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!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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!
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!
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Holy Trinity
The Milwaukee Brewers, fresh off of their series win in Chicago, looked at the Houston Astros tonight and said, "Bring it on!" The Brew Crew used great pitching, outstanding defense and timely hitting to defeat the Astros 4-2.
Where do I even start? Ohka finally managed to put together good back to back starts. He threw only 64 pitches, leaving the game after the 5th with a strained rotator cuff, but 40 of those pitches were strikes. He's also damn near unhittable with runners in scoring position. I think I heard Bill or Daron say that Ohka was 1 for 35 with RISP. Gotta love it. Good job, Tomo. Hope the shoulder's ok.
Jose Capellan threw two good innings, giving up a homerun. But that one run was the only hit he allowed in his two innings. I think we can expect to see really good things from this young right hander.
Matt Wise looked completely back to form tonight, giving up only one hit in his scoreless frame. He gets the win tonight, as the homerun given up by Capellan knotted the game at 2. Matt set the stage for his good buddy Derrick Turnbow to come in and finish it off, which he did in most impressive fashion.
He gave up a lead off hit to Lance Berkman, which could have been big trouble had Berkman been paying attention and hustled to second when Carlos failed to make the catch. Luckily he thought he was out and by the time he tried to run Carlos had recovered and held him to first. Derrick then wrapped it up by striking out the next three batters, notching his 9th save in as many attempts. Anyone else notice it looked like Derrick got his hair cut?
Let's talk about the defense tonight. How about Brady Clark with another diving catch in the 4th inning tonight? It was almost an exact replica of the catch he made in Chicago yesterday. His fielding percentage is at 1.000. Pretty damn good.
Then there was Prince Fielder with his diving stab at first base to take extra bases away from Taveras. I admit I was nervous when we traded Overbay, but Prince has been absolutely outstanding defensively. I think he's playing well above the caliber expected from a rookie.
Even Rickie Weeks was on top of his game tonight. A spectacular play in the 8th robbed Craig Biggio of a triple. Biggio whacked the ball to deep right field, but a precision, rocket throw from Jenkins to Weeks, then another pinpoint laser to Hall at third and Biggio was gone. Looks like Rickie has been doing something right in practice, because he has looked pretty good lately. About time Rickie!
The bats were still working hard tonight too. Homeruns by Carlos Lee and Bill Hall got the Brewers on the board, but timely hitting and manufactured runs won the game. Prince Fielder walked to lead off the 8th, then Bill Hall socked a key double, moving Prince to third. A sacrifice fly by Damian Miller scored Prince, then another sac fly from Brady Clark scored Bill Hall.
Tonight was a textbook example of how to win ballgames. Everything was working. The pitching was on, the defense was tight, and the bats were hot. I've been saying it all along. These guys can play, and play well, and tonight they proved it. Great, great game guys. Well done!
Now for a final thought. The game Wednesday against Atlanta wasn't broadcast on FSN, as most of you know, so I had to watch it on TBS. I was just glad it was on somewhere! After listening to the commentators that the poor folks in Atlanta are stuck with, I have to say I'm pretty glad we have Bill and Daron. They may not be the best play by play guys, but they are a hell of lot better than the guys calling for TBS. Althought I do have to laugh every time someone hits a foul ball, or "fowell," as Daron Sutton is prone to saying. But hey, they know what they're talking about, so you gotta love 'em!
That's it for tonight Brewer fans. Let's take this momentum into tomorrow's game and take another one from Houston. I'll be there to cheer our guys on to victory as Ben Sheets takes the mound against Fernando Nieve. Until next time, go Brewers!
Where do I even start? Ohka finally managed to put together good back to back starts. He threw only 64 pitches, leaving the game after the 5th with a strained rotator cuff, but 40 of those pitches were strikes. He's also damn near unhittable with runners in scoring position. I think I heard Bill or Daron say that Ohka was 1 for 35 with RISP. Gotta love it. Good job, Tomo. Hope the shoulder's ok.
Jose Capellan threw two good innings, giving up a homerun. But that one run was the only hit he allowed in his two innings. I think we can expect to see really good things from this young right hander.
Matt Wise looked completely back to form tonight, giving up only one hit in his scoreless frame. He gets the win tonight, as the homerun given up by Capellan knotted the game at 2. Matt set the stage for his good buddy Derrick Turnbow to come in and finish it off, which he did in most impressive fashion.
