Christmas Eve's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Dec 24, 2009 8:21 AM CST
in News
42 comments
Some things to read while stocking up on excuses.
Things will likely slow down a bit around here over the next few days, but there will still be a Thursday Thinker at noon. After that, I'll be off until Monday, with Noah handling this weekend's editor duties. Voting will also remain open for the final position player and lefty specialist on our BCB All Decade Team, so don't forget to cast your ballot.
As one might expect, we're a little light on Brewer news today, but heavy on Christmas gift suggestions. Miller Park Drunk has a list of ten gifts not to buy a Brewer fan, and a full three of them are Brewer related. Follow the link if you're not sick of Remetee jokes yet. Meanwhile, this is quietly moving to the top of my wish list.
Looking ahead to the 2010 draft, Andy Seiler has updated his projected draft order, and has the Brewers selecting 14th, 56th and 88th. Meanwhile, the Angels are set to cash in, selecting 18th, 29th, 30th, 36th and 37th.
Apparently the Timber Rattlers also have some time on their hands, as they've produced Episode 3 of The Offseason.
Around baseball:
Angels: Signed Fernando Rodney to a two year deal worth $11 million.
A's: Signed Coco Crisp to a one year deal with $5.25 million guaranteed, and a team option for 2011.
Braves: Signed Troy Glaus to a one year deal worth $2 million.
Nationals: Signed Matt Capps to a one year deal worth $3.5 million plus incentives.
Pirates: Signed pitcher Jack Taschner to a minor league deal.
What do you expect from J.J. Hardy in 2010? It's anyone's guess at this point, but you can count Seth McClung among those expecting a big bounce-back season from the former Brewer shortstop.
Meanwhile, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Royals. Now that they've signed Brian Anderson and will likely start him in center field, Joe Posnanski passes along this somewhat astonishing stat:
So — there were seven every day players in all of baseball last year with OPS+ of 80 or less. The Royals project to have FIVE IN THEIR OPENING DAY LINEUP. And that is assuming that Josh Fields, with his 68 OPS+ in 268 plate appearances last year, does not win a place in the lineup. And he could. The Royals like his bat.
Happy birthday today to 2000-2002 Brewer Jamey Wright, who turns 35.
Drink up.
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Royals
I am so glad that I am not a Royals fan.
by Saberilliterate on Dec 24, 2009 8:30 AM CST reply actions
JJ
I would expect a decent bounce back from JJ too. My only concern is how the Twins new ball park plays. If it is another Petco, it might not be the bounce back that we all hope that he has.
by Saberilliterate on Dec 24, 2009 8:32 AM CST reply actions
bounce to the medium
I never thought that Hardy was as good as the 4 WAR player he put up for 2 seasons. I know that his numbers dont play it out, but I always felt he had huge overperformance those two years. And I wont even touch on the defense, which has been discused ad nausem.
I definitely think he is worthy of a .270 type year with high teens HR numbers. Of course this makes him one of the best offensive SS’s out there. Going to the AL will help him as well offensively. He should bounce back into the “solid” category this year.
He was worth 9.8 WAR between ‘07-’08 (closer to a 5 WAR player). If he bounces back and puts up a wOBA between .330-.340 – which I think if anything is a conservative projection – and maintains his great defense, he’ll easily be a 4+ WAR player. That’s probably much better than “solid”.
It’s really a shame he won’t be on the Brewers next season, but I guess that’s the nature of the game. Have to open the door for the next half-decade with Escobar.
Ryan Braun: He loves it.
2.7
I have Hardy as a 2.7 WAR player for next year over at FanGraphs Projections.
His defense had a ton to do with positioning/coaching. He has a solid glove and arm, but he has nowhere near the complete package defensively that Escobar or guys like Reyes, Tulowitzki or Rollins have.
I have no problem with losing him, especially since Escobar is ready to take over. I consider him an elite defender at a defensive minded position. For reference, I have Escobar at a 2.3.
I'm curious how Hardy (who is originally from Tucson)
will handle April in Minnesota with no roof. I think he’ll bounce back, but not as much as McClung thinks.
But I’m really interested in how the Twins will play next year in a stadium that won’t give them such a huge advantage.
