That title pretty much sums up my day yesterday. The good news, obviously, was that Phil Garner removed his head from his behind and chose Chris Capuano to replace Tom Glavine. Glavine took his regular start yesterday, which made him unavailable to pitch on Tuesday.
During a press conference before the game against the Cubs yesterday, Chris talked about how he grew up watching Tom Glavine play for Atlanta. So even though Chris was a Red Sox fan growing up, Glavine was his favorite pitcher. Chris said he hadn't thought about his selection from that angle (replacing his childhood idol) until a reporter mentioned it during the press conference. He said the whole experience was still very surreal, and hadn't quite sunk in yet. Chris and the other Brewer All Stars, Derrick Turnbow and Carlos Lee, traveled to Pittsburgh in style, on board a private jet, courtesy of owner Mark Attanasio.
I must say that I am more and more impressed with Mr. Attanasio as time passes. First he came in and increased our payeroll, helped propel our team to its first non-losing season in years, and took a genuine interest in the Milwaukee area. He bought a share of the Milwaukee Admirals, funded an exhibit at the Art Museum, and promotes programs that work with area kids. To top it all off, he outbid Bill Hall to buy the pink bat that Bill used on Mother's Day to hit his game-winning home run. Mr. Attanasio then presented the bat to Bill's mother, Vergie. Mark is a hands on owner, and frequently attends games, both at home and on the road. He even sits out in the stands with the fans as opposed to a fancy owner's box. It seems he is genuinely committed to seeing this team improve, and contend for years to come, and I, for one, welcome his enthusiam. He also hinted during a radio interview on WTMJ that money wouldn't be an obstacle to re-signing Carlos Lee.
The bad news goes without saying: the dismal series against the Cubs this weekend. I guess I was too quick in commending Ned Yost for making pitching changes before things get out of hand. He didn't make a move when Davis walked the bases loaded. He didn't make a move when the Davis walked in a run. He didn't make a move until after Davis gave up a two-run double. Once again he waited until all the horses had escaped before trying to close the barn door.
Since there is nothing inspiring worth writing about concerning the Brewers today, I thought I would shift to something non-baseball related. (this is where the lots of rain comes in) I went to Summerfest Sunday night to see just one act, Marc Broussard. I'm sure most of you have never head of him. He's a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Carencro, Louisiana, and has a large following within the state. I was introduced to Marc's music by a friend of mine when I went home to Louisiana for Christmas last year.
Anyway, due to the torrential downpour yesterday, Marc's show was cancelled. Apparently, he heard the large crowd that was still gathered (in vain hope that the show would go on), and came onstage with his acoustic guitar. Then he jumped down into the pit between the barrier and the front of the stage and sang to us. He sang only one song, but I thought it was extremely classy of him to acknowledge his fans. Then he went around to the side of the stage, talked to the fans, took pictures, and sang some more. This is definitely one guy to watch. For more information on this up and comer, go to www.marcbroussard.com.
Ok, enough with the non-baseball talk. I just needed to focus on something positive for a moment, because the Brewers going into the All Star break with a losing record is certainly not positive. In fact, we're sitting in exactly the same spot we were last season going into the break, two games under. One positive, however, is that we might actually see Ben Sheets and Tomo Ohka in the lineup by the end of July. Both pitchers' rehab starts went well, and for the first time, Sheets said his arm didn't hurt. Fingers crossed that we can get these guys back in the rotation sooner rather than later. Another good thing to focus on is that our second-half schedule shouldn't be nearly as grueling as the first half. Of course that could just be wishful thinking. The Brewers seem to win against great teams and lose against crap teams. This team sometimes reminds me of Forrest Gump. The Brewers are like a box of chocolates, you never what you're gonna get. Until next time, go National League!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
Cappy Still Our All Star
Phil Garner must not care too much about winning the All-Star game. Otherwise he would have chosen Chris Capuano to replace Pedro Martinez over his own Astro Roy Oswalt. Anyone watching Cappy's masterful performance last night would have to agree that he deserves to be in Pittsburgh next week.
Chris continued his dominance over the Cubs last night at Miller Park, recording his second complete game shutout of his career. Ironically enough, both came against the baby bears, and most likely would be three if he hadn't gotten hit by that liner from Aramis Ramirez last week.
