Matt Breen

31 games left and Milwaukee is in the thick of the division race - not just the wild card race. I've said this before, but it's up to us to take this. We're mostly healthy. Let's hope some guys get hot, and none of the young players hit a wall.

Davies reportedly found a mechanical fix to his control problems. He's been great lately. Let's hope it continues through the rest of the year. https://www.brewcrewball.com/2017/8/28/16194554/zach-davies-has-figured-it-out-at-a-good-time-for-the-milwaukee-brewers

Mudcats lose late lead in 6-5 walk-off loss Carolina lost a 4-1 lead in the eighth and saw its win streak end at four straight in Sunday's loss By Carolina Mudcats Marcos Diplan pitching for the 2017 Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium. (RJHennessy Photography) Carolina Box Score Egad, things were ugly for Carolina on Sunday. The Mudcats had a 4-3 lead heading into the 9th, but gave up a run to send things into extra innings. After getting run in top of the 10th, Carolina would cough up a pair of runs to give Myrtle Beach a walk off win. The game featured nice performances from Marcos Diplan (6.2 IP, 1 ER), Monte Harrison (who had three hits) and a streaking Lucas Erceg (whose batting average has risen to .257 after getting two more hits). Pitching Summary: Marcos Diplan: 6.2 IP, 6 hits, 1 ER, 0BB, 6K Frank Lopez: 0.2 IP, 2 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1K Brad Kuntz: 1.2 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 1BB, 1K, blown save Luke Barker: 0.0 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 2BB, 0K, blown save, lose Hitting Summary: Corey Ray: 2-4, 2B, BB Monte Harrison: 3-5, 2B, SB Lucas Erceg: 2-4, 2B, BB Harrison has stolen 16 bases for Carolina but only been caught once. He has an .834 OPS between A- and A+ ball. Carolina Game Log The bottom of the 10th was a nightmare for Carolina. Luke Barker came in and gave up two singles and two walks. Add in an error by Barker - and the Mudcats were doomed. Myrtle Beach Bottom of the 10th Pitching Change: Luke Barker replaces Brad Kuntz. Tyler Alamo singles on a line drive to right fielder Corey Ray. Eddy Martinez walks. Tyler Alamo to 2nd. Tyler Pearson reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by pitcher Luke Barker. Tyler Alamo to 3rd. Eddy Martinez to 2nd. Roberto Caro walks. Tyler Alamo scores. Eddy Martinez to 3rd. Tyler Pearson to 2nd. Connor Myers singles on a ground ball to center fielder Monte Harrison. Eddy Martinez scores. Tyler Pearson to 3rd. Roberto Caro to 2nd.

Erceg totals four RBIs as Mudcats win third straight Erceg had four RBIs, Harrison scored three runs and Brown struck out six over six innings By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score Carolina's bats continue to thrive and Zack Brown was outstanding in the Mudcats 10-5 victory on Friday night. Brown threw six strong innings while the Mudcat batters had nine hits and six walks. The Mudcats went 5-12 with runners in scoring position - and were aided by a pair of Myrtle Beach errors. Pitching Summary: Zack Brown: 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 1BB, 6K, Win Wuilder Rodriguez: 2.0 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 2BB, 4K Nate Griep: 1.0 IP, 3 hits, 3 ER, 1BB, 0K Zack Brown has been excellent in three starts for Carolina, compiling an ERA of 1.89. Hitting Summary: Trent Clark: 1-2, 3B, 3BB, SB Monte Harrison: 1-4, 2B, BB Lucas Erceg: 3-5, 2B, 4 RBI Weston Wilson: 2-4 Max McDowell: 1-4, HR Erceg now leads the Carolina League with 76 RBI. Carolina Game Log The Mudcats put the game out of reach with a big 7th inning, scoring five runs. Carolina Top of the 7th Wendell Rijo walks. Trent Clark walks. Wendell Rijo to 2nd. Corey Ray grounds into a force out, second baseman Trent Giambrone to shortstop Zack Short. Wendell Rijo to 3rd. Trent Clark out at 2nd. Corey Ray to 1st. Pitching Change: Marc Huberman replaces Jordan Minch. Monte Harrison reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Trent Giambrone. Wendell Rijo scores. Corey Ray scores. Monte Harrison to 3rd. Lucas Erceg singles on a ground ball to left fielder Eddy Martinez. Monte Harrison scores. Cooper Hummel singles on a line drive to right fielder Robert Garcia. Lucas Erceg to 2nd. Luis Aviles grounds out, pitcher Marc Huberman to first baseman Adonis Paula. Lucas Erceg to 3rd. Cooper Hummel to 2nd. Weston Wilson singles on a ground ball to third baseman Vimael Machin. Lucas Erceg scores. Cooper Hummel scores. Weston Wilson to 2nd. Throwing error by third baseman Vimael Machin. Max McDowell grounds out, shortstop Zack Short to first baseman Adonis Paula.

