VooDoo part deux

Remember last week I mentioned a co-worker who used his VooDoo on Soriano? Remember how I said he set his sights on Zambrano next?

Looks like lightening might have struck again.

Zambrano left tonight's game with tightness in his shoulder and is flying back to Chicago for an MRI

from MLB.com:
Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano lasted longer than most pitchers would have Wednesday night, but he had to be pulled in the seventh inning because of discomfort in his right shoulder.

Zambrano will fly back to Chicago on Thursday to be examined by team orthopedic specialist Dr. Steven Gryzlo, and is expected to undergo an MRI on his right shoulder. The team expects to have more details on the right-hander's status by Friday.

"He's got shoulder discomfort, and we don't know more than that," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said.

Four different players drove in a run in a four-run third inning to spark the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-4 Interleague victory over the Cubs and Zambrano. The Rays batted around in the key third, taking a 5-2 lead, and Zambrano had totaled 54 pitches by that point. But he stayed in the game.

In the seventh, Zambrano walked Carl Crawford and got B.J. Upton to ground into a double play. Zambrano threw one pitch to Eric Hinske, and catcher Geovany Soto signaled to the dugout. Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal and Piniella then went to the mound, and after some discussion, Zambrano finally exited.

"I wanted to finish the hitter," Zambrano said. "Lou told me, 'That's enough,' and I have to respect that."

"He was trying to talk me into staying," Piniella said of his animated chat with Zambrano. "He was convincing, but we did the right thing getting him out of there, obviously. We hope for the best, that's all we can do."

SI's recap here
Includes this:

Catcher Geovany Soto motioned for manager Lou Piniella to head out to the mound after Zambrano threw his last pitch.

''He threw a pitch funny. Like weird,'' Soto said. ''I went out there. It was like, 'Are you alright? What's going on?' He said, 'Yeah, I'm fine.' I just had to call somebody because I didn't think it was alright.''

__________

I'm not getting close to my co-worker tomorrow. He's starting to freak me out!

Geaux Tigers - LSU Baseball wins in bottom of 9th at CWS

Yesterday's LSU CWS game seemed like it was over from almost the beginning. The Rice Owls took the lead early and continued to tack on runs throughout the game. Going into the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers were down 5-2.

Of course, ESPN's ticker had already told me the final score and knowing that, I was fast forwarding my DVR of the game - guess where the recording ended? We just returned from commercial break and poof, my recording was over. So I stayed up late to watch the replay on ESPNU and boy was it worth it.

LSU notched it's 30th come-from-behind win of the season. The game was also their third win in the final frame while in Omaha.

But best of all, the Tigers ended a five-game losing streak at the College World Series. Their last win was the one that won it all in 2000. They'd been blanked at every one of their appearances since then.

The ninth inning started with an out - then a single, a hit batsman (a pinch hitter) and another single loaded the bases. The next batter reached on an error when a Rice infielder misplayed a ball and instead of a possible game-ending double-play, LSU scored a run and had the bases loaded again.

DH Blake Dean came to the plate and sliced one into left field that smacked the wall and bounced back into the infield. The baserunners were all on the move and Jared Mitchell at first base used his quickness to almost lap the pinch runner who was on second. Mitchell was so speedy that all three baserunners were on the third base base-path at one time.

LSU will play North Carolina tomorrow night. Loser goes home.

Come-from-behind wins and beating the odds has been the name of the game for LSU this season, as this article points out:

Mainieri's club had the second-worst league record in the SEC, and time was definitely not on its side.

"Coach came in one day and sat us down in the locker room. We were kind of in a slump -- 6-11, I think -- and he just told us, 'I just want you guys to know that I believe in you. It's not over, let's go out there and go game by game.'" Dean recalled. "He kind of just spilled the beans to us what he thought and felt, kind of personal.

"That showed us how much he cared about us, and that just flipped the switch and it all went from there."

As sophomore catcher Sean Ochinko noted, where the Tigers are today defies logic.

LSU was held to just two hits and trailed Rice 5-0 entering the seventh inning. The sleepwalking Tigers, still down 5-2 with no one on base and one out in the ninth, watched Dean cap a four-run uprising with his three-run double off the left-field wall.

Instead of suffering their sixth straight loss in the Series and packing for Baton Rouge, La., the Tigers had their bead-wearing fans reliving the greatest tales from this season and beyond.

...

"We stay real positive because we always know we're going to get some sort of a push in the late innings," said Ochinko, who, in a pinch-hit appearance, got hit by a St. Clair delivery to give the Tigers runners at first and second. "I don't know whether it's magic or we bear down more, everyone starts believing in each other, but things happen."

But for all the genuineness behind Mainieri's April speech, which lit the fuse to a 23-game winning streak, LSU still found itself, on June 8, three outs from closing 70-year-old Alex Box Stadium as an NCAA super regional series sweep victim of UC Irvine.

Behind 7-4 entering the ninth inning of Game 2, the Tigers proceeded to put up a five-spot to stay alive, then blew out the Anteaters 21-7 the next day.

Before that contest, they heard a gripping tale from Warren Morris, who, with two outs in the ninth inning of the 1996 CWS championship game against Miami, provided the most dramatic moment in LSU baseball history by hitting a game-winning, two-run homer.

Four years later, the Tigers claimed another title with a ninth-inning rally against Stanford.

...

Excuse the Tigers, who had nobody taken higher than the ninth round of the major league draft, for being in the same frame of mind.

This one left them a mind-boggling 26-2 in their past 28 games. It marked only the second time in 43 games that Rice had lost when taking a lead into the ninth, and the first time the Owls had come up short in right-handed senior pitcher Chris Kelley's 12 starts.

Oh, then there's this little nugget: It was the Tigers' 30th come-from-behind win of the year -- 19 of which have occurred in the past 26 contests.

Leadoff spot

With Rickie Weeks on the DL, Ned Yost made the move to put Corey Hart in the leadoff spot starting last week Tuesday, June 10th.

That move didn't even last a week, as last night's leadoff batter was Craig Counsell.

Corey got exactly 5 games to test his mettle at leadoff, a spot he excelled in last season.

Corey was pretty awful at the plate against the Twins. He was rested in one game, but made a pinch hit appearance. In the two games and one plate appearance he was 0-11.

However, against Houston he was 5 for 14 including a 3 for 5 game.
For the 5 games, he hit .208 and because of that he was yanked from the starting spot last night in favor of Craig Counsell.

For the season, Corey's hitting .284 and Craig's hitting .235.

Of course, Rickie Weeks got the entire first 3 months of the season in the leadoff spot to hit .210 and if he weren't on the DL, he would still be hitting leadoff and Ned would be continuing to say that no changes will be made. (Here, here)

I have nothing pro-Corey or anti-Rickie, but I really wish there was a rhyme or reason to Ned's moves. How can Rickie get the whole season to hit a measly .210 and Corey got the yank after just give games hitting .208.

Where's this quick hook on relief pitchers?

IRS slugs Prince Fielder with lien

IRS slugs Prince Fielder with lien
Posted by Robert Snell on Tue, Jun 17, 2008 at 5:26 PM

IRS says Prince Fielder owes $409,149 in federal income taxes: The Milwaukee Brewers first baseman is a former favorite son of Detroit, who grew up roaming a Detroit Tigers clubhouse inhabited by his father, slugger Cecil Fielder, who currently manages the independent league Atlantic City Surf baseball team.

Father and son share good genes, home-run power and, according to public records, financial issues. Four years ago, The Detroit News reported about how Cecil lost $47 million in career earnings through gambling and bad business decisions.

The two reportedly have been estranged since Prince accused his father of keeping $200,000 of the son's $2.4 million signing bonus without permission.

Prince, 24, is making $670,000 this year but the famous vegetarian is primed for a fat contract after the season.

What's owed:

* The IRS filed a $409,149 lien against Prince on Oct. 6, 2005, for unpaid income taxes. According to the lien, which you can see here, Prince owes the money from 2003, the year after he signed his first contract and received the $2.4 million signing bonus.

His side: Prince could not be reached for comment. A Brewers spokesman forwarded an inquiry to the office of Prince's agent, Scott Boras, who did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment.

___

The article links to a copy of the lien here.

Injury updates

According to JSOnline, David Riske will be in Nashville starting today to start his rehab assignment. He should be back with the team and ready to go by the weekend.

J.J. Hardy has a strained rotator cuff. The article's a few days old and said he "might" be held out of the Twins series, which he was, so hopefully the rest helped and he'll be back in the lineup tonight.

