So, I actually forgot that I made that post yesterday, I was up way too late and was kinda crazy, funny. But anyway, the Brewers acquired Claudio Vargas from the Dodgers for minor league infielder/catcher Vinny Rottino. Rottino was a bit of a fan favorite, being the last cut in Spring Training in '07, and being a home town boy. He actually set a record with 124 RBIs for A ball a few years back, but slipped down the depth chart steadily. He actually cleared through waivers not too long ago. This seems like the kind of deal that was done that actually had very little to do with the players involved. The Dodgers needed a spot on the 25/4o man rosters so basically just let Vargas go. Vargas is making the league minimum, and has pitched well, allowing 2 runs in 11 innings so far this season. The Brewers gave up Rottino as a way to let him get to the big leagues again, it just really wasn't going to happen here... the Dodgers took him because he can play 5 positions with some degree of success... Word is that due to Vargas' sore elbow he will only be pitching out of the 'pen.
The Deals That Weren't.
So apparently some things really did fall through at the last second. Discussions for for Halliday were never really going to go down, and talks for Washburn went south a couple of days ago, but GM Doug Melvin says that 2 separate deals fell through within the last 30 minutes prior to the deadline. One was a three team swap for a fine pitcher, and the last one was a 2 teamer that didn't happen 10 minutes before the end of trade season. People speculate, and maybe some more info will come out in coming days, but Melvin is usually fairly tight lipped on such issues. Word was the the Crew was looking at Brian Bannister from the Royals, but I kinda think that that was old news too. One hint that was let out is that it was somebody who wouldn't be available to pitch Saturday, so you just kinda have to weasel your nose through who threw recently to come up with a list, one name being Javier Vasquez from the Braves. I'm curious to find out, but it doesn't really matter because it never actually happen.
At least we got Felipe Lopez. Sometimes deals that took place a week early get lost in the Trade Deadline hooplah, but really getting a good 2B has really stabilized the infield.
Coupled with that Suppan is on the DL, so Burns with return to the rotation. Bush is still about 2 weeks away, supposedly... Of course, on a note more related to the infield, is the sending of Bill Hall to AAA Nashville. Hall went 2-4 in his first true minor league game in about seven years. If anything, I hope this just gives him some sort of trade value. If Hall is sent away, which I kinda see as inevitable (even if it's just a release) it would be nice to at least get some B level prospect, and maybe not have to eat his entire salary (which is 8.4 million next year).
Some kinda good news musings related to that is the fact that following the 2010 season, Hall's 8.4, Suppan's 10+, and Prince's 10+ (although he is still under team control for one more season, I see him being traded after '10 though) that is a crazy lot of money to be made available (note: Hardy will be a FA too). Hell, even after this year Kendall's 4+, Looper's 4.75, Cameron's 10, Hoffman's 6.5 (although I would like him back) all come off. We are actually getting to the point where our players coming of age isn't really that scary. Most of our "young" guys are into arbitration, and the salary jumps are no longer that intimidating. Next year I wouldn't be suprised to see the crew go with some young talent again. Doing this will mix in the two large crops of home grown talent we have. I think fairly realistically we could see Lorenzo Cain in center field, Angel Salome behind the plate, and pending some sort of moves you could have people like Escobar at short, Gamel at third, and McGehee and second. Now, not all of those are going to happen at once. I could be a bit of a gamble, and a bit of a building move for the '11 season, but you could move people like Weeks (maybe) and Hardy and Hall and still have a rocking team. Also, this would give all of them a season t0 get acclimated to the big leagues. Then realistically for the '12 season we have guys like Lucroy, Dykstra, and Lawrie waiting in the wings.
