April 9, 2008

If you had to choose between Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun, thinking that keeping both would be financial suicide, who would you choose?

Fielder will be eligible for salary arbitration at the end of this season. He's making in the neighborhood of $650,000 this year, and can expect to get around 7-10 million for next year, and only one year. Question is, will/can the Brewers lock him up long term? P.S. His agent is Scott Boras.

Braun has 3 years before he's arbitration-eligible. He's making $455,000 this season. Braun's agent is in town to talk with the Brewers this week about a contract. Seeing that Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki (who finished runner-up to Braun in Rookie of the Year voting) and Chris Young of the D-backs just signed long-term deals to secure their future and get big payday's now, I'd say Braun is likely to sign long-term.

But what if you had to choose one, and that may be a realistic scenario, to unload the money truck on.

I would have to go with Braun. He'll be a .320 hitter with 35-45 HR power, 110+ RBI and 10-20 steals. Fielder will give you .280-.290, 40-50 HR, 120+ RBI.

Plus, Fielder was angry his contract was renewed this season for $650,000 instead of the Brewers giving him a new, big-money, long-term deal.

Play G.M. If you couldn't afford to keep both, who do you go with? Braun or Fielder?

Respond to Dale's blog here:

March 8, 2008

The Brett Favre Era is over. Let the Aaron Rodgers era begin.

Rodgers' task of following Favre is even tougher than the last few years. He's not following a Favre that went 4-12 or 8-8. No, he's following Favre off a 13-3 season, one play from the Super Bowl and statistically one of his best seasons in his career.

Here's what I want you to do Packer fans, and I have no doubt you will. When the regular season home opener arrives in September, I want you to give Rodgers the loudest ovation ever. One that says, "we're behind you, we support you," "you're our leader now, take us to the promise land."

I believe he can do it, he showed us a glimpse of how much he's soaked in the last few years in the Dallas game. Some will question his durability. I understand why. But consider this, there's a difference between being in shape and being in game-shape. I'm not speaking from experience, but I have to think that taking hits on a consistent basis gets you adapted better than being a spot-starter.

So lets get behind Rodgers, start purchasing those replica jerseys. Because until coach McCarthy tells us otherwise, he's not the future, he's the now.

Dale-
Thanks for coming to visit my 1st graders at Washington in Merrill. The kids loved hearing about your job as a sports anchor and seeing your camera equipment! You did a great job!
Lisa Hass
1st Grade Teacher

Not a problem. I enjoyed it. If you need someone for career-day again, you know how to reach me. FYI for those who don't know, Lisa is my sister-in-law.

Sorry, but I will no longer watch the Packers-as far as I am concerned Brett Favre was the Packers- and game will be boring without Brett there- I wish Rogers the best-but he will never compare to Brett did for that team and what footbal stands for!

Good to see you're being so open-minded. You're not a Packer fan anyway it sounds like, just a Brett Favre fan. I'll find someone else to take your seat on the Packer wagon.

The nights are lonely, the days are sad, I keep thinking about the love, that Brett and I had. In Favre we trusted, in Rodgers we believe. The packers don't rebuild they reload, Aaron Rodgers MVP '08, '09, '10 you get the idea.

MVP? That's shooting for the stars, huh? I can see him turning into a pro bowl-caliber QB, though.

Great job today... thanks for joining us on the nooner!

Thanks for having me!

Favre is a big baby ! He quit on his team because they didn't sign Moss. Tell me that Favre retires if the Packers sign Moss ! NO WAY !! Time to move on without the baby.

I don't think Moss had ANYTHING to do with it this year. Last year, I would agree with you. At the end of the NFC Championship, he looked old(er). He's pretty much been a tell-it-like-it-is guy, so why not take him at his word that he's just tired and doesn't want to do it anymore. He's been doing it for 25+ years.

February 4, 2008

Congrats to Rozellville's very own Rich Seubert. He's Super Bowl champion with the Giants. What a Super Bowl! I know Packer fans would like to think it, but don't. The Packers would not have beaten the Patriots like the Giants did. The Pack's front line couldn't have gotten the pressure on Tom Brady like the Giants' front. It's only the 4th time in 10 games that an underdog of 12+ points pulled an upset. The Packers were an 11-1/2 pt fave against the Broncos.

Did anyone notice the end of the game, when Bill Belichick left the field early. There was :01 still to play. Tom Coughlin and Belichick were meeting at midfield when referee Mike Carey met them and told them there was :01 to play. Everyone cleared the field, and Belichick left Coughlin and went staright to the tunnel and to the locker room. What a chump! At least have the decency to go back to the sideline until the game is officially over. What little respect I had left for Bellichick is gone. With the "spygate" stuff, I guess you could say he had it coming.

What was your favorite commercial? There were actually a few good ones this year. I liked the Diet Pepsi Max when people kept falling asleep, I even thought the Justin Timberlake commercial was funny. I can't remember them all. How about you?