Mudcats total season high 19 hits in 13-8 victory By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score Carolina bats erupted for 19 hits and 13 runs to propel the Mudcats to a 13-8 victory over the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday night. The big stick of the night went to Monte Harrison, who clubbed his 21st HR of the year, drove in three runs, garnered four hits and stole a base. On the mound, Kodi Medeiros was hit hard, but he managed to get the win. The victory for Carolina brought the Mudcats to .500 for the season. Pitching Summary: Kodi Medeiros: 5.0 IP, 7 hits, 6 ER, 2BB, 3K, Win Brad Kuntz: 2.2 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 1BB, 3K Eric Hanhold: 1.1 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 2K Hitting Summary: Corey Ray: 2-6, SB Monte Harrison: 4-6, HR, 3 RBI, SB Lucas Erceg: 2-4, 2BB Cooper Hummel: 2-4, 2B, BB Luis Aviles: 3-6, 3 RBI Weston Wilson: 2-6 Wendell Rijo: 2-4 After a tough July, Erceg has rebounded in August, raising his batting average to .253 (to go with 14 HRs). While those aren’t earth-shattering, his hitting league average and his HR total is 10th best in the Carolina League. Monte Harrison has more than held his own after his mid-season promotion to Carolina. He is now hitting .271 with 10 HR on 192 ABs. Carolina Game Log The Mudcats came out swinging, getting three runs in the 1st inning, highlighted by Monte Harrison’s 2-run HR. Carolina Top of the 1st Trent Clark grounds out, second baseman Sam Dexter to first baseman Brady Conlan. Corey Ray reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Sam Dexter. With Monte Harrison batting, wild pitch by Jimmy Lambert, Corey Ray to 2nd. Monte Harrison homers (10) on a fly ball to left center field. Corey Ray scores. Lucas Erceg singles on a sharp line drive to center fielder Joel Booker. Cooper Hummel doubles (9) on a soft line drive to left fielder Toby Thomas. Lucas Erceg to 3rd. Luis Aviles grounds out softly, pitcher Jimmy Lambert to first baseman Brady Conlan. Lucas Erceg scores. Cooper Hummel to 3rd. Weston Wilson grounds out, third baseman Matt Rose to first baseman Brady Conlan.

