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I don't understand what they are thinking about Mark DiFelice

By David Hannes | July 3, 2009 | Brewers Bar

During Thursday evening's FSWisconsin broadcast, announcer Bill Schroeder was commenting that the move of Seth McClung to the starting rotation left the bullpen depleted of "long" relievers--those that could go more than two innings. This puzzled me, as Mark DiFelice used to be a starter...in fact, if McClung continues to have bad starts like last night, DiFelice should be, I think, given a chance to start with the Brewers. But no one in the organization seems to be thinking of DiFelice as a starter candidate. First, he must have major league stuff, as he's been on the 25-man roster the entire season, posting a 4-0, 1.72 mark over 31.3 IP in 31 games to date (not to mention a 2.84 ERA in '08 over 19 IP). This year, DiFelice has pitched 2 innings on two occasions, and over an inning in five other games. So, then, they must feel that his...

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Friday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 3, 2009 | MLB Notebook

The Fourth of July Weekend kicks off with a full schedule of games. The Yankees look to start a new winning streak against the Blue Jays. The Brewers and Cubs continue their seesaw NL Central battle. The Brewers need wins to stay ahead in the division because the Cardinals and Reds are battling for positioning in the division. The Mets and Phillies begin a series that will determine which team is in first in the NL East on Monday. These games, and many more, can be found in Friday's Games of the Day. Toronto at New York Yankees: The Mariners...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: AJ Burnett, Boston Red Sox, Brian Tallet, Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Curtis Granderson, Derek Lee, Detroit Tigers, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez, Games of the Day, Gordon Beckham, Hideki Matsui, Homer Bailey, Houston Astros, J.J. Hardy, Jeff Suppan, Joel Pineiro, Jose Lopez, Kansas City Royals, Kevin Slowey, Luke French, Mike Cameron, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Paul Konerko, Philadelphia Phillies, Rodrigo Lopez, Ryan Sadowski, San Francisco Giants, Scott Kazmir, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Wakefield, Toronto Blue Jays, Zack Greinke

The NL Central Is Apparently Over

By wrigleyville | July 2, 2009 | wrigleyville23

The Wisconsinians have declared the Milwaukee Brewers the 2009 National League Central champions: Tear down that silly Wild Card pennant, here comes the big boy - the real deal. It's gonna happen. The Brewers WILL win the NL Central this year, and here's 5 reasons why. Our friend Brad goes on to list four reasons (he forgot the all important No. 2). Speaking of No. 2, they can tear down that "silly Wild Card pennant" from 2008, but they'll have to pry the Commemorative DVD of the 2008 Wild Card out of Wisconsinians' cold dead hands....

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FB365's Morning Drive 7/2/09

