Sheets Fades as Hall Shines

Nine hits and seven earned runs in 2 1/3 innings. That's what was given up by our "ace" Ben Sheets last night in the Brewers 8-5 loss to the Houston Astros. After last night's outing, I really don't want to hear anyone pissing and moaning about how Ben doesn't get run support. He lost that game all by himself. Ben wasn't hurt. He simply said that this was only his fourth start, and he usually doesn't do well in spring. He also said that if he's still pitching this way in June to "knock him upside the head." OK Ben. I'll reserve judgment till a later date.

Someone who is not getting off to a slow start this season is Bill Hall. Looking back over my previous posts, I realized that I had totally forgotten to mention Bill and what a spectacular job he's been doing. Since I'd rather not focus on Sheets' negative outing last night, I'm going to accentuate the positive, namely Bill Hall. He was one hit short of the cycle on Sunday and Monday, and he socked another home run last night. That was the fourth consecutive game in which Bill has homered.

Anyone who was reading my posts on Milwaukeeworld.com knows I think the world of Bill Hall, and I was a little bit peeved when he was again bumped from third base in favor of veteran Corey Koskie. Koskie has proven to be a valuable asset, however, and his acquisition has given Hall a chance to really show what he can do, and I don't think anyone doubts what an enormous impact Bill Hall has on this team.

Ned Yost has been quoted more than once as saying that he does whatever he can do to get Bill into the lineup, and he has certainly stood behind those comments. He routinely plays Bill at third against lefties, and rotates days off between Rickie Weeks and JJ Hardy to get Bill playing time at second and shortstop. After last night's game, it seems that Brady Clark is going to enter the day off rotation, as Hall got his first start at center field while Brady sat on the bench.

To say Bill was spectacular in center last night would be somewhat of an understatement. He made one of the most amazing catches I've ever seen. It was absolutely incredible, proving again what a fantastic athlete this guy is. I sincerely hope that Doug Melvin has not abandoned the idea of a multi-year deal with Bill. I can't even begin to describe what a blow it would be to our team to lose Bill Hall.

He proved last night that not only can he play four, count 'em, four positions, but he can play each one as good as the next. Bill plays every position as if he's been playing it his whole life, with speed, precision and, surprisingly, modesty. He has been quoted most recently as saying that when he's batting, he doesn't think about what position he's playing. He just wants to do what he can to help the team win. What a guy. Doug, can you hear me? Two year deal, three year deal, four year deal. Whatever it takes, Doug, lock him in!

Of course I can't wrap up without pointing out that Rickie Weeks racked up two more errors last night. Maybe I should send him some super glue to keep him from dropping the ball. Or maybe he needs a bigger glove. And he looked so good over the weekend. Maybe I jinxed him by saying something nice. At any rate, we all know the Brew Crew can't expect to contend with teams like St. Louis and Houston with Rickie screwing up every other inning. Get it together, Rickie.

Moving on. Dave Bush takes the mound tonight against Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants, who have lost their last three games. Jason Schmidt will be doing the pitching for SF. It should be an interesting pitching duel tonight as both hurlers are similarly matched. They are tied with 26 punchouts each, Schmidt has given up 4 homers to Bush's 3, but Schmidt has issued three times as many walks as Bush. Bush's ERA is a bit lower than Schmidt's as well, 4.24 to 4.76. Hopefully Dave can deliver a better outing than Sheets. Mr. I Never Took Performance Enhancers needs only two more home runs to tie for second place with Babe Ruth. Let's hope he doesn't get 'em at Miller Park. Go get him, Dave. Until next time, go Brewers!