TooLiveBrew

Ha -- honestly, compared to 'I gave >100%', the oft-mocked 'I'd like to thank God/Jesus/whomever for giving me the strength... because without him nothing is possible' doesn't even bother me. While I agree a higher power probably has more important things to do than tune in for the AFC Championship, for example, at least the latter cliche is grounded in a person's faith & personal beliefs, as opposed to being grounded in a numerical value that doesn't exist in any way, shape or form. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

I think that was the point of the original post as in "X ERA after Y Time". I would have been sincerely interested in your opinion as stated like that. Well I guess I can't let go of performance v. results... so with that caveat http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ... if Soup isn't able to reign in his ERA somewhere below 6 by the end of May then I'd like to see the Brewers go with someone else. As I mentioned, I hope that would be DiFelice... I don't think McClung isn't a net upgrade over Suppan. Imho he is just a different kind of stinky. For me part of the difficulty in projecting what timeframe the Brewers will give to Suppan is that I don't think he's anywhere nearly as bad as the results from his last two starts. Somewhere around a 5 ERA & ~200 IP is what Soup is to me. I think that by the end of the season that's about where he'll sit, and that's probably fine as back-end SP.

Definitely agree on Nosferatu. That film, to me, could easily be in the top 5.

I just can't wait until a reliable statistical method of analyzing minor-league defense hits the (relative) mainstream. I understand there's some stuff out there now, but I know it still relies a lot (understandably) on the official scorers at the stadia -- who typically don't have access to any replays, etc. I guess what would need to happen is video documentation of lots of minor-league games... and I guess I won't hold my breath on that one http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

What about 'I/we gave [number greater than 100] percent' -- I loathe that one. Thursday through Saturday should give us a little more to go on with the manager. I would be ok with skipping nobody, skipping Parra or Gallardo to keep their innings down, or pushing Bush back a day and skipping Suppan. I will be irate with skipping Bush in favor of Suppan. This is a stretch I'm going to enjoy watching unfold as well. At this point I don't think anyone will argue that Suppan shouldn't be skipped in favor of one of the four superior SP we have in the rotation, so hopefully Macha has some plans.

Why is it so hard for you and strawboss to either not comment on this thread, or frame your response in the way the original poster asked? Because the discussion evolves beyond the original post once you hit 10 pages or so http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif I'm not really sure what you're asking of me here -- I don't think I've failed to answer the question. If you believe that Suppan should be able to pitch the entire season regardless of ERA -- then just say it without irrelevant, inaccurate and incomplete lectures on sample-size. Again, I don't know why you're demanding I address the question in this manner. I'm the one that's lecturing? There is certainly evidence to suggest that Suppan is eroding. There's also a lot of historical data (not just on Soup) to suggest that fans are overreacting to a small sample because of the emotional attachment to the team/game/player(s). I don't think Suppan is a great option... in fact during the offseason I participated in several discussions where I think I mentioned that in a best-case scenario for Jeff, I felt he's our 5th-best SP. In short, my opinion has not changed. I think he's better than McClung, and should & will be given every chance to pitch. Now, I still prefer DiFelice, but I'm only counting him as a dark-horse candidate to even get considered for the rotation (even though if I'd been able to design things, Mark would have gotten the nod over Soup). If I thought there was a realistic chance DiFelice would get considered I guess I'd be clamoring more for him. But Macha will really (pleasantly) surprise me if he goes to DiFelice if Suppan continues to struggle. Managers in general just aren't that innovative a species. I hope Macha proves more creative than most. At least, these posters even though they are extreme, are adding to the discussion in the framework requested. They believe that Suppan should have "no leash". Because someone goes to one extreme (without necessarily having the ammo to back it up), am I supposed to be pushed toward the other extreme? Finding a middle ground is perfectly acceptable to me, and especially in this case. How long should his leash be? I don't know -- I understand that's not a game-sensitive prediction, but I don't believe it should be based upon X more games of performance level Z. It really depends on how he pitches, not how he pitched in one or a few bad outings. Again, we are not going to agree on his performance on OD, so might as well let him get some more starts in. If he has a few more starts like OD, I will continue to defend him & argue that the Brewers should stick with him. If it's a few more starts like his last one, I will be very much pushing/hoping for DiFelice to get a shot.

