96 WINS 96 wins
96 wins
96 wins
Last night the Milwaukee Brewers notched their 96th win of the season, thus beating out the storied team from 1982 for the best franchise record. What a season Milwaukee, thank you!
Zack Greinke allowed earned his 16th win of the season, this after missing the first 5 of the regular season, after going 6 complete and giving up 2 earned runs on 5 hits. He looked damn good and brought some nasty stuff.
Offensively, Lucroy & Hart went yard in the same innings while GO GO GOmez followed suit an inning later.
TEAM WISCONSIN: A bush league blog that discusses news, rumors, and BS regarding the Milwaukee Brewers.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
95-66: Prince blasts 3 HR's in route
Brewers beat the Pirates last night 6-4 behind a career night by Prince Fielder. He hit his 36, 37, and 38th home run of the season while Rickie Weeks blasted the longest home run by a right handed batter in Miller Park history.
It was another tough day on the mound however, as Randy Wolf looked sloopy and out of sync with George Kottaras. He gave up 4 earned runs on 9 hits in only 5.2 innings of work (the 5.2 innings is normal for pre-playoffs). Regardless, Randy Wolf's era will finish at a surprising 3.69 for the season.
Speaking of, how about our starting rotation?!?!
Yovani Gallardo (17-10) 3.52 era / 207 SO / 207.1 innings -- that's a strike out per inning!
Shaun Marcum (13-7) 3.54 era / 158 SO / 200.2 innings -- similar as 2010, more walks though
*Zack Greinke (15-6) 3.86 era / 197 SO / 165.2 innings -- 197 K's and he missed a month!
Randy Wolf (13-10) 3.69 era / 134 SO / 212.1 innings -- most innings pitched in the rotation
Chris Narveson (11-8) 4.45 era / 126 SO / 161.2 innings -- biggest surprise of the rotation, excellent #5
*pitching tonight
Chris Narveson (15 day DL) and Zack Greinke (first 6 weeks of season) were the only pitchers to go on the DL in 2011. That's a huge difference compared to the years past.
You want to see something funny? Watch THIS video clip of Ryan Roberts grand slam home run last night, called by Darron Sutton. Noticed the lack of fans in the stands. Miller Park had over 40,000+ fans jammed in the park. It looks like there are maybe 5k (if they're lucky).
It was another tough day on the mound however, as Randy Wolf looked sloopy and out of sync with George Kottaras. He gave up 4 earned runs on 9 hits in only 5.2 innings of work (the 5.2 innings is normal for pre-playoffs). Regardless, Randy Wolf's era will finish at a surprising 3.69 for the season.
Speaking of, how about our starting rotation?!?!
Yovani Gallardo (17-10) 3.52 era / 207 SO / 207.1 innings -- that's a strike out per inning!
Shaun Marcum (13-7) 3.54 era / 158 SO / 200.2 innings -- similar as 2010, more walks though
*Zack Greinke (15-6) 3.86 era / 197 SO / 165.2 innings -- 197 K's and he missed a month!
Randy Wolf (13-10) 3.69 era / 134 SO / 212.1 innings -- most innings pitched in the rotation
Chris Narveson (11-8) 4.45 era / 126 SO / 161.2 innings -- biggest surprise of the rotation, excellent #5
*pitching tonight
Chris Narveson (15 day DL) and Zack Greinke (first 6 weeks of season) were the only pitchers to go on the DL in 2011. That's a huge difference compared to the years past.
You want to see something funny? Watch THIS video clip of Ryan Roberts grand slam home run last night, called by Darron Sutton. Noticed the lack of fans in the stands. Miller Park had over 40,000+ fans jammed in the park. It looks like there are maybe 5k (if they're lucky).
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
94-65: Crew cruises past Fish in series sweep.
Milwaukee, not showing any signs of coasting through the final days of the season, cruised to a victory yesterday afternoon against the Fish. I will admit, I didn't even tune it because I watching the Packers play. Granted, I should've because we're only days away from October baseball starting, but I have been on baseball overload as of late. Friday & Saturday's games drained me. How cool was that? My gully.
The Brewers set a Miller Park record with their 55th win of the season, by beating Florida 9-5 behind Chris Narveson's (11-8) nice outing. He went 6.1 innings allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits, 5 K's and 5 walks.
