Here's an update on how a few Eau Claire Express products are faring in college:
Jacob Priday, a senior at Missouri, hit four home runs in a game against Texas last Friday. Priday was 5-for-5 in the game, a 31-12 Tigers win. The four homers are a Big 12 Conference single-game record.
Pat Colwell, who won a Northwoods League Silver Glove award in the outfield last summer, became the first player in San Diego State history to hit for the cycle. Colwell, a sophomore, singled in the third inning, homered in the fourth, doubled in the sixth and tripled in the eighth. Colwell's homer was of the inside-the-park variety.
Kole Calhoun, last summer's league co-MVP, is hitting the snot out of the ball at Yavapai College (Ariz.). Currently, Calhoun is batting .392 with a .525 on-base percentage and an .810 slugging percentage. In 48 games, he leads the Roughriders in hits (62), runs (47), walks (40), home runs (13) and RBIs (47). He's second on the team in doubles (19), triples (four) and stolen bases (15). Not bad. Not bad at all.
Also, at some point I'll be starting up an Express-only blog. So keep an eye out for that.
- Joe Ziemer
Thursday, April 17, 2008
End of an era
Eleva-Strum boys basketball coach Rich Roginski’s retirement is a bittersweet thing for me and everyone else in the local media.
On one hand, it’s great that a coach of his quality is able to go out on top with an undefeated season and a state championship. It’s also great that he can take a step back, relax and spend time on his hobbies because for 23 seasons Roginski poured his heart and soul into that basketball program.
But it’s also a bit sad because I’ve gotten to know Roginski over the past few seasons. I’ll definitely miss seeing him around and talking hoops with him. He’s a bit of a character and was very, very good for area basketball. WQOW’s Bob Bradovich and I were talking about Roginski’s retirement after work last night at a local establishment and we both said the same thing: “It’s kind of a bummer.”
When it comes to coaching, I’ll put Roginski against anyone. He certainly had a talent-laden team at Eleva-Strum but talent alone doesn’t win state titles. The Cardinals won not only because they were talented but because they outworked and outhustled almost everyone they played. The way they carried themselves on the court and the way they played were reflections of Roginski.
There’s a bit of a changing of the guard in the area coaching ranks. Jim Kasmarek left Eau Claire Memorial after last season, and Pat Hammond is nearing the end at North. While it’s exciting to see the next wave of coaches cut their teeth, it’s also sad to see guys who have given so much to area basketball step away.
As for the Cardinals, they should be in good hands. Assistant Cory Kulig would be a great choice to succeed Roginski, who’s laid a strong foundation for years to come.
- Joe Ziemer
On one hand, it’s great that a coach of his quality is able to go out on top with an undefeated season and a state championship. It’s also great that he can take a step back, relax and spend time on his hobbies because for 23 seasons Roginski poured his heart and soul into that basketball program.
But it’s also a bit sad because I’ve gotten to know Roginski over the past few seasons. I’ll definitely miss seeing him around and talking hoops with him. He’s a bit of a character and was very, very good for area basketball. WQOW’s Bob Bradovich and I were talking about Roginski’s retirement after work last night at a local establishment and we both said the same thing: “It’s kind of a bummer.”
When it comes to coaching, I’ll put Roginski against anyone. He certainly had a talent-laden team at Eleva-Strum but talent alone doesn’t win state titles. The Cardinals won not only because they were talented but because they outworked and outhustled almost everyone they played. The way they carried themselves on the court and the way they played were reflections of Roginski.
There’s a bit of a changing of the guard in the area coaching ranks. Jim Kasmarek left Eau Claire Memorial after last season, and Pat Hammond is nearing the end at North. While it’s exciting to see the next wave of coaches cut their teeth, it’s also sad to see guys who have given so much to area basketball step away.
As for the Cardinals, they should be in good hands. Assistant Cory Kulig would be a great choice to succeed Roginski, who’s laid a strong foundation for years to come.
- Joe Ziemer
Monday, April 7, 2008
More on Ryan Braun
Just wanted to share a few extra thoughts about and quotes from Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun. He's certainly a confident dude. Cocky? I'm not sure about that. But he's very sure of himself.
It's not necessarily a bad thing. He doesn't come off as a bad guy, he's quite approachable and easy to deal with from a media standpoint.
I have to say his selection of "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco -- one of my favorite artists -- as a walk-up tune is pretty fitting (You can check out the video here:). There's also a good remix featuring Young Jeezy and T.I. floating around Youtube if you're into that genre of music.
