Brewers Can't Dodge Sweep in L.A.

Well I'm not really sure where to start today. The dismal LA series? The fact that Sheets couldn't pitch (again)? The fact that this would have been an excellent chance to boost our division standings? Nothing positive to focus on, that's for sure. Except maybe the fact that Dave Bush pitched fairly well on three days' rest. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get past the Dodgers, and the Brewers suffered their first sweep of the season.

So what's going on with Sheets? He started the season on the DL, and missed the first two weeks. Then he came in and pitched four games, only two of them well, and now he's out again? This is our "ace," who's making over $9 million a year, and this is what we're getting? He was out for, what, half the season last year, and isn't off to a great start this year.

Chris Capuano makes a fraction of Ben's salary, and he made every single one of his 35 starts last season. He's made every start this season. Doug Davis makes about a third of what Sheets is getting, but he made 35 starts last season, and has been there every five days so far this year. I'm just wondering what, exactly, we're getting for $9.6 million dollars?

Granted, 2002-2004, Ben was there for 34 starts, and his numbers were good. But it seems like once he got the big money, Ben went to pot. 22 starts last season, and only 4 this season? Do I know what should be done? No. I like Ben, except for the fact that he went to college at Northeast, and I'm a Northwestern girl, and his stuff is top notch when he can deliver. It's the "when he can deliver" part that worries me. $9.6 million seems like a whole lot of money to pay for what we've been getting from Ben lately. Sure would be nice to have some more money to throw at Carlos Lee. God knows he's earning his salary!

This past weekend in LA was the pits. The Dodgers were 12-17 coming into this series and the Brewers were 16-13. The Dodgers had lost their last five games. Seemed like we would have a great series, and make some headway in the Central division. But no, Nomar had to be a hero, not once but twice! Granted, the Dodgers got some help in the form of the crappy umpires and a magically shifting strike zone, but hey, let's face it. The Brewers didn't play so well.

Capuano notched another quality start on Friday, but there was little offense to back him up. At least he got out with a no decision and didn't have to take the loss. "Little Ben" Hendrickson pitched a respectable game on Saturday, filling in for Ohka only two days after picking up Big Ben's slack on Wednesday. He too managed to escape with a no decision when the bullpen took the loss in the bottom of the 9th. Thanks a lot Nomar!

As to what happened yesterday, I was taking a break from baseball. I know, who would have thought it, right? For once, I had something better to do than watch the TV and pull my hair out, but that's another story. So I did not watch or listen to the game, and after seeing the score, I'm glad I missed it. I'm also glad I missed seeing Rickie fumble for his 10th error of the season. Seriously, what's it gonna take for this kid to get it together? If this team wants to contend for the wild card spot, or at this point, a winning season, the errors have got to stop.

The Cubs got swept this weekend. Houston lost this weekend. St. Louis lost this weekend. Pittsburgh lost, but that's no big news. This weekend was a golden opportunity to make some headway in our tough division, but as it is, we stay in the same spot. But on the bright side, at least we are a game ahead of the Cubs.

Nothing too interesting to say today, unfortunately. I just needed to rant a bit and get it off my chest. Our guys have a day off in San Diego today before starting a three game set against the Padres tomorrow. The Padres swept the Cubs this weekend, and are coming off an 8 game winning streak. I'd love for our guys to snap it! Doug Davis goes up against Clay Hensley tomorrow in game one of the series, with Capuano to follow on Wednesday against Chan Ho Park. Come on guys! Time to stop this win some lose some cycle and start winning 'em all! Until next time, go Brewers!