Michigan Basketball Carving It's Own Niche In College Basketball

 When Juwan Howard was given the reins of the Michigan Basketball program no one really knew how it was going to work out. Yes, Howard was a Michigan guy but that is not a given that he would have success. Could he get guys to buy in on what he was selling. As a player, Howard was a guy who did whatever it took to win games. Would his persona be what Michigan Basketball would become in 2021?

Along the way, there are always bumps in the road and Juwan Howard has been able to gravitate the Covid-19 waters and his team is playing deep into the tournament. Howard has a very talented team that has played well together. I've been able to watch of there tournament games and you can see his imprint on the program. Michigan moves the ball well and plays team defense. Players have that tough mentality that Howard play with when he was younger.

Michigan could make it all the way to the NCAA Championship game because they have a coach who believes in them and who has been there before. This team has grown over the last two months of the season. They have been battle-tested and the sky is the limit for them. No one expected Michigan to be this good this fast under Juwan Howard. Of course, he was part of the Fab5 so he definitely knows about winning and it's showing.

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Ted Simmons One Player People Forget About Behind The Plate

 Here as Baseball Blogging Network, we try to give guys some love people sometimes overlook or forget about. People know I love Milwaukee Brewers players and one guy often overlooked is Ted Simmons. When you talk about great catchers names like Berra, Bench, and Mike Pizza are mentioned, but you will be hard-pressed to find someone to name Ted Simmons. Why isn't Ted Simmons named more when you talk about catchers. Let's take a look at Ted Simmons and his career and see what he accomplished.

Ted Simmons was a Silver Slugger winner and an 8-time All-Star along with finally getting elected into the Hall Of Fame in 2020 by the veteran's committee. Simmons played a total of 21 years which consisted of 13 in St. Louis, 5 in Milwaukee, and 3 with the Atlanta Braves. During his career, he had some impressive numbers for a catcher that many people seem to dismiss.

Six times he hit 20 or more home runs and three times he hit 100 or more RBI's in a season. He played 2,456 games and garnered 2,472 hits and 8 times he batted .300 or better in a season. Simmons numbers were very consistent across the board and was a very good defensive catcher. Being a switch hitter also made him a very dangerous hitter and a guy you could play against anyone. His 182 switch-hitting home runs rank #1 in the National League.

Ted Simmons may not be a household name to many, but during his time in the MLB he was a gritty tough ballplayer that you could count on day after day. He gave you everything he had and now he is in the Hall Of Fame. Well deserved for a guy who played 21 years in Major League Baseball.

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What Will Jackie Bradley Jr Bring To The Brewers?

 Many people wonder why the Milwaukee Brewers signed Jackie Bradley Jr and I will admit I was one of those people as well. I figured the Brewers were set in the outfield with veterans and young talent, but signing Bradley was interesting, to say the least. Let's look at what Bradley Jr will bring to the Milwaukee Brewers this coming season.

Based on his Major League averages were looking at around 120 hits, 18 home runs, and 70 RBI's for a season. His average of .239 will not wow you by any stretch of the imagination that's for sure. So what does Bradley Jr bring is it's just average numbers by MLB standards? It's simple he brings defense and a lot of it. With the outfielders, the Brewers got he will help cover even more ground in the outfield. Bradley Jr will be able to help you offensively, but he is a gold glove outfielder.

Milwaukee didn't sign Bradley Jr for his offense he was signed for his defense. The Brewers were probably thinking they didn't want what happened to them last year when they lost Lorenzo Cain to Covid. They are covering there bases by having an adequate supply of outfielders this season. Bradley is a great addition and the Brewers should be applauded for getting another great outfielder to add to the mix.

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