Game Thread #72: Twins (36-37) at Brewers (38-33)
Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers, Jun 25, 2009 1:05 PM CDT
Today, we see what Burns can do.
30-year-old Mike Burns, making just his 47th career major league appearance (and just his second as a Brewer), will get his first career start today in the series finale against the Twins. Burns pitched four scoreless innings in his only Brewer appearance, mopping up after a disastrous Manny Parra outing several weeks ago. In Nashville, he went 7-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 12 starts, and walked just 13 batters in 77.2 innings. He's the textbook definition of a minor league journeyman, having pitched in AAA for a different organization in each of the last five seasons, but the Brewers hope he can keep his momentum going today.
He'll be opposed by Scott Baker, who comes in carrying a 4-6 record with a 5.22 ERA in 13 starts. Beyond the Box Score says opposing batters swing at Baker's pitches 53.6% of the time, easily the highest percentage in the major leagues (Johan Santana, in second place, has 51.4%). He beat the Brewers on May 24, allowing three runs in 8.1 innings.
Today's lineup:
2B Craig Counsell
3B Casey McGehee
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
RF Corey Hart
CF Mike Cameron
SS JJ Hardy
C Jason Kendall
RHP Mike Burns
(h/t Anthony Witrado)
Here's a look at the bullpen for today:
Todd Coffey pitched an inning last night.
Mitch Stetter pitched an inning last night.
Trevor Hoffman pitched an inning last night.
Carlos Villanueva has not pitched since Tuesday.
Chris Smith has not pitched since Tuesday.
Chris Narveson has not pitched since Tuesday.
Mark DiFelice has not pitched since Saturday.
Thursday's Game Thread is now open.
303 comments
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wouldn't it be cool for the other team to be baffeled by our unknown starter
You know just like the Brewers are every time they make some unknown tomato can look like Nolan Ryan
Let me spell it for you Cub fans O N E H U N D R E D A N D O N E Y E A R S
an unkown fighter you are supposed to beat bloody
Let me spell it for you Cub fans O N E H U N D R E D A N D O N E Y E A R S
Post edited
To add today’s lineup.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Rec'd
for good luck
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
If you are looking for something to kill the time before the game starts
MLB network is showing the 58 all-star game three Braves in the starting line up :)
Let me spell it for you Cub fans O N E H U N D R E D A N D O N E Y E A R S
Trade talk
I don’t know if this has been discussed previously. I am at the park today and there is talk of Doug Davis rejoining the Brewers. I first heard the rumors Tuesday night but it now appears serious.
sigh
blah
(been discussed as a possibility earlier, but always denied from on high)
by PagsBrewCrew on Jun 25, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting
My first thought is, “let’s see what our situation with Bush and Parra is before we add a mediocre guy.”
But even if those guys come back fine, we could definitely use some depth in the rotation.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Does anybody know ...
what Burns BABIP was at Nashville? His WHIP seems absurdly low — 1.082 — for a guy who’s only struck out 48 batters.
Mauer in the lineup today
Gardenhire said he needs to give him a day off soon, so I guess that means against the Cards. Denard Span in CF instead of Gomez.
No
because it’s Nick Burns. I have a friend named Nick Berndt, and people always would come up to him and be like, “Dude, it’s my company’s computer guy!”
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I know it's Nick Burns
Which is why it would also work if we had called up Nick Green. You just have to use a little imagination!
Brewer game and rain
Combined to get me out of mowing the lawn for today.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Ah, newlyweds:
That wonderful stage in life when “But the game’s on!” and “It looks like it might drizzle in the next hour” qualify as a valid excuse not to mow the lawn.
Well
It really just means I’ll either have to mow it after the game or tomorrow morning after the Mug.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by Kyle Lobner on Jun 25, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's how it works, KL:
(1) As a newly-married man, you get to point out all the wonderful things about being hitched and moving into a new house and life being so swell.
(2) As a non-newly-married man, I get to play the “Don’t get used to it” card.
(3) You nod.
Capiche? :)
What makes you think I'm enjoying moving into a new house? ;-)
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Johan Santana not looking great today
Chris Carpenter with a single and a walk. Sixty-two pitches with none out in the 4th.