It was the bullpen, the unheralded bullpen that has been the reason behind Milwaukee's pennant, that closed it down. K Loe went 1.1 innings and gave up an earned run, while Hawkins & Estrada finished it off.
Ryan Braun hit his 33rd HR of the season. If he doesn't win the MVP....my gully.
Enough with the game....how about the NLDS....
Who will start at 3B? It's looking more and more like Casey McGehee will be the odd man out. Jerry Hairston, Taylor Green, and Counsell will probably all take starts, with Hairston probably getting 2 starts in the NLDS. Casey is 4 for 52 and his BA has dropped to .224 on the season. Not exactly what you want to see at the corner. He also has 20 errors, which is good for 3rd worse in MLB.
Don't forget that Milwaukee is hosting a playoff rally on Thursday down at the Summerfest grounds.
My name was NOT selected in the ticket lottery. This made me sad. I suppose I should've entered a few more times.
The Brewers set a Miller Park record with their 55th win of the season, by beating Florida 9-5 behind Chris Narveson's (11-8) nice outing. He went 6.1 innings allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits, 5 K's and 5 walks.
It was the bullpen, the unheralded bullpen that has been the reason behind Milwaukee's pennant, that closed it down. K Loe went 1.1 innings and gave up an earned run, while Hawkins & Estrada finished it off.
Ryan Braun hit his 33rd HR of the season. If he doesn't win the MVP....my gully.
Enough with the game....how about the NLDS....
Who will start at 3B? It's looking more and more like Casey McGehee will be the odd man out. Jerry Hairston, Taylor Green, and Counsell will probably all take starts, with Hairston probably getting 2 starts in the NLDS. Casey is 4 for 52 and his BA has dropped to .224 on the season. Not exactly what you want to see at the corner. He also has 20 errors, which is good for 3rd worse in MLB.
Don't forget that Milwaukee is hosting a playoff rally on Thursday down at the Summerfest grounds.
My name was NOT selected in the ticket lottery. This made me sad. I suppose I should've entered a few more times.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
92-65: MILWAUKEE WINS FIRST PENNANT SINCE '82!
What a game--what a game. Milwaukee was on all cylinders Friday night, especially Ryan Braun. It was his 3-run blast in the 8th inning that sealed the deal for the Suds City. Just like in 2008 when Braun hit a grand slam in the 8th that capped their first playoff appearence since '82. Pictures and videos can only begin to do this event any justice.....Milwaukee won 4-1 and the Cubbies (beloved for one night) beat the Cardinals.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Magic Number at 2 heading in to the weekend...
The time has come for the Milwaukee Brewers to seal the deal and to bring home a pennant. With the Pirates coming to town and the Cardinals dropping last night's game 6-8 (against the Mets), the stars have finally aligned over Miller Park. The Central Division could get wrapped up tonight with a little help from the Cubs, who play the Cards starting at 7:15pm tonight. My guess is that Milwaukee will win tonight and they'll have to wait around for 10-15 minutes to celebrate, because I have a feeling the Cubbies are going to come through. They hate the Cardinals more than they hate us; not that it matters. It's not like they're saying, "Man...let's whoop ass on them Red Birds to help out our dogs that live an hour up the road from us. Regardless, Chicago is 5-5 over the past 10 games and if they play tonight like they played Milwaukee this past series....there could be a party in Milwaukee tonight. I am willing to guaranty that Chicago will win at least 1 game of this series. So all Milwaukee has to do sweep this series. By the way, Pittsburgh is 3-7 in the same time span.
The Brewers' Minor League coaching changes have been named and Don Money will no longer be the manager of the Sounds. He has been named to the role of Special Instructor/Player Development. In his place will be the Huntsville Stars old manager, Sandy Guerrero. In Sandy's place will be Minor League Hitting Coordinator, Darnell Coles.
Damn it, I wish I had ESPN Insider subscription, because THIS STORY was on to something. Granted, if you don't have a membership you can only read a few paragraphs....but they hit it on the head. Once Prince leaves in December-Feb this offseason, Milwaukee will then have some cash freed up to make an off-season move of their own. Possibly a couple of moves. Could they go out and reel in an even better 5th starter in their rotation? Narveson has certainly delivered this season, I should say over-delivered (10-8, 4.40 era). But pitching wins championships. That's a long shot of course, but they will need a new set-up man and a 1B. Better yet, they'll need a new SS and possibly even a 3B if Taylor Green isn't "the one".
