Tuesday's Frosty Mug

by Kyle Lobner on Jul 7, 2009 9:31 AM CDT in Milwaukee Brewers News

Some things to read while learning about the history of grit. (h/t Royals Review)

As you may have heard, the saga surrounding Ryan Braun's comments about Brewer pitching took a surprising turn yesterday when Doug Melvin fired back. (Also noted in FanShot.) There's a fair amount of reaction around the blogosphere today:

Doug Melvin's quote about making Braun his deputy was Circling the Bases' quote of the day.
The True Blue Brew Blog says Braun should shut up and play baseball.
Sheffield's House wants Braun to keep doing what he's doing.
Miller Park Drunk shows us what the world would be like if Ryan Braun were the Brewer GM.
Quevedo at the Buffet says Melvin should have known better than to go public with his remarks.
CZWief.com called Melvin's comments "a public slap on the wrist."

In case you've forgotten, the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia one year ago today. Meanwhile, if the Brewers do make a move, it could be for Javier Vazquez. The Brewers have reportedly placed a call to the Braves regarding Vazquez, although Melvin denied the report. Todd Welter of WTMJ wants the Brewers to steer clear of Vazquez, who has posted a 10+ ERA in 15.2 postseason innings. In other news, Todd Welter has never heard of sample size.

Everyone still loves Casey McGehee:

FanGraphs says McGehee has "perhaps the quietest .343/.396/.567 line in the land."
The Collective Troll named McGehee their NL Rookie of the Year for the first half of 2009.
McGehee also has four three-hit games, but that's no longer good enough to lead all rookies: D-Backs rookie Gerardo Parra picked up his fifth such game last night. (h/t TheJay)

McGehee was also one of several Brewers mentioned in Jon Heyman's midseason awards, appearing third on his ballot for NL Rookie of the Year. Also appearing: Prince Fielder (4th, NL MVP), Yovani Gallardo (4th, NL Cy Young) and Ken Macha (4th, NL Manager of the Year).

The Brewers open a key series with the Cardinals tonight, and Stan Musial's Stance has a preview of the three pitching matchups: Yovani Gallardo v. Adam Wainwright tonight, Jeff Suppan v. Todd Wellemeyer tomorrow, and Braden Looper v. Joel Piniero on Thursday.

Prince Fielder was confirmed yesterday as a participant in next week's Home Run Derby. (Also noted in FanShot) Fielder's first-half mashing in 2009 earned him the DH spot on The Collective Troll's NL All Troll Team. Unfortunately, this year's All Stars won't actually have a DH.

In the minors:

John Sickels of Minor League Ball is watching the Timber Rattlers play in Burlington this week and has been impressed by Brett Lawrie's bat speed. Lawrie is also Between the Green Pillars' Prospect of the Week.
Lawrie may be among the last generation of Brewer prospects to play AA games in Huntsville. The Stars are last in the Southern League in attendance, and while attending Sunday's sparsely attended contest, Gord Ash was quoted as saying, "They're going to be sorry in a couple of years when they don't have baseball." (h/t BrewerFan.net)

The Brewers moved up one spot from eleventh to tenth in Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star's Power Rankings.

Around the league:

Blue Jays: Russ Adams, designated for assignment over the weekend, has cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent.
Cubs: Traded Ryan Freel to the Royals for a PTBNL and placed David Patton on the DL with a right groin strain.
Giants: Placed Randy Johnson on the DL with a shoulder strain.
Nationals: Kip Wells, who had been designated for assignment, has cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent.
Orioles: Placed reliever Chris Ray on the DL with biceps tendinitis.
Padres: Placed David Eckstein on the DL with a hamstring strain.

Via the Baseball America Minor League Transaction Report, I learned that former Brewer Gary Glover is on the move again: this time he was released by the Marlins.

Happy birthdays today to R.J. Swindle who turns 26, and Dave Burba, who appeared in 62 games for the 2003 and 2004 Brewers and turns 43. Today is also the 35th anniversary of the 1974 game where Don Money set the major league record for most consecutive errorless games by a third baseman.

Oh, and now I know what to eat at midnight between Mac & Cheese Tuesday and Pizza Wednesday.

Drink up.

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Comments

Glad I'll be at the game

Instead of watching it on TV, I can already hear how many time BA and Rock will talk about Braun and DM.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 7, 2009 9:46 AM CDT reply actions

Nice!

I’ll be out at the park for tonight’s game and tomorrow’s.!

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Uecker should be better

I’ll be there tomorrow, but I think tonight I’ll turn down the tv and listen to the radio instead.

by junyer_mint on Jul 7, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

We could use Kip Wells

by Braunstalker on Jul 7, 2009 10:09 AM CDT reply actions

Ha.

by Mykenk on Jul 7, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Nobody can use Kip Wells

They can only cringe while he pitches.

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

by TheJay on Jul 7, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm glad you mentioned the pitching matchups

These could be some REALLY good games

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 10:09 AM CDT reply actions

Ian's mac n cheese pizza is incredible

next time you’re in Madison definitely grab some

by warwick5s on Jul 7, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

i know some people that would beg to differ

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

well sure

but some people are also cubs fans

not everyone can be perfect

by warwick5s on Jul 7, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

no thanks

I’ve already had diarrhea

"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."

by Hyatt on Jul 7, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions

The Toppers one isn't too bad either

As long as you let it cool down so everything doesn’t slide off the crust

"If lovin’ Braun is wrong, I want to be a repeat offender!"

