Though in the big picture of a 162-game season no series is terribly important, taking two out of three at Wrigley Field to open 2008 sure beats the alternative.  For a team which won only nine road series' out of twenty-six last year, taking any road series is a good thing and to do it at the expense of the defending Central champs and current Central favorites is all the better.  Overall the Brewers played well in Chicago, playing small ball when they needed to and displaying the kind of solid defense they will need all season in order to ascend to the playoffs.

   Tony Gwynn Jr. suffered a hamstring strain in the finale today and there is no word yet on how long that will keep him out.  If he misses much time his 25-game window of opportunity will close.  That would be a shame because Gwynn was off to a great start after stepping up and seizing the April centerfield job in Maryvale with impressive play.

   We are all looking forward to the home opener tomorrow at Miller Park.  The prospects for victory are solid as the Giants will throw a lefty against the Brewers' strong right-handed lineup.  I think opposing managers will soon learn to manipulate their rotations as much as they can to avoid pitching southpaws against Milwaukee.  It will be interesting to see how young but poised Carlos Villanueva handles the adrenaline of a home-opening start.

   It was great news to hear that WTMJ/Journal Broadcast Group has reached an agreement with the Brewers on a longterm contract extension.  WTMJ has served as the flagship for the Brewers Radio Network for all but two years of the Brewers' existence.  'TMJ's superior signal and experience in running sports networks is unmatched in Wisconsin and there may have been a fan revolt had the radio rights shifted to another company although I understand there was spirited bidding for the radio rights.