Wednesday's Frosty Mug

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 8:31 AM CDT Comment 40 comments

Some things to read while celebrating Gorman's birthday.

To be honest, I was going to open the Mug today with a joke about Anthony Witrado, especially since his chat yesterday provided ample ammunition, but I think it might be time to back off a bit. I'm getting increasingly concerned that our discussions about Witrado are becoming far too personal, and I think it might be time for me to step in.

Let me be the first to acknowledge that I'm not a fan of Witrado's work in the least. His work is consistently inaccurate and the quality of his writing is significantly below what one would expect from a professional working for a large newspaper. At one point a couple of weeks ago I asked around and received no one to compare him to, meaning it's possible he's major league baseball's worst beat writer.

With that said, the conversation about him over the last week or so has crossed a line I'm not comfortable with. I doubt we're done criticizing his work in this space, and that's fine, but if you intend to do it, I'd appreciate it if the criticism was focused on his work and the personal attacks were dropped. Thanks.

Moving on, a rumor popped up yesterday suggesting the Brewers may be interested in Jake Peavy (as noted in this FanPost), but the rumor was quickly squashed by Tom H. and Doug Melvin. As Tom H. notes, even if the Brewers had a package of players the Padres were interested in and Peavy was willing to waive his no trade clause, it's unlikely the Brewers would be willing or able to pick up Peavy's salary at this point, unless players like Mike Cameron, Bill Hall or Jeff Suppan were involved in the trade.

Ryan Braun is expected back in Brewer camp today and, assuming his sore intercostal isn't giving him any trouble, he could be back in the Brewer lineup today. It sounds like the team wants to get him as many at bats as possible over the last week or so of camp, which could limit the at bats for some of the other corner outfielders in camp.

In yesterday's Mug I mentioned a note from Tom H. suggesting the Brewers were considering keeping their players who were out of options over players who still had options, simply to avoid having to put players on waivers. That idea hasn't been very popular around the Brewer blogosphere, with both PocketDoppler and View From Bernie's Chalet weighing in against it.

I don't think anyone will be opposed to better production from Craig Counsell. Counsell has abandoned his "human question mark" batting stance and leads the Brewers in batting average and OBP this spring.

At least one of the position battles in camp is over, as Todd Coffey has won a job in the bullpen. With the way things are headed right now, he may get a chance to close.

It looks like Manny Parra's back stiffness isn't going to turn out to be serious: Parra threw a bullpen session and should be ready to go for his scheduled start Friday.

Braden Looper will take the mound for the first time in the Cactus League on Thursday. Adam McCalvy has a story about Looper's family and their newest addition, a soon-to-be two year old Chinese orphan named Gracyn.

While adopting may be a dream for some, Keep Turning Up The Heat! is dreaming about Rickie Weeks, 600 foot home runs, and retirement. In a semi-related note, MLB FanHouse says Don't Sleep on the Brewers in 2009.

In other camps:

Blue Jays: Matt Clement has been cut from major league camp, but may refuse the assignment and become a free agent.
Mets: Freddy Garcia will remain with the team and report to minor league camp.
Rays: David Price will open the 2009 season in the minors.
Red Sox: Signed Rocky Cherry to a minor league deal. The Mets had selected him from the Orioles in the Rule 5 Draft.

So, what about the Cubs? They're widely considered the front runner, and in some places they're considered a lock to win the NL Central in 2009. FanGraphs organizational rankings have them at #7. (The Brewers have made the top 6.) With that said, it appears I'm not the only one who thinks they could be in line for a major disappointment in 2009. Miller Park Drunk lists some of the concerns they face.

The Marlins will get their new stadium after all, and will become the Miami Marlins in 2012. All of that is great, but Babes Love Baseball asks the same question I want answered: Even in a new stadium, will anyone come to their games?

The internet based community mourns a great loss this morning. John Brattain, who had written for several sites, passed away yesterday due to complications from heart surgery. He was 43. As I paged through the news and blogs this morning I've found dozens of mentions of his passing, which demonstrates how many lives he touched. Here are two, from Baseball Digest Daily and The Hardball Times. The BDD one includes links to several more.

Drink up.

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3 way trade

Send Cam and Suppan to the Yankees, send whatever we get back to the Padres plus a bat or two and we’re there.

by Getting Yosted on Mar 25, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hahaha.

A) The Yankees won’t take Suppan.
B) Even if they did, we’d get back about a quarter of what we’d need to land Peavy.
C) Due to B), it’s be more like “Plus a couple bats and a top pitching prospect or two”

by Mykenk on Mar 25, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Suppan is an opening day starter!!!

