Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Cappy Deals
The Brewers got back on the right track Monday against the Rockies, as one would expect. Behind Chris Capuano, who one fearless blogger predicted would be better than Doug Davis, and a two-run single by the suddenly patient and disciplined Bill Hall, the Brewers pulled out a 2-1 win. Cappy was stellar, as was Ricky Bottalico, who notched his second save in place of the tired Turnbow.
Granted, the team has some major issues. Namely the second base situation, where Junior Spivey has been downright awful, and SS where J.J. Hardy has gone through the predictable rookie woes and has had to deal with a tenuous-at-best grip on the starting spot after being assured of being the everyday starter. Obviously, Sheets' injury has had an effect, but Obermueller has filled in admirably. Glover's been awful, and probably should be replaced by Obie when Sheets comes off the DL. I'd prefer to see Ben Hendrickson get another shot, but that will likely have to wait until Obermueller combusts. Rickie Weeks (.308/.384/.623 in AAA) is ready, but likely won't be called up, so I'd like to see the Brewers pick up D'Angelo Jimenez to help out the second base situation. They could probably send Hardy back to AAA, since his growth is being stunted by irregular playing time and his service time is being accumulated while being a below average player, and start Hall and his terrible defense at SS every day. Jimenez has experience playing 2B, SS, and 3B and would help out the team quite a bit with his nice OBP skills - something neither Spivey or Hardy has provided thus far. All in all, though, the team's in pretty good shape considering they are without their best pitcher, and he should be back on Saturday.
Granted, the team has some major issues. Namely the second base situation, where Junior Spivey has been downright awful, and SS where J.J. Hardy has gone through the predictable rookie woes and has had to deal with a tenuous-at-best grip on the starting spot after being assured of being the everyday starter. Obviously, Sheets' injury has had an effect, but Obermueller has filled in admirably. Glover's been awful, and probably should be replaced by Obie when Sheets comes off the DL. I'd prefer to see Ben Hendrickson get another shot, but that will likely have to wait until Obermueller combusts. Rickie Weeks (.308/.384/.623 in AAA) is ready, but likely won't be called up, so I'd like to see the Brewers pick up D'Angelo Jimenez to help out the second base situation. They could probably send Hardy back to AAA, since his growth is being stunted by irregular playing time and his service time is being accumulated while being a below average player, and start Hall and his terrible defense at SS every day. Jimenez has experience playing 2B, SS, and 3B and would help out the team quite a bit with his nice OBP skills - something neither Spivey or Hardy has provided thus far. All in all, though, the team's in pretty good shape considering they are without their best pitcher, and he should be back on Saturday.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Do they really need 12 pitchers?
This is one thing that has irked me. The Brewers have carried too many pitchers for too long to remember, but this year it really seems really magnified. There are some fine arms in the pen, namely Mike Adams, Jorge de la Rosa, and Matt Wise, who seem to get very irregular work. They'll go a week without pitching, being passed over for the likes of Santana or Phelps, for no apparent reason. Then suddenly they get a flurry of activity in high-leverage situations. To me Turnbow's usage is troublesome, whereas Ned likes to use him when the team is trailing. I don't mind using him in tie games, but when the team is losing and there are plenty of serviceable to good options available in the pen, why use the relief ace?
What I'd like to see is, upon Sheets' return, Santana be sent down and replaced by a LH bat. Whether it be off the waiver wire, or someone from AAA like Krynzel or Nelson, it needs to be done. Too often Yost is stuck with no decent pinch hitters at all, especially those with pop. It seems to make sense that a trade similar to the Byrd/Chavez deal the Nats and Phillies recently did would be a feasible option, using one of the more expendable pitchers like Bennett, Santana, or Phelps.
What I'd like to see is, upon Sheets' return, Santana be sent down and replaced by a LH bat. Whether it be off the waiver wire, or someone from AAA like Krynzel or Nelson, it needs to be done. Too often Yost is stuck with no decent pinch hitters at all, especially those with pop. It seems to make sense that a trade similar to the Byrd/Chavez deal the Nats and Phillies recently did would be a feasible option, using one of the more expendable pitchers like Bennett, Santana, or Phelps.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Self-promotion (and others, too)
I'm also writing at a national blog now. It's called "The Standing Ovation". Check it out and drop a comment. Should be a lot of fun.
