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Brewers in the NIT Tournament

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OK, perhaps that's a mixed metaphor, but as both Spring Training and March Madness are upon us, I couldn't help but make the correlation. Permit me to set the scene...

My alma mater San Diego State University was one of highest-rated teams left out of the big tournament. For those who don't follow Aztecs hoops, their season can be summarized thusly: won the regular season conference crown handily, but had some head-scratching losses along the way, and then choked in the conference tournament. So fair or not, Steve Fisher and the boys were relegated to the "junior" tourney, the NIT. Today the local San Diego sports radio meatheads were up in arms, saying that even if the Aztecs win the NIT, it's not cause for celebration. And that's what got me thinking...

Hope springs eternal, but pretty much all reasonable Brewers fans are preparing for a tough 2016 season. There is virtually zero hope we'll be even within hailing distance of playoff contention come September (if not sooner). But does that mean we shouldn't or wouldn't celebrate lesser goals being met?

For example, if most are expecting something close to a 100-loss season, why in the world wouldn't a .500+ season not be cause for dancing in the streets? (literal or figurative... your choice). While a 4th place finish is likely (suck it, Cincinnati), why wouldn't we be jazzed up over a surprise 3rd place finish? One or more players we picked up for peanuts to be placeholders whilst we wait for the hot prospects to arrive overachieve and have above-average seasons? Cheer until your throat hurts!

The Aztecs would certainly prefer to be not only a part of the "main" NCAA tourney, but a reasonable candidate to win it all. Likewise the Brewers would like to NOT be in rebuilding mode and have a good shot at the playoffs/championship this season. But when you're dating this temperamental vixen called "reality", perhaps it's best to keep your expectations tempered, and make the best of whatever the situation has provided you.

Let's go Aztecs! (and Brewers)