Four straight against the Pirates. Three straight against the Nationals. I am tempted to calculate the probability of stringing together that many losses, but I'm not sure there are enough zeros on my handy computer calculator, and I'm depressed enough already.
A few notes, since I think I'm too dispirited to compose a whole article:
- I don't think I've been more disappointed, EVER, in this team's current management than when I read this quote from Ned:
"The thing you don't do when you get into these little streaks is panic. The biggest mistake is to panic and start messing with guys' roles. (Before the losing streak), we were three games over .500 and playing pretty good. It's a little blip."Of course he's exactly right. But keeping Turnbow in the closer's role is just about the only thing he's done to reflect he understands that. You think maybe Justin Lehr's 13.2 innings were a blip? Well, I do, and I think it's a shame that decisions are being made on small samples when management feels like it, then the same people talk about "blips" when there might be real trouble.
- In case things weren't bad enough, having to call these last eight games, Bob Uecker has a stalker. In the name of all that is good in the world, why? Go stalk Ricky Martin or something. Sheesh.
- I'll never be happy when a guy gets hurt, but yesterday's injury to Albert Pujols brings the Cardinals a little further back to earth. I'd be much more optimistic about the Brewers chances to take advantage of that if, oh, they had won at least one of the last eight games, but at least it's something.
- Speaking of injuries that might be blessings for Milwaukee, Geoff Jenkins may be out of the lineup for a few days with a concussion. I wouldn't have minded giving Geoff more days off all season long, and especially with Corey Hart tearing the cover off the ball, now is a great time to let him build on his success.
- I got an email yesterday from my highly-placed source in Brevard County: as you'd know if you read John's Minor League notes from Sunday, Yovani Gallardo struck out 12 in 7 innings. Apparently, he looks even better than the numbers indicate: focused, mature, and (this is me, now) probably better than half the guys in the big league bullpen. I'm going to a game or three at Space Coast Stadium in early August, but I'm afraid I'll have to go to Huntsville if I want to see Yovani pitch.
- I haven't provided much (read: any) draft coverage this year, mostly because it just doesn't interest me very much until the picks are made. But if you're into that sort of thing, be sure to check of John Sickels's mock draft results, which he's been analyzing all day. He hasn't gotten to the Crew yet, but at the rate he's going, he might have done so by the time you click on that link.
- And, while I'm pimping my SB Nation brethren, we've got a new writer for our fantasy sports blog, FakeTeams.com. Eric is doing great so far, and if you're wondering who is leading AL 2nd basemen in HRs and RBIs, go check him out. (I was stunned. I would've probably needed about 10 guesses to get it.)
Tags: John Sickels, Huntsville Stars, Bob Uecker, Ricky Martin, Albert Pujols, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, Brevard County Manatees, St. Louis Cardinals