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!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 30th game, Minor League Bullpen Pt.1
Quick note: according to JSonline, top prospect Alcides Escobar will return to Shortstop after a brief experiment at 2B, Escobar committed 5 errors in 7 games at 2nd, and is considered one of the best defensive shortstops in all of the minors. Article also talks about Gamel at 3B in the bigs, and Hart's adjustments. http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/46557787.html
Last Nights Game:
Not too shabby, disappointed with how Bush pitched, but then again he is known for giving up homers. The hitting was good to see, especially against Harang who has been throwing the ball well for the Reds this season. I hope the home runs we've seen the last two nights are signs of a run to come, Brewers have some of the most streaky hitters around, and any one of them can carry the team for a time, when 3 or 4 get hot at once, that's when we win 10 in a row... Counsell continues to produce, I'm still uneasy with him up in the one spot and at 2b day in and day out but it's going fine so far...
Minor League Bullpen:
All right, I've said before (and other sources will back me up) that the Brewers are lacking in Minor League pitching depth. Not to say that there are no good pitchers in the minors, there just isn't any high round, highly touted prospects except for Parra/Gallardo, and Jeremy Jeffress (16th overall 2006 draft). Looking through the numbers just real quick point out some real interesting kids. Especially in Low A there are some real great numbers, which don't necessarily mean a lot, but are nice to see. I'm not going to talk starters today, I'll leave that for later, but I will run through level by level and point out some of the great numbers these guys are putting up and their history. You can look into all this at milb.com. This will be part one in a series I do over the next couple days. Today features High A ball, with AA and AAA to follow.
High A, Brevard County Manatees
The Manatees have 5 different bullpen pitchers with 10+ip and eras under 2.
Jeremy Jeffress--First round draft pick with a fast ball that hits 100mph regularly and a nasty power breaking pitch. Jeffress finds himself here after a demotion following a poor start at AA. The organization has plans for him in the rotation and probably won't give up on that dream any time soon. However, due to his lack of command and his only really having two pitches (albeit they are sick pitches) he very well may end up in the 'pen, so I'm putting him here. Brewers #1 pitching prospect and last years minor league pitcher of the year. Has been suspended for substance abuse in the past, really struggling in the ERA and BB columns this season.
2008 Numbers:
94ip 82h 52bb 115so .238avg
2009 Numbers:
35.1ip 32h 42bb 49so .244avg era 5.63 (at A)
Zach Braddock
A twenty one year old left hander. Last year split time between Low and High A ball, and started 11 games. ERA wasn't fabulous, and he's found himself back in high A again. This season he has solely come out of the bullpen and put up some sick numbers. Walks and baa have gone done significantly, and already high K/9 has gone up in a small sampling this season.
2008 stats:
71.1h 57h 45bb 93so .216 avd
2009 stats:
12ip 6h 2bb 22so .150avg era 1.50
Brandon Rapoza
A twenty three year old righty who split time between Arizona league and Pioneer league last season with some good numbers. This year: phenomenal out of the 'pen.
2008 stats:
36.2ip 24h 15bb 25so .185avg
2009 stats:
17.1ip 10h 2bb 10so era 0.00
Robert Wooton
Another 23 year old right who threw for Pioneer and Low A last season. Was a 13th rounder in the 2008 draft. Was nothing but solid last season, and already this season has taken home a Florida State League pitcher of the week award, and has set the franchise record for saves in a season (yes, the season isn't yet half over) He leads the FSL in saves at 16 with the closest competitor at 7. Has strung together a series of 16 consecutive scoreless appearances.
2008 numbers:
31.2ip 24h 6bb 44so .207avg
2009 numbers:
20ip 13h 7bb 27so .178avg era 0.45
John Axford
This 26 year old right-handed Canuck might be a little old for A ball, but his numbers this season warrant a look. Spent all of last season at Brevard and bounced between the rotation and bullpen with mixed results. Has some issues with walks, but a minuscule BAA make up for it.
2008 stats:
96ip 86h 73bb 89so .246avg
2009 stats:
20ip 6h 8bb 29so .094 avg era 1.35
Roque Mercedes
This 22 year old Dominican righty has had a solid minor league career. Was a pioneer league all-star in 2007. Last year pitched for Low-A and had another nice season.
