Baseball is only game. There is so much more the life than baseball. On Thursday, we were all reminded of that fact. First with news that Angles pitcher Nick Adenhart died at the age of 22. Adenhart died just several hours after pitching 6 scoreless innings when the car he was riding in was struck by a van that ran a red light. The driver of the van is said to have a blood alcohol level far above the legal limit. This is a tragedy no matter who it happens to. Not just because he was a young promising player, but because a life was lost. Thoughts and prayers of baseball fans everywhere go out to the Adenhart family and the Angels organization.
The Brewers took on the Giants for their final game in San Fransisco this year. It was a good thing because they were bad. The were unable to get anything going against Matt Cain and Manny Parra was less than perfect. In the bottom of the 9th Mike Cameron, who had an excellent series, hit a squarely hit line drive off of the head of Giants relief pitcher Joe Martinez. The ball caromed off of the side of his head and ended up at the backstop. Mike Cameron saw what happened and looked away instantly. Mike Cameron was noticeably upset by what happened as he crouched down at second base with his head in his hands. Cameron has always been a classy player and what I consider to be a true meaning of a role model. For a second time on Thursday we were reminded that baseball is only a game as everyone watched helplessly. Martinez was able to walk off the field, but was taken to the hospital for CT scans.
The Brewers fell to the Giants 7-1 and to a 1-2 record on the year. Looking ahead to Friday, the Brewers have their home opener against central division rival Chicago Cubs. Braden Looper makes his Brewer debut has he takes on Rich Harden.
The Golden Brat goes to Mike Cameron for his great series at the plate, and for remaining classy and when hitting a line drive off of another player. I hope Cameron continues to swing the bat well and does not let this affect him too much.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Brewers at Giants, Game 2
After a disappointing loss on opening day, the Brewers took the field on Wednesday night as Yovani Gallardo took on 5-time Cy Young winner Randy Johnson. Johnson started strong striking out 2 Brewers in the first. Mike Cameron was able to get all of a Johnson pitch in the 2nd inning for a solo home run and give the Brewers a 1-0 lead. Gallardo found himself in some trouble in the first but escaped without surrendering a run. In the 5th inning Bill Hall hit a 2 out double and the Giants decided to intentionally walk Jason Kendall to get to Yovani Gallardo. Johnson was able to get 2 strikes on Gallardo pretty quickly. Johnson gave Giants catcher Benji Molina a head nod to indicate that he wanted to challenge the young Brewers pitcher up in the strike zone. I am not sure if Yovani saw the head nod, but he saw the next pitch and crushed it over the left field fence for a 3-run home run. Johnson would leave the game after the 5th inning giving up 4 runs on 4 hits and striking out 7. Gallardo would finish the night pitching 6 2/3 innings giving up just 2 earned runs. Todd Coffey came in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and got Benji Molina to ground out to end the threat. Coffey pitched a solid 8th inning and the Brewers headed to the bottom of the 9th with a 4-2 lead. Carlos Villanueva was given the chance to collect the save with Trevor Hoffman on the DL. The young right handed reliever made the best of his chance has he mowed down the Giants in order to collect his first career 1 inning save (2 previous saves had been 3 inning saves). Could this pitching combination be the future for the Brewers?
Let's hope that Manny Parra has a solid outing Thursday as he takes on Matt Cain.
Golden Brat goes to Yovani Gallardo for his great pitching and 3-run blast that was the difference in the game.
Let's hope that Manny Parra has a solid outing Thursday as he takes on Matt Cain.
Golden Brat goes to Yovani Gallardo for his great pitching and 3-run blast that was the difference in the game.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Opening Day, Brewers at Giants Game 1
Finally the 2009 baseball season is underway. Many of us were left wanting more after the Brewers historic run back to the playoffs last year. October seems like it was years ago and expectations from Brewers fans are high. Many of the experts are writing the Brewers off for 2009 saying that their offense will be good, but the lack the pitching to make a run at the playoffs. Many experts pick our beloved Brewers to finish 3rd in the NL Central Division. We will have to see what happens............
