Tbadder

I really don't think there's anything to do unless some other team makes a huge mistake via a trade. Loe sucks. Too true. But I don't believe in Saito because of injury and age--ditto on Hawkins. Braddock is actually my biggest diasappointment as he's turned into the dreaded "headcase". I don't expect any thing from him for the rest of his career--can't sleep, can't make meetings, save me from players like this. I do believe that Green will be much worse offensively than Casey (yes, you read that right--I think he'll hit with even less power and will not come close to .230), but the improvement on defense will probably make it a push. Greinke has always been a headcase and any thing we get from him is a bonus. Gallardo is driving me crazy. He's doing his best Ben Sheets impression--a two pitch pitcher--unfortunately he doesn't have Sheets' stuff, so I expect him to decline as the season goes on. Boggs is better than Kotsay? Maybe. I see no evidence that the change would be significant--they both don't deserve major league paychecks. Having said all that, all the suggested changes need to happen just in case there's an anomaly. The "all in" hasn't really worked. This is a team that should be significantly better than the rest of the division given the Big Six (Fielder, Braun, Weeks, Gallardo, Grienke, Marcum) so in the end I think that management has to take the blame--starting with the minor league system 1st, continuing with the GM circle next, and finally giving RR very little further rope because of his commitment to non-performing players and his mishandling of the bullpen.

I now love Riggleman. Good for him. He stuck by his beliefs even though its gonna cost him a lot--both financially and career-wise. I'm more apt to believe Riggleman than the club. We need more people who will stand up to the man, rather than accepting less than he or she deserve. Really, it can only hurt him, so I guess it came down to principle.

I wouldn't mind the hug but his groping would put me off.

Anyone who beats the Yankees is favorite AL team. I enjoy the Red Sox because currently they're beating the Yankees at their own game. When I was a kid the Brewers were my favorite team. In the National League I always liked the Giants and Pirates. So when the Brewers came to the National League I had no favorite AL team--and so it shall remain.

That is perfect Homer--now if Kotsay was Foghorn Leghorn he could kick his butt halfway across the country where it should be.

I've always been for contraction. Simply eliminate the smallest market teams and let capitalism work its magic. Escalating salaries won't matter because top to bottom payrolls should be much closer percentage-wise. I'd have 24 teams with two divisions of six teams. I'd take the top three teams in each division and go back to a 154 game schedule.

I must confess I really don't hate the Cubs. Two reasons--they are a joke of a franchise and I really don't pay them any mind, two--I have two great friends who are Cubs fans and they love the Brewers too, so they don't really upset me. I can't hate the Reds because I loved too many players on the Big Red Machine. Plus, you just know Dusty will tank them somehow, so I don't really fear them either. But I despise the Cards. So smug. Tony LaRussa, I could write a book about what a first class jerk he is. Once I saw him at a commeration (sic) ceremony and he was so drunk and so belligerent he made me want to puke.

Okay, this is a big if, but to me the Nieves bad/Wolf good scenario is way more important than the Kottaras good/Wolf bad scenario. P.S. Nice breakdown ReverendBrewmeister.

You can't really blame Prince for being a bad Fielder. He's so short. They list him at 5-11 and 275. Yeah. Well, I'm not blaming him for being god's definition of a DH.

Its nice to be creative when it comes to contracts, but if one pays out here...one will not be able to afford there, especially a small market team. I think it's imperative that Fielder walks. That he walks to Chicago is the only thing that makes his leaving galling (I'm really hoping he ends up in Baltimore or Anaheim). I'd use the money to sign pitchers. If Doug hasn't seen what pitching can do for you this year, then there truly is no hope for the dude. If we can find a ss that can pick it, and a first class defensive replacement at 1st base who can hit a little bit over average, we might make up for the tremendous offensive loss Prince's leaving will bring. The Brewers by definition will have to be a team that wins with most of its players in the first 6 years of their careers. That's why the farm system has to be replenished as quickly as possible and must remain the main source of player acquisition if the Brewers are to be successful long term.

As much as I didn't like either first rounder (I was probably just mad that Lindor, Baez, or the real Bradley didn't fall to us) and see both as #4/5 starters, I absolutely love the consistency of vision and approach exhibited in the others picks with the possible exception of the Cal-State 1st baseman. Each pick seemed purposeful, with a greater sense of calculated risk, than the Taylor and Jed picks. Whether it was drafting one of the youngest players taken, or guys that had fantastic bodies, or players who had warts but also extreme possibilities, there just seemed to be less safe picks this year (again disregarding that 1st round). I also like what I read when so many of them are good students. An ability to learn is obviously essential on the 3 to 5/6 year road that many of them will travel. It's true that we won't know until 3/4 years have gone by, but if they signed everyone of their first 20 picks this year (something I know is probably impossible) I bet they hit on two or three. Kudos to the Brewers. I'm pumped.

I'm sorry but Bruce must go. This guy is gonna kill the organization. I realize they got killed three picks in a row, but it's still no excuse for picking these guys. Really, coupled with the Arnett fiasco, this is bringing back the bad old days--easy signs with little hope of impact. Did Bruce learn nothing from Z. Some tool has to be A or A+. B/B- players in the first round. Prince you're lucky. I wish someone would pay me to leave the Brewers. Sorry all. Venting.

The only thing I would want is the abolishing of the DH. The one uniqueness that baseball has is that every player is expected to bat, throw, field. When we specialize we make it so like other boring sports. Different rules for different players is an abomination before the lord! DHs collectively raise not only the weight of the average player but they raise salaries, which makes it harder for smaller market teams to compete. And when a pitcher can hit ala Gallardo it is something special and interesting. I would literally give up ten years of my life to have this rule changed forever. Just say no to David Ortiz!

If Ron learned his lesson last night I'm okay (don't let Loe pitch to Votto). If he didn't, which I'm assuming he didn't, I think we'll see the same thing, and that will be frustrating. Its not losing the game that hurts, but being out coached by Dusty Baker that's the real insult.

Gone to Nashville outright. EDIT: link

Well, George has been outrighted to Nashville. McClendon sent down as well.

If Fielder comes off the base, which he clearly should have, then it's a one base error at most were still playing. At best Werth runs into Prince and dies an untimely and tragic death.

Thanks for the clarity guys. I always assumed Wil was clearly the better defensive catcher, and assumed Roenicke would keep him over George. TooLiveBrew: I knew you weren't taking a shot, but thanks for the courtesy of mentioning it. I always appreciate class.

I thought the Journal raised an interesting question today. I really can't choose between George and Wil. If Kottaras (sic) could throw out runners I don't think there would be a question, but I can't believe he suddenly has turned over a new leaf. Does anyone think we can afford to keep 3 catchers?

My biggest worry is--if he keeps making the play right at him, Melvin and Roenicke won't know that he needs replacing. God I wish Gomez could play SS like he plays CF; I'd swap them out in a heartbeat.

The real question is: should Gomez bat ninth? Isn't he perfect for that role?

Brewers 87 Reds 86 Cubs 86 Cards 78 Pirates 72 Astroos 70

First, I don't believe the unnamed scouts are correct, but it could go south pretty quickly if the starters continue to go down, and what if Roenicke turns out to be really bad...as bad as our defense? I'm just saying it doesn't seem impossible, just improbable.

Why would he do any different from other years? Has he shown any previous improvement that was even a little bit significant? OBP .284

I think he's a player in waiting. Next year Mat will be the 3rd baseman as I think they'll have to move McGehee because of that chronic knee to 1st. I think Mat would be the better choice a 1st base long term if he hits, but I just don't trust McGehee's health.