tmwiese55

I guess I'm basing it off several people saying it, if you want to pessimistic that everyone is corrupt and bad so be it. For Braun, that is about the most negative view one could have on it. Of course, we don't know. But I just can't imagine he's touched a thing since he got caught with the failed test. Maybe I just think about like how I would in his spot, I almost just ruined my life but got a reprieve, never gonna risk it again. He probably thought he was home-free because he never thought MLB would go out of their way and illegally by info and bribe witnesses to bust a bunch of guys who didn't fail tests. But yea, maybe he was a complete psycho and decided to double down on it. We'll never know. And the Biogen I thought it was pretty openly talked about what they were doing. Taking these small T doses that go in and out of your system really quickly and designed to not be detected because it's so small. It seemed pretty out there to me. But sure, if you want to believe that guys in the modern era facing the strictest testing in the world are doing the equivalent or stronger more advanced steroids than the players of the 90s when the stuff wasn't tested for and wasn't even illegal in baseball, go right ahead but just doesn't seem logical to me. None of this changes the stuff i was really talking about, the double standard in baseball vs other sports and steroids vs all other forms of cheating and performance enhancement. I suppose I just try to think the best in people and don't try to act like I'm perfect and better than and judge these guys, as if we all haven't done questionable things in our lives. These guys are still just people and under a ton of pressure/stress trying their best.

Good post. My quick response would be that what was going on in the 90s was definitely overboard and needed to be toned down. I'm just saying we might have overcompensated a bit. Where now we're lumping in many guys who didn't even knowingly take something wrong but didn't do their due diligence on a supplement any normal guy can get over the counter because it's not illegal and not a big deal. So now guys like that have been labeled the same as blatant cheaters/dopers. Maybe move the needle a on what supplements are allowed a bit in the player's favor so that if someone is caught you know they're doing something intentional and significant. Or in a case like the FL scandal, they're taking such a small amount that it wasn't even making guys fail the test. Basically, a strategy of we're going to cut some slack and give you the benefit of the doubt, but if you do go over the line we're nailing you.

And so have players throughout the history of baseball and in any other sport. Boggles my mind why people obsess about in baseball but don't care about it in other sports. And boggles my mind why people are freaked out about steroids in baseball, but not moving in the fences, juiced balls, Lasik, Tommy John, Cortisone, other currently legal supplements. Or amphetamines and other known forms of cheating in the past in baseball. And in other sports are much more physical competitions. Take a read of the NBA testing program some time, it's laughable (unless it was improved in the new CBA, i haven't heard). And then wonder how Wade can look like his body is done 4 years ago and still be going now. Or be broke one game, then have 2 days off in Miami and come back and drop 30+ the next playoff game looking like he's 25 again. Or why LBJ took 2-3 weeks off in the middle of last season to go to Miami. And look at these guys in the NFL ripping each other's heads off and everyone just looks the other way on what they're putting in their bodies. I'll get off my rant now hopefully. Overall it was surprising how little rumors we heard on Braun this offseason. I guess the offers were still just garbage, so we're just going to keep playing him rather than give him away.

And so have players throughout the history of baseball and in any other sport. Boggles my mind why people obsess about in baseball but don't care about it in other sports. And boggles my mind why people are freaked out about steroids in baseball, but not moving in the fences, juiced balls, Lasik, Tommy John, Cortisone, other currently legal supplements. Or amphetamines and other known forms of cheating in the past in baseball. And in other sports are much more physical competitions. Take a read of the NBA testing program some time, it's laughable. And then wonder how Wade can look like his body is done 4 years ago and still be going now. Or be broke one game, then have 2 days off in Miami and come back and drop 30+ the next playoff game looking like he's 25 again. Or why LBJ took 2-3 weeks off in the middle of last season to go to Miami. And look at these guys in the NFL ripping each other's heads off and everyone just looks the other way on what they're putting in their bodies. I'll get off my rant now hopefully. Overall it was surprising how little rumors we heard on Braun this offseason. I guess the offers were still just garbage, so we're just going to keep playing him rather than give him away.

Cmon man, after barely getting away with it you think he was dumb enough to double down and start taking stronger real steroids while knowing MLB was out to get him? I know you're a hater on him but be realistic. That said, hard to believe he was dumb enough to take something during the playoffs knowing everyone gets tested once in the playoffs. Either the mishandling did lead to the failed test or he was dumb enough to take it while in the stadium right before getting tested. When he could've just waited until he got home so that it would pass through his system, as he'd presumably been doing up to that point. Or I suppose he just forgot or didn't know about the mandatory playoff test and though he was home free since he'd already done his 3 or 4 tests on the season. Which is maybe why he did it that year to begin with, he knew he didn't have any tests left that season. Or maybe they all just knew they were taking such small amounts that it wouldn't go above the allowed ratio, which in my case could be something allowed. If you're taking so little of something that it doesn't even trip the most stringent test in the world, then how about we just allow it. And if you're dumb enough to do it right before the test like he must've done, then yea nail him. After all this time the thing I'm most surprised about is that he either didn't know of the playoff test and/or was just that dumb to take it in the stadium when he could've just taken it at home. For a guy as smart as he seems it's just hard to believe he made such a dumb mistake. So who knows, maybe he would be dumb enough to get cleared then start shooting up real anabolic steroids.