Anyways, game almost never happened. There was talk of a rain delay, then the game started on time. Jeff Suppan took the hill for the Crew and 2008 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was pitching for the Giants. The Crew made the young pitcher work and was able to chase him out of the game after just 3 innings, and hanging 3 runs on him. Jeff Suppan struggled from the get go. He gave up a 3-run triple in the first, and a 2-run homer in the 4th. Suppan only made it innings giving up 6 runs on 6 hits. The bullpen was not much better. Seth McClung gave up 1 run in 2 innings, but walked 3 batters. Dave Bush pitched 1 inning to get some work out of the bullpen, but gave up 2 runs. Jorge Julio got some work in the 8th inning and gave up a solo shot to Randy Winn.
The Brewers had some bright spots at the plate. Rickie Weeks went 2-3 with a walk and was also hit by a pitch. For those Rickie-Haters that is an OBP of .800. I know it is only the first game, but I want to give him some credit for the amount of heat that he takes. Mike Cameron was 1-1 with 4 walks and 0 strikeouts. The Brewers also stole 4 bases off of former gold glove catcher Benji Molina. Rickie and Ryan Braun had 1 a piece and Mike Cameron stole 2 bases.
Looking ahead to game to the young ace of the Brewers staff, Yovani Gallardo pitches against former Cy Young winner Randdy Johnson. My prediction is Ryan Braun goes yard off Johnson today.
No more MVB this year instead I will give out a Golden Brat to the player of the game.
The Golden Brat goes to Rickie Weeks for being patient at the plate and getting on base like a lead off hitter should. Since it is opening day I will also be giving out some Golden Sauerkraut to Mike Cameron just because I can.
Anyways, game almost never happened. There was talk of a rain delay, then the game started on time. Jeff Suppan took the hill for the Crew and 2008 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was pitching for the Giants. The Crew made the young pitcher work and was able to chase him out of the game after just 3 innings, and hanging 3 runs on him. Jeff Suppan struggled from the get go. He gave up a 3-run triple in the first, and a 2-run homer in the 4th. Suppan only made it innings giving up 6 runs on 6 hits. The bullpen was not much better. Seth McClung gave up 1 run in 2 innings, but walked 3 batters. Dave Bush pitched 1 inning to get some work out of the bullpen, but gave up 2 runs. Jorge Julio got some work in the 8th inning and gave up a solo shot to Randy Winn.
The Brewers had some bright spots at the plate. Rickie Weeks went 2-3 with a walk and was also hit by a pitch. For those Rickie-Haters that is an OBP of .800. I know it is only the first game, but I want to give him some credit for the amount of heat that he takes. Mike Cameron was 1-1 with 4 walks and 0 strikeouts. The Brewers also stole 4 bases off of former gold glove catcher Benji Molina. Rickie and Ryan Braun had 1 a piece and Mike Cameron stole 2 bases.
Looking ahead to game to the young ace of the Brewers staff, Yovani Gallardo pitches against former Cy Young winner Randdy Johnson. My prediction is Ryan Braun goes yard off Johnson today.
No more MVB this year instead I will give out a Golden Brat to the player of the game.
The Golden Brat goes to Rickie Weeks for being patient at the plate and getting on base like a lead off hitter should. Since it is opening day I will also be giving out some Golden Sauerkraut to Mike Cameron just because I can.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
25 Man Roster Preview/Predictions
Here is my predictions for the Brewers 25 man roster for this year.
Projected Line-up
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. JJ Hardy SS
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Corey Hart RF
6. Bill Hall 3B
7. Mike Cameron CF
8. Jason Kendall C
Rotation
9. Yovani Gallardo
10. Manny Parra
11. Braden Looper
12. Dave Bush
13. Jeff Suppan
Bullpen
14. Trevor Hoffman
15. David Riske
16. Seth McClung
17. Carlos Villanueva
18. Mitch Stetter
19. Mark DiFelice
20. Todd Coffey
Reserves
21. Mike Rivera C
22. Chris Duffy OF
23. Brad Nelson IF/OF
24. Craig Counsell IF
25. Casey McGehee
Outside Looking In
Mike Lamb IF
Jorge Julio RHP
Eduardo Morlan RHP
Tim Dillard RHP
RJ Swindle LHP
Tony Gwynn Jr. OF
Trot Nixon OF
Vinny Rotino C
Lurking in Shadows
Mat Gamel IF
Alcides Escobar IF
Angel Salome C
Omar Aguilar P
Projected Line-up
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. JJ Hardy SS
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Corey Hart RF
6. Bill Hall 3B
7. Mike Cameron CF
8. Jason Kendall C
Rotation
9. Yovani Gallardo
10. Manny Parra
11. Braden Looper
12. Dave Bush
13. Jeff Suppan
Bullpen
14. Trevor Hoffman
15. David Riske
16. Seth McClung
17. Carlos Villanueva
18. Mitch Stetter
19. Mark DiFelice
20. Todd Coffey
Reserves
21. Mike Rivera C
22. Chris Duffy OF
23. Brad Nelson IF/OF
24. Craig Counsell IF
25. Casey McGehee
Outside Looking In
Mike Lamb IF
Jorge Julio RHP
Eduardo Morlan RHP
Tim Dillard RHP
RJ Swindle LHP
Tony Gwynn Jr. OF
Trot Nixon OF
Vinny Rotino C
Lurking in Shadows
Mat Gamel IF
Alcides Escobar IF
Angel Salome C
Omar Aguilar P
Starting Pitching Preview
Here is a look at what the Brewers starting rotation might look like in 2009.
