Wednesday's Frosty Mug
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 9:00 AM CDT
45 comments
Some things to read while not getting the joke.
Or, if you're Frank Catalanotto, today's Mug could be something to read while heading to Arizona. The Brewers signed Catalanotto to a minor league deal yesterday, and he's expected to head to Maryvale for extended spring training before reporting to Huntsville or Nashville (also noted in FanShot).
There's speculation out there that Catalanotto will be prepared to replace one of the Brewers' existing bench players, but CZWief doesn't think the Brewers need him. I think there's a simpler explanation: He's a 12 year veteran who plays multiple positions, and his best season was in 2001 with the Rangers, where his GM was Doug Melvin. Welcome to the fold, newest Gritty Former Ranger.
Of course, the current bench players aren't doing much to keep themselves on the team. The Junkball Blues notes that the current bench is responsible for about 9% of the team's runs, down from 17% last season.
Braden Looper returns to the mound tonight for the Brewers, taking on Ricky Nolasco. The B-Ref Stat of the DAy shows Looper's April 22 start as the second best start in baseball this season by a pitcher who didn't record a strikeout. Brewer studio analyst Jerry Augustine, by the way, has the seventh best of all time.
Sports Illustrated released a list of baseball's five best and worst owners, with Mark Attanasio nowhere to be found and four owners from the AL East represented. Big League Stew wonders if Mark Attanasio should have been mentioned, and I tend to agree.
Today's minor league notes aren't pretty:
- Jeremy Jeffress got shelled last night, giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings. His 2009 ERA is now up over 7.
- The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are still below .500 and tied for last place, and the local media is starting to ask if they're a disappointment.
Around the league:
D-Backs: Conor Jackson has been placed on the DL with an unknown illness.
Marlins: Scott Proctor will have Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the season.
Red Sox: Placed Kevin Youkilis on the DL with a strained rib cage muscle.
Tigers: Designated reliever Juan Rincon for assignment.
Generally speaking, I'm a fan of the Brewer front office staff and ownership. There are times when I feel like they could do more or do better, but I feel like they're making a solid effort to put together a good, fan-friendly team. With that said, I'd love it if they'd do something like this post from Paul DePodesta, full of injury reports on minor league prospects straight from someone in the front office.
Every now and then there's some grumbling around here about the Brewers' decision to play Jason Kendall enough last season to guarantee his contract for 2009. If you thought that was bad, check this out: 36-year-old Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez needs 334 plate appearances the rest of the season to trigger a clause in his contract that would pay him $33 million over the next two seasons.
Oh, and if you're a pitcher who missed most of last season with a hip injury, you probably shouldn't be trying to catch an alligator on your off day.
Drink up.
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If Mark D continues his current production and has about 35+ innings by late June, is he in contention for an All-Star appearance? If he makes it into the last man competition, I have a hard time imagining anyone beating him.
by Getting Yosted on May 13, 2009 9:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, if he makes it into the last man competition
It’ll probably be against four other pitchers, probably mostly starters. So I can imagine him getting beat.
I don’t think he’d be in consideration right now, simply because of his role. He’s not a closer or even the Brewers’ top setup man.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are pitchers eligible for that competition?
I thought pitchers were chosen by the All-Star manager/coach.
Besides, there will be at least one other All-Star pitcher, so since DiFelice is kind of a fringe guy, he might end up not making the team because of a numbers crunch to get other teams’ players on.
"If lovin’ Braun is wrong, I want to be a repeat offender!"
RIP Nick Adenhart: Stop Drunk Driving
by kirbir on May 13, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eerrrm
Besides, there will be at least one other [Brewers] All-Starpitcher, so since DiFelice is kind of a fringe guy, he might end up not making the team because of a numbers crunch to get other teams’ players on.
"If lovin’ Braun is wrong, I want to be a repeat offender!"
RIP Nick Adenhart: Stop Drunk Driving
by kirbir on May 13, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the manager gets to decide what they want.
Sometimes the final vote is for a position player, and sometimes it’s a pitcher.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitchers have been eligible since 2005.
"I didn't realize his velocity was that high," said Macha, noting that radar readings aren't flashed during exhibition games.
by battlekow on May 13, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
But the candidates always seem to be all pitchers or all position players. In the example you linked, the NL final vote had five position players, and the AL had five pitchers.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then in 2006 there were both pitchers and position players
And in 2007 and 2008 it went back to being one or the other.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was wondering that last night
After hearing him strike out yet another hitter it got me wondering what were Marmol’s numbers last year that got him a spot in the All Star game? I don’t think he has a chance but if anyone can show a comparison or direct me to it that would be great.
by Junked on May 13, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is the story
Marmol’s 1st half stats last year
IP- 52.1
ERA 3.61
SO- 70
SO/9- 12.0
WHIP 1..01
Not bad, but he blew up in a few games before the All-Star game, so he probably seemed to be struggling- but was dominant in quite a few appearances with a high SO rate.
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
by Kyguy922 on May 13, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thru June 28th
He had a 3.06 ERA in 47 innings with 66 Ks, 20ish BB, and an OPS against of .504
Difelice has 1.08 ERA in 16.2 innings with 17 Ks, 3 BB and an OPS against of .506 right now.
So he can have a couple of bad outings andd still be comparable to what Marmol had last year.
by Getting Yosted on May 13, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question becomes, would he make the team?
