***OFFICIAL 2010 Milwaukee Brewers Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[strykerpks]

Key Losses

JJ Hardy

Mike Cameron

Jason Kendall

Felipe Lopez

Frank Catalanotto

Mike Rivera

Braden Looper

Seth McClung

Mark DiFelice

Key Additions

Alcides Escobar

Carlos Gomez

Gregg Zaun

Jim Edmonds

Randy Wolf

Doug Davis

LaTroy Hawkins

Starting lineup?

Weeks 2B

Escobar SS

Braun LF

Fielder 1B

McGehee 3B

Hart RF

Gomez CF

Zaun C

Pitcher

Starting Pitching?

Gallardo

Wolf

Davis

Suppan

Parra/Bush

I'm cautiously optimistic. As awful as the starting pitching was in '09, there's nowhere to go but up. I think it is upgraded this year with Wolf and Davis but they're obviously not world beaters. Unfortunately they still have to trot Suppan out there every 5 games but if Bush and Parra can outperform him significantly, I think we could see him in the pen by May/June. The pen has some solid depth but if the starters can't get out of the 5th or 6th it will be a long season again.

Again, as bad as the pitching was, they still won 80 games last year. The offense should take a hit losing Cameron. Gomez's bat doesn't scare anyone. Braun is Braun and I'm pretty sure Hart will be average to below average as usual. Zaun/Salome/Kottaras have to be better than Kendall. Escobar is a bit of an unknown at this point but should perform above Hardy's numbers, probably with less power though. McGehee will probably regress. We still don't know what Weeks will bring so he will be the wild card. I see this offense going as Weeks goes. I do like the increased speed with Weeks, Escobar, Gomez and Hart (provided he gets on base) but we'll see if Macha parlays that into more aggressive base running.

I've got them penciled in for another .500-ish season. If things go right they could push 90 wins but I'm not holding my breath. They could easily hit 90 losses as well with some key injuries and regressions.

 

[hooter311]

I'm looking for a >.500 season as well. I think they finish behind the Cardinals and ahead of the Cubs.

Club can go a long ways with Fielder and Braun in the middle of the lineup. Should be one of the best 3-4 punches in baseball once again.

Pitching has nowhere to go but up, like you said. I really hope that something, anything, keeps Suppan out of the rotation. Let him sit in the bullpen and count his money.

I was optimistic last season, and have my expectations tempered this season, but boy do I miss Capuano. I read that he is throwing again, any kind of comeback at all from him will have me cheering.

Wolf and Davis give up too many flyballs to have a real high ceiling at Miller park. Wolf did do surprisingly well in Houston a couple years ago, so hopefully I am wrong. Anything would be an improvement over Looper. Davis used to date a friend of mine in Eau Claire and I had talked with him briefly before he left for Arizona a few seasons ago. Guy is a class act and I'm glad to have him back.

Also hope the Crew plans on stealing more this season, allowing these young guys to be aggressive on the basepaths will build confidence and their momentum swings have been as strong as anyone's the last couple seasons.

 

[strykerpks]

I wouldn't count on much from Capuano. Coming back from a 2nd Tommy John is tough to do. I think I read (maybe Rotoworld) that he topped off at like 85 mph in a fall league. Even Suppan can do that. I imagine they're bringing him along slowly but I suspect he'll sit in the minors and only be up to the bigs if the whole staff falls apart.

ETA - Here's some good info

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said left-hander Chris Capuano, who's missed most of the past two seasons with elbow injuries is healthy and "100 percent, ready to go."

"There are no restrictions on him medically," Ash said of Capuano, who started six games in rookie ball late last season. "He's ready to go. How he's utilized, my guess is not pitching at this level for a couple of years, he's going to need some time, but this really is going to be one of these cases where spring training's going to show us what we can do with him."

 

[hooter311]

I wouldn't count on much from Capuano. Coming back from a 2nd Tommy John is tough to do. I think I read (maybe Rotoworld) that he topped off at like 85 mph in a fall league. Even Suppan can do that. I imagine they're bringing him along slowly but I suspect he'll sit in the minors and only be up to the bigs if the whole staff falls apart.

ETA - Here's some good info

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said left-hander Chris Capuano, who's missed most of the past two seasons with elbow injuries is healthy and "100 percent, ready to go."

"There are no restrictions on him medically," Ash said of Capuano, who started six games in rookie ball late last season. "He's ready to go. How he's utilized, my guess is not pitching at this level for a couple of years, he's going to need some time, but this really is going to be one of these cases where spring training's going to show us what we can do with him."

Dang. Cheers to you anyways Cappy.

