I was talking to my brother the other day, and I proposed the idea that the Brewers may have the worst bench in baseball. Now first let me say, I am extremely familiar with the entire MLB and all it's players, however, I do not know what every MLB bench looks like. I also want to say that I appreciate all the Brewers' bench players and know they are there for a reason. That being said, when Craig Counsell is your best pinch-hitter, you do not have a good bench. I was stoked to see that the Brewers signed Frank 'The Cat' Catalanatto. He's a great lefty bat and a total OBP guy, which is exactly what we need.
But we need more. I guess my biggest gripe is that we had more, in Mike Lamb. He is another solid lefty hitter, who has hit well everywhere. Now I have to admit, as much as I keep track of the Brewers, there may be some sort of contract/monetary reason why the Crew couldn't keep Lamb on the roster. If there is, I would like to know what that is. If not, how could they think that Nelson/McGehee/Duffy were better options? I pray it was defense they were hoping for, because the offense from these guys has been abysmal, not Major League caliber. Are you guys ready for this: so far this season, those three players are 6 for 63 (.095 BA), 1 extra base hit, and 22 strike outs (which should never happen to a pinch hitter). Please, somebody give me some excuses for this horridness!
Anyways, I like Counsell, he's proven himself over these many years, he's a two-time champ (with different teams), I like Rivera and think he should play much more, and I can't wait until the Cat joins the team. But I think it is on the Brewers to find better bench players ASAP. I almost want them to say bah to development and bring Gamel up and just give him a pinch hit at bat every game, often leaving him in for a second through a double switch. Your thoughts?