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Friday's Frosty Mug

All right, I'm back. I knocked a blog off the reading list yesterday, so here's two days worth from the 165-ouncer:

Here are Baseball Digest Daily's game recaps from Wednesday and yesterday, to get us started.

In-Between Hops notes that Ryan Braun projects in the top three in each Triple Crown category. That's pretty impressive for a guy entering his first full season.

Base stealing has been the theme for a couple of days now over at Recondite Baseball. First, note that Jason Kendall needs 15 stolen bases to move into second place all-time among catchers. Also, with 30 career stolen bases, Corey Hart ranks fifth all-time among players 6'6" or taller. Can he pick up 193 more stolen bases to pass Dave Winfield for first all time? Stay tuned for the Hart-pounding conclusion!

Also, here's what Corey Hart could look like if he was reflected in your sunglasses. I feel like someone should tell him to take the blue pill.

If you'd like to know more about the statistics consistently used to evaluate hitters in conversations that may otherwise pass over your head, Fan Graphs has a great new series for you: Get to know a stat. The first three installments are K/9, WPA, and BRAA. I like this way better than the JS recurring series, Get to know a utility infielder who won't make the team. Here's a picture of Nunez making an error, also.

Alphabetical injury reports in one line or less:

Rays P Brian Anderson's career is over after injuring his twice Tommy John-ed elbow.
Twins P Scott Baker has been shut down for a week due to back problems.
Rocco Baldelli's career is on hold indefinitely as he battles chronic fatigue.
Carlos Beltran continues to rehab but still isn't ready for 9 innings in the field.
Twins P Jesse Crain took a line drive off the knee but no X-Rays were required.
Juan Gonzalez has a minor abdominal strain and has missed some time in Cards' camp.
Mark Grudzielanek is headed back to KC to get his aching back checked out.
Rangers P Eddie Guardado is out a week or so with strained knee ligaments.
Orlando Hernandez, bothered by a bunion, is looking for a new way to throw the banana.
Cardinals P Tyler Johnson still has shoulder discomfort and will miss at least another week.
Orioles P Adam Loewen will be scratched from his start today with shoulder soreness.
Greg Maddux took a line drive off the thigh yesterday, but sounds like he'll be ok.
Marlins P Sergio Mitre does not need surgery but won't pitch until at least May with nerve inflammation.
Astros P Felipe Paulino will be out at least a month with a pinched nerve in his shoulder.
Andy Pettitte missed his start Wednesday with elbow inflammation.
Tigers P Fernando Rodney continues to rehab but will likely not be ready for opening day.
Mets C Brian Schneider will be out for a few more days with a strained hamstring.

Today, two NL Central rivals show us that our lineup debates really aren't that bad. First, the Cubs are batting Soriano second and Fukudome fifth. Also, Carlos Lee is upset about having to bat fifth.

I'm more than open to doing the occasional audio gig, but here's why bloggers shouldn't video podcast: Live, from what looks like mom's basement, here's Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors.

Kyle Lohse's deal with the Cardinals is worth $4.25 million. I'll say it again: At that price, or even slightly higher, there are 25 teams he could have helped.

Ichiro got a hit yesterday. I can exhale now.

Royals writer Sam Mellinger is one of the better beat writer/bloggers I've seen. Today, he uncovers this nugget on spring training records:

Of the teams with the ten best exhibition records last year, only the Angels, Red Sox, and D-Backs made the playoffs. The Tigers had the best overall exhibition record. Then again, of the teams with the ten worst exhibition records, only the Phillies made the playoffs, and only three others --- Mets, Mariners and Brewers --- had winning records.


ESPN's spring training blog, on top of being a primary source for injury reports, also occasionally drops an interesting note. Today, they report that the Red Sox sent Dan Kolb to minor league camp.

And while I'm on the topic of former Brewers, Athletics Nation is pretty excited about Dana Eveland.

Bugs and Cranks has made a list of fitting final events for all 30 major league stadiums. I want something better than Oktoberfest at Miller Park. October baseball, perhaps.