 

[hooter311]

I wouldn't count on much from Capuano. Coming back from a 2nd Tommy John is tough to do. I think I read (maybe Rotoworld) that he topped off at like 85 mph in a fall league. Even Suppan can do that. I imagine they're bringing him along slowly but I suspect he'll sit in the minors and only be up to the bigs if the whole staff falls apart.

ETA - Here's some good info

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said left-hander Chris Capuano, who's missed most of the past two seasons with elbow injuries is healthy and "100 percent, ready to go."

"There are no restrictions on him medically," Ash said of Capuano, who started six games in rookie ball late last season. "He's ready to go. How he's utilized, my guess is not pitching at this level for a couple of years, he's going to need some time, but this really is going to be one of these cases where spring training's going to show us what we can do with him."

Sadly thats about what Doug Davis's averaged last season as well. Randy Wolf's was 89 and he was also one of the luckiest starters in baseball BABIP-wise.We lost more than we thought we did when we let Mike Maddux go to Texas.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

It is sad to read about Cutter Dykstra and how his old man stole his bonus check.

And now it appears that his career is stalling.

I hope he can turn it around.

 

[strykerpks]

It is sad to read about Cutter Dykstra and how his old man stole his bonus check.

And now it appears that his career is stalling.

I hope he can turn it around.

Yeah that sucks. Going forward, if you're the son of a former MLB All-Star, and you are drafted by the Brewers, do NOT give any money to your father. YWIAOn a side note, I've lost all faith in the arbitration process.

Corey Hart wins and gets a $1.5MM raise

Hart wins hearing

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Feb. 12, 2010 7:43 a.m. |(132) Comments

I just received a text message from Brewers negotiator Teddy Werner, who said he was informed by management's Labor Relations Dept. that rightfielder Corey Hart won his arbitration hearing, conducted Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Hart will receive the $4.8 million salary he requested. The Brewers had offered $4.15 million.

So, the gamble Hart and his agent, Jeff Berry, took paid off handsomely. Even had Hart lost, he would have received a $900,000 raise from his $3.25 million salary of last year. Instead, he gets a $1.55 million raise.

This is why you never know what's going to happen in a hearing. The Brewers thought Hart filed a high figure after batting .260 with 12 HRs and 48 RBI last year. But the panel also considers comparables at Hart's position and service class, and if enough of those players are making the salary he seeks, that works in his favor.

The Brewers never offered a midpoint settlement but Werner said their final offer was "significantly higher" than the figure filed by the club. There were last-minute talks but the Brewers had pulled their final offer from the table after a Jan. 29 deadline they imposed on Hart and Berry.

So, the Brewers lose their gamble and Hart wins his. This is how arbitration works. The three-person panel must pick one figure or the other. No compromise.

I'll get quotes from the two sides and pass them along later.

 

[strykerpks]

Bump

Suppan to start on the DL I'm still not sure how they're going to work this situation with Suppan, Parra and Narveson. I'm guessing when Suppan comes back, Villanueva gets optioned to AAA. Suppan gets first crack at the #5 spot while Parra and Narveson work long relief and spot starts.

Corey Hart is benched...at least for opening day

 

[Tony Jabroni]

BumpSuppan to start on the DL I'm still not sure how they're going to work this situation with Suppan, Parra and Narveson. I'm guessing when Suppan comes back, Villanueva gets optioned to AAA. Suppan gets first crack at the #5 spot while Parra and Narveson work long relief and spot starts.Corey Hart is benched...at least for opening day

LETS GO BREW CREW!

 

[DevilsTrifecta]

Brewers looked pretty good against the Rox today. But how in the hell do you leave 21 men on base???

 

[strykerpks]

Brewers looked pretty good against the Rox today. But how in the hell do you leave 21 men on base???

Not sure what game you were watching but they looked like poop in person. You can't leave 21 on base and look "pretty good".When Carlos Gomes IS your offense you need to figure some things out. Plus the 21 men LOB that you mentioned...There was not one clutch hit today. A similar problem from last year.YoGo giving up 4 didnt help either.I'm sure it sounds like I'm #####ing but I'm not. Just stating the fact that they played like ####. The only silver lining was that Gomez went yard. It kinda ends there.

 

[DevilsTrifecta]

Brewers looked pretty good against the Rox today. But how in the hell do you leave 21 men on base???

Not sure what game you were watching but they looked like poop in person. You can't leave 21 on base and look "pretty good".When Carlos Gomes IS your offense you need to figure some things out. Plus the 21 men LOB that you mentioned...There was not one clutch hit today. A similar problem from last year.YoGo giving up 4 didnt help either.I'm sure it sounds like I'm #####ing but I'm not. Just stating the fact that they played like ####. The only silver lining was that Gomez went yard. It kinda ends there.

