What Francona Can Learn from Buck's Britton Blunder - by Colin Gawel

I recently finished the book "Ahead of the Curve - Inside the Baseball Revolution" by Brian Kenny. It was one of the best books on baseball I have ever read. It lays waste to old school baseball thinking - that in light of new information - just doesn't make sense anymore. I could go on and on, and if you have had the misfortune of sitting next to me in the past month, chances are I have gone on and on about dispelling one baseball myth after another. But for the purposes of this tidy essay, let's focus on just two ways "conventional" baseball wisdom hurts a team's chance to win: bullpen use and the preference of "Starting Pitchers" to "Bullpenning." 

Tuesday night, Orioles manager Buck Showalter left his best pitcher - the top relief pitcher in all of baseball, Zach Britton - on the bench to watch inferior O's pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez give up a game-winning 3 run HR in the bottom of the 13th inning. The Orioles season was over and their best pitcher never even got in the game. Or - to put it another way - Jimenez gave up 3 runs in that one inning, Britton only gave up 4 runs ALL SEASON. 

Now, Showalter is a fine manager and fairly progressive-thinking one at that, so I apologize for singling him out, but he fell victim to the myth of saving his best pitcher to close out the game once they had a lead. I won't bore you with numbers, but it is a fact that the moment when the game is on the line could be the 4th inning or 9th or 13th. The situation dictates the level of importance. Somehow, it has become conventional thinking that you save your closer for the end. Managers rarely take heat for this poor strategy (or bunting for that matter) so they continue to do it. This time, at least people are questioning Buck's decision, which shows a little progress from the sports media concerning baseball analytics.

In fact, one day, in the not too distant future, the baseball dugout will have an "Analytics" coach that simply runs the numbers and tells the manager, "the computer says now is the best time to put in Britton", no matter what the inning.  This not only will increase the team's chances for victory but provide a scapegoat for the manager if the move backfires. "I went with the nerd on that decision so why don't you ask him?" It's sort of like an offensive coordinator in football, a little fire wall between the head coach and unemployment line. 

Kenny points out in his book that using relievers in such a narrow fashion is unique to the past twenty years. In the '70's teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and A's would regularly insert their "Closers": Sparky Lyle, Mike Marshall and Rollie Fingers as early as the 4th inning. It's called the "Fireman Of the Year" award because these guys would put out fires. Not just pitch the 9th with a three-run lead and nobody on base. The top relief pitchers in baseball as recently as the '80's all pitched around 120 innings a year. Now it's down to about 70. Do the math, that's a lot of innings thrown by inferior pitchers. But easy saves make for big money and both players and agents get behind that. Less work and less stress for more pay? Sign me up. 

So what does this have to do with Terry Francona and the Cleveland Indians? With injuries to their pitching staff, the Tribe have turned to their own "Nuke LaLoosh," Trevor Bauer to start Game One against the far superior line-up of the Boston Red Sox. Trevor has good stuff but often comes unglued if he feels an umpire has missed a call. (Which happens all too often and can be fixed, but that's another story for a different time.) With Indians ace Corey Kluber set to pitch Game Two at home in Cleveland, a game one win would be huge. 

What we know for sure: every time a pitcher goes through a line-up, the next time around batters have more success; a third time even more. Once again, I'm not going to trot out numbers, it's just math. "Bullpenning" is a concept where no pitcher throws more than 75 innings and you make the opposing line-up face a new pitcher each time they bat around. In a perfect world, the Tribe would start their 3rd best reliever, bring in Baurer in the 4th and then go straight to their best pitcher, Andrew Miller, to close out the game from the 7th on. 

I know that scenario is too mind blowing for the 2016 baseball fan so I would suggest this. I would let Bauer go through the line-up one time and after that he would be on a very short leash. At the first sign of real trouble, go immediately to your best arm, Andrew Miller. Then work it out from there. If the Tribe can bullpen their way to a win in game one, you hand the ball to a true starting pitcher in game two. And Francona better tell Miller to plan on pitching both days. He is a grown man. He can handle it. The series takes an off day on Saturday.

Terry Francona is a smart cookie himself and has already been using Miller to get the important outs while using league average closer Cody Reed to mop up in the 9th inning. (click here to read the story) But sometimes, in the post season spotlight, progressive-thinking managers revert to conservative ways and in the blink of an eye, the season is lost. Look no further than Buck Showalter for proof of that. 