Also, I wanted to mention another excellent blog, called "Yark Work". It parodies ESPN's "Baseball Tonight", and the mindless drivel that is incessantly spouted on the program. It is required reading for a baseball-related laugh. Here's a little sample, from the Krukster:
I keep hearing people say the Braves screwed up by getting Danny Kolb from the Brewers. That Bobby Cox and Leo Mazzone have lost their touch. All these Moneyball people just keep on talking 'ERA ERA ERA,' trying to make a big deal out of the fact that Kolby's ERA is over 8.00 right now. But let me say this to the statheads: you statheads talk about numbers, but I have a number for you: 8-2. That's Atlanta's record when Danny Kolb comes into a game. The Braves record when he doesn't? 4-7. I'm sick of hearing folks talk like he's not a gamer. You don't get over 30 saves in a season without being a gamer.
I talked to Kolby the other day about his treatment by the media and those dweebs on their little computers. I asked him, "How do you feel about the Braves being 7-2 when you make an appearance in a game?" This was before he picked up a hold last night against the Mets. And you know what he told me? He said, "I feel good about that, John, but I'm still not pitching my best." You hear that? This guy's a gamer. His team's 8-2 when he comes into a game, and he still isn't happy. This is a hungry guy. Boy do I know what that feels like! Hahaha! You play for a team like the Brewers long enough, and you just want to win. That's it. Screw the numbers. Show me a win.
Right now, Kolb is in my top five for the NL Cy Young. Of course he won't win it, because too many computer geeks out there get to vote, and those computer geeks don't know what it takes to win. (Even though I'm using a computer I am NOT a computer geek!!!!!) They'll probably talk about someone like Roger Clemens because his ERA is so small it reminds them of their. . . Well, this is a family blog, so I'll leave that to your imagination. But the Astros are only 1-3 in their starts, and the Rocket has yet to win a game. And I don't want to belittle Roger because he's one of the greats, but after winning so many Cy Youngs and championships, you start to lose that hunger. That competitive edge. And I think that's what we're seeing with him right now. Sure, those numbers look great, but how has it helped the Astros as a team?
Anyway, what it comes down to is that if I were making my perfect team, Danny Kolb would be on it. Mariano Rivera has blown more saves than him this year, and everyone agrees that he's a first-ballot hall of famer. Now you tell me, what does that say about Danny Kolb?
Also, I wanted to mention another excellent blog, called "Yark Work". It parodies ESPN's "Baseball Tonight", and the mindless drivel that is incessantly spouted on the program. It is required reading for a baseball-related laugh. Here's a little sample, from the Krukster:
I keep hearing people say the Braves screwed up by getting Danny Kolb from the Brewers. That Bobby Cox and Leo Mazzone have lost their touch. All these Moneyball people just keep on talking 'ERA ERA ERA,' trying to make a big deal out of the fact that Kolby's ERA is over 8.00 right now. But let me say this to the statheads: you statheads talk about numbers, but I have a number for you: 8-2. That's Atlanta's record when Danny Kolb comes into a game. The Braves record when he doesn't? 4-7. I'm sick of hearing folks talk like he's not a gamer. You don't get over 30 saves in a season without being a gamer.
I talked to Kolby the other day about his treatment by the media and those dweebs on their little computers. I asked him, "How do you feel about the Braves being 7-2 when you make an appearance in a game?" This was before he picked up a hold last night against the Mets. And you know what he told me? He said, "I feel good about that, John, but I'm still not pitching my best." You hear that? This guy's a gamer. His team's 8-2 when he comes into a game, and he still isn't happy. This is a hungry guy. Boy do I know what that feels like! Hahaha! You play for a team like the Brewers long enough, and you just want to win. That's it. Screw the numbers. Show me a win.
