Linebacker Brandon Chillar likes playing in Green Bay. Some players don't. The towns too small...too white...too whatever. But Chillar has said he likes everything about playing for the Packers and the team likes Chillar too. They have signed him to a contract extension of 4 years worth a reported 21 million dollars...7 million of it guaranteed.  Coach Mike McCarthy called him flexible and versatile and especially solid on special teams. He was one of several Packers that would have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

A smoking hot stove heated up yesterday. The Phillies, Blue Jays and Mariners are reportedley close to a deal involving two former Cy Young award winners. Seattle would get Cliff Lee...Philly would get Roy Halladay and the Mariners top prospect...and Toronto would get three top Phillie prospects. Halladay has been great but could be even better now that he has escaped the AL East and constant starts against the Yankees and Red Sox. The Sox meanwhile tried to keep up with the eveil empire in the Bronx by signing the top free agent pitcher out there John Lackey. Spring Training is only a month and a half away!

I am humbled that someone has nominated me for the Central Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame . My long time love affair with baseball led me to take over the Wausau American Legion Baseball program in 1983 and I've been at it ever since. The category I am nominated in is loaded with worthy choices anyone of which would be an excellent addition to the Hall. A number of my former players are also nominated in some other categories. I'll print the entire ballot tomorrow.

Songs of the Day

Devil With A Blue Dress-Mitch Ryder & Detroit Wheels (1966) written at Motown for Shorty Long in 1964.. Ryder grabbed it and paired it with "Good Golly Miss Molly" in a much faster arrangement for his 66' hit. Also check out the live version at the 1979 'No Nukes" concerts from Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.

Diamonds & Rust-Joan Baez (1975) a commercial hit for the crystalline voiced folkie. Is it about her ex-husband David Harris or her involvement 1o years before with Bob Dylan. She says Harris but has dropped hints that Dylan also inspired some of it. Take a listen....