Is anyone besides me surprised that Ned Yost has not yet been replaced? After the great start in '07, only to finish with a lack-luster end, I was willing to give Ned the benefit of the doubt for another year. As a manager of a young team, you will have ups and downs. However, after last season, the expectations were raised. This team has a great group of talent. What appears to be missing is a lack of focus and leadership.

Anyone who's watched much of the Brewers last year knows that Ned tends to give his players the benefit of the doubt; allowing them to stay in the game to work through issues. Sometimes this works. Overwhelmingly though, especially with pitching, it does not. Dave Bush has very limited success after 6 innings. If he has the lead going into the 7th inning, take your chances with the bull pen. At the very least, have someone warming up so when he struggles with the first three people he faces, it doesn't take 3 more runs to get someone in the game. Sure Bush could improve on a few things, but it's the manager's job to actually manage the game and put the team in a position to win. This happens time and time again. Carlos V had the same problem in Boston yesterday. Even Sheets was hung out to dry last week in what can be describe as hideous 7th inning.

After continuing to slide, it's time the team makes a change. Yost should be that change. I don't have the answer for who should be the replacement. I really don't think anyone could do much worse. It should be someone who won't be buddy-buddy with the players, but who the players see as someone in authority.

Bye Bye Ned!