As we start the month of May, September feels like a distant entity we do not want to discuss. The weather in Wisconsin is just starting to improve, and school is about to finish. No one wants to think about the doldrums of fall, apparently including the General Manager of the Packers Ted Thompson.

This column is not designed (exclusively) to bash Thompson for his handling of the NFL draft. After the last two seasons, I’ve acquired enough faith in Thompson that I give him the benefit of the doubt; at least to see how his choices perform throughout next season. The question is, when the Packers starts play in September, will anyone be watching.

As May begins, the Milwaukee Brewers have the best record in baseball. Let me repeat that, as I thought I would never have an opportunity to say it; the Brewers = best overall record in baseball! The Brewers have always excelled in April, but this year there is a sense it may be their year. They might finally get back to the playoffs, and even have a chance to contend for a pennant.

So assuming both teams continue along their current trajectory, what happens when they vie for our attention in the moth of September?

The Brewers and Packers both approached this off-season with hope, feeling they could be contenders in 2007. The Brewers had an abundance of talent in their farm system, but still chose to add pitcher Jeff Supan to the team. Supan became the Brewers highest paid free agent signing in the history of the club. Not a bad addition for a small market team with a limited budget.

The Brewers also tried to trade Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench during the off-season. The Brewers had an abundance of outfielders and felt one or both were expendable. When no worthy offers came in for either player, Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin decided to keep both, adding depth to the squad and hoping the competition would make both players better. Going into the game today against the cardinals, Mench is batting .324, while an-favorite Jenkins is hitting a team-best .365 and is second on the team with five home runs.

The Packers started slow, but finished strong in 2006. Brett Favre agreed to come back for another season, and Packer fans felt that with a couple pieces the Packers could seriously contend in the playoffs.

Then free agency started. Tailback Ahman Green left for a better deal in Texas, as did TE David Martin in Florida. Like usual, Thompson did nothing as free agents flew off the board. Thompson decided to be a spectator as legitimate starting running backs were being traded for pennies on the dollar. The draft would be the saving grace; but it wasn’t.

Thompson continues to “build for the future,” but what is the point of building for later if you are not around to enjoy it? Thompson is like a guy playing rap poker with his friends. He was dealt three 10’s and an ace. Rather then rap immediately and stand a good chance to win the pot, he continues to pull cards out of the deck in hopes of getting the fourth 10. With one or two players, the Packers could contend this year, but Ted refuses to admit it.

What it comes down to for Thompson is what have you done for the fans. They choose with their dollars if your team is successful by attending games and increasing their ratings on television. Maybe Thompson thinks he does not need to pander to his fan base since it is one of the most loyal in all of sports.

So when the leaves start to change, and the cool winds blow off the lake, what will the people of Wisconsin be watching? I can already tell you where my loyalties lie.