Probably not- even if he keeps it up, since not highly regarded around the league, players know who Marmol is, don’t think they know Mark D.
I think the key would be having a situation like Kerry Wood getting a blister last year. So having Hoffman 15/16 in save opportunites, getting hurt right before the All Star break, and somehow nominating Difilice to replace him and the manager or whoever decides agrees.
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
by Kyguy922 on May 13, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's be realistic
Marmol made the team because he has closer’s stuff but just happened to not be closing. He was blowing people away and his slider was made for Baseball Tonight highlight reels. DiFelice isn’t going to make the All-Star team. I mean, his manager doesn’t even let him face left-handed batters.
"I didn't realize his velocity was that high," said Macha, noting that radar readings aren't flashed during exhibition games.
by battlekow on May 13, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Realistic about why people make All Star teams
You bring up Baseball tonight and “closer’s stuff”. Doesn’t that imply that the numbers are less important than looking the part? I don’t think DiFelice has any shot I was just curious
by Junked on May 13, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it's just my perception that for a non-closer reliever to make it, he would have to have the sizzle along with the steak
"I didn't realize his velocity was that high," said Macha, noting that radar readings aren't flashed during exhibition games.
by battlekow on May 13, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, for making the all-star team, numbers are less important than looking the part. That’s not the way it should be, but that’s the way it is.
Scored three times and detonated an indisputable in four visits to the batting box.
by Jordan M on May 13, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On ownership...
While Mark A is a very good owner, I’m not sure I’d put him in the top 5. However, the Steinbrenner goons should definitely be off the list. As much as I disliked him, I could believe George was a good owner (in his later years, anyway), but the kids clearly aren’t. I think this pretty much sums up the current Yankee family.
by Capt Science on May 13, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
Thanks for the info. Mark D. has almost no shot without the giant propaganda machine behind him. He just doesn’t strike guys out flashy enough. Maybe if he starts doing like Pappelbon(sp?) and going crazy out there he has a better shot.
by Junked on May 13, 2009 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Didn't want to start a fanpost because maybe this has been discussed before
What is your music if you come up to bat with the Brewers?
I think mine is Blister in the Sun, Violent Femmes- not only are they a Milwaukee band, but it would get everyone in the crowd clapping and excited
My second choice would be Black Betty by Ram Jam, as it just gets me pumped up.
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
by Kyguy922 on May 13, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll take "Land of Confusion" by Genesis, or the cover by Disturbed.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Benny Hill Theme Song
I would walk really fast to the batters box, stop, and then the bat boy would walk really fast and hand me the bat.
by tcyoung on May 13, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fantastic
Or you could have a policeman, a maid and someone in a Godzilla costume chasing you around to the box and at the end the policeman hands you his club (actually a bat).
"You have no honor!" - McClung to Fukudome
by zsxander567 on May 13, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Metallica-Creeping Death
Only the chorus from the live version need be played.
It would make Hoffman’s entrance appear tame.
by Getting Yosted on May 13, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not "Crusher Destroyer"?
You can’t beat the T. rex.
"I didn't realize his velocity was that high," said Macha, noting that radar readings aren't flashed during exhibition games.
by battlekow on May 13, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Franz Ferdinand - Take me out
or Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
For both it would be the instrumental parts.
by Saltire on May 13, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beat on the Brat - The Ramones
I would want the part about the baseball bat to play every time I was up.
Suppan, who has seen his ERA rise from 4.12 in his final year in St. Louis to 4.62 in 2007 and 4.96 last year, isn't an option in fantasy leagues - Rotoworld
by Adam P on May 13, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who Said We're Wack?
by The Lonely Island
by andrew_p on May 13, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Metallica – Enter Sandman
Metallica – Sad but True
Metallica – So What
Frank Zappos – Catholic Girls
Of course neither So What nor Catholic Girls could be played on family night but still…
by Saberilliterate on May 13, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
would metallica consent to their music being played in public?
they lead the RIAA “keep our music out of the hands of the public unless they pay us gobs of money” charge.
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's at least one MLB closer that uses "Enter Sandman"
And Metallica’s main gripe was with the whole “I can get music for free on Napster! I don’t have to pay for it anymore!” thing. As long as they got their royalty check, I’m quite certain Lars would consent.
by Brew Angel on May 13, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
by TheJay on May 13, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is that?
"I didn't realize his velocity was that high," said Macha, noting that radar readings aren't flashed during exhibition games.
by battlekow on May 13, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Explained here.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
by TheJay on May 13, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flaming Lips
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, pt. 2
by friendo on May 13, 2009 3:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good choice
There are so many fun songs… do you think the Brewers would allow players to switch their song every week and mix it up? I think it might create more work for those guys in the upstairs, but as a player I would get sick of the song I chose for the entire year
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
by Kyguy922 on May 13, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most guys have more to worry about than the coolness of their AB music.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by KLSnow on May 13, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Louis
|
91 | 71 | .561 | 0 | Lost 6 |
|
Chicago
|
83 | 78 | .515 | 7.5 | Lost 1 |
|
Milwaukee
|
80 | 82 | .493 | 11 | Won 3 |
|
Cincinnati
|
78 | 84 | .481 | 13 | Won 2 |
|
Houston
|
74 | 88 | .456 | 17 | Lost 3 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
62 | 99 | .385 | 28.5 | Lost 2 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 10:30 PM CST)
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