Round ‘em Up: Monday

UPDATE 07-07-08 3:14 pm - How about a few more afternoon reads?

• Corey Hart has a small lead in the All-Star Game final vote.  Keep voting for Corey!
• Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com breaks down the prospects Milwaukee gave up to land CC Sabathia - I guess there are no periods between the ‘C’s. I just learned that. Sorry, CC.
• Jim Molony from MLB.com says the Sabathia will cause a ripple effect as we near the trade deadline. The Wild Card almost certainly will come from the NL Central, with the Cardinals, Brewers, and Cubs fighting over the division lead. It may cause some teams that were sitting on the fence to become sellers before July 31st.Molony also says the Cubs are taking this Sabathia deal very seriously. The team has almost been forced to make a move for a starting pitcher. Does Chicago’s farm system have the prospects needed, however? Unless they include big league talent, I believe it does not. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are now firmly in the market for the likes of Matt Herges and Brian Fuentes. I doubt one of those two will make the difference down the stretch, but the Cards now know they have to get another player.
• J.J. Hardy has been named the National League Player of the Week for last week. Is there anyone else it possibly could have been? There is not a human being that is hotter than Hardy right now.
• This CC Sabathia trade has already boosted ticket sales for the Crew. This morning the team sold 10,000 individual tickets to games at Miller Park for the rest of the season. Normally, Milwaukee sells 500 tickets each morning on the phone.3,000 tickets have been bought for tomorrow night’s game already. Sabathia will get his first start as a Milwaukee Brewers, and everyone wants to be a witness to it. Hell, I already bought my tickets to the game. I’m driving from Appleton to be a part of it. Say hello to higher revenues Mark Attanasio. Say hello to a higher payroll Milwaukee.

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Well…naturally, there is a whole lotta news out there today. So let’s get to it.

• In case you have not heard, C.C. Sabathia is now a Milwaukee Brewer. Doug Melvin has agreed to send OF Matt Laporta, LHP Zach Jackson, RHP Rob Bryson, and a player to be named later. How did Melvin convince Cleveland that Zach Jackson had positive trade value?
• A press conference happened today. Doug Melvin said the much improved play of the team really sparked the deal. He also mentioned that if fans were not coming out to the ballpark in record numbers, this trade would not have happened. That shows what a dedicated fan base can do for a team. Keep going to the ballpark everyone! It does make a difference.
• On to something I am quite concerned about. Cleveland.com is saying the Player to be Named Later may not be 3B Taylor Green. If it was going to be someone not as good, the deal would become an absolute steal. That may not be the case, however. The blog is saying CF Michael Brantley may be the last player involved in the deal. Let me say, please no. Brantley has quickly become one of my favorite prospects, and I believe he’s more valuable than LaPorta down on the farm because he is good at everything. With Grady Sizemore in center, Brantley probably doesn’t fit with Cleveland, but I can understand why they want him included in the deal. I just hope the rumor is not true, as I would then think Doug Melvin got swindled in this deal. Yes, one prospect can make that big of a deal in the power balance of a trade.
• Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports says that the Dodgers made a strong push to try to get Sabathia and Casey Blake. That would have been a blockbuster trade. They have shifted their gears to Pittsburgh shortstop Jack Wilson. The New York Yankees were also heavily involved, which is news to me.
• In a different update, Ken Rosenthal discusses the power shift in today’s game. Prospects are power. Small and mid-market teams can compete with big-market teams if they handle their prospects properly. Rosenthal says the Dodgers may have a better farm system than the Brewers, but they are too afraid to trade prospects for big league talent. He argues the Dodgers could be a much better team if they employed the strategy Milwaukee did this week. It’s not all about money anymore.
• The Chicago-Sun Times says that the Chicago Cubs are now pushing hard for Rich Harden from the Oakland A’s. I’m not sure Chicago has the pieces to get this done. A.J. Burnett is probably a better fit for them, as they could move Ronny Cedeno to Toronto. I cannot help but think Milwaukee just forced Chicago’s hand on this one.
• The New York Times blog says that Doug Melvin and the Milwaukee Brewers are not done before the trade deadline. Joel Sherman brings up a few names: George Sherrill, B.J. Ryan, and the most interesting Joakim Soria from the Royals.
• WaitingForNextYear is wondering how much this trade will affect the Cleveland Indians in the next few years. How long will it be before they are next in contention? If Matt LaPorta can provide some offensive fireworks in 2009, they may have the tools to rebuild faster than people believe.
• Take a look at C.C. Sabathia’s home page. He looks pretty good in a Brewers uniform, yes? (A tip of the cap to Chuckie Hacks for that one.)
• Lost in the shuffle of the Sabathia news, Brew Crew Pub has a series preview of the Brewers-Rockies series starting tonight.
• Both The Junkball Blues and Between the Green Pillars have a lot of reservations about the package Milwaukee gave up to Cleveland. If Taylor Green is the other player, the package is probably about the best possible scenario for the Brewers. If Michael Brantley will be included in the deal, Milwaukee gave up too much in the deal.
• The Yost Infection says “Yes Please” to the Sabathia deal.
• In-Between Hops says the Brewers strategy of drafting the best available player in the draft made this deal possible. If Milwaukee wouldn’t have drafted Matt LaPorta because they were worried about Prince Fielder blocking him, the team wouldn’t have been in position to make this deal. As all Brewers fans now, Jack Zduriencik knows what he’s doing.
• Right Field Bleachers is looking forward to the playoffs, where C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets will be an unbelievable 1-2 punch in a five or seven-game series.
• The Brew Town Beat writes that the Cardinals and Cubs are now absolutely terrified the Brewers are going to catch them now. My guess is that the Cards are not terrified, as Milwaukee tied them after yesterday’s win, but both teams now realize that Milwaukee is a legitimate contender. Both teams may have just been forced to make a deal they didn’t want to make.
• Chuckie Hacks believes the Milwaukee Brewers just grew up last night. They have graduated from AAAA ball to the big leagues. I’m not sure I would go that far, but I understand the analogy.
• Two Fisted Slopper wishes the Brewers would have not had to have traded Matt LaPorta. I understand, but sometimes a deal just has to get done so the Brewers can get to the post-season.
• Team Wisconsin has given Milwaukee a spot in the playoffs now. They also say that Seth McClung will be the odd-man out in the rotation. Could he even be traded? I doubt it, as Doug Melvin believes the team can never have enough pitching. After Spring Training, I completely agree with that. (Hat tip to Right Field Bleachers)
• Brewers Bar says the Crew gave up a lot to get the deal finalized, but Brew Town should celebrate now that Sabathia is coming to town.
• Brewers Fanatics believes Sabathia could actually make a difference at the plate as well. He is a career .300 hitter in 40 at-bats. Unfortunately, I don’t think that means anything, but it’s nice to think about.
• The Bucky Channel wants to run up and down the streets to celebrate the trade, as do the majority of Brewers fans.

Sweep overshadowed by trade winds

UPDATE 07-06-08 9:37pm – Tom Haudricourt has more information as to who is included in the deal.  Apparently, the deal included four prospects.

Matt LaPorta is still the centerpiece of the deal.  That is a big blow, but the minor league system is stacked full of guys that can hit but don’t have a position.  LaPorta is replaceable.

LHP Zach Jackson will be on his way to Cleveland.  My reaction?  You can have him Cleveland.  Perhaps a change of scenery is all he needs.  Jackson has been terrible since coming to Milwaukee in the Lyle Overbay trade.

RHP Rob Bryson is also included in the deal.  Rob is a bright young prospect who has struggled a bit this season with a 3-2 record and a 4.25 ERA in 22 outings.  Baseball America thinks that Bryson has the stuff to be a closer in a few years, but that is still years away.  This loss doesn’t hurt the system too much, especially with the tons of pitchers drafted this season.

The deal still includes a “player to be named later.”  Most believe this is still Taylor Green.  Haudricourt believes the Indians want to move him to second base and need more time to scout him.  If they deem Green unfit for second base, there will be another player involved in the deal.

Don’t worry, Brewers fans.  Doug Melvin didn’t give up too much to get last year’s AL Cy Young winner.  Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar, Angel Salome, Michael Brantley, Brad Nelson, Zach Braddock, Chris Errecart, and Jeremy Jeffress are all safe.  It feels good to say that.

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It was not the prettiest win of the season, but the Milwaukee Brewers swept the Pirates this afternoon with offensive fireworks.

Too bad the win got lost in the news that Doug Melvin and the Brewers just agreed in principle to a deal with the Cleveland Indians that will send C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee for Matt LaPorta and two lower level prospects.

In case you forgot what happened, let me refresh your memory.

After his 16-game hit streak ended last night on a sacrifice bunt, J.J. Hardy started a new streak in a big way this afternoon. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers shortstop snuck one just inside the right field foul poll to start off the scoring. Rickie Weeks started the game off with a walk, so Milwaukee got out to a 2-0 lead quickly.

The lead grew 4-0 after the first once Ryan Braun hit a solo shot, and Bill Hall continued his fine hitting against southpaws with an RBI single that plated Corey Hart.

All looked good for the Crew. That changed in the top of the second when Jeff Suppan gave all four of the runs right back. Soup did not look sharp tonight. The umpire was squeezing him a bit at the bottom of the zone, but that is no excuse for giving up six runs in three innings of work. When your offense spots you four runs in the first inning, you have to maintain that lead and momentum. It appeared to be a long day in the making after the third inning ended.

The bullpen has been taking a lot of heat lately, but the collective group banded together and shut the door on the Pirates for the rest of the game. Ned Yost pulled Soup after three innings and handed the ball to Mitch Stetter, who pitched two scoreless innings and got the win. The ‘pen came through in a big way today, picking up the team after Soup struggled to keep the Pirates off the scoreboard.

Guillermo Mota even looked pretty good. He mixed up his pitches well. The pitch count was quite high for only an inning on the mound, but a scoreless inning should do wonders to help his confidence.

