Nearly one year ago to the day, the Brewers had their defining moment; the moment that turned around their season. On May 20, 2011, I saw my third game of the year in person in which the only thing I thought I would take away was getting to see Zack Greinke pitch. Greinke, as he had been throughout the early part of the season, was sub-par and gave up four runs in six innings, keeping the Crew in the game. Turns out we weren't even halfway through the game.
When ranking the top sporting events I've attended, there are three Brewer games that probably crack the top five. Just for fun, let's go through my top five while we're at it!
5. Colorado Rockies @ Milwaukee Brewers (May 20, 2011)
So let's pick up where I left off. The Brewers overcame a 4-2 deficit and would tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Casey McGehee home run (really?). Okay, so I've been to extra inning games before and heck, I've even seen my fair share of walk-off victories. But this was different. The Brewers needed a boost. They were 21-23 with lofty expectations after making big splashes during the off-season. And they were in danger of going three games under .500...twice...after going down by one in both the 13th and 14th innings. In the 13th, it was Yuniesky Betancourt (really?) who would tie the game on a home run down the left field line. Then, in the bottom of the 14th...roughly six hours after I had arrived with my good friends Dan, Chris and Kyle at the Miller Park parking lot, Prince Fielder hit a ball to right field that to my knowledge still hasn't landed. I'll revisit this game later.
Brewers 7, Rockies 6 (F/14)
4. Penn State @ Wisconsin men's basketball (Jan. 24, 2010)
My one and only college basketball game at the Kohl Center was a doozy. The Nittany Lions, who hadn't won a Big Ten game all season, were on the verge of upsetting the 19th ranked Badgers towards the end of my sophomore year winter break (Don't worry. I took an interim class.) Travon Hughes was still on the team, Jordan Taylor was emerging as a star, and Jon Leuer was out with an injury. Taylor went on an unbelievable tear, scoring 18 of his 20 points after the 2:00 mark of the second half. He forced overtime with a layup and continued his dominance in the overtime period, sealing the win for Bucky. I can honestly say I have never heard a building louder than at the end of regulation. I'm not sure if I should ever return to the Kohl Center because nothing will ever top that experience, except maybe a court storming... (FORESHADOWING!)
Badgers 79, Nittany Lions 71 (F/OT)
3. Philadelphia Phillies @ Milwaukee Brewers (August 4, 2007)
In a late summer game against the Phillies, the Brewers were in the process of faltering. They had opened up an eight and a half game lead in the division, but that lead was slowly evaporating. It was a Saturday night. Miller was packed. I was sitting with my friend Heather who graciously brought me to several Brewer games where the seats were second deck right behind home plate. Aside from what will make number one on this list, I've never seen a better atmosphere at a baseball game. Down 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Prince Fielder hit an absolute bomb to right field (again) with a runner on to take a 6-5 lead, and Miller Park almost collapsed. But it was nothing compared to the roar that took place in the top of the ninth when Corey Hart reached up and brought one back from the right field seats. It saved the game and got Brewer Nation all kinds of excited, hoping this was the moment the team needed to get back on track. The Brewers would not make the postseason in '07 (they suffered a heartbreaking extra inning defeat the next day), but it's still surely a game with two moments I'll never forget.
Brewers 6, Phillies 5
2b. Ohio State @ Wisconsin football (October 16, 2010)
I've been to my fair share of Badger games, but none quite of this magnitude. The number one Ohio State Buckeyes were coming into town and before the season had began, Dan, who played in the marching band, sold me the rights to his ticket. Turns out it would be one of the biggest moments in Wisconsin football history. After David Gilreath returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, I knew I was in for a special night. The Buckeyes were never able to get over the hump and as the clock struck zero, chaos ensued. The student section flooded onto the field at Camp Randall, singing, chanting, hugging players, and celebrating a surreal moment. I almost lost my right shoe hopping over the railing, but it would have been worth it. The game may not have come down to the wire like every other game on this list, but the magnitude of the victory trumps that fact. As in three of the first four moments I've already mentioned, Kyle was also at the game. I'm thinking we should do this whole attend sporting events together thing more often...
Badgers 31, Buckeyes 18
2a. Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (Jan. 2, 2010)
Negative temperatures. January. Lambeau Field. A playoff birth on the line. Playing against our heated rival. Yep. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers won, made the playoffs, and the rest is history. No words can describe this one. And yes, this means I'm giving you my top six sporting events attended, but it's my blog so tough shit!
Packers 10, Bears 3
1. Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers (Oct. 7, 2011)
I'll be damned if I ever see a better moment in person when it comes to sports. Hopefully I do, but then I'd be damned. It was game 5 of the NLDS against the D-Backs and the game was close the whole way, making for a rather tense atmosphere. The Brewers led 2-1 going into the eighth, and with K-Rod and Axford due up to pitch, it seemed all but over...but it's never that easy. K-Rod pulled his modern-day Houdini act, loading the bases before getting out of the jam. Unfortunately, Ax did not have the same luck and had to get out of a first-and-second with nobody out pickle (after the tying run had already scored). Talk about a heart-stopper. The Brewers couldn't win it in the ninth, but after a solid bounce-back inning from Axford, Milwaukee had a chance to win it again in the 10th. Carlos Gomez ripped a lead-off single, got over to second base with Nyjer Morgan at the plate, and scored on the Tony Plush single heard 'round the state of Wisconsin. To put things in perspective, it was only the sixth time in National League history that a deciding game in the playoffs was decided on a walk-off, and the first time since 2001. And I was there! Goosebumps will surface on my skin every time I watch that replay of Gomez crossing home. Oh, and did I mention that Kyle was there?
