What we learned: May 12, 2015

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 10, White Sox 7

The Brewers put together another three-game winning streak with a win on Monday night, but this one wasn't too pretty. With a reworked lineup, the Brewers shot out to a 6-0 lead after four innings. However, the White Sox didn't give up and came storming back, scoring two runs off of Wily Peralta, three unearned runs off of Will Smith, and two runs off of Jonathan Broxton to tie the game. It wouldn't stay tied for long, though. In the bottom of the eighth, Elian Herrera hit a two-run home run to put the Brewers back on top, and Khris Davis added a solo home run for insurance. Francisco Rodriguez came in and got the save to lock in this win for the Brewers.

Brewers News & Notes

From BCB

• What will be the direction of the franchise in the near future? Derek believes that the answer to that question will come through the trades that the Brewers make or choose to not make.
• Prior to yesterday's game, Derek previewed the White Sox-Brewers series.
• The topic of the designated hitter has received more traction in recent weeks with player injuries. In the FanPosts, nullacct discusses both sides of the argument and looks at the different views from baseball experts.

Trade Discussion

• Chris Schubert of MLB Daily Dish lists the Brewers as one of five teams definitely selling at the trade deadline.
• Charlie Wilmoth of MLB Trade Rumors looks at the trade chips that the Brewers have as trade season gets closer.

Other Notes

• Aramis Ramirez was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game yesterday with a sore back. Adam McCalvy reports that an MRI on Ramirez's back reveals just a strain, and he is hoping to avoid the DL.
• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com released his first mock draft this morning, and he predicts that the Brewers will take high school outfielder Garrett Whitley at #15.
• With the Brewers playing better in the last week and Craig Counsell taking over as manager, Michael Trzinski of Reviewing the Brew believes that the Brewers are fun to watch again.
• What does a 6-4 (now 7-3) record in their last ten games mean for the Brewers? Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker attempts to answer that question.
• The Brewers put out a revamped lineup yesterday, but could they go even more experimental? Tim Muma of Brewers Mix has a case for a more radical lineup change.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• The Biloxi Shuckers will begin selling tickets for home games tomorrow in anticipation of opening their new stadium on June 6.
• The Shuck Dynasty blog has this week's affiliate report posted on their blog.
• Over on Reviewing the Brew, Pete Schwichtenberg reviews the past week for the Shuckers, and Michael Trzinski looks back at the 1996 season of Mike Rennhack.

NL Central Update

• Pirates 4, Phillies 3
• Braves 2, Reds 1
• Cubs 4, Mets 3
• Cardinals had the day off.

Today's Division Games

• Cardinals (Lance Lynn) @ Indians (Carlos Carrasco) - 5:10 pm
• Pirates (AJ Burnett) @ Phillies (Sean O'Sullivan) - 6:05 pm
• Braves (Mike Foltynewicz) @ Reds (Anthony DeSclafani) - 6:10 pm
• Mets (Noah Syndergaard) @ Cubs (Jake Arrieta) - 7:05 pm

Around Baseball

Roster News

• The Cubs signed RHP Felipe Paulino to a minor-league deal.
• Catcher Wil Nieves of the Padres rejected his outright assignment to the minors and elected free agency.
• The Phillies optioned third baseman Cody Ashe to Triple-A and will have him convert to a left fielder.
• The Rangers optioned second baseman Rougned Odor to Triple-A and purchased the contract of infielder Thomas Field.
• The Red Sox designated infielder Luis Jimenez for assignment.
• The Reds designated RHP Kevin Gregg for assignment and recalled RHP Pedro Villareal.
• The Royals reinstated third baseman Mike Moustakas from the bereavement list and optioned infielder Orlando Calixte.

Other Notes

• Acting proactively in the wake of what happened in the NFL with the Patriots and deflated footballs, MLB has revised its security measures around the handling of game balls.
• Are MLB suspensions too lenient? After Joey Votto only got a one-game suspension for bumping an umpire, Mike Bates of MLB Daily Dish believes that the lengths of suspensions for making contact with an umpire should be increased.
• The Cubs made a step forward in their renovations yesterday, opening the left and center field bleacher for the first time this season.

Today's Action

The Brewers continue their series against the White Sox with game two of the series this evening. Mike Fiers will face off against White Sox ace Chris Sale in tonight's game. First pitch is at 7:10 pm.