The good news is that I have things to do other than watch and write about the Brewers. The bad news is that I'm not always able to update this blog after every game. Oh, the perils of enjoying the summer time.
The past six games have been very satisfying. While that is the type of comment you would expect after a 6-game winning streak, the effectiveness of the pitching staff is what I'm referring to. Narveson has arguable the worst start of the win streak today, yet he still went 6.2 innings and allowed only three runs. Meanwhile Gallardo, Wolf, and Marcum are humming along and Greinke is finally looking Greinke-like (he has a 2.27 ERA since blowing up in the Bronx on June 28th).
The only concern I have lies with the offense. The bats have not exactly been lighting it up recently, and that could be problematic when they start playing a team that can score more than four runs, such as the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Brewers swept the Cardinals when the two teams played in June, so I imagine St. Louis is looking for a little payback. Unfortunately for them, just like in June they will have to face Greinke, Marcum, and Wolf in the series. I like the Brewers to take 2 of 3 in this series, though 1 of 3 would not be the end of the world. But regardless of the outcome, the Brewers are playing a high-profile series in August. It doesn't get much better than that.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Game One Hundred and Seven: Brewers 4, Astros 0
Box Score
The Brewers' offense has been punch-less over the past four games, but that has not stopped them from winning every one of them. Having a good pitching staff and facing the dregs of the NL Central helps as well.
In my last post I mentioned the possibility of the Brewers catching lightning in a bottle while attempting to replace Rickie Weeks. Felipe Lopez going 2-4 with a run scored last night illustrates what I mean. Over the long term Lopez is nowhere near as good as Weeks, however, Lopez could be as good as Joe Morgan in his prime over a 4-6 game stretch. That's just how baseball works.
Other Notes:
-The Brewers will finish July with a winning record. They have a winning record in every month they played more than one game.
-Randy Wolf has pitched at least six innings in ten consecutive starts, and in only 2 of his 22 starts on the season did he fail to pitch at least five innings. Should the Brewers make the playoffs, he will be a big reason why.
-The Astros traded their best player during last night's game (Hunter Pence), which bodes will for the rest of this series and future games vs. the 'Stros.
The Brewers' offense has been punch-less over the past four games, but that has not stopped them from winning every one of them. Having a good pitching staff and facing the dregs of the NL Central helps as well.
In my last post I mentioned the possibility of the Brewers catching lightning in a bottle while attempting to replace Rickie Weeks. Felipe Lopez going 2-4 with a run scored last night illustrates what I mean. Over the long term Lopez is nowhere near as good as Weeks, however, Lopez could be as good as Joe Morgan in his prime over a 4-6 game stretch. That's just how baseball works.
Other Notes:
-The Brewers will finish July with a winning record. They have a winning record in every month they played more than one game.
-Randy Wolf has pitched at least six innings in ten consecutive starts, and in only 2 of his 22 starts on the season did he fail to pitch at least five innings. Should the Brewers make the playoffs, he will be a big reason why.
-The Astros traded their best player during last night's game (Hunter Pence), which bodes will for the rest of this series and future games vs. the 'Stros.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Game 105 & 106
There are few things I enjoy as a sports fan as watching my favorite team sweep the Cubs. Unfortunately this has not been a common event, so it was with great joy that I watched the Brewers take 3 of 3 from the northsiders. Under normal circumstances there would be only positive things to say about the sweep, but in this case the sweep came at price.
Rickie Weeks is going to be out for 2-6 weeks. The double whammy here is that Weeks is both a tremendous offensive asset and difficult to replace. While it's true that all-star second basemen do not grow on trees, the Brewers really don't have any remotely competent second basemen to take his place. I am as big a fan of Craig Counsell as anybody, but the man is clearly done as a major league baseball player.
On the bright side, if the Brewers' starters and relievers keep pitching this well the loss of Weeks will be mitigated. Keep in mind the Brewers just swept the Cubs despite scoring only nine runs in three games. Yes, it's the Cubs, but still.
Looking ahead, the Brewers need to take at least 2 of 3 from the Astros. But more importantly, they need to fine a short-term solution at second base. The good news is that no matter who the Brewers acquire, it's always possible to catch lightning in a bottle.
Rickie Weeks is going to be out for 2-6 weeks. The double whammy here is that Weeks is both a tremendous offensive asset and difficult to replace. While it's true that all-star second basemen do not grow on trees, the Brewers really don't have any remotely competent second basemen to take his place. I am as big a fan of Craig Counsell as anybody, but the man is clearly done as a major league baseball player.
On the bright side, if the Brewers' starters and relievers keep pitching this well the loss of Weeks will be mitigated. Keep in mind the Brewers just swept the Cubs despite scoring only nine runs in three games. Yes, it's the Cubs, but still.