By Charlie Saponara | July 2, 2009 | Fantasy Baseball 365

Jordan Zimmermann is getting a lot of fantasy love lately. I was on this guy in late April. He out-pitched Josh Johnson yesterday. Cody Ross hit his 14th bomb of the season of newly acquired Sean Burnett. Ross is slugging .633 vs. left handed pitching this season. Josh Johnson left the game after only 3.1 innings. No injury, just a rain delay and 4 walks to go with a rising pitch count. Ricky Romero continues to impress. He's stranding over 85% of runners and his FIP is a run higher than his ERA before his start yesterday. Walks and the AL East are my concerns, but he's definitely a guy worth rostering right now. He's only owned in 33% of Yahoo! leagues. Brad Bergesen impressed against the Red Sox. He's not going to strikeout a ton of guys, but he's keeping the ball on the ground and keeping the walks to a minimum. His next start comes against the Mariners. If you need a spot start, he's worth another go. Yovani Gallardo struck out a career high 12 in 7 IP against the Mets. If Gallardo can reduce his walk rate, he's basically Lincecum light. Gil Meche, coming off a "dead arm" period, threw 121 pitches in only 6 innings. His arm looked fine with a fastball sitting in the mid 90's, but minor injuries have been an issue this season. If I'm A Meche owner (or a Royals fan) I'm not happy about the pitch count at all. Billy Butler, 4-4, continues to outperform James Loney, but it seems no one is paying attention. Jason Hammel has been pitching well for the Rockies lately. He's not quite the ground ball pitcher Aaron Cooks is, but he is getting enough groundballs and limiting walks to be an NL-only add. Troy Tulowitzki got cold just as fast as he got hot two weeks ago. I think he'll finish with an AVG around .270. Jimmy Rollins took another o'fer, but so did most of the Phillies against Jair Jurjjens who only allowed 1 hit. Justin Verlander was touched up last night. That makes two less than spectacular starts in a row. I'm not reading much into it. Jose Contreras has struck out 8 batters in 3 of his last 4 starts. Randy Wells pitched well again and got his third straight win. I'd start him again at home vs the Braves in his next start. Johnny Cueto brought back the strikeout last night against the D-Backs. Of course the D-Backs are second only to the Marlins in team strikeouts. Kevin Millwood and Jered Weaver squared off in a battle of the "sell highs". Neither faired particularly well and neither are likely to repeat their first half numbers in the second half. Nelson Cruz left with a back injury. It didn't sound serious, but I never like to hear about back problems. Keep an eye on the situation. Albert Pujols did not hit a homerun, but he did go 2-2 with a stolen...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Adam Wainwright, Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, Baltimore Orioles, Billy Butler, Brad Bergesen, Cincinnati Reds, Cody Ross, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball, Florida Marlins, Gil Meche, Jason Hammel, Jered Weaver, Jimmy Rollins, Johnny Cueto, Jordan Zimmermann, Josh Johnson, Justin Verlander, Kansas City Royals, Kevin Millwood, Los Angeles Angels, Matt Cain, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, Nelson Cruz, Philadelphia Phillies, Ricky Romero, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Troy Tulowitzki, Washington Nationals, Yovani Gallardo

Thursday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 2, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Thursday brings us another short schedule with only nine games scheduled. Thursday is still filled with good games. The Mets and Pirates finish a series that began in June. Houston and San Diego face off in a matchup of teams just out of last place in their divisions. The Phillies look to beat the Braves and stay in first in the NL East. And the Brewers and Cubs renew their rivalry. Those games and more can be found below. New York Mets at Pittsburgh: This game is a makeup of the June 3 game that was postponed. If Paul Maholm and...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Adam LaRoche, Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, Atlanta Braves, Barry Zito, Bruce Chen, Carlos Beltran, CC Sabathia, Chase Utley, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Games of the Day, Houston Astros, Ichiro Suzuki, J.J. Hardy, JA Happ, Jason Vargas, Javier Vazquez, Kansas City Royals, Mark Buehrle, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Paul Maholm, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan Dempster, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tim Redding, Wandy Rodriguez

Brewers go for sweep of Mets

By Jason Trumpy | July 1, 2009 | True Blue Brew Blog

June ended up better after my last post. Interleage play is over and the Crew is 3-2 since they resumed National League ball, including a pair of impressive wins over the Mets. The offense has come to life, aided a little bit by errors and blunders from the Giants and Mets, but things are shaping back up. J.J. Hardy appears to be on one of his hot streaks at just the right time. And Milwaukee once again finds itself atop the N.L. Central. Mike Burns looked good last night, which is good, because Manny Parra got shelled in his most recent appearance in Nashville. What can I say about Casey McGehee. The guy has been on fire, so much so that there is talk of sending Gamel back down to the minors because he is not getting any work at the Major League level. He dropped a pop fly that cost...

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Brews end June on a high note

By David Hannes | July 1, 2009 | Brewers Bar

Some years ago, the Brewers were noted for their "June Swoon"--in other words, they'd head into June with a winning record, only to fall apart in June and finish the month near the bottom of the division.Earlier in the week, I overhead on the radio that that the '09 Brewers had an identical record to their Wild Card team of last year--meaning, that these new Brewers weren't following the trends of the past.After Tuesday night's thrilling win over the Mets, the Crew stands at 42-35, alone in first in the NL Central, and a full three games ahead in the loss column over the Cardinals, Reds, and Cubs.The offense is still there--Braunie is hitting .327 with 16 HR's, and even Fielder is above the .300 mark at .307 with 20 HR's. Cubs' cast-off Casey McGehee, filling in for Weeks and Hall, is hitting .325, begging the question...When is the last...