Anyway, here are a few quotes from Braun that didn't make the article in today's Leader-Telegram:
On his goals for the season:
“Just stay healthy and try to help the team win in as many ways as possible. That’s it.”
On the Brewers' talent:
“From a pure talent perspective, I think I’d put us up there against any team in baseball. For me, it’s exciting to be a part of it. It’s fun to come to the field and watch everybody play every day. I’m really enjoying it.”
On his reaction to switching to left field:
“I was excited about it. Whenever you have an opportunity to acquire someone like Mike Cameron, it’s exciting. It makes us a better team, and I was all for it.”
On the transition itself:
“Eddie Cedar, our baserunning, outfield coach, he’s been great. He’s been awesome to work with. I’m trying to get my fundamentals down — footwork and reading balls of the bat. Stuff like that.”
On what his key to hitting is:
“Just seeing the ball well. I think my approach is good, I’ll hit the ball and drive the ball the other way.”
On the importance of hitting to the opposite field:
“It’s just a sign of staying on the ball. For me, the longer I’m able to stay on the ball, the better off I normally am and the more successful I am.”
- Joe Ziemer
It's not necessarily a bad thing. He doesn't come off as a bad guy, he's quite approachable and easy to deal with from a media standpoint.
I have to say his selection of "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco -- one of my favorite artists -- as a walk-up tune is pretty fitting (You can check out the video here:). There's also a good remix featuring Young Jeezy and T.I. floating around Youtube if you're into that genre of music.
Anyway, here are a few quotes from Braun that didn't make the article in today's Leader-Telegram:
On his goals for the season:
“Just stay healthy and try to help the team win in as many ways as possible. That’s it.”
On the Brewers' talent:
“From a pure talent perspective, I think I’d put us up there against any team in baseball. For me, it’s exciting to be a part of it. It’s fun to come to the field and watch everybody play every day. I’m really enjoying it.”
On his reaction to switching to left field:
“I was excited about it. Whenever you have an opportunity to acquire someone like Mike Cameron, it’s exciting. It makes us a better team, and I was all for it.”
On the transition itself:
“Eddie Cedar, our baserunning, outfield coach, he’s been great. He’s been awesome to work with. I’m trying to get my fundamentals down — footwork and reading balls of the bat. Stuff like that.”
On what his key to hitting is:
“Just seeing the ball well. I think my approach is good, I’ll hit the ball and drive the ball the other way.”
On the importance of hitting to the opposite field:
“It’s just a sign of staying on the ball. For me, the longer I’m able to stay on the ball, the better off I normally am and the more successful I am.”
- Joe Ziemer
Sunday, April 6, 2008
About the All-Northwest girls team
This was the first time I had to pick an All-Northwest girls basketball team, and I can't imagine a more difficult year to pick the squad.
After a solid three weeks of comparing players, going over stats and talking to area coaches, I finalized the team Saturday afternoon. In my mind, there were easily 10-15 players that could have made the first team and another 30-40 that could have made teams three through five.
Needless to say, it wasn't easy.
I especially agonized over the player of the year choice. The handful of times I had a chance to see Rice Lake's Casey Weber, I was blown away. As the article stated, nobody was better when the game was in the balance. But as the year went on, I took a closer look at North's Hannah Quilling. I also considered Flambeau's Beth Alberson. Anyone that leads a team to three straight state championships has to be considered.
Combined with what I saw during the regular season, their stats and what I heard from a variety of coaches, it became apparent the right choice was Weber.
Quilling was a very close second. In fact, if I had to build a team, I'd start with Quilling. She is a real coach on the floor, and I can see why UW-Green Bay offered her a scholarship.
I was also impressed with Quilling's character. After North lost to Marshfield in a sectional final, WQOW's Bill Port, WEAU's Matt Queen and I waited outside the North locker room, hoping for a quote or two from a player. Most were a little too upset to talk, and we understood that. But Quilling knew it was her job — so to speak — as the team leader to talk with the media. Her answers were well-thought out and sincere. It probably seemed like a small thing to her, but she handled that interview with more class than several professional athletes I've dealt with in the past few years. I really appreciated it, as did Bill and Matt.
The rest of the first team is also worthy. There was quite a bit of support for Flambeau's Beth Alberson to win player of the year, especially from the Lakeland Conferences. Altoona's Tiffany Gregorich was one of the best emotional leaders you'll ever find. And I really liked the unselfish of Memorial senior Katie Pospishil. If she wanted, she probably could have scored 30 points a night. But in order for the Abes to be successful, she needed to kick the ball back outside to their shooters.
