It's Over

by Jeff Sackmann on Sep 29, 2007 9:34 AM CDT in Milwaukee Brewers News

Three games out, two games left to play. As fans, we've got a few days off, then we can root for the playoff teams from the good divisions to embarrass the Cubs.

And, of course, draft a shortlist of candidates Doug Melvin should interview to replace Yost.

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Comments

thanks for hosting

and thanks to all the regulars -- though I lurked quite a bit, it was fun sharing the season with y'all.

by andrew @ Brew Crew Ball on Sep 28, 2007 10:15 PM CDT reply actions

ah well...

congrats on being the biggest brewer fans in the universe. let the off season banter begin...

by Jamie in LA on Sep 28, 2007 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

Shortlist of Candidates

...also known as a non-inclusive list of little-known catchers from the 1980's:

Ricky Seilheimer
Marc Hill
Nelson Santovenia
Mark Parent
Bill Bathe
Doug Gwasdz
Phil Ouellette
John Lickert

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 28, 2007 10:25 PM CDT reply actions

D'oh

He was so little-known that I misspelled his last name: it should be Doug "Eyechart" Gwosdz.

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 28, 2007 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions

mark parent lol

he had some good power numbers though

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions

But an excellent season nonetheless. And on the bright side, if the Brewers can make some smart moves for next year (especially to get some consistent pitching) it will be a very fun team to watch. A full season with a more experienced Braun/Fielder should be a pretty insane offensive juggernaut.

So, who is everybody going to pull for in the playoffs? I'll personally be rooting for the NL East (Either the Mets or Phillies, whoever ends up clinching it).

by stevie ray Braun on Sep 28, 2007 10:26 PM CDT reply actions

The Rockies

If they get in. Otherwise whatever team has a scrappy guy having a huge series, because it's bound to happen.

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 28, 2007 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions

rockies/phillies

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Indians!

remember a couple of years ago, Cleveland and Milwaukee were in all of the same columns as sleeper teams? It's like Cleveland is our sister city.

Plus, I watched Major League the other night.

Weird, but not weird.

by Jeff Sackmann on Sep 28, 2007 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions

oh yeah...

totally forgot about them. i'd love to see the indians win it. well, i'd really like to see the indians and braves play since that's the first series i ever watched (i was 9 then) but the braves won't be making it.

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

yea definitly

ill be rooting for the tribe all the way. too bad the rox lost today, i liked the idea of a cleveland colorado WS

by DoubleJ235 on Sep 28, 2007 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Plus they played a few games at Miller park

Its like our adopted team.

by grant76 on Sep 28, 2007 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

Indians in the AL and Phillies in the NL

by molitorfan on Sep 29, 2007 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I am on

the Indian bandwagon myself. Wouldn't mind the Phils or Rockies.

by iluvlamp on Sep 29, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

im rooting for the red sox...

and whoever plays the cubs. would be fine with the indians winning, too...

by Jamie in LA on Sep 29, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Ugh

I've waited most of my life to witness a playoff team, what's another year?

by Acheron on Sep 28, 2007 10:45 PM CDT reply actions

my shortlist:

in no particular order:

-davey johnson
-tom kelly (ok prob wouldn't unretire, by why not)
-joe torre (if he's let go bring cred here)
-frank kremblas (i'd like an experinced guy, but who knows)
-jose oquendo
-anyone associated with Mike Scioscia

if i think of more i'll post

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 10:52 PM CDT reply actions

How about Dale Svuem

Or for dark horses:

Paul Molitor or Robin Yount.

And hey, Cecil Cooper got the Astros gig!

by grant76 on Sep 28, 2007 11:19 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting Idea

So a lot of people think we should be shopping for a new manager during the off season, and there've been a lot of obscure people mentioned as possibilities, but what about this out-of-the-box solution: Everyone has seen how the money of the MLB can bring over some of the top players from Japan, but what about coaches/managers? I'm just throwing this out there, I don't know anything about any particular Japanese manager, but if they're anything like the Japanese league players who have come over, they seem like they'd be good at it (who has more discipline/work ethic/knowledge of the game than Ichiro???).

