Friday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Feb 5, 2010 9:10 AM CST
in Milwaukee Brewers News
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PrintSome things to read while keeping your hearts straight.
As Marco Estrada, Joe Inglett and Luis Cruz prepare for their first spring training as members of the Brewers, Adam McCalvy has a look at the successes Doug Melvin has had via the waiver wire. His ability to find freely available contributors has almost certainly been his greatest strength as a GM, netting the Brewers players like Doug Davis, Casey McGehee, Scott Podsednik and Todd Coffey.
Another day, another round of high expectations for new pitching coach Rick Peterson: Today Right Field Bleachers has quotes from Mike Silva of New York Baseball Digest and Peterson himself, talking up his ability to help young pitchers and keep them healthy.
Clearly, the excitement generated by the Peterson hire is great, but if I were in the Brewer front office (or if I were Rick Peterson), I'd be working to manage expectations a bit. Clearly he's a talented pitching coach and there are plenty of places where he could help the Brewers, but he's starting to approach the point where anything short of an all-out, miraculous turnaround might be seen as something of a disappointment.
Here's something you probably expected: Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are pretty good at hitting pitches over the middle of the plate. Here's a number that might surprise you, though: Jeremy Greenhouse of The Baseball Analysts says they're the best and third best hitters in all of baseball when facing that pitch, respectively. Here are some other notes from that story:
- Casey McGehee (+5.1 runs) was baseball's best hitter against high, inside pitches last season.
- Braun (+7.2 runs) was also baseball's third best hitter against pitches thrown outside at medium height.
- Corey Hart (+3.6 runs) was among baseball's top five hitters when swinging at low, inside pitches. Braun (-6.1 runs) was among baseball's five worst.
- Mike Cameron (+8.8 runs) was baseball's fourth best hitter against inside pitches at medium height, but third worst among pitches thrown high and over the middle of the plate (-11.6 runs).
On predictions and projections:
- Revenge of the RLYW has updated their CAIRO projections for 2010, and they now have the Brewers winning 80.9 games, down slightly from the 81.3 they predicted last week. That number would be good for fourth place, behind the Cardinals (90.5), Cubs (86.2) and Reds (84.2).
- Tony Paul of the Detroit News gave the Brewers a C- for their offseason and predicts they'll finish fourth in the NL Central.
At the Caribbean World Series:
- Luis Cruz went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Mexico's 5-3 loss to Puerto Rico.
- In yesterday's other game, the Dominican Republic beat Venezuela 3-2 on Freddy Guzman's seventh inning steal of home.
After yesterday's action, the Dominican Republic is 3-0 halfway through the six game, round robin tournament. Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico are all two games back at 1-2.
Around baseball:
Cubs: Avoided arbitration with Carlos Marmol, who will earn $2.125 million in 2010.
Mariners: Have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with Erik Bedard that will pay him $1.5 million plus incentives.
Nationals: Have reportedly signed Adam Kennedy to a one year deal (FanShot).
Phillies: Signed pitcher Oscar Villareal to a minor league deal.
Twins: Signed Orlando Hudson to a one year, $5 million deal.
Want some insight into the life of a major league beat writer? Jordan Bastian, who in my opinion is one of baseball's best, covers the topic of rooting in the press box in his latest post at his personal blog.
I've never played Strat-O-Matic Baseball but Joe Posnanski's recent post about it has me intrigued, so I'm excited to see Bugs & Cranks giving away one copy of the game each week until Opening Day.
While you're daydreaming at your desk today, here's something to ponder: If you were on Jeopardy and the final category was baseball related, how much would you risk? I didn't do so well on the application test a few weeks ago, so I'll probably never have to worry about it.
Happy birthday today to Hank Aaron, who turns 76. Aaron hit 398 home runs as a Milwaukee Brave from 1954-1965, and 22 more as a Milwaukee Brewer in 1975 and 1976. A 25-time All Star, Aaron is still baseball's all time leader in RBI, total bases and extra base hits, and ranks in the top five in home runs, hits, games, plate appearances and intentional walks.
Drink up.
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Bedard
Now that’s a good deal. Seriously great deal, if he’s hurt. No big deal, worth a 1.5M gamble. If he’s healthy, then look out. Bedard/Lee/Felix.
Damn I miss Jack Z.
What did we get back when we traded away Jack Z?
Cause he better be really good…
by BrewCrewBrian on Feb 5, 2010 9:25 AM CST up reply actions
We got a scouting director who can identify good pitching talent.
I think that’s worth it.
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
by Charlie Marlow on Feb 5, 2010 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
wow!
That Bedard deal is sick for the Mariners. How incentive laden is that contract? It’s got to have some ridiculous money in the incentives, why would he sign for 1.5 mil the week after Sheets signed for $10?