In other news, Ryan Braun is going to be a starter for the NL in the All-Star Game. Congrats, Ryan. You certainly deserve it. You all can also vote for Corey Hart to get the last spot on the squad. Vote, vote, vote!!!

Finally, on to C.C. Sabathia, the newest member of the Milwaukee Brewers. Man, it feels good to say that.

After thinking it over and reading online threads and whatnot, I could not be more excited about this trade for the Brewers. How often can a team get a bona fide Cy Young-caliber pitcher at the trade deadline and not sacrifice anyone completely integral to the team’s future?

Yes, I understand Matt LaPorta is a rare player, but he is blocked in Milwaukee’s system right now. Not to mention, a prospect is a prospect is a prospect. The young man has not proven a thing yet against major league pitching. He may very well be a star in the big leagues, but there are no guarantees. Best take a proven player when given the chance. That is what C.C. brings to the club. He is a proven winner.

It is unclear who the last two prospects are, but one can assume Taylor Green is one of them. The other may be someone like a John Axford or Alexandre Periard. Either way, I firmly believe Doug Melvin gave away more last season to get Scott Linebrink than he is giving away in the C.C. deal, and Milwaukee is receiving much more in return. The 1-2 punch of Ben Sheets and Sabathia is only rivaled by Dan Haren-Brandon Webb in Arizona. That is a legitimate playoff top of the rotation right there.

Finally, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Milwaukee will not be able to resign Sheets or Sabathia after the season. That could secure 5 draft picks through the first supplemental round. That is a draft where the team can restock the minor leagues. Even if Milwaukee doesn’t make the playoffs this season-which would classify the trade as a failure in my eyes-the team still will benefit from the gluttony of draft picks in the 2009 draft.

If nothing else, this trade has thrust Milwaukee into the national spotlight. It will generate massive revenue at the ticket office. I, for one, have already bought my tickets for Tuesday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies. I did not want to miss Sabathia’s debut as a Brewer. There will be more ticket sales, which will result in more money for the team. More money for the team means more money to spend on free agents or on our own players. If the team makes the playoffs, it will only augment the revenue gain.

The deal is looking better and better for the Brewers, and I am seeing the excitement everywhere I look from Brewers fans. Nice job getting the deal done, Doug Melvin. I, of course, will keep you all up-to-date on who Milwaukee is sending to Cleveland when the information becomes available.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the Brewers are tied with the Cardinals for the Wild Card lead. Big day for the Crew all around.

Records: Brewers (49-39); Pirates (40-47)

Hero of the Game: J.J. Hardy

For now, I will assume J.J. is the hero until proven otherwise. There is no human being on earth that is hotter than J.J. right now. Maybe I should get plunked in the helmet like he did in Arizona. It seems to have helped him…

Goat of the Game: Jeff Suppan

You simply cannot, cannot give back runs after your team spots you four runs in the first inning. A veteran pitcher should know that he had the opportunity to take all the wind out of Pittsburgh’s sails right there, but nope. He wanted to leave after three innings instead. If he didn’t have a big contract in his pocket, Soup may be heading to the ‘pen now that Sabathia is on the team.

On Tap

RHP Seth McClung will take on LHP Ubaldo Jimenez at 7:05pm CT at Miller Park tomorrow. The Crew will look to stretch the winning streak to four games, and Seth will try to prove he belongs in the starting rotation. It could be a mini-audition for the big man now that Sabathia is in the rotation.

Round ‘em Up: The Trade Deadline

UPDATE 07-04-08 12:50pm – Again, I apologize for a lack of a Friday NL Central Review.  I just didn’t have the time this morning to write it, and I have to run out in a few.  After trying to keep up with the Sabathia rumors, I’m kind of spent on the writing front for this morning.

Tom Haudricourt gives 10 reasons why the Brewers should trade for the Milwaukee Brewers.

I hate the reason that Mark Attanasio needs to prove he’s serious about trying to get to the playoffs, yet it does make a certain amount of sense.  I cannot imagine why any fan would believe Mark is not trying to create a winner.  He has brought a higher payroll and has made Milwaukee a respectable destination.  The notion that he is not trying to bring a winner to Milwaukee is ludicrous.

Doug Melvin may offer up a knock-out deal to get C.C. to Milwaukee right away.  It would perhaps give C.C. about three or four more starts in Milwaukee.  That may be a big difference in making the playoffs.

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I wasn’t going to do a Round ‘em Up this morning, as I’m working on the Friday NL Central Review. I came across two articles that made me write one. A lot happened after Milwaukee tanked it this afternoon, to say the least. Let’s take a look.

• MLB.com says that besides C.C. Sabathia, Milwaukee has been connected to several names in the trade market. Doug Melvin and the Crew has been looking at Randy Wolf and Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres. Apparently there is no coincidence that Mr. Melvin and company had a very long meeting before the game this afternoon when the Padres are coming to town tomorrow. Maybe Doug will stay behind and chat with the Padres. I personally don’t want either of the pitchers for the well-documented reasons.The Brewers have also kicked the tires on Zack Greinke and Matt Cain. That’s more like it. Melvin says, however, that those two pieces are not likely to be moved until the offseason. Both the Royals and the Giants will be able to get more by holding out longer. That’s probably true. If that’s the case, Greinke/Cain are going nowhere before July 31st. Too bad.
• Now onto the more interesting/terrifying article. FOX Sports writer Ken Rosenthal says sources have told him that the Milwaukee Brewers are offering Cleveland Matt LaPorta AND Alcides Escobar for C.C. Sabathia. I could not believe what I was reading at first. Two of the Huntsville 5 for a 2/3 month rental? Doug Melvin said that he would not do that.I understand Milwaukee’s insistence on landing C.C. This season is the best chance for the Crew to be competitive for the next couple years because of Ben Sheets leaving and the rumor that Prince Fielder may be packing his bags over the winter. If that is the case, Melvin may be wise to make the move for Sabathia and make a run for the post-season.Melvin cannot, however, offer up Escobar and LaPorta in the same package. It makes no sense unless the Brewers are receiving more than Sabathia in return. Perhaps they are asking for a reliever as well. Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez are both available. I think Perez would be a much better pick-up. That is the only way I see Alcides Escobar and Matt LaPorta being offered in the same package.

  Tom Haudricourt also says Taylor Green interests Cleveland and may be included in the package. LaPorta, Escobar, and Green would be a huge, huge haul for Sabathia and Perez. Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro would be the GM of the month if he could land that deal. On the flip side, Doug Melvin could look very stupid if Milwaukee does not make the post-season. It would be an incredibly dangerous deal for the Crew.

Round ‘em Up: Friday

Hi everyone!  After a week-plus off, I’m back in the saddle.  Dan did a great job while I was gone, and I very much appreciate it.  Kudos to you, sir!

Anyway, I have quite a bit of news for you today.  Here we go:

• As you can all tell by the Minor League Boxscores from yesterday, Eric Gagne struggled quite a bit in his second rehab outing in Nashville.  That’s obviously not something you want to see.  Between the Green Pillars wonders what Ned Yost is going to do with Gagne.  Most likely, Gagne will be a seventh inning guy until he can prove himself capable of pitching in close games.  Either that, or Ned Yost will be stubborn and throw him out in a one-run game in the eighth inning just to prove something to the fans.  I hope its the former.
• Tom Haudricourt also writes about Gagne’s struggles, but brings up a good point.  Randy Choate has been lights-out in his rehab outings thus far.  The Brewers have a decision to make.  They can put him on waivers and hope he can clear.  Choate would then be sent to Triple-A Nashville.  It seems unlikely that a veteran left-hander would make it through waivers, so the Crew may simply have to promote him to the bigs.  That would mean Mitch Stetter may be saying goodbye to Milwaukee once again.
• Brew Crew Ball has a poll up about C.C. Sabathia.  Should the Brewers offer up stud prospects for a rental?  37% say the Brewers should trade for Sabathia, but only if no big name prospects were given up.  That’s obviously not going to be possible.  That leaves the 35% who say the Crew should trade for a lesser big name pitcher.  Like who?  Randy Wolf?  Please…
• Bugs and Cranks lets Brewers fans see how C.C. would look as a Milwaukee Brewer.  I don’t even know what to say about that.  It’s quite hideous, in fact.
• I wouldn’t be so quick to be so excited about a pending C.C. Sabathia acquisition.  NJ.com is reporting that the Cleveland Indians are attempting to sign the big left-hander to an extension.  This is most likely a token offer, however, as Sabathia has repeatedly stated that he does not wish to talk about his contract mid-season.

  Plus, MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that the Brewers most likely will not make a major acquisition before the trade deadline.  Starting pitching has been a major strength for the Brewers in the past month or so.  Why fix it if it ain’t broken?  If only it were that simple, right?

• The Milwaukee JS has a piece up about Salomon Torres.  Where would the Brewers be without their veteran closer?  He’s been one of the most pleasant surprises this season.  I think we all knew Doug Melvin had a steal when he acquired Torres for two no-name prospects during the winter.
• Here’s a Brewers-Twins series preview from SportsBubbler.com.  I wonder if a young man wrote the article.  I wouldn’t have guessed by the picture atop the article.
• SportsBubbler also recognizes LHP Zach Braddock as the player of the week.  He must have that “invisi-ball” working once again.  It will be extremely interesting to see how he fairs the rest of the season.  His arm is fragile, so his pitch count will most likely be quite strict throughout the year.  There is also a Vinny Rottino sighting in the Three Up section.
• Mat Gamel and Matt LaPorta have both been invited to play in the the U.S. Futures game.  Congratulations to both of them.  It is much deserved.
• Battlekow from Brew Crew Ball has been been quite proficient on the Minor League side of the game.  Today, he maps out the performances of some of the top prospects in the Brewers system.  Sure, the ranking is quite arbitrary, but it is still quite interesting to read.
• Get to know Tim Dillard from the Nashville Sounds.  I now know that if Tim is approached with the option A or B, he will choose C.  Interesting.
• Recently drafted RHP Trey Watten has been quite impressive in Helena thus far.  He only has two outings, but Trey has managed his nerves quite well in the beginning of his big league career.
• The Charleston Daily Mail has a nice article on 1B Curt Rindal from the West Virginia Power.  He has struggled with consistency for most of the year, but the young man has heated up quite nicely in June.  Let’s hope he can sustain this production for more than just one month.
• The Baseball Analysts have a list of the Best Players of Each Decade.  Both Hank Aaron and Robin Yount make the list.  Both very deserving.  Does anyone else from Milwaukee deserve to be mentioned?

