Tuesday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Dec 22, 2009 8:41 AM CST
in News
80 comments
Some things to read while coming so close.
Thanks to Rubie for filling in yesterday while I was on my way back from a long travel weekend. I'm home now and will also write Mugs tomorrow and Thursday, health permitting: Somewhere on my travels, I managed to pick up a cold. If today's Mug drifts off into incoherence, now you know why.
The holiday week is usually a quiet one for transactions, but Adam McCalvy said the Brewers likely aren't done adding players in a recent Inbox. He also handled questions on a possible Opening Day lineup, Zach Braddock, and the roof at Miller Park.
Further proof that Gregg Zaun is a better catcher than Jason Kendall, at less than half the price: Beyond the Box Score's Catcher Block Percentage rankings have Zaun listed as the best catcher in baseball at preventing wild pitches and passed balls, adding roughly seven runs per 120 games to his value. Jason Kendall was worth roughly two runs, while Mike Rivera projected out to 5.5 runs per 120 games.
Speaking of Rivera, he's signed a minor league deal with the Yankees, with an invitation to spring training.
Meanwhile, LaTroy Hawkins has probably already finished packing and moving, because he's got plenty of experience in the field. The Northwest Indiana Post-Tribune notes that the Brewers will be Hawkins' eighth team.
Speaking of much traveled pitchers, Adam Foster of Project Prospect had an interesting note on John Halama: He faced 210 batters in winter ball and issued just three walks. Halama's Dominican team has been eliminated from postseason contention, along with Alcides Escobar and Hernan Iribarren's Venezuelan team. For more on that, plus notes on several new Brewers and the winter ball debut of Angel Salome, check out today's oversized Winter League Update.
And, while I'm self promoting, you have until 4 pm today to vote for a fifth outfielder and 4 pm tomorrow to vote for a #2 starter on our BCB All Decade Team. Also, follow us on Twitter.
Around baseball:
Blue Jays: Have reportedly reached a deal to acquire Brandon Morrow from the Mariners for pitcher Brandon League and a minor leaguer.
Braves: Signed infielder Joe Thurston to a minor league deal.
Indians: Acquired pitcher Mitch Talbot as the PTBNL in the Kelly Shoppach deal, and signed reliever Saul Rivera to a minor league deal.
Marlins: Signed utilityman Danny Richar to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed Jason Marquis to a two year, $15 million deal.
Padres: Acquired catcher Dusty Ryan from the Tigers for a PTBNL or cash.
Phillies: Announced plans to exercise Jimmy Rollins' option for 2011.
Pirates: Signed reliever Javier Lopez to a one year deal.
Rangers: Signed Darren Oliver to a one year deal.
Reds: Re-signed Laynce Nix and restructured and extended Scott Rolen's contract.
Tigers: Signed pitcher Phil Dumatrait and catcher (and former Brewer minor leaguer) Andy Bouchie to minor league deals.
White Sox: Claimed pitcher Freddy Dolsi off waivers from the Tigers.
I've mentioned this topic several times: sorry if you don't think it's interesting, but I find it fascinating. The Blue Jays are apparently bucking the minor league per diem trend and giving their players $25 dollars a day for meal money instead of $20 next season. The change will cost the team less than $50,000, but could go a long way towards helping their prospects get proper nutrition.
With 93 career wins, a Cy Young Award, and six straight seasons with an ERA under 4, Pete Vuckovich has a lot to be proud of from his major league career. Of course, all of that pales in comparison to his induction into the MLB Mustache Hall of Fame.
Happy birthday today to:
- 2003-2005 Brewer Wes Obermueller, who turns 33.
- 1992 Brewer Andy Allanson, who turns 48.
And a couple of belated ones I missed over the weekend:
- Chris Narveson turned 28 on Sunday.
- LaTroy Hawkins turned 36 yesterday.
Drink up.
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Halama's BB
I guess he made sure no one walked off the island.
Signing Marquis means Washington will be a surprise playoff team.
I wonder how long Darren Oliver was a free agent before Melvin reached out to him.
Yankee's
… just traded for Javy Vasquez. Opening a hole in their outfield to be filled by Bay or Holliday. My own speculation, of course.
@nyp_joelsherman:
so the trade is vazquez and boone logan to #Yankees for melky cabrera, mike dunn and arodys vizcaino, that is now confirmed by Post
Jonah Keri is not a fan of the trade
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
I take it Keri's referring
to the Dryer Lint who pitched for Scranton last year. In which case the trade isn’t that bad…
"I hope your name is Rick"
Considering how well things worked out last time
this trade surprises me a bit. Javy’s worst year was with the Yanks in ’04.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Yeah, but he was battling shoulder issues for most of the second half.
