Packer coach Mike McCarthy is giving his veteran players the week off. With the Packers starting training camp a week early because of their participation in the Hall Of Fame game, McCarthy has decided to let his 15 most veteran players miss this week's mini-camp. Not only will it give his young players more reps…it will save wear and tear on the old guys…most of whom find the the mini-camps and OTA's boring and repetitive. I would imagine that many of those same veterans will not play in the extra preseason game anyway. The league and the players association has negotiated many changes in regular season practice routines to limit contact and hopefully limit injuries. This is an extension of that which hopefully keeps Aaron Rodgers and his older teammates fresh for the grind of what promises to be an outstanding season. Great decision by McCarthy.
Rumors are swirling this week that Ryan Braun will not be a Brewer when the current West Coast road trip ends. The Giants, Dodgers and Mariners have all been mentioned as possible landing spots for the veteran outfielder. I'm of the opinion that the Brewers don't need to trade Braun right now. They are surprising folks by being within striking distance of a Wild Card spot at this point in the season. And even if they fall out of the race at some point it's my opinion that the team has stockpiled lots of young prospects for the re-build. What they need is a proven bat for the middle of their lineup going forward. Braun is that guy and along with Jon Lucroy gives the team legitimacy in their every day lineup. Even GM David Stearns said in an interview last week that the team doesnt need to trade an elite player at this point. Unless he gets blown away by an offer that includes major league ready talent, Braun should still be a Brewer going forward.
Former Packer coach Mike Holmgren is 68 today. I covered Packer games back in Holmgren's time and it certainly was amusing watching the curmudgeonly coach interact with the press. One of my favorite baseball players as a kid is celebrating a birthday today…Hall 0f Famer Billy Williams turns 78
I'll be back with Nate Gatter in the booth tonight for Woodchucks baseball. The Chucks host Kalamazoo. Pre game at 6:20 on Foxsports Radio AM1390 & FM 93.9.
Songs Of The Day (from my I-pod)