Looking ahead, the Brewers need to take at least 2 of 3 from the Astros. But more importantly, they need to fine a short-term solution at second base. The good news is that no matter who the Brewers acquire, it's always possible to catch lightning in a bottle.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Game One Hundred and Four: Brewers 3, Cubs 2
Box Score
I started watching this game in the bottom of the second. At the time the Brewers were leading 3-2 and I was expecting to see a lot more runs. From that point on what the game lacked in runs in made up for in tension.
In the top of the 6th the Cubs had the bases loaded with nobody out. I expected Kameron Loe come in an pour gas on the fire. Instead he induced a 5-2 put-out and an inning-ending double play. This was not only exciting, but also goes to show that Loe, when used properly, is a valuable piece of the bullpen. He can get righties out quite well and with his sinker can conjure up a lot of grounders.
After K-Rod dominated his way through the 8th, Axford game in and went through the Cubs 1-2-3. Unfortunately Rickie Weeks did not want to stop playing, so he booted Fukudome's grounder, leading to a stolen base. With a runner in scoring position, Axford fell behind 3-1 and visions of a rotten birthday gift from the Brewers started dancing in my head. But all's well that ends well, and the Ax Man struck out Blake DeWitt to end the game. Happy Birthday to me.
One last note on the game: It was nice to see the Brewers play the Cubs and Miller Park NOT be dominated by Cubs fans. I will be very happy if this is a sign of things to come.
I started watching this game in the bottom of the second. At the time the Brewers were leading 3-2 and I was expecting to see a lot more runs. From that point on what the game lacked in runs in made up for in tension.
In the top of the 6th the Cubs had the bases loaded with nobody out. I expected Kameron Loe come in an pour gas on the fire. Instead he induced a 5-2 put-out and an inning-ending double play. This was not only exciting, but also goes to show that Loe, when used properly, is a valuable piece of the bullpen. He can get righties out quite well and with his sinker can conjure up a lot of grounders.
After K-Rod dominated his way through the 8th, Axford game in and went through the Cubs 1-2-3. Unfortunately Rickie Weeks did not want to stop playing, so he booted Fukudome's grounder, leading to a stolen base. With a runner in scoring position, Axford fell behind 3-1 and visions of a rotten birthday gift from the Brewers started dancing in my head. But all's well that ends well, and the Ax Man struck out Blake DeWitt to end the game. Happy Birthday to me.
One last note on the game: It was nice to see the Brewers play the Cubs and Miller Park NOT be dominated by Cubs fans. I will be very happy if this is a sign of things to come.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Games 101 & 102
The San Francisco Giants have an absurdly dominant pitching staff. They lead the NL in ERA (3.11), strikeouts (835), and walks allowed (298). In order to beat them you cannot beat yourself. Unfortunately the Brewers lead the league in beating themselves (they've made more outs on the bases than any other team in the majors).
In today's game the winning run was scored because the Josh Wilson lost a pop-up in the sun. This lead to a sac fly that otherwise would have been the last out of the inning. In addition to that mishap, Wilson struck out on three pitches with a runner on third and one out in the third. Given how well Gallardo was pitching and how feeble the Giants' offense is, a positive outcome on those two plays most likely would have led to a Brewers victory.
Yesterday the Brewers were victimized by Nyjer Morgan getting thrown out trying to steal third base. This not only ended the inning, but at the time Ryan Braun had a 3-1 count. Getting a hit is the hardest thing in sports to accomplish, so there is no guarantee Braun would have driven Morgan home. But still, the stupidity of Morgan in that situation is staggering. There is no need to provide any assistance to the best pitching staff in the majors.
Despite the last two games, I am happy with the road trip. The Brewers have survived a brutal stretch of games, are tied for first place, and have a very favorable schedule for the rest of the season. The only dominant team they will play for the rest of the season is the Philadelphia Phillies. The bulk of their remaining schedule features games against their mediocre NL Central brethren.
The road to the playoffs begins on Tuesday.
In today's game the winning run was scored because the Josh Wilson lost a pop-up in the sun. This lead to a sac fly that otherwise would have been the last out of the inning. In addition to that mishap, Wilson struck out on three pitches with a runner on third and one out in the third. Given how well Gallardo was pitching and how feeble the Giants' offense is, a positive outcome on those two plays most likely would have led to a Brewers victory.
Yesterday the Brewers were victimized by Nyjer Morgan getting thrown out trying to steal third base. This not only ended the inning, but at the time Ryan Braun had a 3-1 count. Getting a hit is the hardest thing in sports to accomplish, so there is no guarantee Braun would have driven Morgan home. But still, the stupidity of Morgan in that situation is staggering. There is no need to provide any assistance to the best pitching staff in the majors.