Colin Gawel wrote this at Colin's Coffee when he probably should have been cleaning. He loves playoff baseball but rarely sees the end of the games because they start and end too late.

WWE Clash of Champions - Best to Worst by Big Vin Vader

                     WWE Clash of Champions—Best to Worst   By Big Vin Vader  

                                                       follow @bigvinvader

    So Clash of Champions, the first RAW-brand PPV was Sunday, and there were few surprises yet again.  Of course, in this case, that means that we were treated to a show that was stronger overall, with every match falling into place with a better sense of cohesion as well as coherence.  

THE BEST

The top match of the night was the Universal Title match, with Kevin Owens defending the belt against Seth Rollins.  Owens has had a great year, getting a much-deserved opportunity in the brand’s top spot following Finn Balor’s unfortunate injury.
    The fans are behind both Owens and Rollins, and they both have something to fight for, so there was a great story and a lot on the line going into the match.  On display from the first was the fact that both men are terrific mental and physical workers.  Rollins knew he could work at a faster pace, and Owens knew to work smart, targeting Seth’s reconstructed knee.  The entire contest was evenly matched, and the wrestlers pulled out all the stops in an impressively physical contest.
    The ending was cheap as hell, and I wouldn’t want it any other way from a great heel like Owens.  His best friend, Chris Jericho, ran out to distract Rollins, and encourage the champ.  After the ref got knocked out, JeriKO’s playing only got dirtier, allowing KO to put the challenger down with a pop-up Powerbomb once a new official was brought out.
    The finish was perfectly entertaining and showed just how well Owens can still draw heat to himself, even with the people so firmly behind him despite his heel status.

#2

Next in the rankings is the Women’s Title Triple-Threat between champion Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Bayley.  Before the match had even started there was little doubt that it would be one of the night’s best.  The Women’s division has been consistently stealing the show, and have particularly impressed with Triple Threats.
    Once again, there was a great story going in, dating back to all three women’s time in NXT, as well as the continuing rivalry between Sasha and Charlotte.  All three performers are among the most impressive athletes on either brand’s roster, and there was no chance of a subpar match.
    As expected, the action was non-stop from start to end, although much of it took place between Charlotte and Sasha, with Bayley spending a good deal of time out of commission.  Regardless, all three women put on a hell of an entertaining show, with a number of bright spots, particularly Charlotte landing a double moonsault on the challengers.  The finish was the only issue, coming pretty abruptly at the fifteen-minute mark; the match could easily have gone another five without overstaying its welcome.  Of course Charlotte retained the title, and there looks to be the possibility of a Sasha-Bayley feud.

#3

Ranking third was the final match in Cesaro and Sheamus’ Best of 7 series, which has provided more solidly entertaining matches than anyone expected.  None have been classics, but they’ve certainly not been wastes of time, and the stakes were high for the final match.  Cesaro rightly had the popular support, and a hell of a lot riding on the match’s outcome.
    We were treated to a surprisingly sound, incredibly enjoyable match full of stiff, physical work and plenty of back and forth intensity.  The story behind the bout was good, and both men truly came out looking great, impressing with their versatility.  Particularly impressive was Cesaro hitting a 619 midway through the contest.
Unfortunately, the match’s conclusion was meant to illustrate the tolls such physical work takes on the performers.  After a dive took both men over the barricade, the ringside officials determined neither was fit to perform.  Sheamus fought while being carried to the back and Cesaro made it back to the ring, ready to keep fighting.  It told a decent story, and both men looked like the determined fighters they proved themselves to be.  However, the no-contest achieved nothing, and if the series is to continue it seems unlikely that we’ll get a better match from the pair after this showing.  This was their crowning achievement together, and a real decision would have sealed the matter nicely.

#4

While I had high hopes for the Cruiserweight match between TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick, I left somewhat underwhelmed.  It came out in the last week that Vince McMahon ordered the division to tone things down regarding both pace and aerial maneuvers, which hinders everything that made the Cruiserweight Classic among the best things I’ve seen all year.
    It was apparent that Vince’s edict had gone into effect, as the match was instantly less kinetic than the tournament.  There was a good deal less flying, and even the submissions and mat work seemed slower paced, leaving a more typical match albeit featuring heightened agility.  The crowd response was pretty muted, showing that the people knew something was up.  Perkins rightfully retained the title and will hopefully get the chance to put in more impressive work in the coming months.
    Don’t get me wrong, the match was not bad at all, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.  Both performers were capable of putting on a scorcher, but there was the sense that something was holding them back, yet it wasn’t either of their faults.  On any other card, this would have been a stand-out match, but it approached none of the heights of the CWC.  Perkins and Kendrick looked great, but I can only feel a bit disheartened that the division looks to be put under such a damper so quickly.

