NEW BLOG 12/14 "Packers and other stuff"

I'm back, finally. Sorry for the blog delay. I've been pretty burned out by that whole being the whole sports department for two months thing, and then the whole training new people thing. But we're almost at full staff in sports, and the new guys are catching on (as fast as newbies can), so let's talk some sports.

Let's talk about the Packers future. I say future because I'm not talking about this season like they still have a chance for the playoffs. I know that they could win out and get to 8-8, and there's an outside chance an 8-8 team could make the playoffs in the NFC, but for now, there are just too many teams in front of the Packers to seriously talk playoffs. So let's talk about the future. If you read the article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, you know that the Packers have a lot of salary cap room heading into next season, and not a lot of their own free agents to sign. So could a couple well targeted free agents help the Packers take the next step to be a playoff caliber team? Honestly, I'm not really sure. There are a lot of questions. How much longer will Brett Favre play, and when he leaves, is Aaron Rodgers the answer? That brings up another point. The Packers three best players on offense (Brett Favre, Ahman Green, & Donald Driver) are all old (in football years). The young offensive line could develop, but the Packers have to find some young skill position player to build their offense around. Greg Jennings is a good start, but they need a lot more. On defense, there appears to be the groundwork for at least a decent unit. But under Bob Sanders, they've really struggled. The future of the secondary is up in the air. Marquand Manuel's been a bust, and Al Harris always talks about how he wants out of Green Bay.

As for the guys not on the field, I do actually have faith in Mike McCarthy as a head coach. I don't know what it is, but I have a feeling he's going to be a good coach. I'm still holding out judgment on Ted Thompson. Most of his moves have been pretty good, but he hasn't done anything great, yet.

So, I'm not calling for the Super Bowl anytime soon, but maybe with a couple smart moves and Brett Favre back, they could make a run at the playoffs next year. But without Favre (and that day's coming soon) the future looks a lot cloudier. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the direction the Packers are heading.

There's also lots of other stuff going on. The Badger football team in a big time bowl, the Badger basketball team maybe looking like a final four contender, the Brewers not really able to compete in the high priced free agency market, and anything local high school or college you'd like to discuss.

Matt

Respond to Matt's blog here.

Judging by the last time Matt updated his blog, he's already gone and moved on.
lol


Rumor on the street is your leaving. Can you confirm or deny this?


No Sports Highlights from Jan 26 like the Matt's Stars (Jan. 15) edition on the web?


Hey Matt,

It is Elizabeth Anderson, not Elizabeth Arneson. She is the twin sister of Erin, who both were covered by you guys when Rib Lake went to State in Volleyball. How can someonenot read the names correctly on the Sports Roster?


I am very disappointed with Channel 7 not showing the Badger basketball games. Here we in Wisconsin are their biggest fans, and we can't see them on a regular t.v. That (stinks). Guess I will have to go to radio. Whoever decided this should be fired.

Marie from Pittsville


M.Z.Well thanks Art it'll be CBS's 18th time broadcasting a Superbowl game and by the way didnt we hear Bret Farve say on New Years Eve @ Soldier Field in Chicago that he'll have a decision in "2 weeks?" ,I believe thats already expired by now?!?! 1/18/2007


Matt, about the last Badgers basketball game (vs. Northwestern): How, how in the world (!) is it that WSAW broadcast HALF the game, and then switched coverage to the North Carolina - Virginia Tech game??? What is going on?? Who would make that decision?? It's not as if the game announcers only covered half the game and then packed up and left. Wisconsin is a top 5 ranked team, and THIS IS WISCONSIN. Wausau is a Wisconsin market! We follow WISCONSIN, not North Carolina. I am incredulous that WSAW would switch coverage in the middle of the game. And I don't buy the guff that someone "higher up" (at CBS) would make that call. I'll say it again -- Wausau is a WISCONSIN market, not a North Carolina market. It seems again that unless you actually win a national championship, you get no respect. Bottom line -- is WSAW going to do it again? I'd like to watch the UW-Purdue game IN IT'S ENTIRETY. Sorry for shouting but this is just unbelievable to me.

Jerry R.
Antigo

I'm sorry that you're so incredulous, but it wasn't my decision or even really our station's decision to cut out of the game at halftime. We were required to go to CBS's NFL pregame show at 2:30. In retrospect, it probably would have been a good idea for us not to even play the first half on Channel 7, but that's not my decision. As far as I know this won't happen again. The future games we have will either be entirely on NewsChannel 7 or entirely on our digital station MyTV.
MZ

Here's the network coverage over the years of Super Bowl games. NBC-17, CBS-17, ABC-7 and FOX-6. Interesting fact is that both CBS and NBC carried the first game, which was called the NFL/AFL World Championship Game. Art VanDaLay

Thanks for the help Art.
MZ

do you think Favre will return and how long do we think it will take this year for him to decide? he said few weeks. Its been that!

I don't think even Favre's family knows when or what his decision will be, so anything I say will be a completely uneducated guess. In related news, I think he'll definitely be back and he'll make the decision in February.
MZ

M.Z. Knowing that Super Bowl 41 is going to be on CBS - TV & Newschannel 7 as well on February 4th, 2007 go its 40 year history can you find out from the 4 networks CBS,ABC,NBC,FOX in order which ones broadcasted the most Superbowl games? 01/11/07

See Art's response above.
MZ

Hey Matt, I see you guys travel pretty far to cover local sports. I was wondering, do you have a favorite "mode of transportation"? -Razor Scooter

I prefer the helicopter... by the way this is one of those funny inside jokes if you're reading this and are completely confused.
MZ

omg

am I sick with fever? matthew updated his blog?

I hope you feel better.
MZ

M.Z.Matt speaking of the Packers I learned that the NOON game has now been rescheduled to a 7 pm start as a Packer fan that is a BAD move because I believe it will lessen the chances of the Packers getting into the playoffs if in fact any other teams in the NFC have to win or lose before the Packers play the Bears at this new time for Sunday because what ever scenorio would be to help the Packers before they play doesn't work at that point it would be deemed meaningless for the Packers to have to beat the Bears before they play,what do you think Matt!?!?! 12/26/2006

I think the NFL moved the game because of the Brett Favre factor mostly, and as it turned out they got some really good stuff after the game.
MZ

The key to offensive production is the offensive line, which is now painfully obvious.

Jim Maas

Yeah, but I think like the future looks at least fairly bright for the Packers young offensive line.
MZ

Now for some interesting thoughts from Art VanDaLay. First, Brett Favre will be back next year. The Packers will finish this season 7-9. During the off season the Pack will pick up some needed help at wide receiver and will pick a veteran back-up quarterback. The Badger football team will win their bowl game on New Years Day 24-20. The Badger hoops team will make it to the final four. Laconia boys basketball team will make it to the State tourney in March (your HS alma mater). The Brewers will win the division and Ben Sheets will win 23 games. I guess if you are going to dream, dream big. Thats my thoughts, we'll see how they come out.