Cappy limited the Cubs to six hits in his latest outing, and did so very efficiently, tossing only 97 pitches, 66 for strikes. Last night's game was also Cappy's 17th quality start of the season, which leads MLB. I guess Phil was too busy to read up on other pitchers before selecting Oswalt. Just for fun, though, let's compare the stats from this season.
Cappy -10-4, 3.21, 19 G/GS, 2 CG, 2 SO, 129.0 IP, 127 H, 49 R, 46 ER, 10 HR, 3 HBP, 25 BB, 112 SO, 1.18 WHIP, 17 QS
Oswalt - 6-5, 3.10, 17 G/GS, 2 CG, 0 SO, 119.0 IP, 123 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 3 HBP, 24 BB, 80 SO, 1.24 WHIP, 13 QS
Cappy has five no decisions, but the team has gone on to win three of them, which means that the Brewers are 13-6 when he starts. Oswalt, on the other hand, has six no decisions, and the Astros went on to win just two. So in total, Houston is 8-9 when he starts.
Two shutouts leads the majors, and only five other pitchers have recorded more than two complete games. (five MLB pitchers tied for 1st with 3 complete games) 17 quality starts leads the majors. Cappy is tied for 4th in MLB with 10 wins. Six wins doesn't even get Oswalt in the top 50. Chris is tied for 5th in the majors with 112 strikeouts; Oswalt sits 36th. But hey, Oswalt has a better ERA. That must have been the deciding factor for Phil. Don't even get me started on National League stats, cause Oswalt would be taking an even worse beating!
Looking at these numbers, it's easy to see who I'd want on my team. But then again, maybe Phil is pretty sure his team isn't going to be in the World Series this year, so what difference does it make to him who has home field advantage?
Ned Yost said he wouldn't call Garner to lobby for Chris, but would give him his opinion should he call. Maybe today Ned should call Phil and offer to help him pull his head out of his butt. Don't worry, Chris. That Cy Young award this year will make up for the All-Star snub! In the meantime, enjoy Cape Cod during the break. Go Brewers!
Chris continued his dominance over the Cubs last night at Miller Park, recording his second complete game shutout of his career. Ironically enough, both came against the baby bears, and most likely would be three if he hadn't gotten hit by that liner from Aramis Ramirez last week.
Cappy limited the Cubs to six hits in his latest outing, and did so very efficiently, tossing only 97 pitches, 66 for strikes. Last night's game was also Cappy's 17th quality start of the season, which leads MLB. I guess Phil was too busy to read up on other pitchers before selecting Oswalt. Just for fun, though, let's compare the stats from this season.
Cappy -10-4, 3.21, 19 G/GS, 2 CG, 2 SO, 129.0 IP, 127 H, 49 R, 46 ER, 10 HR, 3 HBP, 25 BB, 112 SO, 1.18 WHIP, 17 QS
Oswalt - 6-5, 3.10, 17 G/GS, 2 CG, 0 SO, 119.0 IP, 123 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 3 HBP, 24 BB, 80 SO, 1.24 WHIP, 13 QS
Cappy has five no decisions, but the team has gone on to win three of them, which means that the Brewers are 13-6 when he starts. Oswalt, on the other hand, has six no decisions, and the Astros went on to win just two. So in total, Houston is 8-9 when he starts.
Two shutouts leads the majors, and only five other pitchers have recorded more than two complete games. (five MLB pitchers tied for 1st with 3 complete games) 17 quality starts leads the majors. Cappy is tied for 4th in MLB with 10 wins. Six wins doesn't even get Oswalt in the top 50. Chris is tied for 5th in the majors with 112 strikeouts; Oswalt sits 36th. But hey, Oswalt has a better ERA. That must have been the deciding factor for Phil. Don't even get me started on National League stats, cause Oswalt would be taking an even worse beating!
Looking at these numbers, it's easy to see who I'd want on my team. But then again, maybe Phil is pretty sure his team isn't going to be in the World Series this year, so what difference does it make to him who has home field advantage?
Ned Yost said he wouldn't call Garner to lobby for Chris, but would give him his opinion should he call. Maybe today Ned should call Phil and offer to help him pull his head out of his butt. Don't worry, Chris. That Cy Young award this year will make up for the All-Star snub! In the meantime, enjoy Cape Cod during the break. Go Brewers!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Roster Shuffles and Rehab Starts
For those of you who have been calling for Chad Moeller's head on a AAA plate, you got your wish. Moeller was DFA'd after the game last night, and minor leaguer Mike Rivera was called up to replace him. Moeller said he understood the decision, and would accept the assignment to AAA Nashville should he clear waivers. "I don't know why in the world I would go elsewhere," Moeller said. "I have too many people who like me here, and I like the organization. I just didn't hit. Plain and simple. There isn't any other reason."