I actually read it wrong. That was cumulative LOB by each player. Team LOB was only 11.....but still that's high.Braun had a decent game. Plus, those 2 line drives at the end hit right at Tulo and Barmes if they find holes you guys win.I'm very puzzled why the infield was in last inning. Helton has been putrid against Wolf in his career. Sure, Cargo probably scores anyway on the grounder but would have definitely been a 6-3. I don't understand playing in in the 1st inning in a hitters park against a guy who was OK his rookie year in Oakland, had shoulder problems last year and is only starting cause Francis is on the DL.Nice 3 run jack by McGehee just now.

 

[Statorama]

Brewers looked pretty good against the Rox today. But how in the hell do you leave 21 men on base???

Not sure what game you were watching but they looked like poop in person.

How do you not pinch hit for Edmunds against a LHP in the ninth?Wish I'd known you were there. If you looked up from anywhere in the stadium you might have seen me.One thing good about the seat I was in is that since I was so high I could actually touch the sattelites, my phone reception was GREAT.

 

[strykerpks]

Brewers looked pretty good against the Rox today. But how in the hell do you leave 21 men on base???

Not sure what game you were watching but they looked like poop in person.

How do you not pinch hit for Edmunds against a LHP in the ninth?Wish I'd known you were there. If you looked up from anywhere in the stadium you might have seen me.One thing good about the seat I was in is that since I was so high I could actually touch the sattelites, my phone reception was GREAT.

Was in SRO by Fridays. It was a relatively decent view except we couldn't see the scoreboard. Not that it mattered much after Ian Stewart hit it.Did you really want Corey Hart up in that situation? He would have been the only righty off the bench, I believe.

 

[DevilsTrifecta]

You guys gotta be happy with your bullpen so far. They worked the Rockies.

Nice series and hope the Rox can get some payback at home.

 

[strykerpks]

You guys gotta be happy with your bullpen so far. They worked the Rockies.Nice series and hope the Rox can get some payback at home.

Yeah, the bullpen was pretty solid last year too...until they had to pitch 4+ innings 5 times a week. Our starters gave up 4 each game so hopefully that was just some opening series jitters/really good Rockies offense.The Rockies sure can hit though. That should be a fun team to watch in the west. There's 2 series in Denver so you sneak out with an extra 3 home games

 

[Statorama]

Did you really want Corey Hart up in that situation? He would have been the only righty off the bench, I believe.

With Morales a lock to continue pitching...yeah, I'd probably take my chances with Corey vs a LHP rather than Edmunds.Eh...

 

[DevilsTrifecta]

You guys gotta be happy with your bullpen so far. They worked the Rockies.Nice series and hope the Rox can get some payback at home.

Yeah, the bullpen was pretty solid last year too...until they had to pitch 4+ innings 5 times a week. Our starters gave up 4 each game so hopefully that was just some opening series jitters/really good Rockies offense.The Rockies sure can hit though. That should be a fun team to watch in the west. There's 2 series in Denver so you sneak out with an extra 3 home games

Wolf should be OK long term.Rockies are a beast at the plate but they have too many LH hitters (kind of like Brewers). Playoffs last year we got crushed cause they just put up 3 LH in a row.So....what is the average age on the Brewers? You got like half a dozen players pushing 40!

 

[Eviloutsider]

Weeks, IF he stays healthy, will be an All-Star.

.285 28 HRs and 30 SBs

 

[strykerpks]

EDIT - New link with details

LINK

Gallardo gets five-year, $30.1 million deal

The Brewers on Thursday announced a new, five-year contract for right-hander Yovani Gallardo that will keep the club's home-grown, 24-year-old, Opening Day starter in-house through at least his first season of free agent eligibility.

The Associated Press reported that Gallardo is guaranteed $30.1 million in the deal and could earn $42.5 million including an option for a sixth season in 2015. The details of that option will be among the topics covered in a press conference at Miller Park scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.

According to the AP, Gallardo receives a $1.25 million signing bonus; $500,000 payable when the contract is approved by Major League Baseball, $500,000 on July 15 and $250,000 on Nov. 15. His 2010 salary was bumped up to $500,000 and he will earn $3.25 million next season, $5.5 million in 2012, $7.75 million in 2013 and $11.25 million in 2014. The 2015 option calls for a $13 million salary with a $600,000 buyout.

Before Thursday, Gallardo was set to earn $450,000 in his final pre-arbitration season. He would have been salary arbitration-eligible for the first time after this season, putting him on track to reach free agency during the 2013-14 offseason.

Now Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has succeeded in delaying his young ace's entry into the market. Melvin struck a similar deal nearly two years ago with left fielder Ryan Braun, whose extension runs through 2015 and covers two years of free agency. Braun was also 24 when he signed.

