Brewers Camp A Stir!!

Ryan Braun, along with many other members of the Brewers, showed up to spring training this week in Arizona. But most of the buzz surrounding the perennial all-star wasn't regarding his talents on the field, but rather the happiness he's found outside the lines. Ryan Braun has been spotted out on the town with an anonymous male suitor who can only be described as "tall and handsy". Numerous pictures of the mystery man and Braun have been snapped, including this one attained from TMZ.com. When asked about his new found beau, Braun paused momentarily, then couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as his unibrow came to resemble a small child's rendition of a seagull in flight. "I met him on Eharmony.com," says a befuddled Braun. "His profile said he was looking for an athletic Hebrew, and I knew there were not too many of us out here, so I contacted him immediately," gushed the Brewers outfielder. After talking to a few of the other Brewers who have shown up to begin preparations for the upcoming season, I heard only positive reviews.
I caught up with the hefty first sacker for the Brew Crew, Prince Fielder, and he offered this piece of advice for the newly infatuated Braun, "I hope his new relationship doesn't affect the chemistry the two of us share during our homo-erotic punch-punch-duck celebration, but whatever makes him happy." As I was walking through the facilites, I ran into an equipment manager who was overcome with laughter. I followed him to what looked to be the source of the attention stealer in the clubhouse and caught the tail end of a story. "Tell us what you heard Annual Injury" said a giddy Corey Hart to Rickie Weeks as 8 to 10 members of the Brewers organization huddled around the perputual "breakout year" second baseman. "I missed most of dey conversation yo, but I's pretty sure I heard da dude on da other end of dat phone call Braun "Bam Bam"". Just then, veteran Doug Davis walks by and says "Just when I thought nothing was gayer than two dudes in love, I hear their pet names." At that exact moment, as the make-shift audience exploded into laughter, this lucky reporter saw a team come together.
Now I'm not usually one for predictions, but based on the positive attitude coming from the left fielder, one can only assume it's going to be contagious throughout the team. Look for big things from the Brewers this year, and I'm not talking about Prince Fielder's grocery bill.

Hope Springs Eternal

First off, after last fall when I was debating quitting this fantasy baseball thing all together, then briefly considering a co-manager role with Charles (which have undoubtedly relegated me to a "poster-only role" while Charles did whatever he wanted), this is the most excited about a season that I can remember being. Not because I am confident that I will build a juggernaut, but because I think we have change we can believe in.
I am really excited about the "3 year and done" rule. I think this will open up a huge barrage of blockbuster deals throughout the season. Mimmicking real life trade relations when clubs trade expiring contracts knowing that if they trade the star, they are sure to get something in return rather than just lose them in off-season free agency with nothing to show for it. Also, knowing that certain players will be available to me next year may well be just what I need to get me through what may be another cellar dwelling year. I am just giddy with joy when the day comes that Frank the Tank has to part with his man-crush (my hybrid nemesis), perennial media love toy Derek Jeter.
Another dimension added to our ever increasing dorkiness, is the franchise tag. A brain-child of one of the greatest minds of our time, I believe this option will add a new level of thinking to the already excruciating process of designating keepers. People are going to drool over finding a worthy franchise tag like NFL teams cream themselves over attaining a franchise QB. Although it may not happen this year, I know that soon all 10 teams in the league will have a very solid franchise player, which will allow for a little more parity, all while not completely squashing the chances of a dynasty.
Finally, the one thing that I believe should have almost everyone in the league confident, the fact that last year the 5th and 6th place teams met in the finals with the 6th place team ultimately earning its place on the grail we battle for every spring, the hallowed Puckett Bucket. Although teams may not be full of powerhouses, with a few breaks here and there, any team can be 6th place quality, then get hot in the playoffs.
We are still months away from opening day, but slowly and steadily this hobby that I will be cursing in September, seems to be occupying my thoughts more and more. Happy pondering a-holes, may your draft preparations lead you all astray.