Round ‘em Up: Monday

UPDATE 06-09-08 3:35pm - Rickie Weeks finished his examination on his knee in Milwaukee.  The doctored diagnosed the Brewers second baseman with a “sprained left knee.”  He is listed as day-to-day.

After the past couple years when Rickie has been injured, however, I highly doubt he will be back within the week.  I hope I am wrong.  Weeks doesn’t have a track record of bouncing back quickly from injuries.

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UPDATE 06-09-08 1:55pm – It seems the Brewers are not interested in Brian Roberts after all.

Tom Haudricourt spoke with Doug Melvin this afternoon, and Melvin refuted Ken Rosenthal’s claim. The Brewers did have scouts at the Baltimore games, but no specialist scout had been assigned to Roberts. The scouts attended the games as a part of standard protocol. There is apparently nothing special about the scouts being at the game.

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The Milwaukee Brewers have an off-day today, but are traveling to Houston to take on the Astros tomorrow. Monday’s Round ‘em Up is always much more fun, as all the bloggers are out in full force after the weekend. It still means that the weekends are slow.

• Second baseman Rickie Weeks is on his way to Milwaukee to get his injured knee examined by the team doctors. He had his knee buckled by a hard slide while he was trying to turn two over the weekend. Hopefully this is not as bad as it sounds…because it could turn into a Yovani Gallardo type of situation.
• Mike Cameron has been seeing the bench a little more lately. He’s been struggling mightily at the plate, and Gabe Kapler has been the model of production in the early months. I suspect Cameron will be back in the lineup tomorrow, but Tom Haudricourt says he will probably not be in the two-hole. You know the saying, “How many licks does it take to get to the inside of a tootsie pop?” This situation is more like, “How much has to go wrong before Ned Yost admits he’s wrong?” Perhaps nobody will know…
• Chuckie Hacks says that Salomon Torres and Carlos Villanueva should be the 7th through 9th inning tandem from here on out. I’m sorry, but I thought we discussed this whole “set formula” thing. Not a fan.
• Jeff Suppan is finally pitching like he’s worth the money the Brewers signed him for last off-season. It is nice to see Soup grinding out some tough starts and just plain producing for the Crew.
• Here’s another diary entry from Matt LaPorta, courtesy of Baseball Digest Daily.
• The Jay from Brew Crew Ball has a nice graphic up about the Brewers bullpen. They are not overused, but they do throw a lot of pitches. I do appreciate the category that has Milwaukee without Turnbow as its own team. How true that is.
• This is something I have not heard until today. Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers are interested in Baltimore second-baseman Brian Roberts. The Crew has had scouts at the past couple Orioles games. Rosenthal suggests that a Rickie Weeks-Brian Roberts trade would be unfair for Milwaukee. If Weeks’ knee gets better in the coming week or so and the Brewers could pull off this trade without giving up anything but Rickie Weeks, you pull the trigger. No questions asked.
• Jim Powell writes about the Brewers and their lack of momentum on the road. Their road woes sicken me.
• Speaking of Jim Powell, he has an interview with Brewers first-round pick, Brett Lawrie. Here’s the audio stream.
• In-Between Hops suggests that Carlos Villanueva is the closer for the future for the Milwaukee Brewers. I agree that he’s been spectacular out of the bullpen this season, but Carlos will have to prove his worth over a full season before I would hand over the 9th inning duties to him for good.
• As BrewersNation reader Aaron pointed out, the Brewers could take a look at RHP Sidney Ponson. His ERA seems to be misleading, as batters are getting good wood on the ball consistently. I don’t think Milwaukee is a team that goes the “troubled player” route.
• SS Matt Cline was demoted to West Virginia this week. He has responded, however, giving the slumping Power a nice little jolt.

Round ‘em Up: Saturday

UPDATE 06-07-08 – The Brewers have their first official signing of the 2008 First Year Player Draft.  Their 7th round pick, RHP Trey Watten, has decided to turn pro this season.

The big right-hander had impressive numbers at Abiliene Christian University, posting a 2.56 ERA in a 10-win season.  Many apparently thought Trey had first-round talent, but he fell to the Brewers in the second round.

Hopefully this trend can become the norm.  The Crew needs some depth in the minor leagues in the pitching department.

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The weekends have proven to be quite scarce on the Brewers news lately. There are the standard articles written by the Milwaukee JS and Brewers.com, but that’s been about it. Mid-season fatigue setting in for the bloggers already?

• Ned Yost defends his pitching move in last night’s game. My girlfriend and I caught the end of last night’s game, and she asked me, “Why are they taking out a pitcher who pitched so well last inning?” Ummmm…I still don’t have a satisfactory answer for that. Ned says that it was a save opportunity, but it would strike me that you would leave a hot pitcher in the game if you wanted to preserve a close lead. What do I know though, right?
• FireNedYost feels Yosted after last night’s game.
• Do you remember the report that said the Los Angeles Dodgers were close to acquiring a veteran infielder? It came out simultaneously with the news that Bill Hall wanted a trade. Some speculated as to whether or not Bill was going to be moved to LA. That’s not the case. The Dodgers acquired Angel Berroa. Angel makes Billy look like an All-Star at the plate.
• The Brewers have shown some real confidence in right-hander Tim Dillard. He looks forward to protecting close leads against the Colorado Rockies again this weekend.
• Here are the college splits from all the Brewers draft picks from the past couple days. The high school players obviously do not have any stats on them, but it is interesting to look at. You have to take the numbers with a grain of salt, however. Make sure to look at who they play for and what division it is in before making a bold conclusion.
• A Giants fan posted a note on Brew Crew Ball and wondered if Jonathan Sanchez and Bengie Molina would be enough to get Bill Hall and Matt LaPorta to San Francisco. No. The Brewers do not need or want Bengie Molina. Jonathan Sanchez has a great arm, but he walks far too many people and cannot pitch deep into games. Thanks, but no thanks.
• Baseball Digest Daily wants to know what the big deal with left-handed pitching is in the draft. Why do so many lefties go so early? My guess is because quality pitching from the left side is difficult to find. Teams take a hand full of lefties hoping to hit on one. Or you could be like the Brewers this year and take 3,274,231 pitchers in the draft. I didn’t count how many pitchers they actually took, I must admit. That is a rough estimate.

Round ‘em Up: Wednesday

Seth McClung and the boys kept it rolling last night, pulling away late in the game for a 7-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The MLB Draft is tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to it.  I’ll have my Mock Draft up either later today or tomorrow morning.

• Eli from MLB Rumors has some thoughts about where Bill Hall could be headed.  He names the Nationals, Mariners, and Giants.  I agree with the possibility of the Mariners, but the other two possibilities are very unlikely.  Eli has lost a bit of credibility with me the past couple of posts about the Brewers, as his insight has been a little faulty.  You’d think the Dodgers and Indians would make the list before the Nationals and Giants.  That’s just me though…
• Brewers Bar has a plea to Brewers fans out today.  I agree with it completely.  While it is every fan’s right to boo and cheer for whom they wish, fans could stand to be a little classier and cheer on their own players.  Do you really think booing a player will help his psyche?  Think about it a little bit before you boo.  Instead of booing, come onto a blog and rant.  Much more productive.
• MLB Trade Rumors has the starting pitching market posted.  Taking a quick look, I would think the Brewers would be interested in Derek Lowe and perhaps someone like Boof Bonser or Jarrod Washburn.  I’m surprised that Anthony Reyes is not on the list.
• SportsBubbler named C Jonathan Lucroy the prospect of the week.  It’s great to see Jonathan getting some face time on Brewers sites.  He has been extremely gracious in doing the interviews for this site, and we at BrewersNation wish him the best of luck.  Keep swinging the bat like you have been, Jonathan, and we’ll see you in the bigs soon.
• 3B Mat Gamel and OF Matt LaPorta made Baseball America’s Prospect Hot Sheet.  Gamel was second behind Jay Bruce.  That is understandable.
• Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz opts to have season-ending shoulder surgery.  It’s always difficult to see one of the best pitchers in the league go down to injury.  John also points out that retirement is definitely an option at this point.  If he is not able to throw at his normal arm angle, I suspect he will retire.
• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com attempts to predict the Top 30 picks of the MLB Draft.  He has the Milwaukee Brewers selecting C/3B Brett Lawrie.  That bat would be tough to pass on if he does fall to the #16 slot.  He’s only a high schooler, but he can rake already.
• Brewerfan.net has their Power 50 up.  Matt LaPorta still ranks #1 as the top Brewers prospect.  I’m not sure I agree with that anymore.  Mat Gamel has a .380+ average, draws walks, has power, and has improved defensively a bit.  I have to give him the nod right now.