Great idea giving Richie Seubert his due,the guy like Mark Tauscher is atireless perfectionist,these are the kind of guys who should go to probowls ,not winers like Moss.duck1265 Marshfield

what a baby, it shows alot about his character and i think it filters down to his players. Randy Moss and Tom Brady deciding all of the sudden the next day they dont want to go to the pro bowl. Brady at least had a decent excuse with his ankle but Moss could've went. I agree with you that the packers line wouldn't of gotten the same pressure on brady, but I think the packers had a better offense and would have scored alot more points making the game an offensive showdown with Favre being able to go nuts with the air attack playing on an indoor field

What was Favre's excuse for not going to the Pro Bowl? My thought, he though it was pointless since he's coming back. I think had he gone to the Pro Bowl, many would think that was a sign, instead it's a sign he's coming back. As far as Packers competing with the Patriots...not so sure. Though it's nice to think they would.

We're even ! Football is great isn't it! Channel 7 is far and away the best news and sports locally. I enjoy your hard work.

Thanks. You're a good sport.

Belichick showed terrible sportsmanship by going on the field with one second left. It was a vary low class, disrespectful thing to do. And then to leave the field BEFORE the game was over, terrible. A respectful coach at least shows his respect for the winning team and man-up to the fact that his team lost to a team that simply out played his own. Not to mention he failed to show respect to his own team! I also thought how he answered the questions in the post game interviews was low class as well. Actions speak louder than words, I have lost nearly all respect in him.

Bellichick left the game 1 second early for a kneel down play. How long did you leave your blog after the Packers lost ?? If the Packers would have won, you would have been on the next day ! Sore loser !!

I don't like losing, you're right. But I don't suit up for the Packers. So I'm not really that "sore." I see you're on my blog more than I have been as of late. Need a job?

In one of his books, Vince Lombardi, Jr. outlined some of his father's coaching philosophies...including: "Set a high standard for your team and keep that standard out in front where all can see it."

Another Packer reference, so start ripping me apart.

I haven't "NOTICED" past tense.

OK, we're even.

First of all, the refs' should have called a delay of game on the Patriots! Yes, there was only one second left, but technically they broke the rules and should have been delay of game.

FINE HIM! Delay of game and very UNprofessional behavior!

Thanks for the comments.

Reading the rediculous comments on New England sounds like a bunch of terribly jealous Packer fans. Maybe you should make sure the Packers house is 100% clean before you rip on someone else! Get over it !!

First off, it's "ridiculous!" 2nd, if the Packers' coaches did the same thing, I'd rip them, too. If you haven't notice, I tend to spare no one. That being said, Belichick should have stayed for the final :01. It's no secret that he's the sorest loser.

The Patriot coach and Giant coach are good friends, and Bellichick showed Coughlin proper respect after the game when everyone thought the game was over. Quit nit-picking and trying to make a Federal case out of nothing. Geeeshh !!!!

I know the two of them were on Parcells' coaching staff. Here's the thing...why not go back to the sideline? He blatantly ignored referee Mike Carey, shook hands with Coughlin and left in a huff. Geesh!

Not only does Bill Belichick dress like sloppy Jr. High kid he has no class, I couldn't believe my eyes when he walked off the field. What a terrible example for anyone young sports person, heck, what a terrible example for any man. Suck it up and be proud of a great season, shake hands and move on. Dene

He did shake hands, Dene, he just left right after that.

The Patriots coach should have at least congratulated the Giants and their coach. He showed a severe lack of class. Reminded me of a worm crawling away to hide and whine.

Again, he did shake hands. He just bolted right after that.

I was truly disappointed in Bill's actions following the game yesterday. How many other coaches had to sit on the sidelines and watch their teams get pummeled by the Pats? But they stayed till the disappointing end.

Have a good day!
Jesse

You make a good point about other coaches standing on their sidelines. You think Joe Gibbs didn't want to leave early when he was losing 52-7, or Dick Jauron when the Bills were losing 56-10?

$my favorite super bowl commerical$
my favorite commerical was when the guy set a dorito on the mouse trap. Then the guy had a bag of doritos and a giant mouse broke through the wall and took the bag of doritos away from him

I'll have to check that one out. Sounds like a funny one.

I am a wrestler some one has to win and someone always has to lose. I think of him as a sore loser. Thats no way to act in front of the team or in front of the fans. he should have been proud of making it to the Super Bowl. He should have shaken the hands of other players and/or coaches.

Belichick was not going to shake hands with anyone but Coughlin, whether there was :01 left on the clock or not.

Hey Dale,
I totally agree about the Patriot's coach leaving the field. I understand being disappointed, but to leave your team when they have to go for one more play seems really immature. I couldn't believe that he did that. I thought it was a great game even thought our Packers weren't in it.

Your favorite sister-in-law,
Lisa

Thanks Lisa. The funny thing, many members of the defense had to come out from the tunnel and back onto the field for the one play, So imagine how that must have looked, the players running back out there and Belichick walking past them up the tunnel.
January 9, 2008

Boy, did I stink up the joint like the Bucks in Detroit with my NFL picks. Let's try this again, then I'll get to Roger Clemens.

Packers beat the Seahawks
Cowboys over Giants
Colts over Chargers
Pats over Jags

Packers beat Cowboys
Pats beat Colts

Pats take out Packers in SB XLII. Reasons are listed below in my previous blog.