Geoff Young of Ducksnorts fame has a post up on how to quit your job and write a book. It's interesting, but slightly different from my model:

1. Write daily link post for Brewer blog.
2. Gradually expand reading list and daily content.
3. Accidentally write link posts long enough to be bound in hardcover.

I'm on pace to be there in a few weeks.

The Reds are behind the curve in giving media credentials to bloggers. Has anyone from the blog community tried to get media credentials for the Brewers? I live too far away to make use of it, but it seems like someone could.

Finally, further proof that, if you try hard enough and dedicate yourself, you too can own the opportunity to express completely unqualified opinions: I'm representing BCB as a voter in Baseball Happenings' weekly blogpoll. I'll probably look for a way to make it a community thing and less of a monument to my own sense of self-importance.

Drink up. I'm off tomorrow, but back Sunday or Monday.

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Media credentials
I would try, but I think Ned and Hagrid would team up and ambush me :)

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 10:00 AM CDT   0 recs

Ha
Well, you can give it a shot anyway (info here). The deadline is next Wednesday.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 14, 2008 10:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

uh, cool.
Jeff!? are you out there? let's get brewcrewball.com credentialed for daily press passes.

I'll bring back first hand reports to the site...

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Mar 14, 2008 10:28 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Daily lineup
If we had our own access to the lineup card, there would be zero reason to read jsonline any more.

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 10:33 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think I've died and gone to heaven!
"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Mar 14, 2008 12:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Love the quote
After all, I think we can all agree that there is really only one phrase to describe Abraham Nunez...
Ichiro, on facing Daisuke Matsuzaka for the first time: "I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul."

by DaleCoop14 on Mar 14, 2008 4:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Be an umpire!
Well, you can kind of train to be one. For only $29.99, you can order the new "Virtual Umpire Camp" CD.
The Virtual Umpire Camp will assist in the training of umpires throughout Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. Through computer animation and 3D signals derived from a motion-capture session, the disk focuses on umpiring mechanics, positioning, and extensive situational training. In addition to the four-umpire system used in Major League Baseball, the disk also incorporates instruction for the two-umpire and three-umpire systems that are used in youth baseball and softball leagues and at the high school and college levels.

Who wants to split the cost to buy one for Bruce Froemming?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 14, 2008 10:02 AM CDT   0 recs

I dunno
I think Bruce is plenty 3-D as it is.
"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 14, 2008 10:07 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I LOVE this quote
"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Mar 14, 2008 10:46 AM CDT   0 recs

Ah
But is he also quick and good?
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 14, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

MLBtraderumors
They should call it Brianrobertstraderumors.com

amirite?

by drezdn on Mar 14, 2008 11:38 AM CDT   0 recs

I read a lot of dumb things
It's a consequence of reading a lot of blogs that you'll come across some truly idiotic postings.  On balance, though, most blogs provide more signal than noise.  On a day where Bob Costas trotted out the same unimaginative invective against bloggers, it's funny that the dumbest thing I'll read today is in the blog of a so-called responsible professional journalist.
3. Prince Fielder has one extra-base hit in camp -- a double. We've documented his switch from a meat-eater to vegetarian. Do you think his change in diet has robbed him of his power? If this continues, do you think he'll switch back to meat?

This is stupid, even if he's saying it to be provocative.  It makes me weep for humanity that most of the posters are treating it as a valid question, which is a sad commentary on the readers of jsonline.com.  However, the entire premise is ludicrous.  Lacking power because he stopped eating meat?  Is there something in animal flesh that cannot be had elsewhere, and should it now be considered a performance enhancing substance?  Maybe all those carnivores are cheating.

Here's a provocative question, Tom:  Has Mike Maddux ruined more young pitchers (Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano, Dave Bush) than he's helped?  And have any of the pitchers he's helped managed to stay good for longer than one season?  And did Francisco Cordero choose to leave Milwaukee because of the coaching staff?

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 12:33 PM CDT   0 recs

Animal Protein
Do to evolution and our ever dependence on animal meat, our bodies have grown more accustomed and needful of animal protein.