"A D+ Grade? That must have been a Wittardo grade"- @73_MC
by BrewHaHeather on Dec 24, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
I lived up there for 10 years
and played college ball. If it werent for the Metrodome being opened for the college programs in the area we would have had about 8 snow outs a year.
Its not fun in April, nor may for that matter.
I think they should be fine. At least the pitchers will do well. Got to love ballparks that favor pitchers.
it's not like he's the best evaluator of playing talent
I don’t think Hardy’s hitting will bounce back, but he’s got to be better defensively than Nick Punto. If the Twins can pick up a 3B with some range it will really help them out.
As for the Twins in general, when your offense consists of Morneau hitting dingers and Mauer hitting everywhere at every time, the biggest problem is when either of those guys ends up on the DL. I don’t think Target Field will be that much of a factor.
just a hello
i just wanted to say hi and merry Christmas to all i have been following this blog for awhile but just signed up thanks k.l. and all the rest go brew crew
Merry Christmas, Mr. McClung.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Wow, what the heck, Royals?
None of those guys are even good defenders. In fact, with the exception of Brian Anderson who’s about average in CF, all of those guys are actually really atrocious defenders.
Poor Zack Greinke.
Ryan Braun: He loves it.
I can't believe the Royals signed Brian Anderson
I guess The Rock is going solo this year.
"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!"
by roguejim on Dec 24, 2009 11:25 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I already tried to trick all my friends earlier in the week.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Need some help guys
I need to find Brewers related stuff for a newborn boy, preferably on the inexpensive side. Let me know of any links you can find. Blankets, clothes, decorations, whatever works.
"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."
No chance online
the best place to find that kind of thing is at rummage sales, or ebay.
Otherwise you have to bite the bullet and pay full price. Had the same problem with our infant.
That's much better than the Brewers Shop
thanks
"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 that would've been a lot better than Latroy Hawkins
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
$5.5 if he hits all performance incentives
Too bad $3.5 of this year’s Brewers payroll is for a guy in middle relief.
"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 24, 2009 2:42 PM CST up reply actions
So how much does Bedard get?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Ehh
Probably somewhere between Dusch and Harden
"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 24, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
hometown discount?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
coupons!!
aigh! that top ten list of bad gifts was generally on the mark. i’ve hated those coupon things for a while now… they represent even less effort than a gift card. and really, if you need to present a coupon for something, i gotta believe the relationship has other issues.
i’d rather have remetee board shorts than a coupon.
Home-made coupons aren't the worst
Random coupons from the Sunday newspaper are the worst.
"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!"
Especially if Christmas is on a Saturday, so the coupons are a week old.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Hardy should be playing 3rd for the 'Crew this year!!!
They have plenty of options at 2nd and I’m tired of the relentless Weeks supporters! We would have a hell of a defensive infield with Fielder, McGehee/Gamel, Escobar and Hardy! If you really need Weeks on your team, let him try CF. Hell that even worked for Yount!!! I am sooo confused by this panel’s support for Weeks at 2nd, but what can I do?! We should really have Lopez at 2nd, but I’ve already been slapped for that thought! Merry Christmas to all and go CREW!!!
Bill Brasky is a sonofabitch!
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
So, let me just sum up your thoughts on the team:
- J.J. Hardy should have been forced to move to 3b, against his will.
- Felipe Lopez should have been re-signed—how much do you propose? Two years and $12M?
- You think Mat Gamel can play 2nd.
- You also think that (apparently) McGehee, Gamel, and Lopez should split time at 2nd.
- You think that Rickie Weeks should be moved to CF, since Robin Yount went from 2B to CF?
That about cover it?
"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 25, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not usually one to encourage people to go somewhere else
But I really think the JS comments might be a better fit for you.
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 25, 2009 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
re: So, let me just sum up your thoughts on the team:
1) I don’t think the Brewers really gave him a chance to move to 3rd. I have heard of another SS that moved to 3rd against his will with a bit of success (and please don’t come back with Hardy ain’t no A-rod!!!). Hardy is an above average defender and just needs to find consistency at the plate. What stud do you want to see starting at 3rd next year?
2) Yes, but hopefully for a bit less.
3) No, but he will move to 1st if Fielder leaves.
4) McGehee could have split time between 2nd and 3rd. Possibly as the long term fix at 2nd.
