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Friday's Frosty Mug

By Kyle Lobner

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Some things to read while avoiding debris.

Before this week, the Cubs hadn't suffered a walk-off loss all season. This week, the Brewers beat them twice in three days in their final AB, with yesterday's win coming on a walk-off sac bunt (video). Disciples of Uecker has analysis of the play.

If Gomez hadn't scored the run, he would have been on third base with Jim Edmonds due up. Edmonds batted leadoff yesterday for the first time since September of 1999, when he was still an Angel. He went 1-for-5 on the day, legging out an infield single for his only hit.

Meanwhile, Rickie Weeks batted in the #2 spot for the second day in a row and reached base in each of his first four plate appearances. He finished the day 1-for-2 with a double and three walks. Anthony Witrado wrote a story about Weeks being removed from the leadoff spot, but apparently didn't ask Ken Macha if the move is permanent.

Corey Hart also had a pretty good day, going 2-for-3 with a walk, an HBP and his NL-leading sixteenth home run (video). Hart is on pace to hit 43 home runs this season, which would shatter his career high of 24 (set in 2007). Plunk Everyone also reports that his HBP made him just the 18th Brewer to be hit 25 times.

Other notes from the field:

I think a large portion of the Brewers' recent struggles have been blamed on poor pitching, and perhaps rightfully so. In-Between Hops reminds us that they're not the only ones to blame, though: The offense has averaged just 3.90 runs per game over their last 30 contests, down from 5.78 in their first 30.

Of course, the volume of bad contracts isn't helping either. Beyond the Box Score says the Brewers are second in all of baseball with $20+ million being paid to players on other teams, and lead all of baseball in percentage of payroll spent on players not on the roster.

Doug Davis' first major step towards returning to the team is still over a week away: He's scheduled to make rehab appearances for Nashville on June 19 and 24. If all goes well, he could rejoin the team around the end of the month.

The Brewers open a three game series with Texas today, the Rangers' first visit to Milwaukee since 1997. Doug Melvin downplayed the significance of the matchup with his former employer. Baseball Brew has the list of former Brewers working for the Rangers, including Mike Maddux and Jim Colborn.

In the minors:

  • Now that Angel Salome has moved to the outfield, it's time to consider the potential impact on his prospect status. Jack Moore says it's "hard to get excited about Salome as a major leaguer." At The Hardball Times, Jeff Sackmann says the top of Salome's upside is now Matt Stairs. Ben Badler of Baseball America says Salome has 20 speed, which is the bottom of the 20-80 scouting scale.
  • Jim Henry of MLB FanHouse has a profile of Lorenzo Cain, who's having a great bounce back season. He's hitting .337/.426/.473 for Huntsville, and why he's still there is anyone's guess.
  • The affiliates went 3-1 on the field last night. Sean Halton went 2-for-5 for Brevard County with a home run, three runs scored and five RBI. He's hitting .295/.382/.448 since his promotion from Wisconsin, and is tied for the team lead with four home runs. You can read about his performance and more in today's Minor League Notes.
  • Brewerfan.net reports that the Brewers have signed eight draft picks: 14th round 3B Mike Walker, 20th round SS Shea Vucinich, 22nd round C Kevin Berard, 23rd round RHP Ryan Bernal, 25th round SS Nick Shaw, 30th round RHP Eric Marzec, 31st round C Mike Melillo and 37th round RHP Seth Harvey.
  • Battlekow has an interview with Berard, who certainly isn't lacking in confidence.
  • Meanwhile, Baseball America reports the Brewers have released first baseman Chris Errecart. A 2006 fifth round pick, he was hitting .226/.261/.413 for Huntsville.
  • I haven't heard any contract updates on Dylan Covey, but he did make Aaron Gleeman's list of great draft names. Also, kirbir will be interviewing him this week and would like your help with questions.
  • Battlekow found this Youtube video of Covey's draft day party.
  • Gophersports.com has a profile of Brewers 40th round pick Scott Matyas.

Beyond the Box Score wrapped up their "50 Best of the Next 5 Years" project yesterday with an overview. The Brewers are one of just seven teams with at least five players in the top 100.

Around baseball:

Angels: Signed pitcher Daniel Cabrera to a minor league deal.
Cardinals: Signed Jeff Suppan (FanShot)
Orioles: Designated reliever Alberto Castillo for assignment.
Twins: Placed J.J. Hardy on the DL with a sore wrist.

Having Jeff Suppan leave the Brewers and join the Cardinals is a little bit like getting Christmas and your birthday in the same week. Here's some reaction to the signing:

I don't know what's better: The fact that Wezen-ball created a Baseball Greats Chess Set, or the fact that it includes a former Brewer.

I'm not sure if this is a great or terrible idea, but the Marlins' new ballpark will include aquariums as part of the backstop. It'll be a cool, creative idea until or unless someone finds a way to break one.

On this day in 1999 the Brewers retired Paul Molitor's number 4. Molitor spent the first 15 seasons of his major league career as a Brewer, hitting .303/.367/.444 in 1856 games. (Thanks, TheJay)

Happy birthday today to:

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to Craig Counsell's video game.

Drink up.

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