Right now, Kolb is in my top five for the NL Cy Young. Of course he won't win it, because too many computer geeks out there get to vote, and those computer geeks don't know what it takes to win. (Even though I'm using a computer I am NOT a computer geek!!!!!) They'll probably talk about someone like Roger Clemens because his ERA is so small it reminds them of their. . . Well, this is a family blog, so I'll leave that to your imagination. But the Astros are only 1-3 in their starts, and the Rocket has yet to win a game. And I don't want to belittle Roger because he's one of the greats, but after winning so many Cy Youngs and championships, you start to lose that hunger. That competitive edge. And I think that's what we're seeing with him right now. Sure, those numbers look great, but how has it helped the Astros as a team?
Anyway, what it comes down to is that if I were making my perfect team, Danny Kolb would be on it. Mariano Rivera has blown more saves than him this year, and everyone agrees that he's a first-ballot hall of famer. Now you tell me, what does that say about Danny Kolb?
Brewers continue to roll
The Brewers won another tonight, taking the first in Pittsburgh. Capuano was excellent, again, and worked deep into a game, something he has struggled with. Tonight he was much more aggressive, and took only 104 pitches to work 8 innings, before turning it over to The Bow. They've now won 11 of their last 14 games, and should continue to win in Pittsburgh, and likely Washington. With Rolen out for 4-6 weeks, now is the time for the Crew to make hay and catch up to the Cardinals and at least establish themselves as a team that will be somewhat in the thick of it all season.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Brewers push streak to 6
Miller wins it (MJS)
Man, things are good right now. The Brewers are back to .500, in sole possession of second place in the NL Central, and on a six-game tear. They're taking walks, they're pitching well, and things are falling into place. Lyle Overbay is the hottest hitter in the league, so hot in fact that Dusty Baker won't even pitch to him. Lyle has been walked six times in two games, and once in each game Damian Miller made it hurt. Yesterday was more of the same from the night before, a tight affair that went down to the end, and with the Brewers' changing luck they stay on the roll of one run games. Note to self: Derrick Turnbow is dominant. He hasn't allowed a hit in his last 10 innings of work. His ERA is 1.35. His BAA is .093.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Brewers 4 - Cubs 1: Alive at 5
The Brewers pushed their winning streak to five games tonight against the Cubs in an excellent game. Aside from two runners thrown out at home, one that was very borderline if not flat-out blown, and a boneheaded caught stealing, the Brewers played flawless baseball. The pitchers walked no one (granted, it's the Cubs), while Carlos Lee provided a spark for the first time in Miller Park. Like I said before the season, Chris Capuano is the second best pitcher on this team, and he may finally be living up to it. Just a great game all the way around. The Brewers sit at 12-13, in a second place tie, and with a chance to take it over for themselves tomorrow as they send Victor Santos to the hill against Greg Maddux.
Soap-box alert - sign a petition
Sick of the Larry the Cable Guy video shown before games at Miller Park? Sign this petition, started by fellow BrewerFan.net poster Charles Rickert. The goal is to get to 100, and as of now it stands at 51. Help out.
Shaky Yankees: Womack?
This is pretty crazy. It's May, yet the Yankees are losing it a little. Obviously, it brings an instant smile to those of use who root for the "small-market" and "low revenue" clubs, but really it's quite disturbing. I mean, Tony Womack in leftfield? Why? Look:
Tony Womack, average year: .274/.319/.362, 4 HR (ISO - .086)
Average AL LF, 2004: .281/.347/.453 (ISO - .172)
Keep in mind also that Womack is 35 years old and hasn't played more than five innings in a season in the OF since 1999 with the D'Backs. This makes no sense at all. He has no power. He has no on base skills. He's past his prime, and was never that much of a player when he was in his prime. Yet, this guy is playing LF for the Yankees? Sure Bernie Williams in his decline, as his OPS has dropped every year since 1998. Yet, the Yankees, already with the poorest fielding team in the entire league (according to BP's DER), put Tony Womack in left. Hideki Matsui is moved to CF, and he was a terrible LF as it was (-8 runs below average in '04 and '03), and likely will be even worse than Bernie (-4 in '04) in a premium defensive position. Why did they pass on Beltran, again? To get over the hill, injured retread pitchers? Good move.
