dpapo

Hello, I have a somewhat related question to this topic. I have been a little worried about the Brewers new TV deal as I live in the UK and we don't get the US version of amazon prime video, but the UK version which as far as I know doesn't televised baseball games. I do have an MLB.TV subscription which I have used to watch Brewers games over the past few years while living in the UK. I have noticed that at the moment when I look for the broadcast schedule for the regular season games I see a message saying no broadcast available for all the games, expect Cleveland for whatever reason. I have gotten tv broadcasts of the preseason games, but I am unable to get any of the radio broadcast on both my Amazon firestick and Roku player except when the Brewers game is on TV, even though I can with the phone app. For people who have an MLB.TV subscription and live in the US, are you seeing broadcast listings for regular season games? Have you been able to listen to radio broadcast of the games on either an Amazon stick or Roku player. Thanks.

The J&J vaccine was only paused for 10 days just to look at the date again and make sure it was safe. He could have taken it anytime since, so to imply that it hasn't been an option is just not true. And with his money, if he had really wanted to, he probably could have found a way to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been the main vaccine used in the UK. And the treatment he has used has not been proven by science to be effective against Covid, not the mainstream media. He didn't want to believe the scientific evidence, but had no problem listening to Joe Rogan. Of course, that is up to him.

Here are some more comments from the host of the show. "Host Molly Qerim Rose then joined in saying, "you know what I just thought about, which is actually kind of funny? The only two times, the one time I didn't go to the Super Bowl was Minnesota, and this is the first year - I'm not sure what our plans are for First Take - but I don't think we're going, Max and I, we'll see." "And it's going to be terrible cities. I mean, good karma for me on that end," Rose stated." https://www.tmj4.com/sports/basketball/milwaukee-bucks/espns-first-take-host-calls-milwaukee-a-terrible-city I'm not one to usually get into things like this. But, that was pretty unprofessional and just made them appear smug and feeling superior and too good to come to a place like Milwaukee or some of the other cities as well. I found it to be not just insulting, but in a mean way as well. I haven't watched the show in years and don't really have the chance now anyway other than youtube clips at times, However, won't ever bother with that now as well. Shows like there's is one of the reason I watched less and less of ESPN programming over the years to begin with.

Looks like the new Virus strain in the UK may be affecting children just as much as adults. That could be one of the reasons it's spreading so quickly. Schools have remained open in the UK and for the most part are only separated by year groups. There are still looking into it, but... "Early analysis of how and where it is spreading have also given "hints that it has a higher propensity to infect children", according to Prof Neil Ferguson from the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, who also sits on Nervtag"... "If it were true, then this might explain a significant proportion, maybe even the majority, of the transmission increase seen," he added. Also, "The data are continuing to be analysed, but it is thought the variant continued spreading even during the lockdown in November. The R number - the average number of people each infected person passes the virus onto - for this variant during the tight restrictions has been estimated at 1.2, which meant cases were increasing. At the same time the R number was 0.8 for the other forms of the virus during lockdown and they were in decline." One of the things that remained open during this greater restrictions period were schools. From what I have heard on the news here, the first cases of the new variant of the virus were discovered in September, so it is probably already in the USA as well as other countries. Maybe one of the reasons for the greater increase of infections in the US, though other factors are probably playing a bigger role. The UK is supposed to be one of the top countries for discovering varies variants. But, if it hasn't effected the US in great numbers yet, I have to think it eventually will. Not an expert in this, but would seem to make sense. Hope I'm wrong. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55406939

The UK has approved the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use. The plan is to start immunisations next week. "The first 800,000 doses will be available in the UK from next week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said." I currently live in the UK, however I probably will just miss being able to get the Pfizer vaccine and will have to wait for whatever vaccine is approved for use sometime next year. The UK has only ordered 40 million doses that will cover 20 million people. If they had ordered an extra 10 million that probably would have covered my age group. Best guess is that I will end up getting the Oxford vaccine sometime next year if the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine gets approved before the end of the year. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55145696