Mike Rivera, on the other hand, has been hitting. He's hitting .298 for Nashville with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 58 games. This is in stark contrast to Moeller's .184 this season with two home runs and five RBIs, and just five hits in his last 52 at-bats. I'm personally sad to see Chad go, because he is a very nice guy, but the Crew needs solid, dependable offense at every position if they're going to make a push for October.
As I mentioned earlier, Carlos Villanueva was optioned to AAA Nashville after the game last night, and Dana Eveland was recalled. Ned Yost made this move to get a fresh arm in the bullpen going into the series against Chicago. Villanueva also wasn't scheduled to make a start for 13 days because of the upcoming All Star break, but with this shuffle he can get some work in the minors.
Speaking of working in the minors, Ben Sheets will finally go on his first rehab assignment this weekend. He's scheduled to throw 65 pitches with AAA Nashville on Sunday in Round Rock, TX. He'll rejoin the Brewers for a workout in Arizona after the break, then throw 85 pitches in an Arizona League game before being re-evaluated. Ben says he's "cautiously optimistic" about rejoining the team for August and September.
Tomo Ohka is slated to make his second rehab start this weekend in Florida, and another in Arizona in mid-July. His status will be evaluated after that start. Jorge De La Rosa was in Milwaukee for evaluation recently, but will make at least three more rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers' bullpen.
JJ Hardy may be off on a rehab start by mid-July as well. He's resuming fielding drills this week, and will leave for a rehab assignment on July 13, barring no other complications.
It looks like slowly but surely our walking wounded are finally on the mend. We could have an amazing second half if we get all these guys back in uniform soon!
Once again, voting continues for the last spot on the NL All Star team, and Cappy is still trailing Nomar Garciaparra. Get to your computers and vote vote vote until 5 pm tonight! Until next time, go Brewers!
Mike Rivera, on the other hand, has been hitting. He's hitting .298 for Nashville with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 58 games. This is in stark contrast to Moeller's .184 this season with two home runs and five RBIs, and just five hits in his last 52 at-bats. I'm personally sad to see Chad go, because he is a very nice guy, but the Crew needs solid, dependable offense at every position if they're going to make a push for October.
As I mentioned earlier, Carlos Villanueva was optioned to AAA Nashville after the game last night, and Dana Eveland was recalled. Ned Yost made this move to get a fresh arm in the bullpen going into the series against Chicago. Villanueva also wasn't scheduled to make a start for 13 days because of the upcoming All Star break, but with this shuffle he can get some work in the minors.
Speaking of working in the minors, Ben Sheets will finally go on his first rehab assignment this weekend. He's scheduled to throw 65 pitches with AAA Nashville on Sunday in Round Rock, TX. He'll rejoin the Brewers for a workout in Arizona after the break, then throw 85 pitches in an Arizona League game before being re-evaluated. Ben says he's "cautiously optimistic" about rejoining the team for August and September.
Tomo Ohka is slated to make his second rehab start this weekend in Florida, and another in Arizona in mid-July. His status will be evaluated after that start. Jorge De La Rosa was in Milwaukee for evaluation recently, but will make at least three more rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers' bullpen.
JJ Hardy may be off on a rehab start by mid-July as well. He's resuming fielding drills this week, and will leave for a rehab assignment on July 13, barring no other complications.
It looks like slowly but surely our walking wounded are finally on the mend. We could have an amazing second half if we get all these guys back in uniform soon!
Once again, voting continues for the last spot on the NL All Star team, and Cappy is still trailing Nomar Garciaparra. Get to your computers and vote vote vote until 5 pm tonight! Until next time, go Brewers!
Brewers Clinch Sweep in 13th
I never have had the good fortune of actually being in the ballpark for the truly amazing victories. Bill Hall's Mother's Day homerun? Watched it on TV. Carlos Lee's Father's Day homerun? Watched it on TV. The five-homerun-inning game? Listened to it on the radio. Every single extra inning victory this season? TV or radio. Well not last night, my friends. I was there, front and center, through all 13 innings, as the the Brewers handed the Reds their 5th straight loss, climbed back up to .500, and moved into sole possession of 3rd place in the NL Central. In fact, the Crew is now only 3.5 games out of first place.