The JSOnline article about Riske included the line "Former closer Eric Gagne, on the DL with a shoulder problem, is not even close to returning." The Brewers website said that Gagne threw from a mound in the bullpen and that it was his first time on the mound since mid-May. Who do you trust?

____

In non-injury news, Bill Hall heard the boos and didn't like them, but now wants to have fun.

Brewers in extra innings Saturday night

This weekend the boyfriend and I were in the left field bleachers for Saturday night's extra inning heartbreaker.

That game was by far the most fun I've ever had at a loss. The crowd was a sellout, the visiting Minnesota fans were knowledgeable, friendly and well-behaved and there were two spectacular home runs. (and a third and fourth that "should" have been)

Ryan Braun hit a monster that hit off the railing on the landing of Bernie Brewers slide. This was about half a section over from us, above our heads. We were keeping score and actually didn't see it come off the bat, but it was in the air so long, we had time to catch up with it and see it bounce. Unbelievable home run.

My love of Russell Branyan has been well documented here on Cute Sports. When he came up to pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth inning, we were just giddy. (Russell has the nickname 3TO, referring to the 3 True Outcomes of an AB - meaning the 3 outcomes that do not involve anyone but the batter - a walk, a strikeout and a homerun. Russell tends to do one of the 3. No groundouts, no popouts - just walks, strikeouts and homeruns.) With the game on the line, I was fearing "The Muscle" would be swinging for the fences and we'd be looking at a 4 pitch strikeout. (I was giving him the benefit of the doubt for one foul off)

Instead, he cracked the hell out of the ball and tied the game. I could not stop laughing. I'm not sure I've ever hi-fived so many people.

While it meant the team lost, the boyfriend and I were very excited to have witnessed an inside-the-park homerun. Michael Cuddyer's pinch hit ITPHR, for that matter. (That's one of those things on the list of plays every fan wants to see in person before they die - The triple play, the no-hitter, the inside-the-park - you know, rare plays.)
Of course, it was officially scored as a triple and an error, but I think I'm keeping the ticket stub and marking it off the list, anyway!

The big mystery of this game was leaving Julian Tavarez on the mound for the 12th inning, especially when he couldn't seem to find the strike zone. He loaded the bases and every fan in Miller Park was calling for him to be pulled. Ned Yost, being Ned Yost, left him in and he promptly gave up the runs. THEN Ned pulls him. The JSOnline.com Brewers Blog says this was Ned's "excuse:"

Why Yost left Tavarez in the game
By Tom Haudricourt
Saturday, Jun 14 2008, 11:03 PM
With many Brewers fans in the sellout crowd at Miller Park screaming for manager Ned Yost to take reliever Julian Tavarez out of the game before he lost it in the 12th inning tonight, I'm sure you folks out there in cyberspace were doing likewise.

Why did Yost leave Tavarez in the game to load the bases, then surrender a two-run single in what eventually became a winning five-run rally by Minnesota?

Yost had three other options in the pen: rookies Tim Dillard and Mark DiFelice and veteran Guillermo Mota. Dillard and DiFelice had pitched Friday night and Yost didn't want to use them again, particularly with the game on the line.

Mota had pitched two innings in Houston on Wednesday and another on Thursday and Yost thought he needed another night off. Yost would have gone to Mota had the game made it to the 13th inning, but didn't want to use him beforehand.

"He was the last guy I was going to use," said Yostg. "I felt like he could use one more day off.

"I was trying to win this game. I don't think about tomorrow at all in that situation."

Tavarez had escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the 11th and Yost hoped he'd get lucky again in the 12th. Because Tavarez is a sinkerballer, Yost hoped for some groundballs to get out of the inning. Delmon Young hit one to shortstop Craig Counsell, resulting in an out at the plate. But Brian Buscher -- whoever he is -- followed with a two-run single and the Brewers were done.

"What he does is he keeps the ball down. He has a nice sinker," Yost said of Tavarez. "We were playing the infield in, trying to get groundballs. He got one but he didn't get the second one."

Of course, the reason Mota was "unavailable" was because we brought him in on Thursday in a game we were losing by 5 runs despite the fact that he'd pitched the day before.
I understand the theory behind not pitching a guy three days in a row, but if ever there was a situation in which to blow that off, this was it. In addition, it's a matter of bullpen management. All the decisions made in the games leading up to that one are what left us light on Saturday night.

In addition, Tavarez has not pitched well since he got here. From his MLB.com player page:

Quick Splits:

	vs. Left: .525 vs. Right: .213		Home: 8.68 Road: 5.91
	Day: 2.84 Night: 9.22		Grass: 8.82 Turf: 0.00
	Current Month: 8.44		Last 30 Days: 8.59

He's awful at night. He's mostly awful at home. For a guy who supposedly plays the numbers game, Ned Yost sure screwed up with this choice Saturday night.

A reason to like every D1-A football team

Yes I know it's not called D-1A anymore. No, I don't care.

The Grand National Champions Blog has a list of one reason to watch each of the 119 D1-A teams here.

Who's desperate for football to begin!?!

Brewers have 19 picks signed

Less than a week after the First Year Players Draft, the Brewers have signed contracts with 19 of their 54 picks, including 2 of their top 5.

From MilwaukeeBrewers.com

HOUSTON -- Five days after the First-Year Player Draft, the Brewers already have come to terms with 19 of their 54 selections and one undrafted player. At least one more prominent pick reportedly is ready to add his name to the list.

The done deals announced on Tuesday included two of Milwaukee's first five picks. They were first-round supplemental selection Evan Frederickson, a left-handed pitcher selected 35th overall from the University of San Francisco, and outfielder Cutter Dykstra, son of former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra and a second-round pick (54th overall).

The Brewers also came to terms with two players active in the College World Series, who cannot officially sign until they finish their NCAA careers. University of North Carolina right-hander Robert Wooten (13th round) and Rice University left-hander Lucas Luetge (21st round) will travel with their teams to Omaha for games beginning June 14.

The team also signed undrafted Westminster College utility man Brandon Drespling, a 23-year-old from New Castle, Pa. That's the same hometown as Brewers amateur scouting director Jack Zduriencik.

According to the Marshall County (Tenn.) Tribune, second-round pick Seth Lintz, a prep right-hander, will sign later this week for $900,000 and a college education on the Brewers' tab.

Co-Worker VooDoo

Yesterday morning I was reading on Deadspin about how Albert Pujols was carried off the field Tuesday night and I shared the news with my co-worker, who was equally excited about what this meant for the Brewers. Sports fan that I am, I then said to him "Now, if someone would just go down on the Cubs, we'd be set."
He asked who and I said maybe D. Lee and he said "No, Soriano."

I'm officially very, very afraid of my co-worker.
Soriano is out at least six weeks with a broken hand.

Pujols looks to be out at least 3 weeks.

The co-worked has set his sights on Zambrano and Lance Berkman. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

(Time for the Brewers to make their move)

Trade rumors

Rumor has it that the Brewers had some brass in Baltimore over the weekend looking at Brian Roberts, the Orioles 2B. His player page is here.

From FoxSports.com's baseball writer Ken Rosenthal:

"Here's a deal that makes sense: Brian Roberts for Rickie Weeks. The Brewers, who recently had two scouts watching the Orioles, are interested in Roberts, but it remains to be seen whether they are ready to give up on Weeks.

Roberts, a more accomplished leadoff hitter and better defender than Weeks, is a more natural fit for a contender. The Orioles, meanwhile, could be patient with Weeks defensively, much as the Twins are being patient with the erratic Carlos Gomez. Weeks would be another young, athletic building block to go with Adam Jones and Nick Markakis.

A straight-up deal might be out of the question, considering that Roberts is a free agent after next season while Weeks is under club control through 2011. But the Orioles could add a young pitcher or even one of their veteran relievers while perhaps getting another piece back in return.

One thing is certain: The Orioles no longer can get the same deal for Roberts that the Cubs offered during the off-season. One reported package included right-hander Sean Gallagher, shortstop Ronny Cedeno, Class AA left-hander Donald Veal and Class A righty Jose Ceda; another proposal substituted outfielder Matt Murton for Veal, according to a source.

Cedeno since has emerged as a valued utility man who can play three infield positions and help spell shortstop Ryan Theriot, who batted .202 last September. Gallagher, meanwhile, is showing progress in the Cubs' rotation and drawing raves from new teammate Jim Edmonds.

"He's the first guy I've seen in a while with Carpenter stuff," Edmonds says, referring to his former Cardinals teammate, Chris Carpenter."

Valid thoughts on this trade from Brewerfan.net:

"Roberts is a premier leadoff hitter while Weeks is still unfulfilled potential and you have to ask as he approaches 26, are we ever going to see it in a Brewer uniform?