I feel like for all the rules and protocols that MLB has put into place, there aren't doing just the basics in trying to prevent an outbreak of cases like the Marlins situation. If the US hadn't and still is doing such a poor job dealing with the spread of Covid-19, then maybe it wouldn't be as important to take some of the most basic steps in trying to prevent an outbreak among players on a team. However, since the US hasn't been able to do what South Korea, most of the European Countries, etc... have done, then just some basic steps would at least help. First, why are all the players next to each in the dugout without most wearing masks. There aren't any fans in the stadiums so teams can spread some of the players out into the stands for better social distancing. Second, why aren't most players in the dugout not wearing masks. Everyone who is not on the field should be wearing a mask. And the first baseman should be wearing a mask as well. Once again, covid-19 is not under control in the US, so you have to assume that players are going to catch it and are going to spread it to teammates. Third, still seeing high fives and other type of activities that I thought weren't supposed to be allowed. Need to really stress to players over and over again, that it's not allowed. Fourth, come to the stadium already dressed in your uniform and leave with your uniform on after the game so you don't have players hanging around one another after the games. Unless teams are able to keep players 6 feet from one another and wearing masks at all times, meaning no showering at the stadiums as well. Maybe you wont' have another Marlins situation, but I think those are some very basic steps that could help prevent it and should definitely be tried if we ever get to the point where they are thinking about cancelling the season. Hopefully it's doesn't occur and things go mush smother going forward, but I feel like MLB would end up canceling the season before putting in place what I think are just some common basic steps that could be taken.

People not using good judgement is not solely a U.S. issue. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-53462514

The article on masks was originally published on April 1st. A lot more is known about COVID-19 and the effectiveness of masks. Which also means most of the research and the article itself was written before the virus was as wide spread as it would become. And since that time, more experts and countries have recommended the use of masks.

The WHO is not saying it's a bad idea to wear masks. The recommend that people who are showing Covid-19 symptoms should wear a mask, along with wearing a mask if you are with someone who has Covid-19. They wouldn't make those recommendations if they thought it was a bad idea to wear masks. The CDC has added that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. So, people should wear masks. The reason given by the WHO for why healthy people shouldn't wear masks, is not because they don't think it helps, but rather the fear that people will only rely on masks and not continue to wash hands, keep proper distance, etc.... But, since people who appear to be healthy can still and have transmit the virus, the CDC recommends the use of masks in public settings, areas where it's difficult to keep the proper distance and so on. Another reason for the difference, which the WHO doesn't mentioned and which I have also seen mentioned in the past, is that not all countries have enough supplies of masks. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/cdc-offer-conflicting-advice-masks-expert-tells-us/story?id=70958380 In addition, as was mentioned in the other article linked to by the other poster, "The authors noted that countries and regions -- Macau, Beijing, Taiwan, Singapore and Japan -- with histories of wearing masks have seen huge reductions in the number of coronavirus cases after reaching their peak." South Korea is another country that has done much better than other countries in limiting the numbers of people catching and dying of COVID-19, by wide spread testing before the WHO stressed it and by the use of masks. Along with being better prepared in general as well. There is more than enough evidence to show that masks do work. Take away the politics of wearing masks and just look at what the experts and evidence with a fair mind, then make up your own mind.

Linking an article about the Brewers opening up their Arizona facility to 40-man roster players who reside in Phoenix for individualized workouts. Maybe a sign that talks are progressing forward. Or maybe just a necessary first step in case talks go well. https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/brewers-open-spring-facility-to-roster-players

Didn't the pick and at the time really liked the Rodgers pick. As others have mentioned, the situations are different. I feel like Gutekunst was looking to draft a QB for the future instead of Love falling into their laps and being too good to pass up. This is not to say he won't end up being a really good player. Rodgers has started to slip some and has been injured 2 of the last 3 years. I would have rather they made a run at the Super Bowl in the window they have left while Rodgers is still a good QB. Try to give him as many weapon as possible as he can longer carry a team and needs help. And feel like their are still too many holes on the team to be taking a player that may not see the field for another 3 to 4 years as a regular starter. But, if Gutekunst really likes Love and thought he was the best player available then hope it works out. There were so many players that could have really helped the team now and in the future that they could have picked. Or, could have traded back into the second round for additional picks. And a number of the players people have mentioned that are still left will be gone by the time the Packers pick again. So, didn't like the pick, but I realized long ago I am no expert so can only get so upset about any pick. Hope they can find some really talented players with the rest of their picks and Love turns out to be the QB of the future.