RIP Nick Adenhart - Stop Drunk Driving

by kirbir on Jul 7, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Ian's is in Chicago too

When you come back for the September series its right down Clark St. from Wrigley. Also try the Philly Cheese Steak Pizza, deadly yet delicious.

by thefreewheelin76 on Jul 7, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

Miller Park Drunk

That post was really funny. He linked to Kendall’s career stats. It’s weird to think that he’s a career .291 hitter….

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

Yes Todd Welter from WTMJ 620!

If I were to write an article about trading for Javier Vazquez, all of these lines would definitely be in it:

Pretty much this guy does not care if he wins or losses.

You would be better off throwing Seth McClung and Mike Burns out there every five days.

Let’s see a 10.34-career ERA in the playoffs and 18 earned runs in 15.2-playoff innings pitched.

He is not worth the price tag of Mat Gamel or Alcides Escobar. Heck, he is not even worth the price of Bill Hall! I do not care if he can strikeout hitters in bunches, he simply can not win when you need him to.

E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).

by Jordan M on Jul 7, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions

Do you think he read it after he posted it and went, "Uh-Oh."

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I suspect his reaction was more likely, "There, I showed 'em!"

by Zeyes on Jul 7, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

It's the "10.34-career" and "15.2-playoff" bits that got to you, isn't it? :)

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

by TheJay on Jul 7, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

WSSP

Can somebody please shut Wickett up? He’s a fool for thinking that the club is in the running for Halladay/wanting to dump our dwindling supply prospects for Roy. A FOOL

Imagine the Brewers offense without Ryan & Prince.
-Bill Schroeder

by Dikembe Meiztombo on Jul 7, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions

I've been working to shut him up for years.

I’ve never listened to his show. That’s the best way.

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

by Kyle Lobner on Jul 7, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

He's much more tolerable on the radio

Its the facebook shit that irritates me. Don’t pose an open opinion question, if you’re just gonna delete the opinions you don’t like. And he’s throwing the “we have one of the best farms in MLB” argument.

Ummm, no we don’t, dipshit. Most of the farm hands are on the big boy team now.

Imagine the Brewers offense without Ryan & Prince.
-Bill Schroeder

by Dikembe Meiztombo on Jul 7, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions

My guess is

Vazquez in a brewer uniform before July is out. Melin usually does the complete opposite of what he says.

by Mr. McGehee on Jul 7, 2009 12:41 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Would seem to be a good trade...

The baseline on this trade would be Vasquez for Hart and a middle tier minor league prospect. Halladay is now on the radar as well, but seriously you are going to have to give up the farm to bring him in. I don’t think the latter is realistic.

Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge

by Bush League All Star on Jul 7, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Amendment!

Halladay may or may not be on the Brewer’s radar, but his name is being trolled slowly behind the Toronto Blue Jays boat.

Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge

by Bush League All Star on Jul 7, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Melvin would never give up Hart

Not without any immediate replacement outfielder. More likely to see Gamel/Hall and AAA pitcher like Chase Wright.

by Mr. McGehee on Jul 7, 2009 1:30 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Gerut and Cat would be replacements

they’d be bad replacements, but they’d be replacements

by warwick5s on Jul 7, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

They'd Be Adequate Replacements...

Jenkins is also still kicking around out there with no team.

I don’t think we’d be ‘more likely’ to see Gamel traded though…in fact, it’s very likely that we won’t see Gamel traded. It would be much easier to replace Hart this year/in the future than to replace Gamel’s potential in the future…especially with the level of Hall’s play.

by TheBurningRom on Jul 7, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

1B Joe Koshansky Outrighted to Nashville

Per Maas Haas on bf.net. Frees up a 40 man roster spot.

Prepare for massive trade rumors.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 7, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions

fun!

by warwick5s on Jul 7, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Or something mundane like Gamel to AAA, Heether to MLB

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

by TheJay on Jul 7, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Dont get me wrong

I don’t think Gamel is on the trading block, just would be more likely than Hart. Hopefully we try to unload some of our financial baggage.

by Mr. McGehee on Jul 7, 2009 2:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

What are we, the Bucks?

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

god I hope not talk about a dysfunctional franchise

Even when they spend money it is on a mistake ;)

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

by WSB Chris on Jul 7, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

What do you mean?

We have Gadzuric!!!

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

thoughts on Javier Vazquez

If you get a chance, hop over to Faketeams site and cast your vote on whether Melvin should deal Gamel for Javier Vazquez. Comments are welcome as well.

Also, what is your source for the minor league stats? Is this a manual process, or is there a way to pre-select players you want to track?

raygu

by Ray Guilfoyle on Jul 7, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions

Jeff set up an automated system for the Minor League Notes

I don’t know much about how it works, so you’d have to ask him. All I do (on days when it’s my responsibility) is punch in the date and copy/paste the results.

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

by Kyle Lobner on Jul 7, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks KL

will see if I can reach him via email

raygu

by Ray Guilfoyle on Jul 7, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Tonight will be working MLBtv during commercials

To see quite a few pitching matchups that may interest Brewer fans….

Javier Vazquez is going against the Cubbies tonight
Erik Bedard is going against the Orioles
Doug David is going against the Padres

Perhaps one of these three will be in a Brewer uniform

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 7, 2009 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

Last night I watched Washburn's 1 hitter.

VERY impressive

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Jul 7, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

doug david

obviously supposed to be doug davis

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 7, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the heads up

Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge

by Bush League All Star on Jul 7, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions

reply fail is fail

meant to reply to kyguy!

Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge

by Bush League All Star on Jul 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	27	20	.574	0	Won 2
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	26	22	.541	1.5	Won 1
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	23	24	.489	4	Won 3
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	22	25	.468	5	Lost 2
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	19	28	.404	8	Lost 2
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	15	32	.319	12	Lost 12