What I like about it, is that it appears the Brewers have correctly identified one of the key problems plaguing this offense. They need more baserunners for Braun and Fielder."

More on Lawrie and the rest of the draftees

The Brewers drafted Cutter Dykstra, son of former leaguer Lenny Dykstra, with one of their supplemental picks. We also picked up quite a few pitchers.

Go here to listen to Jack Z's press conference after the first day of the draft and to listen to an interview with our top pick, Brett Lawrie.

Brewers knew Lawrie better than anybody

By Tom Haudricourt

Thursday, Jun 5 2008, 08:15 PM

No major league team had a better scouting report on Brett Lawrie than the Brewers.

As Lowrie toured Florida and the Dominican Republic with the Canadian junior national team, one of his coaches was Marty Lehn. The same Marty Lehn who happens to scout Western Canada for the Brewers.

"Marty called every day or sent an e-mail," said scouting director Jack Zduriencik, who used the 16th pick in the first round of the June draft to select Lawrie today. "He put a show on down there, quite frankly."

The reports Lehn passed along were almost too incredible to believe. Lawrie went 21-for-30 against minor-league extended spring training clubs and college teams, including 14 extra-base hits. He socked three homers against one Dominican Republic summer league team, and five in a doubleheader.

Making those hitting exploits even more eye-popping was that Lowrie, who just turned 18, was using wood bats. Teenagers in the United States use aluminum bats and often have trouble adjusting to wood.

"We've been on this kid a couple of years," said Zduriencik. "We all went in to watch him at different times. We all came back excited about what he can do."

Better yet, Lawrie - who has played various spots in the outfield and infield - wants to catch. And the Brewers aren't about to tell him otherwise.

"We're going to give him that opportunity," said Zduriencik. "He wants to catch. He's a very active player and he's very athletic. We're going to give him a shot to play there.

"Catcher's have a certain mentality. If you draft a kid with that has a catcher's mentality, that's pretty positive."

Beyond the athleticism of the 5-11, 200-pound Lawrie, the live bat and budding power, his aggressive nature on the field, there's his unbridled confidence. In a conference call with members of the Milwaukee media, Lawrie announced he hopes to get to the big leagues "in about a year and a half."

"We had someone else who has that kind of confidence a few years back," said Zduriencik, referring to 2005 first-round pick Ryan Braun, who went on to become the 2007 National League rookie of the year and sign an eight-year, $45 million contract this season.

"He's an aggressive player. He gets after it. He doesn't lack for confidence and when you see this kid physically, you'll understand what I'm talking about. He has reason to be confident."

Zduriencik noted how impressive it was to watch Lawrie drive the ball to all fields with wood bats. Lawrie said he knew that factor worked in his favor with professional scouts.

"I've been using wood bats since I was 14," said Lawrie, a native of Langley, British Columbia, who became the highest-drafted position player ever out of Canada.

"Showing power with a wood bat, I think is a pretty big accomplishment."

As for making the commitment to catch full-time, Lawrie said, "I'm looking forward to competing. Hopefully, I'll be up to the big leagues as quick as possible and it'll be behind the dish."

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Lawrie wants to play in the Junior World Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, Calgary in late July. But that won't stop him from signing with the Brewers and beginning his minor-league career before that tournament.

"We'll let him go for a week and play there," said Melvin. "It's something he really wanted to play in."

Melvin wasn't sure if Lawrie, at his age, would be asked to play in the Olympics for Team Canada in August in Beijing, China.

As for Lawrie's self-assuredness, Melvin said, "That's the kind of confidence hitters have. People who can hit know they can hit.

"He looks like a big-league player now, at 18. This isn't some one that physically, you're waiting to mature. One of the reports said he could step in one of our hitting groups at the big-league level and you wouldn't know he's an 18-year-old player."

Lawrie was the first of six picks the Brewers had among the first 62 in the draft, thanks to compensation for losing free-agent pitchers Francisco Cordero and Scott Linebrink last winter. Zduriencik and his staff used that bonanza to restock the pitching in the system.

The Brewers used their supplemental picks after the first round to select prep right-hander Jake Odorizzi (No. 32 overall) and University of San Francisco left-hander Evan Frederickson. With their two extra picks in the second round, they chose prep right-hander Seth Lintz (No. 53) and infielder/outfielder Cutter Dykstra (No. 54), son of former big leaguer Lenny Dykstra.

With their own second-round pick (No. 62), the Brewers took Southern Illinois right-hander Cody Adams.

Odorizzi, 18, is a superb athlete who has a football scholarship at Louisville as a wide receiver. He was 11-0 with a 0.00 ERA at Highland (Ill.) High School, with only 18 hits allowed and five walks in 69 innings, and 116 strikeouts.

"He has a terrific delivery with nice arm action," said Zduriencik. "We thought he was a nice selection there with that pick."

Frederickson, a 6-6, 230-pounder, zoomed up the Brewers' draft board after participating in a workout at Miller Park last Saturday. His fastball was clocked in the mid to high 90s (mph), causing Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux to pause and take notice.

"He opened our eyes in the workout the other day," said Melvin. "He made a smart decision flying in here to work out for us."

Frederickson, 21, struck out 98 hitters in 68 innings this spring but also had command issues, walking 57 hitters.

"This isn't a finished product by any means," said Zduriencik. "When you look at the progress this kid made since the fall, when we watched him, to what we saw at the very end, he's got a good body and nice delivery. He's a large kid with a power arm.

"When he gets there with our instructors, one thing I hope you can do is refine this kid. There's something real good to work with here."

Dykstra switched from the middle infield to his father's position, center field, during his senior season at Westlake High School in Westlake Village, Calif. He is an above-average runner (6.58 in the 60) but must shoPublish Postw he can handle his new position defensively.

The 6-2 Lintz was 9-0 with a 0.85 ERA in 11 starts for Marshall County High School in Lewisburg, Tenn., with a whopping 143 strikeouts in 66 innings.

More on Lawrie

MLB.com/Milwaukee Brewers article on Lawrie here

Brewers draft

With the 16th pick in the draft, the Brewers selected a catcher from Canada, Brett Lawrie.

He's spent time playing with the Canadian National Team and therefore has experience with a wood bat. One ESPN analyst said Lawrie had one of the best pure bats available in the draft.

Edit: Lawrie went 21-for-30 against minor-league extended spring training clubs and college teams, including 14 extra-base hits. He socked three homers against one Dominican Republic summer league team, and five in a doubleheader.

Some info on Lawrie from the Web:

2008 Draft Day Spotlight: Brett Lawrie
By Marc Hulet
Canadian high school hitter Brett Lawrie has been on fire as the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft approaches on June 5. He recently hit .486 (17-for-35) on Team Canada's national junior team's spring tour in the Dominican Republic, while playing against Major League Baseball Dominican Summer League teams. Lawrie had eight homers and 24 RBIs in total and was the talk of the baseball draft world after hitting five home runs in one day during a doubleheader last week. He sprayed the homers from foul pole to foul pole.

Thanks to the timely hitting, Lawrie may be selected within the first 15 picks of the draft, and is easily considered the top draft-eligible amateur in Canada. According to Baseball America, Lawrie possesses one of the most pro-ready bats amongst the prep ranks in North America.

Lawrie returned to North America from the Dominican Republic on Friday night. He took time out of his increasingly busy schedule to speak with Baseball Analysts from a hotel suite in Minnesota.
...
MH: Now, you’re committed to Arizona State, right?

Lawrie: Yup, Arizona State University.

MH: What attracted you to that college program?

Lawrie: Well, I’ve been to Arizona a number of times with my Langley Blaze team that I play with back home. I’ve had a chance to see the campus and I’ve gotten a tour. I’ve been all around and seen the campus, the field and the facilities. I’ve trained there in the off-season. It just felt right; you get that sort of feeling in your stomach that it’s right. In my mind, and in my family’s... we made a decision that it worked for me. So I signed the [letter of intent] and away we go.

MH: Do you have a preference right now, whether to go pro or go to college?

Lawrie: Yeah, my preference right now, obviously, is to go in the draft… but if something doesn’t go right college is a good back-up plan. But as of right now, I am 100 percent on the draft.

MH: What is the most attractive reason, for you, to go pro now?

Lawrie: I know I can hit over .400 against those guys when I’m 15, so who says I’m not going to do it when I’m 20, you know? I can play with those guys; I know I can. On almost every trip I’ve hit over .400 against them. Not much is going to change. I’m just playing and trying not to do too much… I’m just having fun.
...