I felt it was a solid first team. And, for my own sanity, I hope next year's is a bit easier to pick.
After a solid three weeks of comparing players, going over stats and talking to area coaches, I finalized the team Saturday afternoon. In my mind, there were easily 10-15 players that could have made the first team and another 30-40 that could have made teams three through five.
Needless to say, it wasn't easy.
I especially agonized over the player of the year choice. The handful of times I had a chance to see Rice Lake's Casey Weber, I was blown away. As the article stated, nobody was better when the game was in the balance. But as the year went on, I took a closer look at North's Hannah Quilling. I also considered Flambeau's Beth Alberson. Anyone that leads a team to three straight state championships has to be considered.
Combined with what I saw during the regular season, their stats and what I heard from a variety of coaches, it became apparent the right choice was Weber.
Quilling was a very close second. In fact, if I had to build a team, I'd start with Quilling. She is a real coach on the floor, and I can see why UW-Green Bay offered her a scholarship.
I was also impressed with Quilling's character. After North lost to Marshfield in a sectional final, WQOW's Bill Port, WEAU's Matt Queen and I waited outside the North locker room, hoping for a quote or two from a player. Most were a little too upset to talk, and we understood that. But Quilling knew it was her job — so to speak — as the team leader to talk with the media. Her answers were well-thought out and sincere. It probably seemed like a small thing to her, but she handled that interview with more class than several professional athletes I've dealt with in the past few years. I really appreciated it, as did Bill and Matt.
The rest of the first team is also worthy. There was quite a bit of support for Flambeau's Beth Alberson to win player of the year, especially from the Lakeland Conferences. Altoona's Tiffany Gregorich was one of the best emotional leaders you'll ever find. And I really liked the unselfish of Memorial senior Katie Pospishil. If she wanted, she probably could have scored 30 points a night. But in order for the Abes to be successful, she needed to kick the ball back outside to their shooters.
I felt it was a solid first team. And, for my own sanity, I hope next year's is a bit easier to pick.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Billy Hall finding a groove?
Yeah, it's early. But Brewers fans have to like what they're seeing from Bill Hall.
The infielder-turned-outfielder-turned-infielder-again has two home runs today. He's only done that two other times — June 21, 2005 at Chicago and July 24, 2006 against Pittsburgh. The six RBIs is a career high.
A hot start may be just what Hall needs after coming off a subpar season. He hit .254with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs, all of which were down quite a bit from the year before. Hall, who played exclusively in center field last season, signed a four-year, $24-million deal after the 2006 season and struggled to reproduce the same numbers he had to warrant the deal.
Perhaps the move back to the infield has helped Hall focus at the plate a bit more, or maybe the emergence of Ryan Braun as the club's No. 2 power threat has taken some of that pressure off, but Hall seems to have a better approach at the plate this season.
- John Casper Jr.
The infielder-turned-outfielder-turned-infielder-again has two home runs today. He's only done that two other times — June 21, 2005 at Chicago and July 24, 2006 against Pittsburgh. The six RBIs is a career high.
A hot start may be just what Hall needs after coming off a subpar season. He hit .254with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs, all of which were down quite a bit from the year before. Hall, who played exclusively in center field last season, signed a four-year, $24-million deal after the 2006 season and struggled to reproduce the same numbers he had to warrant the deal.
Perhaps the move back to the infield has helped Hall focus at the plate a bit more, or maybe the emergence of Ryan Braun as the club's No. 2 power threat has taken some of that pressure off, but Hall seems to have a better approach at the plate this season.
- John Casper Jr.
Sanchez looking good ...
Brewers starter Carlos Villanueva has tied a career high with six strikeouts but he's not the only pitcher throwing well at the moment. After a shaky first inning, Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez has settled down and held the Brewers offense in check. He has a career-best eight strikeouts.
And after I wrote all of that, Gabe Kapler just singled in the fourth Milwaukee run of the game. The Brewers officially are threatening ... I'll just stick to my usual assortment of nerdy jokes. Another RBI single, this time by Prince Fielder, just chased Sanchez. Still, he looked decent in stretches.
On an unrelated note, I think I went 0-for-9 in my walk-up music predictions. Villanueva's song does seem to have the exact same beat as "Gasolina," though. So that's at least in the ballpark.