His footwork has been repeatedly mentioned by Money... squaring up to the ball when fielding it and setting his feet properly on his throws. He never had anything negative to say about his glove or tools in general, just his footwork. "Footwork" is exactly what I remember being criticized when it came to Braun. So, while the connection may admittedly be 100% semantic, I take no comfort in hearing that's Gamel's main problem too. Thanks for the insight, Crew07. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

To the person who stole my grill Whoa. I'm no expert in guy code, but I'm pretty sure that's against guy code. Dear Whomever stole brewtown82's Weber: You suck. That is all.

I think working with Money again his defense will once again improve. Can you describe the improvements made working with Money in 2008? Not calling you out, I'm just curious what Money has been able to help Gamel with.

Nelson also provides a potential stopgap at first if they dealt Prince. I'm a little surprised with their lack of pitching and abundance of hitting that nobody was dealt this offseason actually. Good point on Nelson. I like that Fielder was retained for this season, since at worst it buys another season for Gamel & others to take it slow. But I think this season or following offseason will see a bat go for an arm or two. Has anyone seen enough of Mat in the field to feel confident giving him a position? I know people have commented on that but I'm wondering if it's from watching him play (firsthand) or not. Gamel being able to stick at 3B just seems too perfect (Corey Koskie, where have you gone).

This is a pretty loaded statement and you know it. First, it's not as if one pitcher's performance is dependent on the other. Second, he didn't "outpitch" he was "less crappy" Call it what you like, but Suppan pitched better than Lincecum on OD. Of course it's a loaded statement, but so are the cries for Suppan to be stashed in the pen under Marcus Hanel's duffelbag (I exaggerate...). Point being that the (extreme) reactions by fans are more based on this being the first meaningful baseball played in ~6 mos. than on any actual demonstrable loss of skill by Soup.

Aside from a hole in the OF, there might well be an offer that comes along for Fielder that's too good to pass up after 2009. Moving to 1B would seemingly be a much easier transition for Gamel, and I know it's one possibility people have discussed for some time now.

I can easily imagine Rivera having a worse OBP. That's true... I guess just watching the two play at this point it doesn't look like Kendall holds any offensive edge whatsoever. All it'd take is that first hot streak from Kendall to make me eat my words, though. Just to clarify I wasn't predicting a .330 OBP & .450 SLG from Rivera... just thought a .315 - .320-ish OBP with a SLG north of .400 was reasonable to forecast.

Kendall should be expected to post an OBP around .325 or .330. I can't imagine Rivera would have much trouble being at least close to that, with a much higher SLG. So, while Kendall's defense is obviously superior, the more PAs Rivera gets this season the better imho

The most I can see happening is an 'injury' & some DL time. Soup isn't as bad as his results have been lately. Honestly, the guy outpitches the defending CY winner on OD, then has a bad start & the Brewers are supposed to flat-out release the guy? I know he's not a great pitcher, but I guess the overreaction to this shouldn't surprised me so much.

Good chance Sullivan wrote the article and ESPN is charging you to tell you Sullivan wrote said article. Ha! ESPN strikes again. 'ESPN's [insert name here] is reporting that he read in another newspaper that...'

I figured that we'd eventually have some Macha discussion, and given the vigilant & often critical watch that was kept of Yost, it's only fair that Macha is put under similar scrutiny. So far (to me) his strategical approach has been different, whether it's the faith in DiFelice out of the bullpen, putting baserunners in motion a bit, or not being afraid hook a struggling SP too soon rather than too late. I'll admit I don't know yet if this is just me making these statements based on 5 games, or if it's Macha's style. I'm not a fan of Hart batting #2, as Hardy to me just fits so much better. But his move to pair Rivera with Bush so far looks like a savvy way to get Rivera more plate appearances & keep Kendall rested more often. At this point Mike seems to be the better offensive option. I won't ramble on too long, but would like to hear what other people think about Macha so far.