There's my wacky thought of the day.

by stevie ray Braun on Sep 28, 2007 11:30 PM CDT reply actions

thanks forgot about one more person

well two: terry hillman and bobby valentine

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions

From a Cub fan

...who's looked over here this year. I think it was more important for the Cubs to make it happen this year, as the Cub window for success is going to close pretty quickly. The Brewers are going to have a damn good nucleus with Braun (hope he moves to LF), Fielder, Hart, Gallardo, Villanueva, Hardy until free agency starts. I hope the Cubs win it this year because the Brewers are likely going to be right there at the top of the division.

Anyway, good season for the Brewers & hope they end up getting over .500 this weekend.

by BigJimSlade on Sep 28, 2007 11:38 PM CDT reply actions

appreciate the thoughts

thanks for the kind words

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 28, 2007 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions

No Problem

for the most part Brewer fans are pretty damn easy to get along with. I don't like the frat boy bleacher Parrotheads you see getting tanked in LF bleachers at Wrigley any more than you. Same as the drunks in Miller bleachers, only more of them & more from Lakeview & Lincoln Pk (shudder)

Anyway, I'm happy as hell tonight & hope for another exciting division race next year with you guys - hope it can stay cordial. Go

by BigJimSlade on Sep 28, 2007 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Yost

I've so tired of the boneheaded "Let's Fire Yost" b.s.

Seriously folks, let's act like grown-ups.

by epo on Sep 29, 2007 12:11 AM CDT reply actions

Nice try Ned

We know it's you.

by stevie ray Braun on Sep 29, 2007 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions

why

is saying fire yost bs?

by DoubleJ235 on Sep 29, 2007 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions

acctually the way i figure it

i spent around $650 if not more for tickets this year. that means that i paid for just under a .1% of yosts entire contract for this year. and with that .1% i should be allowed to voice my discontent with his management style

by DoubleJ235 on Sep 29, 2007 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Sorry DoubleJ

You were actually paying less than .1% of the contract of Elmer Dessens :-)

by grant76 on Sep 29, 2007 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions

B.J. Surhoff?

Because Bill Schroeder already has a job.

Plus, he hasn't officially retired yet so he could always be added to the roster ala that one Buck's player-coach.

by drezdn on Sep 29, 2007 12:27 AM CDT reply actions

jacob

ive waited for this

71 wins
was a pre-season prediction. were i forced to make a new prediction i'd say 75-78 wins.

but rs ra has proved through a few years to be more accurate

I have yet to see this proved. rs/ra proves, at the end of the year to be an accurate way to estimate wins and losses. At the end of the year.

But where is this proof you speak of, that rs/ra is more accurate than "petcoa" (did you mean pecota? that predicts/projects individual performances...) at predicting the future.

Seriously though, all this Pythagorean boringness aside, don't you think, based on the numbers i showed you, that the Cubs are over-performing and can expect to score and prevent fewer runs?

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Fri Jun 29, 2007 at 12:35:50 PM EDT
[ Parent ]

lol! look forward to more of your comments at 1060west.

by dylanj on Sep 29, 2007 2:33 AM CDT reply actions

I guess two Cub fans with class

is the limit on one thread. But hey, 1 troll and 2 kind posts was a lot better than I expected.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Sep 29, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Don't you feel lighter now?

That grudge no longer weighing you down must feel really nice, huh?

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 29, 2007 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions

i feel great

that guy trolled our blogs all season long so yeah i feel just fine.

by dylanj on Sep 29, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, in any case

What was the context of his post? Was it in response to a Cubs fan predicting his team would blow out the Brewers by September?

Is predicting 75-78 wins any more wrong than predicting the Cubs would win 90-93 at the same time? They both ended up wrong to the same degree. :)

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 29, 2007 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

who

knows? i just picked a random post that i remembered from him. (there was one where he said the cubs would finish last, which he made at the ASB but i didnt want to search around too long)

its not the post i didnt like as much as the poster.

but this is the last of the matter from me ill return to my blog world and let you guys enjoy yours.

by dylanj on Sep 29, 2007 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Gosh, I'll miss you.

Don't the door hit ya...