Great thoughts Art, but I think Ben Sheets has to actually start 23 games to get 23 wins.
MZ

Matt,

Good to see you back. Hope you enjoyed the wedding reception in November. Thanks for the appearance, it was cool to have a celebrity at my wedding!

Thanks for leaving your name so I know who this is from.
MZ

will the Packer NFLN game with Minnesota be available to view Thurs nite in Cental and Northcentral Wisconsin?( on reg TV or basic cable channels?)

It will be on NFL Network which I believe is only available on DirectTV and Dish Network around here. Also, the game will be broadcast on WFRV, and some people can pick that up on basic cable in the Wausau area.
MZ

Hey Sports Guy\, Art VandaLay here. Nice to see that your back. When I get some more time\, like this weekend\, I'll put my spin (pretty corporate word huh) on your thoughts. For now\, have a great weekend in the North Woods of Wisconsin.

Thanks for checking in Art, look forward to hearing more from you.
MZ

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NEW BLOG 10/2 "Brewer Retrospective"

It was a weird Brewer season, wasn't it? Most of us came into the year with maybe the highest expectations we had ever had in our lifetimes (at least the highest expectations in the last 10 years). The starting rotation looked solid. The bullpen looked a little questionable, but hey Derrick Turnbow was there at the end. And the offense looked young but full of talent. All of that led me to be cautiously optimistic before the season. Here's my actual prediction from the 4th of April:

(From 4/4 blog) My guess is they're still a year away. Here's the good: 1. They don't really have any glaring weaknesses. Think about it. Is there any position you look at and say "Wow they've got to get somebody better than that guy." (except for maybe all you Geoff Jenkins haters) 2. They have very good starting pitching, probably the deepest rotation in the N.L. Central. And I think their bullpen is better than most people think, as long as the starters can get the game to Wise and Turnbow. 3. They have a great mix of veterans and youth. Just take a look at opening day. Veteran Jeff Cirillo comes up with the biggest hit of the game. Youngsters J.J. Hardy and Derrick Turnbow came up big as well.
As for the negatives, I mentioned before I don't see any glaring weaknesses, but the young defense scares me as does the fact that the offense will rely on so many young guys as well. If you've ever watched sports you know youth usually means inconsistency. Also Ben Sheets starts the season on the disabled list, and they absolutely need him to be healthy all year and have a big season. And finally, the main reason I don't think they're quite ready for the playoffs is that I don't see them beating out the Cards for the division, and that leaves them fighting with a lot of teams for one wild card spot. And I see them falling just a little bit short of that, maybe losing out to the Mets, Braves, Phillies, or any other team that really jumps up. So here's my official Brewer prediction: 85 - 77, probably good for third, maybe second in the N.L. Central. Hopefully I'm wrong the good way and they do make the playoffs. That would be unbelievable! (again, this was from my prediction blog on 4/4)

Yes a playoff berth would be and still is unbelievable. Unfortunately, the one thing that I said the Brewers needed, didn't happen. They didn't have a healthy Ben Sheets. But that wasn't it. Tomo Ohka was also out for a long period of time. Then the offense got decimated by injuries too, Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy, and Corey Koskie. It also wasn't just injuries that derailed the season. Derrick Turnbow simply did not have it anymore. Even in the beginning of the season, he looked shaky while still getting the job done. Then, it all fell apart around the all-star break. And by the time Ned Yost got around to finally removing Turnbow from the closer's job. It was too late, and the team had blown too many close games that this team simply couldn't afford to lose.

That leads me into Ned Yost talk. I've heard grumblings from some Brewer fans that Yost should be on the hot seat. He isn't. He shouldn't be yet. He won't be... unless the Brewers go through another losing season next year. I think Yost has to get a pass on this season because of the stuff I was just talking about before. They had a lot of injuries and one of their better players (Turnbow) went completely haywire. To be honest with you, I think Yost did a good job this year. He kept this team fighting all the way to the finish despite a 10 game losing streak in late August. Just look at the way they battled in the last couple weeks. They went 7-4 in their last 11 games, and it would have been 9-2 if Francisco Cordero hadn't blown his first two saves as a Brewer.

In the end, they did fall short of my prediction of 85 wins. And you know what hurts the most? St. Louis won the division with 83 wins. Ouch. But it's best not to think about that. I'm angry as a Brewer fan they didn't win more games, but I can't say I'm very disappointed. They just seemed to have too much go against them this year, and in the end the injuries caught up with them.

So what does the future hold? Well, it looks like most of the team will be back next year. Owner Mark Attanasio says he will increase the payroll about $6 million. That should be enough to bring back their own free agents, but not really enough to add much. I think they'll be better. Their injured guys will hopefully be healthy, and their young guys will be more experienced. I'm guessing they'll win around 85 games.

Matt

Matt: The announcers in Sunday's Packer game were going over Wild Card possibilities and indicated that an 8 & 8 record might make the playoffs. The Packers won to go 5-8 on the season. They SHOULD beat the Lions. They COULD beat the Vikings. That would put them at 7-8 going into the Bear game. The Bears have the Division sewed up and may be resting some guys as many teams do just before the playoffs. If the Packers won that game they'd be 8 & 8! Also\, very importantly\, they'd be 5 & 1 in the Division. That could well put them in the playoffs!
And NO! I've not been smoking anything!
James D. Backus

Pretty good points, but the only problem is that 8-8 probably still won't be good enough to get the Packers in the playoffs. There are just too many teams in front of them, and let's face it, they'll probably find a way to lose one of these final three games.
MZ

M.Z.Matt now that the 2006 BCS Bowl schedule is out in your own sports opinion what do you think about why the people that came out with the BCS schedule DID NOT put Michigan in a BCS bowl game even when they finished in the Top 5 and the conterversy of that decision Matt!?!? *12/9/2006*

Just to clear it up, Michigan is actually playing in a BCS bowl game. They're just not playing in the BCS championship game. As for Michigan not playing in that title game, they probably are the second best team in the country, but they did already get their shot at Ohio State. It's all pretty dumb anyways. Until they have a playoff, I can't take college football too seriously.
MZ

are you single yet?

Amazingly, my girlfriend has not gotten sick of me yet. . . at least not enough to break up with me.
MZ

hi mz were did mike jocs go to

Madison, for a job at NBC-15 (amazingly somebody else hired him . . . just messing with you Jocko)
MZ

hey matt\,
I noticed that since ive moved here back in august. That all i ever hear on the sports is high school and U.W and mostly the packers. What is up with that. Like tonight was the biggest football game of the season\, louisville vs West Virginia. You didnt say a single word about the hame or even the score of it. If you like sports like I do\, something needs to be done here. Better and complete details of other national games and such\, and that goes for other sports as well. I moved here from kentucky and let me tell you. I miss my sports coverage down there. Plus another thing\, try to put some excitement into doing the sports. I notice that channel 7 isnt the only one that does this\, the same goes for 9 as well.
Well just to let you know that on a scale of 1 to 10\, and 10 being the best\, i rate you as a 4. Sports isnt only wisconsin you know\, and they arent playing for a spot in the BCS championship game. So show more of others as well.