On the other hand
Chris Carpenter looking very good
Of course
I mention that Burns doesn’t walk many guys, and he walks the first one.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I like Burns
I don’t know much about him, but I think he’s going to do just fine today
He's really lucky his shoe came off.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Sounds like he got shaken up getting taken out on the double play
Ueck says he’s staying in the game
Counsell got his foot trapped between the bag and Denard Span sliding into second.
Did some limping around, trainer came out, but he’s staying in.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Rickie is working on two solid legs.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Which leg was CC limping on?
Is it the same one that has the knee trouble? Gamecast omits these sort of details.
Left
And I’m pretty sure that’s the problematic one.
He looked like he would have jumped over the slide but didn’t have the strength in the knee.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Up until this year
he also avoided it by rushing his throw and tossing the ball into the dugout.
by Rubie Q on Jun 25, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We got ourselves our first Burns Victim
by Bernie's Mustache Wax on Jun 25, 2009 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Very nice.
Rec’d.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I was just about to type that
+10 for all burns puns today
Now we just need the Baker to get Burned!
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Mauer caught a dose of something.
When he swings and misses it Burns.
by Bernie's Mustache Wax on Jun 25, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I like this Mike Burns.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
nicely done, detroit
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
and mets
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Not clear to me
which team to root for in that game…. If Mets win, it helps division race, but it boosts Mets for the wild card. Only advantage of interleague games is it is always clear which team can help the brewers
Right
But even then, sometimes I cheer for the NL team, because I’m sick of hearing how superior the AL is.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
my second favorite team
is the one beating the cubs/cards
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
I'm pretty sure the Brewers aren't going to win the Wild Card
I’m always cheering against the division foe.
It was a great selection of awesome.
He strikes out 48 total in Nashville ...
but gets Joe Mauer in the first inning of his first start at the major league level?
That don’t seem right.
Nice work Craiggers :)
I'm Jim Sensenbrenner, damnit!
by Princess Grumbles on Jun 25, 2009 1:17 PM CDT reply actions
SEEEEE TWINS?
Youre not the ONLY ones that can hit doubles!
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Only two batters in
But I can see why hitters are swinging at everything Baker throws.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
irrationality department
The Brewers shouldn’t loose to a guy who looks like he is from a kids’ show.

Infield in?
Seems awfully early for that.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I wish I was watching to see prince duck
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
really good reaction speed
let people behind him get hit… liked the stare down he gave Braun, kind of a joke
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
Braun
Working Baker’s pitch count up early.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
has he reached a Baker's dozen, yet?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
9 pitch at bat
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
make em pay,
corey
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
dang
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
can anybody look
at how many pitches were thrown to the cubs for their 1-2-3 5th?
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
gamecast
leaves much to be desired.
gameday doesnt work well here at work. massive delays and freezes.
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
it looked like it was a very quick inning.
they should never have fired their batting coach…
……….
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
I love Ueck
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
This is shaping up to be a classic came
especially if he starts talking about the fishing tournament
causterizing the strike zone, one might say
by theBrouhaha on Jun 25, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Especially if one can't spell.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
what are you talsking about?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
It's way too early in the day
To be that drunk.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by Kyle Lobner on Jun 25, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree.
If I was with Zeyes, I’d have to be drunk all the time.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
i thought we were adding s's to our words
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Good to see the Mets in front
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
what first month?
there was a first month?
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
yes, they played in January
you missed that?
by PagsBrewCrew on Jun 25, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
It was easy to blank out
Everything after the series with the Giants until Coffey got hot right before Hoffman showed up
"Until Coffey got hot"
So you blanked out until his first appearance on 4/8?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I won't lie
Most of the 4-9 (record) start has faded together as a bad memory =(
Except for Yo’s homer on Randy Johnson, that was awesome
Hardy needs the reverse Willy Mays Hays treatment
Fine him every time he hits a ground ball.
It was a great selection of awesome.
Isn't that how he gets a majority of his hits?
his swing is far too level to be a fly ball hitter
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
And that's the adjustment that needs to be made, then
Because an awful lot of those ground balls get turned into GIDPs when you’re as fast as Johnny Estrada.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Related Side Note
I can’t believe how many people have no idea that Hardy is slow
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
J.J. Hardy is so slow
(How slow is he?)