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Sep 29, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

cub fans

I find cub fans to be on the whole a smug lot. My 71-91 prediction was meant to irritate the smug fans. I take some satisfaction in your return to point out that the prediction was wrong, and I took a lot of satisfaction in the fact that the Cubs were on pace for that record after 1/3 of the season. But you're right, it certainly was way off, despite its intentions.

----------

Clearly you missed the whole point of our initial exchange. You pointed to the Cubs pythagorean record to say that they would improve. I countered with the fact that they had been lucky so far, and would not continue to score and prevent runs at the same rate they were clipping along at, which makes the pythagorean record misleading.

Here's the post:
---------
so that we can come back here at the end of the year and you can say, "you were right, jacob"

here are the cubs current numbers:

rs/g 4.60
ra/g 4.19

prediction, down and up respectively.
---------

That was 6/29, since then the cubs went 47-38 and scored 4.68 runs per game and allowed 4.32 runs per game.

On the pitching I was mostly right, the talent level stayed about the same and the luck evened out a bit. On the offense I was wrong, the luck evened out, as I suspected, but they started hitting better, see "power surge, September."

Lilly and Marquis pitched better than projected, Soriano's power showed up at the right time and Aramis Ramirez had an MVP caliber season. The Cubs are very deserving of their 85 wins. The $300 million dished out in the off-season seems to have been worth it. Upgrading from 66 wins the previous season is pretty impressive, especially to do it all through free agency like they did.

As for the trolling, I don't troll. bleedcubbieblue's Al posts a lot of things that are just factually incorrect, you should know, you complain about it all the time. I post there to set the record straight. He does nothing to help the smugness in cub fandom, nor the intelligence level. His audience is willing to accept his poorly written lies too easily, i consider my posts there to be a service. If even just a few cub fans become more rational it has the effect of improving my experience at Miller Park for Cub games, which at this point, I've all but written off.

I avoid commenting at your blog entirely. I don't find it particularly insightful, or particularly wrong, just seems like a bunch of college buddies chatting in the bar.

1060west.net is one of the finest baseball blogs on the internets. I will continue to visit there and post appreciation for the content as sparingly as I've done.

As for having a problem with this poster, don't waste your time, you don't know me. Also, you are the one who sought out the conflict you perceive.

Enjoy the post-season. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. But ease up on the smugness, it is really unbecoming, and is part of the reason that throughout the baseball world cub fans are regarded so lowly.

Good Luck. Despite going into the post-season as probably the weakest team, I really do like their chances against Arizona.

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Oct 2, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

On a different note-

Besides that- I want to thank you all for being sorta-friends here. It is hard to move away from home, hard to make new friends in a place you are unfamiliar with, harder than you can imagine sometimes. Having the BCB and following the Crew has been a piece of home to me- living out west- even though it is very superficial- and I have not been able to bring a lot of statistical help to all of the incredible time and effort you all put into these posts, it is a little piece of home to me. And even though we might be all scattered across the country, it might be why a lot of us are here. So, raise a glass to the 2007 Brewers- The KidCrew gave it a shot.

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 6:56 AM CDT reply actions

And a Crew call before they get 2 games above .500

Prince- man- what a swing- especially when it slaps him right on the back- thats when he hits most of them. Brauny- holy S#&t, shoulda brought him up right away- he could have gotten some incredible records, not that he didnt get any, but imagine if we would have given him the whole year, his defense is still suspect, just give him the ABs. We all were calling for Corey from the beginning to play through, Ned tried to sit him as best he could, and he still ended up 20-20. Billy got his chances, but He Will be back next year! Rickie came back like nobodies buis! Hellyea! JJ- should he bat 8th or the 2spot next year- who knows- what a hellof a year for him on D and hitting the ball HARD. The outfield is a little undecided I guess. I like TGJr more than most- speed and gets on base- we dont need more power. Gabe was a hell of a bat for a while- thanks man- we could probably always use him- but I hate taking ABs away from guys like Hall- see: Corey Hart. Can Joltin' Joe find a spot next year? I would love to see him. And you know we all love Jenks! I would have loved to see him get to the post-season- damn. I dont know what to say except- shorten up on the bat every once in a while- your a vet- learn that deal, at least try- we dont always need a HR. Damien is as good as gold in the clubhouse and can actually hit the ball if we tell him every day is LaCrosse day, but I wish we would have seen Rivera or Rottino in the final days also- I can never figure out what Neds ideal lineup would be- or why he changes them. Sorry Menchy & Graffy maybe keep counsel but I cant stand to give up ABs constantly to the Young Crew- I say just go with it- I have akways felt that way here- none of the salty's produced enough to say that one of the kids couldnt have done better on their way up than they do on their way down- we dont know the upside- they need the ABs- goddammit Ned- like Corey- and too late for Hall(Iknow he got a shot- but I think timed all wrong- too late) and play TGJr, believe in him like the others- Young Crew 2008- Lookoutyall!