Brewers 3, D-Backs 2 (F/10)
Sorry for the diversion there, but let me return to the Rockies/Brewers classic from a year ago. It was the undeniable turning point of the Brewers season. From that point on, there was no real low point for Milwaukee, and they cruised to the Central Division title and the NLCS, where they would eventually fall to the HATED St. Louis Cardinals. As a fan, you look for moments, for games, that will get a team out of a slump; that will be the jump-start to a magical run. Many times, teams fail to capitalize on special moments, like I noted with the Phillies game in '07. Take a few weeks ago, for example. The Brewers had a similar victory to the Rockies game last season when they defeated the Cubs in 13 innings with a 13-18 record. On Sunday, the Brewers had another statement victory, winning 16-4 behind the inspiring effort of the red-hot Jonathan Lucroy (7 RBIs).
Monday night, however, the Brewers had another chance to make a statement and build off some momentum with a walk-off victory and failed, losing in 14 innings to the San Francisco Giants. It's been a season of countless starting lineups and enough ups and downs to last me an entire season, but as I stated in my last blog post, there's reason to be optimistic. Yeah, being 17-25 sucks, and I'd bet I could count on my fingers and toes the amount of teams that have made the playoffs after starting a season like that, but the Brewers are only six games behind the Cards in the division. It's May. Sure, there have been injuries, but it happens to everyone. Let's hope that the Brewers are still searching for their "defining moment" to get back on track. Monday's loss is frustrating to say the least, but tomorrow is another day, and that's what's great about baseball: you have to have a short memory and get right back on the horse the next day.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Once again, don't hit the panic button
Last week, after John Axford blew his first save of the season, thus ending his save streak of 49 straight games, the fourth best streak in the history of Major League Baseball. A few days earlier, Axford threw out two tweets that should have eased the minds of Brewer Nation:
Me (John Axford) - *May 9, 2011. 0-1, 5.40ERA, 6 saves, 2 BS. 6BB, 14K.
*May 9, 2012. 0-2, 5.59ERA, 6 saves, 0 BS, 7BB, 17K.
Milwaukee Brewers - *May 9, 2011 -- 15-20. 5th in the NL Central. *May 9, 2012 -- 13-18. 5th in NL Central.
It may not seem like it, but the Milwaukee Brewers are in the exact same position they were in a season ago. I don't know about you, but I was pretty pleased with the way last season went save for the NLCS exit to the hated St. Louis Cardinals. In prior years, it was the Brewers getting off to a hot start and then faltering at the end of the season, making missing out on the playoffs even more of a heartbreak. By starting slow, the Brewers take all the pressure and attention (except for the whole Ryan Braun thing) off themselves and can play better baseball. As it stands right now, the Crew is 16-20 and only five games back of the division leading Cardinals. That certainly doesn't seem so bad being just over a month into the season with over four months to play. But what do the Brewers need to do to string together some wins and get out of this funk?
As of late, Milwaukee's starting pitching has been superb. Even with the loss of Chris Narveson to a torn rotator cuff (which in my mind isn't much of a loss at all), the Brewers starting 5 has been pretty solid. Zack Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf, and Marco Estrada have combined to go nearly six innings a start while having a combined ERA of 4.12. The ERA doesn't seem like the greatest, but these guys are basically averaging a quality start, which is all you can ask out of your starting pitchers. Maybe we should expect more out of Greinke, the undoubted ace of the staff, but throw out a couple of stinker starts by Gallardo against the Cardinals and the starting five has done its job. Marcum has been nearly as good as Greinke, but hasn't been getting the same help from the bullpen or the offense (Greinke: 4-1, 2.88 ERA; Marcum: 2-1, 3.07 ERA). Speaking of the bullpen and offense...
This is where numbers have been down...way down. I would prefer to not even begin to calculate what the ERA of this bunch is and to say that Kameron Loe and Manny Parra have been the two most reliable pitchers out of the 'pen this year should say it all. Yes, Axford only has one blown save, but his ERA is 5.56 and he has failed to hold some tie ball games for the Brewers. Let's just hope this is just another slow start and Ax will get things back on track. The re-signing of K-Rod was supposed to make games that Milwaukee was leading seven innings long, but his ERA is sniffing five and he has been hit hard on numerous occasions. Still, both are guys I know who will turn it around and the Crew should be fortunate to still be in striking distance of first place despite their struggles. Loe and Parra have been pleasant surprises, but Jose Veras (acquired from Pittsburgh, ERA = 6.75) was handed the seventh inning job and has allowed a baserunner in something like 12 straight appearances. Ouch. And with Estrada out of the long relief role, there is no one who can fill that void who is currently on the roster. Wily Peralta seems ideal, but I can understand wanting to get him his starts at Triple A Nashville, because that team matters a lot more than Milwaukee. Vinny Chulk? No, thanks. Thankfully, the Brewers' starters going deep in games has made this issue small, but it's important to have a guy like Estrada in your 'pen to keep you in games.
Hopefully what I just said about the bullpen makes everyone feel a little better about things because I'm lost when it comes to the offense. I can say this much: I feel good about Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy. That's about it. I like that my man Taylor Green is with the club and would like to see him get more time at first and second. I like that Travis Ishikawa has been a solid contributor. I like that Aramis Ramirez has a 12-game hitting streak and that he trails only Braun in RBIs. Here's the problem: it's not enough. There were a few more things I LIKED before the injury bug bit the Brewers...hard. Mat Gamel, Alex Gonzalez and Carlos Gomez were all doing positive things before Gamel and A-Gon's ACLs betrayed them and Gomez (.280 AVG) pulled his hammy. The return of Gomez will be a welcome sight and give the Brewers a solid left to right of Brauner, Go-Go and Corey Hart, who if not anything else has brought a big stick. Combine the positives I just listed with the security blankets of Nori Aoki and George Kottaras (.290 AVG), and there are reasons to be hopeful that this unit can collectively turn it around. After all, the Brewers are fifth in runs scored in the National League (14th in average), but also 15th in ERA (4.50).