I got to attend this game courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers and WE Energies. I wrote last week that I won four tickets to an upcoming game, which I won by voting online in the WE Energies High Energy Player of the Year Sweepstakes. I had specific games I could choose from, and last night was one of them. Praise be to the baseball gods that I picked last night, and got to witness that spectacular game firsthand, along with my friends Sheila, Lea and Matt (pictured with me below).
The Crew even claimed two spots in Sportscenter's Play of the Day countdown last night. Gabe Gross's diving catch in shallow center was #7, with the #1 spot being claimed by none other than Bill Hall and Corey Koskie, and their unbelievable "double catch" behind third base. Even Felipe Lopez had to applaud their effort, even thought it was his popup that was caught.
The only negative to last night's game was the lack of enthusiasm from the remaining crowd during the late innings. Quite a few "fans" left before the end of regulation, and even more trailed out as the game progressed. I would have thought that the fans who chose to stick it out would be the diehards, the ones on their feet, cheering, yelling, jumping up and down (like me!). But the fans who stuck around last night could have been watching golf for all the noise they made. Even into the 11th inning and beyond, the crowd would become almost completely silent between plays. I had to look around to make sure they were still awake! The lack of spirit certainly wouldn't have inspired me if I had been on the field last night. Our guys put on a great show for us Milwaukee, and we have to muster way more spirit than what was evident in Miller Park last night. I'm happily walking around without a voice today as a result of showing them my appreciation for all their hard work againt the Reds!
The Reds' trouble apparently didn't end when they left the field last night. Relief pitcher Brian Shackelford was arrested shortly after midnight last night at Miller Park on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault. Not much information was released, only that it involved a woman, and apparently took place on Monday. Shackleford faced one batter last night, Prince Fielder, and struck him out.
I had planned to write a little something about Ned Yost a few days ago, but he seemed to correct the situation I was going to discuss. I thought I would mention it today anyway since he addressed it again last night. During that horrendous Twins sweep, it seemed Ned was leaving the pitchers in too long before bringing in relief, in essence, closing the barn door after the horses got out. By the time Ned got around to sending in a reliever, the Crew was already so far in the hole that it was a pointless move.
I was very happy Tuesday to see that this trend seems to be at an end. Doug Davis had pitched a stellar game, and I wanted him to be able to finish it. He earned the right to finish that game, but he started to get in trouble in the top of the 9th. Ned promptly called in Brian Shouse, who recorded the last out and got the save. Ned didn't wait to see if Doug would get out of the jam, or deeper into it. As much as I wanted Doug to get his complete game, I think Ned made the right move.
He did it again last night. Villanueva had pitched a good game through the first five innings, but at the first sign of trouble, Ned went to the pen. Of course, I'm sure he never imagined he would go through almost the entire pen before the night was over. At any rate, I'm glad to see Ned seems to be more proactive these days in terms of bringing in relievers.
Our most reliable starter, Chris Capuano takes the mound tonight against Greg Maddux and the Chicago Cubs. Except for his last outing, Chris has been an innings eater all season, and he will certainly need to eat some tonight. I don't know if there is anyone left in the bullpen to work tonight, should Chris need early relief. No one except Dana Eveland, that is, who was called up last night after the game when Carlos Villanueva was optioned to AAA Nashville. Dana is a scary option after his last few outings for the Crew, but apparently he's been doing well for Nashville. Let's hope Chris can hold the Cubs off for a while and we won't need to go to Dana!
Incidentally, Chris is second in the All-Star vote to Nomar Garciaparra. Voting ends today at 5 pm, so get to your computers and cellphones and vote vote vote! We need to get Cappy to Pittsburgh!
That's it for now Brewer fans. Keep voting until 5 pm tonight! Until next time, go Brewers!
I got to attend this game courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers and WE Energies. I wrote last week that I won four tickets to an upcoming game, which I won by voting online in the WE Energies High Energy Player of the Year Sweepstakes. I had specific games I could choose from, and last night was one of them. Praise be to the baseball gods that I picked last night, and got to witness that spectacular game firsthand, along with my friends Sheila, Lea and Matt (pictured with me below).
The Crew even claimed two spots in Sportscenter's Play of the Day countdown last night. Gabe Gross's diving catch in shallow center was #7, with the #1 spot being claimed by none other than Bill Hall and Corey Koskie, and their unbelievable "double catch" behind third base. Even Felipe Lopez had to applaud their effort, even thought it was his popup that was caught.