#5

The match between Sami Zayn and Chris Jericho was more-or-less a last-minute addition to the card, and there was little at stake.  However, I was looking forward to a solid contest between two of the roster’s best workers.  While I was a little unimpressed initially, the match slowly built itself up and grew on me.
    There was good work outside of the ring, and both performances were convincing and solid.  Jericho hit a Codebreaker, taking Zayn out, and robbing him of a much-needed win.  It was a decent match overall, not disappointing as it wasn’t one of the major features on the card, but rather because it could have been more impressive given the two involved.  It was a fun midcard affair that slightly overstayed its welcome given its slower first half.  However, both Jericho and Zayn are just so damn entertaining and likeable in the ring that I couldn’t really feel cheated.

#6

The US Title match between Roman Reigns and Rusev came second-to-last on the card, as well in rankings.  Their feud has been going for months with no end in sight, and Reigns has been juggling shots at the Universal and US titles for over a month.  The thing is, the crowd seems into Reigns in the midcard picture; he’s fine with most fans as long as he isn’t being pushed on them as the top star, and the company finally seemed to figure that out.  Given this, the outcome was hardly surprising.
    The match was fairly slow-moving for most of its runtime, although it was fairly physical.  Rusev doled out a beating to Reigns, impressing as always.  Naturally, even the Bulgarian Brute fell to Reigns’ spear, making the US Title the only one to change hands during the entire event.  Of course, much like the retention of the other belts, this change came as no surprise.  Much as I like Rusev, the crowd actually seemed cool with Roman taking the belt from him, which was certainly an interesting change of pace.

#7

Coming up last was the first match of the night, as well as the shortest overall: the Tag Team Title match between the New Day and Gallows & Anderson.  I don’t think anyone expected the New Day to lose the belts, especially with their record going so strong.  Of course, now that they have that record, they really should be made to fight for their position as champs, and Gallows & Anderson, shitty comedy skits aside, are the people to make them work for it.
    The challengers got things off to an impressive start, beating the champs down with some brutal shots.  Gallows & Anderson really did give the New Day a difficult time, making a number of smart tags and continuing to dominate the match.  Of course, after only six minutes the New Day made a comeback, putting Gallows & Anderson away and rendering their legitimate threat useless.  The match could have gone longer, particularly given how strongly it started, and Gallows & Anderson were once again left out to dry.

Summary and Grade

All that said, Clash of Champions was a much better show on the whole than Backlash.  While a few of the matches failed to impress, none felt like wastes of time, and not a single one was objectively bad.  Though even the best of the bouts weren’t match-of-the-year caliber, there were more good showings than SmackDown’s first PPV.
The titles and storylines were better established, and unlike Backlash, there was no rush to award new titles quickly.  The whole thing just reasserted why RAW is the signature brand, as well as the company’s favorite.  Overall, the card was booked far better, and the talent used in more constructive, and overall, satisfying ways.  
    If this is the way the company is handling the new PPV schedule following the brand split, then things are certainly looking up.  It wasn’t a great show, but it was a damn fine one.

In total, Clash of Champions was a 75/100.

Main Course: The Fags (with a side of Watershed) - by JCE

Watershed will be opening for The Fags at Small's Bar in Hamtramck, MI, this coming Saturday night, October 8th.    

TEN YEARS AGO, AN AMAZING RECORD WAS RELEASED.  IT WAS ALMOST PERFECTION, EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE MAJOR FLAW…..