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 7:23 AM CDT reply actions

One thing

... take the jersey color decision out of the manager's hand. I'm sick and tired of the solid-blue jersey tops, home and road. White or gray, be professional. Cervaceros, Friday Night Flashbacks, and retro days are ok ... but please stop using the blue tops.

Certainly this change will vault the team to 92 wins. It has to.

by nmc on Sep 29, 2007 7:29 AM CDT reply actions

I am an artist

and the ball and glove has to go. End of story. So beyond 70s it is looking Disney now.
I did notice the winning during the white tops at the beginning of the series against StL. Dont know when I saw them before that. But the whole logo is generic today. I would love to see them all change to something new- hired by Mr. A, not the Selig uglycrew! Please Mark- If you are there- hire some real pros- someone with well, you know, please!

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions

One more thing-

Positive yall', You are all great people with a baseball heart! Lets keep it alive- post through the postseason- lets pick our team and post through! I like the ?------
Can we go National? we seem outgunned but it might be fun to go Phils!
Post here, and lets get behind them- or at least some of us.
To all- thanks for a great year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 7:33 AM CDT reply actions

Oh!

And Thanks Jeff! I think I try to understand all that you have to do for this place- but it goes on and on for the better part of the year and we just tag along. Thanks Friend! And to all the others who kept it going-
Dix
&
Roguejim
And others- please add them here-
(Chris at WSB too- helping us out- love his site)
Thanks you all-Really- To us- we needed the thankless job that you did!
Hooray Beer!

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 7:52 AM CDT reply actions

and

theJay
&
Marty
!!
Damn
I know I am forgetting others too.
YeaJay&Marty!!!!!!

I am 3 days away from total fitness. Call anytime.

by Brooks Kieschnick on Sep 29, 2007 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions

i feel so unloved

that our beloved brooks kieschnick would not mention me. it stabs me through the heart...o pain and no glory. what did i do to deserve this?
et tu brooks, et tu?
:)

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 29, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions

i was left out too...

here's some love for ya, michael...

by Jamie in LA on Sep 29, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

appreciate it

though, i don't have the abs corey does :)

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Sep 29, 2007 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions

HA!!! (no you dont)

by Jamie in LA on Sep 29, 2007 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the Love BK

It was a fun year believe it or not I actually learned a few things from you "numbers" guys ;) slowly the caveman starts to evolve. lol

On to next year.

Hurray Beer indeed.

My God Yost is coming back the 2008 season is already a disaster and they have not thrown a pitch yet. ;)

by WSB Chris on Sep 29, 2007 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Congrats

to the Cubs. They recovered from their slow start and won a division that was there for the taking. Hopefully it will be their last division win for a long time.

by molitorfan on Sep 29, 2007 8:54 AM CDT reply actions

From a Cub fan

Congrats on a hell of a season, guys. Even though MIL came up a bit short this year, I have a feeling they will be the team to beat for the next few years.

by rynot @ Brew Crew Ball on Sep 29, 2007 9:16 AM CDT reply actions

Anyone else see Melvin's

comments after las night's game?

I'm sorry guys, but Yost isn't going anywhere, which I think most of us suspected. It's time to stop living in denial. Melvin stopped short of saying outright that Yost would be back (at least in the comments I saw), but the implication was pretty clear.

Personally, I'd fire him because we didn't make the playoffs, but the impression I'm getting is that even if we end up 81-81 (again), he's still coming back. Hope I'm wrong.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Sep 29, 2007 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

Most fun I've had in a long time...