Yamamoto goes six scoreless in 7-0 victory Isan Diaz and Cooper Hummel both homered in Carolina's series tying victory By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score Jordan Yamamoto threw six strong innings to lead the Mudcats to a 7-0 victory over the Winston-Salem Dash. Yamamoto was outstanding, allowing only four hits and a walk while striking out eight. Luke Barker and Parker Berberet closed out the game to ensure the shutout. The Mudcat bats were propelled by home runs from Cooper Hummel and Isan Diaz. Carolina had 14 hits in the game, including three hits each from Hummel and Lucas Erceg. Pitching Summary: Jordan Yamamoto: 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 8K, Win Luke Barker: 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 hits, 2K Parker Berberet: 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 hits, 2K Hitting Summary: Cooper Hummel: 3-4, 2B, HR Lucas Erceg: 3-5, 2B, BB Trent Clark: 2-4 Luis Aviles: 2-4 Isan Diaz: 1-5, HR Carolina Game Log Carolina got three runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, respectively. Carolina Top of the 2nd Lucas Erceg singles on a soft pop up to third baseman Brady Conlan. Isan Diaz homers (13) on a fly ball to left field. Lucas Erceg scores. Weston Wilson pops out to third baseman Brady Conlan. Cooper Hummel homers (4) on a fly ball to left field. Luis Aviles singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jameson Fisher. Wendell Rijo grounds into a force out, shortstop Yeyson Yrizarri to second baseman Bryant Flete. Luis Aviles out at 2nd. Wendell Rijo to 1st. Trent Clark singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Joel Booker. Wendell Rijo to 2nd. Corey Ray walks. Wendell Rijo to 3rd. Trent Clark to 2nd. Monte Harrison called out on strikes. Carolina Top of the 3rd Lucas Erceg walks. Isan Diaz strikes out on a foul tip. Weston Wilson strikes out on a foul tip. Cooper Hummel doubles (8) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Joel Booker. Lucas Erceg to 3rd. Luis Aviles singles on a ground ball to center fielder Joel Booker. Lucas Erceg scores. Cooper Hummel scores. Wendell Rijo singles on a soft ground ball to right fielder Louis Silverio. Luis Aviles to 3rd. Trent Clark singles on a ground ball to center fielder Joel Booker. Luis Aviles scores. Wendell Rijo out at 3rd on the throw, center fielder Joel Booker to third baseman Brady Conlan.

I lived about 30 minutes from Colorado Springs for five years (just moved back to Wisconsin this past May). Here's my advice: 1. Colorado has tons of breweries. Colorado Springs has a half dozen or so. I would just look them up online and see which ones appeal to you. 2. For an easy visit, go to Garden of the Gods. It's free, and one of the most beautiful places in the area. You don't have to hike - you can just wander around the main area of the Garden (which is paved, so it's really easy). 3. I did not drive up Pike's Peak - but I did drive up Mount Evans - which is similar. It didn't bother me, but my wife was pretty freaked out by it. The roads can be kind of unnerving. We took the Cog Railway up the mountain. That was pretty cool - much calmer than the drive. The Cog Railway is located in Manitou Springs - not far from Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs is interesting. It's a bit cheesy tourist destination with crappy nicknack stores and gift shops, but there are some nice restaurants and nice shops. Lots of distracting things. 4. For shopping and wandering, Old Colorado City is pretty nice. It's got lots of boutique shops, galleries and little restaurants. It has a historic, wild west feel to it. 5. If you want a fancy meal, you can go to the Broadmoor Hotel. Be warned - quite expensive. 6. I never went, but people say that the Cheyanne Mountain Zoo is really nice (if zoos are your thing). 7. You can drive to Canon City and see the Royal Gorge. There is a suspension bridge over the Arkansas River - a 1000 foot down. It's pretty cool (and really disconcerting). I think it's about 30 minutes from CS. 8. If you like Zip Lining - there's tons of places in Colorado for it. You can even zip line over the Royal Gorge. Yikes. 9. Water rafting is all over the place. Just have to find out the good ones. And the water can be quite cold. 10. Train rides. There are some wonderful train rides in the mountains. I'd just look around and figure out what you want to see, and the time you want to commit. Have fun.