Now, since Womack moves from 2B to LF, Robinson Cano moves up from AAA to become the everyday 2Bman. Cano doesn't seem like much of a player by looking at his minor league track record. Cano had a .719 raw OPS in AAA last year, that translated into a .685 EQOPS. He does seem to be a good defender, though. According to Baseball America, Cano has an excellent arm, and has developing plate discipline. He also has below-average speed, and reportedly his range is lacking. He is raking at Columbus this year, with a line of .333/.368/.574.
These are just part of the problems with the Yankees, though. Really, if they wanted to improve their awful defense, they would move Jeter to 3B and A-Rod back to SS. Their pitching has been awful, especially relief. It seems like all of their players have gone into simultaneous decline. What a beautiful sight, let's hope it continues.
Tony Womack, average year: .274/.319/.362, 4 HR (ISO - .086)
Average AL LF, 2004: .281/.347/.453 (ISO - .172)
Keep in mind also that Womack is 35 years old and hasn't played more than five innings in a season in the OF since 1999 with the D'Backs. This makes no sense at all. He has no power. He has no on base skills. He's past his prime, and was never that much of a player when he was in his prime. Yet, this guy is playing LF for the Yankees? Sure Bernie Williams in his decline, as his OPS has dropped every year since 1998. Yet, the Yankees, already with the poorest fielding team in the entire league (according to BP's DER), put Tony Womack in left. Hideki Matsui is moved to CF, and he was a terrible LF as it was (-8 runs below average in '04 and '03), and likely will be even worse than Bernie (-4 in '04) in a premium defensive position. Why did they pass on Beltran, again? To get over the hill, injured retread pitchers? Good move.
Now, since Womack moves from 2B to LF, Robinson Cano moves up from AAA to become the everyday 2Bman. Cano doesn't seem like much of a player by looking at his minor league track record. Cano had a .719 raw OPS in AAA last year, that translated into a .685 EQOPS. He does seem to be a good defender, though. According to Baseball America, Cano has an excellent arm, and has developing plate discipline. He also has below-average speed, and reportedly his range is lacking. He is raking at Columbus this year, with a line of .333/.368/.574.
These are just part of the problems with the Yankees, though. Really, if they wanted to improve their awful defense, they would move Jeter to 3B and A-Rod back to SS. Their pitching has been awful, especially relief. It seems like all of their players have gone into simultaneous decline. What a beautiful sight, let's hope it continues.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Rincon suspended
Rincon
Twins reliever Juan Rincon was the latest, and most high profile, player to be suspended for steroid use. Rincon is one of the most dominant set-up men in the league, and this suspension will greatly hurt his chances for achieving appearance-related bonuses. Really a shame, but if you play with fire, you get burned. Peter Gammons was on The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN radio, and he said he believes that more pitchers, especially relievers, will test positive for juice than position players. Gammons also said that relievers take 'roids in order to bounce back after making several appearances, and that he has noticed a lot of relievers' who's velocity has dropped. Take it with a grain of salt, being that it is from Gammons.
This leads me to an issue I've been meaning to comment on - Selig's new proposed steroid policy. Under his new plan, the first offense will cost a player 50 games, the second 100, and the third will result in a lifetime ban. Now, it sounds tough, but bear in mind that this newest plan was just put in place - this would be similar to a player demanding a new contract a few months after signing a contract. Also, the league has yet to release a list of banned substances. And, most of the players have been of foreign descent, and many of them may have had no clue what exactly they were taking. I don't mean to be the equivalent of a schill for the union and the players, but I think they have a point. A 50 game suspension for a first offense is a little rough, and this new plan seems to be working. Give it time.
Free Kevin Orie???