MH: I’ve read a lot of scouts' opinions about your ability. Everyone is enamored with your bat, obviously. But there are questions about your defensive abilities and lack of a position. Do you have a preference where you would like to play?

Lawrie: Yeah, I can play the infield… I’ve played it with Team Canada. I can play second base, I can play the outfield; I can play anywhere and I’m really versatile. I can play third base real well. I’ve challenged myself in the last little bit with catching. As of right now I’m a catcher and I want to always have the ball in my hand. It’s been great. I’ve been able to control the pitchers and have a good relationship with them on Team Canada. I’m having fun and I want to catch.

MH: Do you have any specific career goals at this point, aside from playing professional baseball?

Lawrie: I really don’t. All I want to do is play in the big leagues and I want to get there as quick as I can. I don’t plan on staying in the minors for five years. I plan on doing it in a year-and-a-half.

MH: Wow
...

MH: Let’s write a scouting report on Brett Lawrie. What do you think are your strengths as a baseball player?

Lawrie: I have the ability to be the spark on a team, whether it’s a line drive into the gap, a home run or something like that. I think I have a really good feel for the clubhouse and I like to mess around with the guys… I’m a good teammate and I can pick guys up when they’re down. I know when it’s time to get serious. My bat, though, is obviously going to carry me.

MH: What part of your game needs the most work to get to that next level and to make it to the major leagues?

Lawrie: I guess consistency. It’s important to have the right mind set and attitude day-in-and-day-out…

...

MH: I have one more question for you… and it might be a tough one so take your time. Why should a Major League Baseball club use its No. 1 pick on Brett Lawrie?

Lawrie: A team should use its No. 1 pick on me because I think I have that spark. I look at Dustin Pedroia as an example. He is the clubhouse. From what I’ve heard from all the other big league guys, he’s the spark in that clubhouse. I can see myself being that guy too. I know I can get it done and I have the tools, the abilities and the right mindset. I have a good head on my shoulders and I think I can help a ball team win. In the end it is about winning and good team chemistry helps you win a ring.

__________________

From Yahoo Canada Sports

Brett Lawrie's stock is soaring as the baseball draft approaches, to the point where he's now virtually assured of becoming just the sixth Canadian ever selected in the first round.

The hard-hitting 18-year-old from Langley, B.C., was projected to be a third-rounder before the season started, maybe even a second-rounder. But by demolishing professional pitching all spring with wood bats, including eight homers in eight games on the national junior team's recent tour of the Dominican Republic, Lawrie might even crack the top-10 when teams get down to business Thursday afternoon.

"I'm getting relatively antsy," Lawrie said in an interview in New York after a final day of private workouts for interested clubs. "Basically the past five months have been crazy with Team Canada, playing in Florida and the trip to the Dominican. Who knows where I'd be if I didn't do good in the Dominican right now.

"It's just been a wild ride and it's been real fun."

The highest a Canadian position player has ever gone in the draft was 27th, when the San Diego Padres took shortstop Kevin Nicholson in 1997. The Atlanta Braves used the 30th pick in 2000 to select infielder Scott Thorman.

More recently, Canadian pitchers have been feeling the love, especially in the 2002 draft, when the Baltimore Orioles selected Adam Loewen fourth overall and the Colorado Rockies snagged Jeff Francis at No. 9.

Last year, Phillipe Aumont was chosen 11th overall by the Seattle Mariners, and if Lawrie goes in the first round, it would mark the first time Canadians have been picked in the first round two years in a row.

"It's been real crazy," Lawrie said of his meteoric rise. "It's been fun, I've soaked everything up and it's been a wild ride and a great opportunity to represent Canada and represent myself."

Lawrie is by far the class the Canadian crop this season, although there's a solid group of players projected to go somewhere between Rounds 5-20. They include outfielders Marcus Knecht of Toronto, Mike Crouse of Port Moody, B.C., and Lionel Morill of Edmonton, plus pitchers Jordan Meaker of Burlington, Ont., Stosh Wawrzasek of Langley, J.R. Robinson of Burnaby, B.C., and Andrew Albers of North Battleford, Sask.

"This is a different draft for Canada," said a Canadian-based scout. "Normally it's pitcher dominated, this year there are a lot of strong position players, which is rare. They're harder to find."

Especially a talent like Lawrie.

Scouts rave about his raw power and some believe he may be the most advanced hitter at age 18 in the country's history. But it's the intangibles that really seem to set him apart, what one described as "the ridiculous fearlessness" he shows on the field and a relentless competitive drive to dominate.

"You could put this kid in a stadium with 50,000 people and tell him he's facing Josh Beckett tomorrow and he'd smile and think, 'I'm going to get Josh Beckett,"' said one executive who has watched Lawrie play extensively. "At this point he probably won't but he'll go up there, not be intimidated, take his swings and look good doing it. He's got no fear. Period."

Added another scout from a team thinking of drafting Lawrie: "He's consistently hit at a high level the past three years. He's definitely got good raw power and the ability to make consistent contact. His bat is very advanced."

So advanced, in fact, that he's being considered for Canada's Olympic roster.

Teams believed to have shown a significant interest in drafting him include: Cincinnati (seventh), Oakland (12th), Minnesota (14th), Milwaukee (16th), Toronto (17th) and the Cubs (19th). A mock draft on MLB.com suggests the Brewers will snag him at 16th, but there's usually a surprise or two on draft day.

Perhaps the only significant question about Lawrie is what position he'll end up playing, something likely to be determined by organizational need. He's been focused this season on catching, which puts his meal-ticket bat at a premium defensive position, but can also play second, third and left field.

The six-foot-one, 180-pounder is hoping to follow in the footsteps of all-star Canadian catcher Russ Martin of the L.A. Dodgers, who also started out at third base before moving behind the plate.

"I like to model my game around him," said Lawrie. "He didn't start catching until he was coming right out of junior college and I've challenged myself. I can play a number of positions, third base real well, I can play second, the outfield, and I didn't want to limit myself to one position.

"I felt that if I could go behind the plate and really challenge myself, I may have higher stock in the draft and I love it back there, just being in control, you're the guy in command back there.

"(Martin) is not a big guy and he goes after it hard, just like me."

The scout from the team considering taking Lawrie believes he can play "anywhere he wants," but the Canadian-based scout isn't sure catcher is where his future lies.

"His bat is what's going to carry him to the big leagues," he said. "I don't know if the risk-reward of him catching, what it could cost him in offence and speed, is worth it. He can be an all-star at second or third or left field."

While catching is Lawrie's preference right now, it's not the be-all, end-all for him. He's got home runs to hit in the big leagues, after all.

"I do want to end up catching, hopefully the team gives me a chance," he said. "But whatever's the quickest way to the big leagues, I just want to get there and stick and live my life. If catching is the route it's destined to be, it'll be a fun ride."

MLB Draft: Brewers have a big opportunity

The amateur baseball draft starts today and the Brewers are in the best position we've been in in a long time, with 6 of the first 62 picks.

Imagine, we've drafted Braun, Fielder, Hart, Weeks, Hardy, Gallardo, Parra and Gwynn, Jr while we WEREN'T in a great draft situation. If that's the case, I can't wait to see what Scouting Director Jack Zduriencik has up his sleeve this time around.

Of course, that's a bittersweet thought, because it's only a matter of time before Jack Z becomes a GM somewhere and another spectacular draft when he's actually got room to maneuver could be the final piece.

Here's an article from JSOnline.com about Jack Z.

Below I'm posting the full text of an article from ESPN.com that basically says we have a chance to set ourselves up for the next decade or so. Imagine that, a national news service article on a small-market team that includes no condescension! In fact, it's a very flattering article.

Brewers could fortify franchise for decade with strong draft

By Gerry Fraley
Special to ESPN.com

For years, it was easy to pick out the Milwaukee representative among a group of scouts checking out a potential top-100 player for the amateur draft.

The Brewers' scout had the hangdog look because he knew his work was a waste of time.

With few early-round picks, the Brewers had no chance at many top-shelf players. They would make a first-round choice, then watch as many as 90 players go off the board before their next pick.

The Brewers, operating with a small margin of error, drafted well. But the scouting operation always wondered what it could accomplish with a few more swings.

"You want to see everybody, but you knew what would happen," said Jack Zduriencik, Milwaukee's vice president for player personnel. "There were some guys we couldn't focus on because we knew we had no chance at them."

That changed this year.

For the first time since 1993, the Brewers have extra picks in the June draft. With six of the first 62 picks overall, the Brewers could have a blockbuster draft.