2008 numbers:
113ip 112h 27bb 111so .252avg
2009 numbers:
21ip 13h 8bb 24so .178avg era 1.29
There are some good starters down here too. Remember Mike Jones? No? First rounder from 2001, made 7 starts for Brevard County and has since made 2 for Huntsville with some decent numbers. Another former first rounder Mark Rodgers (2004) has a low ERA despite some mediocre peripheral numbers in 14ip this season. Mark is on a strict pitch count after losing the last 2 seasons to injury.
I had intended to do all of the Minors in one fell swoop but this turned out to be much longer than I had originally intended. Oh well, hopefully this is informative for some of you out there and I can turn it into a nice little series. After this is all done I'd like to tackle "The Brewers in 3 years" a what if scenario using prospects to build our future team. Also discussing some of our top guys like Brett Lawrie, Escobar, and Lorezo Cain.
Peace in the Middle East.
Brew Up.
Last Nights Game:
Not too shabby, disappointed with how Bush pitched, but then again he is known for giving up homers. The hitting was good to see, especially against Harang who has been throwing the ball well for the Reds this season. I hope the home runs we've seen the last two nights are signs of a run to come, Brewers have some of the most streaky hitters around, and any one of them can carry the team for a time, when 3 or 4 get hot at once, that's when we win 10 in a row... Counsell continues to produce, I'm still uneasy with him up in the one spot and at 2b day in and day out but it's going fine so far...
Minor League Bullpen:
All right, I've said before (and other sources will back me up) that the Brewers are lacking in Minor League pitching depth. Not to say that there are no good pitchers in the minors, there just isn't any high round, highly touted prospects except for Parra/Gallardo, and Jeremy Jeffress (16th overall 2006 draft). Looking through the numbers just real quick point out some real interesting kids. Especially in Low A there are some real great numbers, which don't necessarily mean a lot, but are nice to see. I'm not going to talk starters today, I'll leave that for later, but I will run through level by level and point out some of the great numbers these guys are putting up and their history. You can look into all this at milb.com. This will be part one in a series I do over the next couple days. Today features High A ball, with AA and AAA to follow.
High A, Brevard County Manatees
The Manatees have 5 different bullpen pitchers with 10+ip and eras under 2.
Jeremy Jeffress--First round draft pick with a fast ball that hits 100mph regularly and a nasty power breaking pitch. Jeffress finds himself here after a demotion following a poor start at AA. The organization has plans for him in the rotation and probably won't give up on that dream any time soon. However, due to his lack of command and his only really having two pitches (albeit they are sick pitches) he very well may end up in the 'pen, so I'm putting him here. Brewers #1 pitching prospect and last years minor league pitcher of the year. Has been suspended for substance abuse in the past, really struggling in the ERA and BB columns this season.
2008 Numbers:
94ip 82h 52bb 115so .238avg
2009 Numbers:
35.1ip 32h 42bb 49so .244avg era 5.63 (at A)
Zach Braddock
A twenty one year old left hander. Last year split time between Low and High A ball, and started 11 games. ERA wasn't fabulous, and he's found himself back in high A again. This season he has solely come out of the bullpen and put up some sick numbers. Walks and baa have gone done significantly, and already high K/9 has gone up in a small sampling this season.
2008 stats:
71.1h 57h 45bb 93so .216 avd
2009 stats:
12ip 6h 2bb 22so .150avg era 1.50
Brandon Rapoza
A twenty three year old righty who split time between Arizona league and Pioneer league last season with some good numbers. This year: phenomenal out of the 'pen.
2008 stats:
36.2ip 24h 15bb 25so .185avg
2009 stats:
17.1ip 10h 2bb 10so era 0.00
Robert Wooton
Another 23 year old right who threw for Pioneer and Low A last season. Was a 13th rounder in the 2008 draft. Was nothing but solid last season, and already this season has taken home a Florida State League pitcher of the week award, and has set the franchise record for saves in a season (yes, the season isn't yet half over) He leads the FSL in saves at 16 with the closest competitor at 7. Has strung together a series of 16 consecutive scoreless appearances.
2008 numbers:
31.2ip 24h 6bb 44so .207avg
2009 numbers:
20ip 13h 7bb 27so .178avg era 0.45
John Axford
This 26 year old right-handed Canuck might be a little old for A ball, but his numbers this season warrant a look. Spent all of last season at Brevard and bounced between the rotation and bullpen with mixed results. Has some issues with walks, but a minuscule BAA make up for it.
2008 stats:
96ip 86h 73bb 89so .246avg
2009 stats:
20ip 6h 8bb 29so .094 avg era 1.35
Roque Mercedes
This 22 year old Dominican righty has had a solid minor league career. Was a pioneer league all-star in 2007. Last year pitched for Low-A and had another nice season.
