Game Thread #105: Brewers (51-53) at Padres (43-62)
Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres, Aug 2, 2009 3:05 PM CDT
Can the Brewers salvage one game out of three in San Diego and win for the first time in August? Follow the jump for today's pitching matchup, lineups and more!
For the Brewers, it's what could have been vs. what is in today's series finale. The Brewers were rumored to be interested in Kevin Correia (7-8, 4.75) in the final days before the trading deadline, but couldn't reach a deal so he'll start against them today instead. Correia is making his 22nd start of the season and trying to rebound from a tough July that saw him go 2-3 while posting a 6.19 ERA and allowing a .863 OPS to opposing batters. Odds are the game will be decided by the time he leaves: he's picked up the win or loss in 12 of his last 13 starts (6-6).
Meanwhile, Carlos Villanueva (2-8, 6.61) makes his second start for the Brewers. He pitched better than his 4 IP, 8 H, 5 ER line would suggest in his first start, but still hasn't won since June 7 (0-5 with two blown saves in that time) and has posted a 10.89 ERA in his last 18 appearances. He threw 67 pitches in his first start, so it's probably reasonable to expect him to throw 85-90 today.
Adam McCalvy is reporting that Corey Hart left the clubhouse this morning to see a doctor regarding a stomach ailment, so he's out today, as is J.J. Hardy (h/t McCalvy):
Lineup:
Felipe Lopez 2B
Craig Counsell SS
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Casey McGehee 3B
Mike Cameron CF
Frank Catalanotto RF
Jason Kendall C
Carlos Villanueva P
In the bullpen today:
Mitch Stetter pitched one inning (12 pitches) last night, and also pitched Thursday and Friday.
Claudio Vargas pitched one inning (18 pitches) last night.
Mark DiFelice pitched .1 innings (13 pitches) last night.
R.J. Swindle pitched one inning (19 pitches) on Friday.
Chris Smith pitched one inning (15 pitches) on Friday.
Todd Coffey has not pitched since Thursday.
Trevor Hoffman has not pitched since Wednesday.
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Hopefully this game will be worth watching.
But I’ve been playing Bookworm straight through most of the day, and I’m ready to go back to it if it’s not.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
From Adam McCalvy's Twitter:
#Brewers worried OF Hart might have appendicitis, hence the doctor’s visit. Could also just be something he ate, manager said.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Today almost got so much better!
I heard a faint sound in the distance that sounded like the ice cream truck.
It wasn’t.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
What if it had been the ice cream truck
But when you got there it turned out to be selling only astronaut ice cream. How good would your day have been then?
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I haven't had astronaut ice cream in years!
Is the Astronaut Ice Cream Truck shaped like a space shuttle?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Yes
And the tune is played by theremin.
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Villanueva scheduled for 75 pitches today?
He just threw 68. He should be able to go significantly longer.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I'd rather ditch the specific pitch count
And tell him to go 5.
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Suppan recycling commercial
At the end Suppan is asked if he has anything to say to his fans. I always wonder who he’s talking to.
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People who really enjoy his restaurant, I'd guess.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Reminds me
of when Doug Mientkiewicz was asked what the strangest thing anyone had ever said to him was and he replied it was when he was at the Pirates the other year and a fan came up to him and said that he was their favourite player….
"I hope your name is Rick"
I see FSN is flexing it's HD again
Maybe 2010 we’ll get all broadcasts in HD.
And ugh, I hate those camo unis.
I bet FSN WI doesn't broadcast all games in HD
Until there’s a mandate from MLB.
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Lopez
What’s with not running those out? He only ran ~70 feet last night, too.
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IIRC
Lopez has had some “differences of opinion” with several managers and organizations before moving to the D-Backs…I wonder if that’s part of the reason.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Has anyone ever thought that Geico's caveman line of commercials were funny?
They just had a new one on MLB.tv.
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
I'm amused by the fact that the caveman seems to be aging in the commercials
Like even they realize the concept is getting old.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I saw a bizarre 2-minute one on History Channel once
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Were there any survivors?
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
I think the caveman took a woman home with him at the end
My innate, Geico-encouraged, anti-caveman bias blinded me to what was actually going on though.
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a 1-2-3 inning?
bizarre
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Game Threads are awesome because, Vol 1
Sometimes they remind me that I paused the game on DVR and never caught back up.
You posted the note on the 1-2-3 inning right before Villy got the K on my TV.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Maybe i should start posting "Spoiler Alert" first
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
So does Hoffman come into this game at some point no matter what?
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
If the Brewers are winning, I'd say yes.
But unless they’re winning, I think the answer is probably no.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I would think if we're getting blown out he'll come in
since he could probably use the dreaded ‘inning of work’
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Even though it's their only trip to San Diego?
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I don't know
Would you use him? I see the reasons to do it, but as manager I’m not sure I’d do it unless he came to me and asked for it.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I'd use him unless he said not to
It’d be sentimental and it’s not like he’s falling apart from overuse.