That it’s not unfair to compare his baserunning to Johnny Estradas.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I'm pretty sure Fielder would win a race against Hardy
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Hey that's not fair
Comparing one player who is obviously trying really hard to one who apparently isn’t
Would you like us to start timing Hardy's runs to first?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Anyone else want to take this on?
I could download a stopwatch app for my blackberry, but it’s $3 I’d rather not spend if someone else can do it for free.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
we'll have to time a few and take the average
i say we throw out fly balls
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Granted, Kendall is relatively fast for a catcher,
But the Brewers might be one of only a handful of teams ever to have a catcher who’s much faster than their shortstop.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I do not.
I am, however, astonished by his lack of speed, given that he can adequately play a defensive position that requires a fair amount of agility and quickness.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Why do I have to dislike a guy to comment on his abilities?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
probably right
Went to Recondite Baseball for the list of Catchers with the most stolen bases.. maybe not the fastest, but a good place to start
http://reconditebaseball.blogspot.com/2008/03/most-career-stolen-bases-by-catcher.html
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
Depends on the distance
Prince takes awhile to get underway, but once he does, he can go pretty fast. He just can’t stop. I’m surprised he doesn’t trip more.
Hardy seems to have reasonable quickness, since he can play shortstop effectively, but has no gear beyond first.
It was a great selection of awesome.
So what your saying is that Prince has a love/hate relationship with inertia?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
he's basically Bowser from Mario Kart
by warwick5s on Jun 25, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Watching him turn the bases makes me think he's holding the right shoulder button
It was a great selection of awesome.
most people here do
But perhaps the general public you are talking about?
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
This seems like something that should be fixable.
I mean, Hardy’s body type isn’t really holding him back, and there’s nothing really wrong with him…so why can’t he run?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Especially when you're that slow.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
muscular dystrophy?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
as my old football coach would say
Get that refrigerator off your back… that is my explanation, JJ carries a refrigerator every time he runs on the basepaths
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
Right
But if the throw wasn’t up the line, he would have been out.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
He was just rounding third when that ball was coming back in to the infield
It was not an impressive baserunning performance.
It was a great selection of awesome.
He wasn't at the plate yet when Mauer caught the ball.
So if Mauer had caught the ball and not had to leave the plate to do so…
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I'm just a little unclear on how it's being used as a point in his favor
Or really why we’re arguing this at all. You watch the Brewers play.
It was a great selection of awesome.
It sure looks like
there’s a lot of wasted movement in his running motion, arms pumping and huge strides and all.
But he looks like a guy who’s trying to run fast, anyway.
It adds to the deception
Hardy’s the running equivalent of a Sid Fernandez fastball.
It was a great selection of awesome.
Welcome back, btw.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
With all the pitching disasters
It’s hard to believe this is the first time a non-original member of the rotation has started for the Brewers.
It was a great selection of awesome.
And based on the results so far.
Maybe it should have happened a lot sooner.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Have the Giants been the only team that have use 5 pitchers now?
I remember a week ago that was the case (with Milwaukee)… but this has to be one of the latest points of the season in recent history the Brewers have gone this long with the original 5
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
when can I breathe again
3rd time through the order?
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
you are right!
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
Just a bruise
Haudricourt confirms that Looper won’t miss a start.
It was a great selection of awesome.
mugged?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
no Looper was hit by a line drive
Crime isnt that bad in Milwaukee where our professional baseball players get mugged!
(i know you mean the Morning Mug, just trying to be funny, but dont want a slew of posts explaining to me somethign I already know- when you have to explain somethign it is not funny, i know)
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
That's not what was in the Mug this morning.
I had a link to BK’s FanShot and Tom H,’s Twitter.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
another bases loaded walk?
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
They're not saying "booo"...
… okay, maybe they are..
by Mykenk on Jun 25, 2009 2:09 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow...
Great at bat… after going 3-0, 6 straight pitches that were strikes or fouls, followed by a ball
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
No kidding
that guy was definitely walking
captainbok: What do you like the most about milwaukee
Jeff Suppan: Captain Bok, that is a great question. Does "Bok" mean Book of Knowledge? My favorite thing about Milwaukee are the Brewers.
big catch!