The Brewers have the freedom to make at least one risky, high-upside selection. Given their recent success with the draft, it is reasonable to expect the Brewers to find enough talent to fortify the franchise for a decade.

Given the Brewers' reliance on the draft, June 5 will be the biggest day for the franchise since Bernie Brewer discovered his slide.

"The guys in the scouting department are a major part of what goes on here," Zduriencik said. "For the Milwaukee Brewers to be successful, we have to draft well. That's the way it is.

"This draft means a lot to those guys in the field. They want to get their guys to the big leagues."

---

From 2000, when Zduriencik began running the Brewers' draft, through last year, the Brewers had only 21 picks among the top 100. That tied them for the fifth-fewest number of picks. Atlanta had the most top-100 picks in that span with 39, one more than Oakland.

The Brewers lost three second-round picks as compensation for free-agent signings. That included a choice in 2000 that Atlanta used to select second baseman Kelly Johnson in return for losing strikeout machine Jose Hernandez to the Brewers.

The lack of early picks put Zduriencik in a tough spot. He worked without a safety net. If his first pick was not good, the draft could turn into a disaster.

"Jack and his staff have done a great job without the extra picks," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "This is a chance we've never had, to retool the system. Everyone is excited about it."

Milwaukee kept its picks this year and picked up four choices as compensation for not keeping free-agent relievers Francisco Cordero and Scott Linebrink. The Brewers received choices Nos. 32 and 52 in return for losing Cordero, Milwaukee's closer last season, to Cincinnati. Melvin had tried to keep Cordero but was outbid by the Reds.

Milwaukee essentially traded for picks Nos. 35 and 53, their return for Linebrink's move to the Chicago White Sox. The Brewers obtained Linebrink from San Diego last summer with the full knowledge that he would leave as a free agent after the season, bringing draft-choice compensation.

"We hated to give up the players we did," Melvin said. "But with these picks, we can still benefit."

Zduriencik leans toward playing it straight with each of the first six picks rather than taking a flier on even one choice. There is enough talent in this draft, Zduriencik said, that the Brewers can get a high-quality talent with choice No. 62.

"You have to do your due diligence and make sure your guys understand what we're doing," Zduriencik said. "This is a little bit of unfamiliar territory for us, but we're going to do with what we've always done."

That way has worked.

During Zduriencik's tenure, the Brewers have drafted first baseman Prince Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks, shortstop J.J. Hardy, outfielders Tony Gwynn Jr., Corey Hart and Ryan Braun and starting pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra.

Others have noticed. Scouting directors Tom Allison of Arizona and Bobby Heck of Houston were plucked from Zduriencik's staff in the past two years.

---

Zduriencik straddles both sides of baseball's cultural war that wages between clubs that want high school players with big upsides and clubs that want polished collegians.

Zduriencik looks for the best player and will take a prep player as quickly as he'll take a collegian.

Weeks and Braun were drafted out of college. Parra came from a junior college. The others were high schoolers.

"You can define what makes the best player a lot of ways," Zduriencik said. "Each philosophy fits differently with each club. With us, if it's a college kid, great. If it's a high-ceiling high school kid, great.

"The only thing is that you can get into trouble if you start thinking about drafting for needs at the big league level."

Zduriencik's approach has allowed the Brewers to have a steady flow of talent in the system rather than the gaps that come with having too many players from a similar age group.

The guys in the scouting department are a major part of what goes on here. For the Milwaukee Brewers to be successful, we have to draft well. That's the way it is.

--Brewers' VP for player personnel Jack Zduriencik

With the major league club stocked with young and homegrown talent, the Brewers could be more inclined toward high school players in this draft. In that scenario, the Brewers could take a high school outfielder such as Destin Hood or Anthony Hewitt with their first pick, No. 16 overall.

The bounty of draft picks does present a problem: money.

The players taken in Milwaukee's spots last year received a combined $4.91 million in signing bonuses. The price never comes down. The small-market Brewers likely will have to pay at least $5 million to sign their first six picks. A year ago, Milwaukee gave out $3.77 million to the nine players it selected in the first 10 rounds.

Melvin and Zduriencik both said the club has the financial resources to sign the picks. Years ago, legendary Boston scout George Digby taught Zduriencik a valuable lesson about letting contract demands shape player evaluations.

"George always said, 'The kids who want to get started playing, those are the kids you want,'" Zduriencik said. "I don't think there's anybody in the big leagues who regrets what he signed for."

That's what the Brewers offer most of all: a realistic chance to get to the big leagues.

A player who signs with Milwaukee likely won't find his progress blocked by an expensive free-agent acquisition. The Brewers have drafted well. This time, they must draft well and often. Gerry Fraley is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.

Moises Alou: possibly a little on the crazy side

A few months ago it was reported that Moises Alou said he wouldn't have caught the Steve Bartman ball and therefor Bartman should be off the hook and not blamed anymore for Cubs loss in the 2003 NLCS.

The story was widely reported and the whole incident was dredged up all over again.

Yesterday, it was reported that Alou is claiming never to have said that it wasn't Bartman's fault.

From ESPN.com:

Moises Alou wants to set the record straight -- again.

Months after being quoted as saying he would not have caught the foul ball that Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for in the eighth inning of the 2003 National League Championship Series, Alou said he would have indeed caught the ball had it not been for fan interference, the Palm Beach Post reported on Tuesday.

In March, Alou was quoted by Associated Press columnist Jim Litke as saying that he would not have caught the foul ball that Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the NLCS. The Florida Marlins rallied for the lead in that inning and went on to win the game and the series.

"Everywhere I play, even now, people still yell, 'Bartman! Bartman!' I feel really bad," Litke quoted Alou as saying in March. "You know what the funny thing is? I wouldn't have caught it anyway."

Litke wrote that Alou, now with the New York Mets, told him this when he ran into him last summer at a department store. But Alou said last week that he did not recall telling Litke that.

"I don't remember that,'' he said, according to the Post. "If I said that, I was probably joking to make [Bartman] feel better. But I don't remember saying that.''

Another thing Alou wants to make clear is that Bartman -- whose life was turned upside down from that infamous moment -- should be forgiven and left alone.

"It's time to forgive the guy and move on. I said that the night it happened,'' Alou said, according to the Post.

So let's get this straight. A story broke 63 days ago that Alou said one thing. Now, 63 days later, he's finally "setting the record straight" because he thinks he was not quoted correctly and didn't say those things?

Really?

Plus, something just doesn't ring true about the whole thing. Alou wants everyone to forgive Bartman and move on, so he dredged the story back up again more than two months later? Wouldn't it be best to let sleeping dogs lie? If you really, honestly feel that Bartman should be exonerated, why would you bring the whole thing into the spotlight again, 5 years after in happened - twice?!

More on Bill Hall

In last night's game, Bill Hall was booed when he was at-bat and the questioned is begged - Is it right to boo him?

I think I fall on the side of feeling the booing is legitimate. The guy is hitting horribly and rightfully got benched because of it. I feel this is akin to when Braun got say earlier in the season when he was swinging at anything thrown his way. He was pissed about it and took it to the media, which many feel is unprofessional.

I feel like Hall's handling of the situation is similar to a kid on the playground getting mad and saying "I'm taking my ball and going home." It's so petty and childish to get mad and then have your agent go to the media and ask for a trade.

I find the situation sad because Bill has been nothing but class with this organization and I feel this move is beneath him.

It seems the organization isn't a big fan of this move either, though they are talking a bit around it.
From JSonline.com:

Bross said if Hall had to platoon, it would be best for him and the team if Hall was dealt to another club.

But general manager Doug Melvin is nowhere near ready to make a deal.

"I'm not really motivated to do that," Melvin said. "I'm motivated to make this club the best club I can; to make the postseason, and right now he's a part of that."

...

"Everybody wants to play every single day," Yost said. "The way you do that is you get out there and you produce and get the job done. If it doesn't (happen), we have to find ways to insert people that will do it.

"Does that mean I don't think Billy can get the job done? Absolutely (not), but it doesn't matter what I think until he starts producing against right-handed pitching."

Russell the Muscle

I will fully admit to some major love for Russell "The Muscle" Branyan. The Man, The Myth, The Legend. The Brewers have been 8-2 since his call up. Coincidence? I think not.

I went to 4 games over the past week: Tuesday 5/27, Friday 5/30, Sunday 6/1 and Monday 6/2, and then team won all 4 games. I was ready to proclaim myself the good luck charm, suggest the team gets me into every game and have my legend solidified - and then I realized, it's not me. My status is no match for that of "The Muscle."

Only he can be credited with the resurgence of this team. His gleaming sun glasses have been the harbinger of a new season for this team.

