Saturday, June 27, 2009
Jeffress faces suspension
One of the Brewers' top prospects and their reigning minor league pitcher of the year, Jeremy Jeffress, will face his second suspension for failing Minor League Baseball's banned substances tests. The substance is never disclosed, but it is known that it was not a performance enhancing drug. In 2007 Jeffress was suspended for 50 games and later admitted to Marijuana use. For his second strike the suspension will be 100 games, that will end his season and trickle over into next. If there is ever a third strike, it could mean a life ban. Jeffress is supposedly willingly checking himself into a drug rehabilitation program.
Sorry for the lack of updates, quick catch up.
Hey everyone,
Sorry for the time away, I've had a busy couple of weeks. Hopefully you're up to date on some of the biggest Brewers happenings including (but not limited to) Parra's demotion, Bush on the DL, Burns and McClung in the rotation, etc etc. I'll hit up a few other things real quick.
McGehee-
Wow, isn't he playing well? He's fielding, hitting for average with some pop, and doing an allround good job in different fielding spots and out of the two hole. Actually, he kind of makes me rethink what I saw the Brewers' infield like in a few years...
Picture this real quick. Gamel continues to progress at third, and stays there. Hardy's contract is almost up, with either a nonresigning or a trade that allows Escobar to play at short. McGehee is the perfect filler until Lawrie is ready at 2B, and I'd like to say Prince over at first but I doubt it... actually now that I look at it I don't see much depth at all at 1st for us, so maybe Gamel will just have to move over, Taylor Green has a good stick over at third too.
Minor League All-Star Futures Game.
Both Escobar (Venezuala) and Lawrie (Canada) will play for the World team at this years Futures game. Escobar played last year and walked in both plate appearences. It's real nice to see Lawrie, I hope this is an indicator of his play at 2B, we knew he was going to hit, but some people on seeing him play second were calling it a joke and saying he had no shot. I've heard Lawrie has progressed nicely though and hopefully this is some proof.
Allright, I'll finish up today by saying, wow Yo' pitched another great game last night hey? Let's hope that McClung can give us 5 strong tonight.
I'm cathing up, hope you're Brewing Up.
Take it easy.
Sorry for the time away, I've had a busy couple of weeks. Hopefully you're up to date on some of the biggest Brewers happenings including (but not limited to) Parra's demotion, Bush on the DL, Burns and McClung in the rotation, etc etc. I'll hit up a few other things real quick.
McGehee-
Wow, isn't he playing well? He's fielding, hitting for average with some pop, and doing an allround good job in different fielding spots and out of the two hole. Actually, he kind of makes me rethink what I saw the Brewers' infield like in a few years...
Picture this real quick. Gamel continues to progress at third, and stays there. Hardy's contract is almost up, with either a nonresigning or a trade that allows Escobar to play at short. McGehee is the perfect filler until Lawrie is ready at 2B, and I'd like to say Prince over at first but I doubt it... actually now that I look at it I don't see much depth at all at 1st for us, so maybe Gamel will just have to move over, Taylor Green has a good stick over at third too.
Minor League All-Star Futures Game.
Both Escobar (Venezuala) and Lawrie (Canada) will play for the World team at this years Futures game. Escobar played last year and walked in both plate appearences. It's real nice to see Lawrie, I hope this is an indicator of his play at 2B, we knew he was going to hit, but some people on seeing him play second were calling it a joke and saying he had no shot. I've heard Lawrie has progressed nicely though and hopefully this is some proof.
Allright, I'll finish up today by saying, wow Yo' pitched another great game last night hey? Let's hope that McClung can give us 5 strong tonight.
I'm cathing up, hope you're Brewing Up.
Take it easy.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Draft Update: End of day one
Well, the Brewers had plenty of picks, and would have had two more (an additional 1st or 2nd round and a supplemental) if Ben Sheets had signed with another team... Oh well. Still an interesting first day, with some exciting results. I've already posted a blurb about our first round, here is some info on the rest of day one:
In comp round A with the 39th overall pick the Brewers took Kentrail Davis, a CF from Tennesee, later in that round with the 47th pick they took Mike Heckathorn, a RHP from Kennesaw State.
