Matt Breen

“Brewers active on a number of fronts.” That would seem to mean... anything. Including a bat or arm. Maybe even Chris Archer! That made me laugh.

It's hard to believe Washington is only .500. The lineup is good, and you got some really good arms at the top of the rotation.

While I love me some on base skills, I think 'power bat' is a bit much to describe Hummel. 12 HRs in more than 600 ABs? And for a Guy is almost 24. That's nothing special. But who knows.

Interesting question. I'm guessing he won't as the power numbers don't jump out. And as a leadoff guy, he doesn't get a lot of RBI. There will be a segment of writers who don't look beyond HRs and RBIs and so forth. I'm guessing that Carpenter probably is the guy who wins it. League leader in HRs, OPS, walks a lot. He's really carried that team. If Baez walked more, he could take it. And unlike Carpenter, he is a plus defender. I wonder if a pitcher could win the MVP this year. Nola and Scherzer - specifically - are having killer years (9.3 and 8.1 WAR) for playoff-bound teams (at least right now they are playoff bound). Both are workhorses in the rotation, and could win 20 games. But pitcher MVPs are rare. It will be interesting.

Lawrence? Brain fart. Lawrence is a former Rams running back from the 70s. Really good for about five years.

Yankees add OF Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen goes to New York in exchange for infielder Abiatal Avelino and another minor leaguer. Avelino is ranked as the Yankees #23 prospect. http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24528314/new-york-yankees-acquire-andrew-mccutchen-trade-giants I always admired McCutchen. I hope he does well.

Final: Biloxi 3, Birmingham 2 79 is Fine! Shuckers Break Single Season Win Record in Style Noriega's Single Caps Ninth Walk Off of the Year on Historic Night By Spencer Siegel / Biloxi Shuckers (Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score It was either good pitching night or anemic offense night in Biloxi. No matter, the Shuckers eked out the win in the 10th inning on a 2-run single from Gabriel Noriega. Starter Zack Brown had an excellent game, giving up only one run in six innings. Cody Ponce and Jon Olczak closed out the game, surrendering only an unearned run. Ponce was particularly effective, striking out four in two innings of work. Shucker bats managed eight hits, with Trent Grisham getting three of them. Noriega and Blake Allemand had two hits each. Batting Trent Grisham: 3-4, 2B Blake Alleman: 2-4 Gabriel Noriega: 2-4 Keston Hiura: 1-4 Pitching Zack Brown: 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 1BB, 3K Cody Ponce: 2.0 IP, 1 hit, 0BB, 4K Jon Olczak: 2.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K, Win Notes The Shuckers win - their 79th of the year - was a franchise record. Biloxi Game Log Noriega with his second hit of the night for the win. Biloxi Bottom of the 10th Pitching Change: Brian Clark replaces Zach Thompson. Weston Wilson starts inning at 2nd base. Trent Grisham singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Mitch Roman. Weston Wilson to 3rd. Blake Allemand reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by third baseman Trey Michalczewski. Trent Grisham to 2nd. Luis Aviles Jr. strikes out swinging. Gabriel Noriega singles on a line drive to center fielder Luis Alexander Basabe. Weston Wilson scores. Trent Grisham scores. Blake Allemand to 2nd.

You're welcome.

Just wanted to put the actual post being called out because I believe Reilly’s post to be a bit misleading. Could the above post been worded differently? Probably. But it’s only asking a poster to not use BA as their only source of information. And in the context of the “argument” to not cherry pick stats to try to make a point in which the poster admitted doing after two posters discussed with him. And on top of that, when a mod said that’s enough, it stopped. I get that mods are using this thread to vent a bit too but this really wasn’t much of anything. Probably a better course of dialogue than the 15 other pages of “Brewers suck” this or that player sucks, yada yada yada. I would argue that this was far more than 'only asking a poster to not use BA as their only source of information." Oh man. Using batting average as your only assessment tool. Try scrolling a bit to the right to see those OPS numbers. And then check out those career numbers to support it even further. As noted, this could have been worded in a fashion that was constructive. Instead, it is showing exasperation (oh man) at the poster, then it's condescending ('Try scrolling a bit to the right..."). Depending on how a person reacts, this could really go sideways. The post was used not to call out a specific person, but a specific type of post that comes up repeatedly. The original post was not included, but altered so no names and some of the specifics were removed to avoid naming people. I fully understood the people involved would potentially recognize themselves in the exchange, but I was okay with that. It was a public exchange on the board, and the post worked well for what I believed was a good example for this thread. If that caused distress, then my apologies. In the end, Brew4U took ownership of the example. The original post was not held against him. It fact, I specifically noted to the other mods I was NOT sending him a warning, but instead using it as an example for this thread. In many of the threads, we delete similar posts, or tell people to stop. Perhaps that is not 'warning' enough, so we will try and send warnings via PM in the future. Thanks.