Teams take on risk in deals for such young players but in return get cost certainty and perhaps the chance to delay free agent departures. Players may leave some money on the table versus going year-to-year through arbitration, but they get a lifetime of financial security in return.

The Mexican-born, Texas-raised Gallardo, Milwaukee's second round Draft pick in 2004, lost his Opening Day start against the Rockies but is showing signs of growing into a four-pitch Major League ace.

He returned in 2009 from an '08 season lost almost entirely to knee injuries and went 13-12 with a 3.73 ERA. He became fourth different Brewers pitcher to top 200 strikeouts in a season -- his Mexican countryman, Teddy Higuera is the only Brewer to do so twice -- and ranked third among National League starters with a .219 batting average against.

"He could be in the top handful in the game," said new Brewers catcher Gregg Zaun. "He's got all the ability, so now it's going to be about polishing. He can polish some command, some different pitch sequences, adding and subtracting velocity here and there. He definitely has tremendous life on his stuff."

The Brewers now have their top two starters signed through 2012 and under control through 2013. Left-hander Randy Wolf signed a three-year contract during the Winter Meetings in December that includes a club option for 2013.

Melvin has kept his talks with Gallardo's agent, former Major Leaguer Bobby Witt, out of the spotlight since the sides agreed to a one-year contract early last month. At the same time, Melvin has been in ongoing discussions with first baseman Prince Fielder about an extension of his own, though Thursday's press conference is not expected to include any new information about Fielder.

 

[Mr.Pack]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?

His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"

Wat????

 

[The Kerminator]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"Wat????

How does he take Bush out in the first place?

 

[strykerpks]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"Wat????

How does he take Bush out in the first place?

Thinking in terms of 162 I'm ok with both. Bush needs to be healthy for 30 starts. Hawkins was lights out prior to tonight. Not to mention he was 1-2 on most if not all hitters today. This one sure hurts with a 3 run lead that late but I'm ok with him staying with Hawkins.Cubs capitalized when they needed to. Sometimes the Brewers just get beat by better opportunity offense.If you want to talk about the Rockies or Cards series or game 1 of the Cubs, then I will agree and get into some Macha bashing. But for today I'm ok with his pitching decisions.

 

[Softballguy]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"Wat????

I was so upset at the lack of using Stetter... I was in the car with my wife at the time, screaming at the radio. I sarcastically said, "If you're not going to use your LOOGY in this situation, then why the hell have him on the team?" Next day DFA'd.I don't like a lot of the decisions this season... Batting Gomez 2nd is incomprehensible. Having Suppan in the rotation is the worst of three options. I didn't like Edmonds batting late in the Opener. I didn't like that he didn't put in Stetter against ####udome, or Hoffman a batter earlier with such a high leverage situation (though I realize that every manager makes that mistake). I have to keep reminding myself it's early, buy giving games away to the Cardinals and Cubs isn't a good way to start the year.

 

[Eephus]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"Wat????

I was so upset at the lack of using Stetter... I was in the car with my wife at the time, screaming at the radio. I sarcastically said, "If you're not going to use your LOOGY in this situation, then why the hell have him on the team?" Next day DFA'd.I don't like a lot of the decisions this season... Batting Gomez 2nd is incomprehensible. Having Suppan in the rotation is the worst of three options. I didn't like Edmonds batting late in the Opener. I didn't like that he didn't put in Stetter against ####udome, or Hoffman a batter earlier with such a high leverage situation (though I realize that every manager makes that mistake). I have to keep reminding myself it's early, buy giving games away to the Cardinals and Cubs isn't a good way to start the year.

Stetter is headed back to AAA

 

[Mr.Pack]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?

His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"

Wat????

How does he take Bush out in the first place?

Thinking in terms of 162 I'm ok with both. Bush needs to be healthy for 30 starts. Hawkins was lights out prior to tonight. Not to mention he was 1-2 on most if not all hitters today. This one sure hurts with a 3 run lead that late but I'm ok with him staying with Hawkins.Cubs capitalized when they needed to. Sometimes the Brewers just get beat by better opportunity offense.

If you want to talk about the Rockies or Cards series or game 1 of the Cubs, then I will agree and get into some Macha bashing. But for today I'm ok with his pitching decisions.

Stryk were you drunk when you typed this?Hawkins sucks, as bad as he was when he was with the cubs.

Horrible move by Macha.

I hope Macha gets fired by mid-season. I've had enough.

 

[Mr.Pack]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"Wat????