In round two the Brewers had back to back picks at #73 and 74. First they took Maxwell Walla, a RF from Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM and then snagged Cameron Garfield, a catcher from Murrieta Valley HS, CA.
The last pick of the day was in the third round, 105 overall, with which the Brewers grabbed Joshua Prince, a SS from Tulane.
Quick overview, hopefully I can get some more details for you tonight.
With 6 picks out of the first 105, the Brewers took 4 players from four-year universities, 2 high schoolers, two pitchers (both righties), two outfields, a catcher and a shortstop.
Have fun with day two, I'm off to work, hopefully some details about these guys tonight, and a recap of draft, day two.
Brew UP!
In comp round A with the 39th overall pick the Brewers took Kentrail Davis, a CF from Tennesee, later in that round with the 47th pick they took Mike Heckathorn, a RHP from Kennesaw State.
In round two the Brewers had back to back picks at #73 and 74. First they took Maxwell Walla, a RF from Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM and then snagged Cameron Garfield, a catcher from Murrieta Valley HS, CA.
The last pick of the day was in the third round, 105 overall, with which the Brewers grabbed Joshua Prince, a SS from Tulane.
Quick overview, hopefully I can get some more details for you tonight.
With 6 picks out of the first 105, the Brewers took 4 players from four-year universities, 2 high schoolers, two pitchers (both righties), two outfields, a catcher and a shortstop.
Have fun with day two, I'm off to work, hopefully some details about these guys tonight, and a recap of draft, day two.
Brew UP!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Happy Draft Day!
Hey there everybody. Hopefully I can do some nice updates for you all throughout the draft, I would have liked to do more of a play-by-play of exactly what was going down, unfortunately I have a job... But anyway, I'll still give a summary at the end of each day (there are three). Brewers had the 26th overall pick today, the latest ever for the franchise. I had heard guesses all over the board at who the Brewers would grab, things get fuzzier as you progress deeper into the first round. A general consensus was that the Brewers would look pitching, probably college (which is generally considered to be safer/more predictable, not to mention the Crew has a terrible history with drafting high school arms (see Mike Jones)) to restock a pitching thin minor league system. Enough of that though...
Most importantly, I would like to welcome RHP from Indiana U. Eric Arnett to the Brewers family.
A description taken verbatim from MLB.com:
One of the biggest late risers in the Draft class, Arnett is a big right-hander who put himself into first-round consideration with a breakout junior season. He's got an above-average fastball and a slider that, while inconsistent, could be an out pitch as well. He struggles at times with his release point and arm angle, which hurts the effectiveness of the slider. He's come a long way in a short time, and the lack of track record may make some pause, as will the high pitch counts he had late in the year. But if he can develop an effective off speed pitch, he's the kind of workhorse who could be a future No. 2 or 3 starter in the big leagues.
A junior who has greatly improved, with room to improve more. All right, I'll take that.
More later. Have fun with the game tonight and following all 50 rounds of the draft.
Have a draft on draft day, and as always, Brew Up!
Most importantly, I would like to welcome RHP from Indiana U. Eric Arnett to the Brewers family.
A description taken verbatim from MLB.com:
One of the biggest late risers in the Draft class, Arnett is a big right-hander who put himself into first-round consideration with a breakout junior season. He's got an above-average fastball and a slider that, while inconsistent, could be an out pitch as well. He struggles at times with his release point and arm angle, which hurts the effectiveness of the slider. He's come a long way in a short time, and the lack of track record may make some pause, as will the high pitch counts he had late in the year. But if he can develop an effective off speed pitch, he's the kind of workhorse who could be a future No. 2 or 3 starter in the big leagues.
A junior who has greatly improved, with room to improve more. All right, I'll take that.
More later. Have fun with the game tonight and following all 50 rounds of the draft.