It’s been almost exactly 10 years since the release of one of my favorite records on the planet.  I learned of this anniversary by total coincidence as I sat down with an idea to write about some (any) great, great record that had one flaw that bothered me. I thought I might write about London Calling by The Clash having both records crammed into one jacket and not listing the song “Train in Vain (Stand By Me)” on the back but that really doesn’t bother me that much.  I’m a little OCD, but come on, it’s The Clash so who cares?  It didn’t take me long to figure out what record was the perfect fit; that one record that is so perfect and yet has that one fatal flaw.  The amazing record I decided to write about, which as it turns out is going to be 10 years old on October 31st, is called Light ‘Em Up by The Fags.  This is one of those records on which every song is spectacular.  The artwork is edgy and I like it a lot.  The record title is perfectly rock ‘n’ roll.  The name of the band is…..unfortunately horrible.

The Fags were (are) a band from the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan.  The band is fronted by the excellent John Speck.  The Fags came along after John’s mildly successful band Hoarse, which was not remotely as good as The Fags in my opinion.  Watershed fans will remember a split single with Hoarse from around 1997.  Watershed fans also will know that Fags bass player Tim Patalan has been a valued collaborator/producer for Watershed.  So anyway, I had this theme and this band in mind – great record, one fatal flaw – and by pure coincidence, the record is being celebrated with a live show to commemorate its tenth anniversary, and Watershed is opening.  Damn I wish I was a few hours closer to Michigan so I could see that show.

But let me talk more about Light ‘Em Up.  This record did not go totally unnoticed.  Spin Magazine listed it as one of forty great records in 2006.  I haven’t seen the list, but I guarantee Light ‘Em Up was better than probably every one of the records they listed, whatever they were.  The record had eleven songs on it.  I’ll get to my favorite in a minute, but let’s start with “Truly, Truly.”  That song could have been a big radio hit, but I’m willing to bet that there were a lot of radio stations passing on playing a song by a band called The Fags.  I should say that I don’t know why they chose that name for the band, maybe there was a great reason for it, but I wish they hadn’t.  I read an article that seemed to suggest that they were just messing around when they did a gig as the Smokin’ Fags and after that it just stuck.  That’s a shame.  My personal favorite song on the record is “Mistake.”  The song just oozes regret: “I just can’t help thinking we’re making a big mistake.”  That line and the way it is sung gives me a chill even now.  My favorite lyric on the record (also from “Mistake”) is “I try to do what’s right, but what’s left keeps egging me on / It may end up on my face, that’s the risk that I take.”  I also can relate to the line “The radiator hisses in a soft assuring way.”  

The song “List” is right up there, as is “Rockstar.”  “List” has that great line “I sat down to write a list of every girl I ever kissed / I couldn’t remember them all, I guess it’s a case of selective recall.”  And “Rockstar” just makes you feel good—“Grab the keys off the counter, check the mirror on the way out….You’re a rockstar on a Saturday night.”  The title track is an instant classic as well.  I could make a good case for the brilliance of every track.  Light ‘Em Up is just a great rock and roll-power pop-whatever you want to call it record from start to finish.  It should have been HUGE.  Light ‘Em Up was actually completed in 2005 but sat on a shelf for an extended period.  Just like Watershed and countless other great bands, the recording industry completely failed The Fags, but their name almost certainly had something to do with their fate. 

If you go to the anniversary celebration show at Small’s Bar in Hamtramck, Michigan on October 8th please tell me how it was.  A chance to see Watershed and The Fags at a small club together on one night is a chance not to be missed.  And it’s on a (Rockstar) Saturday night!  I really should be flying up there from Virginia.  I wish that John and Tim and drummer Jimmy Paluzzi would extend their reunion after this show, change their name and give it another shot.  At the very least, I wish they would go on a tenth anniversary tour down the east coast (and bring Watershed with them of course).  

BREAKING NEWS:  The Fags are planning to release a new record containing some old demos and outtakes, and you can get in on funding that now! – JCE

Keep hope alive! The North Coast Posse tackles your questions as the Browns head into a week 4 match-up with Washington.

Keep hope alive!  The North Coast Posse tackles your questions as the Browns head into a week 4 match-up with Washington.

Q:  The Browns are 0-3, have played four QBs in three games and lost their 1st round draft pick to injury, yet I am still enjoying the season immensely.  Did I smoke some of Josh Gordon’s weed?  What gives?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  During the fourth-quarter of last week’s game, I definitely could have used some of Flash’s ganj to take the edge off.  You are right, though.  This season has been exciting and heartbreaking so far.  If not for poor special teams, the Browns could easily be 2-1.  Going into this season, we said that the record might still be ugly, but that the team will keep you watching all year.  That is because—despite the facts that they are down to a rookie, third-string quarterback, have lost their starting center and two rookie starters to injury, and their best offensive weapon just checked himself into rehab—this is not the “same ol’ Browns.”  There has been a lot of turn-over on the roster, which is now teeming with young and hungry players.  Also, the coaching staff has shown creativity on both sides of the ball, which has leverage the strengths of the players that they do have.  No, my friend, this truly is a new era for the Browns.  They still kind of suck, but it is a team with pride, and it is on the rise.