Now on to Roger Clemens. This guy is digging himself even deeper. First off, did you get a chance to listen to the recorded conversation between he and his ex-trainer, Brian McNamee? Apparently in Texas and New York you can record a conversation is one person consents, and Clemens consented. What a load a manure! Clemens tried to coax the guy into saying something like he lied, but he never did. Therefore, why even play the recording at the press conference?! I think he made himself look worse b/c he recorded the call, didn't get anything out of it, and still played it. Clemens asked him, why did you say I used steroids? You can take that 1 of 2 ways. "Why did you rat me out" or "why did you make up lies?" McNamee offered to go to the press conference, and Clemens never took him up on his offer. Because he would be afraid for him? No once did Clemens ask "why did you lie?" Maybe that's because he wouldn't have liked the answer McNamee would have given. Then we would have never been forced with that 17-minute taped call. The guy didn't even know he was being recorded, and he said nothing in favor of Clemens! You just have to have this feeling that Clemens won't say much of anything, much like that press conference, when he goes in front of Congress. But one thing he'll NEVER change, he will always be a part of the Mitchell report, where numerous other guys have already admitted their use in public, yet Clemens is the only one who's innocent? And I do believe he cares about the Hall of Fame, who wouldn't. I give him credit for going on the attack and defending himself, but he took too long to start, and in the court of public opinion, it's a battle he'll never win.

You're everywhere since the Packers' Loss. I admire you for working all the time, you do a great job.

It's not like I could go and hide. I'm bigger than that.

Dale, Where are you ? Since the Packers lost you have disappeared !

Disappeared? From my blog maybe...

i think next year is gonna be a prime schedule for the packers with home games against the Colts and the Cowboys and on the road against Jacksonville, hopefully Favre will be back cuz it'll be nice to see Favre get some payback on Romo at Lambeau and sweet to see Manning play there too.

I remember last time Favre faced Manning and the first quarter was a shootout, then the Colts ran away with it. When the Colts visited Lambeau in 2000, the Pack sneaked out a 26-24 win. The Mannings grew up an hour from Kiln, MS. So yeah, that one will be a good one.

Dale, As a memory refresher, Dallas beat the Pack up pretty bad the 1st meeting and the lowly Bears "pounded" the Pack just a few short weeks ago ! Get your crying towel and excuses ready !

Hindsight's 20/20...but I didn't see the Cowboys anywhere. No crying towel, no excuses.

January 3, 2008

Let me do a little forecasting for the NFL Playoffs. First, lets start with the NFC.
NFC WILD CARD:
Redskins beat the Seahawks. Washington has been in "playoff mode" for the last 3-4 weeks. And they're playing out of their mind right now. You never know what Seattle team will show up. Shaun Alexander is running scared and hasn't had a 100-yard game since week 3.

Bucs over the NY Giants. The Giants are the biggest enigma in the NFC. They have the offense to outplay just about any defense. But if Eli gets any pressure, he loses it mentally. Is there any lesser known team than the Bucs? Jeff Garcia should be rested and the Bucs "D" will be the difference.

NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Cowboys over the Redskins. I'm a little iffy on this one. Emotions will only carry the Redskins so far. Romo will get it done without T.O. being a factor, Jason Witten could be the best tight end outside of San Diego.

Packers over the Bucs. Lambeau Field, cold weather, Brett Favre, 'nuff said.

**Can you imagine if the Cowboys lose their first game and the Packers host the NFC?!?! It's not out of the question.**

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP:
Packers over the Cowboys. You folks probably think I'm being a homer here, but I said it to a few people before their game in November...the loser would win the rematch. And I stick by that. Mike McCarthy and staff nearly made enough adjustments at the half to win the first game. A healthy Charles Woodson and KGB will be huge. Cowboys are more banged up now then they were then, and if T.O. isn't 100%, look out. Packers MUST sustain longer drives and not give up the long balls on defense. Dink and dunk their way to Phoenix.

AFC Wild Card:
Steelers beat Jaguars. Jags have what it takes to get to the AFC title game, but there's no way the Steelers lose at home to them, again! Without a viable ground game, Big Ben will find a way to get it done for the Steelers.

Chargers over Titans. This one hurts, folks. As many of you know I'm from Nashville. The Titans had the Chargers beat a few weeks back, but let them score twice in the final 8:00 and lost in OT. Now with a banged up Vince Young, and a Chargers team that looks more confident, Chargers will move on.

AFC Divisional round:
Patriots beat Steelers. We've seen this one before. The Pats destroyed the Steelers a few weeks back, and with no Willie Parker, the Steelers will look even worse. Make it 17-0 for the Pats.

Colts over Chargers. This one is a toss-up, really. Almost evenly matched teams, except at the QB spot. Which is why I take the Colts and Peyton. The Chargers could be a little banged up after going up against a tough Titans D.

AFC Championship:
Pats over the Colts. In round two, the Pats will get the win over the Colts, but in a close one, much like their first meeting.