So what do we make of all this? The Brewers have pretty much nowhere to go but up. K-Rod and Axford are going to become more reliable at the end of games, Loe has proven he can take on the seventh inning role, at least until Veras figures things out, and the starting five is collectively getting the job done and working fairly deep into games. As far as the offense, can Rickie Weeks really suck this bad for six months? Will Nyjer Morgan revisit his Tony Plush days? Can Luuuuuuc stay hot? Can guys get on base in front of Braun and A-Ram (see: Weeks and Nyjer questions)? I'd be lying if I said I have the answers to those questions, but my guess is that Rickie can get it together. Until then, why not play guys who are proving to get the job done (see: Green, Aoki, Gomez when he gets back)? Or at least move Weeks down in the order and have Lucroy continue hitting in the two-hole. I'm sorry for all the questions, but there have been a lot of them in this early baseball season. And that's what people need to remember: the season is early. Stay loyal to your Brewers, root them on, and be there for when they (hopefully) flip the switch.
By the way, I graduated, which is cool, and now I can blog more. I'll be interning at the Division III Baseball World Series, but after that it's anyone's guess. Hopefully the real world is kind to me and I find full-time employment soon after this internship, and if that should occur, you'll all be the first to know! (that is, if you follow me on Twitter...or if you're my mom)
Me (John Axford) - *May 9, 2011. 0-1, 5.40ERA, 6 saves, 2 BS. 6BB, 14K.
*May 9, 2012. 0-2, 5.59ERA, 6 saves, 0 BS, 7BB, 17K.
Milwaukee Brewers - *May 9, 2011 -- 15-20. 5th in the NL Central. *May 9, 2012 -- 13-18. 5th in NL Central.
It may not seem like it, but the Milwaukee Brewers are in the exact same position they were in a season ago. I don't know about you, but I was pretty pleased with the way last season went save for the NLCS exit to the hated St. Louis Cardinals. In prior years, it was the Brewers getting off to a hot start and then faltering at the end of the season, making missing out on the playoffs even more of a heartbreak. By starting slow, the Brewers take all the pressure and attention (except for the whole Ryan Braun thing) off themselves and can play better baseball. As it stands right now, the Crew is 16-20 and only five games back of the division leading Cardinals. That certainly doesn't seem so bad being just over a month into the season with over four months to play. But what do the Brewers need to do to string together some wins and get out of this funk?
As of late, Milwaukee's starting pitching has been superb. Even with the loss of Chris Narveson to a torn rotator cuff (which in my mind isn't much of a loss at all), the Brewers starting 5 has been pretty solid. Zack Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf, and Marco Estrada have combined to go nearly six innings a start while having a combined ERA of 4.12. The ERA doesn't seem like the greatest, but these guys are basically averaging a quality start, which is all you can ask out of your starting pitchers. Maybe we should expect more out of Greinke, the undoubted ace of the staff, but throw out a couple of stinker starts by Gallardo against the Cardinals and the starting five has done its job. Marcum has been nearly as good as Greinke, but hasn't been getting the same help from the bullpen or the offense (Greinke: 4-1, 2.88 ERA; Marcum: 2-1, 3.07 ERA). Speaking of the bullpen and offense...
This is where numbers have been down...way down. I would prefer to not even begin to calculate what the ERA of this bunch is and to say that Kameron Loe and Manny Parra have been the two most reliable pitchers out of the 'pen this year should say it all. Yes, Axford only has one blown save, but his ERA is 5.56 and he has failed to hold some tie ball games for the Brewers. Let's just hope this is just another slow start and Ax will get things back on track. The re-signing of K-Rod was supposed to make games that Milwaukee was leading seven innings long, but his ERA is sniffing five and he has been hit hard on numerous occasions. Still, both are guys I know who will turn it around and the Crew should be fortunate to still be in striking distance of first place despite their struggles. Loe and Parra have been pleasant surprises, but Jose Veras (acquired from Pittsburgh, ERA = 6.75) was handed the seventh inning job and has allowed a baserunner in something like 12 straight appearances. Ouch. And with Estrada out of the long relief role, there is no one who can fill that void who is currently on the roster. Wily Peralta seems ideal, but I can understand wanting to get him his starts at Triple A Nashville, because that team matters a lot more than Milwaukee. Vinny Chulk? No, thanks. Thankfully, the Brewers' starters going deep in games has made this issue small, but it's important to have a guy like Estrada in your 'pen to keep you in games.
Hopefully what I just said about the bullpen makes everyone feel a little better about things because I'm lost when it comes to the offense. I can say this much: I feel good about Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy. That's about it. I like that my man Taylor Green is with the club and would like to see him get more time at first and second. I like that Travis Ishikawa has been a solid contributor. I like that Aramis Ramirez has a 12-game hitting streak and that he trails only Braun in RBIs. Here's the problem: it's not enough. There were a few more things I LIKED before the injury bug bit the Brewers...hard. Mat Gamel, Alex Gonzalez and Carlos Gomez were all doing positive things before Gamel and A-Gon's ACLs betrayed them and Gomez (.280 AVG) pulled his hammy. The return of Gomez will be a welcome sight and give the Brewers a solid left to right of Brauner, Go-Go and Corey Hart, who if not anything else has brought a big stick. Combine the positives I just listed with the security blankets of Nori Aoki and George Kottaras (.290 AVG), and there are reasons to be hopeful that this unit can collectively turn it around. After all, the Brewers are fifth in runs scored in the National League (14th in average), but also 15th in ERA (4.50).