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Villy breaking up the perfect gaem
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
*game, ouch
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Almost fell into someone's chest in the second row.
Oops.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
walking a tight rope now.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
Gritty throw CC!
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Neato
A RISP
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Nice play ---> nice hit
Strikes again
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e gads!
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
For those of us who continue to argue Mike Cameron shouldn't be here...
Melky Cabrera hit for the cycle today.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Do you think they should have traded him at the deadline?
I still don’t see how anyone could argue that Cam for Cabrera was a good deal.
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
Me either.
But if people are going to argue “We should’ve traded Cameron and started ______!”, I’d rather have them arguing for Cabrera than Gwynn.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Oh goody, small ball
So much better than a 3 run HR.
I'm not impressed - it could've been smaller
Single & a steal rather than a double.
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You of all people
should be able to come up with the ultimate small ball run.
Here is my suggestion:
Reach 1b via strike out w/dropped 3rd strike
Sac bunt(even better if done by #3 hitter)
Balk
Ground out
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
suicide squeeze instead of ground out
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
I think true small ball has to be all offensive stuff (can't really rely on defense though it's a bonus)
Bunt for hit
Reach 2nd (if batter out) or 3rd (if a hit) on a hit and run
Singled in if on 2nd or score on groundout/squeeze play if on 3rd.
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Does scoring on an infield fly beat a squeeze play?
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
Could also score from third with two out on a high chopper the batter beats out.
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DeJean
Saved almost half the wins in 2002
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Another nice play for Counsell
He’s a good kid, give him an extension.
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He's showing off those young, spry legs of his
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Villy at 65 pitches through 4.
Almost certainly will be sent out for one more.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
J.J. Hardy is the Brewers' best ping pong player, BA says.
It makes sense: He has good reflexes and the game doesn’t require him to run.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
BAs comment
made me think of that picture that came out last year where JJ and Corey were playing ping pong and Uecker was hanging out with the shirtless
Packer's Favre jersey in the crowd today
I believe with a cheesehead
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
They're talking about a rookie (Bud Norris) shutting down the Cards today
That guy has yet to pitch in a game where both teams score. His only other appearance came in a 12-0 Astros loss.
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Villy due to lead off the sixth.
Probably just needs to pitch one more scoreless inning to earn a couple more turns in the rotation.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Kendall's OPS for the season is now a robust 586
Ueck’s career OPS was 580.
A++ will rec again.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
by sowingwildoats on Aug 2, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Walk and a dinky infield hit
Not a fun start
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Ok, just so no one calls me out for not saying it later
This is the point where I’d get the pen up.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Then I'd probably sit them back down.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
well, that works well for us
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Finishes with 79 pitches
Managed to work around 4 walks.
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And out of the inning
Pretty good outing for Villy
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Very good outing, in fact.
Now the Brewers just need three scoreless innings from Todd Coffey to get them to Hoffman.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Welcome back to the bigs, Hernan Iribarren!
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Not a bad AB
Didn’t turn out well, but worked the count, at least.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Brewers have four pitchers that didn't work yesterday.
Instead, we’re going to see Claudio Vargas on back to back days?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Macha never uses Smith with a lead
Swindle hasn’t pitched well in any major league game this year
Coffey will be used later, as will Hoffman
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Would have to be Swindle
I’m under the assumption Stetter is unavailable today.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I timed Vargas at about 14 seconds between pitches in that AB.
Not exceptionally fast, but not as slow as I remember.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Getting slower, though.
He’s gone 15 and 17 before stepping off in this AB.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
23 before giving up the double.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I think the rule is 12 or 15 seconds
You can be penalized a ball for more. Not my area of expertise, though.
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
Twelve seconds with no one on base
No limit with runners on.
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Counsell really, really wants to walk
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Vargas
Faced 7 batters as a Brewer, 4 3-ball counts.
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talk about shoring up a bullpen
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
I'd say the next move is this one:
Jesus Colome, Bullpen Savior.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Claudio "Shot Clock Violation" Vargas...
… probably not going to catch on…
by Mykenk on Aug 2, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
too bad
cause that would be awesome
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Claudio "Play Clock" Vargas?
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Mitch Stetter for the fourth straight day.
I know he’s pitched better than Swindle, but he’s also thrown double digit pitches in each of those appearances.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
A Casey McGehee appearance.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
TheJay, here's something I should know and you probably do.
Let’s say, via some fluke appearance, a big name pitcher clears waivers and the Brewers attempt to trade for him. The minor leagues they trade in return, like Gamel or Escobar, would have to clear waivers to go the other way, right? And there’s presumably little to no chance they would, right?
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
40 man roster
If they are on the 40 man, they have to clear waivers.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone on the 40-man roster has to clear waivers to be traded
They could always put guys on waivers and then take them off if they are claimed.
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Catman strikes again!
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
The screen should flash "WHAM!" when he gets a hit.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Hey, we regained the lead!!
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
Alas, sometimes bad news immediately follows good:
The attempt to break the world record for bikini photographs fell short.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
No...
