Nobody asked but …

- Most NBA prognosticators, understandably, aren't projecting the Milwaukee Bucks as a playoff team this season, considering the Bucks won just 26 games last season.

I respectfully disagree.

The addition of Richard Jefferson should be a godsend to the Bucks and, in particular, to Michael Redd, who shouldn't draw as many doubles teams now.

I've also been thoroughly impressed by how the Bucks have responded so positively to new coach Scott Skiles' emphasis on defense and moving the ball.

To me - even though they have yet to play a regular-season game - the Bucks already are a vastly improved team that will, yes, make the playoffs.

- Did you know that after 39 games as Green Bay Packers' coach Mike McCarthy's record is 25-14. After his first 39 games as Packers coach, Mike Sherman, McCarthy's predecessor, had a 27-12 record.

- As of Monday afternoon, Milwaukee Brewers officials had yet to present CC Sabathia's handlers with a contract offer. Can someone tell me what they're waiting for?

- If you pay close attention to college football, and especially recruiting, you obviously aren't startled by the University of Wisconsin's free fall this season.

That's because Bret Bielema and Co. have done a less than commendable job on the recruiting front. One prep analyst told me two years ago that Bielema not only failed to garner most of his A-list targets that year but missed out on many of his B-list ones as well.

- I could care less which college football team wins the national championship, but if I did, I would pull for Penn State, hoping legendary coach Joe Paterno then retires.

The 81-year-old Paterno not only is college football's all-time winningest coach with 376 wins but he also has achieved his success by running a virtually squeaky-clean program with honest-to-goodness student-athletes.

You also have to love Paterno's devotion to Penn State. He and his wife, Sue, have contributed more than $4 million to university projects.

- If there's a better defensive back in the NFL than Charles Woodson, I'd like to know who it is. Woodson has been absolutely amazing this season, consistently shutting down his receiver. Just ask Indianapolis' talented Reggie Wayne, who was no where to be found Sunday at Lambeau Field.

- Kudos to Brewers general manager Doug Melvin for not bringing back Dale Sveum. Melvin wants to win now, and that's why he wants a proven manager and isn't willing to take any chances on someone who needs on-the-job training.

Of course, Melvin, who should be Major League Baseball's Executive of the Year in-waiting, doesn't need my help picking the Brewers' next manager, but my choice would be William "Buck" Showalter, a two-time Manager of the Year who is an excellent communicator.

- While Melvin is about the present, Packers GM Ted Thompson is always about the future.

Thompson's philosophy was vividly reflected once again last week when he refused to give the Kansas City Chiefs a second-round draft pick for Tony Gonzalez, arguably the best tight end ever who, even at 32, has several highly-productive years left in him.

But I certainly understand why Thompson didn't cave in and surrender a second-round pick. I mean Thompson showed everyone how precious those late second-round picks are when he drafted running back Brandon Jackson two years ago.

Yeah, the same Brandon Jackson who rushed for 267 yards last season and has a whopping 104 yards this season and who'll never, ever be a starter - much less a difference-maker like Gonzalez.

- With a break or two, the Chicago Bears could easily be 7-0. Their three losses have been by a combined eight points.

- Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler of Racine will be making two appearances against the Bucks this season at the Bradley Center.

The first game is Wednesday, Nov. 5, and the second game is Saturday, Feb. 28.

The Bucks have reduced prices for the two "Racine Community Nights with the Bucks" games. Lower-level seats, which are usually $51, have been reduced to $36; $29 upper-level seats are $16 and $24 upper-level seats are $11.

Besides the ticket discount, Bucks officials are allowing fans from Racine early entrance to the Bradley Center, where they'll be allowed to sit courtside during warm-ups.

Racine fans also will be given the opportunity to step onto the Bradley Center floor after the game and shoot a free throw.

For more information, call Tom Demeter at (414) 227-0584.

- Jay Glazer of Fox Sports broke the story on Brett Favre deciding to retire.

Glazer also broke the story on Favre being traded to the NY Jets.

Glazer broke the story on Favre allegedly giving inside trader information to the Detroit Lions.

Can you imagine how many stories Glazer would break if he covered the Packers full time?

- Jack Zduriencik has told me on a couple of occasions that his professional dream is to become a general manager.

Here's hoping the Seattle Mariners make Zduriencik's dream come true, although it would be a tremendous loss for the Brewers to lose their talent guru whose draft gems include Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and J.J. Hardy among others.

Zduriencik was interviewed by Mariners executives last Monday and Friday. The Mariners are expected to make a decision within the next two days.

- There have been a bunch of books about Favre, but you know the best one is yet to come.

Gery Woelfel is a sports reporter for The Journal Times. Gery can be reached by calling (262) 634-3322, extension 322, or by e-mail at gery.woelfel@lee.net Gery's "Woelfel World of Sports" blogs can be read at www.journaltimes.com