I liked it when the Brewers signed Eric Gagné.  Clearly closer was a priority after Francisco Cordero bolted and Gagné proved in Texas that he was still capable of being an effective closer.  Sure, it was a bit of a risk.  For as good as he looked in the first half of '07 in Texas, Gagné suffered big time as Boston's setup guy in the second half.  Plus everyone knew he wasn't nearly as dominant as he was earlier in the decade.

I was front and center with Gagné two months ago.  Now, not so much.  Yesterday Gagné took his second loss and based on everything else that has happened so far this season it's pretty clear that it's time for a change.  We all know the numbers.  Yes Gagné has nine saves but you can't overlook his five blown saves.  Yesterday was not a save opportunity but the result was the same.  Gagné can't pitch a 1-2-3 inning anymore and that's exactly what you need from a closer.  He has given up 18 hits and 11 walks.  That's 27 baserunners in just 15.2 innings pitched.  His strikeout total is nice but again you have to take the bad with the good and the bad has far outweighed the good.

Ned Yost said yesterday that he won't make any rash decisions regarding Gagné.  That's fair but this is not a problem that developed overnight.  This is not like that two week stretch Derrick Turnbow had in July 2006 when his effectiveness headed south in a hurry.  Gagné's inconsistency has literally been a problem since day one.  As a point of comparison, Turnbow blew eight saves in 32 opportunities in 2006 and finished with an ERA of 6.87.  In just 14 opportunities, Gagné already has blown five and his ERA is 6.89.  Turnbow's rocky July prompted the Brewers to acquire Cordero.  Now that Gagné is putting up the same kind of numbers Turnbow did why not make a change?

"One hit!?!?" whines Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker) after another pathetic performance by the fictional Cleveland Indians in Major League.  "One g*&%^$ed hit?!?!?"

The Brewers got more than one g*&%^$ed hit last night, but barely.  Sadly, these pathetic offensive performances aren't fictional, and unless things turn around quickly, there won't be a Hollywood ending this season.

The Brewers now have the fifth fewest hits (267) in the Majors, the fifth worst team batting average (.241), and are now on the verge of losing their fifth straight game.  Next stop; fifth in the division.

I'm hardly alone in my pessimism, when ESPN.com's Page 2 entitles a story "Woe is the Milwaukee Brewers," it's clear that the general consensus is that this brew is dangerously close to going flat. 

What's that?  You say you're a dedicated Favre fan, huh?  Okay, you bought two game-worn jock straps on eBay and haven't been to work since he announced his retirement.  Child's play.  You've still got nothing on young David Witthoft, who finally took off his favreite jersey for the first time since getting it as a Christmas gift...in 2003.

That's 1,581 consecutive days and, presumably, at least that many cans of Axe body spray.

It's easy to take shots at the kid for his lack of a wardrobe, but I for one admire his dedication.  If Favre could play in 275 consecutive games, the least David could do is wear his #4 jersey for 4 consecutive years, right?

For a 12 year-old, you've got great perspective David: fair weather fans change shirts, but real fans don't, no matter how stinky, ripped, or out of style they may get.  Or how ticked off your girlfriend may get.  No, real fans keep those tattered rags on and they keep rooting for their teams, no matter how battered they may be.

You listening to me, Ned Yost bashers?  You listening to me, Bucks fans?

Wisconsin is a sports state that values loyalty, from its athletes and fans alike.  Favre.  Yount.  And now you, David.  I'll be sending you an Aaron Rodgers that I expect you to wear for the next decade.   

Filly Eight Belles was the sentimental favorite of thousands of horse racing fans and many in the near-record crowd at Saturday's Kentucky Derby cheered wildly as she ran the race of her life to finish second to Big Brown.  But that life was tragically cut short just minutes later, as she collapsed with two broken ankles.  

***WARNING: This video may be disturbing to some viewers***

Video courtesy of NBC Sports.

I wrestled with whether to post this video for a long time, but it serves to remind us that horse racing is occasionally a deadly sport.  There are approximately 1.5 breakdowns per 1,000 starts and while not every breakdown is fatal, many are.

Some will question why, in the words of Big Brown's jockey, "Eight Belles showed you her life for our enjoyment," and why she was made to, but that misses the point.  This isn't horse fighting, and these animals aren't brutalized, they're lionized.  While they are pushed to their physical limits, there is little inherent in championship racing that should upset animal activists.

In this sport of kings, a prize throroughbred lives like a king but unfortunately sometimes dies doing what it's been bred to do.  It's unquestionably tragic, but it's also not a reason to question the legitimacy of the sport itself.    

As you've undoubtedly heard by now, my good friend and now-former coworker Vicky Hollowell is leaving WTMJ for the Marines.    Vicky has anchored newscasts on Wisconsin Sports Weekend for years, and it's no stretch to say that Radio City just won't be the same without her.

We have spent the day commending her dedication, her patriotism, her sheer fortitude, but as I sit here waiting for a taxi to take me to her farewell party, I want to tell you about something you might not have heard about her--she is quite possibly the nicest, friendliest person I've ever worked with.  In fact, when she first told me she was enlisting several months ago, my first thought was "Vicky, you're too nice for the Marines!"

