The Thursday Ten

Long before Barbara Walters started her thing, the BTB was well know for running their infamous "10 Most Fascinating Athletes". Apparently the theme isn't the only thing Babs ripped us off on, as I'm told her special also runs tonight.

So here then is this weeks Thursday Ten, the Ten Most Fascinating Athletes (WI) of 2008

Honorable Mention:
Seth McClung
Salomon Torres
Bret Bielema
John Clay
John Hammond

10. Russell Branyan

Oh Russell the Muscle, how Wisconsin loved you. I've never seen so much of a love affair with such a one trick pony before. Partially due to Bill Hall's suckiness and partially due to his ability to sock moonshot dingers, people just clamoured for this guy to get the call. When he did, he didn't disappoint, socking dingers at a Bondsesque rate until getting sidelined with an injury. He saved the Brewers season in June, for that the state is eternally thankful to him.

9. Jerel McNeal

An above average player at best, McNeal was largely known for his defensive abilities. Then the NCAA tournament happened and McNeal exploded, finally grabbing the torch of leading option from the highly overrated Dominic James. McNeal is definitely an interesting player to keep your eye on in 2009.

8. Dale Svuem

Not all that well thought of as a third base coach, Sveum took over as manager of the team and was instantly beloved. By leading the team to the playoffs, although you could argue little of it was because of him, Sveum cemented his place in the Wisconsin Cult Icon Hall of Fame.

7. Ned Yost

Rarely have you seen coaches hated as much as Ned was. I can only think of one name in this state people hate more, although in Ned's case he was universally hated. To get fired with only 12 games remaining in a season which that team made the playoffs is just unheard of.

6. Ryan Braun

Signed the richest contract in Brewers history, voted as a starter into the All-Star game, photo shoot with Marissa Miller...what doesn't this guy do? He's sure to replace Brett Favre as the face of Wisconsin sports.

5. Yovani Gallardo

An unbelievable talent. Gallardo came back from a blown out knee after just FOUR MONTHS! Unreal. The guy has all the makings of a staff ace and is one of the premier young pitchers in baeball.

4. Aaron Rodgers

Taking over for arguably the greatest athlete in Wisconsin history, Rodgers had a world of expectations placed on him. Rodgers didn't make one misstep all off season and handled the situation as best he could, or anyone could. His play this season speaks for itself, Rodgers is a potential Pro-Bowl QB and one of the better young talents at his position in the NFL.

3. Brett Favre

Retired, unretired. Traded to the Jets. After Brett Favre was traded out of Green Bay, all you can say is never say never. After starting slowing with the Jets, Favre has things rolling and is leading the Jets towards the playoffs.

2. CC Sabathia

For three months, this man owned Wisconsin. The way this State took to him was unprecendented. In the end, Sabathia was every bit as good as promised, propelling the Crew to the playoffs for the first time in 26 years. Sure they gave up Matt LaPorta for him, and are bound to lose him any day now, but man was it worth it.

1. Ted Thompson

Ted Thompson will forever be remembered as the guy who traded Brett Favre. No matter how awkward a position he was put in (believe what you want) or that he was right on Aaron Rodgers, his legacy will be that he traded away a legend. Thompson was a lightening-rod for criticism before he traded Favre, for not being very active in free agency and overvaluing draft picks. All that aside, the summer of 2008 sealed his spot atop this list.

Ted Thompson, the most fascinating (interesting, hated) man in Wisconsin sports, 2008.