Right, these little supplements that are available over the counter to general publics are banned and grounds to be shunned from society. But a laser surgery to correct your vision is ok, or taking a ligament from a dead person and putting into you body is perfectly ok. And you mentioned cortisone, which is another example.

He put up his best season after he was initially busted, but it was overturned. Have to think no way he was using in that season. His poor seasons after the suspension have purely been due to the injuries, if healthy he's as good of a hitter as anyone not named Trout. Of course, the PEDs of today are primarily used to keep fresh/healthy rather than the bulk up ones of the steroid glory days so not being able to use anything (presumably he's being extremely cautious on any supplements at this point) hurts him more than others since he's so injury prone. This is where I think the rules should be lightened actually, I'd prefer to see the best players on the field and I don't see why MLB should have by far the strictest testing program in the world. Roll it back a bit to allow more daily maintenance type supplements while keeping out the pure anabolic bulk steroids of the McGuire/sosa/Bonds and prior era. Also, we have no idea how much he used prior to the time he was caught. He had a nagging injury while the team was in the playoff run going for the title, if any time to go for a bit extra it was then. Probably safe to assume he popped some extra things while hurt (keep in mind doctors actually prescribe these things to people recovering from injuries) throughout his career but I don't think you can really think his actual strength/skill/hitting was greatly enhanced, other than missing less games and I suppose and being less tired. But like ya'll said, we'll never know.

Good post. I've said similar things today. The whole point of the 3-4 is supposed to be disguised blitzes and pass rushers. yet it seems we almost never do it and when we do it doesn't work. Pass rush for GB is basically reliant on Mathews or someone on the other edge beating their guy one on one, and obviously Mathews does that less and less now. Just think of UWs D as an example LBs are coming from god knows where on any play. And regarding the zone, it's almost like when you teach middle schoolers zone D for the first time and they think they just have to stand in their spot in the zone. Not realizing they need to actually cover the person as they come into their zone. Several replays yesterday were just simple 10 yard crosses wide open. I know they were outmanned yesterday and that it probably wouldn't have worked anyway, but I'd rather bring pressure and play tighter coverage. you know, at least try, make them earn it and you can sleep at night know you at least tried. The way they did it yesterday was basically just playing scared and on your heels.

I'd want a starting CB in FA and a first round CB. Add them with the 3 competent safeties and then Randall/Rollins as your 6th and 7th men and you have what should be competent defensive backfield. I don't think Mathews will be gone but have to think you could talk to him about restructuring his deal somehow to help the team. I bet Rodgers would as well, he knows he needs another SB to cement his legacy.

My guess is Capers retires this year as a way to shake things up on D. While this year's injuries certainly are a valid excuse, I'm basing it on that the D has been the problem for the last 5 years and we've just wasted 5 of Rodgers prime years because of it. Rodgers is surprisingly getting up there in age so need to try something else on D to make sure they get one more title in his career. Also, for years now the offense has sputtered to start the year and then figured it out (2015 the exception where they never figured it out). How about Rodgers and some others actually practice and play a bit in preseason instead of working out the kinks in the first few games.

Giannis is signed for 4 more after this year, the way I understand it. Jabari would be a restricted FA after the 2018 season where they can match any offer he gets. Guys like him almost always work out an extension before their last season though, so he'll sign at last a 4 year extension this summer, possibly 5. So he's here for at least 5 more years.

They played him at the beginning of the year, assuming he was the same as last year. He was totally inept, basically couldn't even function on the court. Since henson has still been terrible they've been tossing Plumlee 3-5 minute bones here and there hoping he'd show something. He usually fumbles a ball or two, trips on his own feet, basically is still completely inept. It's laughable that every fan knew that signing/contract was a joke the minute it was inked but our management did it.

The biggest issue with the injuries is that they decimated one specific unit, and in this era CBs are really freaking important. What team can basically be without their top 3 CBs for huge chunks of the year. If you'd have lost one there, one on the OL, one on the DL, etc. But they had a really important position wiped out where you're pulling guys off the street at playoff time.

Yea would've been more accurate to say their financial management so contracts, free agency, most trades. Draft has been their one saving grace. Another example, push Ersan out of town as he's overpaid. Then go out and drop 3/30 on an older, worse version of Ersan in Telly.

Yea, and not signing Zaza was a mistake. Yup 25 mil per year on Henson and Plumlee. Or a short term low cost low risk deal for Zaza. Have to love our management, fell ass-backwards into Giannis and Jabari but insist on messing everything up around them...

