Well it doesn't get much more depressing than this. Brewers got swept by the Pirates putting us behind the Cards by 9 and a half games now. Who by the way those Cardinals just picked up a Hall of Fame arm in Jon Smoltz. We have now dropped to four games below .500 and I have officially lost all hope for this season. Maybe it doesn't help that I'm listening to "Hurt" by Johnny Cash and the only two distractions I've had in the sports world in the past week have been Vick not signing with the Packers and Brett Favre signing with the Packers. I have less hatred towards Ted Thompson now though since the news has broken that McNabb has taken Vick under his wing. It seems as though the Eagles were just so determined to pick up Vick that T squared had no chance, at least that's what I'm telling myself. As for Favre, we all saw it coming and nobody can very surprised at all. The only thing I hope for more than a Packers' Superbowl victory this year is for the Vikings to pull a 2009 Detroit Lions this year.
Can you tell I'm putting off talking about the Brewers? It feels like the lowest point all season to me and for the first time I have zero hope of us making the playoffs. We're just way too far out of any the races and we still don't have any starting pitching to help us make a tremendous run. As I mentioned above, the already stocked Cardinals added Smoltz to apparently bolster their bullpen or make starts, I have no clue. All I know is if they can get anything out of them it's going to help them a lot. The self-proclaimed "best baseball fans" who live in St. Louis have a lot to look forward to this October it seems.
The wildcard which the Brewers enjoyed last year is out of reach as well. We're eight and a half games behind the leading Rockies for that spot and an additional four teams are above us as well. It is going to take a lot of solo Prince Fielder home runs for us to surmount a comeback that great. I say solo because bug-eyed Braun gets picked off every third time he's on the basepaths. How has noone in the dugout told him to just stand right on the bag from now on while Prince is hitting? I feel bad for Prince. He is a much better player than what he is getting right now from the rest of the team. I don't expect us to trade him next year unless we throw in the towel extremely soon. He will however be traded before his contract runs out because I would be extremely surprised if Attanasio if willing to pay him what he wants and deserves. Assuming that to be the case we need to get some quality value for him from another team.
There was one bright spot over the last few days. The Mariners picked up Bill Hall because of their own injuries at third in exchange for a minor leauge pitcher. It's funny to see how much the Mariners have turned into the Brewers of a couple years ago because of Zduriencik being the new GM there. Of course there's a downside to this deal and that's that the Crew agreed to pay nearly the rest of Hall's $10.5 million salary that is still owed to him.
So that's where the Brewers stand, rebuilding once again. Hopefully the rest of the season will be entertaining to at least watch how some of those younger faces perform. If not it's less than four weeks away from football season to distract me from my Brewers blues.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hnarrative
After discussing with several Brewer fan’s over the past about the prospects of the rest of the season the overwhelming response seems to be that it’s over. Those who still do have hope of a possible playoff run are very reserved on the actuality of that glorious event. You can definitely stick me in that latter camp, and I’m proud to be there. Of course most sports fans have a very short-term memory and after watching them drop two of three to the Padres (again), it was very easy to throw The Crew under the bus. Especially when in the one game you win you score 12 runs and still almost give it up because of poor pitching. The important thing though is that it goes down as a win and helped to propel us to the first three game winning streak since the middle of June.
It is largely due in part to these mighty struggles over the last several weeks that I have so much hope. I truly believe that we are a better team than we have shown over that time. The fact that we are still within striking distance of the Cardinals makes me so happy. We have a lot of games left against them, as well as the Cubs, and it would be very easy for us to close the gap during September. A friend of mine was expressing her hope that we would sweep the Cards for the rest of our season series against them. Although I find that extremely improbable and nearly impossible, it definitely is true that we can make some hay against them. Of course, it was my expectation we were going to be winning a lot of games and series since the All-Star break to where we stand today and I’ve been terribly wrong, but that optimism cannot leave me.
It is that same optimism that has led me over the last couple weeks to grow so excited about the changes our bullpen has experienced. I think Weathers is a tremendous set-up man and Vargas put together some great innings for us. After watching Weathers blow the game on Sunday, losing the chance for a series sweep, most would lose faith, but not me. This is due part to my optimism still, but more so my stubbornness that I was right about Weathers being a great set-up man. I don’t blame Weathers for giving up that two run homer. He pitched a good at-bat against Pence, and Pence hit a pitchers pitch for a home run. It was an impressive show by Hunter, and not much Weathers could have done about it. I was reading another blog in which the author suggested we should have given Pence a free pass to first and pitched to Pudge instead. That type of strategy is so stupid and will not work for you in most situations since you’re putting the go ahead run on first (and Pence has good speed to). I think that author also greatly underestimates Pudge, who is still a rather good hitter with decent power.
At any rate we’re eight games back and below .500. If the Brewers struggle any longer to win series and in all honesty begin to sweep some teams I’m afraid I’ll have the jump off the playoff prospective bandwagon. That has not happened so far though, so let’s just go out and continue our dominance over the Pirates. Oh, and screw you Thompson, I hope you enjoy watching the Eagles in the Superbowl this year, jackass.
It is largely due in part to these mighty struggles over the last several weeks that I have so much hope. I truly believe that we are a better team than we have shown over that time. The fact that we are still within striking distance of the Cardinals makes me so happy. We have a lot of games left against them, as well as the Cubs, and it would be very easy for us to close the gap during September. A friend of mine was expressing her hope that we would sweep the Cards for the rest of our season series against them. Although I find that extremely improbable and nearly impossible, it definitely is true that we can make some hay against them. Of course, it was my expectation we were going to be winning a lot of games and series since the All-Star break to where we stand today and I’ve been terribly wrong, but that optimism cannot leave me.
It is that same optimism that has led me over the last couple weeks to grow so excited about the changes our bullpen has experienced. I think Weathers is a tremendous set-up man and Vargas put together some great innings for us. After watching Weathers blow the game on Sunday, losing the chance for a series sweep, most would lose faith, but not me. This is due part to my optimism still, but more so my stubbornness that I was right about Weathers being a great set-up man. I don’t blame Weathers for giving up that two run homer. He pitched a good at-bat against Pence, and Pence hit a pitchers pitch for a home run. It was an impressive show by Hunter, and not much Weathers could have done about it. I was reading another blog in which the author suggested we should have given Pence a free pass to first and pitched to Pudge instead. That type of strategy is so stupid and will not work for you in most situations since you’re putting the go ahead run on first (and Pence has good speed to). I think that author also greatly underestimates Pudge, who is still a rather good hitter with decent power.
At any rate we’re eight games back and below .500. If the Brewers struggle any longer to win series and in all honesty begin to sweep some teams I’m afraid I’ll have the jump off the playoff prospective bandwagon. That has not happened so far though, so let’s just go out and continue our dominance over the Pirates. Oh, and screw you Thompson, I hope you enjoy watching the Eagles in the Superbowl this year, jackass.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
An Early Edition of Friday's Hnarrative
When I woke up Wednesday morning and heard on the radio about the biggest one day shakeup the entire year I was ecstatic. Although the Brewers may be a far ways from being mathematically out of the playoffs the realistic window is closing fast. As far as the major league roster is concerned, Bill Hall was moved to assignment and Hardy was sent down to AAA. I’m looking forward to checking out the new faces we’ve moved up in Escobar, Iribarren, and Bourgeois. Including another probable major league stint from Gamel in the closing months of the 2009 season we will get a great chance to see the future of the Brewers. This excitement is bittersweet however knowing that even though Melvin claims this not a “white flag,” it’s about as close as you can get. Either way it should generate excitement and more profit for the rest of the season, which I’ll continue to patiently wait to be applied to our player payroll. The final part of the Wednesday shakeup was the firing of the Brewers pitching coach, Billy Castro. If you would like to know my feelings on this move I suggest reading my Wednesday Hnarration. Instead I’d like to focus on the roster moves that took place.
Let’s start with Bill Hall. If any team is desperate enough to pick up his large contract what a plus. It’s rather clear that Hall had worn out his welcome in Milwaukee over the past two years or so. Over that time Hall’s role has regressed from a clutch hitter and a mainstay in the starting lineup to a lackluster defensive replacement. Although our former Mother’s Day savior did have success clutch hitting this year, it felt like he couldn’t get a hit in the first 6 innings of a ball game. When you get excited about a walk from a player so you don’t have to witness him swing a bat that player has got to be awful. It’s fairly clear that even though results are supposed to drive whether or not you should stay on the major league roster for the Brewers (just look at Jorge Julio and Brad Nelson); Melvin wanted to give him a real good chance to pull it around to save face on signing Billy to such a bloated contract. Even if he were to stay with the club the rest of the year he would just waste away on our bench like he has all year long. I would much rather get a chance to see the aforementioned younger faces in pinch hitting roles and spot starts. I do have to give props to The Doorman (you can see him behind the visiting dugouts the majority of Miller Park games) for supporting Hall by wearing his jersey to last night game. My respect for The Doorman grew once again with that move.
Now onto the case of the tough luck of JJ Hardy. He has had a heck of a grind this season. If you look back it would be tough to find at-bats where Hardy would give away an out. He had a ton of hard hit balls which went right an outfielder or to the left side of the infield. In addition to that his defense is still above par and is blessed with one of the strongest arms on the team. After watching him this year I have no reason to believe he will not be a major leaguer for a long time to come still. Whether or not the majority of those years are spent in a Brewers uniform remains to be seen and is dependent on a lot of variables. As far as the short term is considered, we can only hope JJ will be able to loosen up, get hot at the plate, and return to the Brewers soon to provide us with some offense he has been unable to produce so far this season. That will only matter if the Brewers are still in the playoff race by the time his run at Nashville over, which is definitely not a known fact. Either way it will be interesting to see what our infield will look like next year assuming Gamel and Escobar perform up to their expectations in addition to Hardy, the return of Weeks, McGeehee, and very possibly Bill Hall.
That’s all I got for you today. You’re only required to read on if you’re Ted Thompson. I would like repeat my convictions I voiced on Wednesday about Vick. He would provide a wonderful backup to Rodgers would get hurt and just imagine all of options you could have on offense with both Vick and Rodgers on the field at the same time. If you want to know how powerful we would be just consider if you were facing that as a defense and how difficult it would be to make a game plan for that. I know he’s got baggage, but I think it is over exaggerated from what it actually will be considering how hard Vick seems to be trying to rectify his atrocious acts. Thanks Ted.
Let’s start with Bill Hall. If any team is desperate enough to pick up his large contract what a plus. It’s rather clear that Hall had worn out his welcome in Milwaukee over the past two years or so. Over that time Hall’s role has regressed from a clutch hitter and a mainstay in the starting lineup to a lackluster defensive replacement. Although our former Mother’s Day savior did have success clutch hitting this year, it felt like he couldn’t get a hit in the first 6 innings of a ball game. When you get excited about a walk from a player so you don’t have to witness him swing a bat that player has got to be awful. It’s fairly clear that even though results are supposed to drive whether or not you should stay on the major league roster for the Brewers (just look at Jorge Julio and Brad Nelson); Melvin wanted to give him a real good chance to pull it around to save face on signing Billy to such a bloated contract. Even if he were to stay with the club the rest of the year he would just waste away on our bench like he has all year long. I would much rather get a chance to see the aforementioned younger faces in pinch hitting roles and spot starts. I do have to give props to The Doorman (you can see him behind the visiting dugouts the majority of Miller Park games) for supporting Hall by wearing his jersey to last night game. My respect for The Doorman grew once again with that move.