Despite the last two games, I am happy with the road trip. The Brewers have survived a brutal stretch of games, are tied for first place, and have a very favorable schedule for the rest of the season. The only dominant team they will play for the rest of the season is the Philadelphia Phillies. The bulk of their remaining schedule features games against their mediocre NL Central brethren.
The road to the playoffs begins on Tuesday.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Game One Hundred: Brewers 4, Giants 2
Box Score
The road trip I predicted would sink the Brewers has proven to be surprisingly enjoyable. Regardless of what happens in the next two games, this trip has be successful. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on the road.
The road trip I predicted would sink the Brewers has proven to be surprisingly enjoyable. Regardless of what happens in the next two games, this trip has be successful. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on the road.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Game Ninety Nine: Diamondbacks 4, Brewers 0
Box Score
One of the best parts of the baseball season is watching the Brewers play after they've had a nice stretch of success. I was very relaxed during tonight's game because after winning four of five (and stealing one last night) I knew I could let my guard down. This is a good thing, because this was a frustrating game.
Grienke had an excellent outing despite surrendering two solo home runs in the 4th, but his outing was spoiled because the Brew Crew was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Nyjer Morgan flied out to end the inning with the bases loaded in the 5th and Braun grounded into a rally-killing double play in the 8th, which essentially sealed the defeat. Morgan and Braun are two players you want up in those situations, but tonight was just not their night. Oh well, it happens.
Looking ahead, the Brewers have a tough series ahead of them in San Francisco. Meanwhile the Cardinals and Pirates will square off, so you have to believe the Brewers will be in good shape regardless of what happens in San Francisco. With that said, anything outside of getting swept would make me one happy camper.
And looking back for some perspective, the Brewers were 46-53 at this point last season and hopelessly out of any sort of contention.
One of the best parts of the baseball season is watching the Brewers play after they've had a nice stretch of success. I was very relaxed during tonight's game because after winning four of five (and stealing one last night) I knew I could let my guard down. This is a good thing, because this was a frustrating game.
Grienke had an excellent outing despite surrendering two solo home runs in the 4th, but his outing was spoiled because the Brew Crew was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Nyjer Morgan flied out to end the inning with the bases loaded in the 5th and Braun grounded into a rally-killing double play in the 8th, which essentially sealed the defeat. Morgan and Braun are two players you want up in those situations, but tonight was just not their night. Oh well, it happens.
Looking ahead, the Brewers have a tough series ahead of them in San Francisco. Meanwhile the Cardinals and Pirates will square off, so you have to believe the Brewers will be in good shape regardless of what happens in San Francisco. With that said, anything outside of getting swept would make me one happy camper.
And looking back for some perspective, the Brewers were 46-53 at this point last season and hopelessly out of any sort of contention.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Game Ninety Eight: Brewers 5, Diamondbacks 2
Box Score
I missed the bulk of this game because I was at Qwest Field watching Manchester United mercilessly dismantle the Sounders. However, I did make it home in time to watch the 10th inning, which is something of a miracle.
I followed the score on my phone while I was taking the bus home. I was feeling pretty good when I saw the Brewers were up 3-0. But then the score changed to 2-0 after Braun's alleged homer was ruled a foul ball. This score change gave me a bad feeling, which was quickly validated when K-Rod surrendered the lead with two outs in the bottom of the 8th.
I checked the score once more after I left the bus and saw the Diamondbacks had a runner at third with nobody out in the bottom of the 9th. At this point I conceded defeat and started writing a post in my head about how this game was such a downer. I arrived home and went online to retrieve the box score for this post only to discover that it was the top of the 10th. Let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised.
The top of the 10th came and went, and when it was all over the Brewers lead 5-2. Axford walked the leadoff man in the bottom of the frame (just for kicks, I assume), but the runner was quickly erased by a 4-6-3 double play. Axford carved up Willie Bloomquist on three pitches, giving the Brewers an unlikely win and sole possession of first place. As Bob Uecker would say: "How about that one, folks?"
I am thrilled with the victory and ecstatic that the Brewers improved to 4-3 on this trip. I'm also impressed that the Brewers were able to win this game in quite possibly the most difficult manner imaginable. Seriously. The Brewers must be on a quest to give everybody in Milwaukee a heart attack.
Other notes:
-Carlos Gomez broke his clavicle and will out for a while. The Brewers needs as much defense as they can get and Gomez is huge asset in the field and as a pinch runner. This is not good news.
-Ryan Braun does not appear to be bothered by his calf anymore.
-Had the Brewers lost tonight the debate would have been about relieving Narveson with of K-Rod. Win or lose, I would have been fine with this move. In his career, Narveson has a 6.94 ERA from innings 6-8. )This includes relief appearances and does not include his work in the 9th inning) Narveson is a soft-tossing lefty that become a lot more vulnerable each time through the lineup. Replacing him with a K-Rod and his career 2.53 ERA was not a bad move.