The only negative to last night's game was the lack of enthusiasm from the remaining crowd during the late innings. Quite a few "fans" left before the end of regulation, and even more trailed out as the game progressed. I would have thought that the fans who chose to stick it out would be the diehards, the ones on their feet, cheering, yelling, jumping up and down (like me!). But the fans who stuck around last night could have been watching golf for all the noise they made. Even into the 11th inning and beyond, the crowd would become almost completely silent between plays. I had to look around to make sure they were still awake! The lack of spirit certainly wouldn't have inspired me if I had been on the field last night. Our guys put on a great show for us Milwaukee, and we have to muster way more spirit than what was evident in Miller Park last night. I'm happily walking around without a voice today as a result of showing them my appreciation for all their hard work againt the Reds!
The Reds' trouble apparently didn't end when they left the field last night. Relief pitcher Brian Shackelford was arrested shortly after midnight last night at Miller Park on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault. Not much information was released, only that it involved a woman, and apparently took place on Monday. Shackleford faced one batter last night, Prince Fielder, and struck him out.
I had planned to write a little something about Ned Yost a few days ago, but he seemed to correct the situation I was going to discuss. I thought I would mention it today anyway since he addressed it again last night. During that horrendous Twins sweep, it seemed Ned was leaving the pitchers in too long before bringing in relief, in essence, closing the barn door after the horses got out. By the time Ned got around to sending in a reliever, the Crew was already so far in the hole that it was a pointless move.
I was very happy Tuesday to see that this trend seems to be at an end. Doug Davis had pitched a stellar game, and I wanted him to be able to finish it. He earned the right to finish that game, but he started to get in trouble in the top of the 9th. Ned promptly called in Brian Shouse, who recorded the last out and got the save. Ned didn't wait to see if Doug would get out of the jam, or deeper into it. As much as I wanted Doug to get his complete game, I think Ned made the right move.
He did it again last night. Villanueva had pitched a good game through the first five innings, but at the first sign of trouble, Ned went to the pen. Of course, I'm sure he never imagined he would go through almost the entire pen before the night was over. At any rate, I'm glad to see Ned seems to be more proactive these days in terms of bringing in relievers.
Our most reliable starter, Chris Capuano takes the mound tonight against Greg Maddux and the Chicago Cubs. Except for his last outing, Chris has been an innings eater all season, and he will certainly need to eat some tonight. I don't know if there is anyone left in the bullpen to work tonight, should Chris need early relief. No one except Dana Eveland, that is, who was called up last night after the game when Carlos Villanueva was optioned to AAA Nashville. Dana is a scary option after his last few outings for the Crew, but apparently he's been doing well for Nashville. Let's hope Chris can hold the Cubs off for a while and we won't need to go to Dana!
Incidentally, Chris is second in the All-Star vote to Nomar Garciaparra. Voting ends today at 5 pm, so get to your computers and cellphones and vote vote vote! We need to get Cappy to Pittsburgh!
That's it for now Brewer fans. Keep voting until 5 pm tonight! Until next time, go Brewers!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Vote for Cappy!
Ok Brewer fans, this is your chance to show your support for your team. Chris Capuano is in the running for the last spot on the National League All-Star team, but it's up to us to get him there. We all know he deserves to be there. He should have been picked already, and not have to rely on voting, but that's the way it goes.
Let's all show Cappy our support and get him to Pittsburgh. You can vote through your cell phone. Text the word "vote" to 36197. Thirty cents a pop. Or go online to mlb.com and submit your votes there.
The Brewers are doing their part to help Chris get to Pittsburgh as well. Kiosks and computers will be set up during this weeks' homestand so fans can vote. Brewers' closer Derrick Turnbow has even filmed a commercial asking for support for Capuano.
Come on everybody. The Brewers haven't had three all stars since 1983. It's time to change that. Vote for Cappy!
Let's all show Cappy our support and get him to Pittsburgh. You can vote through your cell phone. Text the word "vote" to 36197. Thirty cents a pop. Or go online to mlb.com and submit your votes there.
The Brewers are doing their part to help Chris get to Pittsburgh as well. Kiosks and computers will be set up during this weeks' homestand so fans can vote. Brewers' closer Derrick Turnbow has even filmed a commercial asking for support for Capuano.
Come on everybody. The Brewers haven't had three all stars since 1983. It's time to change that. Vote for Cappy!
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