5) Yount went from SS to CF, but I’m only putting it out there because everyone seems to want Weeks in a Brewers uniform. He does have the speed.
What do we have now for an infield? Fielder, a 2nd baseman coming off a season ending wrist injury, a rookie, and basically another rookie. Look for Counsell to put in a lot of innings!!! I realize this is all too late now, but thought it might create a little discussion during these “no news” days. I really don’t see these thoughts as being so out there. Sorry for the posts KL & Charlie! I guess if I made your salaries creating these blogs my research would be more exhaustive.
Late to the party
but JJ had no desire to move to 3B. He loses almost all of his value defensively and becomes a weak hitting 3B. How was the conversation going to go?
Melvin: I know we dicked you out of a year of FA by playing games with your demotion to AAA and you’ll be far less valuable when you do get to FA, assuming we don’t find another loophole, but would you be a pal and move to a position you have never played before so we can move Gamel to a position he has never played before and shows no hope in hell of learning?
It may be a tough sell.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Dec 26, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
No
Hardy said he was not going to move to 3B.
Lopez would not have signed for less.
You said:
We would have a hell of a defensive infield with Fielder, McGehee/Gamel, Escobar and Hardy!
So, since you proposed that Hardy be forced to 3B and Lopez be re-signed for 2B, I’m left to assume you want McGehee/Gamel to play 2B.
FWIW, Fielder is not a good defensive 1B.
Yount went from SS to CF, but I’m only putting it out there because everyone seems to want Weeks in a Brewers uniform. He does have the speed.
This sounds like a cut/paste from the JSonline blog. Move Hardy to 3B, move Weeks to CF, move Gamel to 1B, move Braun to RF, sign Adam Dunn. Why? Because Robin Yount moved 30 years ago? Because Ryan Braun did it 3 years ago? Because Bill Hall failed at it? The reason Hardy told the Brewers he wouldn’t move? Because it would devalue him to be seen as either a utility man or a weak powered corner IF. At SS, with his very good defense, he’s an elite SS—that much power from the SS position is only eclipsed by Ramirez, Hanley.
I really don’t see these thoughts as being so out there.
You want to move everyone around the diamond, even against their will (there was an article in the JS about Hardy saying he wasn’t moving to 3B, not sure how you missed it), and you don’t think that’s ‘so out there’? Did you even think about any of this? Or you’re just regurgitating stuff you read somewhere else?
Sorry for the posts KL & Charlie! I guess if I made your salaries creating these blogs my research would be more exhaustive.
I don’t think you need to apologize for posting. You should just realize that if you’re going to put something out there that seems to imply odd position switches and ridiculously JSonline-ish scenarios, people are going to jump on you. You might also want to know, Mr. Hyperbole, that KL doesn’t get paid to write this, and neither do I.
"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 26, 2009 11:16 AM CST up reply actions
I'm fully aware that you don't get paid...however, you kids certainly take this on like it's your job!!!
If you look closely, I really only wanted to mention Hardy at 3rd and possibly Gamel at 1st (the latter has been brought up by management a number of times) . That’s not mind-boggling position switching!!! I guess I missed the JS article and all knowledge of baseball in general, but why would Hardy lose almost all of his value defensively? And would he really be that weak of a hitting 3B? I believe we currently have players that do just fine at both positions. What am I missing here?! I understand he didn’t want to get moved, but he could have been persuaded. And this article started out with a picture of him and a quote by McClung, so it seemed like a decent post. I couldn’t care less about Weeks at this point (but I’m only putting it out there because everyone seems to want Weeks in a Brewers uniform). Lopez would be at 2nd like he has been for a few years and McGehee as well.
re: Fielder is not a good defensive 1B & Lopez would not have signed for less.
I was out of line for that part of the post (basically because I wanted them to sign Lopez) and agree with you here on Fielder. That is basically my point and frustration. We are not going to have a good defensive infield. Probably a bad one. And we lost arguably our best defensive outfielder. How can this be good?! Also, where is the huge Lopez contract? I haven’t seen one yet, but I guess there is still time.
I also don't mind getting my posts picked apart...
But, you guys seem to attack simple/fun theories like they are life-threatening illnesses. I found this site a few months back and it looked fun. Now it just looks like a few guys with way too much time on their hands.
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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.