So what do we make of all this? The Brewers have pretty much nowhere to go but up. K-Rod and Axford are going to become more reliable at the end of games, Loe has proven he can take on the seventh inning role, at least until Veras figures things out, and the starting five is collectively getting the job done and working fairly deep into games. As far as the offense, can Rickie Weeks really suck this bad for six months? Will Nyjer Morgan revisit his Tony Plush days? Can Luuuuuuc stay hot? Can guys get on base in front of Braun and A-Ram (see: Weeks and Nyjer questions)? I'd be lying if I said I have the answers to those questions, but my guess is that Rickie can get it together. Until then, why not play guys who are proving to get the job done (see: Green, Aoki, Gomez when he gets back)? Or at least move Weeks down in the order and have Lucroy continue hitting in the two-hole. I'm sorry for all the questions, but there have been a lot of them in this early baseball season. And that's what people need to remember: the season is early. Stay loyal to your Brewers, root them on, and be there for when they (hopefully) flip the switch.
By the way, I graduated, which is cool, and now I can blog more. I'll be interning at the Division III Baseball World Series, but after that it's anyone's guess. Hopefully the real world is kind to me and I find full-time employment soon after this internship, and if that should occur, you'll all be the first to know! (that is, if you follow me on Twitter...or if you're my mom)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The OFFICIAL Brewers 2012 Season Preview
Oh, baby! Can you smell it? The freshly cut green grass. The beer. The brats. Burgers on the grill. Vomit in the parking lot. It's finally baseball season, the greatest sport in the world, and the Milwaukee Brewers are poised to defend their National League Central Division title beginning Friday against the very team that knocked them out of the postseason last year: the St. Louis Cardinals. Unlike last year at this time, the weather is cooperating with the start of the season. Whether it's warm enough for an open roof this weekend at Miller Park is a whole different issue (God forbid we open the roof when the temperature reaches the high 50s). Several off-season story lines have put the Brewers in the national spotlight, and not for the right reasons. From the Prince Fielder exit to the Ryan Braun dilemma, it's good to finally put the past in the past and play some ball. With several experts discounting the Brewers because of these off-season story lines, being put on the backburner is exactly what the Crew would prefer as they look to build on their 2011 record-breaking season of 96 victories. So let's take a look at what's changed since the Brewers' NLCS exit last October.
Who's New?
3B - Aramis Ramirez
I'm still trying to let this move grow on me. A long-time player of the hated rival Chicago Cubs, Ramirez has always been a player I've despised. His on-field demeanor bothers me not to mention the numerous times A-Ram has knocked a game-winner home run out to defeat Milwaukee over the years. But there was a hole to fill at third base after trading away one-hit wonder Casey McGehee and Ramirez (33), coming off a solid contract year (.306/26/93) was one of the top third basemen on the free agent market. I would have liked to see Taylor Green get a full-time shot at the 5, but he's still developing and to put a rookie at each of the corner infield positions would be a risk. Ramirez is proven, and although it's unrealistic to think he can fill the void Prince left, he will be counted on to protect Ryan Braun in the lineup.
1B - Mat Gamel
So Gamel might not exactly be "new," but this will be the first time Mat the Bat gets a chance to start the season with the big league club, and in a full-time roll to boot. Thank goodness...it's been a long time coming for the 26-year old. In my opinion, and I know I've clamored for this before, Gamel needs to have the comfort of being an everyday player to succeed in the Bigs. Only getting opportunities here and there has forced Gamel to press at the plate and struggle tremendously. Gamel will "replace" Prince at first base and there is some insurance behind him with another newcomer you'll soon meet as well as Corey Hart. Look for a stellar year for Gamel.
SS - Alex Gonzalez
To the surprise of everyone, the Brewers allowed shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to walk this off-season, and in his place walks in Alex Gonzalez (35). Dude has been on an absolute tear in Spring Training, hitting well over .400, so let's just hope he isn't using blowing his you-know-what too early. Gonzalez is a free-swinger just like Yuni B, so that will be sure to frustrate Brewer fans all season, but he is much slicker with the leather at short and combining with Rickie Weeks up the middle has me excited. The Brewers should be considerably better on the left side of the infield, although the age factor means the combination of A-Ram and A-Gon is just a short-term solution.
OF - Norichika Aoki
The Japanese import didn't bring nearly as much attention as Rangers-signee Yu Darvish, but Aoki gives the Brewers an incredibly experienced and deep outfield. Aoki (30) hit a solid .308 in Spring Training and will essentially be a utility outfielder along with Carlos Gomez for the Brewers, although he appears to be someone who can step in and hold his own should he be forced into extended action. He's also in a pretty funny commercial with Mat Gamel, so I already like the guy. Hopefully he proves to be a solid contributor for the Brew Crew.
1B/OF - Travis Ishikawa
Here's another veteran who can step in and play solid defense and make the occasional start for the Brewers (General Manager Doug Melvin must have finally realized defense wins championships last season). Ishikawa (28) isn't quite as old as the other signees, but his versatility and solid spring was enough for him to be the final man to make the 25-man roster. He can come in late in games to relieve Gamel at first for defensive purposes and also play a kind of Mark Kotsay-kind of roll. Ishikawa is a good guy to have around and just like Aoki, he hits from the left side of the plate.
Other new guys that could play a role: RP Jose Veras (acquired in trade for McGehee), SS Cesar Izturis, RP Manny Parra (coming off injury)
Who's Gone?
1B - Prince Fielder
Maybe you've heard of him? The Brewers were unwilling to fork up $214 million to re-sign Prince, and that's just fine with me. A few years ago, I knew it would be inevitable that Fielder would walk, making the break-up easier. Now Prince is with the Detroit Tigers, and rather than be upset with Fielder, we should be happy for the time he gave us and most importantly, we should be glad he decided to go to the American League. If and when you return to play against Milwaukee, you'll be welcomed with open arms, big fella.