2008 numbers:
113ip 112h 27bb 111so .252avg
2009 numbers:
21ip 13h 8bb 24so .178avg era 1.29
There are some good starters down here too. Remember Mike Jones? No? First rounder from 2001, made 7 starts for Brevard County and has since made 2 for Huntsville with some decent numbers. Another former first rounder Mark Rodgers (2004) has a low ERA despite some mediocre peripheral numbers in 14ip this season. Mark is on a strict pitch count after losing the last 2 seasons to injury.
I had intended to do all of the Minors in one fell swoop but this turned out to be much longer than I had originally intended. Oh well, hopefully this is informative for some of you out there and I can turn it into a nice little series. After this is all done I'd like to tackle "The Brewers in 3 years" a what if scenario using prospects to build our future team. Also discussing some of our top guys like Brett Lawrie, Escobar, and Lorezo Cain.
Peace in the Middle East.
Brew Up.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Yesterday's Game
A good one, there's some of that power I was talking about. Nice home runs by both Fielder and Hart. Hitting still isn't where we all would like it to be, but enough, given a fine performance by our pitching staff.
Question: Do you think that Willie Randolph is a direct reason for the increase of the quality of our infielders this year?
-When Sveum came they said he'd make an impact on fielding, and maybe he did, but this year almost everybody around the horn seems drastically improved. Rickie Weeks really looked like a legit two bagger now, what a shame his loss is. Prince has significantly improved as well, you can't look me in the eye and say he's always dug balls out of the dirt like he has this year. Finally this may be just from finally getting a steady position but Hall looks sharp over at third too. (Hardy doesn't get mentioned because he was our only quality infielder prior to this year.)
Thought I'd share this funny link from the JSOnline about DiFelice becoming the teams ad hoc barber. It includes the wonderful pun, "it makes even more sense that on the mound his best pitch is a 'cut' fastball."
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/46420937.html
That's it for now. If I get around to it tonight, or at least tomorrow I'd like to bring up some of the nice relievers that we have rolling in AAA right now.
Peace, Brew Up.
Question: Do you think that Willie Randolph is a direct reason for the increase of the quality of our infielders this year?
-When Sveum came they said he'd make an impact on fielding, and maybe he did, but this year almost everybody around the horn seems drastically improved. Rickie Weeks really looked like a legit two bagger now, what a shame his loss is. Prince has significantly improved as well, you can't look me in the eye and say he's always dug balls out of the dirt like he has this year. Finally this may be just from finally getting a steady position but Hall looks sharp over at third too. (Hardy doesn't get mentioned because he was our only quality infielder prior to this year.)
Thought I'd share this funny link from the JSOnline about DiFelice becoming the teams ad hoc barber. It includes the wonderful pun, "it makes even more sense that on the mound his best pitch is a 'cut' fastball."
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/46420937.html
That's it for now. If I get around to it tonight, or at least tomorrow I'd like to bring up some of the nice relievers that we have rolling in AAA right now.
Peace, Brew Up.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Intro, Recent Notes
Hey Everybody!
I'm staying in DC for the summer and am quite bored, I also have been missing the Brewers. To make up for this I decided to spend some time on this blog.
On it I'm going to conjecture and discuss mostly things like roster moves, the minor leagues, trades and acquisitions. I'm also of course going to talk about the team today. Unfortunately I don't have television so I can't watch any games, but I'll do my best to listen to Uke and read up on what's going down. Here it goes!
The Pitching issues today.
Starters:
Yes, I know, plus 5 eras from both Parra and Suppan are unexceptable. Realistically I don't think that they're goint to stay that way. Parra will get better, he's shown what he can do. I don't really think he's an ace in the making, or even maybe a #2 starter, but I really expect something more along the lines of a 4.5. Numbers to think about: This year Parra has only allowed one homer/10.1 ip, best amongst the teams starters. WP are down from last year, GO/AO ratio is still good. BAA against is exactly the same as last years. Walks are up. My conclusion is that he's being too fine, and missing off the plate, which is better than over it. Suppan is more of a mystery. I do think that his numbers will come down, but I truely doubt under a 5. I don't even feel like looking up the numbers on him.
Bullpen:
It's been good overall. If anything I wouldn't be surprised to see guys like Villanueva and Stetter continue to get stronger as the season goes. Julio is passable, and everybody else is contributing nicely. I don't think I even need to comment on how great Hoffman has been...