I was so upset at the lack of using Stetter... I was in the car with my wife at the time, screaming at the radio. I sarcastically said, "If you're not going to use your LOOGY in this situation, then why the hell have him on the team?" Next day DFA'd.I don't like a lot of the decisions this season... Batting Gomez 2nd is incomprehensible. Having Suppan in the rotation is the worst of three options. I didn't like Edmonds batting late in the Opener. I didn't like that he didn't put in Stetter against ####udome, or Hoffman a batter earlier with such a high leverage situation (though I realize that every manager makes that mistake). I have to keep reminding myself it's early, buy giving games away to the Cardinals and Cubs isn't a good way to start the year.

 

[strykerpks]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?

His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"

Wat????

How does he take Bush out in the first place?

Thinking in terms of 162 I'm ok with both. Bush needs to be healthy for 30 starts. Hawkins was lights out prior to tonight. Not to mention he was 1-2 on most if not all hitters today. This one sure hurts with a 3 run lead that late but I'm ok with him staying with Hawkins.Cubs capitalized when they needed to. Sometimes the Brewers just get beat by better opportunity offense.

If you want to talk about the Rockies or Cards series or game 1 of the Cubs, then I will agree and get into some Macha bashing. But for today I'm ok with his pitching decisions.

Stryk were you drunk when you typed this?Hawkins sucks, as bad as he was when he was with the cubs.

Horrible move by Macha.

I hope Macha gets fired by mid-season. I've had enough.

Actually yeah I was. I still think it was ok. Tonight? Not so much.Step back down off the ledge, it's been what 10 games?. What do you suggest be done to replace him? Willie? Svuem? How about long term?

 

[Mr.Pack]

This ones on Macha. How in the hell can you not bring in Stetter to face ####udome?

His explanation: "I had Stetter up and ready, but with the way Hawk was pitching you have to let him get out of the inning"

Wat????

How does he take Bush out in the first place?

Thinking in terms of 162 I'm ok with both. Bush needs to be healthy for 30 starts. Hawkins was lights out prior to tonight. Not to mention he was 1-2 on most if not all hitters today. This one sure hurts with a 3 run lead that late but I'm ok with him staying with Hawkins.Cubs capitalized when they needed to. Sometimes the Brewers just get beat by better opportunity offense.

If you want to talk about the Rockies or Cards series or game 1 of the Cubs, then I will agree and get into some Macha bashing. But for today I'm ok with his pitching decisions.

Stryk were you drunk when you typed this?Hawkins sucks, as bad as he was when he was with the cubs.

Horrible move by Macha.

I hope Macha gets fired by mid-season. I've had enough.

Actually yeah I was. I still think it was ok. Tonight? Not so much.Step back down off the ledge, it's been what 10 games?. What do you suggest be done to replace him? Willie? Svuem? How about long term?

Love to see Svuem get a shot.I have never liked Macha. I have never liked his moves with the pitching staff, probably my biggest concern with him. He gets things in his head and that's all he sees. Never open to changing things up.

 

[strykerpks]

Love to see Svuem get a shot.I have never liked Macha. I have never liked his moves with the pitching staff, probably my biggest concern with him. He gets things in his head and that's all he sees. Never open to changing things up.

What makes you thinks Svuem is going to do any better? He trotted out Suppan in game 4 of the playoffs, only to bring in Gallardo after a few innings for crying out loud. That was as idiotic of a decision as anything Macha has done if you ask me. Not to mention he's a sub-par hitting coach to boot. Plus I would think that going from Castro to Peterson is a pretty significant change in pitching philosophy.I'm not a Macha apologist by any means, but the Crew's window is this year and next year. Regime change shouldn't be high on the list of things Melvin should be doing. If you're going to scrap it this year and fire the manager in June, then sell Prince and bring up Gamel, Cain, Braddock, Axford etc and start building for a run in 4-5 years or so.Again, it's been 11 games. Losing a series to the Nats sure doesnt help but it's like freaking out after game 1 of the football season.

 

[The Kerminator]

Love to see Svuem get a shot.I have never liked Macha. I have never liked his moves with the pitching staff, probably my biggest concern with him. He gets things in his head and that's all he sees. Never open to changing things up.

What makes you thinks Svuem is going to do any better? He trotted out Suppan in game 4 of the playoffs, only to bring in Gallardo after a few innings for crying out loud. That was as idiotic of a decision as anything Macha has done if you ask me. Not to mention he's a sub-par hitting coach to boot. Plus I would think that going from Castro to Peterson is a pretty significant change in pitching philosophy.I'm not a Macha apologist by any means, but the Crew's window is this year and next year. Regime change shouldn't be high on the list of things Melvin should be doing. If you're going to scrap it this year and fire the manager in June, then sell Prince and bring up Gamel, Cain, Braddock, Axford etc and start building for a run in 4-5 years or so.Again, it's been 11 games. Losing a series to the Nats sure doesnt help but it's like freaking out after game 1 of the football season.