Erceg homers, but Dash take opener 7-3 The Mudcats left nine men on base in Tuesday's road series opener By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score Mudcats pitching was slapped around for 11 hits and surrendered six walks - allowing the Winston-Salem Dash to defeat Carolina 7-3. Marcos Diplan was not in control of his stuff this evening. In addition to giving up eight hits and four walks - he didn’t strike out a batter. Lucas Erceg paced the Mudcat hitters, smashing his 14th HR of the season - and tying Troy Stokes, Jr. for the team lead. Mudcat hitters did themselves no favors, going 1-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding nine. Pitching Summary: Marcos Diplan: 5.2 IP, 8 hits, 7 ER, 4BB, 0K, Lose Wuilder Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 3K Frank Lopez: 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1BB, 0K Hitting Summary: Lucas Erceg: 1-2, HR, 2 BB Luis Aviles: 2-4, 2B, 2 SB Weston Wilson: 2-4 Trent Clark: 1-4, BB, 2 SB Aviles has 36 SB on the season, while Clark has 33. Carolina Game Log The big blow on Tuesday was in the 6th inning, when the Mudcats gave up four runs - with all the damage coming with two outs. Walk, double, walk, double, single, wild pitch. That ugly sequence of events crushed the Mudcats hopes. Winston-Salem Bottom of the 6th Bryant Flete grounds out, second baseman Isan Diaz to first baseman Weston Wilson. Seby Zavala flies out to center fielder Corey Ray. Brandon Dulin walks. Matt Rose doubles (26) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Trent Clark. Brandon Dulin to 3rd. Jameson Fisher walks. Louis Silverio doubles (19) on a sharp fly ball to center fielder Corey Ray. Brandon Dulin scores. Matt Rose scores. Jameson Fisher scores. Pitching Change: Wuilder Rodriguez replaces Marcos Diplan. Brady Conlan singles on a line drive to center fielder Corey Ray. Louis Silverio scores. With Yeyson Yrizarri batting, wild pitch by Wuilder Rodriguez, Brady Conlan to 2nd. Yeyson Yrizarri called out on strikes.

Orf's success has been greatly aided by Colorado Springs. Here's his AAA numbers the last two years: 2017: .986 OPS at home vs .781 OPS on road 2016: .913 OPS at home vs .559 OPS on road It doesn't mean he can't contribute to the big league team - I'm just wary of guys like this. If he could play SS, that would help him immensely. But right now, he seems to do exactly what Hernan Perez does. That's going to limit him opportunities.

Ponce pitches Mudcats to series clinching victory Cody Ponce led the way in Carolina's series finale victory versus the Keys By Carolina Mudcats Cody Ponce pitching for the 2017 Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium. (NIKOLAUS - Carolina Mudcats) Carolina Box Score This game was all about Cody Ponce. The big right hander went 7.1 innings, giving up only three hits and one run to lead the Mudcats to victory. Carolina managed three runs on just four hits - aided by a pair of Frederick errors. The win puts Carolina just one game away from being .500 for the year. Pitching Summary: Cody Ponce: 7.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 2BB, 5K, Win Nate Griep: 1.2 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 1K, Save Hitting Summary: Lucas Erceg: 1-4, 2B Cooper Hummel: 1-3, 2B, BB Wendell Rijo: 1-2, BB, SB Jose Cuas: 1-3 Trent Clark: 0-2, 2BB, SB Carolina Game Log

The only guy I really care much about is Nick Ramirez. You put up his numbers (1.30 ERA in 69 IP) after not having pitched in years - that's intriguing. I was a fan of Michael Reed, but he appears to need a change of scenery. I thought Goforth could be a decent reliever - but he just keeps underwhelming. I guess it's time to move on. Again, maybe a good change of scenery guy. A lot of the other guys are just organizational filler types. As people have noted, many will be resigned. Others will move on, and we'll sign someone else's middling players to fill spots in the org. I wouldn't be surprised if Burgos comes back. The club seems to value his presence in the system (sort of like Dillard).

Carolina totals season high 17 hits in 9-4 loss to Keys Harrison, Hummel and McDowell each had three hits in Saturday's home loss By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score That was a weird game. The Mudcats had 17 hits but could only manage four runs as the team went 3-14 with runners in scoring position. Frederick, meanwhile, had three HRs - and took advantage of three Mudcat errors - to score a 9-4 victory over Carolina. By losing, Carolina missed a chance to get to .500 on the season. Pitching Summary: Conor Harber: 5.0 IP, 6 hits, 5 ER, 1BB, 1K, Lose Trey Supak: 4.0 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 1BB, 3K Hitting Summary: Monte Harrison: 3-5 Cooper Hummel: 3-5, 2B Max McDowell: 3-5 Luis Aviles: 2-5, HR Corey Ray: 2-5, 2 SB Trent Clark: 2-5, 2B Carolina Game Log Carolina gave up runs in five of the nine innings on Saturday.