Super Bowl XLII:
Patriots beat the Packers. Any team that faces the Pats will be a prohibitive underdog. But it will be interesting whoever the Pats face, because it will be just like SB XXXVI when the Pats were a big underdog to the Rams.

There you have my thoughts. What are yours? How do you think the playoffs will shape up?

I think the lack of overall playoff experience for the Packer players will hurt them against the Seahawks. Teams need that 2 to 3 years of playoff experience to make that push to the Super Bowl. I could be wrong, but by the the looks of your first round picks, it happens to the best of us. (sorry low blow)

Ouch, that hurt. I'm not so sure the lack of experience will hurt that bad. Look what they did this season with that inexperience. Some of those guys don't know they're not supposed to be doing this so soon.

Wow Dale your terrible. Nice jobs on the football picks and you call yourself a sport guy, yikes.

I never said I was a good sports guy.

I hope the Packers win the Superbowl! Then I'll get my new furniture for free!

Well...at least you have new furniture.

Please Dale, Are you still suffering from your New Year's hangover ? As much as I would love watching the Packers get smashed by New England in the Super Bowl, the playoff in-experienced Packers will be lucky to make it out of the 1st round. The cold weather Lambeau myth just isn't what you think it is anymore. For crying out loud, the Packers practice in doors! At the very best for the Pack, Dallas will pound them as usual in Dallas. Hope you survive your hangover in time to watch the Pack get beat.

No hangover here. Technically, the Packers are already out of the 1st round. Dallas may be lucky to get past the Giants. Depends on which Eli shows up to work. I really don't see the Packers getting "pounded" by anyone but the Pats.

December 7, 2007

A couple of sports topics to talk about. But let me first start off with a non-sports topic.

My wife, Suzy, and I were having a discussion about Santa gifts. When I was growing up in Nashville, my gifts from Santa Claus weren't wrapped. When I'd get up in the morning and go downstairs, there was a stack of gifts on one side for me and another stack for my sister. No one in my family got gifts from Santa what were wrapped. That way we could just go to town and start playing...only after EVERYONE was awake...no playing with your gifts while others were still sleeping. Suzy and her sister always had their Santa gifts wrapped. She said that's the fun is opening it. Believe me, it's fun to see right away what Santa brought you. So how about you? Do you wrap the Santa gifts for your kids? Were they wrapped when you were a kid? Or not? Maybe it's a south thing...I've been told we do things a bit different down there.

On to sports...I'm wondering if Charles Woodson is the MVP of the Packers. Not having him against Dallas hurt. Someone said to me do I really think he would've made that big of difference, and I said absolutely. If you watched the first 11 games, then the Dallas one, that's all you need to know.

Are the Brewers REALLY going back to Turnbow as their closer? Here's hoping they do get (a healthy) Scott Rolen so they hand at least a 3-run lead over to Turnbow.

One thing I missed while I was gone from the area the last 4 years (remember, in a previous life I worked an hour north of Wausau) was HS hockey. I'm on record saying I'm not a big hockey fan, but I do like HS hockey. Wausau West and Mosinee appear to be two of the better teams this season. Rapids is too I hear, but I haven't seen them play yet. One of the best HS hockey rinks is "The Barn" in Eagle River...I love that place.

Barry Bonds steps into the courtroom today (Dec. 7). I'm guessing he never thought it would come to this. Someone asked me is he being singled out. In a sense, yes. First he lied to a federal grand jury. No matter who you are, they'll get you for that. But I've said this all along...Bonds is the all-time HR champion, the BIG name, the poster-child for the steroid era. I use this analogy: Cut the head (Bonds) off the monster (steroid use in baseball) and you kill it. Cut an arm (Alex Sanchez) or leg (jason Grimsley) and it still has a heartbeat.

Lastly, the Heisman Trophy will be awarded to Florida's Tim Tebow Saturday (Dec. 8). Did you know that John Heisman is buried in Rhinelander? His wife, Edith, was from Rhinelander, he died in 1936 and she died in 1964. Every year until her death, the folks at the Downtown Athletic Club would send Edith flowers during Heisman Trophy week. A little tidbit for you.

Until next time....and there will be a next time.

Dale,just do what Wayne says!

This sounds just like something the father-in-law would say. But I can't imagine him writing something on my blog.

Dale -- our santa gifts were always wrapped with the same red and white stripped paper every year -- it was so exciting trying to guess what he bought us each year!!

Guess Who!!

I said we do things a little different, not we're weird. But thanks anyway...Chastity! Best of luck to you in Fargo.

I don't really know that there is one packers' MVP. I would have to say it would go to the receivers if anything. These guys knew coming into the season and the first 8 or so games of the season that they didn't have a decebt running back and that passing would be the main gameplan. They already had a probowl receiver Donald Driver, but other than that they had all young guys like Jones, Martin, Jennings and Robinson who hasn't participated in training camp and spent a year away from football. There is also Donald Lee who is having one of his best years. All these guys stepped up despite having little experience and not really being known last year and helped carry the team to most of the victories. There were a few games this year that were decided by pass plays the Packers' receivers made. Now they are the best receiving corps in the NFL and have the most yards after the catch in the NFL because these young guys have stepped up to make a difference

I wouldn't have a problem rewarding the entire receiving corps. They were the entire offense for the first 7 weeks and no one could slow them down. Good point.