Thank you\,
Louisville maniac

Well maniac, I would like to thank you for taking the time to rate me as four. I mean if that was my grade point average, four would be awesome. If I was a movie, four stars would probably get me an oscar nomination. Also, I just found this out today, four is the supreme number of the universe according to the Time Cube. Go ahead, look it up, it's on Wikipedia so it must be true.
As for your complaints, I don't really want to respond to them because you'll probably just get more mad and email or blog back again and then I'd have to respond to you again and then you'd probably have even more complaints and we might get caught in a neverending loop, and nobody wants that. So I'll just say covering local and to a lesser extent regional sports is what we do, and it's what we'll continue to do.
MZ

M.Z.When you get a chance one of the commentators that did the Dolphins/Packers game on FOX-TV had said that one of the Packers on the team is originally from North Pole\,Alaska Matt could you try to find out which Packer they were talking about that they said that was from there and post it on here Matt\,Thanks!*Friday October 27th\,2006*

That player is actually second round draft pick Daryn Colledge, and here's something interesting, he actually grew up on S. Santa Claus Lane.
MZ

Matty\,

-Your Biggest Fan in Pennsylvania

By the tone of this email, it almost sounds like someone who may have previously worked in the NewsChannel 7 Sports Department. I would guess Greg Whitmer, but he moved to some station out east in Johnstown, wherever that is.
MZ

Matt...when are you going to update your blog? I'm getting bored with reading the same entry over and over again! A concerned Green Bay viewer

Sorry about that. The blogger below gets to the reason for that. It's been a little hectic around here the past couple months. I promise new blogs coming soon, probably about the Brewers season or maybe some sort of Packer preview.
MZ

Matt\,
Seems like your station doesn't have a lot of people working in sports. Are they ever going to replace Jill with anyone?

Concerned viewer.

Yeah, not a lot lately, but we've finally fixed that in a big way. Matt Blanchette is our new weekend sports anchor. He is orginally from Rhode Island and likes the Patriots (frontrunner), but he spent the last year working just north of us in Marquette, MI. You will also see another new face in the sports department, on air from time to time, but also doing a lot of the behind the scenes work like shooting games. John Allee is from Stevens Point and has actually worked with us for a while in our production department and as a part-time sports shooter. He will now also be doing on air work for us. This is all good for the viewers and good for me too because I can actually take some days off... as soon as stupid November Sweeps is over.
MZ

Hi Matt. Just want to tell you how much I enjoy your sports reports. I am a huge Brewer fan and like you\, I was disapointed in the season\, but am excited about what the future may hold.
I also want to tell you that the spot on TV about the Highlite Zone is one of the best I have ever seen! Using the Christmas music was really cute. Keep up the good work. Lori/wausau

Sorry for the delay in my responses. It's been pretty busy around here and as other bloggers have noticed, we've been fairly shorthanded in the sports department.
As for the hilight zone promo, I have to give props to Kristi Schreiber and the promotions department for that one. Again, thanks for the compliment, and we will do our best to keep up the good work.
MZ

M.Z.Well Matt with a blog like that on the Brewers this season you would be just as good as the guy that sits next to William Schroeder that does the TV on air analysis for FSN when they air Brewer games on TV\,but overall you forgot to mention 'Rock'n Robin Yount' even though he wasn't on the field but he was part of the Milwaukee Brewers organization this year and I thought his presense in the doughout would of helped the Brewers this year because to me I thought it was really classic to even see him in pinstripes on retro Sundays on the home games that they played but during the season they have beaten some of the better and top teams in the league but not goood enough to finish even to make a wildcard spot in the playoffs\,did you even think that the Chicago Cubs would finish last before the season where they ended up that costed thier manager at the end Matt!?!?! Tuesday October 10th\,2006.

As long as the Cubs build their team around two injured pitchers (Mark Prior & Kerry Wood), then they're gonna end up in last place a lot. As far as being in the booth next to Bill Schroeder, unfortunately my dad isn't a former major league pitcher... wow, bitter much?
MZ

Well\, I along with you did not predict the number of wins correctly\, but I sure am optomistic about the future for the Brew Crew. They have some talented young ball players and with one year under their belts should know what it takes to win on a consistent basis. One player I will be following is Vinnie Rottino. As you know Vinnie is from Racine\, WI and just a great story on how he made it to the bigs. Next year\, Brew Crew will win 93+ games. Book it. Art VanDaLay

Let's wait to see what they do this offseason before we get to crazy with the predictions. And on a slightly separate rant, I don't know if I can take another losing season now that I've had my expectations raised. I could handle it when I knew they were going to lose, but now it's just almost too much. Anbody else with me on that?
MZ

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BLOG 9/9 "Packer Predictions"

It's that time again, packer prediction time. By now you've probably heard or read all the national pundits hammering the Packers. Most of the predictions I've seen have them winning 3 maybe 4 games this season. Well, I'm here to say those people are wrong. This team is better than they think. The Packers will definitely win at least 5 games this year. Seriously folks, the Packers just aren't very good. If you follow with me through the three phases of the team, I think you'll agree.

OFFENSE:

Brett Favre is back, but is it going to do any good? Remember this is the guy who tossed 29 interceptions last year. I don't see him throwing nearly that many this year, but I also don't see him get anywhere near his MVP form of a few years ago. It's not so much that he's lost a lot, it's that there's just not much around him.

Let's start with the offensive line. I'm sure you've heard by now that two rookies will be starting at guard, but let's not forget that Scott Wells isn't exactly a seasoned veteran at center (he's started only 12 games as a pro). A lot of people, including me, believe that the offensive line is one of the most important parts of a football team. You can have great skill position players, but without a good line your running backs don't have any holes to run through, and your quarterback doesn't have time to find his receivers.

That leads to the rest of the offense. The Packers really don't have much at the skill positions. Donald Driver is good and rookie Greg Jennings has looked good, but outside of that, the Packers don't really have much for receiving options. (How is Robert Ferguson still in the NFL and still on the Packers?) Then at running back I think the Packers are banking a little to much on Ahman Green being healthy all year and returning to his form of a couple years ago. He's 29, (getting old by running backs standards) and he's coming off a serious leg injury. Last year's sensation Samkon Gado hasn't really fit in with the new offensive scheme, and in fact he's actually listed behind Noah Herron on the depth chart.

So I guess this all leads to my lack of confidence in the Packers this season. I just don't see how they're going to be able to score points.