It's time to put the women and children to bed and go looking for dinner.....Bring it home Milwaukee!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
91-64: Brewers magic number dwindles down to 3
Please please please St. Louis, don't lose tonight. Milwaukee takes on Chicago for a day game (1:20pm) while the Cardinals play the Mets at home later tonight. If the Brewers and Cardinals both win, the Crew will be celebrating their first pennant since 1982 at home in bed or at a bar, apart. They need this celebration in order to build off it heading in to the last 2 series of the season and then on to the post season. Isn't it nice? I'm sitting here bitching about the Brewers clinching too soon.
Shaun Marcum was lights out last night, make no mistake about it. He went 8 complete innings and gave up 1 earned run on 5 hits, 7 strike outs, and no walks. This is what Milwaukee fans want to see during the final days of the regular season. Frankie Rodriguez had 3 k's and gave up 1 hit, looking equally impressive.
Marcum & Hart each doubled, the only extra base hits for the Crew.
Ryan Braun went 1 for 5 and his batting average dropped to .332 on the season; Jose Reyes is at .331. So they are neck and neck in the batting king race.
My guess is that Ryan Braun will win MVP this season and Prince Fielder will finish 3rd. Jose Reyes or Kemp will finish 2nd.
If Milwaukee wants to make a big off-season splash, they'll target corner infielders. No better place to look than Aramis Ramirez. The 3B pool this off-season for free agents is small. Milwaukee has to ask themselves if they should bet on McGehee (0-4 last night) & Green to platoon 3B next season or go on a for-sure thing like Ramirez. I think you could sign Ramirez and work out a trade that could send Taylor Green (and another prospect) to a team for a SS. Time will tell in October on what Milwaukee will do the leftside of that infield, but I have a feeling that it's not going to improve much.
Mike Fiers (RHP) may get his first big league start of his career against Pittsburgh.
Milwaukee's rotation, as I see it, will be:
The Brewers will clinch the 2nd best record in baseball, thus giving them homefield advantage in the NLDS. They will face either Atlanta or St Louis in Milwaukee.
1. Yovani Gallardo
2. Zack Grinke
3. Randy Wolf
4. Shaun Marcum
You know damn well that Greink will pitch at home, as his record is spotless at Miller Park. So he's a shoe-in for the 2nd spot in the rotation; that way he doesn't have to pitch on the road. Gallardo has always been the team's ace and should be #1 guy. That's a long term investment type thing Milwaukee's coaching staff will give him, since he's going to be around a while. Zack & Marcum (and Wolf too, I think) could all be gone after the 2012 season.
Bullpen
long relief: Narveson
7th Hawkins
8th KRod
9th Axford
I don't see Saito staying healthy in October, as he is already experience some calf stifness and was unavailable for last night's game. He's brittle, but damn good when healthy.
Loe will probably be used here and there, depending on the rest for the others. Estrada will be the odd man out all together, unless our SP's blow it in back-to-back games.
Shaun Marcum was lights out last night, make no mistake about it. He went 8 complete innings and gave up 1 earned run on 5 hits, 7 strike outs, and no walks. This is what Milwaukee fans want to see during the final days of the regular season. Frankie Rodriguez had 3 k's and gave up 1 hit, looking equally impressive.
Marcum & Hart each doubled, the only extra base hits for the Crew.
Ryan Braun went 1 for 5 and his batting average dropped to .332 on the season; Jose Reyes is at .331. So they are neck and neck in the batting king race.
My guess is that Ryan Braun will win MVP this season and Prince Fielder will finish 3rd. Jose Reyes or Kemp will finish 2nd.
If Milwaukee wants to make a big off-season splash, they'll target corner infielders. No better place to look than Aramis Ramirez. The 3B pool this off-season for free agents is small. Milwaukee has to ask themselves if they should bet on McGehee (0-4 last night) & Green to platoon 3B next season or go on a for-sure thing like Ramirez. I think you could sign Ramirez and work out a trade that could send Taylor Green (and another prospect) to a team for a SS. Time will tell in October on what Milwaukee will do the leftside of that infield, but I have a feeling that it's not going to improve much.
Mike Fiers (RHP) may get his first big league start of his career against Pittsburgh.
Milwaukee's rotation, as I see it, will be:
The Brewers will clinch the 2nd best record in baseball, thus giving them homefield advantage in the NLDS. They will face either Atlanta or St Louis in Milwaukee.
