What we learned: June 17, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 9, Diamondbacks 3

Scoring came early and late in this game. The Brewers struck first with two runs in the second inning, but the Diamondbacks responded with three in their half of the inning. The Brewers tied it in the third with another run, and the game remained at 3-3 until the eighth inning. The Brewers then scored three runs in back-to-back innings to increase the lead to 9-3 and hold on to win. Aramis Ramirez led the Brewers with a 3-for-4 day with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, and Scooter Gennett, Ryan Braun, and Khris Davis also added two hits and two RBI a piece. Wily Peralta didn't have the greatest game but still managed to throw a quality start over seven innings.

The Brewers currently have no one selected to start in the All-Star Game.

The most recent round of updates for the All-Star game came out on Monday, and it didn't have much for good news for the Brewers. The Brewers didn't have a starter at any position, and the one starter they did have in the previous update (Carlos Gomez) had fallen out of his spot. Noah broke down the results yesterday and noted that a few Brewers had risen fast in the most recent update. There are still a couple of spots where the Brewers could still take a starting spot, though voting at Miller Park has ended. A strong push will be needed to get some of those players into the All-Star game. We also continued our series of our roster vote for the NL All-Star Roster yesterday.

Cram Session

Power Rankings

• Pete Goodchild of Reviewing the Brew moved the Brewers up one spot to #3.
• ESPN also moved the Brewers up one spot to #3.
• FOX Sports slotted the Brewers in at #3.
• Jonah Keri of Grantland held the Brewers steady at #3.
• MLB.com kept the Brewers at #4.
• Sports Illustrated dropped the Brewers down to #5.

Other Notes

• The sad news of the day yesterday was the death of Tony Gwynn. A few members of the Brewers took the time to provide a few memories of their experiences with Gwynn.
• Carlos Gomez was out of the lineup yesterday, and Adam McCalvy notes that Gomez was dealing with a sore hamstring.
• Zach Duke has reinvented himself as a reliever this season. Adam Wieser of Disciples of Uecker breaks down the left-handed pitcher to see how he has managed to put together a great season.
• Wei-Chung Wang is still on the roster, and there's still plenty of opinions on what the Brewers need to do. Michael Trzinski of Reviewing the Brew says that it's time for the Brewers to move Wang, either through a trade or a return to Pittsburgh.
• The Brewers players & coaches had a theme day as they left for Arizona on Sunday. Caitlin Moyer has a collection of pictures from the trip.
• What catchers have developed trust for taking pitches in the dirt with a runner on third? Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs takes a look at catchers that have earned the trust to take pitches with a runner at third base.
• The Brewers won't face Bronson Arroyo during this trip to Arizona. For the first time in 15 years, Arroyo is on the disabled list.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• The Helena Brewers kicked off their 2014 season yesterday. Brad Krause of Miller Park Prospects previewed the upcoming season for Helena.
• Jorge Lopez threw seven scoreless innings on Monday for Brevard County, part of a season where he is thriving in the Florida State League.

Check out morineko's daily minor league update for a more in-depth look at yesterday's minor league results.

Division Update

• Cardinals 6, Mets 2
• Cubs 5, Marlins 4
• Pirates & Reds had the day off.

Today's Division Games

• Reds (Johnny Cueto) @ Pirates (Brandon Cumpton) - 6:05 pm
• Cubs (Jeff Samardzija) @ Marlins (Anthony DeSclafani) - 6:10 pm
• Mets (Jonathan Niese) @ Cardinals (Michael Wacha) - 7:15 pm

Today's Action

Game two of the series against the Diamondbacks will take place tonight. Kyle Lohse looks to build off of his last hot start, and will try to do that against Wade Miley of the Diamondbacks. First pitch is at 8:40 pm, and Grace Raynor of MLB.com has the preview.

(Don't forget to predict for Prognostikeggers.)