DEFENSE:

I guess if you had to pick a strength of the team this would be it... but only by default. The Packers do have some talented players on defense (Al Harris, Nick Barnett, hopefully A.J. Hawk), but they also don't have hardly any depth. That's especially clear in the secondary where after starters Al Harris, Charles Woodson (let's hope he tackles better in the regular season than the preseason), Marquand Manuel and Nick Collins, the Packers have only one player who's not a rookie, and that player is Ahmad Carroll, yikes! Their defensive line does actually have some depth, but I'm not convinced anybody can produce a consistent pass rush. At linebacker, they should be alright, especially if A.J. Hawk can produce right away. However, there's again very little experience after the starters.

On the bright side, they will be running the same scheme that Jim Bates ran pretty successfully last year. But I just don't see this defense being nearly good enough to carry the Packers, and that's exactly what they would have to do for this team to have success.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

They've got Dave Rayner at kicker and Jon Ryan at punter, plus nobody to really return kicks and a coverage unit that looked terrible in the preseason. Enough said.

OVERALL:

I gotta be honest with you. I didn't really realize how bad I thought the Packers are until I read the poll question at Packers.com. The question is "What's the Packers' greatest strength heading into the season opener? Running game, Passing game, Run defense, Pass defense, Special teams." If you're like me, you're wondering why none of the above isn't an option.

I promised a Packer prediction, so I guess that means I've got to give you an exact win loss total. I'm going to optimistically go with 6 - 10. Their schedule is really easy, and maybe by the end of the year this young group can come together and get a few wins. As for Sunday's opener against the Bears, for some reason I do have a feeling that the Packers might win it. So, what the heck, we'll say this is one of their 6 wins. I'll go Packers 20 - Bears 17.

These are just my fairly uneducated guesses about the Packers season. Most of you could probably make predictions as good or better than me. That's why I invite you now to make your packer predictions here. Feel free to continue making them even after Sunday's opener.

Matt

Greetings Matt\,
Did you see the great TIMBERLINE program this Sunday morning?
Wonderful show! Did you happen to notice the Tree Stands the hunters were using?
They looked like some awesome Tree Stands. Very roomy and they also looked very safe.
The nice sized platform would provide a sturdy base under any hunter's feet while he waits for that Big One to pass. How about doing a Segment on Tree Stands and Tree stand Safety as long as the White Tail Season is upon us here in Wisconsin. Specific program information like Tree Stand Safety would be a fine reminder for those who take to the woods during the next several months. Just an idea. Those stands looked awesome though!
Did you get a chance to check it out?

I think our news department usually handles the hunting safety story stuff, but I'll definitely pass this along to them.
MZ

M.Z.Hey Matt can you also do predictions on the Wisconsin Badgers football season knowing they have a guy named 'Bret' coaching the team and I also like to add that for anyone who doesn't have cable or has but wont be able to catch the Badgers football games on TV live when it is aired it also can be seen in its entirety every Saturday nites on PBS on WHRM-TV @ 10:30PM so all the central Wisconsin Badger fans are in good luck TV wise Matt!.*Friday September 15th\,2006*

Thanks for giving everyone the heads up about the re-broadcast. I'm not much of a watch sports on a tape delay guy, but at least you can watch the highlights. As for Badger predictions, I don't think they're gonna win this week.
MZ

Alright Matt\, what do you think? This weeks prediction. Packers get burnt again on play action pass\, Farve playing from behind and frustrated forces ball into triple coverage\, and Saints come out on top 20-14. jjg

Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond before Sunday's game, but my you pick 'em picks are proof I didn't see the Packers winning this game. I'm not really sure who I would pick them to win against. That's why I came up with the poll question. I'm interested to see how many people think they'll get a win even before week 8.
MZ

We really do miss seeing Jill Wunrow doing sports!!! You could tell she loved her job informing us on what was going on in sports not just local but national. She was always very enthused (we loved Jill's Thrills) and made the news worthwhile watching. Good Luck to your new position in GB!! GO WUNROW!!

We wish her well in Green Bay too.
MZ

y not matt
Greg

Huh?
MZ

Hey\, 15-1 isn't bad. Go Pack! Art VanDaLay

Hopefully you think 4-12 isn't that bad either.
MZ

Ah\, 6-10\, just what I would've predicted for Green Bay. I also predict that your fantasy team will end at 6-10. Ha! - Tim aka Godless Killing Machines

Nothing people who don't play fantasy football like more than hearing us fantasy football dorks talk about it. And by the way, our fantasy regular season is only 13 games, so I'll be shooting for 3-10.
MZ

I will agree with you Matt 6-10. Green Bays defense is their strength but I don't think their offense will give them any rest on the sidelines. In the second half opponents offenses will wear them down. This week Bears 27 Packers 10.

Your Bears/Packers pick was slightly better than mine, although you obviously gave the Packers offense too much credit. And can anyone explain why I bad mouthed the Packers through my entire blog and then for some reason picked them to beat one of the NFL's better teams?
MZ

Here's a different issue for you: Don't you think it is "nasty" for a coach to run up a score in a football game when he knows the other team has nothing to work with? I know kids like to keep setting records\, etc. but really. Consider the other team\, too. Granny

That can be a touchy issue. On the one hand, nothing is gained from a coach leaving in his starters just to run up the score. But if the back-ups come in and get their chance, you can't expect them not to try to score more points.
MZ

I notice Jill Wunrow is no longer part of the sports team. Where did she go?

Green Bay, too cool for us apparently.
MZ

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NEW BLOG 8/21 "Halfway through the Preseason"

Sorry I'm a couple days late from my promised new blog. I decided I'd wait until after the Packers 2nd preseason game to write about them. I'm glad I did because my opinion has changed... a little bit.

To quote a sports cliche, things are never as bad as they look, and likewise things are never as good as they look. What I'm saying is the Packers aren't quite as bad as they looked in the first preseason game, but they're also not nearly 28 points better than the Atlanta Falcons either. Obviously, they're somewhere in between. If you wanna be optimistic, maybe they'll be as close to game 2 form as they are to game 1 form. I still think they've got a ways to go.

Here's why. Number one: special teams. Unless the Colts release Adam Vinatieri, the Packers are not going to have a very good kicker, and their punter probably won't be anything special. Right now, they have a couple unknowns as their starters, Dave Rayner at kicker and Jon Ryan at punter. These are young guys who the Packers say have strong legs. But with those strong legs, they both have virtually no NFL experience. And these aren't exactly the guys you wanna be relying on for important kicks late in games (not that the Packers will have many important kicks). But if you are of the belief that the Packers will at least be competitive this year, then that means they will probably have to win some close games. And what usually is the difference is close games, the kicking game. So, to be relying on two completely inexperienced guys in those big situations is scary.