1. Yovani Gallardo
2. Zack Grinke
3. Randy Wolf
4. Shaun Marcum
You know damn well that Greink will pitch at home, as his record is spotless at Miller Park. So he's a shoe-in for the 2nd spot in the rotation; that way he doesn't have to pitch on the road. Gallardo has always been the team's ace and should be #1 guy. That's a long term investment type thing Milwaukee's coaching staff will give him, since he's going to be around a while. Zack & Marcum (and Wolf too, I think) could all be gone after the 2012 season.
Bullpen
long relief: Narveson
7th Hawkins
8th KRod
9th Axford
I don't see Saito staying healthy in October, as he is already experience some calf stifness and was unavailable for last night's game. He's brittle, but damn good when healthy.
Loe will probably be used here and there, depending on the rest for the others. Estrada will be the odd man out all together, unless our SP's blow it in back-to-back games.
Monday, September 19, 2011
90-63: Back to the basics for Milwaukee
It was Jonathon Lucroy who last week told AM 1250 that Milwaukee destined to have a break out series coming up. Well....he was right. Milwaukee swept the Reds out of Great American Ball Park and they are now on their way to Chicago, where they'll hopefully clinch the pennant. Which sucks if you think about how small that club house is at Wrigley. It's going to look like a bunch of grown men smashed in to a janitors closet.
The Brew Crew took game one with a score of 6-3.
The Brew Crew took game two with a score of 10-1.
The Brew Crew took game three with a score of 8-1.
Do the math at home now, and that gives you 24 runs by Milwaukee.
Milwaukee can now breath a sigh of relief. With their magic number down to 4 games and only 3 more series left to play, the Brewers will probably keep their rotation the way it is and shoot for the #2 spot in the playoffs (home field advantage).
More speculation on where Prince will end up next season. I'm seeing Albert Pujols staying put in St Louis and Prince going to Washington DC. In return, Milwaukee will either land James Looney from the Dodgers or be a long shot at getting Lance Berkman to fill in at 1B.
The Brew Crew took game one with a score of 6-3.
The Brew Crew took game two with a score of 10-1.
The Brew Crew took game three with a score of 8-1.
Do the math at home now, and that gives you 24 runs by Milwaukee.
Milwaukee can now breath a sigh of relief. With their magic number down to 4 games and only 3 more series left to play, the Brewers will probably keep their rotation the way it is and shoot for the #2 spot in the playoffs (home field advantage).
More speculation on where Prince will end up next season. I'm seeing Albert Pujols staying put in St Louis and Prince going to Washington DC. In return, Milwaukee will either land James Looney from the Dodgers or be a long shot at getting Lance Berkman to fill in at 1B.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
87-63: Brewers turn Miller Park in to a flop house
What a piss poor game to watch. I will tell you right now, between that game last night and the comments made by KRod and Prince Fielder over the past day....it's starting to make me feel like this team is trying to shoot themselves in the foot.
With the magic number at 8 games and the Cardinals now within 5.5 games of capturing the pennant, Milwaukee would rather play the "look at me" card and have two of their star players put the spot light on themselves.
KRod...well, we all know that he's a prick. I'm not that pissed that he opened his yapper. He's a closer that has been filling in as our set-up man and he's been doing an excellent job. Who really cares if he's unhappy, he's gone after this season anyways. If anything, he's hurting his own new contract cause because he's now opened his fat mouth with the last 3 clubs that he has played with. One of which was in NYC where he beat the shit out of his pops-in-law. Look, he's a stud of a closer, but who in their right mind is going to give him some shots when Axford has been doing the job? Unhappy, who the hell cares.
Prince Fielder told TBS that he was done in Milwaukee. A bit pre-mature to say don't you think Prince. Look, I'm not an idiot, I'm not blind, you're on your way out. But you're here now, so why say stupid things like that? Aren't you trying to win a pennant?
Drew Olson from OnMilwaukee.com & ESPNMilwaukee.com wrote THIS about the situation.
Dan Patrick, while on his AM radio show, echoed Drew's words
I truly feel that Milwaukee will win the NL Central, but the way things have been going...they could make an early exit if they don't get home field advantage and start pulling their heads out of their asses.
With the magic number at 8 games and the Cardinals now within 5.5 games of capturing the pennant, Milwaukee would rather play the "look at me" card and have two of their star players put the spot light on themselves.