I'd say you have to wrap them, it helps with the suspense and trying to guess what it is, and as you unwrap it you get more excited versus just going and seeing what it is right away. I always enjoyed trying to guess what I was getting before I opened it to see if I could guess what it was. Sometimes it's fun trying to disguise the gifts. When I was little I got a gift card that was wrapped in a t.v. box to make it look like something huge.

You got a gift card from Santa? The excitement of unwrapping...isn't that what gifts from the rest of the family is for? I guess by the time Santa got down south to Nashville, he and the elves were too tired to wrap anymore. Happy holidays to you and your family and thanks for chiming in.

Our gifts under the tree from Santa were always wrapped. I wrap my son's Santa gifts as well. Now the items that were in our stockings were never wrapped at our house. My husband however, had stocking gifts wrapped.

Merry Christmas!

Stocking gifts wrapped, huh? That's even a first for me. This is a battle I will never win with my wife. Our daughter (18 months) will have her Santa gifts wrapped. Merry Christmas to you, as well.

November 13, 2007

NFL MVP--FAVRE OR BRADY?

I was having a debate the other night with a fellow co-worker about who the MVP would be if the voters cast their ballot right now. I believe that if Favre said before the season started this was definitely his last season, the voters would give it to him as a going away gift. The way it stands right now, Brady will win it if he keeps up this record-setting pace and if the Pats go undefeated. But if Brady were to get hurt (hasn't missed a start since taking over for Bledsoe in 2001), have a few bad games or the Pats lose a few, then it becomes very interesting. Here's a look at their numbers below.

Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rate
238 354 67.2 2,757 7.8 16 8 96.2 FAVRE
219 299 73.2 2,686 9.0 33 4 131.8 BRADY

As I said, if Brady keeps it up, he COULD win the MVP. But chew on this, and this was my argument. I can toally see Favre winning MVP and Brady winning Offensive Player of the Year. Again, if Brady breaks Manning's TD record of 49, it's his, hands down. The person I was debating said the MVP is always the person with the best stats. Not the case. Ever since the Offensive Player of the Year award came into play in 1972, 15 times the MVP has NOT been the Offensive POY. That's 15 out of 35 years. Another equation to factor into the voters minds is this...Favre's in his final year(s), breaking numerous records, "let's give him one more MVP", Brady will have more opportunities, Packers are the feel-good story right now. I'm not saying it's right, but these are people voting, not computers. Favre has never completed better than 65% of his passes, he's at 67 right now. His 96.2 rating is 2nd only to his 99.5 in 1995, and he's on pace to throw for more than 4,800 yards (carer high is 4,413) with 26 TD's and 16 INT. Steroid/HGH users aside, what athlete has ever had one of his best 2 or 3 seasons when he's 38? He's actually playing within the system and not "slinging" the ball like he once did, though we get glimpses of it on occasion. Brady's cast is much beter than Favre's. 6 of Favre's 8 wins have come by 7 points or less, while Brady's only tough one came against the Colts... a 24-20 win, which he rallied them from 10 down in the 4th, but Brady also threw 3 TD's 2 INT's in that one.

Lastly, think about what MVP stands for. Most VALUABLE Player. Is Brady more valuable to the Pats than Favre is to the Pack? Something to think about. Again, I think Brady will win if he breaks Manning's record and/or Pats go 16-0, but if he slips...

And don't even bring Tony Romo into this conversation until he gets
another few years under his belt...Kurt Warner ring a bell?

Until next time, and there will be a next time.

I don't understand why you comment that your responders MUST be either Viking, Bear, or New England fans? I can just as easily say you MUST either be a Packer fan or New England hater.
ps What's your point? (be careful it could just as easily be my point)

Why did I say you're a bears, Vikes or Pats fan? What logical person says Favre has been a consistent failure his entire career. Who would say the Cowboys should have a bounty on Favre? My guess is someone who is major anti-Packer. Consistency? Not many QB's can last 17 years, much less have a great year. And I don't get it..."what's your point? (be careful it could just as easily be my point)" What the...?

Favre is having a good year, but please Packer fans, If Brady goes 16-0 and with his stats, he wins both MVP and offensive player of the year. Watching the 2 perform is like night and day in Brady's favor. Favre's performance against a good team ( DALLAS ) was pathetic. He looked like the old man that he is.

I agree, 16-0 and a TD record is worth MVP. I already said that. My discussion is you could make an argument for Favre if Brady slips up. And yes, Favre did slip up against Dallas. But have you seen Brady's performances against the Eagles and Ravens? In those two games...6 sacks, 3 TD, 1 INT, 52-92 passing. But he DID play well when it mattered most.

