Wednesday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Aug 26, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
in Milwaukee Brewers News
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PrintAfter staying up to catch the end of last night's game, I didn't get much sleep and for some reason all I can think of is breakfast. At least one Brewer blogger isn't having this problem, as Miller Park Drunk left the game early.
Felipe Lopez also left early last night, but the news might not be as bad as you'd think. Initial reports were that Lopez had aggravated a hamstring injury, but Adam McCalvy says he actually injured the arch of his foot rounding third base in the ninth inning last night. Lopez was checked out by a doctor but declined an X-ray and is expected to be reevaluated today.
One would think Lopez would want to do everything he can to get back in the lineup for the next couple of days: The Reds have announced Kip Wells as tonight's starter, and will start former Brewer Justin Lehr tomorrow. Lehr has made five starts for the Reds this season, his first major league appearances since posting an 8.62 ERA for the Brewers in 2006.
With last night's loss, the Brewers dropped to eleven games back of the Cardinals, their largest deficit of the season. Doug Melvin says he's not inclined to trade veterans at this point, but Ken Rosenthal is reporting that six Brewers were placed on trade waivers yesterday, including Felipe Lopez, Braden Looper and Mike Cameron.
What should the Brewers do with Prince Fielder? Dave Cameron of FanGraphs thinks the Brewers should trade him this offseason before he gets too expensive and patch some of the other holes in the roster. Meanwhile, David Pinto of Baseball Musings thinks the Brewers should offer Prince $20 million per season to buy out some of his free agent years. Either way, it's a tough spot for the Brewers: Fielder's incredible season means he could be worth significantly more than they can afford when he's eligible for arbitration again after next season, but it also makes him very difficult to trade, as few teams have and are willing to part with pieces that be worth fair market value for one of the NL's most productive hitters.
Jody Gerut went 0-for-1 last night, but is still hitting .345/.406/.552 since July 26, raising his season OPS by 51 points. Tony Gwynn, for whatever it's worth, is hitting .225/.317/.270 over the same time frame. Casa de Machado is willing to admit that Gerut might not be "complete trash."
Before the season it was almost an afterthought, but re-signing Craig Counsell might be one of the best moves Doug Melvin made this offseason. Sky Andrecheck of Baseball Analysts included Counsell as Best Team a Reasonable Amount of Money Can Buy.
Amidst everything else that's been going on the last few weeks, we haven't talked much about Corey Hart or Seth McClung, who are both getting closer to healthy. Hart hopes to head out on a rehab assignment next week, but the Brewers are taking things a little slower with Seth McClung's elbow. McClung has already had Tommy John surgery once.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one: Jason Kendall has a six game hitting streak going, is hitting .340/.415/.457 since August 4 and is among the leaders in Plunk Everyone's new BACON and Beans statistic.
In the minors:
- Mike Jones had one of the biggest nights of his career last night, rebounding from a rough debut by allowing just one earned run in 7.2 innings in Nashville's 4-1 win over Albuquerque. Jones allowed four hits and three walks while striking out seven, and threw 108 pitches while earning his first AAA victory.
- The Brewers have added two outfielders to the roster in AAA, signing Tike Redman and Jon Knott.
- Hernan Iribarren will join them in AAA sometime in the next few days. He was optioned to make room for Jeff Suppan.
Here's an interesting note from Lookout Landing: Carlos Villanueva and Mark DiFelice are among the unluckiest pitchers in baseball when it comes to getting strikes called on pitches in the zone, and the Brewers are the unluckiest team in baseball in the same category.
Following last night's loss, CoolStandings dropped the Brewers' playoff chances to .6%.
I usually do my best to avoid the restrooms at Miller Park, but if you must use them, Casa de Machado has a guide to etiquette that you should read first.
Around baseball:
Giants: Placed Freddy Sanchez on the DL with a shoulder strain.
Nationals: Signed Livan Hernandez and will start him today.
Rangers: Placed Andruw Jones on the DL with a hamstring strain.
Red Sox: Acquired Billy Wagner from the Mets for two PTBNL, one of which is rumored to be AAA slugger Chris Carter.
Reds: Signed Lew Ford to a minor league deal.
Rockies: Placed Dexter Fowler on the DL with swelling in his knee.