All in all I see some good things in the future. Except for pitching, as we really can't expect any of the good A ball guys to get to the Show before '12 or so, our farm system is still really deep. And now we can see that the money is available to sign the pieces that we don't have. My prediction now: depending on how things are done, but I can see next season being a rough one. But if we trade some of our older young players for a pitcher or two, and then sign some rotation help, with the core we will still have and the new young talent waiting for there chance, I see '11 as being a real successful year.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
End of the trade deadline fidgeting
Hey all,
So the trade deadline is officially Friday, what's the deal? Some have said, and Brewers' GM Doug Melvin seems to agree with the idea, that the Brewers have somewhat cast themselves out of the area of outside help by both playing poorly, and by the recent trips to the DL. A pending move to shore up the starting pitching no longer seems imininat, as it did just a few short days ago. Melvin has said the he expects Seattle to hold onto Washburn and for the D'backs to hold onto Garland and Davis. There basically goes all of our SP help down the shoots. Doug admtted to talking to the Padres about Correia, but for whatever good he would do, with his 4.75 era...
I still continue to believe that the Brewers can play well enough to make the playoffs... but now I am truely doubting that they will, even perhaps. The mounting injuries and the increasingly common downfall of the bullpen seem to put us away for the year.
Oh goodness. I am hoping to see some turn around in play, and hopefully a move to help something, somewhere, somehow....
I can't do it, but I hope you can Brew Up...
So the trade deadline is officially Friday, what's the deal? Some have said, and Brewers' GM Doug Melvin seems to agree with the idea, that the Brewers have somewhat cast themselves out of the area of outside help by both playing poorly, and by the recent trips to the DL. A pending move to shore up the starting pitching no longer seems imininat, as it did just a few short days ago. Melvin has said the he expects Seattle to hold onto Washburn and for the D'backs to hold onto Garland and Davis. There basically goes all of our SP help down the shoots. Doug admtted to talking to the Padres about Correia, but for whatever good he would do, with his 4.75 era...
I still continue to believe that the Brewers can play well enough to make the playoffs... but now I am truely doubting that they will, even perhaps. The mounting injuries and the increasingly common downfall of the bullpen seem to put us away for the year.
Oh goodness. I am hoping to see some turn around in play, and hopefully a move to help something, somewhere, somehow....
I can't do it, but I hope you can Brew Up...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Old post, sorry, Felipe Lopez
So, I wrote this up right before the All-Star brake, but my computer became stupid and I couldn't put it up. Sorry for the delay. Congrats to Fielder for winning the HR derby, very fun. It got pretty annoying though how much the announcers talked about Pujols... who didn't win the derby... We get it, he's one of the best hitters ever... but Fielder won the derby, talk about him for a while... Anyway, here you go.
On second thought, it won't let me copy/paste things into the browser. Boo.
Just got the news through the wire that the Brew Crew has acquired utility man/2nd baseman Felipe Lopez from the Diamondbacks. Lopez is a switch hitter that does well from both sides of the plate. Only a .265 career hitter, Lopez is currently hitting .301 with 6 hr. His average has been lower and lower each month this season, but we should still expect a good .280ish from him. Not a lot of power, but does have decent speed, stealing 44 bases in one season a couple of years ago. Should be interesting to see where he slots into the lineup, I'm going to guess at lead off with his speed, decent OBP, and the fact that he should be in the line up everyday.
What did we give up for him? Single A pitcher Rogue Mercedes, who if you recall and have been a good reader I discussed in my section about A ball bullpen. In around 29 games this year Mercedes owns an ERA in the low 1's. Also, AAA outfield Cole Gillepsie. I'm a little surprised to see Gillepsie get moved, as at one time he was a decent prospect. However, upon looking at his numbers this year they are very much mediocre. Not a good average, 7hr... maybe one of those AAAA players who a change of scenery may benefit. Also, outfielders are one of the Brewers' organizational depths, with Hart and Braun entrenched in the corners, and guys like Lorenzo Cain and Cutter Dykstra looking pretty sharp in center for AAA and A ball respectively.
Thats it for now. I've found myself in a bit of a funk lately and either very busy or very lazy. I'll try to get going on more things, especially with the trade deadline approaching (July 31).
Brew Up!
On second thought, it won't let me copy/paste things into the browser. Boo.