It's been only 10 games. It's been 11 games. It's been 17 games. Where's it end? Sure it's only been 11 games but the same problems from last year are still there in these 11 games. Poor starting pitching. Poor relief pitching. Shoddy defense. Lousy base running. Poor situational hitting. Questionable managerial decisions. Absolutely no fire from the manager or the team. At some point this team needs to wake up and realize that these games in April are just as important as game in August and September.

 

[JJP]

I've got plenty of Brewers tickets for upcoming games, section 222, if anyone is interested. Have tix for all three games against the Cubs next weekend.

 

[strykerpks]

Love to see Svuem get a shot.I have never liked Macha. I have never liked his moves with the pitching staff, probably my biggest concern with him. He gets things in his head and that's all he sees. Never open to changing things up.

What makes you thinks Svuem is going to do any better? He trotted out Suppan in game 4 of the playoffs, only to bring in Gallardo after a few innings for crying out loud. That was as idiotic of a decision as anything Macha has done if you ask me. Not to mention he's a sub-par hitting coach to boot. Plus I would think that going from Castro to Peterson is a pretty significant change in pitching philosophy.I'm not a Macha apologist by any means, but the Crew's window is this year and next year. Regime change shouldn't be high on the list of things Melvin should be doing. If you're going to scrap it this year and fire the manager in June, then sell Prince and bring up Gamel, Cain, Braddock, Axford etc and start building for a run in 4-5 years or so.Again, it's been 11 games. Losing a series to the Nats sure doesnt help but it's like freaking out after game 1 of the football season.

It's been only 10 games. It's been 11 games. It's been 17 games. Where's it end? Sure it's only been 11 games but the same problems from last year are still there in these 11 games. Poor starting pitching. Poor relief pitching. Shoddy defense. Lousy base running. Poor situational hitting. Questionable managerial decisions. Absolutely no fire from the manager or the team. At some point this team needs to wake up and realize that these games in April are just as important as game in August and September.

Agreed, like I said I"m not a Macha apologist. But we said the same thing with Ned Yost, and Jerry Royster and Davy Lopes and Phil Garner etc. Like you said, where does it end? When does some of the blame fall on the gosh darn players? JFC you people sound like the Ted Thompson haters in the SP. Sometimes it's not the management.And spare me the "Well then management should put better players on the field" crap. Randy Moss did not want to come to Green Bay. CC did not want to stay with Milwaukee. Prince does not want to stay with Milwaukee. Sometimes the best you can get is Suppan for $42MM or Randy Wolf for $32MM or Doug Davis for whatever he signed for. It sure isn't a ####### great pitching staff but for ####s sake it's better than what they had last year.I'm sorry but you ####ers will never be happy. They sacrificed a ton of offense to get some pitching. It hasn't worked out in the first 2 weeks. So be it. Werent they 6 games under .500 at the end of May in '08 when they went to the playoffs?? Again, I'm not a Macha apologist by any means nor do I think this is a world series team. But #######it be a fan. You sound like Cub ####ers when you start spouting "Fire Ken Macha dot com" after 2 ####### weeks/drunk rant

I've got plenty of Brewers tickets for upcoming games, section 222, if anyone is interested. Have tix for all three games against the Cubs next weekend.

PM Me. Face-value-ish and I'm in for a few games. What do you have available? My schedule is pretty tight but I can probably make a few games work

 

[strykerpks]

Oof. Sorry I got a little fired up there last night

 

[Softballguy]

Oof. Sorry I got a little fired up there last night

I'm usually the one that tells people to relax. I think Wisconsin is so much a football state, and we're so used to each game meaning so much that we loose perspective in baseball.However, I just can't reconcile some of the moves Macha has made, mainly batting Gomez second to start the year. His bullpen management has been suspect, but I don't think it has been as bad as Ned's... yet anyway. I'm not solidly in the "fire Ken" camp yet, but I don't think it would be the worst thing. The players didn't like him last year, he's not been impressive this year, and there are viable options that could slide right in to the manager's position. And it's not like switching managers during the regular season hasn't worked out in the past.

 

[strykerpks]

Gallardo with 10 Ks through 5 and Macha pulls him. Edit - His pitch count was over 100.

Man Escobar and Gomez are fast. 3 triples between them tonight. Good to see Gerut hit one out tonight as well.