How much of being a good manager is simply perception? Rays manager Joe Maddon said this on Twitter yesterday:
On the road Ive asked guys 2 think about doing better by talking about playing better Has 2 begin w/ mental effort b4 it shows up physicallyIf Ned Yost had said something like that, we might have mocked it mercilessly. But when Joe Maddon said it, it somehow seems less nonsensical.
The Brewers officially named eight players to the Arizona Fall League yesterday, with Mark Rogers, Omar Aguilar, Zach Braddock, Josh Butler, Rob Wooten, Jonathan Lucroy, Taylor Green and Lorenzo Cain getting the call (FanShot). This year's AFL will have some significant star power as Stephen Strasburg will make his professional debut in the league, and will be joined by Mariners #1 pick Dustin Ackley, Giants pitcher Joe Martinez and catcher Buster Posey, Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata and Reds infielder Yonder Alonso, among others.
It's been at least a few days since the last time I had to mention an umpiring incident, but there's another one to report today: Several Rockies players complained that umpire Bill Miller called catcher Yorvit Torrealba a derogatory name in the late innings of a game Monday.
Ever wonder what it's like inside Bud Selig's office? Hal McCoy spent half an hour there yesterday and details much of the furniture, including a couch made entirely of baseball bats. (h/t Dear Ken Macha)
Do you enjoy Chuck Norris Facts? If so, you might be incredibly disappointed by these Ed Sprague Factoids, but you might enjoy these Rollie Fingers pictures.
On this day in 1987, Paul Molitor's 39-game hit streak came to an end as he was standing on deck when Rick Manning hit a walk-off single to beat the Indians 1-0 in ten innings. On this day in 1998, Phil Garner became the first Brewer manager to record 500 wins as the Brewers beat the Rockies 6-5.
Happy birthday today to Ricky Bottalico, who made 40 appearances as a Brewer in his final major league season in 2005, and turns 40 today. Alex Sanchez, first ballot "Don't Be That Guy" Hall of Famer, also turns 33.
Oh, and if you're a pro wrestling fan looking for a place to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors, SBNation has a blog for you.
Drink up.
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tongue in cheek aside
You’d be surprised how many guys will see a row of 6 urinals and stand right next to you. Really? Are you that lonely? That’s still way better than the troughs you’ll find at other ballparks. Blech.
Better than the guys who see only one urinal
And remember that one Sesame Street episode about sharing.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
The urinal rules are clear and without exception
Casa De Muchado did not go strong enough, though had some suggestions. I’ve limited those down.
1) You will not stand next to anyone at a urinal unless absolutely forced to. that means in a row of 4, the following configurations are ok (I will use Xs for taken and Os for untaken):
XOXO
OXOX
In the situation of XOOX, you wait because one of them is a d-bag who can’t get the urinal rules right. There are no exceptions to this.
2) Eyes foreward at all times. I don’t believe this needs explanation.
3) No Talking. If you have something witty or fun to say, it can wait until you wash your hands. There are no AHHHHS for relief, and no exclamations of how bad you have to go. The Mens room is a silent place where the only conversation should be having is on the sink wall. All I want to hear is water running. The lone exception to this is if you have a small child. However, they should be using a stall anyway.
4) Flushing is not just a polite suggestion, it always must happen. I suggest the elbow flush if you are afraid of someone else’s secret stadium sause on the handle.
5) Always Wash Your Hands. I don’t know where your member has been, so do me the courtesy of washing before I high five you after a fielder home run.
THATS IT. THATS THE LIST.
"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."
nothing wrong with XOOX
there are two occupied stalls not immediately adjacent
however, there’s a problem with OXXO
and also a problem with XOOXOOX (d-bag in the middle means that no one can occupy the 3rd or 5th space.).
Also, rules are somewhat relaxed if the urinals have full dividers. Not any of those lame assed 5 foot high ones. I can see over those, although I would rather not.
I disagree with the flushing rule – what’s the point? Especially if it’s to be used again soon. If you’re shedding pube hair or ate a lot of asparagus so your pee reeks, then definitely flush. Otherwise, save the water and the sewer systems.
