Tuesday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Aug 30, 2011 11:15 AM CDT
in Milwaukee Brewers News
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Some things to read while disrespecting the pretzels.
The Brewers had a pretty quiet off day yesterday but made news this morning by announcing they've officially sold the 3 millionth ticket for the 2011 season. This is the third time in franchise history they've reached that mark and the second earliest (the 2008 team reached this point on August 28) they've done it.
Elsewhere in high numbers: Brew Gritt has a look at the Brewers' chances of reaching 100 wins for the first time in franchise history. They'd need to go 19-8 in their final 27 games to get there.
If Corey Hart stays this hot, they have a pretty good shot at it. He rounded the bases in roughly 22.6 seconds following his homer on Sunday.
The Brewers could take a big step towards clinching the NL Central by beating the Cardinals two or three times this week. Dennis Punzel of Madison.com has quotes from several Brewers who aren't taking anything for granted yet.
If the Brewers do in fact make the playoffs it'll be first October baseball experience for several of this team's key players. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star says "it appears we're just a month or so away from finally seeing what Greinke can do in the postseason." Ron Shandler of USA Today's "Pure Quality Starts" stat makes Greinke look pretty good. Meanwhile, Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker used both Greinke's full name and the word "alacrity" in the first sentence of a post comparing him to CC Sabathia.
Casey McGehee is another Brewer with no postseason experience (he was left off the Cubs' playoff roster in 2008). Vaughn's Valley has a post defending his defensive contributions to this team.
I would say it's been a pretty good week to be Ryan Braun, but I'm pretty sure every week is a pretty good week to be Ryan Braun. In addition to being our reigning Brewer of the Week he took home the El Super and is in the top spot on Running of the Sausages' MVP ballot. Prince Fielder was third.
Adam McCalvy used the off day yesterday to compare Braun and Fielder to another epic Brewer tandem: Robin Yount and Paul Molitor.
Elsewhere in awards: Brad of View From Bernie's Chalet is making the case for John Axford to receive Cy Young consideration.
Today in injury notes: Jay Sorgi of TMJ4 talked to Ron Roenicke about some of the decisions that will need to be made once Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez are healthy enough to rejoin the team.
In the minors:
- Pitcher Randy Flores requested and received his release from the Sounds on Sunday (FanShot). As a lefty with a pulse he was a candidate for a September callup, but hadn't pitched all that well in AAA.
- Taylor Green (AAA Pacific Coast League) and Scooter Gennett (High-A Florida State League) have both been named to their respective leagues' postseason All Star teams (FanShot). Green is also this week's Monday prospect at Disciples of Uecker.
- The affiliates went 1-4 yesterday and five Brevard County Manatees had multiple hits in their 13-3, six inning win over Tampa. You can read about that and more in today's Minor League Notes.
- Bob Brainerd of Time Warner Cable Sports 32 has a profile of 2011 fourth round pick and Wisconsin Timber Rattler Nick Ramirez.
- A rumor made the rounds yesterday suggesting the city of Nashville was interested in pursuing the Rays, but has since been debunked.
In power rankings:
- ESPN has the Brewers remaining fourth.
- FanGraphs has the Brewers holding steady at five.
- Beyond the Box Score also has the Brewers fifth.
If you haven't yet, please take a moment today to vote in this week's BCB Tracking Poll. It will remain open until tonight and results will be posted tomorrow.
If you'd like more Brewer content this morning but you're sick of reading and you've already listened to my appearance on The Pulse Network, the View From Bernie's Chalet podcast is up. This week's topics include Taylor Green, Chris Narveson and Wily Peralta.
It's a pretty quiet day around baseball:
Rangers: Placed outfielder Nelson Cruz on the DL with a hamstring strain.
There's no magic number news to report, but today's edition of Around the NL Central has updates on injuries to Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez, Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens and Cubs pitcher Andrew Cashner.
The season can't end soon enough for the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates, who lost again last night to fall to 62-72. Yesterday the team turned a triple play when they only needed two outs (h/t You Can't Predict Baseball) and one of their relievers (may or may not have been Jason Grilli) complained about getting too much media attention.
It hasn't been the best season for the Reds either. Their 3-2 loss last night was their 29th in one run games this season, leading baseball. They've played 52 one run games this season, compared to 43 for the Brewers (who are 28-15 in those contests).
In former Brewers: Bill of The Platoon Advantage has a proposal to rename baseball's divisions after players who played for the most teams in them, and suggests the NL Central should become the Jim Edmonds Division.
If you haven't chosen a side yet in this epic battle, you're behind the times: Craig Calcaterra has a look at the debate between proponents and detractors of high socks.
Maybe I'm just a TV nerd, but I thought this was interesting: Flip Flop Fly Ball has a graphic showing the placement of the score bug on the broadcasts of every MLB team.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get some bottled water.
Drink up.