Peavy:
Really? No, not really. While I probably would have said the same thing when CC rumors were popping up I don't see this happening. Moreover, I really don't want it to happen. I'm against dedicating that much of the payroll to one player (yes I was opposed to signing Sabathia longterm). What the Padres are sure to be asking for would rock our already depleted minor league pitching depth. I think that our team is pitching decently enough as is, except for Parra and Soup, who I expect to improve.
Baserunning:
I agree with the mentality that teams that hit the longball should do everything they can to avoid outs on the basepaths. However, what the Crew is currently doing is somewhat confusing. As can be seen in the recent losses, when we don't hit the long ball we lose. That's the thing with homers, they're kinda unpredictable. I don't understand why our CS ratio is so crazy high this year, all of the guys coming into the season had great numbers. Because of this awful rate we have been running even less. I say run more, let the guys go, I don't think any of them were ever stupid on the basepaths, just let them have at it.
Macha:
Except for what could be called the questionable base running strategies currently in effect I like Macha a lot. My only real issue has come up recently. Part of this is not his fault as he is just making due with what he has, but I don't like Counsell at the top of the lineup, and I'm sick of seeing Billy Hall whiff again and again. Lets give Gamel a go, he'll hit.
Ok, not too bad for my first shot. I didn't really feel like going over the hitters, because they are what they are. I'll briefly mention the perturbing whiffs of Hart, and the lack of the homer from Prince and Braun. HR's will come I'm sure.
More later, I'd like to get in depth on where I see the team in a couple of years, talking prospects mostly.
Take it easy, and Brew Up.
I'm staying in DC for the summer and am quite bored, I also have been missing the Brewers. To make up for this I decided to spend some time on this blog.
On it I'm going to conjecture and discuss mostly things like roster moves, the minor leagues, trades and acquisitions. I'm also of course going to talk about the team today. Unfortunately I don't have television so I can't watch any games, but I'll do my best to listen to Uke and read up on what's going down. Here it goes!
The Pitching issues today.
Starters:
Yes, I know, plus 5 eras from both Parra and Suppan are unexceptable. Realistically I don't think that they're goint to stay that way. Parra will get better, he's shown what he can do. I don't really think he's an ace in the making, or even maybe a #2 starter, but I really expect something more along the lines of a 4.5. Numbers to think about: This year Parra has only allowed one homer/10.1 ip, best amongst the teams starters. WP are down from last year, GO/AO ratio is still good. BAA against is exactly the same as last years. Walks are up. My conclusion is that he's being too fine, and missing off the plate, which is better than over it. Suppan is more of a mystery. I do think that his numbers will come down, but I truely doubt under a 5. I don't even feel like looking up the numbers on him.
Bullpen:
It's been good overall. If anything I wouldn't be surprised to see guys like Villanueva and Stetter continue to get stronger as the season goes. Julio is passable, and everybody else is contributing nicely. I don't think I even need to comment on how great Hoffman has been...
Peavy:
Really? No, not really. While I probably would have said the same thing when CC rumors were popping up I don't see this happening. Moreover, I really don't want it to happen. I'm against dedicating that much of the payroll to one player (yes I was opposed to signing Sabathia longterm). What the Padres are sure to be asking for would rock our already depleted minor league pitching depth. I think that our team is pitching decently enough as is, except for Parra and Soup, who I expect to improve.
Baserunning:
I agree with the mentality that teams that hit the longball should do everything they can to avoid outs on the basepaths. However, what the Crew is currently doing is somewhat confusing. As can be seen in the recent losses, when we don't hit the long ball we lose. That's the thing with homers, they're kinda unpredictable. I don't understand why our CS ratio is so crazy high this year, all of the guys coming into the season had great numbers. Because of this awful rate we have been running even less. I say run more, let the guys go, I don't think any of them were ever stupid on the basepaths, just let them have at it.
Macha:
Except for what could be called the questionable base running strategies currently in effect I like Macha a lot. My only real issue has come up recently. Part of this is not his fault as he is just making due with what he has, but I don't like Counsell at the top of the lineup, and I'm sick of seeing Billy Hall whiff again and again. Lets give Gamel a go, he'll hit.
Ok, not too bad for my first shot. I didn't really feel like going over the hitters, because they are what they are. I'll briefly mention the perturbing whiffs of Hart, and the lack of the homer from Prince and Braun. HR's will come I'm sure.
More later, I'd like to get in depth on where I see the team in a couple of years, talking prospects mostly.
Take it easy, and Brew Up.
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