Some things to read while Evan Longoria keeps you safe.
An exciting comeback was all for naught yesterday as the Brewers allowed eight runs in the eighth en route to a 13-6 loss to the Padres. Kameron Loe, pitching for the third straight day, allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while recording just one out in the inning. Ron Roenicke told reporters before the game that he wasn't planning on using his setup man, but apparently Loe talked his way into the game.
The late meltdown overshadowed Prince Fielder's fifth inning home run, the 200th of his career. In further proof that nothing went right yesterday, the Happy Youngster caught the ball. It sounds like Fielder and the noted ballhawk were able to strike a deal for the ball without incident. I'll let Miller Park Drunk take it from there.
Fielder's home run, meanwhile, overshadowed a really poor outing for Randy Wolf. On a day when the Brewer bullpen was already shorthanded Wolf was only able to finish 3.1 innings, being lifted after allowing five runs on 12 hits and two walks while striking out just one. There hasn't been any middle ground for Wolf this season: He's had five quality starts and three disaster starts in his eight outings.
Meanwhile, Ryan Braun left yesterday's game early after crashing into the fence chasing a sixth inning double. He has a bruised left ankle, but the injury is not believed to be serious.
Other notes from the field:
- The Padres hadn't had 23 hits in a game since August of 2003.
- They also failed to collect 23 hits in six of their eleven series before coming to Milwaukee.
- The Brewers hadn't allowed 23 hits in a game since August of 2007.
- Chris Denorfia led off the game with a home run, becoming the first Padre to do it since Tony Gwynn Jr. in 2009.
- Mark Kotsay started in center field for the first time since 2009 and went 0-for-2 with three walks. Adam McCalvy tweeted that Roenicke "LOVES Kotsay."
- Kameron Loe, Chris Denorfia and Cameron Maybin are leading FanGraphs' Star of the Game voting.
- Chorizo won the sausage race.
- 25,652 paid to see the game.
Meanwhile, it's becoming clear that the honeymoon is over for Ron Roenicke and an increasing number of Brewer fans. The Bucky Channel and Keep Turning Up The Heat! have concerns about his ability to lead this team forward. This week's BCB Tracking Poll shows Roenicke's approval rating has dropped nearly 20% in the last week. Rubie is leading the charge on Twitter.
I'm a little worried about Roenicke, but I'm more concerned about this Brewer coaching staff. We all knew coming into the season that Roenicke was a rookie manager that hadn't coached in the NL before, so he'd need help from his bench coach and staff when it comes to things like double switches, bullpen decisions, etc. Yet a fair number of Roenicke's actions in the early going would suggest he's either not getting or not taking good advice. Aside from the endless stories about his handwriting, I don't think I've seen a word written about (bench coach) Jerry Narron all spring. As Roenicke's top assistant, I'd like to know what his role is in all of this.
At least the Brewers got some good news yesterday: Brandon Kintzler's MRI on his sore triceps showed no signs of structural damage. He could be ready to pitch again soon.
Elsewhere in injury news: Zach Braddock is going to make a rehab appearance for Wisconsin tonight. He's eligible to be activated off the DL early next week.
When the Brewers resume play tomorrow, Yovani Gallardo is scheduled to take the mound against the Pirates. Trenni Kusnierek took a moment yesterday to ask him about his changeup, and he said he's still working on getting comfortable with it.
In the minors:
- The affiliates went 3-1 yesterday with Caleb Gindl and Mat Gamel homering in Nashville's 4-3 win over Fresno, snapping their nine game losing streak. You can read about that and more in today's Minor League Notes.
- Rattler Radio has video highlights of Wisconsin's 9-7 win over Cedar Rapids.
- Chris Dennis hit a grand slam for Wisconsin in the game, a year to the day after Scooter Gennett hit the Rattlers' last slam.
- Dennis' slam was part of a seven run fifth inning, the Rattlers' biggest inning since becoming a Brewer affiliate.
Around baseball:
Angels: Placed reliever Francisco Rodriguez on the DL with inflammation in his pitching shoulder.
Blue Jays: Released outfielder Scott Podsednik.
Cubs: Placed catcher Geovany Soto on the DL with a strained groin.
Dodgers: Placed pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo on the DL with an anxiety disorder.
Mets: Signed infielder Luis Figueroa to a minor league deal.
Pirates: Placed reliever Mike Crotta on the DL with elbow soreness.
White Sox: Designated pitcher Jeff Gray for assignment.
Figueroa was released by the Brewers on Monday after appearing in just nine games for Nashville.
Today in former Brewers:
- Doug Davis is going to start for the Cubs on Saturday. It will be his first major league start since July 9 of last season.
- Our friends at PastKast were interviewed recently at InsideWisconsinSports.com to discuss the work they're doing recreating the 1982 and '87 seasons.
You already knew about Davis and much more if you've read this morning's edition of Around the NL Central. Go read it now if you haven't.
Need something to take your mind off of yesterday's game? Here's a Sporcle quiz asking for the 25 players with the most career plate appearances while playing for just one franchise. I was able to get 17. (h/t Lone Star Ball)
Here's a quick reminder of what the Brewers are missing because of Miller Park's retractable roof: The Platoon Advantage has pictures of this week's severe weather at Target Field.
Mark your calendars now: Carson Cistulli of NotGraphs noted that January 26 will be Bob Uecker Day.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I could use a vacay.
Drink up.