Friday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 10:27 AM CDT
in Milwaukee Brewers News
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PrintSome things to read while putting yourself at the top.
Hopefully you made the most of the Brewer off day yesterday, because it's the last one for a while. Yesterday's break was the only one scheduled in a stretch of 26 games in 27 days, which resumes tonight. Yovani Gallardo will face off against James McDonald in the series opener against the Pirates, and the JS has a preview. Here's our series preview from yesterday. Adam McCalvy also noted that this is the first time Gallardo and Zack Greinke (scheduled to pitch on Sunday) will appear in the same home series. Chris Narveson will pitch in the middle on Saturday.
Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has another reminder of how good the Brewers have been against the Pirates lately: They've won 28 of the last 30 meetings between the two teams at Miller Park.
Maybe a day off helped Corey Hart get back on track. Dennis Punzel of Madison.com has a look at Hart's struggles at the plate since returning from his oblique injury. Here's a Dale Sveum quote that I found both encouraging and frustrating:
"Corey needs those 40-50 at-bats in spring training, probably more than anybody else. But the last couple days he’s said he feels more comfortable and when Corey feels comfortable in the box there’s usually some good results."
If Hart really needs his spring training ABs "more than anybody else," I'd like to ask again why the Brewers brought him back after just 15 PAs in Nashville.
Looking back a day, Larry Granillo of Baseball Prospectus timed Prince Fielder's Wednesday home run trot at 20.58 seconds.
Larry also chatted with readers yesterday. Check out the transcript to see his thoughts on the Brewers missing Charlie Morton this weekend, Prince Fielder's contract status and trade possibilities, and Ron Roenicke.
It took more than a year longer than they expected, but the Brewers are finally starting to see dividends from the two year, $7.5 million deal they gave LaTroy Hawkins. Todd Rosiak of the JS has a story on Hawkins' return to relevance in the Brewer bullpen.
In a somewhat related note, Reed MacPhail of FanGraphs has a look at teams' decision to continue to overpay relievers.
Elsewhere in relievers, Zach Braddock did about everything one could have asked of him last night in a rehab appearance for Wisconsin: He faced five batters and struck out all of them. It seems pretty likely he'll be activated when he's eligible to return on Tuesday.
Mat Gamel went 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI for Nashville last night. The Nashville City Paper has a great article about Gamel's season in the minors, and he's saying all the right things about doing whatever it takes to get back to the big leagues. Meanwhile, Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar notes that the Brewers are still sending mixed messages about Gamel's future, and suspects the Brewers will bring in a veteran instead of featuring him at first base next season.
In the minors:
- The affiliates went 3-1 last night and Erik Komatsu went 3-for-5 with a double and a home run in the only loss as Huntsville fell to Tennessee 7-5. You can read about that and more in today's Minor League Notes.
- Rattler Radio has video highlights from Wisconsin's fifth straight win last night.
- Nashville also won last night for the second time in as many days, and Jordan Brown tied a Pacific Coast League record by recording sac flies in each of his first three plate appearances.
In power rankings: Yahoo has the Brewers 20th, down four spots.
Around baseball:
Mets: Placed first baseman Ike Davis on the DL with an ankle sprain.
Yankees: Designated pitcher Jess Todd for assignment.
In NL Central action last night the Cardinals beat the Cubs to open up a 5.5 game lead on the Brewers, tying the largest deficit of the season. You know that and much more if you've read this morning's edition of Around the NL Central.
Today in former Brewers: Trevor Hoffman threw out the first pitch at a Tuscon Padres game last night, and they busted out Hells Bells for the occasion.
I've got two notes on attendance today:
- There were 13 games played on Wednesday and seven of them (home games for the Astros, Marlins, Indians, Blue Jays, Pirates, Braves and Orioles) were played in front of 22,000 fans or less. The Brewers haven't drawn less than 22,000 to a game all season.
- Meanwhile, a large chunk of baseball's leaguewide attendance drop this season can be attributed to the Dodgers, who are averaging 7,268 fewer fans per game in 2011.
Bad weather this season probably isn't helping the attendance numbers. You Can't Predict Baseball is reporting that there have already been more rainouts in 2011 than there were in all of 2010.