Normally I'd say 'sorry if this has been posted' ... but I just don't care http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zUex6mwjFTc/SK2aaQXx3vI/AAAAAAAAACA/R-QbbYqZUac/s320/Choke+Cubs_02.jpg DFA WEEKS!

That bad month counts as much as any other month. Just because he was still a good hitter doesn't excuse the fact that he played all season out of shape. Also, don't discount the effect that his enormous girth probably had on his already poor defense. Agreed on all counts. My point was more to just find an example of fans overreacting to something that happened out of the gates in a season (like Soup's bad outing).

No, the point is that he wasn't too fat to still be a very good hitter. He just had a bad month

Every season there's something that folks overreact to just because it happens right out of the gate. Last year it was 'Prince is too fat OMG!' & 'Kendall is awesome!'... by the end of the season we were still hearing how Prince was so fat & needed to eat meat & had such a down season (when really it was just one down month), and heard next to nothing nothing about Kendall absolutely killing our offense in 3 of the 6 months of the season. Funny how that first month basically sets the tone for how many people perceive players' production for the entirety of a season.

If Weeks is playing well enough to bring somone like Danks or Buerhle back, the Brewers probably shouldn't be dealing him. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

The second interview isn't until the 17th, but the form to officially commit to Park and Rec is due on the 15th. I don't want to burn any bridges at Park and Rec in case this job doesn't pan out, but I also don't want to leave him hanging. Tell this verbatim to your boss. If he doesn't understand, forget him. Especially in this economic climate, you need to worry about your own career first & foremost. If he holds a grudge against you for some petty reason, I can't imagine his boss(es) would be too happy with him. If nothing else, he should give you a good reference if you have to seek another summer job. If it comes to you having to back out, and he's too petty to give a good reference, go over his head (this is of course assuming you've been a solid employee, since it sounds like you have been).

If I read this right I pick a TV show like the Office and use the episode where Michael quits Dunder Mifflin and has a hard time trying to find a job so he starts his own company. This is related to today because of the current economic climate. As long as you bring in the main points the prof. is seeking, then yeah, I think you're on the right track. I don't get the impression that the professor is asking whether the media relates to society, but more whether the particular media has a positive or negative influence on teaching people to be good citizens. I think GAME is right on here. For my unsolicited take... out of that assignment's paragraph, the main points I see that the prof. wants addressed in the paper: 1) Identify the political content, & what type(s) it is/they are -- be sure to only identify what you actually want to use in your argument... don't waste time trying to search out & identify every political aspect of the episode 2) Does the fact that the show expresses this political content make doing so civic engagement? (argue yes or no) 3) How does the presentation of the political content engage or not engage civic culture? Specifically, how does it relate to the 4 listed aspects? (knowledge, values, practices, identities) 4) -- From the final line of the assignment -- How does your selected episode of The Office communicate its underlying points/commentaries on civic culture (humor/satire? blatant lines delivered by characters?), and are these methods effective? In other words, does this episode provide any real message to the viewer, or do its tactics simply make the viewer laugh off the problem(s) addressed? Tune me out if this next point is obvious, but it's always a good idea to try to establish the structure of your papers (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion) from the actual assignment/question(s) the professor gives you. And stringing together a coherent argument from start (introducing your argument, providing evidence & support with the body paragraphs -- quotes, symbolism, etc.) to finish (bringing all your body paragraph arguments together to show their relevance & the validity of the argument you've made) is always key. I don't get the impression that the professor is asking whether the media relates to society, but more whether the particular media has a positive or negative influence on teaching people to be good citizens. Again, I agree with GAME on this. I think his example of All in the Family is good, since that's clearly a show that, through a bigoted character, pointed out how absurd & disgusting bigotry is (think South Park & Cartman for a more current, though not necessarily better, example). A whole TV show might be a lot to break down and have a lot of subtulties, but something like a magazine cover or a billboard or a single TV commercial will be a lot more blatant in the message it's trying to give. The (possibly obvious) flip-side of this coin, though, is that you might find more tangible support for your argument if you have more material to utilize (tv show) than just one image (ad/billboard)

Beer >>>>> socks >> tic-tac-toe playing chicken >>>>> Tony LaRussa >>> Ned Yost