Wednesday's Frosty Mug: Brewer News, Links And Notes Slowly Slipping Away

Some things to read while Scout tells you what's up.

The Brewers have been within a game and a half of the playoffs as recently as Saturday, but dropped to 4.5 back last night with a 4-2 loss to the Reds. We've got the recap, if you missed it.

The Mike Fiers regression tour continued last night as he completed just 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits. Ron Roenicke and Fiers both deny that fatigue is the issue, but if it's not then perhaps we have something else to worry about. The Book of Gorman asks who is the real Mike Fiers. At least Fiers tried out some new facial hair last night.

I probably don't need to tell you that losing back-to-back games and three in four days has decimated the Brewer playoff chances. CoolStandings had their chances over 17% two days ago but has them at just 2.2% this morning. You know that and more if you've read this morning's edition of Around the Wild Card Race. Adam McCalvy has a look at the monumental challenge ahead of the Brewers.

So, I guess it's time to start searching for silver linings. Howie Magner found one in this morning's Tweet of the Day:

Even if this fine run won't restore #Brewers to the postseason, it restores faith in their chances for the next one.

— Howie Magner (@howiemag) September 26, 2012

Other notes from the field:

• Aramis Ramirez's solo home run last night moved him into sole possession of sixth place on the all time list for third basemen.
• Jonathan Lucroy went 0-for-3 last night and snapped his hitting streak at ten games. Ryan Braun has the Brewers' new longest active streak at five games.
• We've got a look at the game's turning points and a transcript of Ron Roenicke's postgame comments.

For the Brewers to have any chance to make the postseason now they'll likely have to win out, starting with tonight's rematch with the Reds at 6:10. Shaun Marcum is scheduled to pitch against Bronson Arroyo and Jeremy Warnemuende has the MLB.com preview.

Meanwhile, the Brewers probably won't see Reds manager Dusty Baker this week. The Reds announced yesterday that Baker had a "mini stroke" last week and he has yet to rejoin the team. Ron Roenicke talked to Baker before yesterday's game and sent his well wishes.

Rickie Weeks was one of five Brewers with a single hit last night. Ryan Kartje of FS Wisconsin says he's put his early season slump way behind him.

Corey Hart went 0-for-3 last night but was able to play the full nine innings for the first time since September 8. Larry Granillo of Baseball Prospectus reports that he rounded the bases in 21.95 seconds following his home run Monday, which is a pretty good time for someone with a sore foot.

Ryan Braun has gone eight games without a home run, but still leads all National Leaguers with 40. Baseball Analytics notes that there are likely to be six 40 home run hitters in baseball this season.

Tonight will be the Brewers' 155th game this season, meaning Joe Block and Bob Uecker have already called 154. Their pre-game interviews have all been archived, if you're looking for something to spend a full day on.

Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder have also called most of those 154 games, and the Wall Street Journal ranks them near the bottom of all hometown announcers in bias.

In the minors:

• The Cub Reporter reports that Damien Magnifico hit 100 mph on the radar gun during an instructional league game in Maryvale yesterday.
• Rattler Radio has, among other things, some pictures from the early stages of the renovation project at Time Warner Cable Field in Appleton.

If you'd like more Brewer coverage today but you're sick of reading, I'll be appearing on The Sports Den with Downtown Ollie Burrows on Sports Fan 100.5 in Wausau at 5:30.

Finally, congratulations are due out this morning to weisomatic., yesterday's winner in our SB Nation Pick 6 contest. Here's the full leaderboard:

Today's action starts at 12:10, so you're running out of time to get your picks in.

Around baseball:

Braves: Recently released shortstop Jack Wilson plans to retire following the season.
Cardinals: Shortstop Rafael Furcal is done for the season with an elbow injury.
Yankees: Designated pitcher Justin Thomas and IF/OF Steve Pearce for assignment.

The Astros have already lost 105 games this season so tonight's contest with the Cardinals probably won't draw much fanfare, but it's their final home game as a National League team and longtime broadcaster Milo Hamilton's final game.

This morning's edition of Today In Brewer History marks the 39th anniversary of Jim Colborn becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to win 20 games. Chris Jaffe of The Hardball Times also notes these milestones:

• It's been 15,000 days since Darrell Porter's major league debut.
• 43 years ago today the White Sox played their final home game at County Stadium.
• It's been 62 years since Lew Burdette's major league debut.
• 70 years ago today Warren Spahn made his first major league start.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to count them again.

Drink up.