Now onto the case of the tough luck of JJ Hardy. He has had a heck of a grind this season. If you look back it would be tough to find at-bats where Hardy would give away an out. He had a ton of hard hit balls which went right an outfielder or to the left side of the infield. In addition to that his defense is still above par and is blessed with one of the strongest arms on the team. After watching him this year I have no reason to believe he will not be a major leaguer for a long time to come still. Whether or not the majority of those years are spent in a Brewers uniform remains to be seen and is dependent on a lot of variables. As far as the short term is considered, we can only hope JJ will be able to loosen up, get hot at the plate, and return to the Brewers soon to provide us with some offense he has been unable to produce so far this season. That will only matter if the Brewers are still in the playoff race by the time his run at Nashville over, which is definitely not a known fact. Either way it will be interesting to see what our infield will look like next year assuming Gamel and Escobar perform up to their expectations in addition to Hardy, the return of Weeks, McGeehee, and very possibly Bill Hall.
That’s all I got for you today. You’re only required to read on if you’re Ted Thompson. I would like repeat my convictions I voiced on Wednesday about Vick. He would provide a wonderful backup to Rodgers would get hurt and just imagine all of options you could have on offense with both Vick and Rodgers on the field at the same time. If you want to know how powerful we would be just consider if you were facing that as a defense and how difficult it would be to make a game plan for that. I know he’s got baggage, but I think it is over exaggerated from what it actually will be considering how hard Vick seems to be trying to rectify his atrocious acts. Thanks Ted.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Padres v. Brewers Game 2 Lineups
Here are the lineups for tonight's game. The infield is as predicted in my earlier post as Escobar is not in from Nashville yet.
Brewers
2B Felipe Lopez
SS Craig Counsell
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
CF Mike Cameron
3B Casey McGehee
RF Frank Catalanotto
C Jason Kendall
RHP Carlos Villanueva
Padres
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
2B David Eckstein
1B Adrian Gonzalez
LF Chase Headley
RF Will Venable
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff
C Henry Blanco
SS Everth Cabrera
RHP Kevin Correia
Padres v. Brewers Game 2
Well. It certainly has been quite a day for the Brewers and the Brewers fans. As the posts below will tell you, the Brewers have sent JJ Hardy to the minors, DFA Bill Hall and fired pitching coach Bill Castro and brought up Alcides Escobar (SS) and Jason Bourgeois (OF). But you already knew that.
The lineups have not been posted yet, but Ken Macha said in the press conference today that Escobar will not play today. I'm going to speculate that Lopez will be at 2B, Counsell at SS and McGehee at 3B today, unless Macha for some reason puts in Iribarren.
Funny enough, all those roster moves today are really irrelevant (besides the firing of Castro) because its the Brewer's pitching staff that needs help. We have a matchup of Carlos Villanueva (2-9 ERA - 6.05) vs. Kevin Correia (7-9 ERA - 4.51).
I don't want want to link anyone else's stories because its basically already been done by Nate today and I've had enough of reading all the negativity and such.
Lineups should be out soon and hopefully I get them up before the game starts.
The lineups have not been posted yet, but Ken Macha said in the press conference today that Escobar will not play today. I'm going to speculate that Lopez will be at 2B, Counsell at SS and McGehee at 3B today, unless Macha for some reason puts in Iribarren.
Funny enough, all those roster moves today are really irrelevant (besides the firing of Castro) because its the Brewer's pitching staff that needs help. We have a matchup of Carlos Villanueva (2-9 ERA - 6.05) vs. Kevin Correia (7-9 ERA - 4.51).
I don't want want to link anyone else's stories because its basically already been done by Nate today and I've had enough of reading all the negativity and such.
Lineups should be out soon and hopefully I get them up before the game starts.
Casey Goes to Bat for Cerebal Palsy
On a day filled with such grim happenings for the Milwaukee Brewers, it's nice to be able to step back a little and see some good.
The Brewers are currently offering a promotional ticket deal in which the proceeds will go to benefiting the fight against cerebal palsy.
Check out the promotion HERE.
The Brewers are currently offering a promotional ticket deal in which the proceeds will go to benefiting the fight against cerebal palsy.
Check out the promotion HERE.
Melvin Says this Mornings Moves aren't a "White Flag"
Tom Haudricourt spoke to Doug Melvin today about the drastic moves the Crew made this morning.
Here are some hightlights.
Read the entire article HERE.
"We're still focused on winning games," said Melvin. "We're two games below .500 and 6 1/2 games back (in the NL Central). We're not gving up."
"Last night's game was a stinker," said Melvin. "That put me over the edge, I guess."
"Bill Castro's been so good to the organization; that was a tough one," said Melvin. "Billy was familiar with our pitchers so we gave him the chance to be pitching coach but our staff just wasn't performing to the level we thought it should."
"All of these moves are performace bases. I look at myself and maybe I waited too long on some of these. I'm maybe more patient than most people. I try to ride these things out. When you don't see progress, you've got to make moves."
"I talked to J.J.," said Melvin. "I told him he needs to go to Triple-A, relax and have some fun. Mentally, take a breather. That's what Triple-A is for. Maybe he can find something mechanical with his swing."
"I've had a couple of calls about Billy. We're talking with some teams about him. Maybe we can find a team interested in him as an infielder (Hall has been playing RF in Corey Hart's absence). He's not getting playing time in the infield here because of the depth we have there."
"We're all big boys. We understand we're evaluated on performance. Nothing is in the making. Ken is our manager."
Here are some hightlights.
Read the entire article HERE.
"We're still focused on winning games," said Melvin. "We're two games below .500 and 6 1/2 games back (in the NL Central). We're not gving up."
"Last night's game was a stinker," said Melvin. "That put me over the edge, I guess."
"Bill Castro's been so good to the organization; that was a tough one," said Melvin. "Billy was familiar with our pitchers so we gave him the chance to be pitching coach but our staff just wasn't performing to the level we thought it should."
"All of these moves are performace bases. I look at myself and maybe I waited too long on some of these. I'm maybe more patient than most people. I try to ride these things out. When you don't see progress, you've got to make moves."
"I talked to J.J.," said Melvin. "I told him he needs to go to Triple-A, relax and have some fun. Mentally, take a breather. That's what Triple-A is for. Maybe he can find something mechanical with his swing."
"I've had a couple of calls about Billy. We're talking with some teams about him. Maybe we can find a team interested in him as an infielder (Hall has been playing RF in Corey Hart's absence). He's not getting playing time in the infield here because of the depth we have there."
"We're all big boys. We understand we're evaluated on performance. Nothing is in the making. Ken is our manager."
Heads Are Rollings
Tom Haudricourt has dubbed today Black Wednesday. The Brewers have fired their pitching coach and optioned JJ Hardy down to triple AAA.
Check out Anthony Witrado's article HERE.
Check out Tom Haudricourt's article HERE.
Bill Hall Designated for Assignment.
Castro Fired, Hardy Sent Down.
Seems as though today's HNarrative was prophetic.
Check out Anthony Witrado's article HERE.
Check out Tom Haudricourt's article HERE.
Bill Hall Designated for Assignment.
Castro Fired, Hardy Sent Down.
Seems as though today's HNarrative was prophetic.
Wednesday's HNarrative
The HNarrative
By: Sam Hnilicka
Could someone please explain to me why Billy Castro still has a job? I have absolutely nothing against the man Billy Castro, but it is fairly clear that he is not cut out to be a major league pitching coach, especially with as fragile of a staff that the Brewers boast. Our team ERA is a staggering 4.81, which when you consider the NL average ERA to be 4.23, it is clear the Brewers pitching staff has struggled this year, and it definitely has driven up the numbers in our loss column. It is even more concerning when you notice the Brewers team ERA of 4.81 is second to last only to the *gulp* Nationals.
Now of course you can’t put all the blame on Billy Castro. In fact I’m fairly convinced our pitching staff would be in the same shambles no matter who was their pitching coach. But the fact remains that there needs to be some sort of shakeup in order to liven up this staff. When Castro was initially hired I thought that he would be a serviceable replacement for a year or two, and maybe longer if he turned out to be good. He didn’t turn out to be good. Now it’s especially tough to sit here and criticize a man who has been with the Brewers since he was three years old, but just because a man has worked on a GM assembly line for 25 years does that mean he should be promoted to CFO? And if GM’s finances go into the can shouldn’t that CFO be fired?
And what the hell happened to Billy’s familiarity with our existing pitching staff? Gallardo has struggled during portions of the year and most would say he has underperformed his (probably unfairly) high expectations. Parra of course had a terrible couple months before getting rejuvenated down in Nashville, where Billy Castro was far, far away from. Suppan and Bush both performed relatively well in the first half, but have both been hit by the injury bug in recent weeks. And the one guy who Castro did not have that familiarity with, Looper, has done extremely well. You could make the same argument for our bullpen where imports like Coffey and Hoffman have excelled, but Villanueva and McClung have both regressed. It’s clear that for whatever reason most hurlers whom Billy had had previous contact with have floundered, while established veterans have done well.
Just like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting the Brewers have to leave their old running mates behind the dust and move onto a better life. Bill may not be as obnoxious as Ben Affleck, but he certainly holds us back in the same way. As I said at the beginning I like BC as a man but I’m sure that the holy trinity (Doug Melvin, Mark Attanasio, and the wily Ken Macha) would agree that he is not the long term answer for the Brewers pitching coach and they would be wise to get rid of him before the year is over.
Finally I’d like to correct something in my last blog. The brewers only won one series in the stretch I referenced (July 2nd through August 10th). Maybe I did screwed up because I didn’t want to type the following sentence, but here it goes. The Brewers did not win any series in the month of July. Ok, now that I got that bandaid ripped off I’d also like to thank espn.com and baseball-reference.com for providing tons of stats for me to sift through. Before I go, if Ted Thompson is reading this please sign Michael Vick so that our offense would be unstoppable next year? Thanks, and remember, I sided with you over Favre Ted, so you owe me.
By: Sam Hnilicka
Could someone please explain to me why Billy Castro still has a job? I have absolutely nothing against the man Billy Castro, but it is fairly clear that he is not cut out to be a major league pitching coach, especially with as fragile of a staff that the Brewers boast. Our team ERA is a staggering 4.81, which when you consider the NL average ERA to be 4.23, it is clear the Brewers pitching staff has struggled this year, and it definitely has driven up the numbers in our loss column. It is even more concerning when you notice the Brewers team ERA of 4.81 is second to last only to the *gulp* Nationals.
Now of course you can’t put all the blame on Billy Castro. In fact I’m fairly convinced our pitching staff would be in the same shambles no matter who was their pitching coach. But the fact remains that there needs to be some sort of shakeup in order to liven up this staff. When Castro was initially hired I thought that he would be a serviceable replacement for a year or two, and maybe longer if he turned out to be good. He didn’t turn out to be good. Now it’s especially tough to sit here and criticize a man who has been with the Brewers since he was three years old, but just because a man has worked on a GM assembly line for 25 years does that mean he should be promoted to CFO? And if GM’s finances go into the can shouldn’t that CFO be fired?