KRod...well, we all know that he's a prick. I'm not that pissed that he opened his yapper. He's a closer that has been filling in as our set-up man and he's been doing an excellent job. Who really cares if he's unhappy, he's gone after this season anyways. If anything, he's hurting his own new contract cause because he's now opened his fat mouth with the last 3 clubs that he has played with. One of which was in NYC where he beat the shit out of his pops-in-law. Look, he's a stud of a closer, but who in their right mind is going to give him some shots when Axford has been doing the job? Unhappy, who the hell cares.
Prince Fielder told TBS that he was done in Milwaukee. A bit pre-mature to say don't you think Prince. Look, I'm not an idiot, I'm not blind, you're on your way out. But you're here now, so why say stupid things like that? Aren't you trying to win a pennant?
Drew Olson from OnMilwaukee.com & ESPNMilwaukee.com wrote THIS about the situation.
Dan Patrick, while on his AM radio show, echoed Drew's words
I truly feel that Milwaukee will win the NL Central, but the way things have been going...they could make an early exit if they don't get home field advantage and start pulling their heads out of their asses.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
87-62: Ryan Braun Walks Brewers Off
Ryan Braun hit his first walk-off homerun since 2009 last night, during a low scoring duel against the Rockies. Milwaukee came behind after Prince Fielder crushed his 32nd HR of the season and also contributed a double (.294 BA) while Casey McGahee hit a line drive double that almost scored Rickie Weeks. Thanks to a couple of errors and some laboring by Zack Greinke, he only lasted 5 innings. He exited after his 116th pitch. But Milwaukee's relievers stepped up, especially Kameron Loe. He was able to get out of a jam with 2 men on. John Axford earned the win after going 2 strong innings in the 9th & 10th innings.
Milwaukee's 2011 schedule was released today. The NL Central is matched up with the AL Central; they'll be playing KC, Minnesota (of course, twice), White Sox and at home against the Blue Jays (AL Central). The city of Milwaukee will also host a "true" Opening Day game versus the Cardinals at 3:00pm on April 6th. So that will be a gem of a game for me to see in-person!
I'm looking at doing a trip with my wife out West when Milwaukee travels to San Diego and San Fran during the first week of May. That should be a fun trip.
The All Star game for 2012 will be in KC.
LaTroy Hawkins is a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for 2011.
KRod is the designated closer for tonight's game against the Rox, since Ax went 2 innings last night.
Very cool cause that Kilar Family is doing to honor their 6 year-old son who passed away (killed by a drunk driver). They are looking to raise funds to build a field of dreams for youth baseball. It would resemble the field in Dyersville, IA as seen on "Field of Dreams", from what I heard, with the corn as the outfield fence.
Milwaukee's 2011 schedule was released today. The NL Central is matched up with the AL Central; they'll be playing KC, Minnesota (of course, twice), White Sox and at home against the Blue Jays (AL Central). The city of Milwaukee will also host a "true" Opening Day game versus the Cardinals at 3:00pm on April 6th. So that will be a gem of a game for me to see in-person!
I'm looking at doing a trip with my wife out West when Milwaukee travels to San Diego and San Fran during the first week of May. That should be a fun trip.
The All Star game for 2012 will be in KC.
LaTroy Hawkins is a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for 2011.
KRod is the designated closer for tonight's game against the Rox, since Ax went 2 innings last night.
Very cool cause that Kilar Family is doing to honor their 6 year-old son who passed away (killed by a drunk driver). They are looking to raise funds to build a field of dreams for youth baseball. It would resemble the field in Dyersville, IA as seen on "Field of Dreams", from what I heard, with the corn as the outfield fence.
Monday, September 12, 2011
86-62: Milwaukee snaps 5 game losing streak
I'm calling it a blessing in disguise. This recent beating the Brewers received from the Phillies could be a blessing because things were going too perfect for too long prior to last weeks series with St Louis.
Milwaukee was able to scrape off a win during the 4 game series with MLB's best team. If you think about it, all of the game were close and could have gone either way, but they didn't. Put things in to prospective, Narveson wouldn't have pitched Thursday night if we were in the playoffs.
