In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates grapple with the Chicago Cubs hiring Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell — for a record-setting salary no less. 

“It’s a big loss for the Brewers. And a master stroke for the Cubs. How often does anybody say that?” asks Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “You help yourself and hurt a rival with one move.” 

Lucas is not impressed by the shortlist to replace Counsell.

“There’s not one name that does anything for me,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “How about (fired Cubs manager) David Ross? He’s available.” 

Also on the show, the Wisconsin Badgers’ much-hyped shift to an air raid offense just isn’t working. 

“They’ve lost the power running game that made Wisconsin famous,” says Oates. “But they haven’t really developed the air raid attack that they were going to bring in to revolutionize Wisconsin football. I think they are stuck in the middle.” 

The two veteran journalists also discuss the Green Bay Packers’ lackluster win over the Los Angeles Rams. Lucas admits he misses Aaron Rodgers. 

“At times, Rodgers could be such a pain in the butt,” says Lucas. “But I miss his theatrics and shenanigans and him being the smartest guy anywhere. I miss him, especially on the field.”

Finally, Lucas and Oates remember Indiana legend Bobby Knight … the good and the bad. 

“Clearly as a basketball coach, he was so far ahead of the game. His motion offense changed the game of basketball for 40 years,” says Oates. “It saddens me that he was such a bully, such a controversial guy, and so rude to so many people. He could have been a real leader.” 

The Wisconsin Sportscast is a Cap Times podcast featuring two of the state's most experienced sports journalists. It is produced by Dylan Brogan. Find The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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