Just got the news through the wire that the Brew Crew has acquired utility man/2nd baseman Felipe Lopez from the Diamondbacks. Lopez is a switch hitter that does well from both sides of the plate. Only a .265 career hitter, Lopez is currently hitting .301 with 6 hr. His average has been lower and lower each month this season, but we should still expect a good .280ish from him. Not a lot of power, but does have decent speed, stealing 44 bases in one season a couple of years ago. Should be interesting to see where he slots into the lineup, I'm going to guess at lead off with his speed, decent OBP, and the fact that he should be in the line up everyday.
What did we give up for him? Single A pitcher Rogue Mercedes, who if you recall and have been a good reader I discussed in my section about A ball bullpen. In around 29 games this year Mercedes owns an ERA in the low 1's. Also, AAA outfield Cole Gillepsie. I'm a little surprised to see Gillepsie get moved, as at one time he was a decent prospect. However, upon looking at his numbers this year they are very much mediocre. Not a good average, 7hr... maybe one of those AAAA players who a change of scenery may benefit. Also, outfielders are one of the Brewers' organizational depths, with Hart and Braun entrenched in the corners, and guys like Lorenzo Cain and Cutter Dykstra looking pretty sharp in center for AAA and A ball respectively.
Thats it for now. I've found myself in a bit of a funk lately and either very busy or very lazy. I'll try to get going on more things, especially with the trade deadline approaching (July 31).
Brew Up!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
International Signings, Trade Rumors Starting
For those of you who don't know, during a time frame following the June amateur draft international free agents are allowed to be signed. That time has now commenced. Typically these players are Latin American/South American, although the Pirates did just sign a trio of Taiwanese prospects. International players are not eligible for the draft under current rules.
Many of these nations allow players to be signed at the age of 16 (I'm not sure how those rules works, like who makes that decision and what not). Not all players sign that young, and they may continue to hone their skills (and monetary value) with continued work. Some of the bonuses these players receive are very high. The Yankees to date have already signed at least 3 players who are getting 3.2, .75, and .4 million dollar bonuses.
Well, the Brewers aren't the Yankees, if the Sabathia signing didn't already inform you of that. But today the Brew Crew did sign two nice prospects.
The first and foremost is Jose Pena. Pena is an outfield who just turned 16. He's already 6'2" and 190lbs and is still considered to be projectable. He's supposed to be a plus player all around and should develop into a good power hitter. Scouting Director Bruce Seid just flew back from the Dominican after the signing and liked what he saw. GM Doug Melvin has also been out to see Pena play. $400,000 is rumored to be the signing bonus, over 300k short of the franchise record they doled out for a pitcher in '05. Seid commented that Pena will be the highest profile player signed by the Crew internationally.
The second is a hard throwing 17 year old righty named Jean Capellan. Capellan sits around 92mph with his fastball and has a hard breaking ball. Not considered a highly touted prospect, the Brewers think he will have upside. Signing bonus here is expected to be around $50,000.
Both players are expected to start their careers at the Brewers' new training facility in the Dominican.
Trade Rumors:
So, a couple of things have gone down in the trade rumor world involving the Brewers. First off, I hope we're all aware that former Indian Mark DeRosa is now a Cardinal. Which is bad for us because the Cards have had a bit of a whole at 3rd with Glaus being on the DL. It was confirmed by Doug Melvin that the Brewers had talked to Shapiro and the Indians about landing DeRosa, but the Brewers lacked the Major League ready pitching that they wanted in return. Oh well, McGehee is hitting so well right now, I'm not too worried about 3rd.
Secondly is the everlasting search for starting pitching, now especially with Parra down at AAA and Bush on the DL. I really see the Brewers as having to make a move. Hopefully some things get sorted out, but even with Yovani hovering around a 3.0, it's entirely possible for everybody else in our rotation to be up over a 4.50...bad. The name that's getting tossed around is former Brewer Doug Davis, who is currently with the Diamondbacks (Brewers traded him there for Johnny Estrada). Davis is throwing the ball well, he's a control lefty, who kinda reminds you of a Jeff Soupan, cuts the fastball, slow curve, high WHIP. Don't let this worry you too much though, Davis is actually good. Despite his 3-8 record right now Doug's ERA is actually 3.15. The only real issue now is that there are so many teams still in a hypothetical contention that there is way more demand then there is a supply, so prices are inflated. Seems like we're going to have to wait until closer to the July 31 trade deadline to see any move happen.