Washing hands – if you’re good enough to not make contact with yourself and didn’t get any splashback, no need. I used to be onboard with you here, but I really don’t see the point anymore. You should be more concerned with the OTHER things your friend’s hands have touched more than their thingimajig. If you had to use a stall, definitely definitely wash. No exceptions.
by PagsBrewCrew on Aug 26, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe Sam Jackson summed up that last rule well in The Negotiator
“In the Marines, they teach us not to piss on our hands!”
CounsellWSMVP10!
Heh, funny quote...
but not really accurate. I don’t care if anyone didn’t piss on their hands… I still don’t want to shake your hands if you touched your privates… Private!
I haven't seen the urinal game in years.
It’s fun to play it with the exact opposite of common etiquette, and consistently use a urinal someone else is using.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
Thank You Captain Science
I’ve always wanted to say that as a mayor of a town that was just saved by previously mentioned Captain.
I dominated the Urinal game
"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."
Washing hands is a must...
I don’t care if you didn’t touch yourself or get any backsplash. People just don’t wash their hands enough anymore, so one more time while in the bathroom won’t kill you.
If nothing else, for the reason you stated (touched more than their thingimajig) everyone should wash their hands after visiting the restroom. You do realize that there is airborne fecal and urine particles in the restroom, right?
So I'm supposed to was my lungs?
by Zorakathura on Aug 26, 2009 4:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's why I always go in a vacuum
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
airborne fecal material?
e. coli don’t just live in the air. sorry. If someone farts directly on you with a bit of substance and has their shorts down MAYBE. Otherwise, I think not. Or rather, I KNOW not.
Also, americans are overly concerned with unneeded hygine to the point that it actually becomes a detriment. Killing off the healthy enterics actually leaves TONS of opportunities for the unhealthy buggers to move in. If you have the natural enterics present, you can outcompete the disease-causing ones or, better yet, prey upon them.
Obviously if you’re immune compromised or are in a hospital, it’s a completely different story. There, the balance should go to cleanliness. You should wash your hands after doing something knowingly nasty and otherwise at least once a day, but don’t get carried away.
by PagsBrewCrew on Aug 26, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
although...
with the “airborne fecal material” – yes, it can get water-borne and semi-aerosolize if the toilet does not flush without turbulence. However, that shit only makes its way as far as the stall doors. If you’re really paranoid, take a little bit of TP to open the stall handle with before you step outside. And yeah, maybe you’ll get a little bit on your shoes, but no worries there.
At home, when there’s no physical divider between your toilet and your toothbrush holder, there’s more concern of ingesting coliform bacteria.
by PagsBrewCrew on Aug 26, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
People used to wash their hands more than they do now?
I find that very hard to believe.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Or the guys
who tell you jokes and slap you on the back while in the midst of it. Man, I hate that.
by Braunstalker on Aug 26, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
No kidding
I’m with Larry David… and the demand for urinal privacy thingers. Takes away any general problems with man law in the bathoom.
I'll just take a look at the mug today.....
“Jody Gerut is batting .345 since 7/26…….”
“Jason Kendall is batting .340 since 8/4…..”
/head explodes
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 Aug 26, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I can't stop repeating this stat:
For the year — including the three-month stint with the Brewers, which, by and large, has been a disaster — Gerut is slugging .344.
For the year — including the white hot streak which started right after he was traded to the Padres — Tony Gwynn is slugging .342.
I'd think Gywnn has the advantage due to jersey sales
Once he started sucking again, fans can always just say it was for his father. Gerut? Not so much.
Waiver
Trevor Hoffman, Mike Cameron, Craig Counsell, Jason Kendall, Braden Looper and Felipe Lopez.
I would hate to lose Craiggers but if it helps him get another ring, well he can always come back next year.
"It may sound hollow, it may sound unrealistic, it may even sound stupid to some people. We still think we are in it," - Mark Attanasio
The Phillies really need a closer.
by Zorakathura on Aug 26, 2009 12:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I heard Valverde already cleared waivers
He’d probably be the #1 target
"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."
Jason Kendall has a six game hitting streak going, is hitting .340/.415/.457 since August 4
In case you were unaware.
Indians bus struck by car (probably driven by a cowboy)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bus carrying Cleveland Indians players to a game against the Kansas City Royals has been involved in a minor accident. No players were injured.
