Astronomical Win

I used the headline "Brewers Align Stars" earlier, but then noticed that In Between-Hops beat me to the punch with their own (similar) line, "Stars Aligned". So I changed mine. Not that anyone cares...

Man am I good with headlines.

Milwaukee's offense seems to be at full tilt with Corey Hart leading the charge. Today The Crew defeated Houston 9-6 to capture the series and evening their road trip 3-3. Ben Sheets had another strong start striking out 9, allowing 7 hits and giving up 3 earned runs in 118 pitches. Mota came in to relieve the ace in the 8th inning and set-up Torres' 8th save of the season.

Corey Hart belted his 10th homerun of the season and drove in another 3 RBI's (7 in 2 games). In addition to Hart, Prince Fielder (11), Mike Cameron (9), and Gabe Kapler (5) all went yard in the win. Not a bad way to rebound from the last time they were at the juice box where they were swept. Craig Counsell added two hits, one of which was a ripping double that drove in a run. Mike Rivera (.333) provided Jason Kendall a day off and added to the mix with a hit of his own.

Houston and Milwaukee combined for 7 homeruns in todays game. Tejada continued his hot streak by blasting his 9th off Ben Sheets.

-Ben Sheets should all but seal his All-Star spot on the National League roster with a convincing win that brought his record to 7-1. Keep in mind that Sheets had a couple of no-decisions thus far in the season, one of which was last weekend in Denver (thanks Mota). His ERA is at a blistering .272 and he is pitching like there is no tomorrow....for Milwaukee. I would expect some suitors to surface pretty soon here. With this being a contract year, I can all but guaranty that Sheets will not be in a Brewer uniform next year. He is having too good of a season. It's almost to the point that if he doesn't go on the DL by the trade deadline, Milwaukee will be priced out in the off-season and will have nothing to show for him. Gut feeling that's all.

-Lance Berkman is a horse (sorry Lee). Batting .366 on the season and showing no signs of cooling off. Even today, despite going hitless, the Corky Thatcher look-alike (dark haired version) drove in a run. Switch hitting nonetheless.

-Jeff Weaver is no longer a Brewer. This was sort of a no-brainer. Take no risk in hopes that this schlep could have a decent minor league stint to warrant a call up. Well, going 2-4 doesn't quite cut it. Bye.

-Gabe Kapler's homerun today was his first one in his career off a right hander. That's pretty impressive. Not the streak, but that a retired ball player can come back and accomplish (or break that streak) that personal feat.

-JJ Hardy will probably be placed on the DL. He sat out today's game with his soar shoulder injury. Hopefully, it will be a short stint (15 days). He has been providing some timely hits, but his average is pretty low (.240's). Should he be put on the list, I would imagine Milwaukee would try signing Jeff Cirillo. Yes, I know he's busy looking like a deer in headlights for FSN. But he did state he would play if called upon. Not to mention other teams have considered him (Colorado). I could see him being brought on board in this case. A veteran like Jeff could be a great addition to the dug out and fill-in roles (Third and Short Stop).