OF - Ryan Braun for 50 games
3B - Casey McGehee
As mentioned before, McGehee is a goner and now a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps it was too soon to give up on McGehee, who is a stand-up guy and someone impossible not to root for, but the disparity between 2010 and 2011 was alarming. It got to the point where McGehee had to be completely replaced at third base by Jerry Hairston Jr. last season and while I thought he would return to the Brewers this season in some capacity, the front office had other ideas and the Casey McGehee-era in Milwaukee is over.
SS - Yuniesky Betancourt
The nicknames are endless with this guy, and not many of them are good, but the Yuni-bomber was not retained by the Brewers after the 2011 season even though he did show signs of brilliance during the postseason. Betancourt was a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder, and that simply doesn't cut it here in Milwaukee. The shortstop position has turned into a rent-a-player situation now with the 35-year old Gonzalez coming in and Betancourt was simply there last season to bridge the gap.
IF - Craig Counsell
Craig knew it was time to hang up the cleats after last season, and about all that will be missed from Counsell is his clubhouse presence. The Wisconsin native has now assumed a role in the Brewers organization (don't worry...not as a player). Counsell was always a fan favorite and his two World Series rings and goofy batting stance are the two things fans will take away from a pretty stellar career as a professional baseball player.
Other losses: OF Mark Kotsay, IF/OF Jerry Hairston, RP LaTroy Hawkins, RP Takashi Saito, Hitting coach Dale Sveum
As you can see by the "Other losses" category, the Brewers lost some key role players as well as some key bullpen arms. However, they were able to bring in some new role players in Ishikawa, Izturis, and Aoki along with some veterans in A-Ram and A-Gon, not to mention the return of Fransisco Rodriguez and closer John Axford. Is this team as good as the 2011 team, one of the best Brewer teams we've ever seen? That answer is no. But they can come close if they play to their potential. There are several story lines to keep an eye on this season with the Crew. How will Braun respond to the adversity? Can Gamel live up to his potential and put up the numbers he has continually put up in AAA? Can Yovani Gallardo be a true ace and have a career season? Will the starting five help to carry the Brewers' not-so-juggernaut offense? How long will K-Rod last before he complains about being a setup man? Will Zack Greinke get a deal done before the end of the season? I'm sure there are more out there, such as how A-Ram and A-Gon will fit in and such, but there are many questions that need to be answered over the course of 162 games in order for the Brewers to make a return trip to the postseason. As I did last season, I'll make 12 more bold predictions for the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers. For the record, I went four of 12 last season. Ouch.
1. Shaun Marcum is going to suck a fat one due to injuries and poor location.
2. Zack Greinke will struggle until his contract issues are resolved.
3. Mat Gamel, finally settling into a role, will have a .280/23/80 season.
4. Yovani Gallardo will lead the team in wins with 17.
5. Ryan Braun will have his typical .300/30/100 season and shut everyone up.
6. When the Brewers enter the eighth inning with a lead, the game will be over.
7. Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez will shine in their respective roles.
8. Marco Estrada will start more games than he did last season.
9. Aramis Ramirez will disappoint as the new clean-up hitter - Gamel may replace him.
10. The Brewers will be in the top half of Major League Baseball in defense.
11. An injury will force Doug Melvin to look elsewhere (minors/free agency) for help.
12. Milwaukee Brewers 2012 record: 91-71, 1st place in NL Central
Oops. I did it again. Same exact prediction as a year before. And why mess with the formula for success? I underestimated the Brewers last season and was five games under with my guess, so technically I'm just compensating for the loss of Prince Fielder. Five games sounds about right...right? Alright, so there is my annual Milwaukee Brewers season preview, a preview I did instead of the pile of homework I have waiting for me at the library right now. I guess that's what all-nighters are for...college! As far as the Brewers' postseason chances, I'm not sure. As always, the Phillies will be tough, the Reds, Marlins and Nationals are resurgent, the Cardinals are in an eerily similar position as the Brewers, and the Diamondbacks could very well be the best team in the NL. A division championship is by no means going to be easy, but I believe people are putting too much into what the Reds did this off-season, overrating the Cubs (per usual), and the Cardinals are always going to be tough. It should be a fantastic year of baseball, and I'm as excited as anyone to make my way out to Miller Park, get my tailgate on, and watch me some Brewers baseball.
Summer is right around the corner.
Who's New?
3B - Aramis Ramirez
I'm still trying to let this move grow on me. A long-time player of the hated rival Chicago Cubs, Ramirez has always been a player I've despised. His on-field demeanor bothers me not to mention the numerous times A-Ram has knocked a game-winner home run out to defeat Milwaukee over the years. But there was a hole to fill at third base after trading away one-hit wonder Casey McGehee and Ramirez (33), coming off a solid contract year (.306/26/93) was one of the top third basemen on the free agent market. I would have liked to see Taylor Green get a full-time shot at the 5, but he's still developing and to put a rookie at each of the corner infield positions would be a risk. Ramirez is proven, and although it's unrealistic to think he can fill the void Prince left, he will be counted on to protect Ryan Braun in the lineup.
1B - Mat Gamel
So Gamel might not exactly be "new," but this will be the first time Mat the Bat gets a chance to start the season with the big league club, and in a full-time roll to boot. Thank goodness...it's been a long time coming for the 26-year old. In my opinion, and I know I've clamored for this before, Gamel needs to have the comfort of being an everyday player to succeed in the Bigs. Only getting opportunities here and there has forced Gamel to press at the plate and struggle tremendously. Gamel will "replace" Prince at first base and there is some insurance behind him with another newcomer you'll soon meet as well as Corey Hart. Look for a stellar year for Gamel.
