Some things to read while putting down that book.
Yesterday was a pretty slow off day for most of us, but I bet it flew by for Mark Rogers. After six minor league seasons and two shoulder operations, Rogers is expected to be in uniform tonight when the Brewers open a three game set against the Cubs at Miller Park. It's been a long road to the big leagues for the #5 overall pick in the 2004 draft, but hopefully this is the start of something special.
An interesting rumor floated out there yesterday, but at the moment that's all it is: Tom Krasovic of MLB FanHouse suggested that Mark Attanasio might be interested in acquiring the Dodgers if the team becomes available as part of the ongoing McCourt divorce saga. Tom Haudricourt spoke to an unnamed source who denied the rumor.
As one might expect, we still have more reaction to Trevor Hoffman's 600th save:
- Adam McCalvy has a story on Tracy Hoffman, Trevor's wife, and the role she's played in keeping him going through a tough season.
- David Wade of The Hardball Times compared Hoffman's fame to that of Arthur Rhodes, who is approaching the career record for holds.
- Scott Miller of CBS Sports has a look at Hoffman's unique humility.
- Baseball Hall of Fame Editorial Production Manager Trevor Hayes has a look at the milestone and some of the items Hoffman has donated to the Hall over the years.
Moving forward, Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker has a look at John Axford, who should gain sole possession of the spotlight in the bullpen with #600 behind us.
As always, the upcoming Cubs series means Miller Park will be rendered uninhabitable for much of the weekend. At least one Cub fan is getting some exercise on the way up, though: Board member Todd Ricketts is riding his bike 100 miles from Wrigley Field to Miller Park on Saturday.
In the minors:
- Helena's final regular season game was rained out. They'll open postseason play tonight, with 2010 fifth round pick Matt Miller on the mound.
- The H-Brewers are also getting a big season from 2010 sixth round pick Cody Hawn, who's hitting .308/.407/.542 in his first 65 professional games. The Helena Independent Record has a profile of Hawn, who the Brewers drafted but didn't sign as a high schooler in 2007.
On power rankings: Yahoo has the Brewers at 22, down one spot.
As always, if you're not checking out Nullacct's Photoshop Archive, you're missing out.
Around baseball:
Blue Jays: Claimed reliever Taylor Buchholz off waivers from the Rockies.
Diamondbacks: Acquired minor leaguer Matt Gorgen as the PTBNL in the trade sending Chad Qualls to the Rays.
Phillies: Placed pitcher Scott Mathieson on the DL with a muscle strain in his back and designated pitcher Nate Robertson for assignment.
Red Sox: Claimed pitcher Matt Fox off waivers from the Twins.
Yankees: Claimed pitcher Steve Garrison off waivers from the Padres and designated pitcher Wilkin de la Rosa for assignment.
As free agent season approaches, it's time once again to remind you (and hopefully, to remind the Brewer front office) that money spent on a bullpen doesn't always correlate with results: Ben Lindbergh of Baseball Prospectus has a look at the Padres' relievers, who have put together the best season in baseball despite the fact that their combined salaries are less than what the Brewers are paying Trevor Hoffman. (h/t Rob Neyer)
We're light on other news today, but heavy on former Brewer notes:
- Anna McDonald of The Hardball Times has a great interview with Mike Matheny, looking at his time as a major league catcher and the concussions that prematurely ended it.
- Sean Berry, who was relieved of his duties as the Astros' hitting coach midseason, has taken a job as the Padres' minor league hitting coordinator.
- Project Prospect listed Mike Maddux, Pete Vuckovich and (of course) Rollie Fingers among baseball's all time best mustaches.
- Trent Oeltjen, who opted out of his minor league deal with the Brewers in July, has been called up by the Dodgers.
A slow news day also seems like the perfect time for this interview with Kate Bilo. (h/t Aaron Gleeman)
On this day in 1973 the Brewers beat the Tigers behind a complete game from Jim Colborn and Dave May's 25th home run. It was their 70th win, the first time in franchise history they reached that level.
Happy birthday today to Kameron Loe, who turns 29.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have eggs to separate.
Drink up.