I'm not here to play Judge Judy or a lawyer, but I am here to defend and prosecute a few things:

Normally, I will respect most of the decisions that Ned Yost makes.  This I can't defend.  You haven't had Derrick Turnbow in with a game really on the line all season.  Usually he comes in when the team is up 3, or down 5.  He's complained about his role, not getting used in crucial situations.  SO WHY WITH 14 PITCHERS, WAS HE IN DURING A 3-ALL GAME IN THE 9TH?  Almost as puzzling, why was Eric Gagne warming up in what would have been his 5th straight game?

I heard a number of fans down on the Scott Skiles hiring.  Maybe it's because people are so jaded with the Bucks, but why?  In Skiles 4 full 82-game seasons in the NBA, he's never had a losing season.  You wanted a coach that didn't take any guff from the players, you've got one.  You gotta love a guy that when he was the Bulls coach was asked how Eddy Curry could improve his rebounding, and Skiles simply replied, "Jump."

I don't think he will do it in the first round, but if GM Ted Thompson really does draft a QB with the 30th overall selection, how do you defend that?  If he's the third stringer, ok, but as a backup to Aaron Rodgers, whether it's Brian Brohm or Joe Flacco, the guy won't be ready in year one to come in if there's an emergency...and what happens if Rodgers struggles? 

And granted, I don't think Ben Sheets will ever be labeled a workout warrior, but at this point I'll defend him.  Please tell me, if you trade him now...do the Brewers make the postseason?  I don't think so.  If he pitches through an arm injury and blows it out in April, what does that prove?  Anybody that looks back to last year realizes the value of this guy to the team...because when he's not on the mound, the team is not the same.  Now if this mushrooms into something bigger, you have a different story.

Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com