Their seems to be some discussion about the talent of Brady's receivers, and how they are far better than Favre's. Moss is a Pro Bowl receiver who is coming off of a disappointing career as a Raider. Coming into the season, NFL experts were not expecting this kind of production from him. Stallworth is in the words of NFL experts a classic underachiever. A talented but average wideout who has never been a #1 go to guy. Wes Welker, (who) many did not even know who this guy was last year. Favre has Driver who has been in the Pro Bowl, Jennings who is a young talented receiver, and Martin TBD. So if the Patriots receivers have an advantage, I think it is a small one. If all 3 WR for the Patriots are enjoying career years, is Brady benefitting from them or are they benefitting from Brady?
jjg
ps I think its true that Packer fans hate Moss (no matter what uniform he's wearing).

Coming into this year, "experts" were saying that Moss was running a 4.4 40, that he still had speed. His only question was how would his attitude fit into the locker room. Welker was looked upon as a Troy Brown-type. Good possession guy who'd get you the tough yards and compliment Moss. Stallworth--you're right, underachiever. But someone is only an underachiever if he's loaded with talent, and he is. Let's compare the top 3 WR's for each team coming in to '07: Moss-Driver: Moss is a future HOF, Driver is not, both pro bowlers, not sure if they'd get the good or bad Moss, they got the good one. Welker-Jennings: both young receivers, solid #2's. Stallworth-James Jones: Stallworth a former 1st round pick with flashes of stardom, Jones a rookie 3rd round draft pick. Martin? Not even in the mix until recently.

Wow, did you see the comeback lead by this years MVP on Monday night? Awesome!

Did you see the first 56:30 minutes? But he did lead them down the field for a win. You're right about that, and Favre's never done that before. I said Brady would be the MVP if he keeps up his pace.

After the Thanksgiving game it's obvious Brady is the MVP. Why? Rodgers showed the Packers offense wasn't based on Favre. Put in Brady's back-up and let's see what happens. Favre has been surrounded by big time talent in every year he's won the MVP. He continues to be overrated. Imagine how good his numbers would be if he would listen to his coach 100% of the time. His longevity is his only undeniable achievement.

Wait a minute. Favre surrounded by "big-time talent" in his MVP years is what you said. How many MVP's does brady have RIGHT NOW? None, zero, zilch, nada. But my oh my, put some talented receivers around him, a good running back and a great defense so he can go out and play catch and lookie what you have. An MVP-type season. About Rodgers...Dallas was up 27-10 with a QB coming in who has barely played in his 3 years. They began to loosen up and Rodgers ate 'em up. Nothing against Rodgers, but would he have done that from the start? The Packers offense IS based on Favre, that's why they throw more than they run.

Since when is it the award for MVP of their career, its the MVP for the current season, no one cares what happened in the past or if Favre used to throw alot of interceptions, that has nothing to do with how much he is dominating this year, 3 Brady Superbowls weren't won this year so that can all go out the window as well. Favre is having a better year with no Moss. Moss is making Brady look good. If Favre had Moss he'd look like an even greater god than he does now

I think it would have been fun to see Moss-Favre. But I also think that if Moss were here, then Jennings, Ruvell Martin, James Jones and Koren Robinson would have lesser roles. And the Packers are having success because of the success of 5 receivers, not two.

who has 3 MVP's, but yea Favre hasn't consistently played good

I believe the kids today are calling that a..."snap." A slang for "good comeback." If you compare Favre's first 7 seasons as a starter to Brady's first 7, Brady has two more Super Bowl's, but Favre's stats are much better. I will say, though, that as a QB you're measured on Super Bowls as much as stats. That's why Montana and Elway are usually ranked higher on QB lists than Marino.

Hey Dale,
I read your blog and all I can say is
"RIGHT ON"

RYan PRiebe

I knew you'd see it my way.

Im confused....Brady has to do nothing? He doesnt make mistakes like favre does. under pressure, he'll take the sack, not shovel pass to a competitor. favre is a consistent failure at what he is doing. 'THIS' year he is doing good, Brady has been doing good for a consistent period of time...how many SB's does Favre have?, BRady? lets talk consistency...I hope Dallas puts a bounty on favre this week...

You must be from the New England area, or a Bears or Vikings fan. Because the entire statement you just made was completely ridiculous. A "consistent failure?" What we have here is failure to be rational. Again, compare the first 7 seasons as a starter for both and you'll see that Favre was better. But Brady does have the 3 SB's and Favre the 1.

With the year Brady and the Patriots are having their is no discussion that he is the MVP of the league. Farve may be more valuable to his team then Brady is. IF that is the case, then that is what team awards are for. The Packers can name Farve MVP of their team, and the NFL can name Brady MVP of the whole league. You guys are a bunch of Homers.

Your argument here makes no sense. Why not give Brady the MVP of the Patriots and favre the MVP of the league. Heck, Brady may not even be the MVP of his own team...see Moss. So you agree that Favre is more valuable to his team than Brady is, right? Then you just agreed with me. And who is "you guys?" There's only one person on this blog, and it's me. I'm not being a homer, it's a legitimate debate.