- Joe Ziemer
And after I wrote all of that, Gabe Kapler just singled in the fourth Milwaukee run of the game. The Brewers officially are threatening ... I'll just stick to my usual assortment of nerdy jokes. Another RBI single, this time by Prince Fielder, just chased Sanchez. Still, he looked decent in stretches.
On an unrelated note, I think I went 0-for-9 in my walk-up music predictions. Villanueva's song does seem to have the exact same beat as "Gasolina," though. So that's at least in the ballpark.
- Joe Ziemer
Hanel switches numbers
There is one sad young man in the Eau Claire area today.
Marcus Hanel, who has been the Brewers bullpen catcher since 1999, no longer wears No. 54. He had to give it up when the club acquired reliever David Riske. Hanel now wears No. 55.
Why does this matter to you?
It probably doesn't. But when I was out enjoying a local establishment with some friends on Monday night, there was someone wearing a customized Marcus Hanel jersey that was autographed. I've seen some crazy jerseys in my day, but that was the first bullpen catcher jersey I've seen on anyone other than, well, a bullpen catcher.
So to Marcus Hanel's biggest fan in Eau Claire, looks like you need some new threads.
- John Casper Jr.
Marcus Hanel, who has been the Brewers bullpen catcher since 1999, no longer wears No. 54. He had to give it up when the club acquired reliever David Riske. Hanel now wears No. 55.
Why does this matter to you?
It probably doesn't. But when I was out enjoying a local establishment with some friends on Monday night, there was someone wearing a customized Marcus Hanel jersey that was autographed. I've seen some crazy jerseys in my day, but that was the first bullpen catcher jersey I've seen on anyone other than, well, a bullpen catcher.
So to Marcus Hanel's biggest fan in Eau Claire, looks like you need some new threads.
- John Casper Jr.
Melvin remains modest
Although he is considered the chief architecht of the Milwaukee Brewers' turnaround, general manager Doug Melvin isn't about to pat himself on the back just yet.
"I have a bad rotator cuff and arthritis," Melvin said. "I can’t get my coat on. Patting yourself on the back would be a tough thing to do."
Nobody would blame him if he did. The current 25-man roster has to be considered the Brewers' best since the early 1980s. Budding superstars Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are coming off breakthrough seasons in which they combined for an NL-best 85 home runs. The pitching rotation is a solid mix of veterans and promising youngsters. And the bullpen, a major weakness last season, appears to be improved after an offseason facelift.
But Melvin wouldn't take too much credit for that.
"I’m just as happy for all the Brewer employees that have been here through all the down times that now get to come to work knowing there’s a chance to go to the postseason," he said. "I get to push the final button, but there’s a lot of people here sharing their input. I’m happy for them that they can feel good about what is going out there for the next 159 games."
- John Casper Jr.
"I have a bad rotator cuff and arthritis," Melvin said. "I can’t get my coat on. Patting yourself on the back would be a tough thing to do."
Nobody would blame him if he did. The current 25-man roster has to be considered the Brewers' best since the early 1980s. Budding superstars Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are coming off breakthrough seasons in which they combined for an NL-best 85 home runs. The pitching rotation is a solid mix of veterans and promising youngsters. And the bullpen, a major weakness last season, appears to be improved after an offseason facelift.
But Melvin wouldn't take too much credit for that.
"I’m just as happy for all the Brewer employees that have been here through all the down times that now get to come to work knowing there’s a chance to go to the postseason," he said. "I get to push the final button, but there’s a lot of people here sharing their input. I’m happy for them that they can feel good about what is going out there for the next 159 games."
- John Casper Jr.
Weeks sets franchise record
When he scored on Prince Fielder's single in the first inning today, Rickie Weeks carved out his own little place in Milwaukee Brewers lore.
It was the 17th straight game in which Weeks scored a run, breaking the record previously held by Paul Molitor. It also tied the NL modern-day record held by Ted Kluzewski and Rogers Hornsby.
The MLB record of 18 straight games is shared by Red Rolf and Kenny Lofton.
- John Casper Jr.
It was the 17th straight game in which Weeks scored a run, breaking the record previously held by Paul Molitor. It also tied the NL modern-day record held by Ted Kluzewski and Rogers Hornsby.
The MLB record of 18 straight games is shared by Red Rolf and Kenny Lofton.
- John Casper Jr.