He has been great of late. .347 BA and a 1.118 OPS since the all-star break. Him and Cain really set up the offense. It would be nice to see the rest of the team step up. Braun has been better of late. And Moose has done a solid job. I'd love to see Schoop get hot.

I knew you were referring to Stearns, and I was not one of the people who complained about it. Thank you, though, for the apology and thank you to those who stood up for me. There was a post - I thought it was from you, but maybe I'm not remembering correctly - when I questioned not having Thames in the lineup vs. Bailey (a RHP on the Reds), and was told to look up Braun's career numbers and "go back and edit (your) post". This is a good example - and I'm not bring it up to call anyone out, but to use it as an example and a teaching moment - of what the mods are referring to, as that last part was not necessary. Maybe it was in jest, but it's hard to tell that in writing as words on a screen don't have voice inflection, facial expressions, etc. A better way to phrase that response could have been something like, "They all have crushed the Reds and Bailey - he's having a tough season, but Braun's likely in the lineup because he has a 1.100 career OPS vs. Bailey." Could have made the same point without the last comment. Again, not calling anyone out here, just showing an example of how the same point could be made without potentially offending anyone. The point the mods are making is, take an extra second or two to think about your comments before hitting submit. No need to call anyone names, no need to call someone out because they didn't find some obscure stat, no need to make it personal. Just "stick to the facts", state your opinion/stats and nothing more, and move on. And when in doubt, use blue font or add a smiley face/emoji to reinforce that you are joking. LouisEly, I totally agree with your sentiments. Recently I saw this exchange: Poster 1: "Player A is not doing well because Stat AB." Poster 2: "If Stat AB is how you're judging a player you should scroll to the right and look at other statistics." Why was that done? Why not say: "I don't agree that Stat AB is the best way to judge the player. I think there are other stats, such as Stat XY and Stat AZ reflect his abilities in this situation." Instead it's a snarky dig at Poster A - as if they are too stupid to look at other stats. That's the EXACT kind of stuff that kills a discussion. Poster A is potentially angry (and could reported Poster B). An exchange takes place that is sharp and argumentative instead of constructive. This kind of thing happens all the time. The Mods post warnings asking people to stop. Post messages asking people to be aware. And then it happens again and again. It boggles my mind people have to take shots at other people like this. You have to be correct - and denigrate the another person at the same time? Is that the point? I can let you know that people are being watched - and there will be bans if some of the activity continues. I don't think it's out of line for us to ask for this.

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores *** Links for affiliate audio *** Media notes, standings, and sortable stat pages *** The entire local TV Timber Rattlers broadcast schedule