I missed the bulk of this game because I was at Qwest Field watching Manchester United mercilessly dismantle the Sounders. However, I did make it home in time to watch the 10th inning, which is something of a miracle.
I followed the score on my phone while I was taking the bus home. I was feeling pretty good when I saw the Brewers were up 3-0. But then the score changed to 2-0 after Braun's alleged homer was ruled a foul ball. This score change gave me a bad feeling, which was quickly validated when K-Rod surrendered the lead with two outs in the bottom of the 8th.
I checked the score once more after I left the bus and saw the Diamondbacks had a runner at third with nobody out in the bottom of the 9th. At this point I conceded defeat and started writing a post in my head about how this game was such a downer. I arrived home and went online to retrieve the box score for this post only to discover that it was the top of the 10th. Let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised.
The top of the 10th came and went, and when it was all over the Brewers lead 5-2. Axford walked the leadoff man in the bottom of the frame (just for kicks, I assume), but the runner was quickly erased by a 4-6-3 double play. Axford carved up Willie Bloomquist on three pitches, giving the Brewers an unlikely win and sole possession of first place. As Bob Uecker would say: "How about that one, folks?"
I am thrilled with the victory and ecstatic that the Brewers improved to 4-3 on this trip. I'm also impressed that the Brewers were able to win this game in quite possibly the most difficult manner imaginable. Seriously. The Brewers must be on a quest to give everybody in Milwaukee a heart attack.
Other notes:
-Carlos Gomez broke his clavicle and will out for a while. The Brewers needs as much defense as they can get and Gomez is huge asset in the field and as a pinch runner. This is not good news.
-Ryan Braun does not appear to be bothered by his calf anymore.
-Had the Brewers lost tonight the debate would have been about relieving Narveson with of K-Rod. Win or lose, I would have been fine with this move. In his career, Narveson has a 6.94 ERA from innings 6-8. )This includes relief appearances and does not include his work in the 9th inning) Narveson is a soft-tossing lefty that become a lot more vulnerable each time through the lineup. Replacing him with a K-Rod and his career 2.53 ERA was not a bad move.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Game Ninety Eight: Brewers 11, Diamondbacks 3
Box Score
That was about as easy of a road win as you are going to have. The Brewers blasted three home runs in the first inning (including the first of two from Yuniesky Betancourt) and despite the D-Backs getting two back in the bottom of the frame, they never really threatened for the rest of the game.
The Brewers are 3-3 so far on this road trip. Not too long ago I predicted this road trip would be the death blow that effectively ended the Brewers' season. So far I am happily being proven wrong. Now I'm feeling pretty good about their chances to win two more game, finish the trip 5-6, and begin a stretch of games that could propel the Brewers into the post season.
Regardless of what happens, I look forward to reading these posts after the season is over.
That was about as easy of a road win as you are going to have. The Brewers blasted three home runs in the first inning (including the first of two from Yuniesky Betancourt) and despite the D-Backs getting two back in the bottom of the frame, they never really threatened for the rest of the game.
The Brewers are 3-3 so far on this road trip. Not too long ago I predicted this road trip would be the death blow that effectively ended the Brewers' season. So far I am happily being proven wrong. Now I'm feeling pretty good about their chances to win two more game, finish the trip 5-6, and begin a stretch of games that could propel the Brewers into the post season.
Regardless of what happens, I look forward to reading these posts after the season is over.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Game Ninety Seven: Diamondbacks 3, Brewers 0
Box Score
Tonight's game was an impressive display of anti-entertainment. It was a black hole of enjoyment that deserves as little thought as possible. What that in mind...
...I give credit to Randy Wolf for at least going 7.1 innings. If you are not going to get the win, at least eat some innings. Of course, it's rare you will see a team win a game without scoring runs. Speaking of that, Braun needs to get healthy soon. All Kotsay and no Braun makes Mike dull boy.
I'm feeling charitable tonight so I will write off tonight's game as one of those unavoidable clunkers. That said, we are getting to the point in the season where an uninspired game here or there can keep you from the post season. If you're wonder how good the Brewers actually are, the next 2.5 months will give you the answer.
Tonight's game was an impressive display of anti-entertainment. It was a black hole of enjoyment that deserves as little thought as possible. What that in mind...
...I give credit to Randy Wolf for at least going 7.1 innings. If you are not going to get the win, at least eat some innings. Of course, it's rare you will see a team win a game without scoring runs. Speaking of that, Braun needs to get healthy soon. All Kotsay and no Braun makes Mike dull boy.