SS - Alex Gonzalez
To the surprise of everyone, the Brewers allowed shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to walk this off-season, and in his place walks in Alex Gonzalez (35). Dude has been on an absolute tear in Spring Training, hitting well over .400, so let's just hope he isn't using blowing his you-know-what too early. Gonzalez is a free-swinger just like Yuni B, so that will be sure to frustrate Brewer fans all season, but he is much slicker with the leather at short and combining with Rickie Weeks up the middle has me excited. The Brewers should be considerably better on the left side of the infield, although the age factor means the combination of A-Ram and A-Gon is just a short-term solution.
OF - Norichika Aoki
The Japanese import didn't bring nearly as much attention as Rangers-signee Yu Darvish, but Aoki gives the Brewers an incredibly experienced and deep outfield. Aoki (30) hit a solid .308 in Spring Training and will essentially be a utility outfielder along with Carlos Gomez for the Brewers, although he appears to be someone who can step in and hold his own should he be forced into extended action. He's also in a pretty funny commercial with Mat Gamel, so I already like the guy. Hopefully he proves to be a solid contributor for the Brew Crew.
1B/OF - Travis Ishikawa
Here's another veteran who can step in and play solid defense and make the occasional start for the Brewers (General Manager Doug Melvin must have finally realized defense wins championships last season). Ishikawa (28) isn't quite as old as the other signees, but his versatility and solid spring was enough for him to be the final man to make the 25-man roster. He can come in late in games to relieve Gamel at first for defensive purposes and also play a kind of Mark Kotsay-kind of roll. Ishikawa is a good guy to have around and just like Aoki, he hits from the left side of the plate.
Other new guys that could play a role: RP Jose Veras (acquired in trade for McGehee), SS Cesar Izturis, RP Manny Parra (coming off injury)
Who's Gone?
1B - Prince Fielder
Maybe you've heard of him? The Brewers were unwilling to fork up $214 million to re-sign Prince, and that's just fine with me. A few years ago, I knew it would be inevitable that Fielder would walk, making the break-up easier. Now Prince is with the Detroit Tigers, and rather than be upset with Fielder, we should be happy for the time he gave us and most importantly, we should be glad he decided to go to the American League. If and when you return to play against Milwaukee, you'll be welcomed with open arms, big fella.
3B - Casey McGehee
As mentioned before, McGehee is a goner and now a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps it was too soon to give up on McGehee, who is a stand-up guy and someone impossible not to root for, but the disparity between 2010 and 2011 was alarming. It got to the point where McGehee had to be completely replaced at third base by Jerry Hairston Jr. last season and while I thought he would return to the Brewers this season in some capacity, the front office had other ideas and the Casey McGehee-era in Milwaukee is over.
SS - Yuniesky Betancourt
The nicknames are endless with this guy, and not many of them are good, but the Yuni-bomber was not retained by the Brewers after the 2011 season even though he did show signs of brilliance during the postseason. Betancourt was a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder, and that simply doesn't cut it here in Milwaukee. The shortstop position has turned into a rent-a-player situation now with the 35-year old Gonzalez coming in and Betancourt was simply there last season to bridge the gap.
IF - Craig Counsell
Craig knew it was time to hang up the cleats after last season, and about all that will be missed from Counsell is his clubhouse presence. The Wisconsin native has now assumed a role in the Brewers organization (don't worry...not as a player). Counsell was always a fan favorite and his two World Series rings and goofy batting stance are the two things fans will take away from a pretty stellar career as a professional baseball player.
Other losses: OF Mark Kotsay, IF/OF Jerry Hairston, RP LaTroy Hawkins, RP Takashi Saito, Hitting coach Dale Sveum
As you can see by the "Other losses" category, the Brewers lost some key role players as well as some key bullpen arms. However, they were able to bring in some new role players in Ishikawa, Izturis, and Aoki along with some veterans in A-Ram and A-Gon, not to mention the return of Fransisco Rodriguez and closer John Axford. Is this team as good as the 2011 team, one of the best Brewer teams we've ever seen? That answer is no. But they can come close if they play to their potential. There are several story lines to keep an eye on this season with the Crew. How will Braun respond to the adversity? Can Gamel live up to his potential and put up the numbers he has continually put up in AAA? Can Yovani Gallardo be a true ace and have a career season? Will the starting five help to carry the Brewers' not-so-juggernaut offense? How long will K-Rod last before he complains about being a setup man? Will Zack Greinke get a deal done before the end of the season? I'm sure there are more out there, such as how A-Ram and A-Gon will fit in and such, but there are many questions that need to be answered over the course of 162 games in order for the Brewers to make a return trip to the postseason. As I did last season, I'll make 12 more bold predictions for the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers. For the record, I went four of 12 last season. Ouch.
1. Shaun Marcum is going to suck a fat one due to injuries and poor location.
2. Zack Greinke will struggle until his contract issues are resolved.
3. Mat Gamel, finally settling into a role, will have a .280/23/80 season.
4. Yovani Gallardo will lead the team in wins with 17.
5. Ryan Braun will have his typical .300/30/100 season and shut everyone up.
6. When the Brewers enter the eighth inning with a lead, the game will be over.
7. Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez will shine in their respective roles.
