Ron Robinsons Beard

OFFENSE! (Finally)

I think it was pretty obvious that Arcia was not part of the Brewers' long-term plans. They committed to Urias at SS. Also, the fact that Arcia is still playing for Gwinnett, despite his hot hitting, probably says something as well. How's the trade working out? Well, the Brewers haven't gotten much from Weigel and we haven't seen Sobotka yet. The Braves haven't gotten anything from Arcia. Right now, it's the definition of a wash.

Also, there's the idea of striving toward herd immunity, which would allow society to get back to pretty much normal behavior. The more people who are on the fence that choose to get vaccinated, the higher the overall number goes, and the sooner businesses and other attractions can operate at a full level. I mean, yes, politicians, actors and pro athletes are telling you to get vaccinated. But science and medical professionals, who's job is to research this and treat those who have gotten infected, are also pleading for people to get vaccinated. Those are really the only opinions that matter in my opinion.

I went to several stores yesterday, and some, like Menards, still have signs indicating that they require masks (which no one enforces, and people walk right by maskless). Not a sign to be seen at Walmart though. I would estimate in northern Wisconsin that there is less than 50% mask compliance now, which sounds fine when you consider that Oneida County where I live has a 50% vaccination rate, but I figure that a strong majority of those who are still wearing masks out in public are also fully vaccinated. There are plenty of people up here that act as if COVID is a fairy tale, and they have for awhile.

You are right. There probably shouldn't have to be such a massive marketing campaign over something that by all appearances looks like a common sense decision for most everyone. Pretty much every datapoint out there indicates that not only are the vaccines extremely safe, they are also extremely effective. I'm not real sure who needs to hear that from a professional athlete or Tom Hanks to take it seriously.

Ace level pitchers that are still under cheap team control for multiple seasons? The return ask is "sky is the limit". Guys like that just aren't dealt. I really can't think of a close match when it has ever happened. Starting pitching is still gold. Something close to Blake Snell might be a realistic trade. I imagine they are similar in value. Woodruff does have 3.5 years left at this point compared to Snell’s 3 years at $39 million total at the time of the trade. Woodruff is making a little over $3 million this season, but will be getting some significant raises. Maybe something close to $30 million the next 3 years for Woody? Yep, probably a pretty good comp. The only difference I see is that Snell perhaps peaked a bit earlier with his tremendous 2018 season, but followed that up with pretty pedestrian 2019 before looking better last year. Woodruff and Burnes are seemingly still in the incline portion of their careers.

Ace level pitchers that are still under cheap team control for multiple seasons? The return ask is "sky is the limit". Guys like that just aren't dealt. I really can't think of a close match when it has ever happened. Starting pitching is still gold.

Until Love actually plays in a preseason game and shows anything he isn't going anywhere. I can't see another club's GM forking over much for this kid until then. Yep ... absolutely zero reason to trade him right now.

Other than the marketing opportunity of "OMG future HOF Albert Pujols is a Brewer" I don't see where a move like this would provide anymore upside than simply promoting Zach Green to the 40-man roster. Green also just turned 27, so there is some theoretical future upside there as well. As much as the fan in me would think it's cool for Albert Pujols to end his spectacular career in a Brewer uniform, I don't think the 41-year-old version (the accuracy of which is dubiously debatable) of Pujols will provide much of anything.

The Drew Smyly signing ($11 million!!!) was highly questionable at the time, and continues to be. See, the Brewers aren't the only playoff contending team who made odd and possibly poor signings this past offseason.

My oldest turned 12 May 4, and he's said from the beginning that he wants to get vaccinated as soon as he is able to. He goes in for his first shot at 7:30 a.m. next Tuesday.

Expecting these guys to all just deviate to their career norms probably isn't realistic. You are talking 3 out of 4 guys in their 30s and no longer in the primes of their careers. Cain might genuinely be washed up. It was 2 calendar years for him. Bradley isn't this bad and won't finish this bad offensively, but he still looks like a poor signing. I would guess he'll finish closer to his career norms than what he is right now but probably still comfortably below. He's dug himself a pretty big hole. Vogelbach is whatever. He's a far below average bat for the 1B position. He could finish at his current OPS of .678 and it shouldn't be that surprising if he did to anyone. Or he'll finish around his career mark of .735. It doesn't make much difference. He's just not very good. Shaw was an awesome player in '17 and '18. It is now '21 and he looks pretty washed up relative to what he was then. He hasn't approached his career averages since '18 and isn't going to this year. If he could maintain his current. 722 OPS/98 OPS+, that is probably about the best we can hope for from him. He simply isn't a .770 OPS player anymore. Shaw was signed to a minors deal, and was expected to be a platoon player. I don't think anyone was expecting an .OPS of near .800. If he can keep his .OPS above .700, and continue to play his solid defense, I have no problem with him. I figured his ceiling was probably a .750 OPS, so he's perhaps a tad below expectations, but has also had a mess of clutch moments so far that help his overall narrative. Bradley Jr. has scuffled. But writing him off as a poor signing based on 120 ABs seems premature too. If he is still struggling once we get into June, then we can talk.

Not I. As a glasses wearer, they would constantly fog up if the mask wasn't set "just right" up against my glasses. Annoying as hell. I have never worn contacts more in my life than I have the past year+, specifically for this reason.

Or not ... (Man, I get that the offense has been bad today, but seems like there's been a little more predicted doom than normal even.)

Does seem a little odd to have probably the last guy in your pen on in a one-run game in the 9th. I get that the pen might be a little taxed, but I didn't think it was overly so. This should be Devin Williams time.

Ugh Perdomo, you can't make that throw. Little League crap!

That's where I am too. Buck obviously stops with the players who are underperforming, but if someone needs to fall on the sword to get them to wake up, then whatever. Sucks for Haines, but when you are a hitting coach, you are going to eventually be fired. Its low-hanging fruit when it comes to appeasing fans. Firing Haines should happen but if people think that's going to change things they are mistaken. They just aren't any good. Spot on. Too many guys who are simply unwilling and/or unable to adjust their approach.

That's where I am too. Buck obviously stops with the players who are underperforming, but if someone needs to fall on the sword to get them to wake up, then whatever. Sucks for Haines, but when you are a hitting coach, you are going to eventually be fired. Its low-hanging fruit when it comes to appeasing fans.

Lo Cain, as old as he is, is still one heck of a defender.

Starting more like a pile on inning. Or not ...

JP is the 7th inning guy. Counsell is nothing if not consistent, for better or worse.

Yep, because the Brewers pen has been terrible.

Since this is the second time he's been released I believe he can refuse the assignment and choose to become a free agent. I think that is only if he's been outrighted twice. Since he was actually claimed by the Mariners last time around, I'm not sure that rule applies.

Brewers have had good fortune against him in the past. Not sure how this particular lineup who couldn't do anything against a bum like Gant yesterday is going to fare, though.

To be fair, Garcia playing for the Timber Rattlers again after playing there in 2019 isn't a lateral move, as that team is now the Brewers A+ affiliate.