We appear to be doing just fine today without it.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Yay lucky two-strike hits!
3 run doubles are happy times!
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Hooray!!
Where are those dancing animals?!
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
counsell you old dog!
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
Everyone who predicted
Counsell would have an 800 OPS on August 2nd, please raise your hand.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Put your hand down Ned!
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
A burger inning!!!!!

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by TheJay on Aug 2, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions 10 recs
burgers you say?

"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
by sowingwildoats on Aug 2, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Is it insensitive to want to encourage Corey Hart's San Diego eating habits?
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I think only if he has appendicitis
dickie_thon: Third baseman Bill Hall / Watches the third strike go by / Gamel grabs his glove
nah
I was just thinking to myself “so this is what happens when Hardy can’t make two outs in an inning”
by pharom on Aug 2, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Prince has a shot at a Hardy
But I’m hoping the team gives Kendall a chance.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Lots of runs
just got back from the 18-10 game in Baltimore and turned on the TV when it was 2-1 Brewers. Today I have seen more scoring than a porn director.
2009 Brewers: Pass the liquor.
The Brewers have two big rallies in this series.
One occured after Braden Looper got a hit, and the other after Jody Gerut got hit by a pitch.
No one is allowed to complain about the ball not bouncing our way for a while.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Odd
Coffey is up 3rd rather than 6th next inning after the double switch. Will he bat or does someone else get the 8th?
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I'd say he bats, unless he allows runs
But that is a strange decision.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Isn't Rivera the last man on the bench?
So unless Yo is PHing today, Coffey is hitting for himself.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Hardy is there too.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Ah, forgot about him
I guess we see Smith in the 8th so it’s a save opportunity for Hoffman in the ninth.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hart could come up with a Jim Creighton moment
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From McCalvy's Twitter
Going to the 8th inning in San Diego and #Brewers OF Hart is still at the hospital. GM says team will have announcement after the game.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Well, based on the suspicion that it was appendicits
I’m guessing we’ll hear emergency appendectomy, he’ll go on the DL for 15 days and be fine.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
they might actually list him day to day
with most lapro procedures, recovery time is much much smaller than it used to be. i’d say 3-5 days.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
by sowingwildoats on Aug 2, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
it's been a while since i had mine out
but doesn’t your side hurt a bit after? won’t it take some time to be able to swing a bat again?
As someone who had a lapro procedure not that long ago
I was up and feeling good enough to do most everything 3-4 days later, but I also had a staple and some stitches and wasn’t supposed to lift anything for a couple of weeks.
Assuming he had surgery (and that’s pure speculation), he’ll probably have some limits on his activity.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
If he goes on the 15 day disabled list do you think we'll go 13 pitchers?
"Cubs suck. I own them" -Doug Davis
Well, Catalanotto would likely step into Hart's spot.
So the Brewers would really need a hitter to fill Catalanotto’s role as top pinch hitter. I’m not really happy with Gerut or Iribarren in that spot, so I think I’d want a bat.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
That's the tough part.
Gamel really struggled off the bench last time up. But he probably is the best option. Joe Koshansky might have been considered if he wasn’t bumped off the 40-man.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Isn't Koshansky hitting under his weight?
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No, 225
So I guess he squeaks by with his .227.
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Ew
Hart ate seafood for lunch on Saturday and needed anti-diarrheal medication to get through Saturday’s game.
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Well, that doesn't sound like appendicitis at all.
So I’m wondering where that theory came from.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
my best guess is because he was said to still be at the hospital
so maybe they thought he was in for a procedure
"I'll be glad to have Ryan help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy."
-Sheriff Melvin
by sowingwildoats on Aug 2, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
The theory was mentioned in McCalvy's Twitter before the game.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Maybe because it lingered into today?
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Not to get too technical
But if things are or were “passing through,” then there’s likely not a problem with his appendix.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
I need more details
What is passing through where? :)
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Keep watching the game, maybe you'll get more details.
In stunning high definition.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
by Kyle Lobner on Aug 2, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Even former Brewers are hitting, all of a sudden
Brad Nelson has a HR in AAA today.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Coffey!
Macha is really sticking that “I hate batting” answer in his chat to him.
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Not much batting going on
Watch five pitches and walk back to the dugout. Bill Hall could do that.
by Getting Yosted on Aug 2, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
How strange would it be
If Ken Macha left Hoffman in the bullpen and let Coffey try to complete a nine-out save?
Also, seriously Todd, try using some sunscreen.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Too bad there isn't a high definition replay
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Special

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by TheJay on Aug 2, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Kendall death spiral continues
He will be below the Ueck Threshold™ by the end of tomorrow barring a development of Biblical proportions, like getting an extra base hit.
Re: the Gwynn getting "hit" by the ball
Part of Rule 5.09(f):
If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the infielder and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball; runners advance, if forced.
Fielder was in front of Gwynn, wasn’t he?
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Post game thread
is open.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."






