Go Beer, I mean Bucks
by Take Back Our Bucks on Feb 5, 2010 9:32 AM CST reply actions
Sheets is throwing and could (will?) start the year on the active roster
Bedard will be on the DL for a good chunk of the season.
3 - 5 Months
According to trainer.
So that would be.. May – July. But there’s no harm in waiting on him to rehab longer, since they won’t be hurt fiscally. They are already on the hook for the rehab/surgery. So they are looking at 4 – 2 months of Bedard. Might be enough to get them over the hump and into the playoffs.
Either SI or ESPN's post on the signing said that he won't pitch until August
by Brew Believer on Feb 5, 2010 9:49 AM CST up reply actions
Even if this is true,
it is still money better spend than the Randy Wolf contract. I can’t get over it. It is bad bad bad.
Yes
10 million for an average aging pitcher is stupid beyond comprehension when there are other or any arms available.
I have said before
that I am quite delighted he is a Brewer. I am simply unhappy with the price.
I wouldnt go that far
But I agree. Id give it a Bad Bad rating.
maybe 2 extra wins and the contract keeps getting more expensive at he gets older.
Those FB/HR rates of his could be VERY scary this year in Miller Park.
I wouldnt have taken the risk on Bedard though, seeing as how he only makes about 10 starts if that.
Mike Cameron (+8.8 runs) was baseball’s fourth best hitter against inside pitches at medium height, but third worst among pitches thrown high and over the middle of the plate (-11.6 runs).
If you take out the approximately 315 called strike threes on that pitch that left him shaking his head, I’m sure he had a positive number.
by TheJay on Feb 5, 2010 9:39 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
hahahahaha
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I'd have to reread the story to be sure
But I think the numbers were calculated when the hitter swung at said pitch, not when it was thrown to them.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
He swung with his eyes, KL
He swung with his eyes.
by TheJay on Feb 5, 2010 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs
That's awesome
Go Beer, I mean Bucks
by Take Back Our Bucks on Feb 5, 2010 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
At least we know *why* he didn't swing
Why bother swinging when you know you’re going to make an out even when you make contact? It’s a long season and the wily veterans know how to keep their body fresh. Striking out looking is a great way to stay in shape.
Jeopardy
It really depends on the situation, but I go for the sure win as opposed to betting the boat since it’s Baseball… but it would be really really tempting.
"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."
Yeah, me too
For Final Jeopardy, regardless of the category, your goal should be to reach a number that will maximize to win first, then get as much money as you can second. If you do that well, you’ll get a chance to pocket more money on the second day.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
There's Jeopardy strategy
and then there’s ‘how much do i think i know about baseball in general’.
Based on the second, I’d wager all but $100
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
by Charlie Marlow on Feb 5, 2010 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Most of those Jeopardy questions were really easy
These (linked in the Big League Stew article) were even easier. If the score was close, say, only a few thousand apart and the final category was baseball, I would bet everything.
"A D+ Grade? That must have been a Wittardo grade"- @73_MC
by BrewHaHeather on Feb 5, 2010 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed
But if the score is close, then you have everything to gain by betting everything, maximizing your chance of winning.
The BLS question is different – If you’ve assured victory, do you chance it on the possibility that you could pocket an extra $30,000 or so?
I can see the argument for doing it, but I personally would not, on the off chance that they’d catch a piece of trivia I didn’t know. The first question in the BLS post, for example, I would have guessed at. I guessed right, but still.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
This is a pickle.
If it’s a baseball question, I SHOULD get it right. Therefore, I should bet a lot.
HOWEVAH, if I miss, I suffer the double embarrassment of whiffing in a field of expertise AND losing a buttload of money.
This is why I’m glad I’m not smart enough to on Jeopardy!.
Considering you do not need to put your wager until after the question is asked
You can conceivably bet the boat without issue.
"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."
Not true, IIRC
I’m pretty sure you place your wager during the commercial break, then come back and see the question.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
you know what, you're right
but still, if baseball is coming up. I’m pretty sure I’m betting the boat. after checking out those questions, I nailed all of them. Knowing the calibre of questions on final jeopardy, it’s a pretty good bet I’m going all in.
"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."
Known as
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Feb 5, 2010 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
Cliff's answer was right.
That still bothers me.
by Rubie Q on Feb 5, 2010 1:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Good point about Peterson, KL
Where should we set the bar of success for him?
Starting Rotation FIP? IP by the starters/# of injuries?
Maybe we should set some criteria before the season starts.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I think you're looking at it wrong.
Instead of setting criteria, you should be registering “FireRickPeterson.com,” so you can sell it to someone in the moment following the first bases loaded walk.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
haha
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
by Charlie Marlow on Feb 5, 2010 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
Intentional bases-loaded walk to TG Jr.
