Too much

It's hard not to like what the Brewers have already gotten done this offseason. The fact of the matter is you don't win late in the year (especially the playoffs) without a solid bullpen.

The Brewers lost the only rock in their bullpen (Cordero) already this offseason along with 'next best' Scott Linebrink. My personal feeling on Linebrink is that more is being made of him leaving than should be... he's been great in the past but what did he really do for the Brewers last year?

Getting Torres, Riske, and now Gagne into our bullpen more than makes up for the loss... assuming any of them can step up and close... which brings me to the title of this post. We gave Gagne a 1 year contract worth $10M... wow, that's an awful lot for a guy who has had a pretty significant rash of injuries the last few years and was downright awful much of last year. He was one of the best for a few years there but this is just too much risk for that money.

The $40 Million Question

It's your job to give the final say on a contract for Brewers rookie phenom Ryan Braun. Due to the incredible start to his career, he's demanding an incredible amount of money. He wants to stay with the Brewers though and your fan base is in love with him.

You've been to the future and know that if you DO sign him - he will be plagued by injury. He'll never miss an entire season but he'll be on the disabled list frequently and when he's not, his play will be so-so. Fans will know that when you signed him, you had every reason to think he'd be incredible, but at the same time they'll be angry that all the teams money is tied up in someone that isn't helping the team.

You also know that if you DO NOT sign him - he will sign with the Devil Rays. There he will go on to a Hall Of Fame career - one of the greatest of all time. You will never play the Devil Rays directly, but everyone will always look back on the time that one of the best players of all time wanted to play for you and you sent him packing.

What do you do?

One more on the bullpen

A clarification on this post. When I wrote that I never considered that Scott Linebrink (who the Brewers did end up acquiring) was actually available.

I'm still not really clear on why the Padres were willing to let them go, but I would definitely have put him on top of my list in that other post. Yes, above Gagne even. So... way to go Brewers!

Now, hopefully we don't end up needing both an 8th inning guy AND a closer...

Wanted: An 8th Inning Guy

We had a great time watching the Brewers take out the Giants this afternoon in front of a sold out Miller Park. I was really looking forward to seeing how the 8 of us reacted to Barry Bonds (boo? cheer? be indifferent?), but unfortunately - he wasn't in the lineup so we didn't get put on the spot.

It was an ideal game - we were always pretty much in control... but still competitive throughout. What was really apparent though is that more than ever we are lacking someone in the 8th inning. It appears that it's no longer Turnbow - he wasn't in there today, but perhaps more telling is the fact that he WAS in there the last couple days, when we didn't have the lead.

Actually, Turnbow seems to have not been able to pull it together since a certain point in April.

So, aside from the rumors on the offensive side which would be great (Griffey Jr, Teixeira) and the one that I'm not so sure of (Dunn) - there has also been some talk on the pitching end of things. What I've heard are basically *any* of the Rangers relievers - Gagne, Otsuka, or Benoit and then Dotel (KC).

All of these guys (as is typical of relivers) are sometimes unstoppable and sometimes can't seem to find the strike zone, but for me the big differentiation is the *next year* factor. If Cordero leaves - which is looking increasingly likely - we're going to need someone to step into those shoes. The right man for the job is... Benoit. Wicked stuff and much more reliable than Gagne or Dotel at this point.

I could see making a case for Otsuka but his recent injury issues are a bit concerning. Actually, maybe we can get both? That could put us in a desirable position next year...

We've Made It!

The Brewers on not only on national TV (Fox) but I can watch them in HD?!? We've finally made it!

An Open Letter to Derrick Turnbow

While watching a Brewers game last week - Monnie had some thoughts regarding baseball, the Brewers, and Derrick Turnbow. When I couldn't provide answers to all her questions - I told her she may have to write a letter if she really wanted to get to the bottom of things.

What follows is the result...

***************************

Derrick Turnbow

Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

Miller Park

Milwaukee, WI

Dear Derrick-

My letter is an attempt to gather answers to several questions I have regarding your role with my local baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers.

I watched you play in the game against the Cubbies on Tuesday night and was overwhelmed by a barrage of thoughtful questions regarding aspects of your play, your appearance, and more importantly, what types of snacks are offered to players in the dugout.

From the little time I’ve spent intently observing you on my HDTV on the pitcher’s mound, I’ve realized that you’re not a very consistent pitcher. I don’t know much about pitching, or about baseball in general, by it seems like you’re not very good at what role you play on the team? Maybe you should practice some more. Additionally, you may learn a great deal from others who have been pitchers, like yourself. I wouldn’t be surprised if they gave pro bono advice, but you might have to pay them a couple bucks. Guys like Dennis Eckersley, Oral Hershiser, Rollie Fingers and Teddy Heguira could offer some advice. They know a lot about successful pitching.

I also noticed that you don’t seem to care much about your appearance. You should really get a haircut and stop hiding that mop under your baseball cap. Pushing your side hairs further towards your face only emphasizes cool sideburns that you don’t have. Help me to also understand why you avoiding shaving your chin? Maybe a makeover project is in order? 2 million can go a long way in helping you to feel AND look good.

More importantly, I wonder if there are snacks provided to players in the dugout? Maybe twinkies, beef jerky sticks, trail mix, popsicles or root beer floats? Maybe a local food product company would be willing to sponsor snacks for your team, or maybe players could take turns bringing treats for the rest of the team. This would improve team morale and give those players a chance who didn’t have dinner, a redeeming, nutritious snack.