But underneath her quick smile and easygoing demeanor lies the heart of a warrior, and while I'm sad to see her go, our country will be better off for her service to it.

So Semper Fi, Marine, your first order is to stay in touch! 

Wait, maybe that's the ODB.  Dennis Rodman is back and, um, feistier than ever.  Obviously, violence against women is a very serious topic and there is absolutely, positively nothing funny about it, but doesn't the Worm's latest arrest beg the question--why doesn't this man have his own reality show?

If Deion Sanders and, heaven help us, Barry Bonds are deemed interesting enough to have their own shows, how come Rodman isn't?  I know, I know, he would send VH1's insurance premiums through the roof, but a half hour with the Rodmonian every week would be ratings gold.  What color will his hair be?  Which cameraman will he kick in the groin?  How desperate will he get people to pay attention to him this week?

You know you'd watch, sports fans.  Besides, it would have to be better than sitting through American Idol with your girlfriend.  Hey, maybe Rodman could kick Simon Cowell in the groin!  I'm telling you...ratings gold. 

Mike Cameron was for 25 long games the loneliest man in baseball.  The biggest-name player to be hit with the biggest drug suspension baseball has ever imposed, he spent his April in limbo, bouncing between his home in Atlanta, the Brewers spring training complex in Maryvale, and AAA Nashville; all the while wondering if he'd ever be remembered as anything but the guy with two positive stimulant tests.

How fitting, then, that he doubled in his first at-bat as a Brewer and had two RBI and two runs in a season debut that came two days before the end of the worst month of his career.  If tragedy comes in threes, redemption certainly comes in twos.

Granted, Cameron has yet to play in his second game with the Brewers, but the spark he provided the struggling lineup was nothing short of electric.  When he clapped his hands together after reaching on that second inning double, all of Brewer Nation felt his jubilation.  And relief.

For what seems like the first time all year, the Brewer bats were white hot.  17 hits for a team that rode into Chicago with the fourth fewest in the majors was encouraging, a .425 average for a team hitting .240 was downright inspiring.  Think about it, the 10 runs they scored tonight represents a full 9% of the 111 they had scored this season.

This may not be entirely because of Cameron, but the Brewers have lacked consistency at the top of the lineup all year, and once they got it, the five bats behind Cameron exploded, batting a combined 12-22 with seven RBI and six runs.  Coincidence?  Perhaps, but when this most difficult season of Mike Cameron's career is done, we may look back at the game two days before the end of his most difficult month as a turning point--when the Brewers finally got production from their number two hitter and responded in kind.  

Redemption, it seems, is twofold. 

It's been a whirlwind few months for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Since he was named Brett Favre's heir apparent, he's seen Favre flirt with a comeback and then his team draft another quarterback in the second round.

Forgive him if he's now looking over both shoulders.

ESPN's Bill Williamson calls the Packers' selection of Brian Brohm the most surprising in the NFC North, saying that if Brohm "performs well in practices and in the preseason, there could be a quarterback controversy in Green Bay."  FOX Sports' John Czarnecki says that "the Packers definitely believe that Brett Favre is retired, and they sent him a message just in case he was reconsidering his situation."

Didn't they also send Rodgers a message?  In the NFL, second round picks aren't expected to ride the pine. If they do, they're considered busts.  Rodgers is 24 years old, and Brohm is 22.  So Brohm will likely spend the prime of his career carrying a clipboard? Not likely.

GM Ted Thompson has proved time and again that his scouting and value-based picks are second to none (Justin Harrell notwithstanding), and he clearly got a steal with Brohm at 58. But what does that say to Number 12?

"Aaron, you're our quarterback. You are this team's leader. We have all the faith in the world in your ability---but just in case, we picked the guy who's most ready to play in the NFL right away."

If the prospect of Favre returning on his white horse the second Rodgers throws three picks in a game wasn't intimidating enough, a high draft pick just itching to impress sure will be. Granted, Rodgers has shown a lot of promise in limited action and has been given every assurance that he will be the starter come hell or high water, but seeing your potential replacement put on a Packers cap has to give even the most confident athlete some pause, especially when the team drafted a potential third stringer in Matt Flynn in the seventh round.

Of course, Thompson can't build his draft board around Rodgers' feelings, but how he responds to his sudden competition will be quite interesting.

With day one of the NFL Draft in the books the analysis is flying fast and furious.  The Packers ended Saturday addressing two needs and picking up another weapon for Aaron Rodgers.  The selection of Jordy Nelson was a bit odd but not necessarily a bad pick.  Wide receivers kept falling and falling, making it a value position as the second round began.  Certainly there was a lot of buzz surrounding the likes of Devin Thomas and Limas Sweed.  But for all the well-known names on the board, Nelson and Donnie Avery of Houston were two of the first three receivers taken.