Big $:  I’m right with you, mainly because we’re getting to see ex-Buckeye Terrelle Pryor transform into an NFL tour de force.  However, I’m also impressed by the effort shown by the young players and coaching staff.  It would have been real easy to fold after Kessler’s 1st couple series last week (see Johnny Manziel’s 1st start).  But adjustments were made and they battled (forgive the Pettine-ism) on.

Q:  Speaking of Josh Gordon, breaking news is that he is headed to rehab. Couldn’t he have done this anytime in the LAST TWO years while he was suspended instead of right before he is actually able to finally play again?

Big $:  I’m concerned that our fan base learned nothing from Johnny, and are again willing to apply martyrdom to a guy who refuses to get his life together, even with all the supports he has in place. This guy has serious issues that expand beyond weed, and I hope they are identified and replaced before he hurts others.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Dude apparently hasn’t hit his bottom yet.  Cris Carter has said a million times that the best thing that happened to him was his release from the Eagles.  That was when he realized the real impact his substance abuse was having on his life and those around him.  I was very excited for Gordon to return, but the Browns just need to send his ass packing now.  If not for his own sake, then because the fans can’t take this anymore.  When I heard the news that he was entering rehab, I looked to the heavens and wailed, “Why do the righteous suffer?” just like Job.

Q: Hugh Jackson’s game plan against the Dolphins was inspired. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons. What do you think of the new coach so far?

Big $:  I’m head over heels for this staff. The vision and creativity they have shown will start to pay serious dividends as the young players gain experience and more talent is acquired.

Q:  Meanwhile, Terrelle Pryor couldn’t make the team last year, now he is the best player on the field for either side against Miami. Is that Paul Depodesta finding value where the previous regime couldn’t see it?

Big $:  I’ll say this, watching what Theo Epstein is doing in Chi town, makes me believe this is a good time to have ivy leaguer analytic freaks run your organization.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I don’t know if it takes a genius to see that Pryor is one of the most physically gifted athletes in the league (let alone that you could pick him up for a song).  I think the emergence of T.P. says more about his new-found maturity and the work he has put in to become a legitimate receiving threat, than it does about the front office.

Q:  As crazy as it sounds, should the Browns lock down T.P. with a contract extension ASAP?

Big $:  I tried to find the “hell yes” font, but caps will have to suffice HELL YES.  As a full offensive weapon,  he has only scratched the surface.

Q:  The defense has improved every week. What is up?

Big $:  It’s documented that I am no fan of defensive tackle Danny Shelton, but he’s playing like a pro lately. Dude is steppin’ up. It’s a good time to 2 be a Huskie.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I agree that the defensive line has played much better than expected, but they are getting solid production from everyone.  The run defense, which has ranked at the bottom of the barrel the last couple of years, is currently ranked in the middle of the pack, and the defensive backfield has really improved.

Q:  Who on offense impresses? 

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Cody Kessler played surprisingly well last week once he got settled.  He showed good-decision making, and I think he will continue to improve with more practice reps, as well as game action.  There are questions about his arm strength, but he throws an accurate ball and keeps a cool head.  I think they need to keep starting him even after Josh McCown is ready to return.

Big $:  Obviously I love T.P., but I’m also impressed with The Crow’s burst through the line. Feed him more.

Q:  Who should LeBron start for this week?

Big $:  You know what, I feel good for once.  Let LBJ focus on the preseason and developing chemistry with Mike Dunleavy, Jr. (aka the most underrated off season acquisition in the NBA).

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I want LBJ to take over as Josh Gordon’s drug counselor.  LeBron is easily the most upstanding sports megastar since Wayne Gretzky.  I mean even Peyton Manning is accused of giving a female athletic trainer a Roman helmet when he was in college.  Flash could use LeBron’s positive influence and solid advice in his life.   