Number two: the offensive line. This is one where my opinion has changed a bit. I was ready to completely right off the offensive line as the reason the Packers had no chance to even be competitive this year. When people would ask me before the season what I thought of the Packers chances, I would say I just don't see them doing much with all the youth on their offensive line because it's such a key to success in the N.F.L. After watching their performance in the preseason opener, I thought my worst fears were correct. However, they did look at least adequate in game number two against Atlanta. For the most part they held up, and the newcomer to the starting lineup Tony Moll looked surprisingly good. But still, they will almost surely be starting two rookies at guard and a second year guy at center. Also, don't forget that starting tackle Chad Clifton is battling a knee injury, and who knows if he'll be 100% all season. That brings up another point about the line. They have almost no quality depth, so any injury especially to the tackles, would be devastating. Best case scenario this offensive line will be good enough to block for a healthy Ahman Green. That leads into another question mark. But I'll wait to talk about Green until he plays in a preseason game. That will hopefully be Monday against Cincinnati.

Despite those two big questions, there are some reasons for optimism. Brett Favre looked as sharp as he has in a long time Saturday night. Anybody who saw him squeeze in that throw to Donald Driver knows what I'm talking about. Also, rookie wide receiver Greg Jennings has been a pleasant surprise and looks like he could actually contribute already this year.

Still the Packers have a lot of questions, and they'll be starting a lot of really young guys. So while things don't look quite as dire as they did after the first preseason, I still wouldn't be making plans for Miami in early February. With that, I'd love to hear what you guys think about how the Packers look so far. I'll be back with an official prediction for the season once we know exactly who'll be on the Packers roster for the season opener.

Matt

Matt, don't you miss having a woman in the sports office?

This is certainly a loaded question. So let's go with sometimes as my answer.
MZ

hey matt do u think the packers have a chance theis year Greg

No.
MZ

Matt - Will Channel 7 be broadcasting the Badger football games this year or stick to the CBS games? I think that a lot of Badgers fans would appreciate it.

It looks like we'll be sticking to the CBS programming for the most part. Sorry.
MZ

If/when the Packers win 9 games... can I get a dinner too?
Your softball pal and morning weather dude...

Yeah, sure.
MZ

Well we're only two games into the preseason and I think that the Packer's have two concerns - offensive line and running backs. They are putting a relatively young offensive line on the field, but with time I believe this group will do well. I am more concerned with the running backs - most of them are damaged goods and only time will tell how they fare. For now I remain optimistic and still feel they will finish with a record of 9-7. Art VanDaLay

That's a good point about the running backs. Most people aren't talking too much about the backs. But if Ahman Green can't come back to nearly the form he was, they could be in some trouble, especially running behind the offensive line that you mentioned.
By the way, if the Packers win 9 games, I'll buy you dinner.
MZ

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MATT'S NEW BLOG 7/28 "Adios, El Caballo"

Let me take you through my morning today. Wake up at 10:45 (yeah, I had to get up way earlier than normal because of the NewsChannel 7 / K-tech Golf Championship). Like I usually do I turned on ESPN Radio, and that's when I heard the news that I had been pretty much been expecting but had hoped I wouldn't hear. The Brewers had traded Carlos Lee. Even though I knew the Brewers would probably trade him, it still hurt, it hurt bad. We Brewer fans have gone through so much over the years, but it seemed liked things had changed. A new stadium and owner have allowed the team to increase the payroll. A new general manager has helped greatly improve the minor league system. And a new luxury tax in baseball has somewhat leveled the playing field. But today's trade is a harsh reality check for all us Brewer fans. It shows us that no matter how far the Brewers and baseball in general has come, the simple fact is that the Brewers are still a small market team. They still have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. And they still can't afford to keep their great players. At least they're closer now than they were a few years ago. They reportedly offered Lee a 4 year deal worth about $50 million, but he's looking for a 5 year deal somewhere in the $70 million range. I'm guessing you're not taking much solice in the fact that the Brewers are now closer to being able to keep their best players. Neither am I.

There had been lots of talk lately about the Brewers possibly trading Lee, and I had been telling people that I thought the Brewers would probably trade him. But what I had also been telling people is that the Brewers had a Lee-like guy waiting down in the minors. That guy is Nelson Cruz with his 20 homers this season at Triple-A Nashville. That guy also got traded today. That's probably the part of this trade that bothers me the most. Cruz isn't exactly a young minor leaguer at 26, but experts have compared him to Cincy's slugger Adam Dunn. So if the Brewers gave up one of the best power hitters in the game, and one of the future great power hitters for Kevin Mench, Francisco Cordero, and two other guys, I can't be too happy.

Here's more on those players that the Brewers got in today's Carlos Lee trade.

Kevin Mench is 28 and has played all five of his major league seasons with Texas. He's hitting .284 this year with 12 homers and 50 RBI's. He's a career .274 hitter.

Franciso Cordero is a former closer and for a while a dominant one. He was an All-Star in 2004 when he recorded 49 saves while posting an E.R.A. just over 2. Unfortunately, he hasn't pitched nearly that well recently. This year he has a decet 7-4 record but his earned run average is pushing 5.

Laynce Nix has spent most of the season at Texas's triple-a affiliate in Oklahoma. He does have major league experience and is said to have great range in center field.

Julian Cordero is a class-a minor league pitcher in his second year of professional baseball.

That's the lowdown on the new guys. I'm guessing you're still way more concerned about the fact that El Caballo is no longer a Brewer. If you're not happy, or if you are, I would love to here. Vent or show your Brewer love right here.

isn't it time to update your blog.

Yep.
MZ

M.Z.I live on Lincoln County and last week Friday the 11th as you know about the case where a Tomahauk student pled guilty to his charges in court for the physical abuse he did to his sister and got 18 months probation but now his parents are sueing the school on weather they had the right to let the incedent affect getting his title being stripped from him so Matt my questions for you is do you think schools that have students that participate in sports should be allowed to punish them for acts that the commit off campus especially if Lampe's case took place at thier home!?!? *Saturday August 12th,2006*

This is a tough one, but I think the schools have the right to punish kids for off campus actions. They kick kids off of teams all the time for stuff that happens off school property, things like underage drinking for example. It's a tough call as to what would warrant taking someone's state title away, and frankly I don't know enough about what went on behind the scenes in this case to comment specifically about this incident.
MZ

I strongly recommend that you keep old things going and don't put them to rest, tradition and history are much more important than putting something to rest.
Dad

I agree.
MZ

Glass vase Ben Sheets hurt again. Pec muscle this time. Where is the sticker "fragile handle with care".

Yeah, I take back my nice stuff about Sheets before. It's beginning to look like he's one of those pitchers that's never going to stay healthy. Sometimes it just happens because pitching is such an unnatural motion for the arm.
MZ

Matt - About your comment that baseball should have a salary cap like football. If that was the case the big salaried stars would still leave for the best deal and the teams would have to cut or release five or ten players each year to meet the salary cap, like the Packers and the other NFL teams do every year. I don't see how that makes the situation any better. The difference is that in baseball a player signs a five year contract, like Carlos Lee wanted and will probably get, and gets paid for five years. In football a player signs a five year deal but it is really a series of five one year contract and he can be released after each year. a Salary cap like football would have to be accompanied with revenue sharing like the NFL uses.