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While watching the Reds Phillies game
My wife asks me “why don’t they combine OBP and slugging to make a super stat?” She is officially into baseball.
by E Tyme on Aug 30, 2011 11:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
At which point you giddly explain the merits of wOBA vs. OPS
and her eyes quickly glaze over and she loses interest in the conversation.
Founder of the BCBCU - Est. 2011
Don't forget the REAL pennant race starting today
the Prognostikeggers playoffs begin
"...just throw that pill over the plate and I'll make it happen." - Tony Plush
by thefreewheelin76 on Aug 30, 2011 11:32 AM CDT reply actions
how the hell did nobody pick Lance Berkman off waivers?
"We have to beat these guys. All they do is (complain) and moan about everything, all of them. I really hate the Cardinals. Compared to the Cardinals, I love the Chicago Cubs. Let me make this clear: I hate the Cardinals" - Brandon Phillips
Ventured down to the south side for a White Sox game last night (first time)
Pretty good stadium overall. One gripe though was that none of the three scoreboards showed players’ on-base/slugging/OPS. It was pretty hard to judge these AL players based solely on average, home runs, and RBIs.
This game is bigger than YOU or ME.
Without me, the game will go on...Without the game, I won't go on
Yeah, he pitched very well
and very fast too, the game ran on for only a little over 2 hours. Probably the fastest baseball game I’ve ever been to.
This game is bigger than YOU or ME.
Without me, the game will go on...Without the game, I won't go on
Dial the amps to 11
Time to put away the angry birds for good
by nullacct on Aug 30, 2011 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Needs more Prince.
"Actually we're wonderful multitaskers... We can pick apart our team misfortunes at losing the first two series of the season AND make fun of the Cubs." - roguejim on BCB commentators
The First Baseman Formerly Known as Prince?
Applying pop culture to Brewers discussions since 2009, earning the nickname of "Our Little Abed".
by Yar Nivek on Aug 30, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You think the team in the $3000 suit is gonna let the Cardinals win?
C’Mon!
REWIND YOURSELF!
by drezdn on Aug 30, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
The way the crew is going right now
100 games is a very real reality.
On the same hand… they may, just may, overtake the Phillies. The reason I say this? Their last 33 games come over 31 days. That’s a lot of baseball to play and they may wear out in the end. Likely? Not really, but it may become a factor.
"Actually we're wonderful multitaskers... We can pick apart our team misfortunes at losing the first two series of the season AND make fun of the Cubs." - roguejim on BCB commentators
They would have to take 3 in the 4 game set @ MP
But that isn’t out of the question
by BrewCrewBrian on Aug 30, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds and T-Rats only have six games left after today
Do we expect Rickie to get in one of those lineups by Friday, to at least get double-digit ABs in before he rejoins the team?
I'd guess he gets some games this weekend
I also have no inside knowledge of the situation at all. I’d guess they’re most concerned with the plays around second base since he’s already taking BP and running.
Speaking of no inside knowledge, the “Injury Expert” said rehab last weekend, still waiting on that to happen….
Get a ife broseph
perhaps the injury expert was privy to some secret rehab
and Tom H. was too, but agreed not to report it, to protect the organization
Rickie had been in the dugout all weekend
Maybe that was a stunt double and Rickie’s actually been with a minor league team getting secret ABs.
Intrigue….
Get a ife broseph
No, no.
He said that the rehab could happen AS SOON AS this past weekend, which means that it could happen any time between now and the end of the year and he’s still technically right.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
Ah, riiiiight
Rickie could technically go on a rehab appearance at any point in his life, and he’d technically still be right.
Wish I would have gone to J-school so I could have learned all the tips on how to make it appear you have information when you actually don’t.
Get a ife broseph
It's a fluid situation, though,
so everything I say could change completely within 5 minutes. But that doesn’t mean I was wrong when I said it.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
I went to J-school
but I must’ve missed that class.
by MillerParkSouth on Aug 30, 2011 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Gotta love those hats.
I’m wearing one by the same guy in my profile pic. Big Guy Hats are the best, and the guy who makes them is awesome.
Author at Acme Packing Company
FSW needs to move theirs A La the Nats
To prevent any obstructions of our fave-rave scorekeeper.
Free Saito-Hugs for everybody! - SRB
I like the idea of Axford getting Cy Young consideration
But I don’t think you could justify giving him a vote over Craig Kimbrel, even if you were in the mood for a relief pitcher.
I think that since there are so many SPs having good years that
Both Kimbrel and Axford will be lucky to pick up more than a couple of 3rd place votes. Of course Kimbrel will probably at least win rookie of the year.
Evidence that Lucroy is a great defensive catcher
Or at least has the potential to continue to be a great defensive catcher. From this Fangraphs overview:
Max Marchi’s presentation about quantifying catcher defense as a whole was an inspired piece of research. By identifying the main components of catcher defense and then using Pitch F/x to lead the analysis, he came up with results that were both surprising and affirming. The main components were blocking pitches, framing pitches, controlling the run game, and fielding balls in play, and each featured about a six-to-seven run observed swing in each direction.