Round ‘em Up: Monday

(Insert witty comment here) Let’s get rolling:

• I missed this article yesterday because I was hastily trying to write a post for you all, but here it is for your reading pleasure.  Beyond the Boxscore berated Ned Yost for letting Ben Sheets go for 122 pitches against the Astros last weekend.  I honestly was surprised that Ben came out for the ninth, but all seemed well until the 11-pitch at-bat for Lance Berkman.  We can criticize Ned’s decision all we want, but at some level, the manager has to trust his pitcher.  If Benny said he could go the ninth inning (which he obviously did), Ned should trust him.  None of Ben’s injuries have been because of a stressful workload.  They have been freak injuries.  People are blowing this situation out of proportion.
• Brew Crew Pub has a recap of the Astros-Brewers series and a preview for the series against the D’Backs.  It says that Brewers fans will get to know Connor Jackson this week.  Connor has been fantastic this year, but the Brewers will be dodging a bullet this week.  The slugging first baseman is going to be shut down for the next few days with a right quad injury.
• This story has very little merit, but someone on Brew Crew Ball wrote that the Brewers should trade Matt LaPorta for Brian Fuentes from the Colorado Rockies.  First of all, it would take more than LaPorta to get Fuentes out of Denver.  Secondly, why?  The bullpen has been very solid of late, and Salomon Torres looks very comfortable in the closer’s role.  Why would we trade strength in the farm system for a rental play that is relatively unneeded?  Blogging is great, but comments like this are frustrating to read.
• Tom Haudricourt has a piece about the upcoming draft and how the Brewers are going to approach the draft.  I’m very glad to hear that Doug Melvin is not interested in taking fliers just because the team has more picks this year.  I would like to see the Brewers take some polished players early in the draft, but it seems more likely that the team will take a high schooler in the first round.  I’m going to have my first round projections in the coming days.
• One of the names surrounding the Brewers’ camp is Canadian prospect, Brett Lawrie.  He’s widely regarded to have the most major league ready bat of the high school players.  His position on the field is a bit up in the air, but he’s shown he can hit against high competition.  The Baseball Analysts have an interview with Brett.  The young man was just down in the Dominican Republic playing against professional summer league teams affiliated with the majors.  How’d Brett do?  Try a .486 BA with 3 HR.  Not bad.
• The Nashville Sounds wants you to get to know Brad Nelson.
• MiLB has a look back on the happenings in the minors in the month of May.  Darren Ford and his five stolen bases in one game are mentioned.
• 3B Taylor Green and OF Darren Ford will represent the Brevard County Manatees in the FSL All-Star game.  Green definitely deserves the trip, but Darren Ford?  Besides his blazing speed on the base paths, he’s done almost nothing productive at the plate.

Round ‘em Up: Thursday

Well wasn’t that a fun game last night!  The strike zone was a bit obnoxious and sporadic, which accounted for the plethora of strikeouts, but both Jo-Jo Reyes and Jeff Suppan threw superb games last night.  Both were on the corners, changing speeds, and keeping the hitters off-balance.  I always love a good pitcher’s duel, so I very much enjoyed last evening’s game.  Great win boys.

• Someone that will not be helping the team any time soon is David Riske.  He is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, but he will not be ready.  The team says there is no structural damage in his elbow.  There is still discomfort, however.  Needless to say, David Riske will not be pitching in a major league game for a little while.
• Adam McCalvy thought it was necessary to point out that Salomon Torres is the top guy in the “closer by committee” schema.  Really?  I couldn’t figure that out after seeing Torres in the game four out of the last five games in the ninth inning.  I suppose I’m also posting the story here…but that’s more because I find it ridiculous the story was written in the first place.
• The Milwaukee JS gives some compelling evidence as to why Ned Yost shouldn’t be fired if the team still has a chance to make the playoffs.  I’m not sure I completely agree in this case, but it’s very hard to argue with cold statistics.
• Here’s an interview Mike Cameron did with Sports Illustrated.
• The Baseball Analysts examine some of the top picks of last year’s draft, including Matt LaPorta.  They make the very astute (and correct, I believe) observation that Prince Fielder may not have his own long-term contract because LaPorta is waiting in the wings.
• MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo believes that the Brewers will take high school shortstop Anthony Hewitt with their first pick in the 2008 draft.  I’m having a tough time seeing the Brewers go any other direction but pitching with their first pick…especially if Joshua Fields is there.
• RHP Omar Aguilar has been absolutely dominant thus far in 2008, sporting a minuscule 0.35 ERA.  Omar was rewarded Tuesday night with a promotion to Double-A Huntsville, and he got off to a good start with two scoreless innings last night.  He didn’t allow a hit and struck out one.  Not a bad start.
• RotoWorld wants you to know that C Angel Salome is pretty good.  He can hit.

Ten Optimistic Things To Think About

It’s been a couple rough weeks for Brewers Nation (not this site, the fans) with the double sweep in Houston and Florida, the surprising losses at home against the Dodgers, and another sweep in Boston. Trolling through the comments section on sites around the web, one would think that its time to start propping ourselves on the ledge of the US Bank Building in Milwaukee and strongly consider jumping.

As Jim wrote, it’s no fun heading into Pittsburgh looking up at the Pirates in the standings. Being what it is us Brewers’ fans need some lifting up, and I thought I’d put together a post to life the spirits of the Brewers faithful. No calling for Yost’s head or Week’s bat here. The following is ten reasons to still be optimistic about your 2008 Milwaukee Brewers.

* This is not the 2004 Brewers

Granted the Brewers are sitting in last place for the first time since 2004, but this team is certainly not those Brewers. In 2004, the only reliable pitcher on the staff was Ben Sheets and of course he got injured again. Lyle Overbay starred for the offense. These 2008 Brewers are more experienced and talented that the former squad that had a decent season through the All-Star break and then suffered a terrible collapse to finish 67-94.

Of course I could make the comparison that this Brewers squad is not one of many other terrible Brewers teams, but that’s not the point. The point is that rather than looking at the 2004 season as the beginning of something positive we should be looking at the 2008 season as a continuation of the franchise’s growth. Many expected 2008 to be the breakout season for the Brew Crew, but that may or may not be the case.

Either way, compared to four years ago, this year’s team in infinitely more talented. They will not rely on single players to carry the team. People like Jeff Suppan in the rotation and other young (and improving pitchers) will back up Sheets and while Overbay is gone, there are no solo stars on this year’s team. A Prince Fielder is not alone or a Ryan Braun is not alone or a Corey Hart is not alone. The fact that I listed three players (any could more) shows that this offense is not alone in talent like teams of old.

* Its only ¼ way through the season

I’m a teacher so there are not many students that I give up on after just one quarter of the school year. One of the best things that the Brewers have going for them that, at this point, the season is still young. After about 40 games in we are certainly not the perfect position, but certainly not in the worst position either.

Anyone that was also a fan last year knows that strong or weak starts to the season have little bearing on the end result of a season. The Cubs played absolutely wonderful post All-Star break and the Colorado Rockies played out of their minds to close the 2007 season. With almost 120 games to play and any number of combinations of risings and fallings of the various NL Central teams, this Brewers team is by no means finished. The squad has all of the tools to be competitive. The only thing needed is consistency.

* Corey Hart

Speaking of consistency I hear that Milwaukee right fielder Corey Hart is legally changing his name to Corey Consistency. Mr. Consistency has been that and more for the Brewers. If 2008 was supposed to by Rickie Weeks’ breakout season, Hart may have stolen his thunder. Currently batting nearly .300 and getting extra-base hits like they’re going out of style, Corey has been the rock in the Brew Crew’s line up of struggling hitters.

* Braun is on a tear (no sophomore slump)

If you asked me earlier in the season if I was worried that Braun was being crushed under the weight of expectations for his second Major League Season you may have gotten a “yes” out of me, but after a slow start the $45 million dollar man has shown that he will probably avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. His batting average is soaring in the three-hole of the lineup and he is making big time pitchers look like chumps. At this pace he could add a MVP trophy next to the Rookie of the Year one.

* Melvin is on the case

Which is why it’s so important that Doug Melvin nailed Braun down to that eight-year, $45 million contract. Some Brewers fans are concerned that his off-season bullpen moves are not ironing out, but no one can doubt that this GM is trying to establish long-term success while balancing short-term expectations. The Mike Cameron move showed that right now we want success, but Melvin is clearly trying to establish success alongside development with Braun the future of left and possible Hart, Gwynn (although unlikely) and LaPorta being groomed for the outfield.

Melvin is working on signing such players as JJ Hardy, Prince Fielder, and Hart to long-term deals and getting vocal people like Braun to sign first and encourage others to follow suit is the right steps to take.

* Attanasio has got the big bucks and a small ego

All of which wouldn’t be possible except for the support and checkbook of Daddy Warbucks, Mark Attanasio. Time and time again Mr. Attanasio has not only spoken of building a long-term contender, but he has put his money where his mouth is. He has even made comments that said, if need be, he would shell out some money to strengthen the rotation this year.

Attanasio bought the Milwaukee Brewers not just so he could have a play-thing, but because he saw potential in the massive amount of talent the Brewers have and its incredible fanbase. This is not a Steinbrenner owner with fingerprints all over the management decisions. Attanasio is active without being overbearing.

* The young arms will improve

Pitchers like Carlos Villanueva and Manny Parra take a lot of flack because they don’t hold up quite so well the third time through the order, but often times that blurs the fact that these pitchers (along with the injured Gallardo) have great stuff. Part of being a young pitcher is that there is a massive learning curve and just like Fielder has to adjust to not being pitched inside as much these young pitchers are talented and smart enough to recognize that they must (and will) improve to become more dominant as the season goes on.

It’s easier for offenses to focus their lenses on these pitchers because they are studying one player, but our guys have to study countless batters for each game and re-work their pitch selection and delivery to go deeper into games. They will.

* Kendall is not Estrada

So it’s important that a man like Jason Kendall is behind the plate instead of Johnny Estrada. Kendall brings much more talent offensively and defensively than the embattled 2007 catcher Estrada. A hot beginning of 2008 and some great clutch hitting thus far has made Kendall’s 9-hole batting an essential part of many Brewers offensive outbursts. Offensively, Kendall is sniffing around .300 as a career hitter, walks a lot, and strikes out few and far in between. A far cry from the painful hitting of Estrada (who I swear to God only got hits with 2 out and no one on). After playing runner-up to Estrada as the worst defensive catcher in baseball last year, the 12-year veteran has pushed his caught stealing percentage is above 30 percent.

Even more important than the offense/defense numbers is that an experienced catcher that molds well with his pitching staff. This is why I worry less about our young pitchers, because Kendall knows how to call a

game and given his work ethic he will only work harder to improve these kids.