I was just making the point that in football (and even in basketball because of the Larry Bird rule that allows you to sign your own players more easily) basically all teams are on the same plane. There's no Yankees with a payroll four times bigger than most other teams.
MZ

M.Z.I'm with you on the Carlos Lee trade because I thought only BAD players get traded down and NOT GOOD players because thats why the Brewers were able to keep players like Robin Yount around at the time as a player and now an assistant to the manager Ned Yost but WHY Matt DO they got to trade players in the middle of the season,can't they wait until after the season or before to do these trades because during the season it can be risky business and can effect how a team does the remainder of the season. 7/31/2006

They have to trade a guy like Carlos Lee during the season because he becomes a free agent after the season. And since Lee turned down the Brewers contract offer, Doug Melvin didn't really have much of a choice. It makes you wish baseball had a salary cap like football.
MZ

My guess would be that you don't enjoy the Channel 7 golf tournament because you have as much chance to qualify as you do the rest of the national tournaments...Why do people blog on to take cheap shots like that?

Thanks for the support.

Oh I like golf! But not amatuer golf from a local television station. Time to put the old ideas to rest and let them die in peace. I'd rather hear more about Packers training camp, the Brewers trade, or the U.S. Bank Championship, but not Jim from Amherst who has a 5 handicap.

We actually did have stuff on Packers camp, the Brewers trade, and the U.S. Bank Championship. We just also had coverage of our golf tournament, which by the way is one of the premier amateur golf tournaments in the state. And just because something has been around an extremely, unbelievably long time doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Are you saying we should put my dad to rest? ... And one more thing, Jim from Amherst wasn't in the tournament, so we didn't have any coverage of him.
MZ

I knew something was going to happen because Carlos just looked different the last few weeks. He just didn't have that look in his eyes. But if you really think about it he didn't do that great of job in left. If the ball wasn't hit right to him, he usually let it just go by. I think that if we just remember too that it isn't for the love of the game anymore it is for the cash. He had no deep feelings for his team, or the organization or he would have stayed. I felt worse when Chad Moeller got demoted, at least he said in his interview that Milwaukee is where he wants to play. We'll just have to see.
From the Pitts

Chad Moeller does really seem like a good guy. It's too bad he had to get sent down to the minors, but the Brewers really had no choice the way he was hitting.
As for Carlos, personally I don't blame him for trying to get the best possible deal. It's not his fault the Brewers simply can't offer the same kind of money that other teams can.
MZ

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NEW BLOG 6/23

Well we're finally through the busy playoff season of high school sports. I wanna give congrats to all the local teams and kids who made it to state. You made it a lot of work for us, but we're okay with that. And a special thanks to Jill for working long hours. Now that we're through that, I can hopefully put a little more focus on my blog.

I was thinking about writing this blog about the Packers since we haven't talked too much about them lately. But frankly I'm not too excited about the Packers right now. We'll talk more about them as training camp nears and then gets going.

So let's talk some Brewers. With the season nearing the halfway point, the Brewers are hanging around but not quite meeting some people's lofty expectations. Personally, I think it's pretty amazing that they're within 3 games of a playoff spot considering the injuries to the pitching staff (and J.J. Hardy too). That's a tribute to how good this young offense has been. When I originally wrote my Brewer preview, I talked about how I thought this team would be marred by inconsistency because they have so many young players. They have been inconsistent (see the 8 game losing streak), but what has helped is the fact that they have so many different players who can step up on offense. However, the offense probably isn't as good as most of us think it's been (they're only 8th in the N.L. in runs scored), but they can pound out the home run almost as well as anybody (3rd in the N.L. in homers).

Obviously, the thing that has held this team back and lately held this team together a little bit is the pitching staff. The team has already used 24 pitchers this season. To put that in context, the most the team has ever used in an entire season is 25. The injuries to Ben Sheets and Tomo Ohka have been killer, but what had been hurting the most was that nobody, and I mean nobody, could do anything filling in for those guys. At one point, they were just 1-11 in games started by Sheets and Ohka replacements. There appears to be some light at the end of that tunnel now. Young Zach Jackson has looked good in his handful of starts, and even though Rick Helling got shelled in his first start, he should at least be able to eat up innings and save the bullpen. That being said, this team is not going to challenge for a playoff spot without Ben Sheets. The latest on Sheets is that he threw an 82 pitch bullpen session on Wednesday and may be close to being ready to throw to live hitters. It's still too early to tell when he may return to the starting rotation. Tomo Ohka is also expected back sometime in the second half.

So what does it all mean? Well, it means I'm sticking with my preseason prediction of 85 wins. If Sheets comes back sooner than later, I honestly think they could win a few more. But he probably won't, so 85 looks like a good prediction. It's too bad Sheets and Ohka haven't been healthy all year, it'd be interesting to see how well this team would be doing. I've actually seen a couple major sports websites say this team could be competing for the division lead if everybody was healthy. That might be a little much, but a Brewer fan can dream can't he. That's usually all we've got. Hopefully, some of those dreams become reality sometime soon.

Matt

Reading the last blog, sounds like someone doens't like golf, well the world is a better place because of that. Anyway, all you baseball pundants, time to chime in and express your opinions on the big trade the Brewers and Rangers engaged in today. I think it was a good move. Art VanDaLay

As you'll see from my blog above, I'm a bitter Brewer/baseball fan who's sick of seeing his favorite team have to get rid of their best players. Yes, they did get some pretty good players in the trade, but they also gave up one great player and one potentially really good player.
MZ

When will you guys realize that nobody cares about your meaningless golf tournament except for the people that play in it?

Plenty of people care or we wouldn't do a 2-hour broadcast (which by the way runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday for those of you do care)

MZ

Ben missed the end of last season after tearing a muscle in his side to go along with his ear problems. jjg

I know. I just feel like too many people are jumping on Ben Sheets lately. He's no Kerry Wood yet.
MZ

I can hardly wait for Sheets to come back from the DL to see how long before he is back on it! I say he finishes the season on it. I know the Brewers have a lot invested in him, but he sure is fragile. It also seems like Turnbow is starting to stink it up. I think the Brewers should have looked at picking up Wickman. He would have helped in the bullpen. Oh well too late now.
jjg

The Brewers did try to get Wickman but apparently the Braves offered a better deal. As for Big Ben, yes he gets injured a lot, but I don't know if I would call him fragile. Last year's troubles were kind of a freak thing due to inner ear problems and dizziness. Lots of pitchers get arm problems. Lets hope Ben can put his injury problems behind him.
MZ

This is the ultimate fan, Art VanDaLay, VanDaLay Industries wondering your thoughts on the upcoming Pro Football Season. Here's my Packer prediction and I'm sticking to it. If everything falls into place they will finish with a 9-7 record and qualify for a Wild Card Sport. What's you expert opinion? Also, will Channel 7 be covering any of the training camp in Green Bay? Art V.

