You Can't Predict March: Marco Estrada Leads Brewers to 7-0 Win Over Padres

by Kyle Lobner on Mar 22, 2011 5:34 PM CDT in WPA Game Recaps

W: Marco Estrada (1-0)
L: Clayton Richard (1-2)

HR: None

Here's something I never would've expected to write a month ago: Marco Estrada and Erick Almonte made strong cases for their inclusion on the Opening Day roster today.

First, let's talk about Estrada. In his first start of the spring, he made one of the better cases we've seen for a spot at the end of the rotation. He shut the Padres out today for 4.1 innings, striking out four while allowing three hits and one walk. Mitch Stetter, Sean Green, Mark DiFelice, Kameron Loe and John Axford combined to allow just one hit over the remaining 4.2 innings.

Almonte, meanwhile, just keeps hitting. Starting at first base today in place of Prince Fielder, Almonte singled, doubled and doubled again in his three at bats, driving in two runs and pushing his batting average for the spring well over .400.

With the exception of Almonte the Brewers sent what may very well be the Opening Day lineup against the Padres, and got great results. When most of the regulars left the game after the seventh inning the Crew had scored seven runs on 12 hits. George Kottaras added a triple in the eighth to complete a three hit day. Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun and Yuniesky Betancourt also had multi-hit games.

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What are the chances

Almonte is the next Casey Mecgeehee? or that he could play somewhere outside first?

by Michael McNamara on Mar 22, 2011 5:39 PM CDT reply actions

I don't think the comparison is fair.

For one, Almonte is 33. McGehee was 26 when he made the team in 2009.

As for his ability to play elsewhere, I think he could play left or right relatively consistently if asked. He could probably also play third in a pinch. I doubt he’d be an option to be anything more than a short term fill in at second, short or third.

With that said, the top of Almonte’s upside is probably “reliable pinch hitter who can play a corner outfield spot,” and as it turns out the Brewers could use a guy to do that.

Now that's great tasting chicken!

by Kyle Lobner on Mar 22, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Good idea to rest Prince

Illness notwithstanding, he needs to be at full strength on Opening Day if he’s going to hit 60 home runs and set the franchise record in his walk-off year.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 22, 2011 9:01 PM CDT reply actions

by tcyoung on Mar 23, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions

by sjlee on Mar 23, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions

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