* The defense is stronger

Of course I started writing this part before the six errors in Boston, but I’ve made the point in a previous column that the defense is far and away better than it was last season. Numbers show that they are near the bottom in errors and tops in fielding percentage. Moving Braun away from the hot corner and signing Mike Cameron have been well-documented. Are they perfect? Hell no. But improvement is always a step in the right direction. The point above about Kendall is just one more area of less concern with the 2008 Brewers.

* There’s always next year

This one isn’t so much about the 2008 season (obviously, because I’m saying next year…), but Brewers’ fans need to keep everything in perspective. Expectations were and continue to be massively high for this season. Those expectations may cost someone who shall remain nameless his job and maybe even result in a few Brewers finding new homes, but most sane people realize that harnessing young talent is an on-going process. Melvin and the ownership are working on securing these young lads for the long-term, but not everything works out as quickly as the fan base expects.

Whether or not this season is a wash doesn’t mean all is lost. These are not the Florida Marlins which, in the past, have assembled one year teams and then dissembled them. Teams like the Brewers are being built for the long-term. It has been 26 years since the Brewers have sniffed the post-season so as much as it pains me each year to say it… there’s always next year if this one doesn’t work out.

By: Dan Wiersema

Round ‘em Up: Monday

The Milwaukee Brewers won one for the mothers in the stands yesterday.  Ryan Braun looked to have enjoyed using those pink bats.  Let’s hope they can pull out a series win today against the Cardinals!

• For more on yesterday’s win, here’s the Milwaukee JS article.
• Yovani Gallardo will have surgery tomorrow morning.  The team sought second and third opinions on the injury.  Apparently, the team wanted Yo to avoid having the surgery if possible.  That would have been foolish on the team’s part, in my opinion.  You do not take chances with your young ace.
• Between the Green Pillars discusses the “dreaded Closer By Committee” now happening in Milwaukee.  Ryan seems to believe that the Brewers do not have someone that can consistently be the closer, as he wishes the team would acquire one elsewhere.  Give Guillermo Mota and David Riske a shot before we go giving players away for a closer.  Plus, there is not a quality closer available right now.  Huston Street is struggling, and the only other worthwhile closer would be George Sherrill in Baltimore.  Not impressed?  Me neither.
• Al’s Ramblings notes that a starter has not been announced for Thursday’s game.  Perhaps this signifies that Seth McClung will get an opportunity to get a spot start for the Crew.  That would be interesting, even though it would not be my first choice.  It may be a long shot, but Thursday would also be near-regular rest for Mark DiFelice.  He’s put up a 3.91 ERA in Nashville thus far.
• The Brew Town Beat has some suggestions for the Brewers offense.  They like my idea of a Bill Hall/Russell Branyan platoon.  They also suggest that Tony Gwynn Jr. should get more at bats in lieu of Mike Cameron.  Sure, Cameron has not lit the world on fire with his start for Milwaukee, but no one expected him to hit .300.  Mike is someone that can give you 20/20 stats, but will only hit about .240 with lots of strikeouts.  Those who thought Milwaukee was getting something else is either naive, or didn’t know much about Cameron as a player.
• Also from The Brew Town Beat…they are wondering if Eric Gagne is tipping his pitches.  After Ned Yost’s cryptic comments the other day, I began to think the same thing.  Brew Town makes a very convincing argument.  If that is the case, Eric should be able to get back on track fairly easily.
• In-Between Hops says that Prince Fielder is not performing as well because of his vegetarian diet.  Either that or he is trying to hit every pitch 500 feet.  I’m tired of the vegetarian talk.
• Tom Haudricourt has a preview of the 2008 First Year Player Draft.  Actually, he does not really preview anyone the Crew might draft.  The article simply dwells on the fact that Milwaukee has many more picks early in the draft than usual.  That has been well-chronicled here.  I’d like to see some analysis of actual potential-draftees.
• The Huntsville Times has an article on Matt LaPorta.  This just in: Matt LaPorta can hit very well.
• MLB Trade Rumors notes that the Chicago Cubs are considering signing veteran centerfielder, Jim Edmonds.  He would replace Felix Pie in the lineup.  Personally, I hope they sign Edmonds.  He has hit .178/.265/.233 in 103 plate appearances.  That would be an improvement for them…

Round ‘em Up: Friday

The Brewers are mired in a six-game slide.  This stretch may mark the lowest part of the season, even though it is early in 2008.  Starters are not going deep into games, and the offense is obviously not producing a lick.  The Crew will look to turn it around against the Cardinals this weekend.  Thank goodness we’re back at home…

• Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, and Jason Kendall were all absent from the Brewers lineup last night.  Was it a shake-up to get the offense going?  Ned Yost says no.  It was simply a scheduled day off for some of the starters.  The team will play 29 out of the next 30 days, and Yost felt like he needed to get his players some rest.
• The Sports Bubbler has a preview of the Brewers-Cardinals series.  Let me give you a little hint: the bats and the arms need to start producing.
• The Yost Infection believes it is time to give Ned Yost the boot.  I agree with the article in the fact that the team’s struggles are certainly not the manager’s fault.  That does not mean that the team could use a little shake-up at the top.  Personally, I believed that the signing of Ted Simmons meant that Ned was going to have a short leash in 2008.  If the team cannot turn it around on the homestand, Yost may be on his way out.
• It appears that Derrick Turnbow will be on his way to Triple-A Nashville.  The distinct possibility of a trade is dwindling quickly, and Derrick will most likely not forfeit his $3.2M contract.  Hopefully, Derrick will be able to fix his control problems in the minors.  Perhaps he needs a little time in Nashville to get back his appreciation for the game.  Perhaps he simply needs to be away from booing fans in Milwaukee.  Either way, a change is needed.
• Michael Hunt also believes that Ned Yost is in danger of getting the boot.
• The Junkball Blues analyzes the last handfull of starts by Brewers starters.  There have been no quality starts since Yovani Gallardo’s start against the Cubs at Wrigley.  I honestly believed that the starting pitching had a chance to be a strength for the Crew this season.  Apparently, that is not the case.  Jeff Suppan and Manny Parra need to step it up specifically.
• In one of the most interesting articles of the day, The Brew Town Beat contends that it is time for a change at the closer’s spot.  Who would replace Eric Gagne?  Guillermo Mota?  David Riske?  Nope, none of the above.  Try Carlos Villanueva.  I have personally not examined his splits, but Brew Town asserts that Carlos is most effective early in his starts.  This is not a persuasive argument, as Manny Parra is also most effective in the first three innings as well.  In fact, so is David Bush.  Gagne is not the reason the Brewers are losing games.  There is no need for a change.
• Beyond the Boxscore compares Matt LaPorta to Ryan Braun.  That is not a bad comparison at all for the former Florida Gator.  The article goes on to say that LaPorta will most likely play right field for the Crew, while Corey Hart moves to center, and Braun stays in left.  Hmmm…where have you heard that before?  Oh yes, I said that just a couple days ago.  It’s funny how people write that stuff like they thought of it first.  (Yes, I do realize that I was not the first to come up with that too.)
• Mark Rogers, a former first-round pick for the Crew, is experiencing more pain in his shoulder.  I believe he should be re-named Mark Prior Jr.
• How about some good news for the day?  Doug Davis has been declared “cancer-free.” Doug had been battling thyroid cancer and had surgery a few weeks ago.  That is fantastic news for the ex-Brewer.  Let’s hope that he gets back on the mound very quickly and that the cancer is indeed gone for good.
• Another ex-Brewer, Richie Sexon, charged the mound last night against the Texas Rangers.  Richie charged after Kason Gabbard threw a ball up and in on the big righty.  This is a rather humorous video, as the ball was not very close to Richie’s head.  Plus, he apparently needed to throw his helmet at Gabbard instead of using his 6′8″ frame to pummel him.  Lame.
• Here is a nice article about John Axford.  The Brewers gave the young pitcher another chance after the New York Yankees released him after last season.
• It is largely accepted that the Milwaukee Brewers will be taking a pitcher in the first round of the 2008 First Year Player draft.  Minor League Ball has a rundown of some of the likely pitchers to be taken early in the draft.  One of these pitchers is likely to be a Brewer in a couple months.  My money is on LHP Christian Friedrich from Eastern Kentucky University.  Just a prediction though.

Round ‘em Up: Wednesday

I don’t really have anything to say that hasn’t already been said, so let’s jump right into it.

• One of the most refreshing pieces of the day comes from Anthony Witrado from the Milwaukee JS.  Like all Brewers fans, I am sick of hearing people say that it’s “early” and the bats will come around.  BrewersNation regular, Kyle, had a very astute post yesterday.  What if the Brewers are simply not a very good hitting team?  It looks like Witrado is also sick of excuses.  Ryan Braun even dropped a four-letter word to express his frustrations.  Of course, Ned is busy saying that everything is fine.  Really Ned?  You think getting two-hit by Scott Olsen is a good thing?  Best rethink that one.
• In-Between Hops has a nice article that addresses Ned Yost.  Is his job safe this season?  If the Brewers keep scuffling in the coming weeks, I believe that Ned may be pushed out the door rather quickly.
• Rickie Weeks is perhaps the most frustrating player on the team right now.  He is striking out a lot for a lead-off hitter.  At the same time, however, he’s also near the league lead in runs scored.  I agree with Ned Yost on this one.  Rickie is valuable at the top of the batting order, even if he is not getting on base as much as he should.  When he is getting on base, there is a pretty good chance that he will score.  In fact, I just did a quick calculation.  Rickie has been on base 44 times this season, and he has scored 28 runs.  That is a 64% conversion rate.  Not too shabby.
• The Southern League named Matt LaPorta the Player of the Week for the second time this season.  Matt had a 1.802 OPS this week.  That’s so good, it almost doesn’t make sense.  He also hit his 10th home run of 2008 last night.
• Dayn Perry says that Eric Gagne is one of the worst free agent signings of the winter.
• Tom Haudricourt actually took the time to write an article that proves that the Brewers win more games when Prince Fielder plays well.  I personally could have told you that without writing an article about it.  That is like saying the Brewers score more runs than normal, they win more games.  Tom writes many, many great articles.  Unfortunately, he waisted his time writing this one.
• Dugout Central has an article that runs down the best players that never made it to the 400-home run plateau.  Robin Yount and Paul Molitor made the list to represent the Milwaukee Brewers.  I appreciate that Molitor made the article.  He was a great player.
• SportsBubbler has named Cole Gillespie the Brewers Prospect of the Week.  They admit that Mat Gamel and Matt LaPorta had better weeks, but they wanted to give someone else a little time in the sun.  Make sure you take a look at the numbers Mark DiFelice is putting up in Triple-A.  He may be someone the Brewers take a look at in the coming weeks.  That 25/0 K/BB rate is just nasty.
• David Pinto wrote a very interesting article about a potential power shift from the AL to the NL starting this season.  The NL is outscoring the AL by quite a bit to start the season, and Pinto believes this stems from the youth movement gaining momentum in the NL.  The NL has consistently gotten younger in the past few years, and the AL has gotten older.  Pinto asserts that this trend could continue and mark a monumental power shift in Major League Baseball.