Have a draft on draft day, and as always, Brew Up!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Quick Update
Alright, just real fast as I feel as I should give you some up-to-date stuff on the team.
-DiFelice has been placed on the bereavement list to attend a funeral, that mean at least 3 days, likely to see him back on Tuesday, another journeyman (to accompany Burns) was called up to take the spot. RHP Smith, who has also put up good numbers this year at AAA Nashville.
-Gallardo throws a jem. Eight inning, 2 hits, 4bb (walks aren't very Gallardoish, but still only a whip of .750) and fanned 6.
-Villanueva throwing well. Villa finished tonight's game up with a clean slate, adding a K. After a rocky start to the season he has really come around, with walks on the down, along with his ERA which is currently under 3.
-Prince is heating up. Fielder went 2 for 2 with two walks and a hpb. His average is now above .290. Nice. Prince has always said he sees himself as a 300 hitter, maybe losing some weight has helped. He has also had a great eye at the plate this season, with his OBP being just awesome. If his walk rate stays on pace he will become the first Brewer EVER to walk 100 times in a season. (Which would be real nice because we have about 7 players who whiff 100 a year...)
That's it for now. Just wanted to keep readers (?) updated on that stuff. Be back later, hopefully this weekend I can tap into the rest of my bullpen updates, although 2 of the people I probably would have featured are now in the Bigs.
Puttin' Brews Down...Brew Up!
-DiFelice has been placed on the bereavement list to attend a funeral, that mean at least 3 days, likely to see him back on Tuesday, another journeyman (to accompany Burns) was called up to take the spot. RHP Smith, who has also put up good numbers this year at AAA Nashville.
-Gallardo throws a jem. Eight inning, 2 hits, 4bb (walks aren't very Gallardoish, but still only a whip of .750) and fanned 6.
-Villanueva throwing well. Villa finished tonight's game up with a clean slate, adding a K. After a rocky start to the season he has really come around, with walks on the down, along with his ERA which is currently under 3.
-Prince is heating up. Fielder went 2 for 2 with two walks and a hpb. His average is now above .290. Nice. Prince has always said he sees himself as a 300 hitter, maybe losing some weight has helped. He has also had a great eye at the plate this season, with his OBP being just awesome. If his walk rate stays on pace he will become the first Brewer EVER to walk 100 times in a season. (Which would be real nice because we have about 7 players who whiff 100 a year...)
That's it for now. Just wanted to keep readers (?) updated on that stuff. Be back later, hopefully this weekend I can tap into the rest of my bullpen updates, although 2 of the people I probably would have featured are now in the Bigs.
Puttin' Brews Down...Brew Up!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Julio dropped, Minor League Bullpen Pt.II
Well, people have been questioning this one for a while, and it finally happened. Brewers released Jorge Julio after an atrocious outing last night in which he lost the lead, did not record an out, and pushed he ERA way up over 7. I originally assumed that when Riske got better DiFelice would be optioned to AAA, but when DF pitched soo well I figured that we would simply let Julio go when Riske came off the DL, however, Riske is going to have season ending surgery now, and I don't think the team could wait any longer anyway. The Brewers will have to eat the remaining money on Julio's 950k dollar contract. The new guy they're bringing up has shown good numbers at AAA, going 6-2 with an ERA under three. His name is Burns, and he is a journeyman that has had a couple of brief MLB stints with his career ERA about 5.5. He's been starting so far this year so should be able to eat some innings out of the 'pen and spell some guys like McClung.
So on to Bullpen Talk. Today I'm just going to give a quick shout to a few names to watch in Low-A Wisconsin TimberRattlers.
Rigeborto Almonte
Almonte is a 22 year old Dominican righty. He pitched for the AZL Brewers last year for a brief stint. This season he started the year in Brevard County, but has since be dropped down. Walks have been a problem this season, especially at High-A. Throwing him in here because of some sick numbers last year along with a respectable ERA. In 19PA against lefties at Wisconsin this year he's walked 3 and not allowed a hit...