The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.
You mean because
The only thing left for Burns to fit right into the rotation is a nice homer to a pitcher, and it’s best to have it be leadoff so that no one else scores?
Random anecdote
Crews are supposed to be coming to paint lines in my lawn so I can dig a hole to plant a tree. The same guy has been wandering around in my yard for about 45 minutes now. This can’t be that hard…right?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
The guy's definitely unusual, but I think there's only one of him
It was a great selection of awesome.
Not really.
It’s square, on the corner, and has a fence, but it’s nothing that odd.
Yet, anyway.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Depends on how drunk he is
I was lost in my friend’s front yard for several hours once.
It was a great selection of awesome.
Does he have a metal detector?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
better question
is it diggers hotline locating utilities, or is it the city painting lot corners?
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
just one guy?
I woudl think he would at least want another guy to hold the steel tape for him
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I'm only seeing one
But he’s passed by the windows about 4-5 times now.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Maybe you, like the Brewers, are dealing with twins
It was a great selection of awesome.
by battlekow on Jun 25, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Sure could use Braun & Fielder to step it up.
Meh, streaky team, sucky starting pitching. Should bethrilled they’re even in the position they are.
How about Hart , Cam, and JJ instead??
captainbok: What do you like the most about milwaukee
Jeff Suppan: Captain Bok, that is a great question. Does "Bok" mean Book of Knowledge? My favorite thing about Milwaukee are the Brewers.
I timed it twice, and got Braun at slightly below 4 seconds flat to first.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I bet his name is Dan Duncon
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
0-5 RISP
Why should today be different from any other day the past 3 weeks? Except against the Indians.
Span's having a good 1st game back
2 walks and a triple
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Denard Span again!
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
im never leaving a no hitter
to get chipotle ever again!
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
I'm still cheering for Burns to give us a QS
Those have been way too rare of late, especially from guys not named “Gallardo.” I realize Looper had one last night, but still….
Seems like most Brewers QS are of the 6 IP/3 ER variety
And Burns just lost his.
It was a great selection of awesome.
Cubs Lose
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
did not think burns would be
the first pitcher pulled in this outing.
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Cards down 2
1 runner on for Ludwick
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
score reporting fail
you’re right 3-2 Ludwick walked
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
id be mad
if the brewers were pitching to him in that situation too.
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
confirmed
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Cards Lose
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
OK top o the order
lets make something happen, damnit!
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
then we'd have to bat against
Prince
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
pitch against...*
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
I bet somebody would call him "a real horse" if he was a pitcher
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
an actual, literal horse.
like el caballo
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Counsell REALLY wants to walk here...
captainbok: What do you like the most about milwaukee
Jeff Suppan: Captain Bok, that is a great question. Does "Bok" mean Book of Knowledge? My favorite thing about Milwaukee are the Brewers.
I like that nickname
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Just to make sure
I’m not wrong for saying Casey McGehee should get playing time anymore, right?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Honestly I always liked him
but of course when he started i compared him to Duffy and Brad Nelson soooo…..
captainbok: What do you like the most about milwaukee
Jeff Suppan: Captain Bok, that is a great question. Does "Bok" mean Book of Knowledge? My favorite thing about Milwaukee are the Brewers.
whats the deal with duffy?
whys he AWOL?
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
I think it's been called "a personal issue."
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Well, we were here before McGehee
So we’d probably still be here, complaining about Hernan Iribarren.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Except he'll probably play a lot more than Kapler did.
At this point, he’s probably the #1 option at second.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I'll still take Gamel first.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
YES!
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Check out his majesty!
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Same
Spot
::Another 95% plus FanGraphs win goes right down the fucking tubes:: Indians fan after Prince's Grand Salami
Nice to see that our recent slugging leaders are
Counsell, McGehee, and Kendall.
Though, as I’m typing this, Prince makes me look foolish.
Is it just me or is Prince the bombo
captainbok: What do you like the most about milwaukee
Jeff Suppan: Captain Bok, that is a great question. Does "Bok" mean Book of Knowledge? My favorite thing about Milwaukee are the Brewers.
Ok
Let’s finish out interleague play in a new thread.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
