Nelson has size and very good speed.  I read a line by Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki that caught my eye, " Great competitive speed.  Creates positive yardage after the catch."  Sound familiar?  Isn't that the same type of scouting report for Greg Jennings and James Jones?  Yards after catch was a big reason why the Packers were successful last year and it appears that Nelson fits that mold.  Furthermore, Nelson put up some big numbers for Kansas State.  He torched Kansas (and first round selection Aqib Talib) on October 6.  Nelson caught 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown.  A week earlier against Texas, Nelson racked up 12 catches for 116 yards and a score.  There's no doubt that wide receiver wasn't a need but we should all know by now that Ted Thompson doesn't pick based on need.  You could argue that cornerback, safety, and offensive line were the biggest needs but by the 36th pick there was no value at those positions.  So why not take a guy who fits your system?  Your first pick shouldn't be a project.  Nelson will be able to come in right away and contribute.

The Packers got even more value with the second pick, quarterback Brian Brohm.  The biggest issue surrounding Brohm (and one that will probably dog him throughout his career) is injuries.  Can he stay healthy?  We knew the Packers would nab a quarterback at some point in the draft and with Joe Flacco going earlier than expected the Packers didn't have to worry about selecting a quarterback with the first pick.  This pick could end up paying huge dividends for the Packers down the line.  First, you have to go back to 2006.  Had Brohm come out last year he would've been considered on par with JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn.  Brohm has the talent and is incredibly smart behind center.  Mobility is an issue but in Green Bay's offense you don't need to be a scrambler, you just need to have enough speed to avoid defenders and run the keep pass, a staple of the West Coast offense.  There's no doubt the skill set is there.  As an added bonus, if Brohm is pressed into service and performs well, other GMs will inquire.  NFL teams are always looking for a quarterback on the rise and as Houston proved last year with the Matt Schaub trade that teams will pay a heavy price for potential.

Auburn's Patrick Lee is a solid late second round addition.  Lee registered a 4.41 40 yard dash time and on the field has good closing speed.  He is a consistent tackler and good in coverage.  Lee led Auburn with 10 passes broken up and was tied for most interceptions with four.  Remember, the Packers don't need a corner to come in and start right away, so Lee will have the chance to prove his worth as a nickle substitution.  The Packers love guys who can multi-task and Lee will be able to use his speed as a special teams contributor.  Look for Lee to try out as both a returner and in coverage.

The 2008 NFL Draft is loaded with defensive talent and that's good news for the Packers.  Green Bay's biggest needs are in the secondary and with the 30th pick there should be plenty of options in the defensive backfield.  It's likely the Packers will pick up another pass rusher as well.  Cornerback and defensive end are loaded and with three picks on day one the Packers in excellent position to shore up those two positions by the end of Saturday.  Here's a position-by-position breakdown for day one:

Defensive Tackle: Last year's first round pick was used on a tackle but it's not likely the Packers will use another first rounder on a DT.  To begin with, the cream of the crop, LSU's Glenn Dorsey and USC's Sedrick Ellis are both top ten projections.  North Carolina's Kentwan Balmer probably won't be available either.  I don't imagine a scenario where a defensive tackle would be at the top of the Packers draft board but there's second round talent there, led by Notre Dame's Trevor Laws and Auburn's Pat Sims.

Defensive End: This position is incredibly deep.  There's a chance four of five ends will be off the board when it's time for the Packers to pick.  Two guys that might be there are USC's Lawrence Jackson and Calais Campbell of Miami.  Jackson is incredibly quick but small and might struggle getting around an NFL right tackle.  Campbell is big and has decent speed but he didn't quite reach his potential with the Hurricanes.  Both will be projects but may find a niche on a deep defensive line like Green Bay's.

Linebacker: With the acquisition of Brandon Chillar the Packers are pretty set at this position but once again you gotta look at the trusty draft board.  Most of the linebacker talent will be available at number 30 so if the Packers are really enthralled they might go LB with one of three first day picks.  Two inside linebackers with late first round potential are Penn State's Dan Connor and Jerod Mayo of Tennessee.  Mayo might be moved outside by the time the regular season begins and the Packers do have a knack for going after the "'tweener" types.  Even if the Packers hold off on taking a linebacker Saturday, there will be plenty of second-tier players available Sunday.

Cornerback: Talent up and down the line at this position.  Leodis McKelvin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are considered top fifteen material will be probably be off the board.  But there's still plenty of options at this position.  South Florida's Mike Jenkins is the wild card.  He is a high-risk, high-reward pick.  Plenty of talent but lacks desire.  Virginia Tech's Brandon Flowers is physical but small.  Arizona's Antoine Cason might be the best cover man of the group but only brings average speed to the table and could be beaten deep.  Aqib Talib of Kansas has tremendous size and good range but he brings off-field problems to the draft and may not fit the character of the Packers.  There's about eight more second or third round projections at this position so don't fret if the Packers don't go CB with the first pick.

Safety: Not as deep as corner.  Miami's Kenny Phillips is the only safety with a first round grade.  As is the case with offensive guard, Phillips stock may rise simply because he's the only top 30 candidate.  Still, safety is a positional need and there's a few good second round candidates.  North Carolina State's DaJuan Morgan will go in the second round.  Arkansas State's Tyrell Johnson would be a perfect late second round sleeper.  Johnson has incredible strength and speed but needs to prove he can play at an elite level.