Possible pitching ideas

Despite good starts recently from Bush, Parra and McClung, the Brewers starting pitching situation is precarious at best. While it would be great if this was a signal of the pitchers settling in and finding their rhythm, I'm skeptical. McClung had a great outing last night, but the outing before that couldn't have been worse. Bush and Parra are getting past the 5th inning, which had previously been the killer. So let's say we can't assume that all those troubles mysteriously disappeared.

Looking at the Brewers schedule for June shows that the off days would allow us to skip the #5 spot in the rotation all but two times this month. Should we move to a 4 man rotation that ensure that no-matter what, Ben Sheets pitches every 5th day? Ben's been the only constant and is holding up much better than any of us were willing to hope he would.

Conversely, if we pitch him consistently every 5 days, are we playing with fire and exposing him to what many consider the inevitable injury?

Switching to the 4-man rotation would allow us to get the pitching situation straightened out before July, in which our only off-days are the All-Star Break.

Yost has had a much tighter leash on the pitchers this year, which I've been a big fan of. I'm no Yost-lover, but I can applaud the way he handled Ben Sheets on Saturday. It was completely appropriate to let him try for the complete game and completely appropriate to pull him after the 11-pitch walk to Lance Berkman in the 9th. 111 pitches with one out to get is one thing. 122 with a man on first is another. Don't tempt fate or risk Sheets' arm. I have often felt Ned is on the wrong side of the window to pull pitchers. He either pulls them too soon or leaves them in too long, so I was happy to see the right amount of leeway with Sheets.

ASG clarification

I actually only vote to get the raffle tickets at the games at Miller Park to try to get one of the autographed items. My theory is that I'm turning in those ballots either way, so I'll vote for our guys and if networking with other sites gets our guys more votes, all the better.

I don't imagine it as people who don't normally vote go out and just go crazy voting for Brewers and Royals, but more like, if you're voting anyway, may as well make them count.

Rumor Mill

The rumor mill is churning this morning with renewed vigor on the possibility of a Tony Gwynn for Greg Maddux trade with the Padres.

It's no secret that Gwynn would like to be playing full time and the Gwynn's are royalty in San Diego.

It's also no secret that the Brewers are in desperate need of starting pitching.

The trade rumors surrounding Greg Maddux reach far and wide and include pretty much every NL team there is. Maddux has a full no-trade clause, so he'll be a part of whatever decision is made. Conventional wisdom would say an aging pitcher would prefer sunny California to Milwaukee, but you never know.

Maddux clearly has a big contract and is on the down side of his career arc, but I can't imagine we'd be able to get him for just Tony Gwynn and I'm not sure how many guys we should be willing to give up in order to have Maddux for the rest of the season.


This writer thinks Maddux is staying put:

Maddux isn't going far, if anywhere, in a trade

Posted: May 30, 2008

It's still spring, but it sure seems that hope has long left Petco Park in San Diego. The team is suffering through one of those meltdown seasons in which the best player (in this case, Jake Peavy) gets hurt, the elder stalwart (Trevor Hoffman) finally breaks down and the big gambles (Jim Edmonds and Tadahito Iguchi) fail to pay off.

This sort of thing always attracts the attention of the rumor mill because the thought is that the team in the midst of a hopeless year would be best off looking to deal any of today's useful parts in exchange for more hope tomorrow.

The Padres happen to have one of the most useful parts in baseball history -- 350-game winner Greg Maddux, who, at age 42, still has a mastery of the strike zone and is carrying himself like a guy 15 years younger. He still slides that sharp-moving fastball around the corners, and umpires still give him the benefit of the doubt. As long as he has those positives, he is useful in the big leagues and a target for the many pitching-starved clubs vying for playoff spots.

But, a scout says, there are two things keeping Maddux from being elsewhere at this point.

First is Maddux himself. He is happy in Southern California and has little desire to leave -- which is important because Maddux would have to waive his no-trade clause in order to be traded. At this point, he is willing to suffer with the Padres rather than pack up and head for, say, Philadelphia or Houston. Or even to the Cubs, for that matter. He won't go to the American League, so the West Coast is not exactly teeming with possibilities. If he wants to play for a California N.L. team with a shot at a World Series, the only choice would be a return to the Dodgers.

The second thing keeping Maddux in San Diego is the Padres. They would certainly move Maddux, especially if he expressed eagerness to go. But, absent a bidding war, teams are not going to give up much for a 42-year-old corner painter, no matter the resume. In this case, because Maddux can be a free agent after the season, the Padres would be better off letting him leave then (they would get a compensatory draft pick) than taking a middling prospect.

According to the rumor mill, that means Maddux should be in one of two places come August: still pitching for San Diego or up the road, working in Dodger blue.

Bill Hall wants to be traded

As you can see from the timestamp, this was just put up on the JSOnline.com Brewers blog.

Hall wants a trade

By Tom Haudricourt

Monday, Jun 2 2008, 10:43 PM

Bill Hall wants out.

Hall's agent, Terry Bross, told me tonight that he believes it would be best for both the Brewers and his client if Hall is traded to another club where he could play regularly.

Hall made no qualms about being unhappy when the Brewers called up Russell Branyan from Class AAA Nashville on May 24 to platoon at third base. The right-handed hitting Hall was batting .158 against right-handed pitchers at the time, prompting the Brewers to summon the left-handed-hitting Branyan to share the position.

Hall felt unfairly singled out because he had switched positions several times in past years at the club's bequest and was a .262 career hitter against right-handed pitchers prior to 2008. Manager Ned Yost stopped short of calling it a strict platoon but Hall has not started against a right-handed pitcher since Branyan arrived.

"If Billy's not going to be an everyday player, it's probably best for him and the team to be traded," said Bross. "They could get a pitcher for him that would really help the team. I'm sure there are some teams out there that could use a third baseman or shortstop."

Bross said he had not formerly requested a trade from Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. Hall said he preferred to be moved to another club but left it to Bross to do the talking on that subject.

"(Bross) knows how I feel," said Hall.

Melvin said he spoke with Bross after Branyan was called up but did not discuss the possibility of a trade.

"I didn't get the impression then that he wanted a trade," said Melvin. "I don't look at it (like Hall should be traded). Billy's still a very helpful player on the club against left-handed pitching. We haven't talked about (a possible trade)."

Hall, 28, filled in for injured shortstop J.J. Hardy in 2006 and had his best season, slugging 35 homers and driving in 85 runs, earning team MVP honors. After agreeing to move to centerfield last year, Hall was given a four-year, $24 million contract, at the time the biggest deal in club history for an everyday player.

Hall focused on that position switch and his offense suffered. He slipped to a .254 batting average with 14 homers and 63 RBI.

Hall was under the impression he would be the centerfielder for years to come. But the Brewers signed free-agent centerfielder Mike Cameron over the winter and moved Hall to third base, paving the way to shift error-prone Ryan Braun to left field.

It was that willingness by Hall to move around the diamond that particularly irked him when he lost his everyday status at third base. At the time, he was batting .220 with nine homers and 22 RBI.

"It's not like he was the only guy struggling in the lineup at the time," said Bross. "Billy's done everything asked of him. He's thankful to them for signing him to a multi-year contract but I think it's probably time for a change of scenery.

"If you were the Brewers, why wouldn't you move him? I would think it would be in both Billy's best interests and the team's best interests."

Hall was back in the lineup tonight against Arizona lefty Doug Davis and should start Tuesday, also, against left-hander Randy Johnson.

Let's Talk Football

I'm so not yet in the football mindset, but I wanted to check out the Badgers road schedule this season and found this press release

Athlon Sports Ranks Wisconsin No. 12
MADISON, Wis.

Athlon Sports, publisher of the No. 1 selling college football magazine, named Wisconsin as its preseason 12th-ranked team on Tuesday. Travis Beckum, UW’s All-American tight end, is featured on the cover of the regional magazine this season. Click here for the complete story.

Bret Bielema's Wisconsin Badgers grabbed the No. 12 position with 14 players selected as All-Big Ten performers. Athlon Sports predicts Wisconsin to finish second in the Big Ten Conference. In 2007, the Badgers ended the season with a 5-3 mark in the conference finishing in fourth place.

Athlon Sports has picked the following players to receive postseason accolades; Tight end Travis Beckum is named First-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten, while kick returner David Gilreath is named Third-Team All-America and First Team All-Big Ten. Offensive lineman Kraig Urbik and defensive lineman Matt Shaughnessy are named First-Team All-Big Ten, while running back P.J. Hill, offensive linemen Gabe Carimi and Andy Kemp, defensive lineman Mike Newkirk and safety Shane Carter are named Second-Team All-Big Ten. Tight end Garrett Graham, center John Moffitt, offensive lineman Eric Vanden Heuvel, linebacker DeAndre Levy and cornerback Allen Langford join the All-Big Ten Third Team.