Milwaukee was able to scrape off a win during the 4 game series with MLB's best team. If you think about it, all of the game were close and could have gone either way, but they didn't. Put things in to prospective, Narveson wouldn't have pitched Thursday night if we were in the playoffs.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
85-59: Fugly loss in St Louis
The Crew ended the season with a .500 record against the Cardinals (9-9). It was a disappointed way to end the season series with them, getting shut out by Carpenter (complete game) and the clowns 2-0. Seeing Nyjer act like a hot head and then both benches clearing in the 9th. Don't get me wrong, I love this rivalry and I wish they would've come to blows....back in August. But this is September and there's only 18 games left to play with an 8.5 game lead over the Cardinals. Don't give them reason to try any harder than they have to in order to catch up. Tony LaRussa, Carp, and Pujols all handled it well and with well spoken words in their interviews. All three of them said that Nyjer is a good player, but that sometimes his unorthodox way of celebrating or talking trash takes the focus away from him being a good player. Pujols hit it on the head, why is Nyjer Morgan on 3 different ball clubs in 3.5 years? That's easy to answer, because he had no guidance and he was playing for Minor League teams (DC & Pittsburgh) in Major League Baseball. Look, I hate the Red Birds more than the Cubs even....but Nyjer was out of line with his antics. But that'll happen, that's the type of player he is. He'll also be the first player out there defending his teammates. He's the reason why Milwaukee is going to win the Central!
Casey McGehee started the festivities last night when he got ejected in the 4th inning on a questionable strike 3 call. Morgan of course followed in the 9th with his own invite out.
The Brewers have the Central all but wrapped up, yet they still have to play the Phillies in a 4 game series at home and then the remainder of the games are against teams under .500 on the season. Milwaukee could go up a 1/2 game on the Cards if they win tonight, due to the Cardinals having the night off before they take on the Braves at home.
Rickie Weeks will be back tonight! He'll get eased back in and probably not start at 2B until next week, is my guess.
Casey McGehee started the festivities last night when he got ejected in the 4th inning on a questionable strike 3 call. Morgan of course followed in the 9th with his own invite out.
The Brewers have the Central all but wrapped up, yet they still have to play the Phillies in a 4 game series at home and then the remainder of the games are against teams under .500 on the season. Milwaukee could go up a 1/2 game on the Cards if they win tonight, due to the Cardinals having the night off before they take on the Braves at home.
Rickie Weeks will be back tonight! He'll get eased back in and probably not start at 2B until next week, is my guess.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
85-57: Milwaukee's win streak hits 4 / Stifles Red Birds
Milwaukee is back on a roll after sweeping Houston and taking the first game of their series in St Louis.
The Crew is now 10.5 games ahead of the Cardinals and 4 games ahead of Arizona. The DiamondBacks are trying to catch up on the Crew in order to get home field advantage. As it stands, Milwaukee would take on Atlanta in the NLDS. The DBacks are now 9-1 over their last 10 games and the hottest team in baseball thanks to Ian Kennedy's NL best 18 wins (Verlander has 21 wins in AL).
This picture (above) was taken before the Brewers were leaving Houston on Sunday. Nyjer Morgan thought of this idea and even presented a new alter-ego in "Tony Tombstone" (see below). If I was a fan of any other team in baseball, I would be pretty annoyed by Nyjer. But it can't be overlooked what he has added to this clubhouse. Since coming on board in April (Cutter Dykstra trade), Morgan has added some energy and identity to the Crew. Let it be known that the only personality that wasn't bland in that locker room was Carlos Gomez, and he can barely speak any English. Let's face it, if I wanted to hang out with a team and drink some beers--the Brewers would not be that team. Prince would sit there quietly, Braun would be admiring himself in the mirror, McGehee would pet his beard, and only one would be fun....John Axford.
Although i agree that some of Axford's facebook statuses have been odd and almost nerdy, he's a unique guy that likes to have fun. Likewise with Nyjer Morgan; both players provide a spark and lighten up the mood when there's a 5 game losing streak or someone is in a funk. LaTroy Hawkins seems to feed off this energy and often times tweets about it. He's been quoted numerous times as saying Nyjer only needed some veteran oversight in order to perform at his level in 2011. Prior to, he was constricted and frowned upon by the young locker rooms in DC & Pittsburgh. Here in Milwaukee, he's embraced by the state and the team's management.
