Welcome to Saturday Scorecard. We know you're psyched about watching the Packers in the playoffs. But, you don't want to peak too early today. Enjoy this column before you attack the salty snacks and dive into the chicken wings.

On to the notes ...

Man in the middle: The Brewers' signing of free agent centerfielder Mike Cameron isn't the type of transaction that will cause a stampede at the ticket window. It was, however, heartwarming to see the local club outbid the Yankees for a free agent.

Cameron, who turned 35 Tuesday, has a reputation as a hard worker and an excellent teammate. He also is a terrific defensive player joining a club that hasn't had a Gold Glove winner since Robin Yount in 1982. Cameron's high strikeout total is a concern, but if he plays above-average defense and puts up his usual offensive numbers -- 20 homers and 20 steals -- he will be fine. Anything less and Brewers fans will be comparing him to Jeffrey Hammonds, even though Cameron's deal is only for one year and between $6 million and $7 million.

Contract aside, this was a bold move for general manager Doug Melvin because the Brewers decided to move Bill Hall to third base and Ryan Braun to left field. We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Before he catches his first fly ball, Braun is closer to being a competent outfielder than he is a competent third baseman.

It was also an interesting transaction because Cameron must sit out the first 25 games after testing positive for a banned stimulant. It's doubtful that previous regimes would have taken a player with that baggage. The Brewers now have two, with Cameron and Eric Gagne, who will have to address his appearance in the Mitchell Report before spring training begins.

Much ado: The most overcovered story in Wisconsin sports this week was Brett Favre's trip to the ice cream parlor with his daughters, who apparently want him to play next season, and his subsequent phone call to Al Jones of the Biloxi Sun-Herald.

The way Favre and the Packers have played this season, most fans figured that his return was inevitable. While Favre's return is no doubt good news for Mike McCarthy and his staff, the coach didn't seem thrilled with the timing and probably secretly wishes that Favre would lose Jones' phone number.

Wild man: The most undercovered story in Wisconsin sports this week didn't take place in Wisconsin. Craig Leipold's purchase of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, at a reported cost of $260 million, torpedoes any chance that he will succeed Herb Kohl as owner of the Bucks.

Leipold, who sold the Nashville Predators earlier this year, has told friends for a long time that he loves hockey and wasn't interested in the NBA. Some diehard Bucks fans were holding on to hope that he'd change his mind.

Tundra talk: Every time the Packers enlist the help of fans to shovel snow at Lambeau Field, I wonder how many people show up expecting to pay $8 an hour for the privilege before finding out that they actually get paid.

Alumni news: A pair of former Wisconsin hockey players marked milestones on Tuesday.

Chris Chelios became the second-oldest player in NHL history. When he took the ice at 45 years, 348 days he passed Moe Roberts and moved into second behind Gordie Howe, (52 years, 6 days).

On the same night, 20-year-old Jack Skille scored his first big-league goal for the Blackhawks, who lost to Montreal in overtime, 4-3. Former Wisconsin player Rene Bourque assisted on the play.

Breaking news: Several gambling parlors in Las Vegas have installed the Packers as 3-to-1 favorite to outscore the St. Louis University basketball team. The Billikens scored 20 points Thursday night, setting an NCAA record.

Gentlemen, start your appetite: The Milwaukee Mile has a new wrinkle this season. The historic speedway will offer an all-you-can eat section. For as low as $40, fans will get a ticket to the Turn Four Terrace and unlimited brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and pickles as well as Coca-Cola and Miller products.

Jammin': Former Wisconsin star Scott Roth resigned his post as a scout and special assistant to Bucks general manager Larry Harris on Friday in order to become coach of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.