The 2008 College Football Preview Issues will hit newsstands on June 3.

The Nashville, Tenn.-based Athlon Sports is a 41-year-old integrated media company. It remains a leader in sports prediction accuracy and creating the most sought-after preseason content online and in magazines at newsstand. Athlon Sports exports its brands internationally in 33 countries.

An All Star Game voting proposition

While filling out my ballots for the All Star Game this weekend I realized that I don't really care about the AL team and since I was filling out multiple ballots to get my raffle tickets, I was just arbitrarily punching the AL side of the ballot.

I sent this email to a few Royals bloggers and they're on deck with it, so now I'm trying to get other Brewers fans involved.

I'm not sure about your ballclub, but the Brewers go all out trying to push the All-Star voting by their fans. I've literally seen kids walk out of the stadium carrying boxes of unpunched ballots (3000 or so to a box). They offer incentives for every 10 ballots turned in with raffles of autographed merchandise.

I realized that I punch in all my Brewers and then arbitrarily vote for members of the AL. If I feel like reading over it, I try not to punch any Yankees or Red Sox, but for the most part, I just go right down the line. I don't care who's on the AL team.

If my theory is correct, AL voters feel the same way and I do about voting for the NL team, especially if they're voting in mass quantity.

So I propose we two fan bases tie together and agree to vote together. All your NL votes go to Brewers, all our AL votes go to Royals.

We're both small market teams with limited coastal media exposure and a long shot at getting more than one guy on the All-Star roster. As all our "opposite league" votes are just throw aways, why don't we start a campaign of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

We involve other team blogs, spread the word, and make a difference.

I've thought about possible detractors, and I don't see any. I can only speak from this side, but since they're handing out ballots 3000 at a time, I don't think the Brewers have any problem with stuffing the ballot boxes. If we're doing it anyway for our guys, why don't we help each other out.

What do you think? I know it's a bit late for the idea, but we do have 6 weeks til the game and I really think that it we can get this going, we could make it a yearly tie-together and get some midwestern love for our little teams that could.

So you can check out Minda's blog here. She's a Royals blogger and a writer on Ladies... and she'll be passing along the info to her Royals blogger friends.

So let's bond up together for the greater good of our two teams. Pass the word on, Brewers fans.

More looks at the management of the Brewers

Did you know that of the 17 managers who managed in the big leagues prior to 2006, only two have failed to take their team to the postseason: Ned Yost and John Gibbons. Gibbons has the excuse that he plays in the same league as the Yankees and Red Sox. What's Ned got? Tons of homegrown, young talent? Support and money from a new owner?

That detail about Yost was in a column in the Denver Post by Woody Paige where the local sports media is calling for the firing of Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. This in the season following a World Series appearance. It includes this line: "He has problems with in-game management, handling of pitchers and snippiness with those he believes are not as baseball-wise as he is. " Sound familiar?

Of course, those of us fed up with Ned are told to quiet down, it's not Ned's fault despite the fact that he's had 6 years to give us a playoff team.

While searching the Denver Post webiste for the link to that column, I came across this comment on another Rockies tidbit. Replace Hurdle's name with Ned's and the comment still resonates in Milwaukee - maybe more-so.

Clint Hurdle is a care-taker, not a MLB manager. He has no fire or passion and can't make adjustments when the team loses. His pitching staff is a joke and his team can't hit. When the Tigers started the season off bad, Jim Leyland was screaming and yelling at his players to improve. They did and now they win more games. Clint Hurdle shrugs his shoulders, smiles, and walks out of the locker room after the Rocks get pounded.. If the Rockies want to be a consistently good club, they need to hire people with fire and passion for the game.

___

Of course, it's becoming abundantly clear that Ned's not the only member of Brewer's management who warrants a good look. Have we moved past the point where we can blindly think that Ned's the only one responsible for the shape of the team?

I've been a pretty blind Melvin supporter, but we're in the third year of a serious pitching shortage. Why hasn't the front office realized the lack of sustainable starting pitching is going to be a detriment to our post-season hopes?

And isn't this on Melvin, not Ned? I mean, Ned's not out there with the ball and he's certainly not coaching the pitchers. He's working with what he's got, right? So why isn't what he's got a better core? In terms of starting pitching in the past three years, we've made one major move: acquiring Jeff Suppan.

Can we really argue that as a positive handling of the starting pitching situation? Sure, we had a dearth of starters at the beginning of the season, but that doesn't mean they were good, just that we had a lot of them. Should we really follow unquestionably a GM who is pushing this as the
"now-or-never" team when it rides on the shoulders of a injury-plagued ace, an aging #2 and #3-5 that have consistently underperformed?

Sure, the defense has improved, but I think we'll see that level off. Rickie will always be Rickie. Prince isn't suddenly going to become 6'3". There are limits to these guys and what they can do.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm ready for the media and fans around here to be as up in arms over the mediocrity of this ballclub.

I'm not sure what Doug Melvin, Gord Ash and Mark Attanasio are waiting for. We're at the point where no one would accuse them of acting too hastily. They've shown patience in abundance.

I think fans want and deserve a change. They've been sold on a playoff team this year by management and that team simply hasn't been getting it done in spite of the talent level, just like last year.

____

Finally, a discussion of the game 9th inning on Sunday came up over at Brewerfan.net and the following argument was made:


It didn't end up figuring in the result due to Mota's wild pitch, but can someone please explain Yost's 9th inning defensive strategy to me?

1 out, men on the corners, tie game. And you bring the infield in? WHY?

The only way you gun down the runner at home is if someone hits a ball right at an infielder...if that happens, why would you not be playing for a double play?

Maybe I'm missing something here, someone please explain this. Many people defend Yost and say the players are responsbile...not here. It's overlooked because it didn't matter, but I don't get it at all.

Another thing about this strategy: The Brewers weren't holding the man on first, so as Mota delivered the fateful pitch, the runner on first broke for second and would have arrived easily.

After the first pitch, the Nats would have had 2nd and 3rd with one out. I would imagine that Yost would have walked the batter to load the bases to set up a force at every base. So, the pitch that Mota threw was a meaningless pitch. Nice call, Ned.

Hall demoted to platooning

Hall falls into platoon at hot corner

Milwaukee (22-24) at Pittsburgh (21-25), Thursday, 6:05 p.m. CT

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com

PITTSBURGH -- The numbers finally got the best of Bill Hall this week, with manager Ned Yost opting for an informal platoon at third base between Hall and Craig Counsell.

Hall, a right-handed hitter, was hitting .371 against left-handed pitchers through Tuesday but only .163 against right-handers. With righty Ian Snell on the mound Wednesday night, Yost started the left-handed-hitting Counsell at the hot corner.

"I'm going to have to do it a little more until some of these numbers come up for Billy," Yost said. "His left-handed numbers are as good as you can dream of ... but his right-handed numbers are about as low as they go."

The upcoming schedule is favorable to Hall. The Pirates will field a left-handed starter for Thursday's series finale at PNC Park, followed by two Nationals left-handers to begin a four-game series in Washington.

Entering the season, Hall was a career .270 hitter against left-handers and .262 against right-handers. But the split started to emerge last season, when he hit .270 against lefties and .246 against righties.

Yost was surprised to note how dramatically the gap has changed. In 2004, Hall's first full season, he hit only .190 against left-handed pitchers and .256 against right-handers.

"When you're struggling to score some runs, you're going to have to find ways to improve a little but here and there," Yost said. "It's not something I enjoy doing, but we have to do it right now.

"I think we are at a point where we can't get any deeper into this. You try to find every little bit of offense we can get here."

Pitching matchup
MIL: RHP Dave Bush (1-4, 6.05 ERA)
Bush has had some trouble of late getting the third out. All five Red Sox runs against him in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Saturday scored with two outs, though one was unearned. Bush surrendered a two-out, two-run double to Mike Lowell on a curveball down and away in the first inning, then misplaced a fastball to Lowell in the third and saw it go for a two-out, two-run home run. Thirteen of the 28 earned runs that Bush has surrendered this season have scored with two outs.