At any rate, a bunch of runs these past 3 games, two straight solid starts...Where's Pack and Prawn? JK GBs

Startin to come together Pepper, startin to come to gether. /loubrown

And at the kid's iPhone getting smashed by the Fielder liner. I could see Prince springing for a new one

 

[The Kerminator]

Gallardo with 10 Ks through 5 and Macha pulls him. Edit - His pitch count was over 100.

Man Escobar and Gomez are fast. 3 triples between them tonight. Good to see Gerut hit one out tonight as well.

At any rate, a bunch of runs these past 3 games, two straight solid starts...Where's Pack and Prawn? JK GBs

Startin to come together Pepper, startin to come to gether. /loubrown

And at the kid's iPhone getting smashed by the Fielder liner. I could see Prince springing for a new one

Better starting pitching. Better relief pitching. Better defense. Better base running. Still some questionable managerial decisions (not sure about pulling Bush or Gallardo last night and tonight but I'll give him those). Did they turn the corner or is it the Pirates? Nice to see them having fun and a little more life from them.

 

[Pipes]

And at the kid's iPhone getting smashed by the Fielder liner. I could see Prince springing for a new one

That guy was lucky that he wasn't seriously hurt. Fielder really laced that one...and yeah it was hilarious (after we knew he was allright). I'm guessing since he was interviewed Prince or someone in the Brewer organization will splurge for a new phone.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Gallardo with 10 Ks through 5 and Macha pulls him. Edit - His pitch count was over 100.

Man Escobar and Gomez are fast. 3 triples between them tonight. Good to see Gerut hit one out tonight as well.

At any rate, a bunch of runs these past 3 games, two straight solid starts...Where's Pack and Prawn? JK GBs

Startin to come together Pepper, startin to come to gether. /loubrown

And at the kid's iPhone getting smashed by the Fielder liner. I could see Prince springing for a new one

Better starting pitching. Better relief pitching. Better defense. Better base running. Still some questionable managerial decisions (not sure about pulling Bush or Gallardo last night and tonight but I'll give him those). Did they turn the corner or is it the Pirates? Nice to see them having fun and a little more life from them.

Bush was rolling yesterday, why not keep him out there and save the bullpen for another day? Macha pulls him and we immediately give up a run. (Granted, the game was in hand) I understand the long season explanation, but if the guy is pitching like that, ride it out. We should cherish the gem Bush had with the hacks of "Soup" and Doug Davis around.

If our starter is doing well, ride him, cause our bullpen stinks. This also ties into Suppan and D Davis pitching 4 innings a start, which wears down our relievers.

I'm a die hard, but, chalk this up to playing the Pirates. We did knock around a tough lefty in Duke though.

Our offense looks stout, even with Prince's typical slow start. Mcgehee is a legit 5 hole guy to protect Braun/Fielder. Escobar/Gomez while inconsistent so far, have serious speed and defense. I like what I see early from Edmonds.

As with any team, if our starters can't even make it to the 6th, we are in serious trouble long-term. It's already been ugly early, but, I have some faith in a couple of the "long relievers" we have. (Narveson/Parra) Villenueva has been the only bright spot in the pen so far, IMO.

If I don't make any sense...I've been

 

[The Kerminator]

Gallardo with 10 Ks through 5 and Macha pulls him. Edit - His pitch count was over 100.

Man Escobar and Gomez are fast. 3 triples between them tonight. Good to see Gerut hit one out tonight as well.

At any rate, a bunch of runs these past 3 games, two straight solid starts...Where's Pack and Prawn? JK GBs

Startin to come together Pepper, startin to come to gether. /loubrown

And at the kid's iPhone getting smashed by the Fielder liner. I could see Prince springing for a new one

Better starting pitching. Better relief pitching. Better defense. Better base running. Still some questionable managerial decisions (not sure about pulling Bush or Gallardo last night and tonight but I'll give him those). Did they turn the corner or is it the Pirates? Nice to see them having fun and a little more life from them.

Bush was rolling yesterday, why not keep him out there and save the bullpen for another day? Macha pulls him and we immediately give up a run. (Granted, the game was in hand) I understand the long season explanation, but if the guy is pitching like that, ride it out. We should cherish the gem Bush had with the hacks of "Soup" and Doug Davis around.

If our starter is doing well, ride him, cause our bullpen stinks. This also ties into Suppan and D Davis pitching 4 innings a start, which wears down our relievers.

I'm a die hard, but, chalk this up to playing the Pirates. We did knock around a tough lefty in Duke though.

Our offense looks stout, even with Prince's typical slow start. Mcgehee is a legit 5 hole guy to protect Braun/Fielder. Escobar/Gomez while inconsistent so far, have serious speed and defense. I like what I see early from Edmonds.

