked really good when playing within himself today. Koenig was missing until desperation time.

Brew4u, doesn't the same apply to Mich St? They're playing to make the NCAA Tourney and build momentum. March belongs to Izzo, and this young team is trying to keep that tradition going. Badgers need to show they're better than the last 6-7 games, but both sides are really out to play hard today

If the Badgers win, you can thank me. I bet against them. Usually when I bet against them, they win.

is it all vegetarian?

Ive tended to look at seeding that way too. I know its not always the case... Wasnt Gonzaga like a top 10 rank one year and seeded like 6? Probably a differrent school just remember a year like that. Honestly, WI fits that perfect 5 vs 12 mismatch matchup the committee likes to put together. An underrated 12seed with a star player vs an overrated big conference school. I imagine a big center or Forward who can score and rebound being the problem player put against WI as a 5seed. My favorite was College of Charleston in 1997 was #16 in the nation and a 12-seed.

MrTPlush, maybe in a vacuum, but other teams have struggles as well. An 8-seed would mean they shouldn't be Top 25. I may not like them, but they likely should be in the Top 25.

Don't forget that the Badgers often get over-seeded. If we're thinking an 8, they'll get a 5/6. I personally think they're a 4-6 depending on the end of the season

It's good to see them arriving, but also probably difficult for them. They don't get paid for spring training, let alone reporting early. It's a sacrifice , and I sure hope it pays off for them!

yes, he'll have 10-5 rights

Last year it was Garza. I think it'll be Nelson this year.

a player on the active roster cannot be sent to the minors. He'll be put on the 60-day DL and the Cards will hope for 2nd half 2018.