PIT: LHP Tom Gorzelanny (3-4, 6.64 ERA)
Mercifully, Gorzelanny won't be facing a club with 'Chicago' laced across the front of its uniform. Take away the left-hander's woes against the Cubs this season (three starts, 11 total innings, 21 runs), and Gorzelanny's numbers aren't so bad. His command has only sporadically matched that which he showed a year ago, however, his fastball still clocks in about two to three mph slower than it did in 2007. The lefty needs to get his pitches down, and his next test in doing so will come against a Milwaukee team that he has never faced before.

Tidbits
Yost and Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, like all Major League managers and GMs, participated in a conference call with league officials on Wednesday regarding efforts to speed the pace of games. MLB advised clubs that umpires will be more vigilant in enforcing rules like 6.02 and 8.04, which pertain to batters taking too much time getting into the box and pitchers exceeding the 12-second limit between pitches. Umpires will also be more active in shortening coaches' visits to the mound. ... Yost said catcher Jason Kendall's outstanding throwing numbers this season (he had thrown out 12 of 30 basestealers entering Wednesday's game, or 40 percent) are the result of changes to Kendall's throwing mechanics, and not necessarily related to pitchers' efforts to be quicker to the plate. Last year, Kendall threw out 13 of 124 runners, or 10.5 percent. ... By winning the first two games of the series, the Brewers ensured their first series win at PNC Park since August 2006 and moved to within a win of their first-ever series sweep here.

UEFA Champions League Final

I have this Tivoing at home and was going to try and avoid the score til I could get home and watch it, but I figured that's futile. Then I discovered I can watch the live feed on ESPN360.com, which is killer!

It's Manchester United vs Chelsea, an all-English final from Russia. We're in extra time right now, 1-1 and Chelsea has hit the woodwork twice since I started watching with about 15 minutes left in regulation.

Come on you Blues!

Elvis is in the building

Introducing the third (temporary) CuteSports puppy, Elvis! (Velvet) Elvis was rescued from a breeder who was mistreating his dogs. Elvis is so emaciated that he's not able to be neutered until he puts on more weight. He is clearly a slighter build than my Flash, but at 33 pounds, he's still entirely too small. But he's full of love and has done nothing but cuddle since we got him on Saturday. He's available for adoption from Basset Buddies. Check out their website here.

Blog reports through unconfirmed source that Ned is getting fired today

Source: Ned Yost to be relieved of his duties Monday

While BadgerBlogger can not independently confirm this, sources close to the Milwaukee Brewers organization tell BadgerBlogger late this evening, in the midst of another horrid road trip, and on the heels of a sweep by the Boston Red Sox, that Brewers manager Ned Yost will be relieved of his duties during the team’s off day Monday, and replaced on an “interim” basis by team bench coach Ted Simmons.

Many baseball insiders routinely refer to Simmons as one of the “best minds in baseball“; perhaps his new role will provide the direction and leadership this team has been so badly lacking.
Bruce J Redenz

Braun signs 7 year extension worth $45 million

from MilwaukeeBrewers.com
MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers announced a record contract extension for left fielder Ryan Braun on Thursday that sets the standard for players with zero to three years of Major League experience.

The contract is for eight years and $45 million, exceeding the six-year, $31 million contract signed by Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who would have been eligible for salary arbitration one year earlier than Braun. Braun's deal blows away the six-year, $17.5 million guaranteed to Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who like Braun falls into the "zero-plus" category of service time.

"It's a very good contract for both the ballclub and Ryan," general manager Doug Melvin said at a press conference at Miller Park.

Braun hit .324 with 34 home runs last season last season and edged Tulowitzki in a close National League Rookie of the Year vote. Because he was not promoted to the Majors until late May, Braun would not have been eligible for arbitration until the 2010-11 offseason and for free agency until 2013-14.
___

The deal is for 8 years because it includes this season and wraps Braun up for the first two years of his free agency.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a great step. Not only is it great to see Brewers management being free with money (Attanasio also said he's willing to spend for a new starting pitcher if the need arises this year) but I'd much rather be tied to Braun than Fielder at this point. It would be great if we could have both, but I don't think this is a franchise that can support two franchise players and I think between Prince's weight and the money his agent Scott Boras is going to want, Braun's the best option of the two.

It had to happen!

The Brewers drinking game! The past few games have been on the upswing, but before that, we all needed the liquor to get through the games! This version is from the Brew Town Beat blog:

It's early May and it's come to this, a legit Brewers drinking game. I'm hoping for some feedback on this one, but for now, while watching a game do the following, but first, prior to the the game, pick up a copy of a newspaper:

PREGAME
DRINK 1 for each quote in which a struggling player says "It's early" when questioned about their lack of production.
DRINK 3 for each quote in which Ned Yost refers to it "being early."
DRINK 10 (beers) for each time Ned Yost refers to a scuffling player as an All Star despite them being over a full year removed (at the least) from being in the All Star Game.


GAMETIME
DRINK 1 for each time the Brewers bat a player batting less than .210 leadoff
DRINK 3 for each time the Brewers bat a player batting under the Mendoza Line leadoff.
DRINK 3 for each scoreless frame the Brewers offense produces.
DRINK 6 if the opposing team scores first.
DRINK 1 for each time a no-doubt bunting situation arises and Ned lets them swing away.
DRINK 1 for each Brewer that strikes out.
DRINK 2 for each Brewer that strikes out vs. a pitcher with an ERA higher than 5.00.
DRINK 6 each time the Brewers have a runner in scoring position with nobody out and fail to plate the run.
DRINK 3 each time the Brewers have a runner in scoring position with one out and fail to plate the run.
DRINK 1 for each walk a Brewers pitcher gives up.
DRINK 6 if the Brewers starting pitcher is chased before pitching 6 innings.
DRINK 6 each time Yost trots out to remove the starter immediately AFTER the heavy damage has been done.
DRINK 3 each time the Brewers have a runner on third with less than two outs and fail to score the run.
DRINK 1 for each dinger served up by a Brewers pitcher.
DRINK 4 for each time a Brewers pitcher cannot execute a bunt.
DRINK 1 for each inning pitched that the Brewers pitcher on the hill has an ERA over 5.00.
DRINK 6 for each blown save the Brewers, ah-hem, closer serves up.
DRINK 4 if the Brewers have to use more than three bullpen arms in a game.
DRINK 1 CASE if a Brewers pitcher has to a leave a game after 2.3 scoreless innings or less with a rather unusual injury.
DRINK 6 for each time the Brewers score less than five runs.
DRINK 5 each time the opposing pitcher sets a new career strikeout high.
DRINK 10 each time a former pathetic Brewers player comes through with a big hit vs. the current team.
_______

And while Googling that, I found the Brewers Bob Uecker radio broadcast Drinking Game. Spectacular!

Bob Uecker Brewers Radio Broadcast Drinking Game:

• Drink once every time he says, "Heeeeee struck him out!"
• Drink once every time he says, "Change of pace, and a dandy"
• Drink once every time he says, "He ... just ... walked ... another ..."
• Drink twice every time he calls a player by the wrong name
• 1 shot each time he starts his home run calls then the ball is caught
• 1 shot every time Ueck makes Jim Powell laugh so hard he can't talk about baseball
• 2 shots every time he tells a story in which he is clearly lying (i.e.,"planting cans," etc.)
• 2 shots if he says, "No, I like him, I really do" when he clearly does not
• Chug any time 20 or more consecutive seconds of dead air transpire during an inning
• Chug while Ueck makes fun of a Brewers Radio Network sponsor
• Chug while he makes fun of the Internet

A Gagne explanation?

Did Gagne blow all those games because he was tipping his pitches to the other team?

According to this article, in not so many words, Ned Yost says yes.

Yost said the Brewers noticed a flaw in Gagne's recent outings, particularly on Saturday, but the manager would not go into detail.

Had Gagne been tipping pitches?

"I'm not telling you guys what it was," Yost said. "It was very obvious. That's why I think he was totally upset."

Well hello, Ryan Braun

The Rookie of the Year is back after whiffing at pretty much anything thrown at him to start the season. I don't think there was a pitcher out there who didn't know that if they pitched it down and away, Ryan was swinging for the fences.

Luckily for us, Braun found his swing. Near the end of tonight's game Braun was 4-5 with a 4 home runs and a walk in his last six plate appearances.

The Brewers won tonight 8-3 on the shoulders of Braun's two homers and a 5-run third inning that featured Mike Cameron's first hit and RBI at home.

We had a 6-game losing streak heading into this series and looking at the schedule we had 4 against the division leading Cards, 3 at the Dodgers and 3 at Boston. It was looking grim.

Instead, we pulled out of our slump with Braun leading the way and took 3 of 4 from the Cardinals and are now back at .500. We're just 4 games back of the also-streaking Cubs who have won 4-in-a-row.