Elsewhere in weather notes: The Pirates and Dodgers were rained out last night in Pittsburgh, and Dodgers pitcher Jon Garland isn't happy with the Pirates' decision to schedule a night game on a getaway day. The Brewers' April series in Pittsburgh also ended with a night game. Their return trip in August ends with an 11:35 am start. Apparently it has to be one extreme or the other.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some voice overs to do. (h/t Bucs Dugout)
Drink up.
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I think I needed that day off as much as the Crew
Wednesdays game really brought me down, now I’m fresh and ready to sweep the Pirates.
"Plenty of changes in the lineup, and if you want to know about them… check tomorrow’s paper." - Bob Uecker
by thefreewheelin76 on May 13, 2011 10:42 AM CDT reply actions
Me too.
I spent most of the off day yesterday not thinking about baseball and I think my sanity is a little better off for it.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Good call on Hart
We wouldn’t have missed him much if he’d spent a couple weeks warming up. Apparently I’m told that we have an extra outfielder named “Boggs” tucked away somewhere?
This is not the Boggs you are looking for.
/kotsay’d
by Cheeseandcorn on May 13, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Sadly the Jedi mind trick doesn't work at the plate.
“You will groove me a fastball.”
Kotsay hits the ball with all of his might and it’s caught in front of the warning track.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I know it's semi-political
but did you see this?
http://www.galacticempiretimes.com/2011/05/09/galaxy/outer-rim/obi-wan-kenobi-is-killed.html
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I did see that.
Very much enjoyed. Didn’t use it, because I was worried about it pushing conversation into politics.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Why would they need to enlist people into the emperial navy?
Wouldn’t they just clone more Jango Fetts?
"Plenty of changes in the lineup, and if you want to know about them… check tomorrow’s paper." - Bob Uecker
by thefreewheelin76 on May 13, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Looking for accuracy in an onion article is like looking for power out of Gomez
sometimes it happens, and no one is sure if it was really suppose to.
BCB: Pointless Exercises in Devils Advocacy
BCB Fantasy Football League 2 Champ
Unlike Gomez
The Onion doesn’t believe they’re accurate.
by ecocd on May 13, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
pssst
It’s not the onion
domain registered to this guy: http://www.robertscottart.com/me.html
Administrative Contact:
RobertScottArt
Robert Grossman (robert@robertscottart.com)
+1.6463213846
Fax:
2211 Broadway
apt 9M
New York, NY 10024
US
Here’s the onion:
Klaas, Allison
webmaster@THEONION.COM
The Onion, Inc.
544 E. Ogden Avenue #700-388
Milwaukee, WI 53202
US
Phone: (608) 256-1372
Fax: 999 999 9999
Technical Contact :
IntraNet, Inc.,
domainmanager@tds.net
525 Junction Road
MADISON, WI 53717
US
Phone: 1-800-358-3648
Fax: 608-231-9606
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
huh thought I had seen something similar on the onion.
It turns out I was full of crap.
BCB: Pointless Exercises in Devils Advocacy
BCB Fantasy Football League 2 Champ
maybe the rebels took out the clone tanks.
and i’m sure the Empire will take all recruits that want to further their goals, clones or not.
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Star Wars history...
After the Clone Wars, the Kaminoans rebelled against the Empire using clones that they had made. The Empire defeated the rebellion, but Emperor Palpatine decided that clones could be used against him (like he used them against the jedi), so he opted to start looking for other sources for his armies (other clone templates and recruiting).
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
But I thought the clones were completely obedient to the Emperor.
At least that’s what it says in the movie.
My goodness.
by BrewHaHeather on May 13, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry
I should’ve been more clear. The Fett clones were loyal to the Emperor… the ones used in the Kaminoan rebellion were different clones that they created to fight the Empire.
The reason the Fett clones were so loyal was because of their training. The Emperor feared that new clones could be secretly trained to rebel (similar to Order 66).