8. Marco Estrada will start more games than he did last season.
9. Aramis Ramirez will disappoint as the new clean-up hitter - Gamel may replace him.
10. The Brewers will be in the top half of Major League Baseball in defense.
11. An injury will force Doug Melvin to look elsewhere (minors/free agency) for help.
12. Milwaukee Brewers 2012 record: 91-71, 1st place in NL Central
Oops. I did it again. Same exact prediction as a year before. And why mess with the formula for success? I underestimated the Brewers last season and was five games under with my guess, so technically I'm just compensating for the loss of Prince Fielder. Five games sounds about right...right? Alright, so there is my annual Milwaukee Brewers season preview, a preview I did instead of the pile of homework I have waiting for me at the library right now. I guess that's what all-nighters are for...college! As far as the Brewers' postseason chances, I'm not sure. As always, the Phillies will be tough, the Reds, Marlins and Nationals are resurgent, the Cardinals are in an eerily similar position as the Brewers, and the Diamondbacks could very well be the best team in the NL. A division championship is by no means going to be easy, but I believe people are putting too much into what the Reds did this off-season, overrating the Cubs (per usual), and the Cardinals are always going to be tough. It should be a fantastic year of baseball, and I'm as excited as anyone to make my way out to Miller Park, get my tailgate on, and watch me some Brewers baseball.
Summer is right around the corner.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Madness in Review
Sorry for the month in between posts. This graduation thing is really putting a damper on my blogging plans and a trip out to Las Vegas last week - and this goes without saying - kept me away from the computer for a few days. What have I missed? March, and all that March offers is, well...madness. The last time I swung by BBB, I got my feelings out about Ryan Braun and although myself and the state of Wisconsin are likely the only ones who share those views, I couldn't really give a damn. It's time to move on from the miserable stretch that was Braun's appeal, but before moving on from March Madness, let's look back at the stretch that pumped false hope into millions of Badger fans and Warrior fans.
Both Wisconsin and Marquette were knocked out of their conference tourneys and this normally isn't really cause for concern - except this time, specifically for MU. The last team to reach the Final Four that got knocked out in the first round of their conference tournament was...hmmm...turns out no one has ever done it. There's a first time for everything, but it just wasn't meant to be for the Warriors to be the first to do this. The seeds handed out to Marquette (3) and Wisconsin (4) were to be expected unless each had made better runs in their respective conference tournaments.
To my great chagrin, I was forced to miss the ending of BOTH first round matchups involving my two favorite college basketball teams, neither of which I favor above the other for the record. Instead, I had the privilege of taking one of the more difficult exams my young mind as ever been challenged with...an exam that I pulled a B out of my ass for. Don't ask how that happened. Thankfully, UW and MU had my back and easily took care of business in round one (don't give me this "actually it's round two" crap). As the first round of the NCAA tournament was winding down, so were my hopes of winning any money as my Final Four "lock" of Missouri lost to Norfolk State (and thank goodness, because their second round game against Florida was THRILLING). Believe it or not, I'm still doing quite well in the two pools I'm entered in that involve money, but there is little chance I win anything.
Round two rolled around, and now Wisconsin and Marquette had to bear down. Both did just enough, with Bucky barely holding off Vandy in a thriller...a team I picked to roll into the elite 8 and final four in one bracket (whoops again)...and Marquette pulling out an ugly one against one-loss Murray State. The Badgers looked a heck of a lot better than the Warriors did and this should have been a sign of things to come in the round of the Sweet 16. Even though it had appeared that Marquette was done a favor by WHAT THE NorFOLK State, the Florida Gators were a team on a mission. The Badgers would square off against Syracuse in what is perhaps one of the top three games of the tournament thus far.
I did in fact make a couple bets on March Madness during my time in Vegas, but neither involved the hometown squads (I picked Kentucky to cover and NC State +8 against Kansas - winner, winner, chicken dinner). We walked over a couple of delicious pitchers of Miller Lite and sat down in the sportsbook viewing room to watch the first game - Syracuse v. Wisconsin, a game being played just miles away from Cuse in Boston. While I said earlier in the year that it was the relying on the three point shot that would do in the Badgers eventually, it was the 3-ball that kept Wisconsin in the game. They made 14 threes! Unheard of. They went on stretches draining three after three, a shooting clinic. That was nice and all, but as Jordan Taylor would say at halftime (and what I was screaming at the television about) was that the Badgers needed to get the ball in the middle to collapse the defense and then kick it back out right away. The baseline was also an open area on the floor against the Orange zone, but the athleticism of Syracuse was overpowering and any attempt to score down low resulted in turnovers and blocked shots. Getting the ball to Jared Berggren in the high post led to more open looks and was the driving force behind the Badgers getting back into the game. Wisconsin would finally grab a lead on a Ben Brust trey to go up 3 with about eight minutes left. From there, several nails were worn down and the Badgers only scored 2 points in the last four minutes. However, after the Syracuse missed a one-and-one, Wisconsin had 15 seconds to bring the ball up and win the game. There was just one problem: Berggren, who was 6 of 7 shooting on the game, NEVER CHECKED INTO THE GAME! Well that's okay, the Badgers had a timeout left so they'll just use that and...oh crap...they aren't using it. They never used it. Rob Wilson had an open look, could have even driven down the lane, but the SENIOR got wet feet, passed it off to Taylor, who heaved a prayer, and that was it.
Syracuse 64, Wisconsin 63. Why in God's name Bo Ryan didn't get Berggren in the game will forever puzzle me.
But at least there was still hope, for Marquette was up next, the favorite in a game against the Florida Gators. Who would have ever thought that the Badgers would be more entertaining to watch in this tournament than the Warriors? I mean, seriously? This Florida-Marquette game was flat out brutal to watch. All that really needs to be said is that MU couldn't shoot the damn ball, and that's why they lost 68-58 to a team that very well should have reached the Final Four should they not have had an epic collapse at the hands of Louisville two days later. It was disappointing because it could have easily been the Warriors in the Final Four - heck, it could have very well been Wisconsin in the Final Four. There was a legitimate chance of each happening. The Badgers did all they could to get there. Marquette...did not.
