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The Brewers did not win the division last year because they played awful defense, the bullpen was overworked - and too thin to begin with, and Sheets got hurt. Take out any one of those three, and this team was in the playoffs - without question. Sheets is going to be what he's going to be, just cross your fingers and cheer loudly when he pitches, if he holds up, this is clearly a playoff team. As for the other two issues, I don't care what angle you take on it, the Brewers' defense will be considerably improved from last year, which will make the starters better, which will help the bullpen, which is much deeper and more talented than last year's group. The 8th inning was handed to Turnbow last year, so far this season he has one IP - wow. Gagne in Cordero's place is the one spot that appears weaker than last year, but at least there are options, if Gagne fails - which may not happen in the first place. Trust me, you guys are going to love Mike Cameron. Take Gwynn, make him even a little better defensively, and add power - don't worry about the batting average, the man can get on base, and he's all brains once he gets there.

Gabe Gross, who is essentially the team's #4 option in center field, started yesterday and went 1-2 with a walk and a RBI, plus he threw a runner out trying to advance. Mike Rivera may hit better than most of the team's starting catchers of the last decade. Gabe Kapler pinch-hit what turned out to be a game-winning home run. The #5 starter had no-hitter for 5 innings. Joe Dillon looks like Cirillo did as a pinch hitter. Everybody in the bullpen is actually getting guys out. This team is missing Mike Cameron and Yovanni Gallardo, and is winning anyway. I still love Doug Melvin.

Nick Nicks Hou Ho Amanda Lynn

I normally feel like 2 out of 3 is plenty, losing one just comes with the territory. I don't feel that way about this one, the Giants' offense is weak, and Sheets is going - this should be a sweep. I hope so too, I don't particularly like the pitching matchups against the Reds.

I got poured on (both rain and beer) in '86, snow flurries in '89, and frozen solid at the last home opener at County Stadium, vs the Marlins. Thank you for having the roof closed, I was very comfortable today - in shirt sleeves.

I just watched the replay of Prince's double in the sixth. He was obviously kidding about the runner not scoring. He had a big smile on his face and was laughing. Good.

Three things stood out for me from the game. 1. Gabe Gross got 2 ABs in one inning as a pinch hitter. I don't think I've ever seen that before. (Stat guys, I realize a BB isn't an AB) 2. The Giants' 8 hitter bunted for a base hit, bringing the pitcher up with two on and two out - I don't think I've ever seen that, either. 3. When Prince doubled, he seemed agitated at second base, he was motioning toward Dale Sveum, as though to say he should've sent the last runner around instead of holding him at third. I was too far away to see if Prince was joking around, but his body language made it look like he was actually upset.

I'd ask those at The Score, "If the Brewers' bullpen is garbage, and still, the Cubs haven't beaten them....what does that say about the Cubs?"

I think the issue most teams have with the Brewers is the uncertainty of the starting rotation. Yes, it could be excellent, but with Sheets' health history, and the combined lack of MLB experience between Gallardo, Villanueva and Parra, prognosticators are left with Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush as the only guys they can project numbers for. That's a fair criticism of the Brewers, and I think anyone would tell you, if Sheets and the young guys come through, the Brewers become the favorites. Picking the Cubs to win the division is one thing, but I've been baffled by the sudden love for them, and how they became a trendy World Series pick. That's a team with some excellent talent, but it's also an incomplete team. If Theriot leads off, they have a problem, if Soriano leads off, they have no 2 hitter, unless they move Fukudome, which leaves them with no 5 hitter...why do you think they tried so hard to get Brian Roberts? Geovany Soto is supposed to be a difference maker too, as the only other significant change to their lineup, but if Pie can't hit at this level, there's no reason to pitch to him. Just work around Soto, and go after Pie and the pitcher, which makes the bottom third of their lineup useless. So far, Soto has a solo home run, because he doesn't see anything to hit with runners on. Assuming average luck with injuries, I think the Cubs will have a decent rotation, and a decent bullpen, although I don't think either will dominate. They will do well during the stretches when their stars are hot, but they absolutely have some holes to fill at this point, which should have been obvious to the "experts." There's enough star power there to reach the playoffs, but that's no machine down there.

He's got several college and pro teams using them.

If Jason Kendall took on all the Cubs, and their fans, and their AAA team...who would win?

Has anyone ever used one of these bats? I've wondered when a product like this would catch on. http://www.metalwoodbats.com/

You could say "Hi" to Mike Caldwell, he's the pitching coach.

I'm not sure if this has been updated, or if its 2007. When in doubt -MiLB.com. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&cid=259

Has anybody ever seen a guy from each team picked off second - in the same inning no less? That's a great point, and in a scoreless tie, when runners are crucial.

Hey...didn't you used to be the Hoosiers? Business has been great since Bobby's been gone! http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AhahJ41BAs0ApJ33N61v10U5nYcB?slug=ap-indianadismissals&prov=ap&type=lgns

"Green Bay area man found staring at blank computer screen, for an update, tune in at 10."

Jason Kendall did nothing in game one that will look impressive in the box score, and still, he showed why he is an upgrade over last year's starting catcher. 1. He stayed with a foul pop that looked like it would reach the stands easily, turning it into an out in a tough wind....um, the Cubs catcher missed one of those. 2. He dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt, to move the eventual winning run to third base. 3. He called a great game, after which, Ben Sheets said: "We were on the same page," Sheets said. "I probably shook him off two or three times, and every time I shook him off, I wish I hadn't." Estrada would have failed at all three, there's no doubt in my mind.

sent you an email

While they're at it, they should fire Aramis for standing around, watching everyone else chase popups.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa319/toddecopp/Jumptoconclusions.jpg The "Jump to Conclusions Mat"

I have to congratulate the "gamers" today, great work by Gwynn and Counsell. Melvin is a genius again, ask me Wednesday.

Like I said, brilliant scheduling, lovely work by the folks at Wrigley, just a wonderful, well-rounded experience.

Things being what they are, if this game continues, I'd just go with Parra, and then skip his next turn.

How unbelievably stupid. I'm sure the people who are shivering in the seats down there really wanted to see a couple innings of Sheets v Zambrano, neither team is likely to risk their ace. Ben had the big curve working too, this just ticks me off!