That has value. Opening day starters don’t grow on trees, you know. Did I mention he had a decent stretch in the playoffs a few years back? That means he’s clutch, so when A-Rod is choking his way to a 180 OPS+ Suppan can help fill in the gaps.

by Getting Yosted on Mar 25, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yes

He was QUITE clutch indeed last year in the playoffs…

"You have no honor!" - McClung to Fukudome

by zsxander567 on Mar 25, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention

leading to the playoffs

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 26, 2009 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here-here

I doubt we’re done criticizing his work in this space, and that’s fine, but if you intend to do it, I’d appreciate it if the criticism was focused on his work and the personal attacks were dropped. Thanks.

I know I’d like to be in Witrado’s or even TH’s (professional) shoes, but bashing them into oblivion won’t, as Beck Hansen once warned, kill your day job, honey.

by One-Flap Down on Mar 25, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Of course I will host the occasional Grammar Rodeo

by One-Flap Down on Mar 25, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

weighing in on the personal attacks

Anyone that has been fortunate enough to receive a return email form either one of them come to the same conclusion: Their smugness and arrogance lead to the personal attacks. They assume that they are the end all and be all of Brewers information and oppinion. As consumers of their media, we have the right to expect better. It is the reason that the Blog form as a media has risen to its current heights. As I said in the mailbag, they have the priveledge of being paid to write about the team we love. People such as KL and Sackman do (did) it for the love of the team.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 9:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with everything you said except the justification of the personal attacks.

We do deserve better Brewer coverage. We do occasionally have negative interactions with the current JS writers. And we are occasionally exposed to an attitude from them that’s off-putting at best.

But none of those things are a reason to drop our standards. They’re a reason to hold ourselves to higher standards.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look, I'm not saying let's rip his mama

I’m saying that me calling him out for wearing unprofessional attire on a video allows us to question his professionalism. I’m saying that me asking how many shirts with bedazzled dragons on him does he have in his closet is fair game due to the pictures on the net that he allows to be posted. If they put it out there, is it wrong to question it?

Tom H. is a different story. The fact is he has been smug and arrogant, and is passing these traits on to the younger, impressionable Witrado. When he responds to a question regarding acquiring a prospect by saying “The guy played in Class A ball last year. Is this a big deal for you? If true, it’s obviously a minor transaction.” as justification for not reporting it. I find this unnacceptable, especially since the world’s foremost prospect publication relies on him to report on the Brewers’ farm system. He gives the impression that he could give two sh*ts about reporting things that he’s THE word on. Tom H. has sent me rude responses to every email I’ve sent over the years, and this allows me to rip his mama.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

just kidding on the rip his mama part with Tom H.

But if he’s going to act the way he does, what respect does he deserve?

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Respect

I’m not so sure that it’s a matter of respect, or a matter of holding ourselves to a higher standard. Hey, the relationship between bloggers and beat writers in Milwaukee is pretty torn up. Maybe criticizing their every move isn’t the best way to go about it. If we start treating them with dignity, it’ll become a two-way street.

by tcyoung on Mar 25, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

As soon as the blog came around, the first thing all these MSM guys did was brush us off as losers living in their parent’s basement. Tom was no exception to this. He treated the blogosphere with extreme disgust and the, “You aren’t in the lockerroom so you don’t know what you are talking about,” attitude. Why should we hold him in any regard when it isn’t and probably won’t ever be reciprocated.

Let’s not forget the entire Badger Blogger incident where he trusted a source none of us would have bothered reporting on HERE, let alone the news feed of THE major publication of the metro area that he writes for. He brushed it off and went on an internet bashing rampage. Saying these kids with their tweating and facebook and Dan Fogelberg records should really just get a life. It was completely his fault and he blamed the completely wrong area.

I’ve come to the safe conclusion that it won’t change with him, and his general attitude to his readers won’t change. So why should I?

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't indifference the best weapon, though?

Just my opinion, but the JS doesn’t care if their feedback to these guys is positive or negative. They are most likely just happy to still be relevant in any way. If somebody really wants these two to go away, I don’t think that participating in their chats (in any capacity) or sending emails or visiting the site or whatever is the best way to go. Just ignore them, like many people have been doing to many newspapers lately, and the paper will fold. (Pun!)

Seriously, it’s because of places like this (and many other sites) that I can go without reading the JS stuff, and still feel informed. Although he didn’t say it precisely this way, I do agree with KL that getting involved in that feels like slumming a bit, and that’s not good for anybody.

I miss the slide, the balloons, and the giant beer mug. :(

by Adam P on Mar 25, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.....BUT.

I do laugh at a lot of the stuff you guys write mocking these guys, so I’m kind of torn I guess.

I miss the slide, the balloons, and the giant beer mug. :(

by Adam P on Mar 25, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With all this said

let’s just be thankful that neither is as inane or just plain stupid as Michael Hunt. I think that his purpose in the sports pages is just to make the populace that still read the paper sit back and say, “Hey, I’m smarter than this a-hole.” And they are right.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, I can't believe John Brattain died

He was one of the people on BTF I enjoyed most. He was really funny. That’s just terrible.

jeff: but i shudder to think of the bullpen analogy to sending the runner

by battlekow on Mar 25, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely

I don’t read BTF too much, but I recognized the name from a few other places.