With a .308 batting average and season-long resume that includes a number of clutch hits, he's been the best addition to the team this season. Throw in Jerry Hairston Jr, and you have the GM of the year in Doug Melvin as well as a Manager of the Year in Ron Roenicke. Sure, the GM of the Diamond Backs could arguably be the pick, while Jerry Manuel for the M of the Y. But I'm biased...and Milwaukee has a longer history of sucking balls.
Q&A w/ Mr. Baseball, def worth a read.
Pujols crying about the shadows at Busch Stadium yesterday. To his credit, he does have a valid point. Even the Brewers were apparently griping and even comparing it to Miller Park as being worse. Both teams should shut the hell up and suck it up. The stadiums are gems, both of them.
The Crew is now 10.5 games ahead of the Cardinals and 4 games ahead of Arizona. The DiamondBacks are trying to catch up on the Crew in order to get home field advantage. As it stands, Milwaukee would take on Atlanta in the NLDS. The DBacks are now 9-1 over their last 10 games and the hottest team in baseball thanks to Ian Kennedy's NL best 18 wins (Verlander has 21 wins in AL).
This picture (above) was taken before the Brewers were leaving Houston on Sunday. Nyjer Morgan thought of this idea and even presented a new alter-ego in "Tony Tombstone" (see below). If I was a fan of any other team in baseball, I would be pretty annoyed by Nyjer. But it can't be overlooked what he has added to this clubhouse. Since coming on board in April (Cutter Dykstra trade), Morgan has added some energy and identity to the Crew. Let it be known that the only personality that wasn't bland in that locker room was Carlos Gomez, and he can barely speak any English. Let's face it, if I wanted to hang out with a team and drink some beers--the Brewers would not be that team. Prince would sit there quietly, Braun would be admiring himself in the mirror, McGehee would pet his beard, and only one would be fun....John Axford.
Although i agree that some of Axford's facebook statuses have been odd and almost nerdy, he's a unique guy that likes to have fun. Likewise with Nyjer Morgan; both players provide a spark and lighten up the mood when there's a 5 game losing streak or someone is in a funk. LaTroy Hawkins seems to feed off this energy and often times tweets about it. He's been quoted numerous times as saying Nyjer only needed some veteran oversight in order to perform at his level in 2011. Prior to, he was constricted and frowned upon by the young locker rooms in DC & Pittsburgh. Here in Milwaukee, he's embraced by the state and the team's management.
With a .308 batting average and season-long resume that includes a number of clutch hits, he's been the best addition to the team this season. Throw in Jerry Hairston Jr, and you have the GM of the year in Doug Melvin as well as a Manager of the Year in Ron Roenicke. Sure, the GM of the Diamond Backs could arguably be the pick, while Jerry Manuel for the M of the Y. But I'm biased...and Milwaukee has a longer history of sucking balls.
George Kottarus hit for the cycle over the weekend and he's the only one to do so in Major League Baseball this season. He's been outstanding in the back-up role and he could be used as trade bait in the off-season.
Mat Gamel: Why didn't he get called-up for expanded rosters?
Neat story by the Post-Dispatch on the Crew. Apparently Randy Wolf has a brother that umps for MLB; whenever the rotation matches up for him to cover the Crew, they shuffle the older brother out of town to cover a different game. Apparently he's so popular, he can't visit his favorite restaurants in Milwaukee because of his connection to Randy. My guess is that the two probably resemble each other (See below, left).
Milwaukee is looking at (possibly) having a batting king and a league MVP if things work out. Ryan Braun is looking at being crowned the Batting King for the NL. He remains ahead of Jose Reyes by a handfull of points. Prince Fielder and Braun are up for the NL MVP and both could win it (split? could happen). The only other player that's a threat is Matt Kemp, who's hitting .320 with 32 HR's. But the Dodgers are going no where this season and winning does matter in the ballot box. So I would expect to see Braun as the MVP if he takes the batting crown. If he doesn't, Prince Fielder will take the MVP. Of course, this is all barring any injury or prolonged slump.
Q&A w/ Mr. Baseball, def worth a read.
Pujols crying about the shadows at Busch Stadium yesterday. To his credit, he does have a valid point. Even the Brewers were apparently griping and even comparing it to Miller Park as being worse. Both teams should shut the hell up and suck it up. The stadiums are gems, both of them.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
College Football Predictions 2011
It's that time of the year where I educate you all on making predictions in College Football.
