First things first

Hello and welcome to the blog! My name is Dave (check out the "About me" section on the right hand column for more) and I am an avid follower of sports teams in Wisconsin. There is simply no prying me away, no matter how bad it gets around here. Being a journalism major, I love writing and that is my motive for beginning this blog. The purpose of this blog's existence is to hopefully give you some insight on Wisconsin sports teams as well as my personal philosophies and opinions on certain issues pertaining to these teams and the leagues in which they play. Around 2-3 times a week, I'll update the blog and do my best to cover the events and issues drawing the most attention around the state. I'll try and mix it up once in awhile and draw away from sport a little bit as well.

Now that you all have the gist of how this blog is going to be run, let's delve into some sports!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and the Brewers aren't making things any easier. That's not to say they haven't been playing pretty good baseball recently, as the Crew completed a sweep of the Houston Astros today and have now won five of their last six. Even so, the Central Division leading Reds are 11 games ahead of the Beer Makers, leaving pride the only thing left to play for. That doesn't mean we have to stop watching the 53-59 Brewers(at least until September 12th rolls along), but it might be a good time to look ahead to the 2011 season.

I don't know about you, but Lorenzo Cain has gotten me all kinds of excited lately. The 24-year-old center fielder has only been playing baseball since he was 15. Really? 15? I got a ten year head start on the man and you don't see me roaming the outfield for a major league club. I believe there is no question that you'll see Cain starting in center to begin the 2011 season. With that in mind, it certainly won't be the only change the Brewers make prior to next April (if they want to have any chance of success). Although most of the problems start with the pitching, let's first take a look at what we are realistically looking at as Brewer fans for next season as far as position players are concerned.

Catcher: Jonathon Lucroy - At only 24 years of age, Lucroy has already made his mark this year after being called up from Triple-A Nashville in May. A great arm and solid defense combined with a so-so bat is more than the Brewers have had at this position for a long time, and there is still plenty of upside with Lucroy. He has the position locked down, hopefully for awhile.

1st Base: Prince Fielder? Mat Gamel? Corey Hart? - Let's be real. As sad as this is to admit, Prince Fielder will be wearing a different uniform either in 2011 or 2012. Gamel has started playing 1st base and right field in Nashville and still has high expectations amongst Brewer fans. Hart has experience at 1st and could move into this spot on the field once Fielder departs via trade or free agency.

2nd Base: Rickie Weeks - Amazing what can happen when this guy stays healthy. Emerging as one of the best lead-off hitters in the game, all that's left to do is lock down Weeks to a multi-year deal.

Shortstop: Alcides Escobar - Perhaps not living up to the hype this year, there is still plenty of time for Escobar to mature and grow into his role. He has shown flashes of brilliance on defense and should develop more consistency at the plate.

Third Base: Casey McGehee - Not much to say here. Gamel no longer sees time at 3rd in the minors, so McGehee won't have to worry about anyone breathing down his neck as long as he continues to produce like he has in the five hole. A contract extension could also be in order here.

Left Field: Ryan Braun - The face of the franchise, it's hard to say Braun has had a down year, but for the high standards that we hold Brauny up to, he has. If he keeps his focus on the diamond instead of his off the field endeavors, or at least learns how to keep his priorities straight, Braun should be back to his old ways and have a strong '11 campaign.

Center Field: Lorenzo Cain - Sorry Gomez. Or should we say thank you? Cain might be up for good this year after Gomez went on the DL for concussion-like symptoms. This guy can rake, and has finally gotten his chance to shine on the big stage. Edmonds might be out of the picture next year as well as the struggling Gomez (only through trade since Go-Go is arbitration eligible), so look for Cain to be the man next year.

Right Field: Hart or Gamel - At some point and time between this winter and July 31st of 2011, if the Brewers are smart, Fielder will be packing his bags. That leaves an opening at first base, which is where I expect Mat Gamel to step in. I think it would be a bad idea to remove the recently signed Hart from right field, so my feeling is that it will be Hart in right and Gamel at first...eventually.

So not too many changes for the Brewers in the field or in the lineup, but the one inevitable change is a BIG one. Without Fielder hitting third or cleanup, Gamel will be left with big shoes to fill. Even without da Prince, things look promising for the Brewers on offense. As for pitching? Oh boy...let's save that for another time.

On deck: Badgers' season outlook
In the hole: Packers' season outlook

Until next time...