I'm feeling charitable tonight so I will write off tonight's game as one of those unavoidable clunkers. That said, we are getting to the point in the season where an uninspired game here or there can keep you from the post season. If you're wonder how good the Brewers actually are, the next 2.5 months will give you the answer.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Game Ninety Six: Brewers 4, Rockies 3
Box Score
I am as happy as you can be about splitting a 4-game road series against a third place team. As the spike in the win expectancy graph shows, once again the final three outs were not easy to come by.
While I have written many things about how John Axford likes to make things interesting (as he did today, though poor defense factored in), the fact of the matter is that he's an excellent closer. He has blown on only two saves this season (25/27, he went 24/27 last season), he strikes out over one batter per inning, has surrendered only three home runs in his MLB career, and when you remove his opening day meltdown from the equation he has a tidy 2.11 ERA. He can also hit 98 and has a nasty, nasty curve ball. Add Francisco Rodriguez to the mix with a dash of salt and you have a recipe for a dominant late-inning set up.
Also of note: I like what Roenicke has done with the lineup. It paid off last night when Weeks hit the game-winning homer from the 5-hole, and long term I think it's a logical move. Weeks gives protection to Fielder, and considering Fielder gets on base at a .421 clip I would imagine Weeks will be rewarded for his protection by getting pitches to hit.
Moving along, my hope is that the Brewers can squeeze three more wins out of this road trip and finish with a 5-6 record. If they can do that and find it in them to tread water on the road for the rest of the season, I like their chances of winning the division. That said, asking this team to not be terrible on the road seems like a lot to ask for. Ah yes, the joys of being a Brewers fan.
I am as happy as you can be about splitting a 4-game road series against a third place team. As the spike in the win expectancy graph shows, once again the final three outs were not easy to come by.
While I have written many things about how John Axford likes to make things interesting (as he did today, though poor defense factored in), the fact of the matter is that he's an excellent closer. He has blown on only two saves this season (25/27, he went 24/27 last season), he strikes out over one batter per inning, has surrendered only three home runs in his MLB career, and when you remove his opening day meltdown from the equation he has a tidy 2.11 ERA. He can also hit 98 and has a nasty, nasty curve ball. Add Francisco Rodriguez to the mix with a dash of salt and you have a recipe for a dominant late-inning set up.
Also of note: I like what Roenicke has done with the lineup. It paid off last night when Weeks hit the game-winning homer from the 5-hole, and long term I think it's a logical move. Weeks gives protection to Fielder, and considering Fielder gets on base at a .421 clip I would imagine Weeks will be rewarded for his protection by getting pitches to hit.
Moving along, my hope is that the Brewers can squeeze three more wins out of this road trip and finish with a 5-6 record. If they can do that and find it in them to tread water on the road for the rest of the season, I like their chances of winning the division. That said, asking this team to not be terrible on the road seems like a lot to ask for. Ah yes, the joys of being a Brewers fan.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Game Ninety Five: Brewers 8, Rockies 7
Box Score
I think the above graph provides an accurate depiction of the essence of tonight's game.
The Brewers give us fans the worst of both worlds on the road: They either lose in the most deflating manner possible or win in the most difficult way imaginable. Tonight was one of those difficult wins, but I am very relieved the Brewers were able to pull it out...even though I did not watch any of it live.
I was unable to watch the game tonight because I was at a Mariners game. My plan of avoiding the game as much as possible was doomed to fail because of the good ole' out of town scoreboard. Allow me to recap the highlights of my scoreboard watching:
Bottom 4: Brewers 0, Rockies 3, one out, bases loaded
At this point I was morbidly hoping the Rockies would hit a grand slam so I would have no reason to follow the score. But the Brewers somehow escaped the jam and forced me to keep an eye on the score for until the final out. More highlights:
Top 5: Brewers 2, Rockies 3
Top 7: Brewers 5, Rockies 3
Bottom 7: Brewers 5, Rockies 6
Top 8: Brewers 6, Rockies 6
Top 9: Brewers 8, Rockies 6
The last update was especially sweet because it popped up after the 7th inning stretch at the Mariners game. For the bottom of the 9th I followed the game on my phone, and John Axford was kind enough to treat me to a white-knuckle save; But! it was a save.
I feel good about the win and I will feel even better of the Brewers can earn the split tomorrow. I am very cynical about the Brewers, so I do not predict that will happen. Of course, to the Brewers' credit they are quite good at surprising me. Let's hope they do so tomorrow.
I think the above graph provides an accurate depiction of the essence of tonight's game.
The Brewers give us fans the worst of both worlds on the road: They either lose in the most deflating manner possible or win in the most difficult way imaginable. Tonight was one of those difficult wins, but I am very relieved the Brewers were able to pull it out...even though I did not watch any of it live.