Once he can improves on his 55 walks, then he'll start earning some real notice. But the guy's been effective - limiting hits in a big way (only 68 this year).

Mudcats open home stand with 6-2 victory Carolina totaled 14 hits in a game for the second straight time while taking Friday's series opener By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score The hits kept coming - 14 to be specific - for the Mudcats on Friday, as Carolina downed Frederick 6-2. Monte Harrison, Lucas Erceg and Luis Aviles had three hits apiece to lead the way. On the mound, Zack Brown pitched seven strong innings to get the win. The Mudcats could have scored a lot more runs, but were only 4-16 with runners in scoring position. Carolina stole five bases in the game without getting caught. Pitching Summary: Zack Brown: 7.0 IP, 7 hits, 2 ER, 0BB, 5K, Win Eric Hanhold: 2.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 1BB, 1k, Save Hitting Summary: Monte Harrison: 3-5, 2B, 2 SB Lucas Erceg: 3-5, 2B Luis Aviles: 3-4, 2 SB Weston Wilson: 2-4, BB Cooper Hummel: 2-5, 2B Carolina Game Log Down 2-1, the Mudcats scored two runs in the 7th (thanks to three doubles and a walk), then added three more in the 8th to clinch the victory. Carolina Bottom of the 7th Corey Ray strikes out swinging. Monte Harrison doubles (10) on a line drive to left fielder Randolph Gassaway. With Lucas Erceg batting, Monte Harrison steals (11) 3rd base. Lucas Erceg doubles (28) on a line drive to center fielder Glynn Davis. Monte Harrison scores. Weston Wilson walks. Cooper Hummel doubles (6) on a line drive to right fielder Ademar Rifaela. Lucas Erceg scores. Weston Wilson to 3rd. Luis Aviles strikes out swinging. Wendell Rijo flies out to right fielder Ademar Rifaela. Carolina Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Alex Katz replaces Jay Flaa. Caleb Whalen hit by pitch. Trent Clark out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Alex Katz to first baseman Yermin Mercedes. Caleb Whalen to 2nd. With Corey Ray batting, wild pitch by Alex Katz, Caleb Whalen to 3rd. Corey Ray walks. Monte Harrison singles on a line drive to right fielder Ademar Rifaela. Caleb Whalen scores. Corey Ray to 3rd. With Lucas Erceg batting, Monte Harrison steals (12) 2nd base. Lucas Erceg grounds out, second baseman Drew Turbin to first baseman Yermin Mercedes. Weston Wilson singles on a ground ball to pitcher Alex Katz. Corey Ray scores. Monte Harrison scores. Throwing error by pitcher Alex Katz. Cooper Hummel grounds out, shortstop Chris Clare to first baseman Yermin Mercedes.

If I made errors 10% of the time at my job I'd be fired - and justifiably so. I would love robot umps for calling balls and strikes. While it takes away the 'human' element - it offers the opportunity to get things right - that's the most important thing.