Cashman never wanted to get rid of Javy, the boss made him do it.
Or Corey Hart!
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
Terrible trade
The Yankees ripped off the Braves pretty badly with this.
by kingcharlesxii on Dec 22, 2009 9:45 AM CST up reply actions
Like what the Yanks got
But I don’t think its horrific for the Braves.
The inclusion of Vizcaino makes it much more acceptable for the Braves.
Get a ife broseph
Plus they saved about 9.5 million
Dunn and Logan are about the same, and the difference between Melky and Javy is huge. So I don’t think it’s too horrible especially with Vizcaino, but I wouldn’t want the Brewers to do a similar trade.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Braves
It’s still a bad trade for them. The money saving is irrelevant since the ownership was required to keep a certain payroll level, which they’re now under by quite a bit. It’s a big reason why they signed that bad Lowe contract last offseason. Just means they’ll have to make another big and bad deal to compensate for the money differential.
If Melky doesn’t play center for them (and there’s every indication he won’t), it’s an even worse trade.
by kingcharlesxii on Dec 22, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not saying it's a bad trade for them
I’m just saying it’s not horrible.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
throw in a not in the title, "I'm not saying it's NOT a bad trade for them"
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Also...
isn’t the best hitting prospect in baseball Jason Heyward coming up to play CF for the Braves this year? I don’t think they need Melky there.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Possibly
He’ll be up for sure but I’m betting they’ll make the worst possible decision and put McLouth and his “Gold Glove” there.
Like I said, I just don’t understand the trade. They do get a promising young arm out of it but he’s 19 and just starting Low-A. We all know that many pitching prospects flame out even though they have all the promise in the world.
by kingcharlesxii on Dec 22, 2009 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
Oh snap
I forgot about Jordan Schaefer. He’s a young guy with upside they could easily plug in. He struggled last year, but he’s definitely better than the McClouth option
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
I believe
Heyward plays RF. The Braves would have to decide to either move McLouth or Melky to a corner — both would be above average defensively at those positions. They also have Matt Diaz, who crushes LHP, in the mix.
I agree with most of what Dave Cameron from Fangraphs writes:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-vazquez-deal
Get a ife broseph
Random thought
How does a trade in which the Yankees are presumed to be clear winners impact the usual complaints that the Yankees do nothing but buy titles through free agency?
I believe the small market party line is something like this
The Yankees can afford to trade prospects for big leaguers because they can just buy free agents to fill out the holes left by the departing prospects
OR
The Yankees can afford to take on bad contracts and thus can get better players in trades than they otherwise would
Well, not every team could add $17 million in extra salary (Granderson & Vazquez) without really shedding any payroll in the trades and already having major-league internal options to fill those positions. Plus, like the guy above said, part of the reason they can so freely give up prospects is because they can just buy any player to fill any need that might arise.
But clearly the Yankees are both rich and intelligent in their acquisitions/signings. That’s what differentiates them from, say, the Chicago Cubs.
Ryan Braun: He loves it.
McCalvy's lineup
McCalvy seemed to have the same problem we had yesterday, trying to figure out who bats 2nd. He said Hart or Zaun, but I would guess that it’s more likely to be Hart or McGehee, with Escobar taking over if he plays well. Please don’t let Zaun bat 2nd, Ken.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
But Zaun's a run-scorer
You have no concept.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
There's nothing weird about it. That's what he does.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Zaun has had an OBP in the .340s pretty consistently
Which you can’t really say for Hart. Honestly, I think he could very easily end up having the 4th highest OBP out of the starters, after Rickie, Braun, and Prince, which would be good material for the 2nd spot. Honestly, I think they could do way worse than to have him bat second.
Brewers Baseball and other assorted nonsense (mostly the assorted nonsense) at my blog, What's a Tararrel?
And honestly, I start too many sentences with honestly
Brewers Baseball and other assorted nonsense (mostly the assorted nonsense) at my blog, What's a Tararrel?
But he's going to clog the bases with his lack of speed.
He would certainly hinder Braun’s stolen base numbers!
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
Of all the problems Gregg Zaun could present
“He gets on base too often” is hardly concerning.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
by Kyle Lobner on Dec 22, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
one of my favorite Keith Law comments
in response to an “adam dunn is a base-clogger” comment, he responded: I’ll take my bases clogged any time, you can have yours empty
Clogs are only a problem if you don't have something to remove the clog.
Something like, a big stick, and guys named Fielder and Braun. They’re like two plumbers, on a mission to save the princess.
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
Ahhh...