I was unable to watch the game tonight because I was at a Mariners game. My plan of avoiding the game as much as possible was doomed to fail because of the good ole' out of town scoreboard. Allow me to recap the highlights of my scoreboard watching:
Bottom 4: Brewers 0, Rockies 3, one out, bases loaded
At this point I was morbidly hoping the Rockies would hit a grand slam so I would have no reason to follow the score. But the Brewers somehow escaped the jam and forced me to keep an eye on the score for until the final out. More highlights:
Top 5: Brewers 2, Rockies 3
Top 7: Brewers 5, Rockies 3
Bottom 7: Brewers 5, Rockies 6
Top 8: Brewers 6, Rockies 6
Top 9: Brewers 8, Rockies 6
The last update was especially sweet because it popped up after the 7th inning stretch at the Mariners game. For the bottom of the 9th I followed the game on my phone, and John Axford was kind enough to treat me to a white-knuckle save; But! it was a save.
I feel good about the win and I will feel even better of the Brewers can earn the split tomorrow. I am very cynical about the Brewers, so I do not predict that will happen. Of course, to the Brewers' credit they are quite good at surprising me. Let's hope they do so tomorrow.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Game Ninety Four: Rockies 4, Brewers 0
Box Score
Confession time! I did not watch this game and I did not check the score until the game was over. Why? Because the Brewers are feeble on the road and I will not waste my time following them until they prove worthy to do so. It's worth noting that in the Brewers' worst season of all time, 2002 (where they finished 56-106), they went 25-56 on the road. This season they are on pace to go 27-54. And yes, this is a season where they are "going for it."
The NL Central is the most winnable division in baseball and unless they Brewers figure out how to win on the road they are going to let a golden opportunity slip by. I am as frustrated with this team as I ever have been.
Confession time! I did not watch this game and I did not check the score until the game was over. Why? Because the Brewers are feeble on the road and I will not waste my time following them until they prove worthy to do so. It's worth noting that in the Brewers' worst season of all time, 2002 (where they finished 56-106), they went 25-56 on the road. This season they are on pace to go 27-54. And yes, this is a season where they are "going for it."
The NL Central is the most winnable division in baseball and unless they Brewers figure out how to win on the road they are going to let a golden opportunity slip by. I am as frustrated with this team as I ever have been.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Game Ninety Three: Rockies 12, Brewers 3
Box Score
And this is exactly the type of thing Iexpected feared would happen. The Brewers got off to a decent start and even led 2-1 in the second inning. But then things went off the rails as Gallardo gave up two-strike hit after two-strike hit in the bottom of the 4th. From there the bats went silent and the Brewers suffered another deflating road loss. I am not looking forward to the next ten games.
I should mention that I am excited that the Brewers acquired Francisco Rodriguez. He's an excellent reliever and with him, Axford, Saito, and Hawkins in the pen the Brewers have made a move that will shorten games to their advantage. But, and this is important, this only matters if they have a lead after the 6th inning. Given how crappy they are on the road, the Brewers could have Rollie Fingers and Mariano Rivera in the bullpen and it would not matter one lick.
If the Brewers are really "going for it" this season they have to upgrade at third and short. McGehee and Betancourt neither create runs nor do they prevent them, thus they are a dual (quadruple?) threat when it comes to hurting the Brewers.
For the time being the Brewers cannot afford to go any worse that 4-7 on this road trip. After tonight's game it's clear that they have their work cut out, even though we're talking about having a semi-respectable road trip. Yikes.
And this is exactly the type of thing I
I should mention that I am excited that the Brewers acquired Francisco Rodriguez. He's an excellent reliever and with him, Axford, Saito, and Hawkins in the pen the Brewers have made a move that will shorten games to their advantage. But, and this is important, this only matters if they have a lead after the 6th inning. Given how crappy they are on the road, the Brewers could have Rollie Fingers and Mariano Rivera in the bullpen and it would not matter one lick.
If the Brewers are really "going for it" this season they have to upgrade at third and short. McGehee and Betancourt neither create runs nor do they prevent them, thus they are a dual (quadruple?) threat when it comes to hurting the Brewers.
For the time being the Brewers cannot afford to go any worse that 4-7 on this road trip. After tonight's game it's clear that they have their work cut out, even though we're talking about having a semi-respectable road trip. Yikes.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Brew Crew Burnout
As you have noticed, I have not been faithful in updating this blog over the past couple weeks. The reasons for this are simple:
1) There are a lot of games in a baseball season, and I do not always feel like writing about every one of them.
2) Building off of (1), I often do not have much to write about each game. Some games are worthy of analysis while other are worth forgetting. Much like the season itself, maintaining a blog can be a grind.
I have toyed with the idea of changing how I do updates, but after the All-Star break I plan on resuming the blog as normal. In the meantime I have a few thought to share.