I am going to reply to this on the thread because I think the information is good for everyone to have. liveforoctober, regarding your temporary suspension, I can say that there were numerous reports submitted to us about that particular post. Obviously, people interpreted the post in different ways - some finding it funny, others insulting. This occurred in a situation where we were trying to tamp down on a lot of negativity on the site, and upon seeing the specific post, it was not viewed as humor by most - but as an example of the extreme negativity that has gotten out of hand on the site. And, if taken at face value, it attacked another poster - which crosses a big line for us. Hence, the ban. Banning someone usually involves a warning or three. Often times we warn people in the threads, other times we PM people. That said, generally if a person replies to a moderator we try and respond - assuming the message is trying to be constructive (and not just combative). Why no reply I cannot say, but know that the moderators are volunteers, and it might have simply been an oversight by that particular mod. I can tell you that I've gotten messages before - looked at the message - and said to myself, "I'll reply to that later" - and then forgot to get back to it for a day or two or whatever. I'm sure we've all done this with email. Mistakes happen. I will say that if someone does have an issue or question, they can PM any moderator, not just the original mod. The main thing is to be constructive in your discussion. Many people try and brush off what they've said. "I was just trying to be funny" or "They can't take a joke" or "Don't you understand sarcasm", etc, etc. Or they blame others bad behavior for this own: "Well he started it," or "He said (insert whatever)" or "I was just responding to his insult" or whatever. This stuff will not help your cause. My advice for everyone: 1. Don't feel you have to reply to everything. And don't feel like you have to have the last word. This usually ends up being a tit-for-tat exchange that looks childish. 2. Be careful with sarcasm. Especially when responding to another person's post, or referencing another poster. This can be construed as an attack by that person - even if you were just trying to be funny. And often times increased sarcasm and edgy comments only gets the rest of the board riled up. Some feed on it, and look to up the ante. Others get offended by it and reply in kind (or with genuine anger). So when you see the board getting a little testy, know to hold back to negativity - or things that could be misconstrued. Ultimately, if you're wondering if a comment should have the blue font - well, that's a good sign you should use the blue font. 3. Understand the perception of your words is often very different in your own mind than in the minds of others. We have had posters who are consistently the biggest jerk on the board get booted and genuinely can't figure out what they've done wrong. 4. If you PM a mod and don't get a reply, try another. As noted, everyone here is a volunteer, and they might simply be absent for a time (vacation, busy at work, etc.). Thanks to everyone for reading this and taking it to heart.

I love Sickels' final comment: I love me some Freddy Peralta.

Final: Biloxi 6, Mississippi 3 Shuckers Storm Back, Surge to Ten-Inning Win Biloxi Ties Franchise Record With 78th Win By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Down 2-1 in the 9th, the Shuckers tied it, then scored four in the 10th to secure a victory. The win, the club's 78th of the season, is a franchise record. The Shuckers got a nice game from Conor Harber, who went six innings and gave up two runs. Offensively, Trent Grisham had three hits, while Luis Aviles, Jr. had two hits and two walks to go with a stolen base. Troy Stokes, Jr. added an HR in the 1st inning. Batting Tory Stokes Jr.: 1-5, HR Trent Grisham: 3-5 Luis Aviles Jr.: 2-3, 2BB, SB Gabriel Noriega: 2-4, BB Pitching Conor Harber: 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 3BB, 2K Brad Kuntz: 0.1 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 0K Miguel Sanchez: 1.2 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 1BB, 3K Jeff Ames: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K, Win Nate Griep: 1.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 1K Biloxi Game Log Big 10th inning for the win. Biloxi Top of the 10th Corey Ray starts inning at 2nd base. With Keston Hiura batting, Corey Ray steals (35) 3rd base. Keston Hiura walks. With Troy Stokes Jr. batting, Keston Hiura advances to 2nd on defensive indifference. Troy Stokes Jr. pops out to second baseman Alejandro Salazar. Rex Brothers intentionally walks Weston Wilson. Trent Grisham singles on a ground ball to center fielder Cristian Pache. Corey Ray scores. Keston Hiura scores. Weston Wilson to 2nd. With Tyler Heineman batting, wild pitch by Rex Brothers, Weston Wilson to 3rd. Trent Grisham to 2nd. Tyler Heineman out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Cristian Pache. Weston Wilson scores. Trent Grisham to 3rd. Luis Aviles Jr. singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Connor Lien. Trent Grisham scores. With Gabriel Noriega batting, Luis Aviles Jr. steals (11) 2nd base. With Gabriel Noriega batting, wild pitch by Rex Brothers, Luis Aviles Jr. to 3rd. Gabriel Noriega walks. Pitching Change: Dan Lietz replaces Rex Brothers, batting 3rd. Jeff Ames called out on strikes.