And what the hell happened to Billy’s familiarity with our existing pitching staff? Gallardo has struggled during portions of the year and most would say he has underperformed his (probably unfairly) high expectations. Parra of course had a terrible couple months before getting rejuvenated down in Nashville, where Billy Castro was far, far away from. Suppan and Bush both performed relatively well in the first half, but have both been hit by the injury bug in recent weeks. And the one guy who Castro did not have that familiarity with, Looper, has done extremely well. You could make the same argument for our bullpen where imports like Coffey and Hoffman have excelled, but Villanueva and McClung have both regressed. It’s clear that for whatever reason most hurlers whom Billy had had previous contact with have floundered, while established veterans have done well.
Just like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting the Brewers have to leave their old running mates behind the dust and move onto a better life. Bill may not be as obnoxious as Ben Affleck, but he certainly holds us back in the same way. As I said at the beginning I like BC as a man but I’m sure that the holy trinity (Doug Melvin, Mark Attanasio, and the wily Ken Macha) would agree that he is not the long term answer for the Brewers pitching coach and they would be wise to get rid of him before the year is over.
Finally I’d like to correct something in my last blog. The brewers only won one series in the stretch I referenced (July 2nd through August 10th). Maybe I did screwed up because I didn’t want to type the following sentence, but here it goes. The Brewers did not win any series in the month of July. Ok, now that I got that bandaid ripped off I’d also like to thank espn.com and baseball-reference.com for providing tons of stats for me to sift through. Before I go, if Ted Thompson is reading this please sign Michael Vick so that our offense would be unstoppable next year? Thanks, and remember, I sided with you over Favre Ted, so you owe me.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Small Ball is for Suckers
In the 9th inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Astros, the Brewers (down 2-0) had runners on first and second with 0 outs and Felipe Lopez at the plate. As the post-game lamentations expressed by my esteemed colleagues indicated, some felt that a sacrifice bunt was in order. With runners on 2nd a 3rd and 1 out, a simple single would tie the game--so the logic goes. But is the logic sound? According to the experts at Baseball Prospectus (as well as several other sabrematricians who have studied the numbers at length), the answer is a resounding "no." The following run expectancy matrix from 2009 illustrates the their reasoning:
The data shows that run expectancy is higher when there are runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs (1.501) compared to runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out (1.426). While the spread fluctuates from year to year, the difference is usually between a half run and a full run (see more here).
Now consider the fact that a sacrifice bunt is not always successful. As this insightful and exhaustive article from the Hardball Times notes, sacrifice bunts fail around 25% of the time (yes, the fail rate is lower when pitchers are taken out of the equation, but the article applies the necessary adjustments and reaches the same conclusion).
As the preceding research (in addition to recent works outlining the extent of the importance of On-base Percentage) demonstrates, voluntarily giving up one your 27 outs is NOT an advisable strategy.
As frustrating as it is see the Brewers squander opportunities with runners on base, giving up outs to move runners over (i.e. small ball) will only decrease the team's run expectancy and exacerbate the problem.
Macha played it right
| # | YEAR | RUNNERS | EXP_R_OUTS_0 | EXP_R_OUTS_1 | EXP_R_OUTS_2 |
| 1. | 2009 | 000 | 0.52028 | 0.28262 | 0.1048 |
| 2. | 2009 | 003 | 1.2938 | 0.9542 | 0.38462 |
| 3. | 2009 | 020 | 1.13062 | 0.69715 | 0.32262 |
| 4. | 2009 | 023 | 2.00907 | 1.42604 | 0.57994 |
| 5. | 2009 | 100 | 0.89166 | 0.54317 | 0.218 |
| 6. | 2009 | 103 | 1.76796 | 1.16954 | 0.55324 |
| 7. | 2009 | 120 | 1.50136 | 0.92994 | 0.45553 |
| 8. | 2009 | 123 | 2.28799 | 1.59077 | 0.77906 |
The data shows that run expectancy is higher when there are runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs (1.501) compared to runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out (1.426). While the spread fluctuates from year to year, the difference is usually between a half run and a full run (see more here).
Now consider the fact that a sacrifice bunt is not always successful. As this insightful and exhaustive article from the Hardball Times notes, sacrifice bunts fail around 25% of the time (yes, the fail rate is lower when pitchers are taken out of the equation, but the article applies the necessary adjustments and reaches the same conclusion).
As the preceding research (in addition to recent works outlining the extent of the importance of On-base Percentage) demonstrates, voluntarily giving up one your 27 outs is NOT an advisable strategy.
As frustrating as it is see the Brewers squander opportunities with runners on base, giving up outs to move runners over (i.e. small ball) will only decrease the team's run expectancy and exacerbate the problem.
Macha played it right
Monday, August 10, 2009
The HNarrative
The HNarrative
By: Sam Hnilicka
After a stretch of baseball played by The Crew which was extremely unbearable to experience many fans are starting to jump ship. Our pitching has been completely obliterated while many of hitters are mired in terrible slumps. Since July 2nd the Brewers have gone 12-18 winning only two series, and only one in the entire month of July. I say do not fear however, being only four games back of the choking Cubs and injury ridden Cards. With nearly 2 months of baseball remaining in front of us there is plenty of time for our Milwaukee club to overtake our division foes and climb atop the National League Central race. One of the most frustrating moments in July was watching the trade deadline go by where The Brewers biggest moves involved a very safe play to sure up second base with a middle of road kind of guy like Felipe Lopez, and adding a reliable and familiar arm in Vargas. Certainly neither move was even close to being as monumental as the CC trade last July, but can you blame Doug Melvin choosing to not mortgage our future so greatly two years in a row?
The most important to remember when judging the Brewers as the stand is that baseball is a game of averages. When you look at players like JJ Hardy, Jason Kendall and, worst of them all, Bill Hall who are performing well below their career numbers I believe they are due for strong finishes to the year. If we begin to see the kind of run production we were expecting from this team it will do wonders to cover up the holes we have with pitching staff, which are far too many due to a combination of injuries and poor offseason management by Doug Melvin. Only adding Braden Looper to a mediocre staff to begin with and providing no depth for spot starts when starters get hurt was an extremely costly oversight to the Brewers overall record this year. Of course guys like Carlos Villanueva and Seth McClung, who were expected to fill that roll, have underachieved a lot, but imagine if Melvin had signed just one more veteran starting pitcher and allowed Parra to mature more in a relieving roll. Our overworked bullpen would probably feel a little less tired and we wouldn’t have had to watch so many gut-wrenching innings of hurlers like Dillard, Burns, Chris Narvenot and Chris Smith.
As I said though, all is not lost. When you reference teams like the Colorado Rockies of 2007 it’s easy to see that if a team gets hot going into September anything is possible. This becomes even more exciting when you look at the track record Ken Macha has had in pulling late season heroics in Oakland. Whether or not his success in Oakland will be repeated in the Brew City has yet to be determined, but I certainly hope to be sitting inside of Miller Park in the middle of October and not for a Billy Joel/Elton John concert.
By: Sam Hnilicka
After a stretch of baseball played by The Crew which was extremely unbearable to experience many fans are starting to jump ship. Our pitching has been completely obliterated while many of hitters are mired in terrible slumps. Since July 2nd the Brewers have gone 12-18 winning only two series, and only one in the entire month of July. I say do not fear however, being only four games back of the choking Cubs and injury ridden Cards. With nearly 2 months of baseball remaining in front of us there is plenty of time for our Milwaukee club to overtake our division foes and climb atop the National League Central race. One of the most frustrating moments in July was watching the trade deadline go by where The Brewers biggest moves involved a very safe play to sure up second base with a middle of road kind of guy like Felipe Lopez, and adding a reliable and familiar arm in Vargas. Certainly neither move was even close to being as monumental as the CC trade last July, but can you blame Doug Melvin choosing to not mortgage our future so greatly two years in a row?
The most important to remember when judging the Brewers as the stand is that baseball is a game of averages. When you look at players like JJ Hardy, Jason Kendall and, worst of them all, Bill Hall who are performing well below their career numbers I believe they are due for strong finishes to the year. If we begin to see the kind of run production we were expecting from this team it will do wonders to cover up the holes we have with pitching staff, which are far too many due to a combination of injuries and poor offseason management by Doug Melvin. Only adding Braden Looper to a mediocre staff to begin with and providing no depth for spot starts when starters get hurt was an extremely costly oversight to the Brewers overall record this year. Of course guys like Carlos Villanueva and Seth McClung, who were expected to fill that roll, have underachieved a lot, but imagine if Melvin had signed just one more veteran starting pitcher and allowed Parra to mature more in a relieving roll. Our overworked bullpen would probably feel a little less tired and we wouldn’t have had to watch so many gut-wrenching innings of hurlers like Dillard, Burns, Chris Narvenot and Chris Smith.
As I said though, all is not lost. When you reference teams like the Colorado Rockies of 2007 it’s easy to see that if a team gets hot going into September anything is possible. This becomes even more exciting when you look at the track record Ken Macha has had in pulling late season heroics in Oakland. Whether or not his success in Oakland will be repeated in the Brew City has yet to be determined, but I certainly hope to be sitting inside of Miller Park in the middle of October and not for a Billy Joel/Elton John concert.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Transcript of the Tuesday Chat with Tom Haudricourt
Maybe you wonder why I post so much from Tom Haudricourt. Maybe you don't. The answer is simple. Haudricourt is the Brewer's beat writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Therefore, he has the most access to the players, managers and front office. It means he spends around 13 hours a day living Brewers Baseball. He is one of the most qualified guys to talk about the Crew, and whether you like him or not, he is pretty damn good at his job and frankly, I like his style.
So, he answered fan questions yesterday. HERE is a link to the transcript.
So, he answered fan questions yesterday. HERE is a link to the transcript.
Fielder v. Mota
Would you be scared if Prince Fielder came sprinting after you?
Uhhh. Yea. Probably.
Los Angeles Sports (CBS affiliate in LA) and Tom Haudricourt have posted footage of Fielder trying to get into the Dodgers clubhouse after last night's game to talk with Mota.
Check out Haudricourt HERE and
Los Angeles Sports HERE.
Take a look at MJS's Brewer's Blog to read what everyone has to say about Prince's apparent "Bum Rush."
My bet? Former teammates and possibly former friends, I'm sure Prince was furious and wanted an explanation. We all know baseball is baseball and retaliation hits are a part of the game, whether your up 14 or tied in the 9th, none-the-less though, if I'm Prince, I probably want to look at Mota and say, "WTF MAN."
or whatever.
Uhhh. Yea. Probably.
Los Angeles Sports (CBS affiliate in LA) and Tom Haudricourt have posted footage of Fielder trying to get into the Dodgers clubhouse after last night's game to talk with Mota.
Check out Haudricourt HERE and
Los Angeles Sports HERE.
Take a look at MJS's Brewer's Blog to read what everyone has to say about Prince's apparent "Bum Rush."
My bet? Former teammates and possibly former friends, I'm sure Prince was furious and wanted an explanation. We all know baseball is baseball and retaliation hits are a part of the game, whether your up 14 or tied in the 9th, none-the-less though, if I'm Prince, I probably want to look at Mota and say, "WTF MAN."
or whatever.
Tom's Twittering Tweets - Starring An A** Kicking
I was going to start today's posts off with the Grind, but after last night's embarrassment/ass kicking/what the F happened, I thought taking a look at Tom Haudricourt's twitter posts during the game might be a little more interesting.
Apparently, Fielder tried to get over to the Dodgers clubhouse after the game to address Mota drilling him. Should be interesting game Wed.