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Wednesday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 1, 2009 | MLB Notebook

July begins with several teams either looking to extend winning streaks or stop losing streaks. San Francisco and St. Louis continue a series that impacts the early Wild Card race. Colorado looks to turn their luck around against the Dodgers. Plenty of pitchers are looking for win number eight, nine, or ten on July 1. Nyjer Morgan joins the Nationals. Adam Jones and Marco Scutaro begin July looking to end recent slumps. Those, and plenty of other good storylines, can be found in Wednesday's Games of the Day. Washington at Florida: The Nyjer Morgan era begins in Washington. He and...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Adam Jones, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Brad Bergesen, Brad Hawpe, Chicago Cubs, Clayton Kershaw, Cole Hamels, Colorado Rockies, Dallas Braden, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, Ian Snell, James Loney, James Shields, Jarrod Washburn, Jason Hammel, Jered Weaver, Josh Beckett, Justin Verlander, Kevin Millwood, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Luke Scott, Marco Scutaro, Mike Pelfrey, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Nick Johnson, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Torii Hunter, Toronto Blue Jays, Virgil Vasquez, Washington Nationals, Yovani Gallardo

Fantasy Baseball: Milwaukee Brewers IF Casey McGehee

By Brad Berreman | June 30, 2009 | MVN Outsider

When Milwaukee Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks injured his wrist and was ruled out for the year in May, the Brewers (and Weeks' fantasy owners) were immediately in need of a suitable replacement. Enter Casey McGehee. In 110 at-bats through Monday, McGehee is hitting .336 with five home runs and 21 RBI with 20 runs scored and 10 doubles. He is also sporting a .400 on-base percentage and a .564 slugging percentage, which are both very solid numbers. He had been bothered by knee and ankle injuries earlier this month but has not missed significant playing time. McGehee has seen time at 2B (18 games) and 3B (13 games) this season and is probably eligible at both spots in many fantasy leagues. Being part of a productive Milwaukee offense led by 1B Prince Fielder and LF Ryan Braun certainly helps his fantasy value if he can continue to hit well and get on base. 3B Bill Hall remains a threat to take away playing time, but with...Read more

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MLB Great Debates: Which Playoff Contender Needs a Trade to Stay in the Race?

By Staff Report | June 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which contending team most needs to make a deal before the July 31 trade deadline in order to stay in the race? Jaymes Langrehr argues that the Brewers desperately need starting pitching:As we get closer to the trade deadline, a good number of teams are developing clear needs that need to be addressed if they're going to stay in playoff contention. Some teams will be able to cope with their weaknesses and still make the playoffs due to their other strengths. Other clubs will need to make a move if they have any chance at contending in the second half.The Milwaukee Brewers are a prime example. Heading into this season, they knew that their pitching wouldn't be as good as it was down the stretch last season. Given the strength of their offense, however, they figured to be in okay...Read more

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MLB Top 10: Yanks Enter Week Hotter Than Boston -- Will it Stay that Way?

By Jaymes Langrehr | June 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

It was an interesting week in baseball -- Randy Johnson won his 300th career game in front of about 12 people in Washington, the Dodgers stole a couple wins from Philadelphia in walkoff fashion, the Rangers proved their worth with a brutal East Coast road trip, and the Rockies started slugging the tar out of the ball...and they weren't even playing at home. So who heads up this week's Top 10 list as the team playing the best baseball?1. Philadelphia Phillies (33-22)The Phillies had a pair of tough walkoff losses in Los Angeles over the weekend, but prior to the late-game collapses the Phils were winners of seven straight. With the Mets running into serious injury problems, Philadelphia has a hold on the NL East -- they have a chance to expand that three game division lead starting Tuesday night when they travel to New York for a three game...Read more