We'll be at camp at least once a week. There's a lot to cover this year with so many new faces. As far as your Packer prediction, does "everything" falling into place refer to all other teams in the NFC experiencing about 25 key injuries each? Not to be a negative nelly, but I'd be pretty surprised if the Packers could get up to 9 wins. Although the way the NFL is, a 5 game jump is not that big a deal. I'll have much more on the Packers season coming up in a blog closer to the start of the NFL regular season.
MZ

10pm newscast just ended. A note that the Madison Muskies were the name of the baseball team in the late 70's early 80's. This was when they were first introduced to the area. I was living in Madison and attended the games. They were just about as much fun as the Woodchucks games sound.
Thanks
Tina in WR

Thanks for the info. The Woodchucks games would be more fun if they actually won sometimes.
MZ

matt just a question when will jill get her own blog i know myself and others would like to send her stuff also matt its not always about you just because you are a guy!!jk i really like her she seems really cool i am sure all you guys like them beautiful women that you work with had a blog for yourselves just kidding just a question oh ya how do i get a woodchuck schedule and all the fun nights that they have going on?Bobbie jo in wausau

Just the main anchors do the blogs for now, but maybe sometime soon I'll let her do a guest blog on mine. I'll of course have all editorial control making sure she says nice things about me.
MZ

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NEW BLOG 5/26

Hello again everybody. What a busy, but mostly fun time of year for us in the sports department. I'm writing this blog as Jill drives from Appleton to Green Bay to feed back early highlights from the Pointers opening round D-3 College World Series baseball game. Congratulations to the Pointers on making it, and thanks a lot for making our lives more difficult here in the NewsChannel 7 Sports department. Seriously, we don't mind it. These times of year are always fun to cover sports. For example, Jill got to see an amazing soccer game Thursday night in Stevens Point. SPASH and Wisconsin Rapids played through regulation and two overtimes scoreless before the Red Raiders finally won it in a shootout. It's too bad somebody had to lose. It's also too bad those two teams had to meet in the first round. Wisconsin Rapids finished a close second to SPASH in the Valley, yet the Red Raiders only get a seven seed because they get shipped over to the Appleton sectional. That's too bad, but I guess you can't put all the Valley teams in the same sectional.

Enough talk about the spring sports season wrapping up, how about we talk some racing. Yeah, I know I'm not the biggest racing fan in the world but even the casual fan will probably check out some of the action this weekend. You've got Indy's biggest race, the Indianapolis 500, and one of Nascar's biggest races, the Coca-Cola 600. There are actually some good storylines to follow in the Indy 500 this year. Can Danica Patrick win her first race? How will a couple of the old veterans (Al Unser Jr. & Michael Andretti) do? Should be a good race. And the Coca-Cola 600 is unique if for no other reason than it starts in the day and finishes in the night. Apparently, that makes the drivers adjust on the fly (I know you Nascar guys know that, just clearing it up a little for everyone else). And while we're talking racing, I gotta give a shout out to our racing guru Bill Holland. He works extremely hard to bring you the best local highlights in the area. If you didn't know, Bill actually lives in the Appleton area. Yeah, that's quite a haul for him to come over here and cover racing in Antigo, Wausau, Marshfield and all the other area tracks. But he does it week in and week out, taking his own camera, editing all his own stuff, and driving around in his own car. I just want to give him a big thank you for all the effort. I especially like to thank him for filling a minute and a half of my show on Tuesday nights in the summer (This just in: not a lot of sports going on in the summer). That's it for me again. I promise to update this more often as soon as the high school playoffs wind down in the middle of June. As always feel free to blog about anything. Until next time, we'll work on getting Allison's picture up here.

Matt

It's June 23rd... time for your new blog!

It's Here!
MZ

I have to comment on the BB game Heat vrs Dallas. I stayed up then it goes to OT and of course gotta watch OT. Has there been anything mentioned of Dallas' coach calling a time out and basically losing the game? I havent seen but I sure thought he ruined any chances of them winning by calling the time out w/ a second left?

It looked like Dallas Head Coach Avery Johnson wanted the timeout after the free throws so his team could inbound the ball at half court. The refs said that Josh Howard was asking for the timeout right away. Either way, it's a tough way to end it for the Mavs.
MZ

\I agree with the person that wrote in about Jill and am a fan of hers as well. It cracks me up that people on everyone's blogs continue to criticize the anchors at WSAW. If you don't like them, turn the channel. But don't think for a minute that you could actually do a better job. It's not as easy as you seem to think it is. Plus, you don't live in New York, LA, or even Milwaukee for that matter. It's small market television, get used to it.
A Big Fan of WSAW-TV

Thank you very much. Yeah, and people just need to get used to our small market talent. I'm kidding, I know you meant it as a compliment.
MZ

Why would anybody rip on Jill Wunrow. I think she's awesome and I'm sure a lot of other people do, too!

Thanks for the blog Mrs. Wunrow.
MZ

Sorry to come back so soon with another BLOG but thought this would be of interest to you and your viewers. A little history of the Gus Macker. It started in 1974 in a driveway in Lowell, Michigan by a young man named Scott McNeal (alias Gus Macker). 18 friends played for $18.00 and the rest, as they, is history. Art VanDaLay

Nice research Art.
MZ

Matt, will you be golfing in the Channel 7 golf outing this year?

I'm afraid that's not allowed. Plus, it would be very difficult to golf it while I'm broadcasting the event.
MZ

Congratulations to the Channel & Gus Macker Media Championship team. It was great to be in Wausau to see you guy's play and to take in the excitement of the Macker tournament. I guess what impressed me the most was the number of people in the tournament. It was great fun. Art VanDalay

Thanks for coming up and watching, and yeah, the Macker is a fun event.
MZ

Hi Matt, Congrats on the Macker....I hate you!!! PS Love channel 9

Thanks for the congratulations, but not so much thanks for hating me.
MZ

Please provide an update on the Channel 7 golf golf outing. Is there one this year?

Yes, it takes place at Greenwood Hills this year on the last weekend in July.
MZ

Matt, what was the score for the D3 High School Baseball Tournament?

I'm not sure which game you're asking about.
MZ

Re the focus on local sports / local ties etc. - that's what puts most of us to sleep at night. Who needs a sleeping pill when you can watch local sports news. Pretty boring for most people.

Fine, don't watch.
MZ

Have I missed it or do you have absolutely no coverage of the World Cup soccer matches whatsoever?. The rest of the world is going bonkers over this and I don't hear a mention on the local media even though there are plenty of us around here who want to hear some news. Hey, it is actually a contest of world teams unlike the "world' series of baseball and when the superbowl winners are called the 'world' champions - only the U.S. is playing in all that. Wake up to what is going on in the rest of the world. By the way, there is a U.S. team playing in the World Cup - I suppose that might get a mention when they play.