-
I guess Torre felt he had to protect Manny, who was hit by C. Smith. Anyway, there should be some interesting post-game react now.
-
Pretty obvious that Joe Torre had G. Mota drill Fielder as retaliation for Manny being HBP. He had Troncoso warming up with 17-4 lead.
Ramirez cheated in '03. He cheated this year. You have to assume he's a cheater, right? Thus, the previous tweet about testing him.
Ramirez breaks 11-game streak without RBI with HR off Gallardo in 5th. Might be a good idea to drug test him after the game.
Brewers score three against Kuroda in the fifth and are back in the game, trailing, 4-3.
Dodgers scored four in first off Gallardo, who rarely has big hiccups like that, especially early.
-
Apparently, Fielder tried to get over to the Dodgers clubhouse after the game to address Mota drilling him. Should be interesting game Wed.
-
I guess Torre felt he had to protect Manny, who was hit by C. Smith. Anyway, there should be some interesting post-game react now.
-
Pretty obvious that Joe Torre had G. Mota drill Fielder as retaliation for Manny being HBP. He had Troncoso warming up with 17-4 lead.
Ramirez cheated in '03. He cheated this year. You have to assume he's a cheater, right? Thus, the previous tweet about testing him.
Ramirez breaks 11-game streak without RBI with HR off Gallardo in 5th. Might be a good idea to drug test him after the game.
Brewers score three against Kuroda in the fifth and are back in the game, trailing, 4-3.
Dodgers scored four in first off Gallardo, who rarely has big hiccups like that, especially early.
-
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Before the Game Starts Tonight...
Check out what Duk over at Big League Stew wrote about T. Hoff getting the best of ManRam last night. Read it HERE.
A Call to Arms! Well more like for Arms...
No, this post is not about the Brewer's pitching. It probably should be, but it isn't.
This is a call for writers! As stated in the post below this, the next three weeks will be a total revamping for this site. And with it, I want New Writers!
Note: Old Writers, your "jobs" are still secure (Mike, Sam and Shawn).
But here is the deal, if you like to write or study journalism or anything and your a Milwaukee Brewers Fan/Player/Casual Watcher/Lameneter/Slightly engaged viewer/whatever, and think you have something interesting to say about the Crew, whether it be totally erroneous or vitally important, please shoot me and e-mail or some sort of message, and let's figure some shiz out.
Ok?
I need ya,
Nathan Ley
This is a call for writers! As stated in the post below this, the next three weeks will be a total revamping for this site. And with it, I want New Writers!
Note: Old Writers, your "jobs" are still secure (Mike, Sam and Shawn).
But here is the deal, if you like to write or study journalism or anything and your a Milwaukee Brewers Fan/Player/Casual Watcher/Lameneter/Slightly engaged viewer/whatever, and think you have something interesting to say about the Crew, whether it be totally erroneous or vitally important, please shoot me and e-mail or some sort of message, and let's figure some shiz out.
Ok?
I need ya,
Nathan Ley
The Times, They Are A-Changin'
It's been a while. There has been an absence. Of the three or maybe more of you that actually read this blog, perhaps you noticed. Perhaps you didn't.
This blog began as a class assignment for a Sports Journalism class at the University of Iowa. I am proud to say that the content posted here, was given very high marks for it's inclusion of a variety of information from a variety of sources as well as it's creativity in general posts and diversity of topics. It was a large part of the "A" i received in the class.
I would like to continue it, and take it a step further.
For the next three weeks, I will be taking a class on PHP and MySQL in an attempt to turn this into a more legitimate and functioning site with accounts consisting of Administrators, Writers, General Users and Guests. The design will be completely new, and if all goes accordingly, the same and new writers.
So where do we stand now? Our Beloved Brew Crew has fallen upon hard times since the All-Star Break. After entering the break in second place in the NL Central, and only two games back from the Saint Louis Cardinals, the Crew now sit in third place in the division (although technically second due to the tie between the Chicago Cubs and the Cards) and four games back from first. They are 5-5 in their last ten games and have recently dropped series to the Pirates, Braves and Padres, while splitting a four game series with the Washington Nationals.
However, all is not lost! Last night, the Beer Makers hung on to win a 7-6 game against MLB leading Los Angeles Dodgers, in Los Angeles. Sure the Cardinals came up big in getting Matt Holliday while not making any pitching moves themselves, but the Cubs are the Cubs. They choke every year, something Cub faithfuls and baseball afficionados understand the way they understand how to get dressed in the morning. My point being this: There is still time. There is still hope. As fans of a small market team, it can be depressing and embarrassing at times to watch the gut-wrenching actions or inactions of our front office and general managers, but the Brewers have prevailed before, and the division is really still up for grabs.
So I am asking you to give the Crew a few weeks. Watch them and cheer them, and read this blog. My posts will be daily and frequent, and possibly feverish. So please visit and read, and let's either cheer or cry together!
Lates,
Nathan Ley
This blog began as a class assignment for a Sports Journalism class at the University of Iowa. I am proud to say that the content posted here, was given very high marks for it's inclusion of a variety of information from a variety of sources as well as it's creativity in general posts and diversity of topics. It was a large part of the "A" i received in the class.
I would like to continue it, and take it a step further.
For the next three weeks, I will be taking a class on PHP and MySQL in an attempt to turn this into a more legitimate and functioning site with accounts consisting of Administrators, Writers, General Users and Guests. The design will be completely new, and if all goes accordingly, the same and new writers.
So where do we stand now? Our Beloved Brew Crew has fallen upon hard times since the All-Star Break. After entering the break in second place in the NL Central, and only two games back from the Saint Louis Cardinals, the Crew now sit in third place in the division (although technically second due to the tie between the Chicago Cubs and the Cards) and four games back from first. They are 5-5 in their last ten games and have recently dropped series to the Pirates, Braves and Padres, while splitting a four game series with the Washington Nationals.
However, all is not lost! Last night, the Beer Makers hung on to win a 7-6 game against MLB leading Los Angeles Dodgers, in Los Angeles. Sure the Cardinals came up big in getting Matt Holliday while not making any pitching moves themselves, but the Cubs are the Cubs. They choke every year, something Cub faithfuls and baseball afficionados understand the way they understand how to get dressed in the morning. My point being this: There is still time. There is still hope. As fans of a small market team, it can be depressing and embarrassing at times to watch the gut-wrenching actions or inactions of our front office and general managers, but the Brewers have prevailed before, and the division is really still up for grabs.
So I am asking you to give the Crew a few weeks. Watch them and cheer them, and read this blog. My posts will be daily and frequent, and possibly feverish. So please visit and read, and let's either cheer or cry together!
Lates,
Nathan Ley
Thursday, July 16, 2009
For Professor Schwartz
Professor,
I created a separate blog for my final component. It can be viewed HERE.
I created a separate blog for my final component. It can be viewed HERE.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sometimes One Post is Enough
Prince Fielder is the 2009 Home Run Derby Championship. Congrats to the big guy.
Better Videos to come:
Better Videos to come:
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tom's Twittering Tweets - Starring More Disappointment
Para pitched well today. And we blew it. Plain and simple. Well, the bullpen blew it. And our bats blew it. (Braun is currently eating his words a little bit). But you all get the point.
Sam had a post that I really liked today. Read it HERE. He raises a pertinent question and a critical point. What is most striking though, is his tone. It echoes the sentiments of Brewer's fans for the last 20+ years. Part of it is Disappointment. Part of it is gut wrenching sickness. Mostly though, it is the fear of the beloved's hope. It is bread from the love of the Crew, and it is perpetuated by our history.
Tom Haudricourt feels our pain:
Brewers left no runners on base today. You don't see that very often. Four hitters reached, one was knocked in, 3 DPs nixed the others.
-
Joel Piniero pitches 3-hitter, recording 18 groundball outs. Only batter to reach base in last 4 IPs was Parra on strikeout/wild pitch.
Brewers BP has thrown for the cycle in 8th: single, triple, walk, double, homer. No outs. Turned 1-0 lead into 5-1 deficit. What a debacle.
It takes Carlos Villanueva two batters to undo what Parra accomplished. Single by Schumaker, RBI triple by Ryan. 1-1 and Villanueva is out.
Parra's pitching line in first start since being recalled from AAA: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. That'll work. I'd say he's refocused.
Heck of a pitchers' duel between Brewers' Parra and Cards' Piniero. Brewers lead, 1-0, through 6 innings. Each team has three hits.
Infielder Bill Hall is not on the Brewers' bench today. He left because of a death in the family.
Gorgeous day at Miller Park. Roof open Sunny skies. Shadows for the hitters to deal with. Oh, that's right, they don't like that.
We are sliding and skidding toward a downward spiral. Like Sam said, we must do something.
Sam had a post that I really liked today. Read it HERE. He raises a pertinent question and a critical point. What is most striking though, is his tone. It echoes the sentiments of Brewer's fans for the last 20+ years. Part of it is Disappointment. Part of it is gut wrenching sickness. Mostly though, it is the fear of the beloved's hope. It is bread from the love of the Crew, and it is perpetuated by our history.
Tom Haudricourt feels our pain:
Brewers left no runners on base today. You don't see that very often. Four hitters reached, one was knocked in, 3 DPs nixed the others.
-
Joel Piniero pitches 3-hitter, recording 18 groundball outs. Only batter to reach base in last 4 IPs was Parra on strikeout/wild pitch.
Brewers BP has thrown for the cycle in 8th: single, triple, walk, double, homer. No outs. Turned 1-0 lead into 5-1 deficit. What a debacle.
It takes Carlos Villanueva two batters to undo what Parra accomplished. Single by Schumaker, RBI triple by Ryan. 1-1 and Villanueva is out.
Parra's pitching line in first start since being recalled from AAA: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. That'll work. I'd say he's refocused.
Heck of a pitchers' duel between Brewers' Parra and Cards' Piniero. Brewers lead, 1-0, through 6 innings. Each team has three hits.
Infielder Bill Hall is not on the Brewers' bench today. He left because of a death in the family.
Gorgeous day at Miller Park. Roof open Sunny skies. Shadows for the hitters to deal with. Oh, that's right, they don't like that.
We are sliding and skidding toward a downward spiral. Like Sam said, we must do something.
Trade: Pitching or Batting?
I'm going to write a short one today. Do the Brewers really nice pitching that bad? It was the 3rd time in the last 7 games in which a Brewers starter allowed 1 ER or less that the Brewers end up losing. Parra pitched incredibly today with a final line of 110 Pitches, 77 for strikes in 7 innings with 7 strikeouts. Yet, the Brewers' bullpen falters, which doesn't happen often. But then again, how can you score just one run on offense and expect to win?
If the Brewers want to contend at all (they haven't been looking like a contender for weeks now), they need to do a major overhaul. Enough of all this buyers vs. sellers stuff, can't the Brewers do both.
The Brewers now have a lot of expendable players, whether you think so or not. Melvin thought about moving Cameron before the season. Hart and Hardy have both been in talks. Put those three in a package deal for a good starter and a single outfield replacement (given that either Gerut or Catalanotta can combine to fill one outfield positon and you bring up Escobar to fill-in for Hardy) in a two or three team trade, it could be possible. Even if Escobar bats .200 for the entire rest of the season, it won't be that much of a drop-off the way Hardy has been playing and from what I hear, the defense should be an upgrade.