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
I certainly hope this is the geekiest sub-thread today
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
me too
just reading this exchange reduced the odds of me getting laid tonight
by Uhhhhdel on May 13, 2011 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
Unfortunately
I didn’t think my chances could be lower than minus infinity but now I’m going to have to spend the next fortnight calibrating a new counting system. And that itself will lower my chances even further…
Less than proud owner of Marmol Says Knock McLouth (BCB League III)
"Now attribute that shit!" mpbMKE
You could change the base counting system that you're using.
Negative infinity in base 16 (hexadecimal) would, in theory, be much worse than negative infinity in base 10 (decimal, our standard counting system). So, in theory, you could work on a base infinity counting system, which would further decrease the value of negative infinity. Of course, the entire thing could be rendered moot because infinity is by definition an unquantifiable number. So, you would be arguing about using an unquantifiable counting system to represent an unquantifiable number. Since it is all unquantifiable, it stands to reason that it would always be represented as negative infinity, regardless of the counting system you use to represent this unquantifiable number.
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
I'm guessing you know about the concept
that says that there are more infinities if you use decimals than if you use fractions. Can’t quite remember it, which suggests I didn’t really understand it in the first place…
Less than proud owner of Marmol Says Knock McLouth (BCB League III)
"Now attribute that shit!" mpbMKE
I think I understand what you're talking about.
For example, consider the case of 1/3. It’s decimal equivalent is .3333 that repeats on into infinity and beyond.
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
So you are in the negative percentages?
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
BTW, I am married so we all know I will not be getting laid.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
The comments are the best part.
“I find it so convenient that the “mainstream media” often ignores the fact that Emperor Palpatine helped fund Obi-Wan’s band of jedis back when he was a senator. Had Senator Palpatine not authorized such funding, Obi-Wan would not have been a menace all these years!"
Ha!
If this happens one more time
I may track down Roenicke myself and stick the video in his face of the 3 warning track “he got all of that one” flyball outs he will have had.
Can Kotsay hit a ball that far.
I would have gone with “Kotsay hit the ball with all his might and it dribbled to the SS.”
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
To be fair to Sveum, it wasn't likely his decision to bring Hart up after 15 AB
Especially if he seemed to know that Hart could use a little more work in the minors.
by ecocd on May 13, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently
RR figured a ST Hart was better than Almonte, Boggs or Kotsay in RF.
Not sure I would completely disagree.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on May 13, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of Almonte...
Did anyone notice this earlier this week?
Reserve utility man Erick Almonte still has a mark just above his right eye where he was hit by a ball thrown by Craig Counsell during batting practice at Miller Park on April 26.
Apparently, the Deity was helping RR make roster moves.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on May 13, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I think Nieves needs a groin injury
Any help Craigers?
by ecocd on May 13, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking Kotsay but would settle for Nieves.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
Does it really take
40 – 50 at bats to realize you need to stop chasing the crap low outside slider?
News flash Corey: You will see nothing but sliders till you prove you can take them.
His timing was completely off on all off-speed pitches
It wasn’t just the slider down and away (though that was featured). He was/is whiffing at just about every off-speed pitch. These last two games featured better plate appearances so I’m hoping he’s turned the corner.
I think it's a pitch recognition issue contributing to the problem.
But you’re right, it’s a pitch recognition issue he’s had off and on for years now.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
gee
I wish there was something that could be done to improve a batter’s vision…
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
He didn't seem to having any problems without corrective lenses last season.
Granted, his vision is probably worsening with age, but I guess that his current struggles are tied to him missing most of ST.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
•There were 13 games played last night and seven of them (home games for the Astros, Marlins, Indians, Blue Jays, Pirates, Braves and Orioles) were played in front of 22,000 fans or less. The Brewers haven’t drawn less than 22,000 to a game all season.
Actually, there were only 7 games played last night. There were, however, 13 played on Wednesday.
http://www.mlbsoup.com
Crap.
Fixed.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
it's too bad Hoffman couldn't throw out the 1st pitch tonight
Tonight’s pitching matchup in Tucson: Seth McClung vs. Will Inman. They could have gone 3 for 3 in former Brewers.
Nope, the Royals actually picked him up.
