After a memorable 2008 season that saw the Milwaukee Brewers make the Playoffs for the first time since 1982, expectations for the 2009 season were mixed.

Many people thought the Brewers wouldn't have enough pitching to make a return trip, while others thought their bats would carry them to the promised land for a second straight year.

The Brewers are about to begin a nine-game home stand that will see them try and regain first place after being overtaken by the St. Louis Cardinals.

If you read my stories very often you know my history. I've been a diehard Atlanta Braves fan for 20-plus years. But I am first and foremost a baseball fan. I love the game of baseball.

I've watched many of the greats play this wonderful game.

That said, I decided to compile a starting lineup of my favorite non-Braves of all time. The players included are guys that stand out in my mind as guys who played the game the right way, were professional, and guys that I just enjoyed watching play.

We keep hearing that many teams simply will not have the budget to take on the salary of some of the players that non-contending teams will want to move at MLB's trade deadline.

Yet, I'm sure that there will be some opportunistic ball clubs that take advantage of this year's lack of competition.

There may be some bargains to be had, especially if many teams stick to filling gaps from within.

Look, it's the law of supply and demand at work. If I have a player and there are multiple teams interested, it will surely drive up the price.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella may have forgotten the one universal rule that exists in professional sports. 

For a reminder of that one rule, let's ask our friend Herm Edwards his opinion of why professional sports are played. 

Edwards, the former Head Coach of the New York Jets, gained fame for his legendary comment during a post-game interview.

"You play to win the game."

Thanks for the obvious, Herm.

Who out there still thinks Major League Baseball is genuinely troubled by steroids and performance-enhancing drugs?

I hope not too many hands are being raised.

Don't get me wrong—MLB knows it has a problem on its hands and PEDs are the source, but the suits only believe the issue to be skin-deep. It's a matter of public relations damage control and nothing else.

Spin.

Moral obligation to society? Ethical duty to protect the record books?

How about health? Sanctity? The kids? Surely you can't be serious.