I'm absolutely tired of the way the Brewers have been playing. We would be the same team offensively if we got rid of everyone besides Prince and Braun (Ok, McGehee can stay too). Maybe its just the sour taste in my mouth after todays loss, but HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO GO ON?!
If something isn't done right now, I can see the Brewers slipping harder and faster.
/rant
If the Brewers want to contend at all (they haven't been looking like a contender for weeks now), they need to do a major overhaul. Enough of all this buyers vs. sellers stuff, can't the Brewers do both.
The Brewers now have a lot of expendable players, whether you think so or not. Melvin thought about moving Cameron before the season. Hart and Hardy have both been in talks. Put those three in a package deal for a good starter and a single outfield replacement (given that either Gerut or Catalanotta can combine to fill one outfield positon and you bring up Escobar to fill-in for Hardy) in a two or three team trade, it could be possible. Even if Escobar bats .200 for the entire rest of the season, it won't be that much of a drop-off the way Hardy has been playing and from what I hear, the defense should be an upgrade.
I'm absolutely tired of the way the Brewers have been playing. We would be the same team offensively if we got rid of everyone besides Prince and Braun (Ok, McGehee can stay too). Maybe its just the sour taste in my mouth after todays loss, but HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO GO ON?!
If something isn't done right now, I can see the Brewers slipping harder and faster.
/rant
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
I Can't Get Enough, Can You?
I have posted quite a bit about the love problems between Doug Melvin and Ryan Braun.
And now I get to post more.
Miller Park Drunk has provided us with a totally irrelevant, totally hilarious, totally fake conversation between Braun and Melvin. Photos included.
CHECK IT HERE. I dare you. I double dare you.
And now I get to post more.
Miller Park Drunk has provided us with a totally irrelevant, totally hilarious, totally fake conversation between Braun and Melvin. Photos included.
CHECK IT HERE. I dare you. I double dare you.
The Daily Grind Starring "A Feeling We Can All Feel Deep Inside"
(Photo Credit / JSOnline)Story: The Brewers are sliding entering the All-Star break, and it doesn't feel very good.
Story: Michael Hunt tells us what we already know. A deal could certainly heal our pitching woes.
Photo Gallery: Brewer's, Cards - July 7.
Audio: Post-game interviews with Yo, Macha and Cameron.
Check it: Brew Crew Ball gives us our Wednesday Mug, with some umpire trials and tribulations.
Check it: With trade demands and possible deals coming to possible fruition, minor league notes are more relevant than ever.
Check it: Is Para coming back?
Check it: Awwwwww shittttttt. Brauny has a new REMTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Karma? Baseball Gods?
This a little bit of Cub bashing, but sometimes when your team is losing, you have to just suck it up, ignore your own problems and make fun of the "worst team in baseball."
Ryan Dempster could be out a month after breaking his toe in his most recent win against the Brewers.
Take a look at this story HERE.
Suck it Cubs
Ryan Dempster could be out a month after breaking his toe in his most recent win against the Brewers.
Take a look at this story HERE.
Suck it Cubs
The Odd Couple: Braun and Melvin
Brewer's lost again last night. Is the Drama helping or hurting?
"Melvin called Braun's words "uncharacteristic, inappropriate and irresponsible," implying — in a reasonable tone — the 25-year-old All-Star should swing the bat, be quiet, lead by example and stop being a pre-prima donna."
Yahoo Sport's MLB blog Big League Stew posted this story today, on the continuing dram-fest within the Crew's organization.
FIGURE IT OUT. Trade for Halladay and be done with this.
"Melvin called Braun's words "uncharacteristic, inappropriate and irresponsible," implying — in a reasonable tone — the 25-year-old All-Star should swing the bat, be quiet, lead by example and stop being a pre-prima donna."
Yahoo Sport's MLB blog Big League Stew posted this story today, on the continuing dram-fest within the Crew's organization.
FIGURE IT OUT. Trade for Halladay and be done with this.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Clash of the Aces: Parra returning, DeRosa to the DL and Melvin should call up Blue Jays GM Ricciardi
The Brewers have posted a starting lineup for tonights game (via Tom H):
2B Craig Counsell
SS J.J. Hardy
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
3B Casey McGehee
CF Mike Cameron
RF Corey Hart
C Jason Kendall
RHP Yovani Gallardo
The Cardinals have yet to give a lineup, but should be up shortly.
In other Cardinals news, they have sent the newly acquired Mark DeRosa to the DL as a "precautionary move." That move has yet to work out for the Cards. He's 0-9 since coming to St. Louis. Its too bad that the Chicago fans won't get to hear DeRosa's name called when the Cards go to Wrigley later this week, I know a lot of Cubs fans are salty about the departure of DeRosa and are even more ticked that he is now a Cardinal.
Tom H. also notes that Parra has to be returning to the Brewers this week, as the Nashville Sounds announced their rotation for this week, and Parra is not on it.
Tonight's ballgame should be good baseball. Gallardo needs to be who he is and keep the Brewers in the game, at least to keep Ryan Braun's mouth from going off about not being "in" games and always having to come from behind. Wainwright has the same record (8-5) as Gallardo, but a 3.32 ERA compared to Gallardo's 2.75 ERA. Not really significant differences when you consider that runs are whole numbers and don't stop at the hundredths decimal place.
Braun and Melvin are planning to meet (if they already haven't) to discuss the media war they've waged against eachother over the last couple days. I hope its resolved and we don't have to hear about it again unless the Brewers go on a steak and we can say "Braun sparked a hot streak." I have a feeling that his comments were heard by McClung and Burns, who are most likely who Braun called inferior to the Cubs pitching staff on Sunday.
The Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says they will "listen to offers" regarding Roy Halladay. He has another year on his contract, so if he were traded he wouldn't just be a summer rental. The bad news is that he has a no-trade clause and could decline any and every move if he wanted. I think that Halladay could be the piece that the Brewers are missing and could help make next year's squad as much as this years. His contract isn't much more than Suppan's too (which is still way to much), but I think Melvin should look into it. No doubt we'd have to give up some big time players or prospects. We might have to think about trading away the "untouchables," in Gamel or Escobar, but it would probably be worth it for the 2003 Cy Young winner.
Edited to add: MLB Trade Rumors posted that Buster Olney says that the Brewers and Phillies are best suited to acquire Halladay.
2B Craig Counsell
SS J.J. Hardy
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
3B Casey McGehee
CF Mike Cameron
RF Corey Hart
C Jason Kendall
RHP Yovani Gallardo
The Cardinals have yet to give a lineup, but should be up shortly.
In other Cardinals news, they have sent the newly acquired Mark DeRosa to the DL as a "precautionary move." That move has yet to work out for the Cards. He's 0-9 since coming to St. Louis. Its too bad that the Chicago fans won't get to hear DeRosa's name called when the Cards go to Wrigley later this week, I know a lot of Cubs fans are salty about the departure of DeRosa and are even more ticked that he is now a Cardinal.
Tom H. also notes that Parra has to be returning to the Brewers this week, as the Nashville Sounds announced their rotation for this week, and Parra is not on it.
Tonight's ballgame should be good baseball. Gallardo needs to be who he is and keep the Brewers in the game, at least to keep Ryan Braun's mouth from going off about not being "in" games and always having to come from behind. Wainwright has the same record (8-5) as Gallardo, but a 3.32 ERA compared to Gallardo's 2.75 ERA. Not really significant differences when you consider that runs are whole numbers and don't stop at the hundredths decimal place.
Braun and Melvin are planning to meet (if they already haven't) to discuss the media war they've waged against eachother over the last couple days. I hope its resolved and we don't have to hear about it again unless the Brewers go on a steak and we can say "Braun sparked a hot streak." I have a feeling that his comments were heard by McClung and Burns, who are most likely who Braun called inferior to the Cubs pitching staff on Sunday.
The Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says they will "listen to offers" regarding Roy Halladay. He has another year on his contract, so if he were traded he wouldn't just be a summer rental. The bad news is that he has a no-trade clause and could decline any and every move if he wanted. I think that Halladay could be the piece that the Brewers are missing and could help make next year's squad as much as this years. His contract isn't much more than Suppan's too (which is still way to much), but I think Melvin should look into it. No doubt we'd have to give up some big time players or prospects. We might have to think about trading away the "untouchables," in Gamel or Escobar, but it would probably be worth it for the 2003 Cy Young winner.
Edited to add: MLB Trade Rumors posted that Buster Olney says that the Brewers and Phillies are best suited to acquire Halladay.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Braun v. Melvin (2009)
As noted this morning, there has been some news on the off-day about Braun's post-game comments. Well, Doug Melvin indeed heard those comments and is quite "ticked off." I think that there just might not be too much in other news as ESPN is busy providing coverage on the story too. Anways, we'll see how this feud resolves. Last year after the Fielder/Parra eruption in the dugout the Brewers came off in a hot streak. Let's hope we can finish strong with St. Louis and Los Angeles coming into town.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Weekend in Review
As Mike posted Earlier today, it was a disappointing weekend series against our southern rivals, the Chicago Cubs. On Wednesday of this last week, Tom Haudricourt of the MJS commented on the fact that the Brewers went into a 9-game home stand in second place in the NL Central, finished 5-4 and emerged in first place. Is the division really that weak?
Maybe, maybe not. More likely though, the answer is maybe. The Crew went 1-4 against the Cubs this weekend, who before the series started were second to last in total runs scored in the entire major leagues. Against the Brewers rotation (which mind you contained Seth McClung and Mike Burns) the chubs put up 21 runs in four games. Embarrassing.
And so the Brewers emerge second in the division a game behind St. Louis, while the Cubs are now only 2.5 back of the Cards. The saddest part is that every team in the central has a shot. The Pirates sit dead last and yet they're only 7 games out. If Cincinati and Houston figure things out they are just as likely to make their own surges at three and four games out, respectively.
Sometimes there are no answers to these things. Sometimes there are. And this time we all know the answer. It's just nice to hear Ryan Braun say it rather than we normal folk and our blogs.
His frustration mirrors Brewer Nation. (quotes courtesy of the AP):
“Their starting pitching is a lot better than ours,” Braun said after the Brewers were beaten 8-2 Sunday. “They threw the ball a lot better than our starters did. They certainly swung the bats better than we did. Clearly they were the better team. It’s nice to get the one win but they clearly outplayed us and outperformed us all series.”
“No matter who is in there, we have to find a way to throw the ball better for us to have success,” said Braun. “I think when you’re constantly behind in games, it’s not easy and it’s not fun. Their starting pitcher was clearly better than ours this series.”
Tom Haudricourt summarized on twitter:
"After Brewers drop 3 of 4 to Cubs, all-star LF Ryan Braun says he'd like the team to make a trade for a pitcher. 'The sooner, the better.'"
"Trevor Hoffman not on NL all-star staff despite these numbers: 18 for 19 in saves, 1.93 ERA in 24 games, .205 OBA. Did miss most of April."
-
All things aside, the Baseball Gods have given us a chance to redeem ourselves. The Crew begin a three game series with St. Louis tomorrow. As long as Yo goes five strong tomorrow, we may be able to heave a small sigh of relief and brace ourselves for what could be total disaster (the starter for Thursday's game is still TBA).
Until tomorrow, just remember: sun's out, gun's out.
Maybe, maybe not. More likely though, the answer is maybe. The Crew went 1-4 against the Cubs this weekend, who before the series started were second to last in total runs scored in the entire major leagues. Against the Brewers rotation (which mind you contained Seth McClung and Mike Burns) the chubs put up 21 runs in four games. Embarrassing.