Why would Suppan play in the minors you ask? Who knows. Maybe Suppan likes to ride buses.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
I knew that
Was thinking he could throw out the first pitch if his minor league team was in town.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Would his MiLB team miss him if he left town for a while?
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
It's great to see that Braddock has gotten control of that sleeping disorder
While I’m still extremely skeptical of that DL assignment, if he really was having sleep troubles and they really did find a way to alleviate those problems, he’s going to be a better pitcher. Lack of sleep is a huge drag on cognitive abilities and that’s going to include focus and motor skills.
Now that he’s sleeping soundly each night, prepare for Super Braddock. He’ll have a 18 K/9 rate out of the bullpen and come in as their second setup man / high leverage pitcher to complement Loe. I’m looking forward to having Super Braddock up as this year’s 2009 Marmol.
Fox 6 News had a story about sleep disorders
and talked about Braddock in it.
If it was just an abuse of the DL, they’re doing a really good job of selling it.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
"Sleep disorders are a growing problem among Milwaukee area men. We woke Zach Braddock up at 3:30 to ask him about his."
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on May 13, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I'm sure the other they interviewed was Hyatt
but he was already up, attending to his young ’un
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
WAKE A MAN UP AT 3:30...OF COURSE YOU'RE GETTIN' ALL CAPS!!!
Applying pop culture to Brewers discussions since 2009, earning the nickname of "Our Little Abed".
When Braddock returns from the DL, can we just say he woke up?
Zach Van Winkle.
http://www.mlbsoup.com
by tcyoung on May 13, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe the sleep disorder was because of the
radioactive scorpion bite and now he has superpowers.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
I'm actually curious
On what the diagnosis was. Apnea? Some other sleep problem.
Also, in the video at the park where they ask ZB about best haircut. ZB apparently loves Loe, his ‘big bald head’ is a little creepy.
I read a quote from McCalvy about the sleep disorder.
He said that the exact nature of this is being kept private, information is within the team only.
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
He had a crayon stuck up his nose for 40 years
by nullacct on May 13, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think crayon in brain is a better explanation for Gomez's baserunning than Braddock's sleep disorder.
Applying pop culture to Brewers discussions since 2009, earning the nickname of "Our Little Abed".
by Yar Nivek on May 13, 2011 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
IIRC
They didn’t actually interview Braddock, but instead used his case as a lead-in to the story about sleep disorders in general. There was a doctor that talked about problems resulting from sleep disorders, but the reporter was quick to point out that ZB wasn’t being treated by this doctor/clinic.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
JJ Hardy hit a walkoff in Baltimore
in former Brewer news
I hate to say this but…I…I miss him!!!
"I don't even know who Bryce Harper is — hah, hah, hah, hah, hah!" -Nyjer Morgan
I don't hate to say it.
I really miss him. It was nice to to not have to hold my breath every time a ball came to the SS.
My goodness.
by BrewHaHeather on May 13, 2011 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I miss 2007-2008 Hardy
I don’t miss 2009 Hardy or injured Hardy.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on May 13, 2011 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Yuni will be there day in and day out
He’s not as exposed to injury since he doesn’t stretch hard for balls out of his reach and he doesn’t see all that many pitches so he won’t be straining an oblique at the plate, especially his swinging bunt special with 2 strikes.
I can see why Hardy is so injury prone
Anyone who has that type of blazing speed opens himself up to lots of injuries.
Get a ife broseph
He's also built like a tree sloth, so he's pretty durable.
Ryan Braun: He loves it. -- Four pitchers in history with 8.5+ WAR and <250 IP seasons: Greg Maddux (age 29), Pedro Martinez (age 28), Roger Clemens (age 27), Zack Greinke (age 25).
It is probably worth taking this opportunity
to completely refute the recent allegations that have circulated suggesting that Betancourt is, in fact, a sloth. True, he does have the same speed of movement and recent photos have proved he shares the basic foot structure of a three-toed sloth but it is well known that Betancourt cannot swim. Unlike the sloth in this footage (which is presumably only swimming so as to escape from the irritating commentary).
Less than proud owner of Marmol Says Knock McLouth (BCB League III)
"Now attribute that shit!" mpbMKE
How do you think he got out of Cuba?