The artist formerly known as jihad.

by Jordan M on Mar 25, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

for those who don't remember

John Brattain made an appearance here, answering 5 q’s about the Blue Jays. Possibly the highlight of the 2008 5 questions series. RIP.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 25, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, one more thing

Happy Birthday Gorman

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He would say thank you

But he’s busy chewing on a cow hoof.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing those pictures of Gorman really make me want to get a dog, FYI.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on Mar 25, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gorman

Shares a birthday with my 2 year old Great Dane named Badger. I live in Iowa, so not many around here like the name.

I've spent most of my life playing softball, the rest of it I have just wasted....

by SoftballMVP on Mar 25, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You should get

an angry, rabid badger for a pet and name it “Hawkeye.” I bet that would make your Iowa neighbors happy!

by Brew Angel on Mar 25, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I did that too

But then my cats Paul, Robin and Cecil mysteriously disappeared!

I've spent most of my life playing softball, the rest of it I have just wasted....

by SoftballMVP on Mar 26, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Me.

It’s also the day Jesus was immaculately conceived.

by tcyoung on Mar 25, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't that involve Marcus Hanel?

"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 Mar 25, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think you guys realize the important function Witrado serves

Everyone else at the JS can look to Anthony and say ‘As long as he’s still here, I’m safe’. Their productivity isn’t negatively affected by worries about an impending layoff, as it is impossible that a boss would chose to keep Witrado over any organism capable of self-movement.
I think even the office Roomba and the singing fish in the weird guy’s cubicle view themselves as safe so long as AW is around.

by Getting Yosted on Mar 25, 2009 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

I will say

I complain about Tom H. much less than I used to.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take it easy there, big shooter

It’s the offseason. Plenty of time for the hate to resurface.

"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 Mar 25, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jim

we have a higher standard of lexicon here. Please, it’s Vitriol.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone who references

the roomba and Billy Big Mouth Bass gets a rec

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just don't get it

its not like he’s collecting a multi-million dollar annual salary that is made possible by fans who should then be able to boo his job performance. I’m guessing Witrado is lucky to make $50K. Considering that, I don’t see how the constant ripping of his style, his clothes, etc is that much more justifiable than if he came down to Hyatt’s or Yosted’s work to evaluate their performance—which, given the amount of attention given to this issue by them on this blog, I have my own doubts about.

I get that he’s a quasi-public figure because of who he covers, but I don’t see how that gives Hyatt license (as opposed to say, his boss) to decide if what he’s wearing is “unprofessional.”

Get a grip fellas.

by James Stanley Cocanower on Mar 25, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for expressing your doubts about my work ethic

Now I won’t dignify your personal attacks on me, but I will address your issue with Witrado. His job is to write. This is something we feel he does a shoddy job on. We expect more from our journalists than we are currently getting. That is why we make our quips. We aren’t nearly as bad as other blogs in the SB Nation when it comes to this. It’s not like we are saying we have carnal knowledge of their family members. What I object to is the following:

I object to his many grammar mistakes. I expect more from a person paid to write.
I object to his unprofessional attire. I expect a more professional attire from someone doing a professional job.
I object to Tom H’s attitude towards questions
I object to Tom H’s attitude towards covering the Minor Leagues where he is the authority according to Baseball America
I object to Both beat writers attitude that since they are in the locker room, they are the be all, end all authority on the team and no one has a right to express an opinion on them in the internet. And if it comes from the internet, it automatically is discounted.

Now he may not make millions of dollars, but he is a public figure that deserves scrutiny because of the position he’s achieved. The business has changed where people, regardless of their station in life, are now being held accountable because we have so many avenues to express our opinion, where not 10 years ago, it was just an ignored letter to the editor.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok guys

I didn’t close comments on the other thread so we could move it here. The bell has rang, gloves down.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

rung

You illiterate clod.

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 25, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn it.

Now another site is going to have to focus on how unprofessional I am and lobby for my firing.

Say whatever you want about me, but leave Gorman out of it. It’s his birthday.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's after midnight somewhere

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 25, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right.

Time to stop feeding the gremlins.

"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."

by KLSnow on Mar 25, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KL

I want you to know I’m done with that topic. I apologize for having you spend so much time on this BS. Sooner or later, people will realize the power the internet has given to the masses, and taken from the perceived (got it there TC) powerful. The lesson here that we all need to take is that now everyone’s voice is heard farther and wider, there are going to be people who disagree with you or feel that you should do better with your position, and their opinions matter as much as yours. Access is no longer necessary to be relevant, since everyone is. It is a lesson that our beat reporters need to learn.

Since I know I offended some, I apologize to those too.

/pun

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 25, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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