EMAIL RESPONSES
I've been hoarding some of these email questions because I wanted to answer them all on here at once. Maybe this will become a Friday tradition.

Bryan,
The Brewers have gotten off to a decent start at 6-5. When I look at the roster I think that this team could finish .500, do you think that's a possibility? Thanks, I read your site everyday.
Al, Kenosha

Thanks for the email, Al. The Crew is definitely better than last season, but I don't know if they can finish .500. 1/3 of their schedule is against Houston, St. Louis and Chicago, which are three pretty strong clubs. I think they have an outside chance at .500, but I would think something in the low-to-mid 70's range in wins is probably more likely.

Bryan,
When do you expect the Brewers to be competitive again? With all the talent they have in the minor leagues will it be a year, two or more? It seems like they have a few parts at the Major League level that could help them be a good ballclub.

Thanks for your time,
Jason, Madison

Thanks for the question, Jason. The first wave of top prospects in the Brewers organization (JJ Hardy, Brad Nelson, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks) will probably get to the bigs by the end of this season or sometime next year. One would figure that it would take them a season or two to get acclimated, but I could see the Brewers fielding a solid team (meaning .500 or better) by 2006 and maybe even making a run at a division title then or in 2007. I know it's frustrating having to wait a year or two more after enduring all the losing so far, but hopefully it'll be worth it.

Bryan,
How ridiculous is Johnny Damon's hair?

Mike DeMarini
Providence, Rhode Island

The answer is "very". I can't believe that a professional organization lets him look like that. I don't think that all the guys should be crew-cut and clean shaven like in the 1950's, but I also don't think it is unrealistic to have some sort of limits on to how ridiculous a member of your organization looks. When your leadoff hitter comes to the plate looking like the caddy in Happy Gilmore, that can't be a good thing for an organization. I do find it interesting how contrasting the appearance of Red Sox players look compared to members of the Yankees.

Bryan,
Do you think that this Boston/New York series is being overhyped just a bit? Usually TV networks aren't even pleased having to air MLB playoff games in primetime, now they want to air a regular season game in April?
Kent

That's a good question, Kent. It sure is interesting seeing what a little drama and a few story lines can do to a rivalry. The way Game 7 of the ALCS ended last year and the competitive off-seasons that both of these teams had sure has added fuel to the fire. People were sleeping overnight to get tickets to the first spring-training game between these two clubs. I think it's great for baseball, and I'm happy to see the game getting so much positive publicity.

Okay that's all I have time for this week. Thanks to everybody who writes emails, keep them coming.

Out.