And so the Brewers emerge second in the division a game behind St. Louis, while the Cubs are now only 2.5 back of the Cards. The saddest part is that every team in the central has a shot. The Pirates sit dead last and yet they're only 7 games out. If Cincinati and Houston figure things out they are just as likely to make their own surges at three and four games out, respectively.
Sometimes there are no answers to these things. Sometimes there are. And this time we all know the answer. It's just nice to hear Ryan Braun say it rather than we normal folk and our blogs.
His frustration mirrors Brewer Nation. (quotes courtesy of the AP):
“Their starting pitching is a lot better than ours,” Braun said after the Brewers were beaten 8-2 Sunday. “They threw the ball a lot better than our starters did. They certainly swung the bats better than we did. Clearly they were the better team. It’s nice to get the one win but they clearly outplayed us and outperformed us all series.”
“No matter who is in there, we have to find a way to throw the ball better for us to have success,” said Braun. “I think when you’re constantly behind in games, it’s not easy and it’s not fun. Their starting pitcher was clearly better than ours this series.”
Tom Haudricourt summarized on twitter:
"After Brewers drop 3 of 4 to Cubs, all-star LF Ryan Braun says he'd like the team to make a trade for a pitcher. 'The sooner, the better.'"
"Trevor Hoffman not on NL all-star staff despite these numbers: 18 for 19 in saves, 1.93 ERA in 24 games, .205 OBA. Did miss most of April."
-
All things aside, the Baseball Gods have given us a chance to redeem ourselves. The Crew begin a three game series with St. Louis tomorrow. As long as Yo goes five strong tomorrow, we may be able to heave a small sigh of relief and brace ourselves for what could be total disaster (the starter for Thursday's game is still TBA).
Until tomorrow, just remember: sun's out, gun's out.
Stating His Case(y)
It's official - that was a disappointing series in Chicago. I suppose the prospects were never very bright when you consider McClung and Burns were each scheduled to take the hill. Clearly, this team needs to figure out a way to shore up the starting rotation. If you are looking for a silver lining in this sloppy weekend, it has to be the continued play of Casey McGehee. I posted earlier in the week on Casey's chance to burn his former club - and he took the most of the opportunity.
McGehee's statistics for the four game series at ChC:
9 for 19, .473 AVG
1 HR
6 RBI
Not a bad way to show the Cubbies they might have let a pretty good one get away. That being said - here's to hoping the Cubs aren't feeling a little bit rejuvenated after an offensive surge this weekend.
McGehee's statistics for the four game series at ChC:
9 for 19, .473 AVG
1 HR
6 RBI
Not a bad way to show the Cubbies they might have let a pretty good one get away. That being said - here's to hoping the Cubs aren't feeling a little bit rejuvenated after an offensive surge this weekend.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Today's Lineup: Afternoon game featuring "temper tantrum" versus "might as well be batting practice"
Here's the Brewers lineup today via Witrado:
C Jason Kendall
2B Craig Counsell
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
3B Casey McGehee
CF Mike Cameron
RF Corey Hart
SS JJ Hardy
P Jeff Suppan
Here's the Cubs lineup via Bleed Cubbie Blue:
Soriano – LF
Theriot – SS
Lee – 1B
Bradley – RF
Fox – 3B
Fukudome – CF
Fontenot – 2B
Hill – C
Zambrano – P
So its Suppan vs. Zambrano today. I think I can speak for both clubs in saying we don't really want to watch either pitcher pitch today. Big Z in winless in his last 4 starts and basically made a joke of himself this season thus far. Suppan is, well.... Suppan.
I don't really know what to say about the upcoming game today after last nights slaying from Derek Lee. The final score of 9-5 was closer than it seemed, as it was over after Derek Lee had 7 RBI in his first 2 ABs. One highlight was how the Brewers were able to keep trying at it and were able to at least score those 5 runs.
It looks like McClung probably won't make another start as an off-day would off-set his spot in the rotation. I'm unsure of why Macha would put Kendall in front of Counsell, as the only other times Kendall has led off this season was when Counsell was not starting. I also think that McGehee and Counsell should switch positions. We saw in the Mets' series that McGehee's throwing arm leaves something to be desired as the old Gary Sheffield beat out a throw from him. Counsell is by far better defensively and would have less moving around at 3B than 2B. But thats just me, I'm not Ken Macha or Counsell or McGehee.
I also don't know why Lou pulled Fuld out of the lineup for Soriano and the same with Soto, who had a slow start to the season but hit a HR last night.
C Jason Kendall
2B Craig Counsell
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
3B Casey McGehee
CF Mike Cameron
RF Corey Hart
SS JJ Hardy
P Jeff Suppan
Here's the Cubs lineup via Bleed Cubbie Blue:
Soriano – LF
Theriot – SS
Lee – 1B
Bradley – RF
Fox – 3B
Fukudome – CF
Fontenot – 2B
Hill – C
Zambrano – P
So its Suppan vs. Zambrano today. I think I can speak for both clubs in saying we don't really want to watch either pitcher pitch today. Big Z in winless in his last 4 starts and basically made a joke of himself this season thus far. Suppan is, well.... Suppan.
I don't really know what to say about the upcoming game today after last nights slaying from Derek Lee. The final score of 9-5 was closer than it seemed, as it was over after Derek Lee had 7 RBI in his first 2 ABs. One highlight was how the Brewers were able to keep trying at it and were able to at least score those 5 runs.
It looks like McClung probably won't make another start as an off-day would off-set his spot in the rotation. I'm unsure of why Macha would put Kendall in front of Counsell, as the only other times Kendall has led off this season was when Counsell was not starting. I also think that McGehee and Counsell should switch positions. We saw in the Mets' series that McGehee's throwing arm leaves something to be desired as the old Gary Sheffield beat out a throw from him. Counsell is by far better defensively and would have less moving around at 3B than 2B. But thats just me, I'm not Ken Macha or Counsell or McGehee.
I also don't know why Lou pulled Fuld out of the lineup for Soriano and the same with Soto, who had a slow start to the season but hit a HR last night.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tom's Twittering Tweets: Game in Progress
Brewers are currently going for the sweep against the Met's and their "B" team, but already through six innings of play, Yo has recorded 9 Ks on 80 pitches and only one walk.
Tom Haudricourt has been tweeting a little during the game. Here is what he has to say:
Mets break through first in Gallardo-Pelfrey scoreless duel when Church singles in Castillo in the sixth inning. 1-0 New York.
With the count 3-2 on Braun in 4th, home plate ump has loose contact fixed by trainer. After lengthy delay, Braun singles to short.
Yovani Gallardo allows no 1st inning runs by the Mets but throws 24 pitches to get three outs.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he has no interest in RHP Brandon Backe, recently released by Houston. Melvin is looking for a pitcher though.
-
Manuel said yesterday Wright wouldn't be in Mets lineup today but he is. MLB might have requested he include one bona fide big-leaguer.
Tom Haudricourt has been tweeting a little during the game. Here is what he has to say:
Mets break through first in Gallardo-Pelfrey scoreless duel when Church singles in Castillo in the sixth inning. 1-0 New York.
With the count 3-2 on Braun in 4th, home plate ump has loose contact fixed by trainer. After lengthy delay, Braun singles to short.
Yovani Gallardo allows no 1st inning runs by the Mets but throws 24 pitches to get three outs.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he has no interest in RHP Brandon Backe, recently released by Houston. Melvin is looking for a pitcher though.
-
Manuel said yesterday Wright wouldn't be in Mets lineup today but he is. MLB might have requested he include one bona fide big-leaguer.
Phenomenal Swag
Yea, I stole the title of this post. J.E. Skeets, who runs my favorite NBA blog over at Yahoo, is always looking for interesting and awesome basketball merchandise around the internet, and aptly calls it "Phenomenal Swag." Today, I did the same. I have been scavenging the internets, and here is the phenomenal Brewer swag I have found:
The shirt says, "Hoping for a Happy Ending" and portrays one of the sausages getting ready for a massage. Check it out HERE.
Can you really beat a Milwaukee Brewer's Garden Gnome? Click HERE to check it out.
This shirt speaks for itself. I suggest you buy one HERE.
This link right HERE has some of the best shirts I've seen in a little while.
Great Logo. Check it HERE.
The shirt says, "Hoping for a Happy Ending" and portrays one of the sausages getting ready for a massage. Check it out HERE.
Can you really beat a Milwaukee Brewer's Garden Gnome? Click HERE to check it out.
This shirt speaks for itself. I suggest you buy one HERE.
This link right HERE has some of the best shirts I've seen in a little while.
Great Logo. Check it HERE.
One Team's Trash....
One of the most interesting sub-plots developing on this year's squad is the recent offensive surge provided by Casey McGehee. McGehee has suddenly become a vital cog in the Milwaukee order, occupying the ever important fifth spot that serves as protection for Prince Fielder. This impact was on full display Monday night, as the Mets choose to walk Fielder with two outs to load the bases for the rookie third baseman. McGehee promptly responded with his first career grand slam - atoning for a earlier error in dramatic fashion. Currently riding a .325 average with 5 HR/21 RBI, the Brewers might have found a diamond in the rough - and one that was cast off by their bitter division rivals. McGehee had toiled away in the Chicago Cubs farm system since 2003, finally earning a September call-up last season. After the 2008 season, the Cubs gave up on him - and Doug Melvin picked him off waivers. Wouldn't it be something if McGehee continued to put up solid numbers, especially considering the anemic state of the Cubs offense? Combined with the fact that ex-Cub Mark DeRosa was just aquired by the Cardinals, you have to think there are some North Siders scratching their heads over GM Jim Hendry's player evaluation methods. DeRosa is putting up big numbers as well (his 50 RBI would lead the Cubs by a long shot), and the Cubs continue to flounder with the bats. This weekend the Crew finally takes the trip down I-94 to Wrigley Field - and nothing would please me more than to see Casey McGehee do a little damage against the organization that wouldn't give him a chance.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Daily Grind Starring A Come-back Win and a Game in Progress
The Daily Grind is a daily compilation of Brewer's stories from across the internets. Today is Thursday. This is Thursday's Grind.
*Author's Note: There was no grind yesterday. I was too enthralled with the US's win over Spain.
Game Cast: Brewers v. Twins
Story: Tom Haudricourt's Odds and Ends.
Story: Errors help end Brewer's losing streak.
Check it: Thursday's Frosty Mug
Check it: The Twins have a little league defense?
Check it: Bernie's Crew gives us Thursday's Quotables.
Check it: Right Field Bleachers updates us on Arnett's first outing.
Check it: Word on the rotation.
*Author's Note: There was no grind yesterday. I was too enthralled with the US's win over Spain.
Game Cast: Brewers v. Twins
Story: Tom Haudricourt's Odds and Ends.
Story: Errors help end Brewer's losing streak.
Check it: Thursday's Frosty Mug
Check it: The Twins have a little league defense?
Check it: Bernie's Crew gives us Thursday's Quotables.
Check it: Right Field Bleachers updates us on Arnett's first outing.
Check it: Word on the rotation.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Brewers As AllStars
Should have done this sooner, but here is the link where you can begin voting for the Brewers to make the All Star Team.