I am locking this thread. There has already been a lot of discussion about this topic on the Major League Forum in the thread about the trade. Please visit there to discuss the specifics of the Murphy deal to Chicago. viewtopic.php?f=63&t=37431

Final: Biloxi 7, Mississippi 1 Shuckers Regain First Place in the South with 7-1 Win Supak's Quality Start Earns Him Fourth Win in Five Outings By Spencer Siegel / Biloxi Shuckers (Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Shucker bats woke up on Monday night to provide plenty of support for Trey Supak and the Biloxi pitching staff in a 7-1 victory. The Shuckers hammered out 13 hits and added six walks. Weston Wilson had three hits, while Corey Ray, Keston Hiura, Luis Aviles, Jr. and Max McDowell each had a pair of hits. On the mound, Supak continued his nice run, tossing six innings while allowing only one run, which was unearned. He gave up three hits and three walks while striking out a pair. Jeff Ames and Jon Olczak finished out the game without surrounding any other runs. Batting Corey Ray: 2-5, 2B Keston Hiura: 2-5, HR Weston Wilson: 3-5, SB Luis Aviles Jr.: 2-3, 2BB, SB Max McDowell: 2-5 Pitching Trey Supak: 6.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 3B, 2K, Win Jeff Ames: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K Jon Olczak: 2.0 IP, 1 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 1K Notes Over his last 41 innings, Supak has given up only 5 earned runs. His ERA has gone from 5.22 to 3.12. Biloxi Game Log

2018: my goal is to win the World Series. For that, we have to make the playoffs. I expect them to do that, but it will not be simple. There are too many teams in the hunt for playoffs spots. Cubs and Braves lead their divisions by 4 and 3.5 games. The Backs by 1. The Cardinals, Brewers, Dodgers, Rockies and Phillies are all within 3 games of each other for the Wild Card spots. That means five teams are going to be scrambling for two Wild Card spots. No one can afford the have a bad or even mediocre rest of the season. Hopefully, our depth proves to be a difference maker down the stretch. But even our depth has been stretched in some places. In the end, I think we can win 16-17 of our last 30 games. That will put us around 90 wins, which should get us a Wild Card slot. 2019: I don't think the Brewers will be big players in FA. I could see a play for Patrick Corbin, but even then, he will be making a lot of money and I doubt we overpay for a guy who is good, but not great. For the rotation, we have Nelson and Davies coming back, plus full seasons from Peralta and Burnes. Add in the returning Chacin, Anderson and Guerra, and you have a solid core of starters to choose from. Brandon Woodruff is also available. For position players, I am guessing the club signs a 2B to a one-year deal. A guy like Brian Dozier would be a good option - a guy looking to rebuild his value. This will give Keston Hiura a full year to mature, plus become more proficient in the field. Schoop is also an option - assuming he can redeem himself over the rest of the year. He's been a quality player in the past, and we may opt to keep him to play 2B. I think the club commits to Arcia at SS, but I'm betting they add a veteran SS such as Jordy Mercer as insurance in case Arcia struggles. A guy like Mercer could provide depth around the infield if Arcia emerges as an everyday player. If Arcia struggles, he can step in and play a competent - but not very exciting - shortstop. I think the club will look at a veteran catcher to go with Pina. While Nottingham has been fine when healthy this year, his track record is erratic. Instead, they'll bring in a veteran to go with Manny. Catchers always get dinged up during the year, and Nottingham will get a chance at some point. I am not sure what the team will do with Thames. He doesn't seem to have a position with Aguilar emerging at 1B. I just hate seeing him in the OF. I think a foursome of Braun, Yelich, Cain and Broxton is sufficient for covering our OF needs. And Perez can step in as needed. I'm not sure what to expect from Santana. I think the club will look to build a power bullpen around Hader, Jeffress, Knebel, Barnes, T. Williams, Houser and a few others. A lefty like Quintin Costa-Torres may be an answer for us as well. I won't be surprised if the club sniffs around at some trades, but I doubt anything big happens. The team has shown a reluctance to trade off a guy like Hiura, but if someone like deGrom or MadBaum becomes available, you never know. However, if those kinds of guys do become available, there are other teams with better assets than what we have to offer. Of course, the Crew are bargain hunters with regard to FAs, so if someone falls into their lap, they could land someone interesting. As a note, Shaw and Yelich are our primary left-handed hitters, especially if Thames is traded. They could look at adding a left-handed bat to fill the slot at 2B or catcher. So, going forward I think the team will rely on young arms maturing, such Burnes, Peralta, Woodruff and Houser, plus the return of Nelson and Davies, to solidify the rotation. Most other free agents just won't be difference makers, so why overpay. On offense, I think the team will aim to solidify 2B, and have a decent back up ready if Arcia falters again. This likely means dipping into the medium/lower echelons of free agency - nothing longterm and nothing to break the books. Finally, Stearns is a guy who looks everywhere for players, so I wouldn't be surprised if they came up with something no one expected. But for now, they will stay their course. They will build from within, make some modest free agent moves, and provide the club with financial flexibility.

