The Northwoods League has seen phenomonal growth since its inception in the 90's...but that doesnt mean that all is well. Case in point is the current roster condition of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Woodchucks went on a tear in the second half of the season and earned a playoff spot. Unfortunatly the lineup they put on the field last night bore very little resemblance to the lineup that got them there. All teams in the league have players that are on schedules that will see them go home before the season is over...that is known ahead of time. What isnt planned for is players just deserting their teams whenever they want to like Joe Serrano did for the Woodchucks. League rules state that a player must appear in a game prior to August 1st to be eligible for the playoffs. I understand the league wants to avoid having a team load up with ringers but a situation like the Chucks are facing (starting two pitchers in the regular batting order and having such a shortened bullpen because of pitching rules that they had to bring a position player in to finish the first playoff game last night) is unacceptable. It's an embarrassing situation for the league to have a playoff team try to compete under these circumstances.  Either shorten the regular season or relax the rules that govern playoff eligibility for players...because to keep the status quo is not an option.

I thought the Brewers might have been able to make a move this month since they were facing the bottom feeding teams in the National League. Well so far, its the Brewers that have been fed on. The Astros took two of three and Colorado won the series opener last night at Coors Field. One bright spot is the continued resurgance of Rickie Weeks who hit a three run homer.

The injury situation is getting serious for the Packers. John Kuhn sprained an ankle yesterday causing Mike McCarthy to end practice early. They also have had to avoid contact drills. 19 players sat out yesterday.

TJ Lang has signed a 4 year contract extension as the Pack continues to wrap up their young players.

Longtime Boston icon Johnny Pesky passed away yesterday. He was 92. He spent 61 years with Red Sox as a player, coach and consultant.

School is three weeks out but the fall high school season has begun. Girls Tennis got underway yesterday as Wausau Newman won the Wausau West invitational. Tennis action continues today along with girls golf and boys soccer.

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

Just My Imagination-Cranberries (1999) one of my favorite 90's bands featuring Dolores O'Riordan one of the most unique and interesting pop voices

Just My Imagination-Temptations (1971) Eddie Kendricks last hit with the Temps as he left for a solo career. Just a gorgeous song from my favorite Motown group. It went to #1