Even a deadly pandemic is now being used for political purposes. I know we can't get into politics here, but it is really frustrating and depressing to see how this is now being turned into a way for political activists and politicians to serve their political purposes at the cost of the health and lives of the people they claim they are doing their actions for. And the health and lives of people who are trying to do the right thing but will now get the virus because of all of these mass protests and States lifting restrictions too soon. And when it does occur they will blame everyone but themselves. There is a debate to be had about the best course of action going forward, but that is not what this is. Follow the science and what the experts in this field are saying. Don't follow what TV doctors who have their own shows on TV are saying. Or what the people on political shows are saying. Overall, I think what is being reported on the tv news channels has been responsible. It's not hard to figure out when it becomes political, but there is no shortage of legit or non political sources that anyone can easily find on this virus. I myself don't get my news from one channel or just TV. Since I now live overseas, I also watch the news here which is less political in general. I read what is being reported in newspapers. I read up about studies being done. I now have the time and hope anyone who decides to go out and protest or supports protests and getting ride of restrictions are doing the same. Even if I disagreed with the restrictions I definitely would not go to mass protests rally where I know I could end up getting the virus and passing it on to my family or people I don't even know. I don't have the right to end up causing the illness and death of other people by doing actions which are going to lead to the death of others. If politicians really wanted to work out a compromise, they would talk everyday till they finally came to some sort of agreement. But, since they can't do the responsible and grown up thing, they call on people to risk their lives and the lives of other people to get what they want. It's really not that difficult to see what other countries that have had greater success have done. There are various things they have done, but I think there are two common actions in successfully limiting the spread of the virus. Putting in measures and dealing with the virus early on. And wide spread testing. The US was late in dealing with the virus and still doesn't have wide spread testing available. So, the only actions left are to do restrictions and try to catch up on testing and possible treatments and vaccines. Asian countries that successfully dealt in greatly limiting the number of virus cases and eased restrictions have now had to increase restrictions again. European countries are now starting to ease restrictions, so will soon see how that turns out. Didn't mean to write a long message, just frustrating to see all that is going on in my home country. In my home state which has become a laughing stock around the world. People in the US may not follow what is going on in other parts of the world, but people in other people parts of the world see what is going on in US. I have to deal the same restrictions and in some cases even greater restrictions. The UK was also late in dealing with the virus and putting in restrictions which has resulted in a great deal of lost of life. I would love for things to go back to normal, to be able to go out and do the things I want. But, here I think there is a stronger sense of trying to what we can to stop the spread of the virus, first and foremost. Pressure the politicians to do what is right to support the people financially. And do what is best for the country even if it means having to make sacrifices. There are no easy answers or solutions right now. It's going to take time and patience to get through all of this.

I saw the following mentioned in a LA Times article about what has been going on in Singapore, Hong Kong and Wuhan which could be a preview of what is going to occur in the US. "After initial success at containing the disease, Singapore clamped new restrictions this week on schools and nonessential businesses. Hong Kong also experienced a rebound after it relaxed controls, while the United States and Europe remain in earlier phases of the fight and have restrictions still in place. Wuhan has a new cluster of the cases, as well." I worry that countries are going to loosen restrictions too soon and there will end up being a big second wave. I can see the US starting to loosen restrictions in certain areas as soon as the number of cases starts going down, even sooner then in Singapore, Hong Kong and Wuhan. I know people want things to get back to normal, but we may just have to accept that it's going to take a while to figure all of this out. We still can't say for sure how immune someone is once they get it once and for how long that immunity may last for. In time, we'll have a better idea about things, but can't really say for sure how long this will last and what the solution is at the moment.

I'm starting to wonder if there will be baseball this year as well. As I mentioned in my previous post I live in the UK and when I wrote my post the UK government position was to leave everything open. A few days after I wrote that the football league suspended it's season. A week later all the schools in the country were closed and a few days after that the entire country went on lock down. A couple days ago one of the government medical experts said that it could be 6 months before things get back to normal. Her exact quotes, "So over time, probably over the next six months, we will have a three-week review. We will see where we are going. "We need to keep that lid on - and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal. "Three weeks for review, two or three months to see whether we have really squashed it but about three to six months ideally, and lots of uncertainty in that, but then to see at which point we can actually get back to normal." But Dr Harries also said it was "plausible" that it could last further than that. And of course the UK is a smaller country then the US. At best, maybe they can play a shorten season in front of empty stadiums till possible around the time the playoffs would start.

