Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready to Play

I know it's election day--but it's also Opening Day for the Brewers and I just have to make my bold predictions for the upcoming season.

I predict that Jeff Suppan will get shelled in his opening day start--and will be out of the rotation by the end of July. How many years left does he have on that $10-million a season contract?

I predict that Ricky Weeks will be booed by Miller Park fans often this season--but will still achieve career highs in batting average and home runs.

I foresee a "lost" season for Ryan Braun as he continues to battle muscle pulls in his side that will likely put him on the Disabled List at least once this year.

I predict that Prince Fielder will be traded before the August 1st deadline--with the Brewers getting some much needed pitching help in return.

I predict a strong season for Manny Parra--now that Mike Maddux isn't around to screw up his approach to pitching. Parra needs to pound the strike zone--not try to nibble on the corners. That aggravated me no end about Maddux--he wanted everybody to throw like his brother. The only problem is, only his brother gets strikes called four inches off the plate.

I foresee a drop in attendance at Miller Park this year. There just isn't as much disposable cash in many families' budgets this summer--and tickets that went up five-percent this season won't be as popular.

As for the season itself, The Cubs will likely win the National League Central again this year--then fold in the playoffs, crushing their fans's spirits for the 101st consecutive season. The Brewers will likely be up and down giving their young pitching rotation. I see 86-wins for this Crew--good enough for third in the Central--and not good enough to make the playoffs.

Let's play ball.