Sure, last night was a downer, but I was even heartened to see Prince sitting in the dugout, not wanting to forget the feeling of losing. He's already thinking of next year. I think this is just the beginning of some good if not great years for Milwaukee baseball.

Can't feel too bad about this season.

And thanks to this forum, I've had a lot of fun mostly lurking, but sometimes posting, and will be following all winter into the spring.

Go Brewers! Give the Rockies a shot!

by 108st on Sep 29, 2007 11:15 AM CDT reply actions

The important thing

I think this is just the beginning of some good if not great years for Milwaukee baseball.

This team is set up best to contend of all the teams in the NL Central over the next few years. The Cubs are really the only ones close and, well, it's been gone over a bunch of times how their free agents will age.

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 29, 2007 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Only if they can find some arms.

Melvin's got a big job to do this offseason. The back end of the rotation has questions, which is true virtually every year for virtually every team. Sheets, Gallardo, Suppan, would appear to be 1-3, but Vargas, Villy, Bush don't qualify as sufficient quality depth, particularly since Sheets can't really be relied upon. If we end up pitching 1/3 or more of the year with Gallardo, Suppan, and the other 3 as our rotation, I don't think you can expect results different from this year.

And then there's the pen, which is frankly speaking a mess at this point. Assuming Coco leaves, they'll need to find a closer, an alternate night 8th inning guy (assuming they figure out T-Bow's failure rate skyrockets on back to back outings), a regular 7th inning guy. The only spots that appear accounted for are the lefties and long relief.

Then there's the outfield, which is a sneaky problem. I'm tried of Jenkins act, but the truth is I don't see a ready replacement. Mench appears likely to be gone and I don't think Gross or TGJr will turn into productive regular starters. They're both 4th outfielders in my opinion. I'd prefer to keep TGJr., but that doesn't appear to be the club's opinion. I like Hart in right and Hall will get another year in Center. But left field is a problem that needs solving. I highly doubt they'll pick up Jenkins option in the end, but I'd be surprised if they didn't at least try to bring him back for less cash if they can manage it.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Sep 29, 2007 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

Maybe they'll trade for Matt Kemp and oft-injured Yhency Brazoban since Ned Colletti hates young guys.

Daily Ryan Braun leaderboard watch and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Sep 29, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I enjoy this site

tremendously and also want to thank all the brave men who keep it on track. Hopefully next year-sigh- the Brewers will achieve something.

by iluvlamp on Sep 29, 2007 12:56 PM CDT reply actions

Great game

going on at Shea, Maine is in the zone.

by stevie ray Braun on Sep 29, 2007 2:14 PM CDT reply actions

i would like to

thank all of you who have posted here over this fantastic brewer season. I would like to congraduate the cubs on a great come back division title. Im looking forward to next year where we should be a power house. This should be a special team in the years to come. Thanks again on this sad day.

by baseballdan1092 on Sep 29, 2007 2:31 PM CDT reply actions

The Crew's next manager

DAMIAN MILLER.

I'm not kidding.

Lordz Of Vengeance....Sometimes I drink...Okay, most of the time.

by Dikembe Meiztombo on Sep 29, 2007 4:39 PM CDT reply actions

Miller

I've heard many people talk about what a great coach he'd make. I'd imagine he'd have to work his way up though.

by drezdn on Sep 29, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I used to

like Brewers fans...before this year. I'm new to SB nation and I'm surprised how the founder and the posters speak on this site. Its ridiculous; saying you'll wait for the Cubs to be embarrassed. What does that say about your club?? The team that finished behind the Cubs? Really, where have all you fans been through the tough years? Don't say at the ballpark because it took the Cubs coming to town for Miller Park to sell out the last how many years. Another thing, I agree there is terrible banter over at BCB, but whoever is in charge of that site, gives respect to every team, even the Brewers.

by StCardinals on Sep 30, 2007 11:08 PM CDT reply actions

If it makes you feel better

I never liked St. Louis fans. :)

"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 Oct 6, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

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NL Central Standings

	PCT	STRK
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	.000	Lost 0
Cincinnati Red Reporter	.000	Lost 0
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	.000	Lost 0
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	.000	Lost 0
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	.000	Lost 0
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	.000	Lost 0