Just to add what I just wrote. Another expert was talking on the news and said the type of closings large crowd bans, etc.. may be the best way to go is you ask a virus expert, but can also end up causing a higher spike. And if the number of cases doubles in a few days, England may have to change their plans. Trying to do a balancing act that may or may now work. And should correct myself. It's England, not the UK that is taking this approach. Ireland has closed all schools for a couple weeks today. Scotland is banning large gatherings. Just seems like that is correct way to go to be safe, but England is taking a different approach for now.

Live in the UK and they have a different view about banning fans at sporting events, closing schools, etc.. Basically, for the moment they are not banning large crowds from sporting events. They say that based on science, banning large gatherings like sporting events have only a minimal effect. One person may effect 2 or 3 other people, but much more likely to be family or friends then sitting close to someone at a sporting event. Also, banning flights from other countries also have a very minimal effect, especially with how much travel is done in today's society. And aren't closing schools at the moment as things are still are at the early stages, at least in the UK, and if you close schools now then you will probably need to close them for 13 to 15 weeks and kids will want to play for other kids and can pass virus that way. Or spending time with their grandparents instead of going to school and also causing massive disruption in the society that can occur by closing schools too early. Overall, if you do a lot of these types of actions now at the early stages, then by the time the virus hits it's peak spread, people get tired and lapse doing the things they should be doing and it makes things worse in the long run. Try to delay and level the peak rather then trying to do it all at once that that can overrun their health services. However, wash hands, stay at home for 7 days if you have a persistent cough or fever and the type of recommendations that are given all around the world. Now at some point, yes possible ban large sporting events, close schools, etc... UK government expert said it could be another 10 to 14 weeks to go for the possible peak and are about 4 weeks behind where Italy is at the moment. Not everyone here agrees with what the current plan is and things could change at any point. Just thought I would put forth how another country is dealing with this virus. Seems like what the US is doing makes more sense, but not an expert so don't know what is correct thing to do is.

I've seen this occur in the past it's always been called a strikeout. Even the Reds announcers thought it was a strikeout and thought the Reds were getting a break. They called it a strikeout from the start and were as surprised as the Brewers announcers that it wasn't called a strikeout. Thom Brennaman has been announcing baseball games for 31 years and I believe Jeff Brantley was his announcing partner yesterday who pitched in the majors for 14 years and has been a part of the Reds broadcast for the past 12 years. You would think if the umpires called the played correctly they would have known it or had seen it called that way before at some point.

I have my doubts that the Cubs spend the time negotiating with Darvish and not Arrieta. Coming to an agreement with Darvish on a contract and then at the last minute offering a similar contract to Arrieta. That doesn't seem to make sense. If they really preferred Arrieta, they would have been negotiating with both players or at the very least had a pretty good idea of what Arrieta would have been willing to accept. Sounds like something either the Cubs leaked out for their fans to show they tried to sign Arrieta or maybe Boras to try to drive up a contract offer for Arrieta or maybe a bit of both.

The Brewers were never going to sign Darvish for the deal he got with the Cubs. They would have had to get into a bidding war with the Cubs, so we really don't know what it would have taken for the Brewers to sign Darvish. No point in getting overly upset and going over and over again why the Brewers should or shouldn't have signed Darvish for the deal he got with the Cubs, because that wasn't what it would have taken for the Brewers to sign Darvish. And the Cubs can afford to sign Darvish to the deal he got and more, will still being able to have already signed Hayward, Lester, Chatwood, trading for Quintana, etc.. while still being able to keep all their other players and still be able to make a run at Harper next year. The Brewers on the other hand wouldn't have been able to add any more salary if they needed to and would have probably have had to dealt some players in order to fit in Darvish, Cain and Braun contracts, not just this year, but in future years as well.