Do I think this is the reason for Prince's lack of power? No, it's way to early for his body to make that type of change. However, over the long run it could take an effect his power, but his vegetarianism could help him more with stability, agility, stamina, and flexibility. So as he gets weaker in power, he gets stronger in other areas.

by brewfan2 on Mar 14, 2008 1:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Careful
All that making fun of Fielder for being a veggie-loving, tree-hugging recycling liberal starts to fall apart when you acknowledge the existence of evolution.

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 1:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I ignored your main point on purpose
He's a professional athlete with access to nutritionists.  The JS Online blog is not the place to find insight into whether he's getting the nutrients he needs.

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Most Nutritionists
would tell prince that some animal protein is helpful for power, but that being a vegetarian is healthy in many other ways.

As for JS Online, I don't take much from there to heart.

by brewfan2 on Mar 14, 2008 1:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The real issue?
Soy isn't gritty.  Ned can't trust someone on his team without some gristle in him.

by Marty McSuperFly on Mar 14, 2008 1:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

From what I hear
Counsell can often be found devouring moose raw on the weekends.
Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 14, 2008 1:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

In other news
MLB 2k8 hates the Brewers.  I want my 60 bucks back.

by Braunstalker on Mar 14, 2008 3:25 PM CDT   0 recs

I'll Second That
I really tempted to buy a system, I would prefer to get the 360. However, I've hear 2k8 isn't the hottest baseball game available and it almost makes me want to go with the ps3.
"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Mar 14, 2008 6:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ditto.
I'm in the same boat.
TED IS TO NED WHAT CHENEY IS TO BUSH.

by CATALYST on Mar 14, 2008 6:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

All around
I like 360 better, but ps3 does have MLB the show and it comes standard with blu-ray, which is worth it alone.

by brewfan2 on Mar 14, 2008 8:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Curious?
I'm not 100% sure how the online play works. Correct me if I'm wrong, ps3 online play is free while 360 online play you have to subscribe to the microsoft network?
"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Mar 14, 2008 10:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not sure about ps3
but you definitely have to subscribe for 360. I think its like $10 a month.

by brewfan2 on Mar 14, 2008 10:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah
And the Cubs are about 3rd in the entire league in hitting.
I think the Brewers are ranked in the 20s overall. ???

by jihad on Mar 14, 2008 3:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm still stuck with Baseball Advance
What's wrong with the Brewers in 2k8?

by drezdn on Mar 14, 2008 3:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well,
Corey Hart is in the 60-range for contact and power
Hardy is in the 50 for hitting
The team is ranked like 21st overall
They don't even have Cameron
Worst, the Cubs are really good

by jihad on Mar 17, 2008 7:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Anyone else still in GameCube land?
I just bought a used one on a whim.  What is the best MLB game?  I have MLB 2K6, but I don't really even know what else is out there.
Ichiro, on facing Daisuke Matsuzaka for the first time: "I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul."

by DaleCoop14 on Mar 14, 2008 4:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I have a Commodore 64
Boy, that was great text-based baseball back then.
"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 14, 2008 6:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Audio
I just want a quality audio update on the Brewers that I can listen to while working.

WSSP is the only daily online audio source for Brewers talk during the day, in Sparky, but he can get hella annoying and lacks any depth in what he covers.

And from what I've seen on itunes, there isn't a podcast dedicated to the Brewers.

...But I know how much work that shiz can be.

TED IS TO NED WHAT CHENEY IS TO BUSH.

by CATALYST on Mar 14, 2008 6:34 PM CDT   0 recs

thin pickins
There is the once a week Powell show at

http://www.sportsbubbler.com/Default.aspx?Team=1

Haudricourt is doing a once a day on Homer's show and I thought on the d-list. They tend to be at the same time, so you could tune in then. The Homer one is on the jsonline site, but they're using flash to protect it I guess.

Its interesting what you say about Sparky. If there was a guy who could use a co-host, its him. When Cliff does the show without Gary, its as irritating as Sparky, but when Gary is there he'll tell him he's full of it. The d-list and homer are probably the best as getting guests which is what they're good for for me.

I really have hated the endless rehashing of Favre's retirement and I'm not a big college basketball fan, so I've been listening to some WSCR lately. Always interesting to hear the opposition.

by ol Pete on Mar 15, 2008 2:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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