First, every time I think I'm out the Brewers pull me right back in. I was just about done with the Brewers after they blew a 6-1 lead for the second consecutive day. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Brewers decided to win four of five games, highlighted by two comebacks in the bottom of the 9th. I'm not sure what the second half of the season holds, but I loved going into the break feeling good.
Second, I am not crazy about the Brewers' chances in the second half. They are still terrible on the road, have too many holes in their lineup, and their starting pitching, while excellent, has not been good enough to compensate for their awful, awful defense. I will feel better if the Brewers can upgrade at SS and 3B before the trade deadline. If this does not happen I have a hard time seeing the Brewers in the playoffs.
Finally, I will be happy if the Brewers have a strong second half and still miss the playoffs (provided they don't miss the playoffs due to a massive choke job). Winning seasons are rare in Milwaukee, and because of this I will have no problem setting my sights a little low and declaring an 85-77 season a success. Call me complacent, but that's how I roll!
1) There are a lot of games in a baseball season, and I do not always feel like writing about every one of them.
2) Building off of (1), I often do not have much to write about each game. Some games are worthy of analysis while other are worth forgetting. Much like the season itself, maintaining a blog can be a grind.
I have toyed with the idea of changing how I do updates, but after the All-Star break I plan on resuming the blog as normal. In the meantime I have a few thought to share.
First, every time I think I'm out the Brewers pull me right back in. I was just about done with the Brewers after they blew a 6-1 lead for the second consecutive day. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Brewers decided to win four of five games, highlighted by two comebacks in the bottom of the 9th. I'm not sure what the second half of the season holds, but I loved going into the break feeling good.
Second, I am not crazy about the Brewers' chances in the second half. They are still terrible on the road, have too many holes in their lineup, and their starting pitching, while excellent, has not been good enough to compensate for their awful, awful defense. I will feel better if the Brewers can upgrade at SS and 3B before the trade deadline. If this does not happen I have a hard time seeing the Brewers in the playoffs.
Finally, I will be happy if the Brewers have a strong second half and still miss the playoffs (provided they don't miss the playoffs due to a massive choke job). Winning seasons are rare in Milwaukee, and because of this I will have no problem setting my sights a little low and declaring an 85-77 season a success. Call me complacent, but that's how I roll!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Catch Up Time!
Since my last post the Brewers have had one inspiring comeback victory and three extremely deflating losses. In this post I am going to focus on those losses.
The Brewers are on the brink of being cooked. They are 1-7 in their last 8 games and have been outscored 59-30. They are a terrible road team and they have an 11-game road trip after the All-Star Break where they will go to Colorado, Arizona, and San Francisco. Zack Greinke and Casey McGehee are not coming around as I hoped, Yuni Betancourt is still a black hole, Kameron Loe is not a reliable reliever and he's still the "8th inning guy," and Yovani Gallardo has been consistently average. In short, they have problems that are not being solved. Though they are only 2.0 games back of the division lead, time is running out and, simply put, things are not looking good.
This team is not making the playoffs as it is currently constructed. They will have a puncher's chance if Saito gets healthy, Greinke settles down, and they upgrade at shortstop and third base. On the bright side, I do believe this team will finish about .500. Considering that winning seasons are rare for the Brewers, I would be decently satisfied with this outcome. However, if the Brewers do not make the playoffs this season I will become very deflated as a fan. I will also advocate the replacement of Doug Melvin.
The Brewers are 531-527 since the 2005. I give Melvin credit for constructing decent teams over that span, but there is another tier of excellence the Brewers are capable of reaching. This will not happen until they have some sort of consistent organizational philosophy outside of getting a bunch of powerful free swingers that can't play defense. Melvin's teams are inconsistent on offense and, due to being horrible defensively, need a lot of things to go right in order to make the playoffs. With something like defense you are given much more margin for error, because all of a sudden that RBI grounder down the line becomes an inning-ending double play. Then, instead of needing 5 runs to win the game, you only need 3.
Anyway, that is my rant for now. I will continue to follow the Brewers, but I will not follow them with enthusiasm until they give me reason for excitement. I am beginning to doubt that will happen.
The Brewers are on the brink of being cooked. They are 1-7 in their last 8 games and have been outscored 59-30. They are a terrible road team and they have an 11-game road trip after the All-Star Break where they will go to Colorado, Arizona, and San Francisco. Zack Greinke and Casey McGehee are not coming around as I hoped, Yuni Betancourt is still a black hole, Kameron Loe is not a reliable reliever and he's still the "8th inning guy," and Yovani Gallardo has been consistently average. In short, they have problems that are not being solved. Though they are only 2.0 games back of the division lead, time is running out and, simply put, things are not looking good.