Mudcats run away with series clinching victory Ray, Rijo and Harrison each hit home runs in Carolina's series clinching victory By Carolina Mudcats Carolina Box Score Hits for everyone! The Mudcats pounded out 14 hits (including three HR) on Thursday, scoring 12 runs while defeating the Down East Wood Ducks 12-5. All nine Mudcat batters had at least one hit. Carolina was aided by five Wood Duck errors. The Mudcats, at 60-62, edged near to .500 with the win. Pitching Summary: Kodi Medeiros: 6.0 IP, 3 hits, 3 ER, 3BB, 5K, Win Luke Barker: 3.0 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 2K Hitting Summary: Monte Harrison: 3-6, HR, 2 SB Lucas Erceg: 2-6, 2B Luis Aviles: 2-4, SB Wendell Rijo: 2-5, HR, 3 RBI Jose Cuas: 1-2, 2 BB Corey Ray: 1-5, HR, BB Harrison has reached 20 HR for the first time in his career. His two stolen bases gives him 21 for the year - making him a 20-20 player. Carolina Game Log The Mudcats broke the game open in the 4th with four straight hits - as well as a couple of Down East errors. Carolina Top of the 4th Luis Aviles grounds out, second baseman Evan Van Hoosier to first baseman Yanio Perez. Max McDowell singles on a line drive to third baseman Ti'Quan Forbes, deflected by pitcher Adrian Sampson. Wendell Rijo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Matt Lipka. Max McDowell to 2nd. Jose Cuas singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Altmann. Max McDowell scores. Wendell Rijo to 2nd. Trent Clark singles on a ground ball to right fielder LeDarious Clark. Wendell Rijo scores. Jose Cuas to 3rd. Fielding error by right fielder LeDarious Clark. Corey Ray grounds into a force out, pitcher Adrian Sampson to shortstop Josh Morgan. Jose Cuas scores. Trent Clark out at 2nd. Corey Ray to 1st. Monte Harrison reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Josh Morgan. Corey Ray to 2nd. Pitching Change: Tyler Ferguson replaces Adrian Sampson. Lucas Erceg singles on a line drive to right fielder LeDarious Clark. Corey Ray scores. Monte Harrison to 3rd. Weston Wilson grounds out, third baseman Ti'Quan Forbes to first baseman Yanio Perez.

Technically, that move was to make room for RHP Hiram Burgos, up from Biloxi. But lookie here. If not a misplaced entry by one of the affiliates, RHP Corbin Burnes, who already skipped Wisconsin, is double-jumping from Carolina to Biloxi to Colorado Springs this year. Wow. Wasn't Burnes drafted last year? Yep. I wouldn't even be surprised if is put on the 40-man roster and brought up in September. DFAing Paolo Espino isn't going to crush anyone (except Paolo). Burnes might be a nice live arm for the rest of the season. They could still start him at AAA next year so he doesn't start his arby clock just yet, but the experience might be good for him - and he might help out.

Something to consider. We just have to know that there is a good chance that Keon is going to be an inconsistent player - and be willing to live with it. On the flip side, Domingo looks like he could be a 30-35 HR guy. He just turned 25 a couple of weeks ago. There's a lot of potential there.

Adding Votto is a fun idea. I love the guy. Amazing hitter. Scary committing to a guy in his late 30s, but you never know. For what it's worth, he has raked at Miller Park - 1.085 OPS in his career (307 plate appearances). But that probably has more to do with our crappy pitching over the years than the park. Cincy doesn't seem interested in trading Votto - and he's said he wants to stay.

I love Uecker. I don't listen to lots of games, but I'm always a bit sad when he's not there. I realize part of it is nostalgia, but I just think he's entertaining.

Brewers are 1.5 games back of the Cubs, 4 games back of Dbacks, 5 games back of the Rockies. While I wish we were doing better, I'm happy with our chances now. It's about winning now. The pitching has been better over the last month or so, and our bats are waking up. I'll take that scenario going forward. We have pretty tough schedule ahead of us, but I'm good that we are in this fight at this point - let's just keep winning.

Pittsburgh Pirates S Marte LF 2 J Harrison 2B A McCutchen CF J Bell 1B D Freese 3B A Frazier RF J Mercer SS C Stewart C I Nova P Milwaukee Brewers J Villar CF E Thames 1B R Braun LF T Shaw 3B D Santana RF N Walker 2B M Pina C E Sogard SS Z Davies P

To me Lara was really hard to justify a spot. He has just shown nothing in several years, and while he has great physical tools, he doesn't it doesn't seem like he's going to translate those tools into baseball tools. I hope something 'clicks' for him soon.

Thanks for the catch. After typing in 60-70 names there's usually a mistake or two.