Q:  What games suddenly look like we might have a shot to win?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I think they get over the hump this week against Washington.  The Browns should be competitive in most of the rest of the games, with the best chances to win in road games against Tennessee, Baltimore, and Buffalo, and in the home finale against San Diego.

I Can't Think of Anything to Ask About Rutgers? Baver Answers Anyway

Colin: How much time do you think Urban spent preparing for Rutgers on bye week? Do you think they are already looking ahead to tougher match-ups?

Brent: He probably spent more time than you would think preparing for Rutgers. Urban is now 38-10 against the spread when he has more than 7 days to prepare for an opponent. So, during bye weeks, Urban has to have some real focus on his upcoming opponents no matter how bad they are. But, I am sure there was some time spent planning for Wisconsin, Sparty, and Michigan, as well.

Colin: I really can't think of anything to ask about Rutgers. Is there anything we should be concerned about?

Brent: They’re #1 playmaker (basically their only playmaker) on offense and special teams, Janarion Grant, just went down for the year with an ankle injury. And one of their better defensive players, rush end Quanzell Lambert was also just lost for the season. I don’t know how this Rutgers team was going to compete if these guys were healthy. Their best hope is Meyer having mercy on his former defensive coordinator Chris Ash.

Colin: Notre Dame loses at home to Duke and LSU fires Les Miles? How big of trouble are those programs in?

Brent: Duke has been solid the last 5 years or so, but had looked horrible this season prior to the Notre Dame game. Losing to Duke on your home field is a disgrace. They are probably looking at a 5+ loss season.

LSU may be looking at a 5+ loss season as well, still having to face Florida, Ole Miss, Bama, Arkansas and A&M. We’ll see if Ed Orgeron can get more out of their talent than Miles did.

Colin: How good are Wisconsin and Michigan?

Brent: Wisconsin is definitely a top-25, maybe a top-15 team, but the final score against Sparty doesn’t tell the whole story. Two turnovers translated directly into two of Wisconsin’s TD’s. But I am a bit concerned about the Buckeye’s night game in Madison; that place will be insane.

Michigan is the real deal. Speight is looking good, and their defense is top-notch. Brady Hoke offenses didn’t score more than 34 points in any of his last 11 games at Michigan, and Harbaugh offenses have scored 45+ in all four games this year.

Colin: How bad are Iowa and MSU?

Brent: Iowa looks like their reverting back to being Iowa, with last year’s 12-0 regular season looking like a mirage. They are mediocre at best. Michigan State, as mentioned above, isn’t as bad as the score indicated against Wisconsin. But….this isn’t one of Sparty’s better teams, I don’t think.

Colin: Earle Bruce is dotting the I this Saturday at the shoe. An honor well deserved but how good of a coach was Earle compared to his Buckeye contemporaries?

Brent: I wasn’t a huge fan of Earle as a coach, but have become a much bigger fan of his with the loyalty he has shown Ohio State. But as a coach, he didn’t recruit well and really left the program in bad shape for John Cooper. I would probably put him at the bottom of the list of coaches that have been here in my lifetime, behind Woody, Coop, Tress and Urban.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks so far and what games and lines will you be watching this week?

Brent: Awful…4-9 ATS. Had a feeling the luck may be running out after being well over .500 picking games ATS here each of the last two years. I think you take Ohio State laying the 38 ½. The game is a mismatch, and with Janarion Grant out, Rutgers may get shut out. I like the Bucks 48-7. You have to take Clemson at home, I think, getting the 2 points against Louisville. Tough to get in front of the L’Ville freight train right now, but Clemson has to feel very disrespected getting points at home. I had Louisville as a playoff-team a week ago, but now lean Clemson as the ACC’s playoff team. And I think things fall apart for Wisconsin this week, with their 2nd straight big road game. Take Michigan laying the 10 ½ against the Badgers.

Watch This Interview with Colin on the Not So Late Show.

If you haven't had a chance to check out The Not So Late Show hosted by Johnny DiLoretto, you are missing out. Along with co-host Sommer Sterud and house band MOJOFLO, Johnny interviews all sorts of interesting folks from the 614. Taping is the last Thursday of the month at the Shadowbox Bistro, advance tickets are available or you can just show up at the door. The next show is Thursday, September 29th. Click here for more details. Below is an example of the good times rolling with Pencilstorm's own Colin Gawel.