I think I'd clearly prefer to play Seattle. We just beat them down a few weeks ago. But most importantly, with the state of our CB situation I think Atlanta's passing offense is the worst matchup we could possibly have.

Have to think Maker's PT came from 25 minutes freed up without Giannis. I'd love to see him get one of Henson's stints in the first half each game for a while though and see how he does, assuming the other team doesn't have a bruiser in at C. My guess would be that after 5 or so games we'd have to stop doing it as he'd be too lost, but with how bad Henson is it's worth a shot

Good find. I skimmed through it and obviously was surprised at Kuhn's success rate, in the one you quoted here and others they mentioned. I'd be curious if it was expanded to 2 yds, or on spread carries vs 22 men within 9 ft of the ball carries, or any 'and goal' carry to Kuhn inside the 5 yd line, but I didn't see any extension in the article so it's the best we have, just hard to believe Kuhn was only stuffed like 4 times in those years. There was some other related articles at the time too that kind of showed that Lacy was well below average in this situation, so at least my memory is good there (and then I can blame Kuhn for blocking), lol. Just ran through the play by play in Seattle game. Looks like first FG both Lacy and Kuhn were stuffed on and 1 situations leading to the FG. The second 'and goal' was from the 6 or 7 yd line and they passed on 2nd and 3rd down. Then had 4th and goal from the 1, and decided to kick FG probably because they were stuffed last possession. ETA: other links regarding the poor 3rd and shorts the last few years. http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-free-agency-2016-news-reports/2016/2/2/10889180/packers-2016-free-agency-james-starks-john-kuhn http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2601165-green-bay-packers-held-back-by-3rd-down-woes

Clemson gets first and goal from the 1. Spread out the field and walked in the endzone on the first play. (ETA: this was referenceing their earlier TD possession, not the gamewinner) For the hail mary, I've thought the same thing. My guess is their logic is that as long as it's 5 or less guys if the QB is immediately getting out of the pocket he'll likely find space and get away long enough. Rushing 4 is probably a good middle ground.

Good point! I do remember some chatter after the last episode of Breaking Bad. I guess I just miss the weekly anticipation and discussion about every episode the next day..."Hey, did you catch 'Friends' last night?...." Lol FVBrewerFan! Right now I'd probably say the only ones getting that treatment is GoT and Walking Dead. So yes much less than before, and not at all for the weekly sitcoms other than among your own group of friends that watch the same things.

Yea I definitely see that Rip is way better than Kuhn. Kuhn had fallen off drastically his last few years in all aspects. The real point was about how bad the piled up belly dive runs are, by the FB and RB. Doubt it would be easy for dudes on the internet to find things broken down that much. I bet we could find what they do on 3/4th and 2 or less but it won't differentiate when it's a shotgun run, or 3-4 wide, or whether there was 22 people piled up on top of the ball. I think it's worse for us but I bet the stats are bad for everyone. I actually remember after the Seattle interception in the SB that they got the stats out that Lynch actually was poor in those situations (definitely could be remembering wrong though). I do think there is a negative run stat out there somewhere though that you could easily find.

There's quite a bit of ignorance in 2 of those 3 sentences. That I ignored to point out that it's a bit racist as to why they do it? To real football talk though, Rip has run well out of the shotgun and normal run plays. I'd be curious how he's done on the FB dive crap in short yardage that I'm talking about, I bet it's not good. Also, go back to the Seattle championship game, I'd like to know how it shook out differently if we wouldn't have wasted a carry on each goal line possessions on Kuhn FB dives so that we ended up with FGs instead of TDs.

I get your point on TV. But that still happens with the really big shows once they've been out long enough for everyone to catch up, like a GoT or Breaking Bad or Walking Dead. Everyone might not be there at the beginning but as they accumulate fans over the seasons the episodes become huge talking and internet topics the next day. So if you like that just be sure to get involved in those shows while they're still going on live. When people ask me what shows to watch next I often prioritize the ones that are still going so they can get caught up and watch live with the rest of the world.

I hate piling all your guys at the line and then slamming into the pile. Spread out and you get the 1 yard so much easier, see that lived out over and over throughout the NFL and CFB at the goalline. I laughed recently as the announcer was ripping the coach (because they came out in spread shotgun) for passing on the 3rd or 4th and short, only to handoff out of it and gash it for like a 30 yd TD. The problem in that situation was you basically ran the same pile up running play on 3rd down. A creative play on 3rd and you never would have needed to go for it on 4th. I also hate how GB for years has insisted on giving one carry in any short yardage situation to their token white FB to appease their fans. Rip has run well this year at least. For years we watched Kuhn only convert like 1/5 times and then get praised and given pro bowls for his TD count.

Henson does nothing well at this point. The only way Bogut isn't clearly better than him is that Bogut is always hurt. If Bogut can play, he's better. Keep in mind you only need about 20 mins per game since Monroe can get the other 28. I'd do it in a second to clear Henson's contract off the books.