You have missed some of it. We showed highlights of the U.S.A./Czech Republic game and also the standings for their group. As far as the other games, we simply don't have the time to show them. If you've noticed, I have included the scores on our sports ticker. However, with the limited time we have for sports, we keep the focus on local sports or sports with some local ties.
MZ

Can you get a better sports announcer than Jill Wunrow? Her attitude is annoying.

Jill does a great job.
MZ

Will hairy toed Matt scream like a girl this year at the Macker? Does 7 even have a team? Let me guess... all behind the scenes people or people that don't really work there.

If I severely sprain my ankle again, I will likely again scream a girl. It hurts!
As for our 7 team, I hope your not making some ringer reference. Just because we use behind the scenes employees, or relatives who played high school basketball, or hire that 6'9" guy to edit tapes, doesn't mean we're using ringers.
MZ

I go and watch the Gus Macker Media Teams.. will you guys win this year? Who's on the team? Does 12 show up? How about 9?

Thanks for being one of the many, many fans of the Media division. As for the players on our team. I'll be on the team and the only other on air person is Chad Franzen. The only other guys on air here are Jeff Thelen and Mike Bruenling. Obviously we want to keep it fair to the other teams, so we don't let them play. Channel 12 will not be there, and I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with that other station. (kidding, they'll be playing of course) As for your first question about us winning, I'm not sure there really is a winner in the media division. How about I predict we'll be the least loserish.
MZ

Hey, Matt. I can't wait for High School Baseball on Wednesday. I'll be sporting Purple & Gold (GO PITTSVILLE!) Tonight (6/12/06), you showed a clip of the boys. My mom yelled at me to turn the TV on, but when I did, I was too late. Is there a way to see what I missed?

Thanks much,
Jessica, Pittsville

You're in luck Jessica. The clip was actually just a small part of the highlights we showed last Tuesday. You can see that video in our streaming video section at wsaw.com/sports. Just click on "Big day of baseball sectionals." And by the way, you should always be paying complete attention to our sportscasts.
MZ

C'mon Matt! Get with the program and update! ~Alison

Sorry, lots of state tournament stuff going on. I promise more stuff once state softball and baseball are over.
MZ

Hi Matt
Long time vewer of TV7 ,Iwould like to see more stores on the WNBA, wish you could get it on your network ,i dont think alot of people know how hard these young women work for very little pay. Thanks for your time.

Yeah, I can't do anything about airing WNBA games on our station. We'll definitely try to at least get some highlights on if former local star Janelle McCarville's playing.
MZ

Matt,

Thanks for the update on Bill Holland. He was always very professional when he was at Channel 7. Without getting too personal or divulging any confidential information, is he still in the broadcast business in the Appleton area? Thanks. An Antigo viewer

He's still doing the in the groove stuff for us obviously. I believe he also does work for a station in Green Bay as well. I'll ask him for sure next time I talk to him (next Tuesday).
MZ

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NEW BLOG 5/9

I've been trying to think of something to write a new blog about, but it seems like I'm out of ideas. So I decided to do what television shows do when they're out of ideas. . . . do a "best of" special. So here are the top ten best blog responses from my first 9 months of blogging:

#10
Matt Zahn, I just wanted to say that you are REALLY cool and I look up to you, you're one of my idols. Keep up the good work on the News, I tape it every night!

A friendly viewer,
Mary Anne Hollindaise (Sauce)

#9
I think it is interesting to hear you say that about Favre playing for another team. With all the complaining people did about him this year my husband and I were saying the same thing. When someone was going on and on about "he's past him prime...he should retire" etc. we would always say "maybe you'd prefer if he played for someone else?" It always was met with a blank stare. I think it is just taken for granted that if he plays it'll be for the Packers. I personally hope he doesn't retire...he is the heart of that team.

#8
Matt,
Why do you always wear that football tie every week on the Hilight Zone? It's kind of dorky. Did your mom buy it for you and you have to wear it? Just wondering.

J.R.

#7
Maybe you could have Matt ride a donkey. It would be like a donkey riding a donkey.
Greg Whiter rules!

#6
Wow! It happens every year for Brewer fans. They beat the Pirates twice and the whole state starts talking about how this could be the year! Zahnny, don't tell me you buy it! There is no way the Cards and Astros won't compete for the title and if the Brewers even come close to 500 it will be a success. I'm a Cubs fan and can even admit we won't win it, and to think the Brewers have a chance is like thinking the Packers will be back in the playoffs this decade! Let's get real and wait for a salary cap in baseball to get the Brewers back in contention if they don't move to Las Vegas before then.- MJ-Weston

#5
Not having Jocko here anymore is just like the Soviet Union at the '84 Olympics. WHO MISSED 'EM?!

Jeff

#4
oooh could you talk about something incredibly bizzare in your next blog? like...umm...CHICKENS FROM MARS!! That would so totaly rock!!! or Bob Dylan. either one.

Emily

#3
Matt; I apologize on behalf of all the people who give you crap for not keeping up with your blog and for other things. I guess they think you don't do much. Keep up the spectacular work. Tammy


Matt, I think Tammy's got it wrong. With your smugness, you deserve all the crap you get, especially for not keeping up with your blog.
Bob, Mosinee

#2
Matt -
Awesome job again on the News Channel 7 All-Stars! As a follower of local sports, I know many people in the area look forward to seeing so many deserving student-athletes receive this award. In many ways, it's more important to the kids than receiving an all-state award because the title of being a News Channel 7 All-Star follows them locally throughout their careers, whether it be small college sports or someone who makes it to the pros (like a Jerry Wunsch). I'm sure you, Greg and Jill put in quite a few extra hours on this, so give yourselves a hand!

#1
you're a babe...are you single? Alison

What? Well, you didn't think Bob from Mosinee was going to win it calling me smug. Seriously though, I just want to say thank you to everybody who's taken the time to read and respond to my blogs. I really enjoy reading them (most of them). Since this really wasn't a new blog, I'll be back with one soon. Until then, feel free to complain that one of your blogs should have been in the top ten, or go out and write one that will be good enough to make the list the next time I have one.
Before I go, I did actually have one thing I wanted to blog about this time, Javon Walker. It's too bad the Packers didn't trade him last offseason, coming off a great year and before he had the big injury. Imagine what they could have got for him then, probably a lot more than one second round pick.

Matt

Agreed about the chat room. ~Alison

Alison-We would love to see you!

We'll work on that, although this blog is starting to get a creepy chat room feel.
MZ

How do you post a picture up on here...and i bet it was matt! haha! ~Alison

I swear it wasn't me, and I'll have to talk to Jeff and Sue about the picture thing. They've always got dogs and babies up on theirs.
MZ

Thanks for answering all of my questions, you are not stupid. You are smart and sometimes witty.
Danny N.

No problem, and thanks.
MZ

I think we need to see a picture of Alison.
Thanks,
Dirty Old Man

That's funny, and I swear that isn't me blogging in disguise.