The Sunday Harvest

Offensive Player of the Week: Matt LaPorta

Last 10 Games: .365 BA, 7 2B, 5 HR, 17 RBI

Matt started the 2008 season rather slowly, but he is starting to produce in a big way.  In the last 10 games, he has hit .368 with 7 doubles, 5 homers, and 17 runs batted in.  That’s a big week or so of production.  His plate discipline looks to be improving as well.  In the same stretch of games, he has drawn 5 walks, while only striking out 6 times.  That BB/K ratio is looking pretty stellar.  I originally had Matt as the #2 prospect in the Brewers system behind Manny Parra.  Manny has struggled in his stint with the Brewers, however, and Matt has continued mashing in Huntsville.  I now feel comfortable giving Matt LaPorta the honor of being the #1 rated prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Honorable Mention:

3B Mat Gamel (Last 10 Games: .476 BA, 2 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB) – Mat would normally get this honor, but his defensive struggles kept him out of the Prospect of the Week column.  He is a monster at the plate though.

3B Russell Branyan (Last 10: .306 BA, 2 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI) – Russell has done nothing but produce in Nashville in 2008.  He deserves a shot in the big leagues this season.  The question is…where do we put him?

C Jonathan Lucroy (Last 10: .361 BA, 3 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB) – The Brewers drafted Jonathan in the third round of last year’s draft, so they knew he had talent.  I don’t think they expected him to immediately step in and hit as well as he has.  His defensive skills need a little work, but his offensive abilities could vault him to Brevard County sometime soon.

Pitcher of the Week: LHP Sam Narron

Sam has thrown the ball brilliantly in the past couple weeks.  On April 23rd, Sam pitched a complete game two-hitter and got the win.  He did give up a run, but I would be just grasping for straws if I criticized that.  To follow up that start, Sam pitched six innings of one-run ball.  It will be interesting to see if Sam can keep up this success with such a low strikeout rate.  He has only 14 strikeouts in 31.0 innings.  He is getting outs and keeping his pitch-count down because he is pitching to contact.  His GO/AO ratio is fantastic, as Sam gets over two ground outs for every out in the air.  That’s why he’s having success.

Honorable Mention:

RHP Omar Aguilar – The fireballer has struck out 17 batters in only 14.1 innings of work.  He has only given up one earned run all year, and it happened on April 6th.  In the past week, Aguilar has pitched twice, picking up two saves and striking out two.  Stud.

LHP Steve Hammond – Steve’s command has been much better in his last two starts.  He walked only two batters, while striking out 14 in 13.0 innings.  A lefty that strikes out more than one batter per inning pitched is a luxury.  Watch out for Steve Hammond.  He looks to be getting his command issues worked out.

Round ‘em Up: Wednesday

Alright, is anyone else sick of extra-inning games yet?  I know it’s great because we have won the majority of them, but this is getting a little ridiculous.  It is exhausting our bullpen…not to mention my attention span.  Here’s to a victory today in 8 1/2 innings.

• Obviously the big news today is that Gabe Gross got traded yesterday to the Tampa Bay rays for Josh Butler.  Gross simply had no space on the team anymore.  I’ll take a look at the trade in a little more depth later today.  Tony Gwynn Jr. got called up to fill the spot on the roster.
• I certainly did not see this coming:  Eli from MLB Rumors is reporting that the Brewers organization is trying to get Eric Gagne out of the closer’s role.  That would presumably put David Riske next in line.  I just don’t see this happening quite yet.  Ned Yost is prone to giving about ten second chances.  Not to mention Gagne’s blown save yesterday was not his fault.  You can ask Rickie Weeks about that if you wish.
• Now that Gabe Gross has been traded, many people believe that the dominoes have started to fall and Derrick Turnbow will be on his way out.  I do not quite see this happening as quickly as many people believe, but I do agree with a couple articles that have been posted today.

  One from Dugout Central and the other from Between the Green Pillars both agree that Derrick’s time in Milwaukee has passed.  I admit that his stuff is absolutely nasty, but he cannot control it to save his life.  Yost does not trust him in close games anymore.  Turnbow has been vocal about his displeasure about this, but I wonder if he complained after blowing another game Monday night.  Turnbow can still deliver, but he may need a change of scenery.  Perhaps another trade is in order down the road?  Until then, Derrick will find himself in mostly mop-up situations.

• Milwaukee Brewers fans have now been dubbed the Unluckiest Fans in Major League Baseball.  I disagree.  I love the Crew.
• Has Eric Gagne been less effective because he has pitched so much in the past week?  The Hardball Times takes a look at how effective relief pitchers are after they pitch more than one day in a row.  Gagne pitched four days earlier in the week, and it is no wonder his stuff was not all that solid.  Perhaps Yost would have been better served to rest Gagne on the fourth day…
• Matt LaPorta is SportsBubbler’s Prospect of the Week.  I think I’ve decided to run that feature on Sundays myself.
• Albert Pujols is getting a bit impatient.  He struck out against Guillermo Mota after being up 3-0 in the count.  After the count was 3-1, Albert swung at two low pitches and struck out.  He knew they were low.  He just did not want to walk.  Understandable, I suppose, but you have to take your walks when you get them Sir Albert.

Round ‘em Up: Thursday

Your Milwaukee Brewers fell out of first place last night with a loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Let’s hope that Carlos Villanueva can pitch a gem today and get the Crew a series win before heading out of town. Plus, maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates can actually beat the Chicago Cubs in extras today because we all know it will go to extras for the third game in a row.

• Here are the starting lineups for today. I’m not one to normally criticize Yost’s lineups, but I agree with Tom Haudricourt on this one. Are we really going to have Gabe Gross start ahead of Gabe Kapler simply because the stats say he should? The theoretical stats, that is. Because if you looked at the actual stats, you would see that Gross is hitting .091 and Kapler is hitting .412. You’re right though, Ned. Gabe makes much more since here.
• I had a sneaking hunch that Tony Gwynn Jr. was going to be put on the DL. His “tight hamstring” seemed to be a little more than that. Today, Tony was put on the 15-day DL. Who got called up? Triple-A center fielder, Hernan Iribarren. Hernan has been fairly impressive in Nashville thus far. I thought that Laynce Nix was going to be called up, but I remembered that he would be out of options then. He’d have to clear waivers after Tony came back.In addition to Tony getting put on the DL, Yovani Gallardo will join the team today. He will not be taken off the 15-day DL yet, but it will be nice to have Yo back in the clubhouse. Perhaps he will be the one to personally tell Dave Bush that he may be heading to the bullpen. Probably not, but I would like that.
• Between the Green Pillars takes a look at Eric Gagne. Gagne may have blown the save, but he did not throw the ball poorly. As of right now, I’m sticking with my stance that he will be just fine in the closer’s role. But I do have the right to change my mind and be seething mad at Eric if he blows a save during today’s game.
• Prince Fielder will be wearing #42 to honor Jackie Robinson. Wouldn’t it be better if anyone on the Brewers could wear it if they wanted to?
• The Hardball Times says that Mat Gamel is one of the minor league hitters to watch in 2008. It is a very good analysis of his swing and his improvement in the last three years. It even has video of his swings from 2006 and 2007 for you to compare and analyze. I like it.
• The Sports Bubbler takes a look at Rickie Weeks and how he obviously makes the team immensely better when he is right. Nothing groundbreaking, but give it a look anyway.
• Continuing with the Sports Bubbler, they continue their look at prospects in Milwaukee’s system that have something to prove. Today’s category is defense. Who needs to improve their glove to improve their stock as a prospect? Obviously Mat Gamel and Brent Brewer fall into that category right away. They also add Matt LaPorta to that list. I’m not sure if I necessarily agree with that, as Matt has been okay in left field. He does not need to be a Gold Glover with that bat he has. He just needs to be average. I think he is on track to hit that benchmark this season.

Round ‘em Up: Saturday

The Brewers are 3-1 and sitting atop the NL Central.  It has not even been one week since Opening Day, and I still cannot contain my excitement about this team.  That is probably due to the fact that I could not even remember a winning Brewers team until last season.  This is new territory for me, and I’m loving it every step of the way.

The Milwaukee Brewers will start Game 2 in their series against the San Francisco Giants in about an hour, but let me see if I can entertain you until then.

