Anything to further your agenda, buddy.

The cycles of the Earth have been going on for millions of years, and will go on long after we're part of the dirt it regurgitates. We are an arrogant species if we think that we do any real damage to this whizzing, spinning orb.

Which also begs the question... How did everyone get to the conference? Ah, yes, planes, trains, and automobiles. The irony is writ large.

Tiger Thoughts

Ok, so I've been non-existent on this since the beginning, so here goes. He's a golfer. He didn't free the slaves, he didn't cure cancer, he didn't discover how to split the atom... he's a golfer. Holding him to a higher standard is ludicrous.

On the other hand, he was unfaithful to his wife and children. But he doesn't owe anyone an explanation, other than his family. The ridiculous notion that he needs to come out and show remorse or tell his story is simply for the benefit of our country's insatiable appetite for gossip.

Are his actions deplorable? Absolutely. Were they selfish? Adultery always is. But thinking we deserve some act of contrition or explanation is wrong. He can answer to his God and his wife (and not necessarily in that order).

I watch golf to see Tiger win. Nothing more, nothing less. I certainly don't look to him for guidance or spiritual leadership. Charles Barkley was vilified for saying "I'm not a role model"... well, he's not. Your parents are, your teachers are, you are.

Patterning your life after someone who can make an inch and a half white ball curve around a tree from 250 yards is a slippery slope. You can be inspired by them and their feats, but that's all.

I'm sad that someone I admired for his ability, dedication, and drive could fall victim to such a cliched episode. I hope the Woods' family can come out the other side of this stronger, and that Tiger comes out of it a better man.

Signings

Deals finalized with Wolf and Counsell today.

The 2010 team just got better.

With the Wolf, Hawkins, Counsell, & arby cases, it looks like the bulk of the spending is finished. With Correia back in SD, Doug is probably turning his attention to Mulder.

Cam-Boogie to BoSox

2-year deal for Cameron in Beantown.

I'm surprised they went with a two. The post claims rumblings of Ellsbury to move to LF to make room for Cam.

Good for him and the Sox. Nothing but a classy man. I wonder if he gets them to Untuck 'Em, if the entire baseball fraternity will chastise the Red Sox?

Non-Tendered

Goodbye and good luck, Son of Clung.

Counsell Rumbling

If true, the Canadian Connection has virtually accomplished everything they set out to do this offseason. A little tweaking around the edges and we can start counting down the days before Arizona.

Correia Rumor

I guarantee Doug is on the phone trying to work a deal with the Friars.

Hey, Chicken Little...

Mr. Hunt with his "sky is falling" pronouncement for the day. I get his point on the years of the deal and the years on Wolf, but to compare this contract to Soup's is a little off-kilter.

Every deal is frought with risk. It just so happens that pitching is the great unknown.

Measure Of A Man

I challenge anyone to find a player Doug signs where character doesn't play into it.

Welcome to Wisconsin, Mr. Wolf. We're glad to have you.

Wolf Signs, Pending Physical (Updated)

Deal looks to be done with Randy Wolf. A little higher than the projections, apparently, but, health-willing, a solid signing. I still think a look at Doug Davis is coming later this offseason.

Al thinks Doug will shift his attention to Hawkins or Correia. Either would be a nice bullpen complement to Coffey and Claudio.

UPDATE: Hawkins on the way. Is Correia far off? Doug's been looking at him for some time.

The makeover continues...

The tattoo says it all... Another reason I'm glad the bar scene has passed me by.

Deepest sympathies to the Luick & Peters families.

Pitching Help On The Way?

Haudricourt blogs that a deal for Wolf may well be being finalized. I would guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-9 per, as Tom is saying it's for three years.

Of course it's not C.C., but Wolf is pretty solid. As always, free agent pitching is always overpriced, but this seems a little more thought out than the Suppan debacle.

Let's be honest, when you're trotting out Mike Burns and the like, it's easy to see why the Crew is attempting to pay for pitchers like Wolf.

UPDATE: Joel Sherman reporting via MLB Trade Rumors

Thank You

I would be remiss if I didn't show gratitude to the men and women of Pearl Harbor. Your sacrifice made it possible for me to write trivial thoughts and live a free life.

With the passage of time, let me say may we never forget.

Packers vs. Ravens

I don't know how much credence this holds. I mean, it's not exactly Bora Bora in Baltimore, either.

As nearly every NFL game is, this one will come down to the trenches: Can Rogers stay upright? Can Ray Ray be neutralized? Will the Pack get a pass rush? Does Woodson continue his Superman impersonation?

Prediction: Packers 27 Ravens 20

AP, You Killed My Fantasy Team!

I know Favre has had an outstanding year, but yesterday's game was a prime example of how you can't ride a 40-year-old arm. AP got 13 rushes & 19 total touches. 13 rushes!?
Arizona can score quickly, so it stands to reason that you'd want to keep the ball out of Warner's hands. So what does Minnesota do? Let Favre heave the ball countless times when the game was still close.
Line problems aside, Peterson can break a run at any time, from anywhere. Feed him the rock like he's a breast-feeding baby for once this year. 25-30 rushes in a road game that was close for the first 30 minutes would seem to be the way to go.

WI Headed To Orlando

Champ Sports Bowl vs. Miami on Dec. 29... presumably because Northwestern travels well & gets huge ratings.

Winter Meetings

The 2nd best thing in December (next to Xmas, of course): Baseball's winter meetings start tomorrow. Tip o' the brim to Brew Crew Ball for the reminder.

Get your rest, baseball lovers, the activity can be tiring!

Moustache, our trust is in you.

BCS Bowl Matchups

Exactly what I didn't want to happen, two BCS-Busters taking on each other. I'd rather see what each could do against the "traditional" powers. Almost feels like the committee was relieved they could put them together.

Really? A Rodent?

I don't care what Michael Jackson named his rat, this is animal activists run amok.

Ground Domination

Looks like an Outback Bowl on the horizon. I was worried about the air attack of Hawaii... maybe I didn't give John Clay & the boys their due. Thoroughly punished the 8-9 man fronts of the Warriors tonight.

Tolzien was solid, as usual. It's an odd feeling having a quarterback as impressive as the RB's at UW. For those who don't remember Al Toon's play, watch his son, Nick. If he adds some size, he should follow in the footsteps of other successful Badger receivers like Chambers & Evans.

Kudos to Schofield, JJ, & the "D" also. They looked quick & active tonight, as well.