Visions and Fielder and Braun in my head, running and dancing in mario and luigi threads.
BCB, the preferred above replacement level sarcasm supplier.
by MadJimiBrewha on Dec 22, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Blah
Visions of…
BCB, the preferred above replacement level sarcasm supplier.
by MadJimiBrewha on Dec 22, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Well
We could go with an entire organization, i.e. the Cubs, or we could just call Soup Bowser. He seems fitting.
BCB, the preferred above replacement level sarcasm supplier.
by MadJimiBrewha on Dec 22, 2009 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
The Cubs don't really fit into the scenario.
I like Suppan. He does try to clog the bases a lot. Just not in a good way for the Brewers.
The really tough question is...
Who are Wario and Waluigi?
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
Carpenter and Wainwright?
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
I think Hart is the clear candidate for Waluigi.
Wario is a little tougher…
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
by Kyle Lobner on Dec 22, 2009 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
How often are Wario and Mario on the same team though?
Aren’t they usually battling one another?
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
exactly
That’s why I’m thinking perhaps Zambrano and Oswalt
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
also
does this make Attanasio Princess Peach?
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Does he have to wear a dress?
To play the part?
BCB, the preferred above replacement level sarcasm supplier.
by MadJimiBrewha on Dec 22, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions
Or, on the flip side
Does he have to play the part to wear a dress?
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
yes on the first
no on the second, but we don’t know which way he’ll chose to go on that one.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
Well the first clue...
is the fact that we are having a lengthy discussion of baseball players as Mario characters.
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
I thought the first clue was yesterday ...
when we debated the relative merits of HIMYM, 30 Rock, the Office, Parks and Rec, and Modern Family.
NOTHING WOULD EVER BE EASIER WITH JOHNNY ESTRADA WAS ON THE TEAM
thats right all caps baby…
by BrewCrewBrian on Dec 22, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
If he *were
subjunctive FTW
Brewers Baseball and other assorted nonsense (mostly the assorted nonsense) at my blog, What's a Tararrel?
pwned
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
You spelled that wrong.
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
by Charlie Marlow on Dec 23, 2009 10:52 AM CST up reply actions
Where are your caps, now?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
On Ron Belliard
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
Strange
I had to spend a month playing him at Boggle and Word Challenge before I arrived at the same conclusion.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
Goulet!
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
That's why I come up here,
NATUUUUUREE
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I think Hart Reminds me of Yoshi
And Counsell is a hands down Toadstool…he even kind of looks like him.
BCB, the preferred above replacement level sarcasm supplier.
by MadJimiBrewha on Dec 22, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
Waluigi would make a great short stop
Have you ever seen him dive in Mario Tennis?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Doug Melvin
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
Well, we are talking about a manager who let Kendall bat lead-off in eight games last season.
I don’t think Zaun batting second is that far-fetched.
And again
Unlike batting Kendall leadoff, batting Zaun 2nd really wouldn’t necessarily be a terrible idea. If you accept that we won’t have one of our best hitters batting 2nd, like the Book says we should (and we won’t), having a guy with a solid OBP there is about the best we can hope for.
Brewers Baseball and other assorted nonsense (mostly the assorted nonsense) at my blog, What's a Tararrel?
That's what I was getting at (The Book)
I had forgotten about the OBP that Zaun has. What about batting Zaun leadoff and Weeks 2nd. I always thought Weeks would be perfect in the 2-hole (TWSS).
Conversations about the 2nd spot in the order are the most TWSSable conversations on the planet. Weeks would fit in/fill the/perform well/excel… in the 2 hole…
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
As far as The Book goes
Based on the reaction that Braun and Fielder had to being flipped in the lineup, I think that it’s not really worth pursuing that sort of superoptimal lineup (with the three best hitters 1, 2, 4, etc.) because the gains would be so marginal (<1 win) it’s just not worth making the waves. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t be able to put up with it and play along, just that I don’t see any reason to bother for the 5 or so runs you’d pick up over a season.
Brewers Baseball and other assorted nonsense (mostly the assorted nonsense) at my blog, What's a Tararrel?
right, but I think we can do better than Zaun.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
57 | 46 | .553 | 0 | Won 2 |
|
St. Louis
|
56 | 46 | .549 | 0.5 | Lost 1 |
|
Milwaukee
|
48 | 55 | .466 | 9 | Lost 2 |
|
Chicago
|
46 | 56 | .450 | 10.5 | Lost 2 |
|
Houston
|
42 | 59 | .415 | 14 | Won 2 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
36 | 65 | .356 | 20 | Lost 1 |
(updated 7.30.2010 at 4:51 AM CDT)
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