Catching Up

It's been a while since I've posted. Let's see... what have you all been missing?

Last weekend was Matt and Amber's wedding. Everything (from my perspective) went off very well - it was a gorgeous day for an outside wedding - the food, band, and company were great as well. In addition to our common Madison friends I got to see a few friends that I had met, worked with, and in one case last seen at UWW tennis camp some 8 years ago (*side note: 8-9 YEARS AGO!?!). The day was great and Monnie and I are very happy for the two of them!

The big news with the Fox's is that Steph will be taking over the lead posting role on their blog. This could very well mean that we see more than a post a month over there! ...not that I have much footing for a complaint lately. Oh, they also had a baby.

Monnie is doing well and is really enjoying her new blog on madison.com, Nutritilicious. There's nothing better for a blog than comments so make sure to leave one over there - even if it's just "man that food looks good"!

Last Friday we had a great time at the Brewers game with both sets of parents. Of course, the Brewers continued their losing ways -- but it was a fun time none the less and really a pretty good game... just the wrong guys coming out on top.

The fantasy baseball playoffs have started. I am coming into it with a fairly strong team but it's not looking good in the first few days of the week-long first round. Fantasy football has started up just in time to relieve baseball. I am pretty happy with my draft, so we'll just hope I can improve on a dismal last season.

Tons of birthdays this month. Happy Birthday to Matt (couple days ago), Marni (today), Aly (tomorrow), Claire (Friday), Me (not for a couple weeks), and Sheila (not for a couple days after mine). It sure seems like I'm missing a couple still too! Who is it? (and sorry!)

Well, that's probably about enough for now - looking forward to Gerrard and Karen's wedding over in Milwaukee this weekend!

Cincinnati and DC

This is a pretty late report but better late than never, right?

In the most recent installment of baseball trips, (Tom) Geer and I took a 3 day jaunt to see the new stadium in Cincinnati + the new team in Washington DC (formerly the Montreal Expos).

The trip got off to a rocky start when a pretty nice day in Cincy turned gloomy. A pretty good downpour delayed the game for a couple hours but eventually they did get it started.



Maybe it would have been better as a rainout though as the Brewers blew yet another late lead and went down to the Reds.

The stadium was less than impressive. Tom and I had seen Cincy's old stadium years ago and it was an old hunk of cement. The new stadium is... a new hunk of cement. Not a terrible place to see a game by any means - and the ticket prices were awesome - but for a brand new stadium... it was lacking.

We were then off for a drive through the night to pick up an afternoon game in the nations capital. We arrived in time to take a 2 hour walking tour of the National Malls highlights before heading over to RFK stadium to see the Nationals take on the Cubs. This one had a better result than the night before as the Nationals took the Cubs down.



This stadium was also lacking but it has an excuse... it's a football field. Construction will start soon on a baseball stadium that should put this one to shame.

and there are a few more photos out here - including their version of the brat race (featuring former presidents)...

Anyway, another great trip. Next up: St Louis for the final series of the year against the Crew!

Sports Day

Duel National Titles for the Badgers hockey teams!

5-0 for the Brewers! Crazy but they have trailed in all five of those games. They also continue to leave a disturbing number of runners on base.

Go Crew

Don't worry, I don't plan on posting about the Brewers everyday. I'm sure I'll cool down after the first week here...

Good results so far but I'm not too inspired.

You know they left 27 guys on base in that 2nd game and still scored 7 runs?

7 of those were courtesty of Prince Fielder who is NOT inspiring me thus far. 0 for his first 11 ABs is something that I'm not as concerned about as many people (although, it's hard to do worse). 7 Ks in your first two games though? Glad we finally got Jeremy Burnitz back.

Evidently he's not inspiring Jim Tracy either, who left in R.Hernandez (Righty) in that key situation against him last night. I was surprised that it was happening - and that the Brewers announcers didn't really mention much about it. Looked it up this morning and they did have Grabow (lefty) available in the bullpen. Granted, we had just got done shelling him yesterday: but I'd have to imagine that if Fielder were looking even "alright" so far this season - we would have seen a switch.

Turnbow has got the job done but hasn't looked so hot the last couple. Guys have been on. Leading runs have come to the plate. He's given up some walks. And his mullet looks a little unkept.

Bill Hall has not been good at the plate and when he did get on yesterday he got thrown out stealing by about 4 steps. It reminded me of the play in the movie Major League where the second basemen already has the ball and Willie Mays Hayes slide stops him a foot short of the bag.

The starting pitching has looked great though. Solid performances from all three starters.

Wise and Kolb have both looked very good which I think may be the best sign from this whole series (other than maybe JJ Hardy's start).

Anyway, 3-0 is great. They're getting it done. but they're going to have to step up if they want to make a run at anything this season - the opposition isn't always going to be the Pirates.

2-0 Baby

After attending the opener yesterday, the Brewers have won again tonight. At this pace, their 162-0 regular season record will slaughter the current 116 record wins.

Doug Davis gave the Brewers a solid start. Lehr/Wise/Turnbow looked solid as well to finish it out. On the hitting side, let's hope JJ showed us some signs of things to come. And that Prince Fielder did NOT. And you have to hand it to Cirillo who came through with a HUGE hit right when we needed it.

There are a bunch of pictures posted (not by me) right out here.