MVP is someone who is a valuable asset to their team and provides a major impact and is a deciding factor whether the team wins or loses. One reason why Brady is so good is because he has pro bowl recievers like moss and stallworth and an elite offensive line. Basically its not brady thats making his team better, its his team thats making brady better. All he does is throw it up in the air and moss does the work. He never has to scramble because his line is amazing. Favre however has a no name offensive line, one go-to guy, Donald Driver, and no running back. Favre scrambles, gets off shovel passes, fits balls where no other quaterback can and pretty much anything else you can think of. He often completes passes to five or more receivers a game and with no running game, its up to him to take shots, and fit throws into tight spots. his competitive nature and work ethic spreads to his teamates and rubs off on them. Basically what i'm saying is an average quaterback could never come into Green Bay and play well but would be able to play well in New England making Favre the true MVP since he is more of a difference maker and carries the packers more than Brady carries the patriots.

You, my friend, make a great argument here. I will say, however, that Greg Jennings is a heck of a receiver, and Favre has shown the trust in Martin, Robinson and Jones to go to them time and again. Ryan grant is coming into his own. But we're on the same page. Nice job.

The question is: how do you define MVP. If it is someone who is completely invaluable to the team, then it is Favre, hands down.

Thank you your honor. The defense rests.

the packers are just having a lucky year all good things must come to an end

You MUST be either a Bears or Vikings fan. Lucky is 4-0, 8-1? There's no luck in that my friend, it's called consistency. And right now, the Packers are consistently good.

Dale you have a good point but I dont think the NFL will agree with you mainly because of the fact that Brady will probably break every single season passing record and the NFL will think of the monumental achievement as a sign that he should have the MVP I mean look at Ladanian Tomlinson he scored a total of 32 touchdowns and got MVP so i just think they'll give Brady the MVP even though I wish they'd give it to Favre. i still love the packers though Go Pack Go!

Well, the NFL doesn't have a say in the vote. But I see your point of view. And as I said, if Brady continues this pace he'll win the MVP. My argument is if Brady falls off pace and the Pats lose a game or two, Favre could easily sneak in and win his record 4th MVP.

Tulo should be ROY in the NL and you know it! LOL
Darn that Braun and his 20+ errors in 4 months.. 3 in one game.
UGH

That Braun kid was Ryan-tastic this season. No doubt about it he's deserving of the award. Don't you think so, Chad?
October 29, 2007

I don't have to tell you folks, but Brett Favre is amazing. His overtime 82-yard TD toss to Greg Jennings was phenomenal. Who says he can't throw the deep ball anymore? I haven't celebrated that much watching a game on TV since my Tennessee Titans pulled off the "Music City Miracle." I was at the Vikings OT winner with Antonio Freeman, but I was on the field working and I couldn't celebrate, especially not after Bubba Franks jumped on my foot with his cleats in celebration, yeah, I was right there in the middle of it. Good times.

The Badgers' game at Ohio State is on the Big Ten Network (BTN) this weekend, their 3rd straight on the BTN and 4th overall. With Charter cable NOT having the BTN on their lineup, that really rattles my cage. Come on! It's like the NFL Network. Two entities taking advantage of their power and the people it screws over is the fan. What does it matter to the BTN if the cable companies want to put it on a sports premium package anyway? As long as they're getting their money right? Yet that's not good enough, it's all about who stands their ground and holds the power. And why souldn't the cable companies just put it on basic TV? Because they'd raise prices again to compensate and they're already losing customers everyday to satellite. I can name a dozen channels no one watches anyway, so just replace it there. Needless to say, I'm happy with my satellite that has the NFL Network and BTN. By the way, the Packers-Cowboys game, which is shaping up to be a HUGE showdown, is on the NFL Network.

With the memorial service for Max McGee this past weekend, I was reminded of a phone call from a viewer last week. When McGee passed away, I mentioned on-air that he was hung over in Super Bowl 1 and had a reputation as a party animal. I also mentioned his establishing the research center for diabetes in Milwaukee. Yet this caller was upset and apalled that I would even mention the SB hangover and his partying days. Either this person doesn't know the legend of McGee, or is just too darn sensitive and would have criticized anything I said that night. C'mon! Without that SB story and McGee known for breaking Lombardi's curfews, he would be just another Bill Schroeder.

Thoughts?

Until next time...and there will be a next time.

I am so happy to see I have finally converted you to a Packers fan. For you to make the comparison to the Titians "Music City Miracle" is HUGE!

Your loving wife...Suzy

Yep, I cheer for the Packers. Just don't tell any of my Tennessee buddies. Nice job, honey.

This is just one of Dale's buddies in TN. The only reason he was so happy is that he was down in his fantasy league until that last play. He has Greg Jennings. LOSER :)

Picking up Jennings was one of the best free-agent pickup's this season. At the time I'm writing this, I've won 4 straight fantasy games, you my "buddy" have lost 3 of 4. Who's the loser now?!

From a radio station in Waupaca (shout out to Thelen), I received a call from 93-year-old Bets Fitzgerald, an independent resident of a local nursing home who was noticeably upset about not being able to see the upcoming Badgers vs. Buckeyes game this Saturday. She not only represents herself, but about 150 others who live in the facility that love watching Wisconsin sports on TV...the regular (non-cable) TV that they've been provided. Heck, how 'bout the thousands of other senior citizens whose very activities rely heavily upon being able to cozy up to a TV set to help pass the hours. (Of course, I mentioned to her that our radio station WILL be carrying the game) I'll forward to their nursing home the results of Dale's calls to the networks, they'll get a kick out of that. GO BUCKY! And, GO DALE, you ROCK! --John H.