It is an island.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
Onion article
Several times throughout the conversation, an exasperated Verlander attempted to explain that just because a ball is hit to the second baseman doesn’t mean an actual hit is recorded—an explanation his father rejected out of hand, insisting that it "sure looked like a hit to [him]."
does anyone else’s significant other have a problem with the definition of “hit”?
yes
this is why I never talk to my parents about my job
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
You're a starting pitcher for the Tigers?
Less than proud owner of Marmol Says Knock McLouth (BCB League III)
"Now attribute that shit!" mpbMKE
That article is infuriating, haha.
I started grinding my teeth and clenching my fists while reading it. That’s pretty perfect.
Very nice.
I took a friend who doesn’t watch much baseball to a T-Rats game last week, and I think the speed of the game surprised him. I bet he said “that’s a good hit” on probably 8-10 groundouts.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
Completely agree...
Even for someone who watches a ton of baseball, going to game after watching a lot on tv you are reminded by the sound and speed of the baseball off the bat just how hard some very routine outs are hit.
Baseball America mock draft
Has the Brewers taking Taylor Guerrieri and Larry Greene [link]
Ryan Braun: He loves it. -- Four pitchers in history with 8.5+ WAR and <250 IP seasons: Greg Maddux (age 29), Pedro Martinez (age 28), Roger Clemens (age 27), Zack Greinke (age 25).
(High School RHP and High School OF)
Ryan Braun: He loves it. -- Four pitchers in history with 8.5+ WAR and <250 IP seasons: Greg Maddux (age 29), Pedro Martinez (age 28), Roger Clemens (age 27), Zack Greinke (age 25).
Considering the state of the system right now
I hope they’re going to favor the college players a bit more.
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
The Greene pick seems surprising because I've never heard of him and hadn't seen him mentioned in any first round mock drafts
Does backtocali or anyone who subscribes have Jim Callis’s rationale?
Ryan Braun: He loves it. -- Four pitchers in history with 8.5+ WAR and <250 IP seasons: Greg Maddux (age 29), Pedro Martinez (age 28), Roger Clemens (age 27), Zack Greinke (age 25).
maybe he just thinks the brewers should draft
taylor green again.
by PagsBrewCrew on May 13, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Guerrieri is the new Odorizzi and Greene is the new Green.
Ryan Braun: He loves it. -- Four pitchers in history with 8.5+ WAR and <250 IP seasons: Greg Maddux (age 29), Pedro Martinez (age 28), Roger Clemens (age 27), Zack Greinke (age 25).
Why?
Can cause the team to miss out on some good talent if they only went for college players.
With all the talent in this draft class, the upcoming changes to the CBA and the current farm system, this would be a great year to spend a lot of money in the draft.
Get a ife broseph
I'm not saying to pass up talented high school players
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
Gotcha
The system needs high ceiling talent, no reason not to take the best player available, high school or college.
Get a ife broseph
Unless you are pretty sure he won't sign.
We would lose one of the picks, I forget which one.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
That sounds right,
Other than that, I would agree take the best guy available. It isn’t like we are stacked at any position in the minors except maybe outfield. That is only relative to the other positions though.
Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.
Today's Fun Lineup
Don’t get too excited.
Rickie Weeks 2B
Carlos Gomez CF
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Casey McGehee 3B
Corey Hart RF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Jonathan Lucroy C
Yovani Gallardo RHP
"You need to add a signature line about your sarcasm detector being broken like a Cubs fan’s spirit."
- molitorfan
grumble grumble Gomez 2 hole grumble grumble
grumble grumble even Gallardo better option grumble grumble
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
26 | 20 | .565 | 0 | Won 1 |
|
St. Louis
|
25 | 22 | .531 | 1.5 | Lost 3 |
|
Houston
|
22 | 24 | .478 | 4 | Lost 1 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
22 | 24 | .478 | 4 | Won 2 |
|
Milwaukee
|
19 | 27 | .413 | 7 | Lost 1 |
|
Chicago
|
15 | 31 | .326 | 11 | Lost 11 |
(updated 5.27.2012 at 12:11 PM CDT)
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