He gave up a lead off hit to Lance Berkman, which could have been big trouble had Berkman been paying attention and hustled to second when Carlos failed to make the catch. Luckily he thought he was out and by the time he tried to run Carlos had recovered and held him to first. Derrick then wrapped it up by striking out the next three batters, notching his 9th save in as many attempts. Anyone else notice it looked like Derrick got his hair cut?
Let's talk about the defense tonight. How about Brady Clark with another diving catch in the 4th inning tonight? It was almost an exact replica of the catch he made in Chicago yesterday. His fielding percentage is at 1.000. Pretty damn good.
Then there was Prince Fielder with his diving stab at first base to take extra bases away from Taveras. I admit I was nervous when we traded Overbay, but Prince has been absolutely outstanding defensively. I think he's playing well above the caliber expected from a rookie.
Even Rickie Weeks was on top of his game tonight. A spectacular play in the 8th robbed Craig Biggio of a triple. Biggio whacked the ball to deep right field, but a precision, rocket throw from Jenkins to Weeks, then another pinpoint laser to Hall at third and Biggio was gone. Looks like Rickie has been doing something right in practice, because he has looked pretty good lately. About time Rickie!
The bats were still working hard tonight too. Homeruns by Carlos Lee and Bill Hall got the Brewers on the board, but timely hitting and manufactured runs won the game. Prince Fielder walked to lead off the 8th, then Bill Hall socked a key double, moving Prince to third. A sacrifice fly by Damian Miller scored Prince, then another sac fly from Brady Clark scored Bill Hall.
Tonight was a textbook example of how to win ballgames. Everything was working. The pitching was on, the defense was tight, and the bats were hot. I've been saying it all along. These guys can play, and play well, and tonight they proved it. Great, great game guys. Well done!
Now for a final thought. The game Wednesday against Atlanta wasn't broadcast on FSN, as most of you know, so I had to watch it on TBS. I was just glad it was on somewhere! After listening to the commentators that the poor folks in Atlanta are stuck with, I have to say I'm pretty glad we have Bill and Daron. They may not be the best play by play guys, but they are a hell of lot better than the guys calling for TBS. Althought I do have to laugh every time someone hits a foul ball, or "fowell," as Daron Sutton is prone to saying. But hey, they know what they're talking about, so you gotta love 'em!
That's it for tonight Brewer fans. Let's take this momentum into tomorrow's game and take another one from Houston. I'll be there to cheer our guys on to victory as Ben Sheets takes the mound against Fernando Nieve. Until next time, go Brewers!
Capuano is Player of the Week
It looks like the rest of baseball has finally noticed what I've known all along: Chris Capuano is a force to be reckoned with. Chris beat out over 25 other nominees this week to take the title of National League Player of the Week.
Chris is currently tied with Curt Schilling for most strikeouts in MLB, with 40, and he pitched a masterful game on Sunday, shutting out the Cubs for a 9-0 victory for the Brewers.
In my opinion, Chris has long lived in shadow of Ben Sheets and Doug Davis, even though he posted 18 wins last season. I'd like to point out that no Brewer has notched that many wins since Teddy Higuera won 18 in 1987.
All six of Cappy's starts this season have been quality starts, meaning he threw at least six innings and gave up 3 or fewer runs, and his record is currently 4-2 with an ERA of 2.36. In his 42 innings pitched this season, he has struck out 40, and walked only nine. Again, Doug Melvin, I'm begging you. Long term contract! Lock him in for a few more years! This is one pitcher we cannot afford to lose!
The National League Player of the Week award is presented by Bank of America.
Chris is currently tied with Curt Schilling for most strikeouts in MLB, with 40, and he pitched a masterful game on Sunday, shutting out the Cubs for a 9-0 victory for the Brewers.
In my opinion, Chris has long lived in shadow of Ben Sheets and Doug Davis, even though he posted 18 wins last season. I'd like to point out that no Brewer has notched that many wins since Teddy Higuera won 18 in 1987.
All six of Cappy's starts this season have been quality starts, meaning he threw at least six innings and gave up 3 or fewer runs, and his record is currently 4-2 with an ERA of 2.36. In his 42 innings pitched this season, he has struck out 40, and walked only nine. Again, Doug Melvin, I'm begging you. Long term contract! Lock him in for a few more years! This is one pitcher we cannot afford to lose!