This team is not making the playoffs as it is currently constructed. They will have a puncher's chance if Saito gets healthy, Greinke settles down, and they upgrade at shortstop and third base. On the bright side, I do believe this team will finish about .500. Considering that winning seasons are rare for the Brewers, I would be decently satisfied with this outcome. However, if the Brewers do not make the playoffs this season I will become very deflated as a fan. I will also advocate the replacement of Doug Melvin.
The Brewers are 531-527 since the 2005. I give Melvin credit for constructing decent teams over that span, but there is another tier of excellence the Brewers are capable of reaching. This will not happen until they have some sort of consistent organizational philosophy outside of getting a bunch of powerful free swingers that can't play defense. Melvin's teams are inconsistent on offense and, due to being horrible defensively, need a lot of things to go right in order to make the playoffs. With something like defense you are given much more margin for error, because all of a sudden that RBI grounder down the line becomes an inning-ending double play. Then, instead of needing 5 runs to win the game, you only need 3.
Anyway, that is my rant for now. I will continue to follow the Brewers, but I will not follow them with enthusiasm until they give me reason for excitement. I am beginning to doubt that will happen.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Game Eighty Three: Twins 6, Brewers 2
Box Score
After the Brewers swept the Twins I made a comment about basking the greatness of the Brewers. That remark was partly in jest, but mostly serious. You must take advantage of any opportunity celebrate the Brewers because that moment will not last long.
The Brewers have been outscored 28-6 in their last four games, all of them losses. They have been losing, and losing hard. It's quite maddening, really. And I'm just going to leave it at that.
After the Brewers swept the Twins I made a comment about basking the greatness of the Brewers. That remark was partly in jest, but mostly serious. You must take advantage of any opportunity celebrate the Brewers because that moment will not last long.
The Brewers have been outscored 28-6 in their last four games, all of them losses. They have been losing, and losing hard. It's quite maddening, really. And I'm just going to leave it at that.
Game Eighty Two: Yankees 5, Brewers 0
Box Score
I'm just going to pretend that series did not happen. While that was not the worst series I have every seen, it's hard get much less enjoyable than that. I felt like I was watching the 2003 Brewers out there, not a first place team. Speaking of that...
...the Brewers' three game lead evaporated as quickly as the lead could evaporate. This may have had something to do with the Brewers playing the Yankees and the Cardinals playing the Orioles. The Crew got raw deal with their interleague draw. The Brewers went 2-7 against the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees, and I will have something to complain about if they miss the playoffs by one or two games. Raw deal aside, a team worthy of winning their division will overcome unfavorable scheduling. The Brewers clearly have some room for improvement...
...and they are at least showing signs of making changes. Casey McGehee was dropped from the 5-spot in the lineup, which is at least a sign that more changes could be coming. I would like to see Taylor Green called up and platoon 3B with McGehee (Green bats left), though I have not heard any rumblings of that happening.
Back to the game today, I was very happy to see Randy Wolf survive a horrible first inning and give the Brewers seven innings. I'm not sure why Wolf has had the most success against the Red Sox and Yankees, so I'll just chalk it up to veteran savvy.
One last point: Ignoring their 0-1 March, the Brewers have had a winning record every month this season. Going further back, the Brewers were 56-55 from June to October of last season. The Brewers have put together a long stretch of decent baseball. I feel pretty good about the Brewers' outlook moving forward.
I'm just going to pretend that series did not happen. While that was not the worst series I have every seen, it's hard get much less enjoyable than that. I felt like I was watching the 2003 Brewers out there, not a first place team. Speaking of that...
...the Brewers' three game lead evaporated as quickly as the lead could evaporate. This may have had something to do with the Brewers playing the Yankees and the Cardinals playing the Orioles. The Crew got raw deal with their interleague draw. The Brewers went 2-7 against the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees, and I will have something to complain about if they miss the playoffs by one or two games. Raw deal aside, a team worthy of winning their division will overcome unfavorable scheduling. The Brewers clearly have some room for improvement...
...and they are at least showing signs of making changes. Casey McGehee was dropped from the 5-spot in the lineup, which is at least a sign that more changes could be coming. I would like to see Taylor Green called up and platoon 3B with McGehee (Green bats left), though I have not heard any rumblings of that happening.
Back to the game today, I was very happy to see Randy Wolf survive a horrible first inning and give the Brewers seven innings. I'm not sure why Wolf has had the most success against the Red Sox and Yankees, so I'll just chalk it up to veteran savvy.
One last point: Ignoring their 0-1 March, the Brewers have had a winning record every month this season. Going further back, the Brewers were 56-55 from June to October of last season. The Brewers have put together a long stretch of decent baseball. I feel pretty good about the Brewers' outlook moving forward.
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