That's that for now. It sure was a shame to see Gallardo's 12k gem wasted in that loss yesterday... I kinda really want Yo' to be a 20 game winner. It'd be super cool to see a Cy Young in Milwaukee, although that would probably make him unaffordable to us. (The Brewers had talks with his agent about an extension last year but they didn't go anywhere. When Yo' hurt his knee it seemed like that may have worked out well for the Brewers, but now he's pitching so awesome that waiting is definitely going to pay off for Gallardo and his agent.)
So nice little tangent there.
Brew Up! Brew Outta Here! Gone!
Many of these nations allow players to be signed at the age of 16 (I'm not sure how those rules works, like who makes that decision and what not). Not all players sign that young, and they may continue to hone their skills (and monetary value) with continued work. Some of the bonuses these players receive are very high. The Yankees to date have already signed at least 3 players who are getting 3.2, .75, and .4 million dollar bonuses.
Well, the Brewers aren't the Yankees, if the Sabathia signing didn't already inform you of that. But today the Brew Crew did sign two nice prospects.
The first and foremost is Jose Pena. Pena is an outfield who just turned 16. He's already 6'2" and 190lbs and is still considered to be projectable. He's supposed to be a plus player all around and should develop into a good power hitter. Scouting Director Bruce Seid just flew back from the Dominican after the signing and liked what he saw. GM Doug Melvin has also been out to see Pena play. $400,000 is rumored to be the signing bonus, over 300k short of the franchise record they doled out for a pitcher in '05. Seid commented that Pena will be the highest profile player signed by the Crew internationally.
The second is a hard throwing 17 year old righty named Jean Capellan. Capellan sits around 92mph with his fastball and has a hard breaking ball. Not considered a highly touted prospect, the Brewers think he will have upside. Signing bonus here is expected to be around $50,000.
Both players are expected to start their careers at the Brewers' new training facility in the Dominican.
Trade Rumors:
So, a couple of things have gone down in the trade rumor world involving the Brewers. First off, I hope we're all aware that former Indian Mark DeRosa is now a Cardinal. Which is bad for us because the Cards have had a bit of a whole at 3rd with Glaus being on the DL. It was confirmed by Doug Melvin that the Brewers had talked to Shapiro and the Indians about landing DeRosa, but the Brewers lacked the Major League ready pitching that they wanted in return. Oh well, McGehee is hitting so well right now, I'm not too worried about 3rd.
Secondly is the everlasting search for starting pitching, now especially with Parra down at AAA and Bush on the DL. I really see the Brewers as having to make a move. Hopefully some things get sorted out, but even with Yovani hovering around a 3.0, it's entirely possible for everybody else in our rotation to be up over a 4.50...bad. The name that's getting tossed around is former Brewer Doug Davis, who is currently with the Diamondbacks (Brewers traded him there for Johnny Estrada). Davis is throwing the ball well, he's a control lefty, who kinda reminds you of a Jeff Soupan, cuts the fastball, slow curve, high WHIP. Don't let this worry you too much though, Davis is actually good. Despite his 3-8 record right now Doug's ERA is actually 3.15. The only real issue now is that there are so many teams still in a hypothetical contention that there is way more demand then there is a supply, so prices are inflated. Seems like we're going to have to wait until closer to the July 31 trade deadline to see any move happen.
That's that for now. It sure was a shame to see Gallardo's 12k gem wasted in that loss yesterday... I kinda really want Yo' to be a 20 game winner. It'd be super cool to see a Cy Young in Milwaukee, although that would probably make him unaffordable to us. (The Brewers had talks with his agent about an extension last year but they didn't go anywhere. When Yo' hurt his knee it seemed like that may have worked out well for the Brewers, but now he's pitching so awesome that waiting is definitely going to pay off for Gallardo and his agent.)
So nice little tangent there.
Brew Up! Brew Outta Here! Gone!
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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