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
OK
1. He can solve the enigma, wrapped in a mystery hiding in a sausage suit that is Manny Parra and gets him pitching to his potential
2. He gets YoGa to pitch efficiently, making it into the 7th in most starts
2. He has the ability to talk Macha into never allowing Jeff Suppan to throw a meaningful pitch in 2010
If he does two of these, he’s earned his money. If he does all of them, the Brewers are in the playoffs.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Feb 5, 2010 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
See, this is what I'm talking about with high expectations.
Any of the three of those would be a major impact. If he accomplishes one of those, he’s doing very well.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
High Bar?
I dont think the bar has been set too high yet. I only see him having a big, if any impact, on the young pitchers like Gallardo and Parra, and then how the players come up through the organization. If he can get Gallardo and Parra to throw strikes more often, keep pitches and pitch counts down, Id say hes been successful for 2010.
Its possible that some think his hiring will have a major impact on this years record, but it takes a little more than just one year to see good results from your pitching coach. Of course bad results show up much quicker (see Bill Castro).
The effect we should be looking for on the veteran pitchers is keeping them healthy.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
I kind of figured that one as a "given"
But apart from freak injury, none of the vets had health issues. Apart from Suppans problems with health, which I am assuming the majority of Brewer fans prefer he was on the DL anyway.
Elaborating
One of his biggest qualities is his knowledge of biomechanics and injury prevention. If we were to expect anything from him, it’s that there won’t be any major arm injuries.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
If he knows how to prevent injuries...
does it not follow that he knows how to encourage injuries?
This could be useful…
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
Ben Sheets work out plan probably helps
1) Mess around with teammates when you should be throwing bullpen sessions
2) Work outs consist of light to heavy drinking and intense physical interaction with women found on Water Street
3) The Day the season ends, dont pick up a baseball until the first day of Spring Training
Yes, but it would be hard to put Suppan on this plan without him knowing something was up. The key here is to be subtle.
Applying Simpsons and Star Wars quotes to Brewers discussions since 2009.
Yeah, Suppan and Sheets have pretty contrasting personalities/morals.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
What if we doctor the baseballs that Suppan throws to give him an injury?
by BrewCrewBrian on Feb 5, 2010 12:01 PM CST up reply actions
No need to go that far
Just convince him MLB rubs down all baseballs with stem cells. Problem solved.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Feb 5, 2010 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Indeed, it is.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
There again
I think that’s too much to ask. Even if he’s absolutely brilliant and his system is a straight-out miracle cure, he’s only one man who would need to be everywhere all the time to prevent every injury.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
How long was Maddux here?
It took a while for him to really mesh with the pitchers, and in the end, if not for the Sabathia move (a guy who he probably didnt have to “coach” all that much) his accomplishments may not have been considered all that great.
I think the jury is out on his total effectiveness with a pitching staff. His days with the A’s are linked to them having an amazing front 3 starters, and his time with the Mets wasnt all that impressive.
I like what he is doing with biomechanics but the pitching coach’s effectiveness is kind of out of his hands. It relies on a pitchers ability, conditioning, mechanics and some intangibles. If he can catch mechanical things and get them to condition properly and the results are good then he will be judged fairly based on results.
Yeah, but if he can prevent the tommy john surgeries and other MAJOR arm injuries
I don’t think that’s completely out of the realm of possibility. Those are mechanical issues, as opposed to Bush’s arm fatigue after getting hit by a ball injury..
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
Strat-O-Matic >>>>>>> fantasy baseball
That was actually how I discovered BCB — through Sackmann’s involvement in the 1986 Strat-O-Matic league at the beginning of the 08 season.
BP Team Health Reports
Everyone a green except Rickie Weeks (Red) and a few pitchers who were yellow (Gallardo, Wolf, Bush and Hoffman). Gregg Zaun is also a yellow.
Mulder?
What are the chances? I think we could potentially get a good deal and take a chance. As he is not a hardballer, he has to be a better risk than say, Ben. We could use the help.
The chances that we'll sign him are great.
The chances that he’ll pitch in the majors this year seem to be very small.
Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".
After hearing what he showed the A's
Sheets looks like he might be able to put up a pretty decent year, depending on how well he can throw his curveball. In that ballpark, he just has to throw strikes and he could top his career win total.
As for Mulder, imo, this would be another one of those times that the money would be better used by staying in the bank. The guy has made 10 starts in the past 4 years. Even if he does stay healthy, I dont see him contributing in any meaninful fashion. To top it off the rotation/staff is already LHP heavy.
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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 2.4.2012 at 9:41 AM CST)
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