Yovani Gallardo is the Brewers ace, regardless if Ken Macha wants to put that label on him or not. Gallardo may not be the opening day starter, but I look for him to have a breakout year and emerge as the Brewers ace.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.35 WINS-15 K's-193
Manny Parra is another youngster that came into his own last season. Manny tailed off at the end of last year, but i look for him to regain his confidence and put together a complete season for the Brewers.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.88 WINS-13 K's-161
Braden Looper was the Brewers big off season acquisition for the starting rotation. Looper is not an over whelming talent, but he is very consistent and should have a very solid for the Brewers this year.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.98 WINS-11 K's-111
Dave Bush has been consistent in his time spent with the Brewers. I look for Dave Bush to really step up and prove that he is a legit #3-4 starter. Without a top tier ace the Brewers will need to get solid consistent starts from the back of their rotation. Bush will fill this roll.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.10 WINS-12 K's-117
Jeff Suppan will round out the Brewers rotation. Suppan has underachieved since signing that big contract with the Brewers 2 years ago. Unfortunately I do not look for Suppan to be much better than he has in the past. He will win some games behind the Brewers offense, but he will get rocked a couple of times this year too.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.37 WINS-10 K's-98
Other possible candidates:
Seth McClung will make a few starts here and there and will be solid when he does. "Chuckie" will have a strong year no matter where/when he is pitching.
Chris Capuano was also my dark horse to crack the starting rotation back in November, and I stand by that. Cappy is making strong progress in his rehab for his 2nd Tommy John surgery. i m not sure who would be knocked out of the rotation should Capuano complete his comeback, but when can cross that bridge when we get there.
Yovani Gallardo is the Brewers ace, regardless if Ken Macha wants to put that label on him or not. Gallardo may not be the opening day starter, but I look for him to have a breakout year and emerge as the Brewers ace.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.35 WINS-15 K's-193
Manny Parra is another youngster that came into his own last season. Manny tailed off at the end of last year, but i look for him to regain his confidence and put together a complete season for the Brewers.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.88 WINS-13 K's-161
Braden Looper was the Brewers big off season acquisition for the starting rotation. Looper is not an over whelming talent, but he is very consistent and should have a very solid for the Brewers this year.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.98 WINS-11 K's-111
Dave Bush has been consistent in his time spent with the Brewers. I look for Dave Bush to really step up and prove that he is a legit #3-4 starter. Without a top tier ace the Brewers will need to get solid consistent starts from the back of their rotation. Bush will fill this roll.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.10 WINS-12 K's-117
Jeff Suppan will round out the Brewers rotation. Suppan has underachieved since signing that big contract with the Brewers 2 years ago. Unfortunately I do not look for Suppan to be much better than he has in the past. He will win some games behind the Brewers offense, but he will get rocked a couple of times this year too.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.37 WINS-10 K's-98
Other possible candidates:
Seth McClung will make a few starts here and there and will be solid when he does. "Chuckie" will have a strong year no matter where/when he is pitching.
Chris Capuano was also my dark horse to crack the starting rotation back in November, and I stand by that. Cappy is making strong progress in his rehab for his 2nd Tommy John surgery. i m not sure who would be knocked out of the rotation should Capuano complete his comeback, but when can cross that bridge when we get there.
Bullpen Preview
Here is a look into what the Brewers Bullpen may look like this year.