Click Here
Click Here
Tom's Twittering Tweets Starring a Shaved Goatee and a Park in Disrepair
Melvin says (on local ESPN 540 radio) that indoor batting cages are still in disrepair after flooding. So, no indoor cage work.
Doug Melvin says players were told not to report until 3 p.m. to allow workers to continue fixing damage from weekend flood in clubhouses.
Shaved off the goatee today. Just too hot for it. Tried pasting it on my head to give me some hair there but didn't work too well.
Big home stand starts tonight for pitching-challenged Brewers. Twins, Giants and Mets. Rotation needs to be squared away.. and soon.
Doug Melvin says players were told not to report until 3 p.m. to allow workers to continue fixing damage from weekend flood in clubhouses.
Shaved off the goatee today. Just too hot for it. Tried pasting it on my head to give me some hair there but didn't work too well.
Big home stand starts tonight for pitching-challenged Brewers. Twins, Giants and Mets. Rotation needs to be squared away.. and soon.
The Daily Grind Starring Pitching Problems
The Daily Grind is a collection of Brewer's stories from across the internets. Today is Tuesday. This is Tuesday's Grind.
Story: Anthony Witrado educates us all on Gamel's comfort level in the majors.
Story: Via the MJSs Brewers Blog, Tom Haudricourt reports on Doug Melvin's interview on ESPN Radio.
Story: The Brewers will host a BLOCK PARTY!
Check it: Brew Crew Ball interviews third round pick Josh Prince.
Check it: The Brew Crew Ball Tuesday Frost Mug.
Check it: Tuesday's "Round Em' Up"
Check it: Via Right Field Bleachers: Can enough be said about our pitching staff problems?
Check it: A review of how the Crew finished last week.
Check it: Let's say as much as we can about roster moves!
Tuesday, June 23rd Lineup
Here is tonight's lineup via Haudricourt:
Here is the Brewers' lineup:
C Jason Kendall
2B Casey McGehee
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
RF Corey Hart
CF Mike CameronSS
J.J. Hardy
3B Bill Hall
RHP Jeff Suppan
I guess Macha wants the righties in there vs. Liriano. I'm not sure about the Kendall leadoff, he went 1-6 the last time he led off.
Here is the Brewers' lineup:
C Jason Kendall
2B Casey McGehee
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
RF Corey Hart
CF Mike CameronSS
J.J. Hardy
3B Bill Hall
RHP Jeff Suppan
I guess Macha wants the righties in there vs. Liriano. I'm not sure about the Kendall leadoff, he went 1-6 the last time he led off.
NL Central News and Double Play Balls.
ESPN's Elias says...that the Cubs are particularly bad when it comes to run support. They lead the MLB in losses (6), when they give up 2 runs or less to the opposing team.
He also says...Albert Pujols has came into a GIDP possibility against a reliever 17 times in the last 3 seasons. Last night, Brian Stokes got him to ground-into-a-double-play for only the second time of those 17 instances.
This got me thinking, how good is the Brewers pitching staff at getting opposing batters to GIDP?
According to Fox Sports stats, there are no Brewers pitchers that reach the top 50.
Braden Looper is in at #55 in the MLB with 8 GIDP, Jeff Suppan at #77 with 7 GIDP. Gallardo, Dave Bush and Manny Parra all have 6.
We all know that the GIDP is a pitcher's best friend and certainly helps get out of tough in-game situations, but it isn't necessarily noticeable during the games that we don't have a single or a couple pitchers that are "good" at inducing the double play.
Here are the top 5:
Zach Duke - PIT - 14
Brett Anderson - OAK - 12
Bronson Arroyo - CIN - 12
Aaron Cook - COL - 12
Felix Hernandez - SEA - 12
An interesting note of that top 5 is that 2 of the have ERAs over 5 (Arroyo and Anderson) but all have 7 or more wins besides Anderson (3-7).
Now we have to look at the other side of the plate. In 2008, the Milwaukee Brewers were an MLB best in grounding into double plays with only 97. The Chicago White Sox led with 157, almost one every game.
In 2009, the Brewers find themselves in the middle of the pack at #15 in grounding into double plays 57 times. Certainly, double play balls kill rallies of any sort, but it doesn't seem like they are hurting the Brewers that bad and certainly helped the Brewers make the post-season last year in sporting the best rate in baseball.
He also says...Albert Pujols has came into a GIDP possibility against a reliever 17 times in the last 3 seasons. Last night, Brian Stokes got him to ground-into-a-double-play for only the second time of those 17 instances.
This got me thinking, how good is the Brewers pitching staff at getting opposing batters to GIDP?
According to Fox Sports stats, there are no Brewers pitchers that reach the top 50.
Braden Looper is in at #55 in the MLB with 8 GIDP, Jeff Suppan at #77 with 7 GIDP. Gallardo, Dave Bush and Manny Parra all have 6.
We all know that the GIDP is a pitcher's best friend and certainly helps get out of tough in-game situations, but it isn't necessarily noticeable during the games that we don't have a single or a couple pitchers that are "good" at inducing the double play.
Here are the top 5:
Zach Duke - PIT - 14
Brett Anderson - OAK - 12
Bronson Arroyo - CIN - 12
Aaron Cook - COL - 12
Felix Hernandez - SEA - 12
An interesting note of that top 5 is that 2 of the have ERAs over 5 (Arroyo and Anderson) but all have 7 or more wins besides Anderson (3-7).
Now we have to look at the other side of the plate. In 2008, the Milwaukee Brewers were an MLB best in grounding into double plays with only 97. The Chicago White Sox led with 157, almost one every game.
In 2009, the Brewers find themselves in the middle of the pack at #15 in grounding into double plays 57 times. Certainly, double play balls kill rallies of any sort, but it doesn't seem like they are hurting the Brewers that bad and certainly helped the Brewers make the post-season last year in sporting the best rate in baseball.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Daily Grind Starring Justin Verlander's Near Ownage
The Daily Grind is a collection of the day's Brewer stories from across the internets. Today is Monday. This is Monday's Grind.
Story: Anthony Witrado muses over Justin Verlanders near owning of the Crew.
Check it: The new coolest thing ever: MJS has created a Brewers HR Database!
Story: Bush likely to miss next start.
Story: Tom Haudricourt reports the Brewers will unveil a new monument before Tuesday's game.
Story: Miller Park fully operational after flooding.
Check it: Via Brew Crew Ball: The Monday Mug.
Check it: Not exactly Brewers, but the Big League Stew has identified Alfonso Soriano as one of the worst lead-off hitters in the league. Duh.
Check it: Via MLB Trade Rumors, Brewers looking for possible rotation fixes.
Check it: Via Bernies Crew: Monday's "Round Em Up"
Check it: Right Field Bleacher's was correct about McGehee.
Check it: More on Bush from Brewer's Bar
Photo Credit: The Associated Press
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tom's Twittering Tweets - Starring a Pitching Rotation in Trouble
With RHP Dave Bush having "arm fatigue" and LHP Manny Parra in the minors working on command, Brewers' rotation is in trouble right now.
-The ongoing series of short outings by Brewers starters is chewing the bullpen to pieces. They need a deep outing by Gallardo on Sunday.
-
Brewers have to be really worried about RHP Dave Bush now. In two starts on this road trip, he surrendered 13 runs in 6 1/3 innings.
Justin Verlander faces the Brewers tomorrow, just past the 2nd anniversary (6/12/07) of his no-hitter against them at Comerica Park.
Brewers 1B Prince Fielder has 67 RBI in 67 games. I'm no math major but I believe that works out to one per game. Not a bad pace.Cleveland's bullpen picked up in Chicago yesterday right where it left off against the Brewers earlier in the week. P-U!!!
Glavine says he won't pitch this season, so Brewers fans can scratch him off their wish list. Wasn't much of an option to begin with.
Going to talk about the Brewers on ESPN2's "First Take" in about five minutes, if you're interested.
Brewers asst. GM Gord Ash tells me that the trainers do not consider Ryan Braun's lower back tightness a serious issue. Left game last nite.
-The ongoing series of short outings by Brewers starters is chewing the bullpen to pieces. They need a deep outing by Gallardo on Sunday.
-
Brewers have to be really worried about RHP Dave Bush now. In two starts on this road trip, he surrendered 13 runs in 6 1/3 innings.
Justin Verlander faces the Brewers tomorrow, just past the 2nd anniversary (6/12/07) of his no-hitter against them at Comerica Park.
Brewers 1B Prince Fielder has 67 RBI in 67 games. I'm no math major but I believe that works out to one per game. Not a bad pace.Cleveland's bullpen picked up in Chicago yesterday right where it left off against the Brewers earlier in the week. P-U!!!
Glavine says he won't pitch this season, so Brewers fans can scratch him off their wish list. Wasn't much of an option to begin with.
Going to talk about the Brewers on ESPN2's "First Take" in about five minutes, if you're interested.
Brewers asst. GM Gord Ash tells me that the trainers do not consider Ryan Braun's lower back tightness a serious issue. Left game last nite.
Grinding the Grind Starring a Good Ole' Fashioned Interleague Sweep and Possibly Another?
The Daily Grind is a compilation of Brewer's stories from around the internets. The Grinding Grind is what happens when you forget to pay your Mediacom bill and lose internet for three days. Today is Sunday. This is Sunday's Grinds.
No picture again today, just a happy sweep and a sad sweep. The Crew up a three game series at home against the Twinkies on Tuesday.
Story: After sweeping the Indians, the Brewer's suffer their own sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.
Game Summary: Anthony Witrado goes inning by inning on game 3, Brewers Tigers.
Story: From Saturday: Witrado - interest in Pedro Martinez is "low"
Story: From Friday: Mike Cameron's sentence reduced.
Check it: Brew Crew Ball comments on the "suspect" nature of the Crew's pitching staff.
Story: Dave Bush has a "fatigued" arm.
Story: From Saturday: Bernie's Crew muses over whether chicks dig the long ball anymore.
Check it: Friday's "Round em Up" from Bernie's Crew.
Check it: Out of Right Field.
Check it: From: Right Field Bleachers, AWWWW shucks, is Ryan Braun single again?
Check it: a few more Brewer's signings.
Story: Brewers Bar offers some possible rest for Dave Bush.
No picture again today, just a happy sweep and a sad sweep. The Crew up a three game series at home against the Twinkies on Tuesday.
Story: After sweeping the Indians, the Brewer's suffer their own sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.
Game Summary: Anthony Witrado goes inning by inning on game 3, Brewers Tigers.
Story: From Saturday: Witrado - interest in Pedro Martinez is "low"
Story: From Friday: Mike Cameron's sentence reduced.
Check it: Brew Crew Ball comments on the "suspect" nature of the Crew's pitching staff.
Story: Dave Bush has a "fatigued" arm.
Story: From Saturday: Bernie's Crew muses over whether chicks dig the long ball anymore.
Check it: Friday's "Round em Up" from Bernie's Crew.
Check it: Out of Right Field.
Check it: From: Right Field Bleachers, AWWWW shucks, is Ryan Braun single again?
Check it: a few more Brewer's signings.
Story: Brewers Bar offers some possible rest for Dave Bush.
Sounds of the Farm
In attempts to make this a legitimately followed Brewer's Blog, we have begun to add authors. The first is Shawn Gorman, a University of Iowa Colleague of mine spending his summer around the Nashville area. This will give Shawn the ability to follow the Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee's current AAA affiliate. He needs your help! Read his article and please respond.