The National League Player of the Week award is presented by Bank of America.
Capuano Shuts Out the Cubs
Chris Capuano threw his first complete game yesterday at Wrigley, shutting out the Cubs in a 9-0 victory for the Brewers. Chris was damn near perfect yesterday, tossing 91 pitches, 69 for strikes, giving up only five hits, striking out six and walking none. He's now tied with Curt Schilling for the most strikeouts in MLB with 40. Congratulations Chris! Keep up the good work!
Speaking of good work, our Brewers were on a tear this weekend in Chicago. Rickie Weeks finally got his first home run of the season, and managed to get through the whole weekend without an error. Dare I say it, but his defense looked relatively strong this weekend. Prince Fielder socked two home runs, and everyone of our starting players got a hit and a run scored on Saturday, even Doug Davis. I was very happy to see that Doug finally recorded his first win of the season, and he certainly looked like he was getting his command back on track. Good going, Doug! I hope those hot bats are a sign of things to come and not just a fluke. We're going to need them against Houston!
Our guys definitely played some great baseball this weekend, without a doubt, but I'd like to revisit Friday's game. Yes I know we lost, but what is being overlooked, I think, is that the Brewers were hitting Maddux. I'm sorry to say it because I think he's great, but the game Friday was lost by our starting pitcher, Dave Bush. Maybe he had an off night, but he gave up way too many hits. That's neither here nor there at this point. My point is that everyone is talking about how Maddux is such a phenomenal pitcher, and don't get me wrong, there are very few of his caliber. But he did give up eight hits in that game, three to Geoff Jenkins alone. Granted I'm trying to extract some positive out of that negative, but I think it's something worth commenting on. If our guys, even just a few of them, can get eight hits off of a pitcher like Maddux, then that's definitely a good sign, and hopefully it will be a sign of good things to come.
One final thought. Ned Yost went into spring training asking his team to give him two more wins per month. The Brewers have ended April with a record of 14-11. Last season, the team finished April 10-13. After 25 games last season, the record was 12-13. No matter how you look at it, Ned got his two wins this month. Great job guys, keep 'em coming!
That's it for now Brewer fans. Don't forget our Brew Crew takes on the Astros again tonight at 7:05. Maybe Tomo Ohka can post two good starts back to back and take this one away from Houston. Until next time, go Brewers!
Speaking of good work, our Brewers were on a tear this weekend in Chicago. Rickie Weeks finally got his first home run of the season, and managed to get through the whole weekend without an error. Dare I say it, but his defense looked relatively strong this weekend. Prince Fielder socked two home runs, and everyone of our starting players got a hit and a run scored on Saturday, even Doug Davis. I was very happy to see that Doug finally recorded his first win of the season, and he certainly looked like he was getting his command back on track. Good going, Doug! I hope those hot bats are a sign of things to come and not just a fluke. We're going to need them against Houston!
Our guys definitely played some great baseball this weekend, without a doubt, but I'd like to revisit Friday's game. Yes I know we lost, but what is being overlooked, I think, is that the Brewers were hitting Maddux. I'm sorry to say it because I think he's great, but the game Friday was lost by our starting pitcher, Dave Bush. Maybe he had an off night, but he gave up way too many hits. That's neither here nor there at this point. My point is that everyone is talking about how Maddux is such a phenomenal pitcher, and don't get me wrong, there are very few of his caliber. But he did give up eight hits in that game, three to Geoff Jenkins alone. Granted I'm trying to extract some positive out of that negative, but I think it's something worth commenting on. If our guys, even just a few of them, can get eight hits off of a pitcher like Maddux, then that's definitely a good sign, and hopefully it will be a sign of good things to come.
One final thought. Ned Yost went into spring training asking his team to give him two more wins per month. The Brewers have ended April with a record of 14-11. Last season, the team finished April 10-13. After 25 games last season, the record was 12-13. No matter how you look at it, Ned got his two wins this month. Great job guys, keep 'em coming!
That's it for now Brewer fans. Don't forget our Brew Crew takes on the Astros again tonight at 7:05. Maybe Tomo Ohka can post two good starts back to back and take this one away from Houston. Until next time, go Brewers!
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