According to that Toronto Sun article, it looks like the Brewers really aren't that interested in trading Lucroy, "The Brewers told the Jays they are not interested in moving their catcher." I guess you never know what a team might offer to try to change their minds, but doesn't look they are that interested in trading him at the moment.

Just heard the interview. I am okay with it. He didn't say all our first rounds picks have been busts. As someone else mentioned, he said they haven't had a 1st round pick who hasn't had an impact with the Brewers since Braun. And while he mentioned the players they traded away, also mentioned how it got them Sabathia and Grienke. I would hope most players have the attitude of wanting to win and not just collecting a paycheck. Better to let Brewers management know what he wants now, then to say how happy he is here and then leave the first chance he gets like many players have done. Brewers management is under no false allusions about what he wants and what it will take to keep him here. Unlike most players who say the things fans like to hear. Give Brewers management a feeling they may have a chance to keep the player, even if it's a long shot, but then when their contract is up, leave. As far as being a leader, that could be how most players feel, but don't voice it. Don't know, but have heard how Lucroy is one of the leaders in the clubhouse. I don't think he said anything that most players will have a problem with. And that is what matters as far as being a leader with the team, how the other players view Lucroy. I am pretty sure he didn't say anything in the interview he hasn't mentioned to his teammates. I get the sense that Lucroy says what he feels and doesn't hide his feelings, which may be a reason I have heard that he is one of the leaders in the clubhouse. He plays hard and wants to win and doesn't get in trouble. And has been a good player for the most part. Those are exactly the type of players I want the Brewers to have.

For what it's worth, Richard Justice mentioned yesterday on the MLB network that the Brewers and Toronto were both in the mix for Shields and Rodriguez. http://m.mlb.com/atl/video/topic/7417714/v37182259/justice-breaks-down-market-for-shields

Rosenthal tweeting that Brewers may either go after Shields or maybe try to trade for Jordan Zimmerman, who the Nationals apparently may be willing to trade if they sign Max Scherzer. Also may trade stephen strasburg, if they can't get enough for Zimmerman. However, sounds like the Brewers part about Shields or Zimmerman interest was just speculation on his part instead of sources.

Looks like Parra is part of the deal according to a tweet by Andrew Gruman.

This paragraph from an article written by Adrian Wojnarowski basically sums up how I feel about the Bucks possible hiring Jason Kidd to run the team. "Kidd is selling Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, a close friend and past financial partner, on giving him a lucrative package to do what the Nets have refused: Give Kidd full control of basketball operations. For an NBA figure with such a damaged personal reputation – never mind no front-office experience – the possibility of Kidd being afforded this kind of power and responsibility is being met with downright mockery among NBA owners and executives." http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jason-kidd-in-talks-to-run-bucks--basketball-operations-after-failed-power-play-with-nets-072327526.html Later in the article, it goes on to mention that the Bucks will likely have to include a package of 2nd round draft picks to get Kidd out of his contract from New Jersey even though it looks like they want nothing more to do with him. A few other quotes from the article to make me feel even worse about this possible move, "Kidd isn't angling to immediately take over as president and coach, sources said, but is intrigued with the higher-paying, lower-workload life of an executive, sources said." That doesn't make much sense, guess would have to see what happens. "Despite Kidd's greatness as a Hall of Fame point guard, he had a long career of clashing with front-office executives and coaches, a domestic abuse charge and a DWI guilty plea that left him suspended for his first two games as an NBA head coach. Kidd had little leverage upon his hiring as coach, which is why the Nets refused to overpay him market value." "They had listened to Kidd plead with them to make Lawrence Frank the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA, only to have Kidd inexplicably demand that Frank be demoted within weeks of the start of the season." That goes directly towards to the type of qualifications of that Jason Kidd has as an executive and management. What we might come to expect as he really doesn't have any other experiences. "Throughout his history, Kidd has seldom had graceful exits – out of Dallas and Phoenix, out of New Jersey and Dallas again, and finally New York. There have often been hard feelings and acrimony necessitating a move, or the cause of him forcing his way out." That is what I think would most likely happen if Kidd were hired to run the team. Along with a number of bad decisions along the way. All the good and positive feelings I was having about the Bucks future are now tempered by the possible hiring of Kidd to run the team. Maybe he comes in and ends up doing a good job. But, just doesn't seem like a smart move at the moment.