Miller Park is adding a new experience this year, "Hell's Bells." Yes ladies and gentlemen Hell's Bells will ring each time the Brewers new closer Trevor Hoffman takes the mound. Trevor signed with Brewers this off season after leaving San Diego after 17 seasons as a Padre. I look for the 41 year old to settle right in and show everyone that he is the all time saves leader for reason.
PREDICTION: ERA-2.68 SAVES-43 K's-41
Seth McClung will see some time as a long reliever, setup man and will make some spot starts as well. McClung is a very important part of this team and will have a very strong 2009 season.
Carlos Villanueva should be Trevor Hoffman's shadow. Carlos is a closer in waiting and change-up specialist much like Hoffman. Please Carlos, take advantage of the time you have with one of the best closers of all time.
Mitch Stetter will be the Brewers left handed specialist replacing Brain Shouse.
David Riske is back from surgery and will hopefully fulfill his potential when the Brewers signed him prior to the 2008 season.
Mark DiFelice is making a very strong case for making them team. he pitched very well for the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic and has been impressive in his team with the Brewers. It will be hard to keep him off of the Brewers opening day roster.
The 7th roster spot will be fought for by Todd Coffey, Jorge Julio, Eduardo Morlan and RJ Swindle. My guess is that Todd Coffey will round out the rest of the Brewers bullpen. Coffey was picked up by the Brewers late last season and was very strong for them in the final weeks. I look for the Crew to reward him and give him the final bullpen spot.
Miller Park is adding a new experience this year, "Hell's Bells." Yes ladies and gentlemen Hell's Bells will ring each time the Brewers new closer Trevor Hoffman takes the mound. Trevor signed with Brewers this off season after leaving San Diego after 17 seasons as a Padre. I look for the 41 year old to settle right in and show everyone that he is the all time saves leader for reason.
PREDICTION: ERA-2.68 SAVES-43 K's-41
Seth McClung will see some time as a long reliever, setup man and will make some spot starts as well. McClung is a very important part of this team and will have a very strong 2009 season.
Carlos Villanueva should be Trevor Hoffman's shadow. Carlos is a closer in waiting and change-up specialist much like Hoffman. Please Carlos, take advantage of the time you have with one of the best closers of all time.
Mitch Stetter will be the Brewers left handed specialist replacing Brain Shouse.
David Riske is back from surgery and will hopefully fulfill his potential when the Brewers signed him prior to the 2008 season.
Mark DiFelice is making a very strong case for making them team. he pitched very well for the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic and has been impressive in his team with the Brewers. It will be hard to keep him off of the Brewers opening day roster.
The 7th roster spot will be fought for by Todd Coffey, Jorge Julio, Eduardo Morlan and RJ Swindle. My guess is that Todd Coffey will round out the rest of the Brewers bullpen. Coffey was picked up by the Brewers late last season and was very strong for them in the final weeks. I look for the Crew to reward him and give him the final bullpen spot.
Catching Preview
Here is a look at the Brewers behind the plate this season.
The starting catcher will be Jason Kendall. The work he did behind the plate last year was unreal. he helped the young pitchers develop last year, i.e. Seth McClung. Kendall will return to action this year as the primary catcher for the Brewers, but new skipper Ken Macha said he will try to sit Kendall once a week.
PREDICTION: AVG-.241 RBI-48 HR-2 SB-4
Backing up Kendall will be Mike Rivera. Rivera did a very solid job in limited action for the Brewers last year. Rivera should get a chance to show what he can do when giving a little more playing time this year. Waiting in the wings is prospect Angel Salome. Salome is at least one year away from breaking into the majors, maybe 2, but be on the look out for this little guy in the near future.
The starting catcher will be Jason Kendall. The work he did behind the plate last year was unreal. he helped the young pitchers develop last year, i.e. Seth McClung. Kendall will return to action this year as the primary catcher for the Brewers, but new skipper Ken Macha said he will try to sit Kendall once a week.
PREDICTION: AVG-.241 RBI-48 HR-2 SB-4
Backing up Kendall will be Mike Rivera. Rivera did a very solid job in limited action for the Brewers last year. Rivera should get a chance to show what he can do when giving a little more playing time this year. Waiting in the wings is prospect Angel Salome. Salome is at least one year away from breaking into the majors, maybe 2, but be on the look out for this little guy in the near future.
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