The bus had nine players onboard, including Wednesday’s starter David Huff, when it was struck by a car not far from Kauffman Stadium. The players were loaded onto another bus and taken to the stadium, while the car driver was taken to a hospital for minor injuries.
It’s the second time the Indians were involved in a bus incident in Kansas City. In 2004, rookie pitcher Kyle Denney was struck in the calf when someone shot at the bus. He avoided serious injury thanks to go-go boots he was wearing as part of a hazing ritual.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, ""That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
by tcyoung on Aug 26, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
“He avoided serious injury thanks to go-go boots he was wearing as part of a hazing ritual.”
Classic.
by Braunstalker on Aug 26, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Denney was kind of cursed
Not only did he get shot in the majors, he took a vicious line drive off the head in AAA in 2005 or 2006.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
rec'd for cowboy line
"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."
Fielder
The more I think about Fielder’s great year, the more I think the Brewers are never going to receive close to fair value for him.
First off, there are only a handful of teams that can really afford the kind of contract that Fielder is going to warrant, so that means your possible trading partners are cut down drastically.
Secondly, some of those teams have already committed big time money to 1B, such as the Yanks. (Would the Yanks go after Prince as a DH?)
In these situations where the big market teams know the small market teams are over a barrel, they use it as big time leverage.
Look south where the Cubs got Aramis, Derek Lee, and Harden for what I felt was less than market value, simply because they knew that the teams were desperate to unload them. I think this can be an even bigger issue than the signing of free agents, which is the where the attention usually goes.
I really hope I am wrong, but it would not surprise me at all to see the Brewers get low-balled if they do try to trade Prince.
I think multiple teams will be interested in Fielder, causing the "price" to go up.
If we’re talking after this season, the Dodgers, Braves, Mariners or Mets could go after him.
If we’re talking after 2010, the Red Sox could go after Fielder as their contracts with Ortiz and Lowell are finished, which would allow Youkilis to move to 3B.
I agree with the other option fro
by Zorakathura on Aug 26, 2009 4:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
One more time
I agree with the post from baseball musings. Give what he wants, and trade him late in his contract.
by Zorakathura on Aug 26, 2009 4:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I really think we need to keep him at least until the trade deadline in 2011
yes, his arbitration then is going to be expensive, but between Cam’s contract at the end of this year, the inevitable trading of Hardy, and Suppan, Riske, and Hall all off the docket after 2010, they could drop a decent amount of cash into the rotation in 2010 and 2011.
They have one definite open spot this offseason, and at least one next year. If those are both filled with someone of high quality I think they’d be in very good shape. Or, they can DFA Suppan this season and get two dudes for 2010. I’d like that, too.
Maybe the team
can create some anti- Suppan merchandise to sell to cover it.
by Zorakathura on Aug 26, 2009 6:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
all supply and demand
if the big teams drive down price because they’re not interested, more smaller teams will be interested and push back the price.
There’s only one prince. If some team absolutely wants him, we could sell him for a billion in cash. You just have to find the one team that’s willing to pay for the moon. Or you have a minimum value you’re willing to get for him and otherwise you hang on to him. The brewers aren’t mandated to unload him…
by PagsBrewCrew on Aug 26, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
But IF they can't afford him...
…there is an informal mandate to unload him.
The bottom line is that if the Brewers cannot afford $20 million per year or whatever he ends up being worth and other teams know it, then that will depress his value some.
I am not saying they are going to only get a bag of balls for him, but it is common sense that the fewer teams that can be involved, the less the demand is going to be, and when those few teams know you pretty much HAVE to trade him, it depresses the market further.
by badgermaniac on Aug 26, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Maddon twitter
That just looks stupid, but thats > bc I cant stand abbrev txt.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
He only had 140 characters to play with.
Just look at how much trouble Hyatt has using 140 characters to live tweet Top Chef.
"The reports are that he is getting better. The definition of better is nebulous."
than do one of the tiny url things or break it up into two tweets
don’t make yourself look like a complete idiot, especially if you’ve got a job with public power.
by PagsBrewCrew on Aug 27, 2009 6:09 AM CDT up reply actions
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
|
Cincinnati
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
|
Houston
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
|
Milwaukee
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
|
St. Louis
|
0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 1:01 PM CST)
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