2008 Numbers:
8.1ip 4h 0bb 15s0 .133avg era 1.08
2009 Numbers:
Brevard:
10ip 8h 10bb 12so
Wisconsin:
11.1ip 7h 6bb 10so
Season:
ERA 2.53 BAA .200
Jim Henderson
The Rattlers closer this year is this 26 year old right handed Canadian. Split last year between AA and AAA in the Cubs organization. Has good numbers all around, and interesting note, his ground out rate has more than doubled from last season to this one.
2008 totals:
9.1ip 7h 6bb 8so 0.46 ground out/fly out
2009:
17.1ip 13h 8bb 16so 12sv era 1.56 .203 avg 1.19 GO/AO
Brandon Ritchie
A left handed Michigander aged 22 years. He had a simply awful season last year for the Pioneer League, like wow bad... But even in that bad year he didn't have terrible walk and strikeout numbers, and only gave up one homer about every 18 innings. Much better this year, with his bb, k, and hr/9 numbers all about the same.
2008 totals:
55ip 84h 21bb 49so avg .356
2009 numbers:
20.1 ip 15h 11bb 17so avg .203 era 2.21
So that's going to be it for this edition. I wanted to put more time into the upper levels and just don't have that time right now. Low-A ball is a pretty exciting place to watch baseball this year, featuring some big name prospects the likes of Taylor Green (although I don't think he's there currently), Cutter Dykstra and last year's first round pick 2B Brett Lawrie.
Once again I'd like to thank milb.com for some stats, and jsonline.com for some updates... apparently if I actually post links they get mad and think I'm spamming... no, just sighting my sources.
Listening to the game now, lamenting Gamel's bases loaded strikeout, but likeing Parra's striking out the side.
Brew Up, I'm Out!
So on to Bullpen Talk. Today I'm just going to give a quick shout to a few names to watch in Low-A Wisconsin TimberRattlers.
Rigeborto Almonte
Almonte is a 22 year old Dominican righty. He pitched for the AZL Brewers last year for a brief stint. This season he started the year in Brevard County, but has since be dropped down. Walks have been a problem this season, especially at High-A. Throwing him in here because of some sick numbers last year along with a respectable ERA. In 19PA against lefties at Wisconsin this year he's walked 3 and not allowed a hit...
2008 Numbers:
8.1ip 4h 0bb 15s0 .133avg era 1.08
2009 Numbers:
Brevard:
10ip 8h 10bb 12so
Wisconsin:
11.1ip 7h 6bb 10so
Season:
ERA 2.53 BAA .200
Jim Henderson
The Rattlers closer this year is this 26 year old right handed Canadian. Split last year between AA and AAA in the Cubs organization. Has good numbers all around, and interesting note, his ground out rate has more than doubled from last season to this one.
2008 totals:
9.1ip 7h 6bb 8so 0.46 ground out/fly out
2009:
17.1ip 13h 8bb 16so 12sv era 1.56 .203 avg 1.19 GO/AO
Brandon Ritchie
A left handed Michigander aged 22 years. He had a simply awful season last year for the Pioneer League, like wow bad... But even in that bad year he didn't have terrible walk and strikeout numbers, and only gave up one homer about every 18 innings. Much better this year, with his bb, k, and hr/9 numbers all about the same.
2008 totals:
55ip 84h 21bb 49so avg .356
2009 numbers:
20.1 ip 15h 11bb 17so avg .203 era 2.21
So that's going to be it for this edition. I wanted to put more time into the upper levels and just don't have that time right now. Low-A ball is a pretty exciting place to watch baseball this year, featuring some big name prospects the likes of Taylor Green (although I don't think he's there currently), Cutter Dykstra and last year's first round pick 2B Brett Lawrie.
Once again I'd like to thank milb.com for some stats, and jsonline.com for some updates... apparently if I actually post links they get mad and think I'm spamming... no, just sighting my sources.
Listening to the game now, lamenting Gamel's bases loaded strikeout, but likeing Parra's striking out the side.
Brew Up, I'm Out!
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