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."
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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.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
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.
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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.
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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.
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