Here they are:
Top 10 (season ending)
1. Alabama (tops Oregon in title game)
'Bama rolls tide all over the SEC with their lethal combination of QB's and Heismann winner in Trent Richardson.
2. Oregon
3. Oklahoma (tops TCU in Fiesta Bowl)
4. Nebraska (tops Stanford in Rose Bowl)
5. Stanford
6. Florida State (tops South Carolina in Sugar Bowl)
7. TCU
8. WVU (beats Houston in Orange bowl)
9. Florida
10. Oklahoma State
*Surprise teams: Oklahoma State & BYU (wins the Pac-12 South but loses to Oregon in the conference title game)
**Flop teams: MSU, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Texas, and Boise State
Big Ten
1. Nebraska (beats UW in Indy)
2. Iowa
3. Northwestern
4. MSU
5. Michigan
6. Minnesota
1. Wisconsin
2. OSU
3. PSU
4. Illinois
5. Indiana
6. Purdue
Here they are:
Top 10 (season ending)
1. Alabama (tops Oregon in title game)
'Bama rolls tide all over the SEC with their lethal combination of QB's and Heismann winner in Trent Richardson.
2. Oregon
3. Oklahoma (tops TCU in Fiesta Bowl)
4. Nebraska (tops Stanford in Rose Bowl)
5. Stanford
6. Florida State (tops South Carolina in Sugar Bowl)
7. TCU
8. WVU (beats Houston in Orange bowl)
9. Florida
10. Oklahoma State
*Surprise teams: Oklahoma State & BYU (wins the Pac-12 South but loses to Oregon in the conference title game)
**Flop teams: MSU, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Texas, and Boise State
Big Ten
1. Nebraska (beats UW in Indy)
2. Iowa
3. Northwestern
4. MSU
5. Michigan
6. Minnesota
1. Wisconsin
2. OSU
3. PSU
4. Illinois
5. Indiana
6. Purdue
81-56: Cardinals Destroy Brewers
It was ugly from the very start. St Louis' Furcal blaseted a solo shot to get the 1st inning off to a start. And then the ultimate douche bag, Albert Pujols blasted a solo shot. I love it how he gets a free pass to stand there watching his home run leave the park and then his a-typical pointing to the sky when he arrives home. What nimrod. The embarassing shot for Randy Wolf was when his rival Jake Westbrook blasted a grand slam HR in the 4th inning, his first career dinger.
Not much good came out of this game. Casey McGehee continued to struggle at the plate by hanging a golden sombrero up. His average has now dipped down to his normal 2011 range of the .230's. He's still a .287 career hitter, so there's hope and he's certainly shown that this season. But it's obvious that Taylor Green is nipping at his heels. Speaking of, Green made his first appearence at the plate and he made it count. Green spanked a liner to RF to collect his first hit, which was a single. He's going to be a hell of a player.
Brandon Dixon of the Cardinals will get his first start of his career today against Yovani Gallardo. Don't expect big things by the Crew today, they butt against new pitchers, they butt bad. Expect to see Taylor Green starting today because he faced Dixon with in the past week down in the Pacific League.
Milwaukee made their September call-up's announcement last night after the game. Logan Schafer (CF) who's hitting .327 and ANOTHER catcher in Martin Maldonado (C) who's hitting .328 on the season down in the Pacific League. Emabarrassingly enough, I never heard of Maldonado. Which is a shame, because apparently he's ripping it up in Nashville.
Not much good came out of this game. Casey McGehee continued to struggle at the plate by hanging a golden sombrero up. His average has now dipped down to his normal 2011 range of the .230's. He's still a .287 career hitter, so there's hope and he's certainly shown that this season. But it's obvious that Taylor Green is nipping at his heels. Speaking of, Green made his first appearence at the plate and he made it count. Green spanked a liner to RF to collect his first hit, which was a single. He's going to be a hell of a player.
Brandon Dixon of the Cardinals will get his first start of his career today against Yovani Gallardo. Don't expect big things by the Crew today, they butt against new pitchers, they butt bad. Expect to see Taylor Green starting today because he faced Dixon with in the past week down in the Pacific League.
Milwaukee made their September call-up's announcement last night after the game. Logan Schafer (CF) who's hitting .327 and ANOTHER catcher in Martin Maldonado (C) who's hitting .328 on the season down in the Pacific League. Emabarrassingly enough, I never heard of Maldonado. Which is a shame, because apparently he's ripping it up in Nashville.
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