Next season may look bleak for the college basketball landscape in Wisconsin. Taylor, Jae Crowder and DJO are all moving on, but there is reason to keep your hopes high. The Badgers will lose Taylor but bring in highly touted freshman Sam Dekker, who did this a few weeks ago and is still the reigning top play on SportsCenter. He's a top 20 recruit at 6'8" and should contribute immediately for Wisconsin. For Marquette, they will actually return some legitimate size down low with Davante Gardner and Chris Otule coming off of his ACL injury. Jamil Wilson, who can jump out of the building, will also be back and the Warriors are bringing in three recruits with grades higher than 80 according to ESPN.
It's sad to see March Madness go, but it will lead us right into baseball season and my beloved Milwaukee Brewers. Their preview is up next, so stay tuned.
Both Wisconsin and Marquette were knocked out of their conference tourneys and this normally isn't really cause for concern - except this time, specifically for MU. The last team to reach the Final Four that got knocked out in the first round of their conference tournament was...hmmm...turns out no one has ever done it. There's a first time for everything, but it just wasn't meant to be for the Warriors to be the first to do this. The seeds handed out to Marquette (3) and Wisconsin (4) were to be expected unless each had made better runs in their respective conference tournaments.
To my great chagrin, I was forced to miss the ending of BOTH first round matchups involving my two favorite college basketball teams, neither of which I favor above the other for the record. Instead, I had the privilege of taking one of the more difficult exams my young mind as ever been challenged with...an exam that I pulled a B out of my ass for. Don't ask how that happened. Thankfully, UW and MU had my back and easily took care of business in round one (don't give me this "actually it's round two" crap). As the first round of the NCAA tournament was winding down, so were my hopes of winning any money as my Final Four "lock" of Missouri lost to Norfolk State (and thank goodness, because their second round game against Florida was THRILLING). Believe it or not, I'm still doing quite well in the two pools I'm entered in that involve money, but there is little chance I win anything.
Round two rolled around, and now Wisconsin and Marquette had to bear down. Both did just enough, with Bucky barely holding off Vandy in a thriller...a team I picked to roll into the elite 8 and final four in one bracket (whoops again)...and Marquette pulling out an ugly one against one-loss Murray State. The Badgers looked a heck of a lot better than the Warriors did and this should have been a sign of things to come in the round of the Sweet 16. Even though it had appeared that Marquette was done a favor by WHAT THE NorFOLK State, the Florida Gators were a team on a mission. The Badgers would square off against Syracuse in what is perhaps one of the top three games of the tournament thus far.
I did in fact make a couple bets on March Madness during my time in Vegas, but neither involved the hometown squads (I picked Kentucky to cover and NC State +8 against Kansas - winner, winner, chicken dinner). We walked over a couple of delicious pitchers of Miller Lite and sat down in the sportsbook viewing room to watch the first game - Syracuse v. Wisconsin, a game being played just miles away from Cuse in Boston. While I said earlier in the year that it was the relying on the three point shot that would do in the Badgers eventually, it was the 3-ball that kept Wisconsin in the game. They made 14 threes! Unheard of. They went on stretches draining three after three, a shooting clinic. That was nice and all, but as Jordan Taylor would say at halftime (and what I was screaming at the television about) was that the Badgers needed to get the ball in the middle to collapse the defense and then kick it back out right away. The baseline was also an open area on the floor against the Orange zone, but the athleticism of Syracuse was overpowering and any attempt to score down low resulted in turnovers and blocked shots. Getting the ball to Jared Berggren in the high post led to more open looks and was the driving force behind the Badgers getting back into the game. Wisconsin would finally grab a lead on a Ben Brust trey to go up 3 with about eight minutes left. From there, several nails were worn down and the Badgers only scored 2 points in the last four minutes. However, after the Syracuse missed a one-and-one, Wisconsin had 15 seconds to bring the ball up and win the game. There was just one problem: Berggren, who was 6 of 7 shooting on the game, NEVER CHECKED INTO THE GAME! Well that's okay, the Badgers had a timeout left so they'll just use that and...oh crap...they aren't using it. They never used it. Rob Wilson had an open look, could have even driven down the lane, but the SENIOR got wet feet, passed it off to Taylor, who heaved a prayer, and that was it.
Syracuse 64, Wisconsin 63. Why in God's name Bo Ryan didn't get Berggren in the game will forever puzzle me.
But at least there was still hope, for Marquette was up next, the favorite in a game against the Florida Gators. Who would have ever thought that the Badgers would be more entertaining to watch in this tournament than the Warriors? I mean, seriously? This Florida-Marquette game was flat out brutal to watch. All that really needs to be said is that MU couldn't shoot the damn ball, and that's why they lost 68-58 to a team that very well should have reached the Final Four should they not have had an epic collapse at the hands of Louisville two days later. It was disappointing because it could have easily been the Warriors in the Final Four - heck, it could have very well been Wisconsin in the Final Four. There was a legitimate chance of each happening. The Badgers did all they could to get there. Marquette...did not.
Next season may look bleak for the college basketball landscape in Wisconsin. Taylor, Jae Crowder and DJO are all moving on, but there is reason to keep your hopes high. The Badgers will lose Taylor but bring in highly touted freshman Sam Dekker, who did this a few weeks ago and is still the reigning top play on SportsCenter. He's a top 20 recruit at 6'8" and should contribute immediately for Wisconsin. For Marquette, they will actually return some legitimate size down low with Davante Gardner and Chris Otule coming off of his ACL injury. Jamil Wilson, who can jump out of the building, will also be back and the Warriors are bringing in three recruits with grades higher than 80 according to ESPN.
It's sad to see March Madness go, but it will lead us right into baseball season and my beloved Milwaukee Brewers. Their preview is up next, so stay tuned.
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