• Here is Milwaukee’s starting lineup for today.  Not to toot my own horn here, but I did call that Craig Counsell would be seen at shortstop sometime soon.  Try today.
• Manny Parra is prepared to take the mound today and pitch aggressively.  That is good news for the Crew, as he started to nibble around the strike zone and fall behind hitters near the end of Spring Training.  He needs to get back to what he was doing at the beginning of the spring.  He was pounding the strike zone with his fastball and getting to his splitter.  When his command is there, he has the chance to be a very good pitcher.  Here’s to hoping Manny comes out and impresses today.
• Doug Melvin and the Brewers are still having discussions with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder about contract extensions.  Mark Attanasio said that it will not be easy to come to terms with either player, and there is no deadline.  I have said it before, and I will stick with it: Prince Fielder will not be signing a contract extension any time soon.  I expect that he loves Milwaukee, especially since his best friend Rickie Weeks still plays here, but he is set to break the bank next season.  Plus, Scott Boras is one of the most-hated people among baseball fans.  Ryan Braun, on the other hand, may sign one in the upcoming weeks.

  In addition, Tony Gwynn Jr. and his hamstring have not been getting along.  He will not be available today or tomorrow.  Tom Haudricourt speculates that some time on the DL might be in store for the young center fielder.  That would be too bad, as Tony started the season off in a big way this April.

• The Brewer Nation is sick of the national media’s obsession with the Chicago Cubs.  They want to see more attention paid to the Milwaukee Brewers because they are “clearly better in every area of the game.”  I don’t know if I would go that far, but I do agree that the “big city bias” is annoying as a Brewers fan.  At the same time, however, I do not have a problem with the Crew running under the radar for a bit.
• Jim Powell from The Sports Bubbler has an interview with Doug Melvin.
• Yahoo! is not impressed with some of the crazed drunken fans at Miller Park yesterday.  Frankly, women squatting and peeing on the pavement would probably make me turn the other way too.  Hopefully the nation knows that all Wisconsinites are not like that.  Not everyone from Wisconsin starts drinking at 7:30am in the back of a pickup truck.
• Yesterday I had the minor league boxscores up for the Milwaukee Brewers farm system teams.  If you did not notice, Matt LaPorta greeted Double-A ball with a grand slam.  Not a bad way to start the season.
• Dugout Central has a list of the 22 best NL hitters.  Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart make the list.  It is nice to see Corey on that list.  He gets overshadowed much of the time because of the other two sluggers.

Round ‘em Up: Thursday

Ben Sheets had quite the tough outing yesterday.  He gave up four home runs and nine runs in five innings of work.  I would normally be very concerned about an awful outing like this to end the spring.  Sheets, however, has a nice trend of performing well in season openers.  Remember what happened last season?  He struggled against the San Francisco Giants to end the spring, but put together a beautiful complete game against the Dodgers on Opening Day.  All Brewers fans hope that Sheets can replicate that performance against the Cubs to start the season in ‘08.

What else do I have for you?  Let’s take a look:

•  Yahoo! Sports makes plenty of predictions for this season.  Ryan Braun is a dark horse to win the NL home run race.  Manny Parra is a dark horse to win the NL Rookie of the Year (which will most likely not happen because he is a pitcher).  Ned Yost will be the first manager fired in the ‘08 season.  Prince Fielder and Corey Hart will apparently do nothing worthwhile this season.  Really?
• The Sports Bubbler continues their NL Central preview series today, focusing on the offenses.  No rankings in this one, unfortunately.  No matter…all the offenses in the Central (minus the Cardinals and the Pirates) are very potent and can put up buckets of runs.  The Crew should lead the NL Central in that category again this season.
• Baseball Digest Daily posted an article covering The Best NL Prospects You Don’t Know.  Matt LaPorta is mentioned in the outfield category.  People will know him before long.
• John Sickels asks who the NL Rookie of the Year will be.  My personal guess is J.R. Towles, the catcher from the Houston Astros.  That is only because Manny Parra is a pitcher, and pitchers do not have the easiest road to being the Rookie of the Year.  If Manny can improve in his next outing, he could have a nice springboard into the season.  Watch for Manny this season, but keep an eye on Towles if you are looking for a sleeper in your fantasy leagues.  Just saying…
• This is not about the Brewers, but Nick Markakis from the Baltimore Orioles is gaining a lot of my respect.  The manager got upset that Nick was taking grounders at shortstop.  Manager Dave Trembley does not want his star player getting a bad hop in the face I suppose.  At the same time, you have to respect a guy that is doing anything he can to help his team.  His offense is above-average for a corner outfielder, but it would be all-star caliber from the shortstop position.  The guy wants to do anything he can to improve himself and improve his team.  At least one player is not giving up on Baltimore this season.

Round ‘em Up: Escobar, Mota, LaPorta

Today’s Round ‘em Up is going to be a little short.  There is just not that much out there today.  That’s probably because everyone is going to be doing what I will be doing in a little bit…watching the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament.  Here’s what I have for you though:

• Guillermo Mota has been very impressive this spring.  He is attributing that to a new team, some tweaks in his mechanics, and being back with his old teammate, Eric Gagne.  If those two can ever put together what they did with the Dodgers, the Brewers will win the division.  No questions asked.
• Adam McCalvy has a minor league report for us all.  Alcides Escobar is turning heads again this spring.  He made “the best play” that Mitch Stetter and Vinny Rottino had ever seen.  Ever.  Escobar is only 20-years old, and his teammates are already sure that he’s going to be a big league player in a year or two.  I hope they are right.  His defensive skills are something special.

  Mitch Stetter is playing with his delivery to right-handed batters.  He’s always been a sidearm pitcher to lefties, and an overhead pitcher to righties.  Mitch is beginning to switch arm slots during the at-bat to righties.  Apparently, some of the hitters this spring have been completely confused as to what’s going on when he does that.  Anything to gain an edge, right?

• Baseball Digest Daily has their 50 best hitters in the minor leagues.  Matt LaPorta comes in at number 23.
• Dugout Central has an interesting piece about the 10 biggest changes in Major League Baseball throughout its history.  Number one is the switch to allow batters to use maple bats.  Home runs galore after that.
• MLB Trade Rumors says that the Florida Marlins are looking for another pitcher to slot in their starting rotation.  They mention a couple Brewers that could fill that spot.  To me, this seems utterly unlikely.  The Marlins would never take on a contract over $3M right?  That’s what I thought.

Round ‘em Up: Braun, Previews, Prospects

I apologize for taking a couple days off on the Player Profile series, but I’m working on a full-out bullpen preview. That should be up in a couple days. In the meantime, here are some links to keep you busy while you’re at work:

• Ryan Braun still has the tight Achilles tendon, and he will be sitting out for a couple more days. This may just be me overreacting, but I’m beginning to get nervous about this situation. Tom Haudricourt says that the consensus seems to be that Braun got this tight Achilles because he wore a new pair of shoes. Let’s hope that Ryan is back and ready for action sometime soon. If he needs a week off, give it to him.
• Need another dose of those ever-popular NL Central previews? I have you covered. ESPN.com has their preview. The news is simply the same…the Brewers do not have enough pitching, but the Cubs have enough. Apparently, 8 major league caliber starters does not qualify as “enough” depth. Oh, and Ben Sheets needs to stay healthy. I forgot he was important. Thanks for reminding me.RealGM Baseball has the Brewers taking 3rd place in the Central, finishing behind the Cubs and the Reds. This preview does not even have Milwaukee posting a winning record this year. I don’t have too much to say about that other than…really?
• Baseball Digest Daily has their Top 100 prospects. Three Brewers make the list. Matt LaPorta checks in at number 44, Manny Parra is the 75th best prospect, and Jeremy Jeffress makes the list at number 77. Manny is quite low on this list, in my opinion. Jeffress may be struggling with a marijuana addiction, but he still has the physical tools to be a fantastic pitcher. LaPorta continues to receive high praise after only playing a limited amount of time in professional baseball. Hopefully the new draft class later this spring will infuse Milwaukee’s system with more high-ceiling prospects.Please look at the video for Clayton Kershaw in the #7 slot. That curveball is just nasty!!!!
• Anthony Witrado writes a complete fluff piece on Jeff Suppan. Give it a look if you want to read about how Soup keeps his life centered.
• Doug Melvin and Ned Yost will have some very difficult decisions ahead of them concerning the pitching situation. Claudio Vargas and Seth McClung are both out of minor league options. This would mean that another team could pick them up if the Brewers try to send them down to Triple-A. Yost mentions that he might fight for a 13-man pitching staff if he does not want to lose one of his veterans. Of course, this could all be solved if Melvin moves one or two pitchers before Opening Day. It feels like something is going to happen in a week or so, but I have no confirmed source to tell me that. I’m starting to think that Vargas may be the one to go.
• Aaron Shinsano from MLB Trade Rumors mentions that the Los Angeles Angels could come calling the Milwaukee Brewers for starting pitching help. If you do not remember, I mentioned that exact situation in yesterday’s Round ‘em Up after I saw that John Lackey got injured. It seems likely that the Angels will stay in-house to find their answer, but Doug Melvin’s phone could ring a couple times.
• (Hat Tip to KL Snow for the find on this one) It looks like Kerry Wood will be the Cubs’ closer in 2008. I understand they like his veteran leadership and experience, but Carlos Marmol is flat nasty. Nobody could hit him in ‘07. Perhaps Kerry Wood has impressed ol’ Lou this spring. Either way, Howry-Marmol-Wood will be very difficult at the end of games. Wood does have the injury-prone bug to get over still, however.

Round ‘em Up: Kendall, LaPorta, THT

Here are some more links for you all to peruse today at work:

• Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports and Luft on Deck both discuss the merits of batting Jason Kendall in the ninth spot in the batting order.  Rosenthal reports that the Brewers could score 25-30 more runs with Kendall batting ninth, which is a much higher gain than I had previously heard.  If that is true, I completely support batting Kendall there.  He is predominantly a groundball hitter, and batting after the pitcher will help prevent hitting into an obnoxious amount of double plays.  That logic tells us that Milwaukee may have made a very good decision here.

  Luft takes the opposite approach to this argument.  He says that Kendall is only batting ninth because he’s simply so bad that he needs to bat there.  The article bashes Kendall throughout for the most part, but I think it’s foolish to focus on his offensive output here.  I’ve said it before, but it’s not like Milwaukee is searching for home run power in its lineup.