Lineups are in
I've finished my chicken sandwhich and am back on press row here at Miller Park. While Casper lays waste to the dessert bar, here is the Brewers starting lineup, complete with my predictions for what each player's walk-up music will be:
1. Rickie Weeks 2B: I'm going to say "Good Life" by Kanye West.
2. Gabe Kapler CF: Kapler's pretty buff and seems kind of intense. How about "Whiskey in the Jar" by Metallica.
3. Prince Fielder 1B: "Sweetest Girl" by Wyclef. I think there's an outside chance of Prince bumping "Umbrella."
4. Ryan Braun LF: Something by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
5. Bill Hall 3B: That Usher Song with Young Jeezy.
6. Corey Hart RF: It's probably going to be some newer heavy metal or rock song that I a. don't know and b. don't like. I'll guess something by Nickelback.
7. J.J. Hardy SS: "Low" by Flo Rida. Someone's got to have it.
8. Carlos Villanueva P: "Gasolina" by Daddy Yankee.
9. Jason Kendall C: Stone Cold Steve Austin's old WWF entrance music.
There you have it. If I get even one of those correct, I think that's pretty good. Check back throughout the game for wit, wisdom, insight and bad jokes from John and I.
- Joe Ziemer
1. Rickie Weeks 2B: I'm going to say "Good Life" by Kanye West.
2. Gabe Kapler CF: Kapler's pretty buff and seems kind of intense. How about "Whiskey in the Jar" by Metallica.
3. Prince Fielder 1B: "Sweetest Girl" by Wyclef. I think there's an outside chance of Prince bumping "Umbrella."
4. Ryan Braun LF: Something by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
5. Bill Hall 3B: That Usher Song with Young Jeezy.
6. Corey Hart RF: It's probably going to be some newer heavy metal or rock song that I a. don't know and b. don't like. I'll guess something by Nickelback.
7. J.J. Hardy SS: "Low" by Flo Rida. Someone's got to have it.
8. Carlos Villanueva P: "Gasolina" by Daddy Yankee.
9. Jason Kendall C: Stone Cold Steve Austin's old WWF entrance music.
There you have it. If I get even one of those correct, I think that's pretty good. Check back throughout the game for wit, wisdom, insight and bad jokes from John and I.
- Joe Ziemer
Gwynn out for today's game
Don’t expect to see Tony Gywnn Jr. make an appearance in today’s game.
The young center fielder injured his hamstring during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and is most likely out of commission today.
“I’m just trying to stay positive,” said Gwynn, who sounds almost exactly like his Hall of Famer father. “Hopefully I won’t be (out for) too long.”
Gwynn had a rather productive series in Chicago, going 4-for-7. He had the game-winning RBI in the season opener and was the only Brewers player to have a hit in all three games.
Brewers manager Ned Yost said before today’s game he wasn’t sure how long Gwynn would be out or if he’d need to go on the disabled list. Gwynn was holding out hope he’d be able to play Saturday, but if the hamstring doesn’t get much better overnight, he probably won’t risk it.
For more on Gwynn, check tomorrow’s Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
The young center fielder injured his hamstring during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and is most likely out of commission today.
“I’m just trying to stay positive,” said Gwynn, who sounds almost exactly like his Hall of Famer father. “Hopefully I won’t be (out for) too long.”
Gwynn had a rather productive series in Chicago, going 4-for-7. He had the game-winning RBI in the season opener and was the only Brewers player to have a hit in all three games.
Brewers manager Ned Yost said before today’s game he wasn’t sure how long Gwynn would be out or if he’d need to go on the disabled list. Gwynn was holding out hope he’d be able to play Saturday, but if the hamstring doesn’t get much better overnight, he probably won’t risk it.
For more on Gwynn, check tomorrow’s Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
Live from Miller Park
Greetings from a rather empty Miller Park, where in a few hours the Milwaukee Brewers will play their first home game of the 2008 season against the San Francisco Giants.
After a night in a rather posh suburban Milwaukee hotel that featured an HDTV, some of the softest pillows your cheek will ever touch and $3.50 bottles of water, we (meaning Joe Ziemer and I) are ready to provide you with reports throughout the day from the Brewers' home opener.
Be sure to check back after noon or so. For actual game updates, check www.mlb.com. Joe and I will provide you more of a behind-the-scenes look at today's game.
Enjoy.
- John Casper Jr.
After a night in a rather posh suburban Milwaukee hotel that featured an HDTV, some of the softest pillows your cheek will ever touch and $3.50 bottles of water, we (meaning Joe Ziemer and I) are ready to provide you with reports throughout the day from the Brewers' home opener.
Be sure to check back after noon or so. For actual game updates, check www.mlb.com. Joe and I will provide you more of a behind-the-scenes look at today's game.
Enjoy.
- John Casper Jr.
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