Monteiro has also stepped up and is averaging 13

The JSOnline poster apparently got it right this weekend…The Brewers reportedly came to an agreement with the 33 year old lefty for 3 year, $29.75 Million with a 10 million option for a 4th year.To be honest, this isn’t exciting but it’s better than nothing and it’s better than a lot of the choices out there. It doesn’t inspire confidence that he will help right the pitching ship, but that’s why the Brewers got Rick Peterson, right At least Wolf’s career OBA, K/9, ERA, Win , Opponent OBA, and K/BB statistics are all better the Jeff Suppan’s.UPDATE: The Brewers also signed veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Not to be confused with Sophie B., LaTroy Hawkins throws a very fast ball and figures to be the primary set-up man for the Brewers next year Hawkins can also save should it be needed. Hawkins is in his upper 30’s and is no spring chicken anymore, but as our closer showed us, age isn’t everything He was signed for two years and about $7.5 million a year. The two year part of the deal was how Hawkins was swayed away from Houston.I read some quick fan reactions and many fans are relieved that the pitching staff is coming together..

Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009Duquesne Dukes (6-2) v No 6 West Virginia Mountaineers (5-0)The No. 6 West Virginia Mountaineers will face off against the Duquesne Dukes on Wednesday in Morgantown.The Mountaineers came away with a narrow 68-63 victory, and their sixth consecutive win over the Dukes, the last time these two met on Dec. 13, 2008.West Virginia has some serious depth this season including two MOP candidates in DaSean Butler and Devin Ebanks. WVU has dominated an easy non-conference slate including an 84-66 victory over Portland on Sunday night, claiming the 76 Classic Championship title.Butler tied his season high of 26 points making 10-of-16 shots and pulling down six rebounds in the win, while Kevin Jones added a season-best 17 points, with Ebanks coming off the bench to score 14.The Mountaineers have proven they can beat overmatched opponents even without one of its best players. Ebanks missed the first three games of the season, and the Mountaineers still picked up wins against Loyola, Citadel and Long Beach State.The big story for Duquesne is that they will be missing sophomore guard Melquan Bolding for Wednesdays game.

Bolding suffered a fractured right wrist in a season-opening victory over Nicholls State and could be out until late December.Despite Boldings absence the Dukes are off to a good start as junior guard Bill Clark and junior forward Damian Saunders have been key contributors. Monteiro has also stepped up and is averaging 13.3points and 6.3 rebounds per game.The odds makers currently have the Mountaineers at -14 point favorites.Both teams have been impressive despite the loss of their star players. Devin Eubanks had 15 points and 10 rebounds in last years contest against the Dukes, as WVU rallied in the second half for the win. This will be a hard fought win with a narrow margin victory for the Mountaineers.. At A Glance Kentucky: 8-0. AP Rank: 4 ESPN Rank: 4 BP Rank: 4 RPI: 36 BPI: 7Connecticut: 6-1. AP Rank: 14 ESPN Rank: 12 BP Rank: 12 RPI: 10 BPI: 70 Point Guards: Not only has the nation seen what John Wall can do on the court but against North Carolina he showed his impact when he had to go off the court due to tendinitis and cramps. The Cats are clearly not the same team without his services and look very beatable. Theres obviously no concern in Lexington about Walls game but his injury situation obviously is a concern.Kemba Walker was UConns sixth man last season and has emerged as a top-tier point guard this season. Jim Calhoun has already said his charges will not try and stop Wall with one person and that should ease things for Walker, allowing him to continue his successful campaign. He shoots well from the field and foul line and has a near 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. Advantage: Kentucky, but only because Wall is a overall no.1 pick waiting to happen and says he should be ready to go. Shooting Guards: Eric Bledsoe struggled running the offense when Wall went out but showed toughness by hitting some late free throws to put the game on ice. As long as Wall is on the floor Bledsoes life is a lot easier. However, he has only shot 38 percent from the field in the last five games.Jerome Dyson comes off a great battle with Harvards Jeremy Lin (yes, I know that sounds strange but Lin can play) where he nearly got a triple-double. Hes not going to impress with his shooting (38 percent) but he gets his points anyway (20 ppg). He can also do anything else you ask (hes even averaging more than a block a game). Kentucky will have their hands full. Advantage: UConn. Dyson is more established and brings a more complete game. Small Forwards: Darius Miller had a couple of threes during the 28-2 run against the Heels but also had one of his better defensive games. Considering that he will probably draw Stanley Robinson in this matchup that had to make John Calipari smile (though you wouldnt know it from some of his comments). Robinsons comeback from suspension has been well-documented and he was recently quoted about his dislike for DeMarcus Cousins comments. Regardless of the verbal battle, Robinsons game speaks for itself. He doesnt miss often (53 percent), has more assists than turnovers and averages almost two blocks a game. Advantage: UConn. Miller simply cant match up with Robinson on the defensive end. Power Forwards: Patrick Patterson is still earning lots of press even though some could argue that Wall is the best player on the Cats roster. Even though he averages a double-double and is a constant target he has not collected more than two fouls in any game this year. His combination of intelligence and blue-collar play makes him a top candidate for first-team All-America honors.Alex Oriakhi was hyped coming in to his freshman campaign. He collects rebounds and can block shots but failed to make a basket against Harvard. He could be an interesting challenge on the defensive end for Patterson but dont expect a lot of scoring from him. Advantage: Kentucky. Oriakhi has promise but Patterson has performance. Centers: Cousins has shown he can be unstoppable at times but against North Carolina also showed his frustration too much at times. Hes had at least three fouls in every game but one, and only shot two for seven against North Carolina. Considering UConns tall timber Cousins will be an interesting player to watch.Gavin Edwards has been another key bench player on previous Husky teams. His point production tripled from last season, mainly because he shoots nothing but dunks and closer, and he is also their best shot blocker. Like Cousins, he is prone to foul trouble but that is due more to his propensity for shot swattage. Advantage: Even, but Cousins can gain an edge if his head stays in the game. Bench: Daniel Orton and Perry Stevenson received huge amounts of praise from Calipari following their performance against North Carolina. Darnell Dodson continued his radar love (39 percent from three this season). Ramon Harris may also see some time due to his defensive efforts he may have the best chance at slowing down Dyson and/or Robinson.UConns bench is, well, thin. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel is the only player that doesnt start who averages double figures in minutes, and if he keeps his membership in the bricklayers union (26 percent from the field), his minutes may decrease. The bottom line is that the starters have to stay on the floor and Calhoun has to hope for any production from his bench when the starters need a break. Advantage: Kentucky. Its not even close. Coaches: To hear Calipari talk his charges arent fit enough to be considered an elite team. In a related story Lou Holtz has been writing Caliparis speeches to the press. True, the turnovers continue to be a problem but theres such a bevy of talent on this team that its hard to believe they wont be a well-oiled machine sooner than later.Calhoun wont hesitate to tell you what he really thinks. He is New England to the bone and is very close to having an undefeated team this season. These Huskies have heeded the call on defense but he needs to develop one or two players off the bench or else this team will be sapped come March. Advantage: Even. This game isnt going to come down to a chess match between the minds on the bench. It will be decided on execution. Prediction: UConn will give the Cats everything they can handle on defense. Physically they match up well and even Wall may not be able to have his way all the time in this game. But considering the likely physical battle, expect the Huskies to feel the effects of foul trouble toward the end. Kentucky, 70-61. .