• Matt LaPorta writes a diary from Maryville.  It’s very short, but Matt promises to write more.
• The Hardball Times has five important questions to ask of the Milwaukee Brewers this season.  The author is very pessimistic about the Brewers this season, and he outwardly admits that fact.  He’s not sold on Jason Kendall (big surprise), Milwaukee’s defense (particularly Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, and J.J. Hardy), Ned Yost’s managerial capabilities, and the starting rotation.

  So the good news is that Milwaukee has everything to worry about.  Oh yeah, the author also thinks that many of Milwaukee’s studs will digress from last season.  He also compares the Brewers with the White Sox of ‘00-’04.  Both teams had tons of hype surrounding them, but neither of them could produce and make it to the post-season.  It’s a well-written and interesting article.  I just happen to disagree in some points.

  What do you all think about it?

I do have a couple other articles for you, but I have to get going.  I’ll post them, along with the Player Profile of the day, a little later.  These articles should keep you busy for a while though.

Round ‘em up: Nunez, Parra, LaPorta

Good morning everyone.  Here’s what I have for you today:

• The Baseball Analysts unveiled their Young Guns for the NL Central today.  Any guesses to which two got chosen for Milwaukee?  Matt LaPorta and Manny Parra.  Not that this should shock anyone.

  I understand that everyone believes that Manny is going to start the year in Triple-A, but he’s going to make it very hard on Yost to make that decision.  If he keeps throwing the ball like he did yesterday, Yost will not be able to say no.  Now I understand why some experts have said that Manny is a darkhorse for NL Rookie of the Year this season.

• Baseball Prospectus ranks the Brewers organization #13 in the league, down from #7 last season.  That is understandable, as Ryan Braun and Yovani Gallardo have moved up to the big leagues and don’t count for the system any longer.  I do not agree, however, that the Brewers will move down in the rankings again next year.  The 6 draft picks Milwaukee has to play with in the first three rounds should help to reload the system a bit.
• Ned Yost says that Abraham Nunez has looked “very, very, very impressive.  Extremely impressive.”  Wow…quite the choice of words there, Ned.  Still, I find it hard to believe that Nunez could make the team in front of Joe Dillon if the Brewers take 13 pitchers, like Ned has talked about doing.  I don’t think the Crew will have 13 pitchers to start the season, especially since Yo will start the season on the DL, but it’s possible.  I do like to see a confident player though, and Abraham definitely exudes confidence in this article.  It is also of note that Nunez will become a free agent in June if he’s not on the big league squad by that point.  He doesn’t expect that to be an issue though.

Padres pound minor league pitchers, beat Brewers 12-4

Today’s game is one of those that looks a lot worse than it actually was. The game was going along smoothly through six innings, with the score being 2-1 in favor of the Padres. Then some pitchers from the Brewers’ minor league camp came in the game to eat some innings for Ned Yost. I guess it’s fair to say that it didn’t go too smoothly. As a group, Erasmo Ramirez, Robert Hinton, Steve Hammond and Josh Wahpepah gave up 7 hits, 9 walks, and 10 runs over three innings. Yost said that they were all overthrowing the ball, but it still must have been painful to watch.

Batting

Brewers regulars were pretty quiet at the plate tonight. The only projected starter that had an RBI was J.J. Hardy with an opposite-field RBI single to score Rickie Weeks. Jason Kendall and Prince Fielder were the only other starters who got hits, and they were only singles. Brad Nelson did hit a three-run shot in the 8th inning, though. That was the only spark of life in the Brewers bats today.

Matt LaPorta finished 1-1 from the plate today. He had a pinch hit single in the 4th inning, and he is now batting .571 in Spring Training so far. I think this is going to prompt a new daily feature in the game recaps called…LaPorta Watch.

LaPorta Watch = 1-1, a pinch hit single in the 4th inning.

Pitching

Jeff Suppan pitched two innings today and gave up two innings.  Suppan did not throw too much other than fastballs today, but he still gave up three hits and hit a batter today.  As suspected, he did not sound too concerned about the start.  Typical Spring Training stuff from a veteran pitcher.

Derrick Turnbow, on the other hand, was absolutely lights out today.  He pitched a 1-2-3 inning with all three outs coming via the ground out.  Yost said that Turnbow could not have pitched any better than he did today, which is a great sign heading into the regular season.

Besides D-Bow and Soup, the only other potential big league pitcher that threw today was Mitch Stetter.  A Brewers fan at the last game Stetter pitched at pointed out that Stetter looked a lot better than his line showed.  Stetter didn’t have to worry about an unseemly stat line today.  He made quick work of the Padres, allowing a hit, striking out one batter, and giving up no runs.  Solid work.

Records:  Milwaukee (2-3); San Diego (2-2)

On Tap

The Milwaukee Brewers take on the division rival Chicago Cubs.  Claudio Vargas will take the mound against Chicago’s Ryan Dempster.  The game will start at 2:05pm central time.

Brewers bash A’s, 7-1

The Milwaukee Brewers started their 2008 Spring Training schedule with a bang, beating Oakland 7-1.  Oakland’s ace, Joe Blanton, had an awful day on the bump, giving up 6 earned runs in two innings of work.

Batting

The usual suspects, Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, came out today and raked, both going 1-2 with an RBI sac fly mixed in there.  Prince had a long RBI-double to left-center.  Braun lined a monstrous 2-run home run to center that broke a “batter’s-eye” camera.  Ballpark officials estimate the bomb to measure about 450-feet.  So much for those who thought the two sluggers would start slowly this Spring.

Mike Cameron made his debut in a Brewers uniform today, and he did not disappoint after going 2-3 with an RBI.  After singling up the middle in the 1st and later being driven in by Prince, Cameron followed it up in the second with a bases-loaded single in the second.  Brewers fans hope they see much more of that.

Craig Counsell rounded out the scoring, slapping a two-out RBI single that plated young Matt LaPorta.  LaPorta went 1-1 with a single and a run.

It is also notable that Bill Hall seemed to have no ill-effects from his the finger he injured earlier this morning.  In the top of the first, Billy made a nice diving play to rob Daric Barton of extra bases and to double up Mark Ellis at second.  He then proceeded to scorch a double into center in the bottom half of the first.  So much for an injured finger.

Pitching

Claudio Vargas pitched two shutout innings, scattering three hits.  Many looked upon this outing as Claudio upping his trade value for Milwaukee.  I suppose I would not argue with that sentiment.  Claudio usually starts the season off pretty strong, though.

The six other pitchers only gave up run.  Scott Cassidy gave up a solo shot to Oakland’s Dan Johnson in the 8th.  It was nice to see Guillermo Mota pitch a scoreless inning, especially after the beating he’s been taking from Brewers fans.  I’m sticking with my inkling that he should bounce back pretty nicely this year.  He has motivation to pitch well…that is, if he wants to get paid next off-season, he does.  Luis Pena also pitched a scoreless inning.  Remember that Jim from Brewerfan.net says he’s one to lookout for the next couple seasons.

On Tap

Dave Bush and Manny Parra are scheduled to pitch two innings each tomorrow, as Milwaukee will battle Oakland again in a rematch.  The Brewers will look to have a lead going into the 9th inning, as Eric Gagne is also scheduled to pitch tomorrow.  Wouldn’t it be nice to get him in a “save opportunity” right away to see how he fares?  I for one am excited to see Manny pitch tomorrow.  I still feel as if he is a darkhorse to win a starting job if he pitches very well this spring.

John Sickels Mailbag

John Sickels from Minor League Ball had an “All Questions Answered” thread today that was enormous. He answered all the questions and touched on some of the Milwaukee Brewers. Here’s what he had to say:

• Rickie Weeks has been hampered by injuries, but Sickels sees him bouncing back this year like everyone else. He predicts a .275/.370/.445 line. I think most Brewers fans would take that OBP from Weeks this year.
• Sickels is a big fan of Manny Parra. He believes that Manny has an outside shot at winning Rookie of the Year this year. Manny has worked back from injuries to regain his velocity and improved his control greatly. I take it that he’s counting on Parra making the starting rotation out of Spring Training.
• Matt LaPorta’s bat is Major League ready right now. His major league debut will depend on how his defensive skills develop and what type of personnel moves Milwaukee makes
• John’s prediction for the Brewers’ Minor League breakout player: Michael Brantley.  John says that he needs to gain some strength, but if he does, he could really have a huge season.

Here’s to hoping all those predictions come true. If John’s evaluation of Manny Parra is correct, the Brewers would be golden with Sheets, Gallardo (once healthy), Suppan, Villanueva, and Parra.

Best Young Players in Baseball, Part 2

The Baseball Analysts continued with their Best Young Players in Baseball series yesterday by addressing the 22 and 23-year olds.  Milwaukee had a couple players mentioned in the rankings.  Here’s how it shakes out:

23-year olds:

• Matt LaPorta – LaPorta hasn’t even taken a swing in the big leagues, and he is mentioned ahead of players like Melky Cabrera and John Danks.  The author, Rich Lederer, mentions that LaPorta will start the year in Double-A Huntsville, yet Matt has the potential to make it into the big show by mid-2008.  LaPorta’s bat is special, but management has been saying all winter that LaPorta needs another year in the minors to work on upping his average.

22-year olds:

•  Yovani Gallardo – Lederer says that Yo has the stuff and the savvy to be an elite pitcher in the game this season.  That’s saying a lot for a 22-year old.  A healthy Ben Sheets and Yovani Gallardo could spell trouble for the Cubs come September.

Can the Brewers keep this trend of top-quality prospects going?  Tom Haudricourt says Milwaukee should have no problem doing so, especially since they have six of the first 62 draft picks in this year’s draft.  He also mentions that Baseball America projects the Crew to take RHP Ryan Perry of the University of Arizona.  Expect a couple collegiate pitchers to be taken in the first two rounds, as Milwaukee will be looking for quality pitchers they can move up through the system rather quickly.