Is this the one and only John Hammond? Hope all is well in Waupaca. If you ever need an expert to talk sports with y'all on the radio, I'll get Chastity Walberg for you :)

Here is an e-mail I received on 12/19/06 in regards to the Viking/Packer game from last year that nobody on Charter got to see. I had to listen to the game on my radio and try to imagine the plays being made in my head. I have two kids and could not drag them to a local bar to watch the game. This whole situation is just sad and I hope it gets resolved soon!

Bob
Internet Email Support Team
Charter Communications

Like we need them to tell us where to find NFL programming. Many smaller cable operators have the BTN and NFLN, they were able to negotiate a reasonable price w/out raising prices. Why can't Charter?

Last year when we had to suffer with no Packer/Viking game on TV because of the NFL Network/Charter nightmare I called and complained to Charter. This is a run down of how the call went:

Charter, get off your hands and figure this thing out ASAP!!!

No one will be boycotting the NFL. 15-20 years ago they could have only dreamed of being in this position. They were the 3rd popular sport behind MLB and the NBA. If you could go back to 1987 or 1992 and ask the NBA's David Stern if he'd be begging for fans in 2007, what do you think his answer would be? The NFL is powerful right now, but soon they will bite the hand that's fed them too hard. Then what will they do?

That (ticks) me off so much that BTN is taking the OSU game.Us HARD working people work hard every day and all we want to do is watch a football game and the Big Ten snobs are tring to take that away.UW should move to the SEC.ON WISCONSIN!

One more note on the BTN...they are carrying 20 men's hoops games. Below is a statement from the UW about the BTN and people's complaints. By the way, you DO NOT want the Badgers in the SEC. They'd be 7th or 8th at best, probably worst.

October 4, 2007

Well, well, well. The Packers are off to an "improbable," my word, improbable start. 4-0?! Who would've thought. And if you did, then I'll have what you're having. 5-0 looks very possible with the Bears coming to G.B. I'm headed to only my 2nd Packer game this Sunday as a fan, every other game I've been to I've been lugging equipment around and working. I'll be sporting my #4 jersey. Should be fun. Are any of you going? I'll come and share a burger with you....and what I mean is I'll barge in on your tailgate. :)

The game will be a great release for my wife, Suzy, and I. We closed on our house last week and all week long we've been re-modeling the interior. My father-in-law (handyman extraordinaire) has led the charge with the wood laminate flooring and the carpet in the basement. Mother-in-law with paint, wallpaper, curtains, etc. And the rest of the family with anything else that needs to be done.

My fellow co-worker (initials are Adam Kuhn) is excited about the NHL. I say who cares. Aside from the San Jose Sharks, because of Joe Pavelski, I could really care less about the NHL. I do like the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Ned Yost is back for another year. I concur. But the leash will be short next season.

Marion Jones admits to using steroids, the Clear, before the 2000 Olympics. She was part of the BALCO scandal. Just like Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds.

Finally, there's a new show called LIFE (check you local listings). Kind of like Burn Notice. So far I like it.

Until next time...and there will be a next time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALE!

Thank you.

Hey Dale-
I have to say your new house is looking good! Thanks to all of your family :) We're really enjoying watching your sports now that your back up here!

Lisa
AKA Your Favorite Sister-in-law

Lisa Hass, folks, give her a big round of applause. The house is great for those wondering. With you and my wife Suzy watching, I know I'll have at least two viewers.

Packers are overrated, Bears win this Sunday. Greise throws for 3 TD's.

Have fun a the game!!

I wouldn't say the Packers are overrated. If anything, they're under-rated. No one believes this is a legitimate contender. I say with Brett Favre, they're always a contender. Can you believe there were people who wanted him to retire the last few years?

September 16, 2007

How about them Packers! 35 points?! That's the most they've scored since October of 2005. But it came against a Giants defense that allowed 45 the week before to Dallas. The run game still looked bad...DeShawn Wynn had 50 yards but take away that 38-yard run late and, well, he has 12 yards on 9 carries. The Chargers looked bad against the Pats, and visit Lambeau next week. I gotta go against the Pack in that one.

Did the FedEx Cup do it's job for the PGA? Did you care about golf these last 2 weeks, the first 2 weeks of the NFL season? I didn't care. It's all about football and the baseball pennant races right now.

What is up with Notre Dame? 0-3, and looking horrible in getting there.

Nice to see Orenthal James Simpson back in the news. Man, what a joke he's become.

Finally, check out the show on USA called Burn Notice...good stuff.

Until next time...

Dale,

Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm feeling a little lonely right now. And thanks for the compliments, hopefully I don't let you down :)

Good Call on Burn Notice but it may be too late, i think the season final is tonight. I have enjoyed it all season though, but prison break is back on! Well Dale I just thought i needed to add a comment since your blog was looking a bit lonely. -Prentice

Prentice,
I am feeling a little lonely. 9 months until the next Burn Notice.