Sounds of the Farm - Nashville vs. Round Rock (Astros) June 17, 2009
By: Shawn Gorman
First off, thanks Nate for giving me the opportunity to update Brewer fans on their Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. Being a White Sox fan, I can safely say I share a similar passion with Brewer fans…I think it goes without explanation. I’ll be in Nashville this summer - and while working here - attending a bunch of Sound games. I have a good eye for talent, so hopefully I can provide some insight on the progress of soon-to-be Brewers.
I understand many of you are wondering how Manny Parra fared after his disastrous three weeks (32 earned runs, 0-4), his last coming against the White Sox. (Sorry, but giving up 6 runs against my Sox is a difficult feat). He came out firing, getting 4 K’s in the first two frames, including Reggie Abercrombie swinging twice, but managed to walk two and load the bases in the first…eventually giving up a two out RBI single. Parra settled down in the third and fourth, keeping Michael Garciaparra busy as four of the six batters were retired on 4-3 putouts. In the fifth, Parra gave up a two out single with a man on third and put his glove up to his mouth to let out some frustration, and seemed rattled for his remaining time on the mound. He walked two of the next three batters and threw a lazy pickoff attempt past first, allowing a runner to advance into scoring position in a close game. His anxiety was understandable, even at a minor league level, considering what he had just been through at the pro level. At times he looked in control against a fair Round Rock lineup, especially with his off-speed pitches. His fastball was hit hard when elevated, as one would expect, but it was elevated too much for my liking. Ultimately, baseball is a numbers game, and maybe Parra (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) just needed a quality start to regain some confidence.
My other observation from the afternoon involves 2B/OF Jason Bourgeois. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2000, he made his major league debut last season for the White Sox. (My endorsement has nothing to do with being a south side homer. In fact, I had to do some research to find out he was a journeyman that first made it with the Sox). Bourgeois was named the Pacific Coast League player of the week this June after hitting .530 (13-25) with six runs and four steals. He continued to impress by going 3 for 5 Wednesday, including a walk-off single in the 11th. The ball looks like a hot air balloon to him right now, so if the Brewers are looking for a multi-position speedster with a high OBP to spell Craig Counsell or Cory Hart as the dog days approach, don’t be surprised to see Bourgeois being that guy.
What I need from you, Brewer faithful, is some feedback. What players do you want progress on? What tendencies should I focus on for pitchers? Hitters? I am unfamiliar with the Brewers farm system, and not as qualified as many of you (let alone a scout) to write about these players, so your suggestions are invaluable. I’ll do the best I can to provide accurate updates throughout the summer. Hope you enjoy.
Sounds of the Farm - Nashville vs. Round Rock (Astros) June 17, 2009
By: Shawn Gorman
First off, thanks Nate for giving me the opportunity to update Brewer fans on their Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. Being a White Sox fan, I can safely say I share a similar passion with Brewer fans…I think it goes without explanation. I’ll be in Nashville this summer - and while working here - attending a bunch of Sound games. I have a good eye for talent, so hopefully I can provide some insight on the progress of soon-to-be Brewers.
I understand many of you are wondering how Manny Parra fared after his disastrous three weeks (32 earned runs, 0-4), his last coming against the White Sox. (Sorry, but giving up 6 runs against my Sox is a difficult feat). He came out firing, getting 4 K’s in the first two frames, including Reggie Abercrombie swinging twice, but managed to walk two and load the bases in the first…eventually giving up a two out RBI single. Parra settled down in the third and fourth, keeping Michael Garciaparra busy as four of the six batters were retired on 4-3 putouts. In the fifth, Parra gave up a two out single with a man on third and put his glove up to his mouth to let out some frustration, and seemed rattled for his remaining time on the mound. He walked two of the next three batters and threw a lazy pickoff attempt past first, allowing a runner to advance into scoring position in a close game. His anxiety was understandable, even at a minor league level, considering what he had just been through at the pro level. At times he looked in control against a fair Round Rock lineup, especially with his off-speed pitches. His fastball was hit hard when elevated, as one would expect, but it was elevated too much for my liking. Ultimately, baseball is a numbers game, and maybe Parra (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) just needed a quality start to regain some confidence.
My other observation from the afternoon involves 2B/OF Jason Bourgeois. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2000, he made his major league debut last season for the White Sox. (My endorsement has nothing to do with being a south side homer. In fact, I had to do some research to find out he was a journeyman that first made it with the Sox). Bourgeois was named the Pacific Coast League player of the week this June after hitting .530 (13-25) with six runs and four steals. He continued to impress by going 3 for 5 Wednesday, including a walk-off single in the 11th. The ball looks like a hot air balloon to him right now, so if the Brewers are looking for a multi-position speedster with a high OBP to spell Craig Counsell or Cory Hart as the dog days approach, don’t be surprised to see Bourgeois being that guy.
What I need from you, Brewer faithful, is some feedback. What players do you want progress on? What tendencies should I focus on for pitchers? Hitters? I am unfamiliar with the Brewers farm system, and not as qualified as many of you (let alone a scout) to write about these players, so your suggestions are invaluable. I’ll do the best I can to provide accurate updates throughout the summer. Hope you enjoy.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Internet Ridic Slow
My internets are sucking right now. Will post the grind and much more later this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tom's Twittering Tweets
We were just told "due to approaching storm game time is TBA" in Cleveland tonight. Both ominious and ambiguous.
-
Tarp has been on the field despite sunny skies the last 3 hours so something must be coming. Or the tarp crew went out for dinner.
-
Has cleared up in Cleveland but tarp still on the field. Looking better for avoiding dreaded make-up on mutual off day tomorrow.
Kendall leading off for Brewers tonight. McGehee out with sore right knee and left ankle.
Raining as hard as it can rain in Cleveland today. Supposed to be like that most of the day. Hopefully, it stops in time for Brewers-Indians
Saw that Texas GM Jon Daniels said in an online chat that Ben Sheets isn't physically ready to pitch yet but they're staying in touch.
-
If Sheets pitches for any team this season, you have to think it would be Texas. They were ready to deal before Sheets had elbow surgery.
-
Tarp has been on the field despite sunny skies the last 3 hours so something must be coming. Or the tarp crew went out for dinner.
-
Has cleared up in Cleveland but tarp still on the field. Looking better for avoiding dreaded make-up on mutual off day tomorrow.
Kendall leading off for Brewers tonight. McGehee out with sore right knee and left ankle.
Raining as hard as it can rain in Cleveland today. Supposed to be like that most of the day. Hopefully, it stops in time for Brewers-Indians
Saw that Texas GM Jon Daniels said in an online chat that Ben Sheets isn't physically ready to pitch yet but they're staying in touch.
-
If Sheets pitches for any team this season, you have to think it would be Texas. They were ready to deal before Sheets had elbow surgery.
Let's Get a Little Fever Going
Just Enjoy:
The best invention other? Yea, probably.
This is the only place I could find video of Fielder's Slam. I'm still looking for Uecker's call of it if anyone has it....
The best invention other? Yea, probably.
This is the only place I could find video of Fielder's Slam. I'm still looking for Uecker's call of it if anyone has it....
Follow Manny Para's Start Right Now
Manny Para is currently pitching for the Nashville Sounds. Check out his progress HERE.
Thanks for the heads up from Brew Crew Ball
Thanks for the heads up from Brew Crew Ball
The Daily Grind Starring...
Manny Para - but I don't even really want to put a picture of him up.
Daily Grind is the daily Brewer's stories from around the Internets. Today is Wednesday. This is Wednesdays Grind.
Story: Tom Haudricourt of MJS points to the critical at bats by slumping players as the contributing factor in last night's 7-5 win over the tribe.
Story: Manny Para is starting today for the AAA Nashville Sounds.
Audio: of last night's post game wrap up.
Check it: Wednesday's Mug from Brew Crew Ball.
Check it: Wednesday's "Round em Up" from Bernie's Crew.
Check it: Right Field Bleachers has some kinder words for Jason Kendall.
Check it: I missed this nice little write-up on Fielder and Braun from the Big League Stew.
Daily Grind is the daily Brewer's stories from around the Internets. Today is Wednesday. This is Wednesdays Grind.
Story: Tom Haudricourt of MJS points to the critical at bats by slumping players as the contributing factor in last night's 7-5 win over the tribe.
Story: Manny Para is starting today for the AAA Nashville Sounds.
Audio: of last night's post game wrap up.
Check it: Wednesday's Mug from Brew Crew Ball.
Check it: Wednesday's "Round em Up" from Bernie's Crew.
Check it: Right Field Bleachers has some kinder words for Jason Kendall.
Check it: I missed this nice little write-up on Fielder and Braun from the Big League Stew.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tom's Twittering Tweets
With the emergence of Twitter as a quasi-semi-legit, although totally relevant social medium, I would like to add another daily offering. I would like to post the Tweets of MJS Brewers writer Tom Haudricourt. Leave me a comment on whether you like this addition or not.
First, here is how to follow Haudricourt yourself. (if you so choose to dl twitter): http://twitter.com/Haudricourt
And here are his thoughts:
Brewers SS J.J. Hardy, in 0-for-28 skid, gets dropped from the second spot to eighth for the interleague game tonight in Cleveland.28 minutes ago from web
NL Central is 10-20 in interleague play. And there's only one winning team in the AL Central, the division they're playing.
Just arrived in Cleveland. Beautiful day on the shore of Lake Erie. Brewers (1-5) looking to prove they can compete with AL Central.
Not a great week for supposed contending teams in the NL Central. Brewers, Cardinals, Reds and Cubs struggling. Pirates playing best now.
First, here is how to follow Haudricourt yourself. (if you so choose to dl twitter): http://twitter.com/Haudricourt
And here are his thoughts:
Brewers SS J.J. Hardy, in 0-for-28 skid, gets dropped from the second spot to eighth for the interleague game tonight in Cleveland.28 minutes ago from web
NL Central is 10-20 in interleague play. And there's only one winning team in the AL Central, the division they're playing.
Just arrived in Cleveland. Beautiful day on the shore of Lake Erie. Brewers (1-5) looking to prove they can compete with AL Central.
Not a great week for supposed contending teams in the NL Central. Brewers, Cardinals, Reds and Cubs struggling. Pirates playing best now.
The Daily Grind starring the Decline and Fall of J.J. Hardy?
Daily Grind is the days Milwaukee Brewer's stories from across the Internets. Today is Monday. This is Monday's Grind:
Story Here: Anthony Witrado of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel addresses Trevor Hoffman's first blown save of the season.
Audio Clip: The Brewer's announce the signing of Eric Arnett.
Tom Haudricourt provided two posts on MJS's Brewer Blog today. First: the new lineup against Carl Pavano tonight, with J.J. batting 7th and Second: Haudricourt poses the question, what exactly should the crew do with Mr. Hardy?
Story: Michael Hunt gives his opinion on the MLB Draft.
Check it: The Monday Mug from Brewers Crew Ball
Game Stats: Bernie's Crew updates you on the minor league action in Nashville.
Story: Right Field Bleachers is pretty pissed about the way opposing pitchers have been hitting the Brewers this season.
Photo Credit: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7283/photos;_ylt=AtGFtDP9lrE0U9lR6jyBHz6FCLcF#photo
Viewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cap%3A20050301%3Amlb%2Cphoto%2
C406a274d08984dde9674be1d7af6a67b.correction_brewers_braves_baseball_gaja106%3A1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