Good game from Supak tonight. Over his last 41 innings, Supak has given up only 5 earned runs.

Corbin Burnes has graduated from prospect status by serving more than 45 days on the major league roster. Burnes was our #2 prospect the last three polls.

I'm going to lock this thread because I really don't see the value of continuing the Chris Archer debate. One side is going to say, "I told you so," the other side is going to cite stats and small sample size, etc. It is an endless circle that really doesn't provide much for the board. If there is potential for an Archer trade we can start a new thread in the future.

Final: Mississippi 2, Biloxi 0 Biloxi Blanked by M-Braves Diplan Tosses Six Quality Frames As Shuckers Fall In Third Straight By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score The Biloxi offensive collapse continued on Sunday. The Shuckers were shutout for the second time in three games. They managed only three hits and a walk - while striking out 10 times. The Shuckers have scored one run in their last three games. On the bright side, Marcos Diplan had a good game (despite taking the lose), giving up only two runs in six innings. He struck out six while surrendering six hits and a pair of walks. Batting Troy Stokes Jr.: 1-4, 2B Tyler Heideman: 1-4 Trent Grisham: 1-2, BB, SB Pitching Zack Brown: 4.0 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 3BB, 1K Braden Webb: 4.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 6K Notes The Shuckers are now 0.5 game back in the second half South Division standings. Biloxi Game Log There is no fun to be had in this box score. Read at your own risk.

Final: Mississippi 3, Biloxi 1 Three-Run Third Enough for M-Braves to Top Shuckers Brown Suffers First Loss, Webb Strikes Out Six By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Today was almost a mirror of Friday night's loss. The duo of Zack Brown and Braden Webb did well - only three runs allowed - but the offense could only muster one run, going 1-7 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight runners on base. Webb was particularly effective, giving up only one hit and no runs in four innings. He struck out six. Shucker batters managed five hits and five walks, but could not come up big when needed - save for Max McDowell who had two hits and the team's only RBI. Mississippi only had five hits, but they got two of them in 3rd - along with two walks - and that would plate three runs via a bases loaded double. Batting Max McDowell: 2-3, 2B, BB Gabriel Noriega: 1-3, BB Troy Stokes Jr.: 1-3, BB Pitching Zack Brown: 4.0 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 3BB, 1K Braden Webb: 4.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 6K Notes Brown lost his first game of the season on Saturday. Corey Ray's batting average has dropped to .240 for the season. He is 4 for his last 51. Ouch. Biloxi Game Log Biloxi had a chance in the 2nd inning, leading off the inning with a pair of walks. Despite a McDowell single, the Shuckers could only get the one run. Biloxi Top of the 2nd Trent Grisham walks. Gabriel Noriega walks. Trent Grisham to 2nd. Luis Aviles Jr. grounds into a force out, shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder to second baseman Alejandro Salazar. Trent Grisham to 3rd. Gabriel Noriega out at 2nd. Luis Aviles Jr. to 1st. Max McDowell singles on a pop up to shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder. Trent Grisham scores. Luis Aviles Jr. to 3rd. Zack Brown reaches on a fielder's choice out, first baseman Tyler Marlette to catcher Carlos Martinez. Luis Aviles Jr. out at home. Max McDowell to 2nd. Corey Ray strikes out swinging.

Corey Ray is 4-51 in his last 14 games.

Two out hits/walk from Kratz, Arcia and Lyles. That's just weird. And cool. We needed that.