I know, it's absurd. However, look at Orie's numbers thus far at Nashville (62 AB):
.403 AVG
.513 OBP
.758 SLG
5 HR
14 BB:6 K
Granted, that is an very small sample. However, his numbers last year were very solid. Stuck in AA (!), Orie posted a line of .329/.386/.579 with 4 HR in 76 AB. The last time he had significant PT above AA, 2002, he posted a combined line of .298/.349/.558 with 20 HR between AAA Iowa and the Cubs. Orie is now 32 years old, and hasn't had any substantial MLB playing time since 1999, when in 240 AB he put up .254/.317/.396. Granted, that's not great, but it's certainly better than what Jeff Cirillo has done in the past few years:
2002: .249/.301/.328
2003: .205/.284/.271
2004: .213/.259/.293
That's flat-out awful, yet he languishes on the Brewers bench. Orie has a career AAA OPS of .871, is younger, played a respectable 3B in his day, and is exiled in Nashville. Give the man a chance to show what he can do, it can't be any worse than Cirillo and Helms. If he fails you move on, but at least give the guy a chance. Even if he can hit to his MLB career line of .249/.320/.389, which he oddly enough has posted against both LH and RH pitchers, he'll be better than Cirillo.
.403 AVG
.513 OBP
.758 SLG
5 HR
14 BB:6 K
Granted, that is an very small sample. However, his numbers last year were very solid. Stuck in AA (!), Orie posted a line of .329/.386/.579 with 4 HR in 76 AB. The last time he had significant PT above AA, 2002, he posted a combined line of .298/.349/.558 with 20 HR between AAA Iowa and the Cubs. Orie is now 32 years old, and hasn't had any substantial MLB playing time since 1999, when in 240 AB he put up .254/.317/.396. Granted, that's not great, but it's certainly better than what Jeff Cirillo has done in the past few years:
2002: .249/.301/.328
2003: .205/.284/.271
2004: .213/.259/.293
That's flat-out awful, yet he languishes on the Brewers bench. Orie has a career AAA OPS of .871, is younger, played a respectable 3B in his day, and is exiled in Nashville. Give the man a chance to show what he can do, it can't be any worse than Cirillo and Helms. If he fails you move on, but at least give the guy a chance. Even if he can hit to his MLB career line of .249/.320/.389, which he oddly enough has posted against both LH and RH pitchers, he'll be better than Cirillo.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Sweep City
The Brewers laid one on the lowly Reds today to complete a three-game sweep at Miller Park. Doug Davis "pitched his tail off", to borrow a Yostism, and Lyle Overbay went 5-5 with a HR and earned himself a curtain call from the Miller Park faithful. The Reds and Pirates should make for delightful feasting all season long, as both teams feature awful pitching staffs, especially the Reds. The Brewers were able to sweep them, and didn't even get to face the home run fairy, Eric Milton. They did, however, get to face Danny "Three Run Save" Graves, and scored a run off him in the 8th.
Most of us fans knew the Brewers had this in them. Most of their poor start could be attributed to their bout with the flu, and having to play the Cardinals. Most of the time, the Brewers were actually underperforming their pythagoreon expectations, which had them pegged at 12-11 entering play today. The bad luck they had experienced was due to turn around, and did just that. The Crew won three one-run games in a row, after failing to win any before Thursday.
The Cubs are headed in the other direction, behind the misguided Dusty. They have now lost two in a row to the Astros and, if the Cubs are smart, the Brewers won't have to face Kerry Wood, who aggravated his shoulder injury again on Saturday night. They will have to contend with Zambrano on Tuesday, but after that, who knows?
Most of us fans knew the Brewers had this in them. Most of their poor start could be attributed to their bout with the flu, and having to play the Cardinals. Most of the time, the Brewers were actually underperforming their pythagoreon expectations, which had them pegged at 12-11 entering play today. The bad luck they had experienced was due to turn around, and did just that. The Crew won three one-run games in a row, after failing to win any before Thursday.
The Cubs are headed in the other direction, behind the misguided Dusty. They have now lost two in a row to the Astros and, if the Cubs are smart, the Brewers won't have to face Kerry Wood, who aggravated his shoulder injury again on Saturday night. They will have to contend with Zambrano on Tuesday, but after that, who knows?