As with any team, if our starters can't even make it to the 6th, we are in serious trouble long-term. It's already been ugly early, but, I have some faith in a couple of the "long relievers" we have. (Narveson/Parra) Villenueva has been the only bright spot in the pen so far, IMO.

If I don't make any sense...I've been

You should drink more because you make perfect sense.

 

[strykerpks]

You should drink more because you make perfect sense.

I should cut back on drinking because I tend to go off a little And I am not being condescending here, I really don't know, but what kind of pitch count should a typical starting pitcher have? Bush was at 96 when he was pulled and Gallardo was at 103 when he was pulled. It seems people tend to get on Dusty Baker for allowing his young arms to go 110+ each and every start.

 

[QuizGuy66]

This offense is just ridiculous!

Probably the best they've had since the World Series team, no?

Like 40 runs a game it seems like.

-QG

 

[Pipes]

Outscored the Pirates 36-1 in a 3 game series. Granted it's the Pirates but it's still very impressive.

I really like what we're seeing out of Rickie Weeks so far this season. Maybe this is the year he can finally stay healthy and put everything together.

 

[The Kerminator]

You should drink more because you make perfect sense.

I should cut back on drinking because I tend to go off a little And I am not being condescending here, I really don't know, but what kind of pitch count should a typical starting pitcher have? Bush was at 96 when he was pulled and Gallardo was at 103 when he was pulled. It seems people tend to get on Dusty Baker for allowing his young arms to go 110+ each and every start.

I would think 100-110 pitches is OK but I'm really not sure. It's not just Macha but baseball in general. Another trend is bringing in a reliever to start an inning. It seems to happen less and less that a manager brings in a reliever in the middle of an inning. Maybe I'm just old school but I believe a pitcher needs to throw more, not less. That is how you build up arm strength and stamina. If I remember correctly Macha pulled Bush after 7 innings. I would have left him in to start the 8th and see what happens. Who knows, he may have had a 6 pitch inning. If he struggles or reaches his pitch count you can then pull him in the middle of the inning. I think Gallarda reached his pitch count after 5 innings. He needs to be more economical than that. And I'm not a big believer of having a guy for the 7th, a guy for the 8th, and Hoffman for the 9th. If the 7th inning guy is pitching good leave him come out for the 8th. If your 8th inning guy is mowing them down, bring him out in the 9th. I think that rigidness cost the Brewers a game earlier this season.Nice to see them put it together against the Pirates. Hopefully they can continue to roll against the Cubbies.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

You should drink more because you make perfect sense.

I should cut back on drinking because I tend to go off a little And I am not being condescending here, I really don't know, but what kind of pitch count should a typical starting pitcher have? Bush was at 96 when he was pulled and Gallardo was at 103 when he was pulled. It seems people tend to get on Dusty Baker for allowing his young arms to go 110+ each and every start.

I would think 100-110 pitches is OK but I'm really not sure. It's not just Macha but baseball in general. Another trend is bringing in a reliever to start an inning. It seems to happen less and less that a manager brings in a reliever in the middle of an inning. Maybe I'm just old school but I believe a pitcher needs to throw more, not less. That is how you build up arm strength and stamina. If I remember correctly Macha pulled Bush after 7 innings. I would have left him in to start the 8th and see what happens. Who knows, he may have had a 6 pitch inning. If he struggles or reaches his pitch count you can then pull him in the middle of the inning. I think Gallarda reached his pitch count after 5 innings. He needs to be more economical than that. And I'm not a big believer of having a guy for the 7th, a guy for the 8th, and Hoffman for the 9th. If the 7th inning guy is pitching good leave him come out for the 8th. If your 8th inning guy is mowing them down, bring him out in the 9th. I think that rigidness cost the Brewers a game earlier this season.Nice to see them put it together against the Pirates. Hopefully they can continue to roll against the Cubbies.

Not , excellent posting.

 

[The Kerminator]

My pitch count for Suppan would be about 2 (and that's about 2 too many). How is he still in the rotation?

 

[Tony Jabroni]

My pitch count for Suppan would be about 2 (and that's about 2 too many). How is he still in the rotation?

I got last minute excellent tix last night to watch this abysmal performance. Eat the $ and get him the hell outta here.

 

[The Kerminator]

It's pretty sad when Macha makes you miss Ned Yost.

 

[The Kerminator]

Today's lineup:

2B Weeks

SS Counsell

LF Braun

1B Fielder

3B McGehee

CF Gerut

RF Inglett

C Kottaras

LHP Wolf

That should scare the Padres. Can we fire Macha now?

 

[Statorama]

I was feeling a little down about the Brewers offense being on hiatus, until I realized they've been facing the likes of Clayton Richard and Jon Garland. Facing ace after ace like that will wear you down.