He links to a tweet that someone on this board linked to during a game thread when it was first tweeted.
There was some other work done on Lucroy’s superior ability to frame pitches and this seems to re-affirm that. By runs saved, Lucroy’s 2010 campaign ranked 9th best amongst all catcher seasons in the Pitch F/X era. Not only that, but the framing statistic was determined to have a correlation of 0.68 which means it can rationally be considered a repeatable skill. Given that Lucroy was rushed to the majors, that’s one heck of an accomplishment.
As catcher metrics continue to be refined, the sabermetric community may come to recognize that the Brewers may have them one of the best catchers in baseball. This year his bat has been worth 1.7 fWAR and that figures to get a bit better over time. If his defense can even just stay even, he could be a 4 WAR player over the coming years.
Founder of the BCBCU - Est. 2011
by ecocd on Aug 30, 2011 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
This is pretty amazing
Do you think that, before this study came out, the Pirates knew the full extent of Doumit’s suckiness?
Ha, I suspect they had some idea about Doumit
Totally subjective on my part, but I still think Lucroy allows too many WP. He’s young enough and seems like he’s a hard worker, so hopefully that improves.
You can tell by watching that he’s pretty good at framing, and he’s improved a ton as the year has gone on with the signs and seems to be communicating well with the pitching staff (besides Wolf of course).
Get a ife broseph
If this says anything
It’s that Wolf only likes working with bad catchers (see: Nieves, Kottaras).
by cwolf20 on Aug 30, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ultimately, though, catchers do need breaks
Lucroy just stays fresh this way. That period in there where he missed 3 games in a row (Day/Night Kottaras, don’t remember why Rivera, Wolf pitching Kottaras) was a real bummer.
Founder of the BCBCU - Est. 2011
I like the premise of giving Lucroy a day off, I just wish they could be more selective.
If nothing else, Kottaras shouldn’t be starting against lefties.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
Lucroy starting on a day game following a night game bothers me more
Wish they could better utilize his off-days. Whatever, is what is is and Wolf is pitching well. Its a lot easier to take with Kottaras instead of Nieves.
Get a ife broseph
are we sure it's that Wolf doesn't like throwing
to Lucroy or could it possibly be that Lucroy doesn’t really like catching Wolf? I know it’s always been assumed Wolf is the impetus behind the arrangement but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anything concrete.
Wolf is the one stomping around the mound pouting when they work together
I don’t think it’s Lucroy that’s the problem.
Founder of the BCBCU - Est. 2011
yeah but he pretty much stomps around and pouts
regardless of who’s back there. i don’t think i’d want to catch him.
It's on Wolf
“We worked a lot in spring training when I caught his bullpens,” said Lucroy. “I think he feels more comfortable with me now. We’re on the same page. That was tough last year but I’ve got more experience now. I feel a lot more comfortable out there.”
Funny, from the same article:
“I know they talked a lot in spring training,” said Roenicke. "I brought it to their attention they they need to work it out. ‘Luc’ is going to be our catcher. I don’t want him to go through the season without catching (Wolf).
Get a ife broseph
yep, that's the concrete thing i was missing
Lucroy saying Wolf “feels more comfortable with me now” definitely implies Wolf was the impetus.
Funny
McCalvy said a while back that everyone thinks he’s the nicest guy on the Brewers.
by Cheeseandcorn on Aug 30, 2011 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of which...playoffs
Do the Brewers tinker with the rotation so Wolf/Kottaras don’t go against another LHP, or do they not worry about it?
Get a ife broseph
they're actually lined up pretty well right now
Skipping Narveson’s next start aligns Gallardo/Greinke/Marcum on 5 and 6 days rest respectively for Oct 1, 2, & 4.
this is how it lines up for sept assuming a straight rotation
Gallardo 9/1, 9/6, 9/11, 9/18**, 9/24*, 10/1***
Greinke 9/2, 9/7, 9/13, 9/19**, 9/25*, 10/2***
Marcum 9/3, 9/8, 9/14*, 9/20*, 9/26*, 10/4***
Wolf 9/4, 9/9, 9/16**, 9/21, 9/27
Narveson 9/5, 9/10, 9/17**, 9/23*, 9/28
- 6 days
- 7 days
- 8 days
- 7 days
Has anyone tried the SBN iPhone app?
I have tried the commenting from my android browser and it can be clunky to use. Hopefully the smartphone app with run smooth
"...just throw that pill over the plate and I'll make it happen." - Tony Plush
by thefreewheelin76 on Aug 30, 2011 1:15 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah works fine for me
My biggest problem is I forget it is there, am used to pulling BCB up on the browser
Get a ife broseph
The app doesn't always have all the BCB articled
Very odd
by Big10freak on Aug 30, 2011 2:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Wow, I didn't realize how bad he's been this season.
"We’re here to win, man. All that fighting stuff, that’s for the birds." - Prince Fielder
Probably not, it was a lame joke
Much like your original post.
Get a ife broseph
by Supertramp on Aug 30, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
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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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