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MLB Crystal Ball: NL Central Loaded with Prospects

By Jaymes Langrehr | June 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Among the surprises so far in the 2009 season has been the strength of the National League Central. For years the division was the butt of a lot of jokes (although not as many as the NL West), thanks to years of franchises like Pittsburgh and Milwaukee finishing with some of the worst records in the league...not to mention it was the home of the most loveable losers of all, the Chicago Cubs. Times have changed now, and the Central may be the best and most competitive division in baseball (the AL East, with three teams already with 30 wins may have something to say about that). Entering Wednesday, four teams are within four games of the division lead -- Milwaukee and St. Louis are tied for first, with Cincinnati trailing by 2.5 games and Chicago trailing by 4. The Brewers and Cardinals have taken turns holding the distinction of...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Crystal Ball, MLB Outsider, St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Outsider Mock Draft: Milwaukee Brewers Select Matt Hobgood

By Staff Report | May 29, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider is hosting a 2009 MLB mock draft, where bloggers from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results that will take place June 9. Brewers Bar's David Hannes picks for the Milwaukee Brewers at No. 26. RHP Matt Hobgood from Norco High School gives the Brewers a much-needed pitching prospect. Follow the mock draft here.The '09 draft will have two key differences for Brewers' G.M. Doug Melvin and his staff compared to drafts over the past few years--Jack Zduriencik, the former VP and Special Assistant to the G.M. for Player Personnel, is now in Seattle, and the Brewers will be drafting much later than in the past. While the evaluation process probably won't miss a step, it will be lacking Zduriencik's keen eye (leading him to be Baseball America's Executive of the Year for 2008), as well as forcing the Brewers to wait longer...Read more

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MLB Great Debates: The Ballpark Experience

By Staff Report | May 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which experience is better, going to a Major League Baseball game or going to a minor-league one?Jaymes Langrehr says MLB's quality is top-notch:Where I grew up, I was about a three-hour drive east away from Milwaukee County Stadium, and a three-hour drive west away from the Metrodome. I was literally stuck in the middle of nowhere when it came to the MLB map, and looking back, I was definitely jealous of the kids who were able to spend their summers buying cheap Brewers tickets and move their way up to field level (because it's not like anyone was sitting in those seats, anyway). Still, the few major-league games that I was able to attend were incredible -- even though the home team almost always got crushed. Even when your team stinks, there's something special about a Major League game that...Read more

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MLB Crystal Ball: Brewers Will Survive Without Weeks

By Jaymes Langrehr | May 20, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Considering the incredible hot streak the Milwaukee Brewers have been on in the past few weeks, the only thing that could have gotten Brewers fans down is an injury to one of the team's biggest players. While the loss of Rickie Weeks isn't as bad as losing Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, or even Mike Cameron, it still leaves a considerable void in the team's powerful lineup.As David Hannes noted at Brewers Bar, the loss of Weeks caused a few questions to pop up -- who takes his spot on the roster, who plays second base, and who leads off? The team answered the first question fairly quickly, adding infielder Hernan Iribarren to the 25-man roster as they got into Houston.But what about the other two questions? Who's available to step in every day and man second base? And who's the best choice to top the batting order?For now, it seems...Read more

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Fantasy Baseball: Replacing Milwaukee 2B Rickie Weeks

By Brad Berreman | May 19, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Milwaukee Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks is out for the rest of the 2009 season due to a wrist injury. He will require surgery for a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. Weeks had a similar injury to his right wrist in 2006. Weeks' final stats for the season read like this: 147 at-bats, .272 batting average, nine home runs, 24 RBI, .517 slugging percentage. He had shown improvement over 2008, when he hit .234 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI and 19 stolen bases. In Weeks' place, the Brewers started Craig Counsell at 2B on Monday night and went 1-for-6 in Milwaukee's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. So far in 2009, Counsell is hitting .324 with one home run and seven RBI in 68 at-bats. His fantasy value is limited due to his lack of power (36 career home runs in over 4,000 at-bats) and speed (seven stolen...Read more

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