wisportswriter

Here's another story from my paper - the Dubuque, Iowa, Telegraph Herald, on Brewers AAA pitcher Nic Ungs, who is from Dyersville, Iowa, which is in our coverage area. This story ran last Sunday. It also contained more on the second local subject, but I cut that out from the end of the story, as it's of no interest here. (FTR, Ungs fared well in his first outing. From an update we put in the paper this week: "Ungs pitched five shutout innings and earned the decision in the Sounds' 4-0 victory at New Orleans. The right-hander from Dyersville, Iowa, scattered three hits and struck out four in helping Nashville pick up its first win of the season in four Triple-A Pacific Coast League outings.") Enjoy. By JIM LEITNER TH sports editor Nic Ungs and Craig Molldrem can no longer dream of stepping on a Major League Baseball pitcher's mound for the Florida Marlins. Ungs feels better than ever about his chances of reaching "The Show" after signing a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He began the season Thursday at Triple-A Nashville, where he earned a spot in the starting rotation. Molldrem, on the other hand, will have to start over after the Marlins unexpectedly released him last weekend. He will likely play independent baseball with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association, unless another affiliated franchise acquires his rights. "I don't know if it was a change of scenery or what, but this was one of the best spring trainings I've ever had," said Ungs, a right-handed pitcher from Dyersville, Iowa, who spent the first seven years of his pro career climbing the Marlins' organizational ladder. "I know I went there in a lot better shape than I have the last couple of years, and I was a lot more prepared for it. "It just seemed like everything clicked for me this spring." For the first time in three years, Ungs enjoyed a full off-season to rest and begin a conditioning program. The Marlins assigned him to the Arizona Fall League following the 2005 season, and last offseason he helped USA Baseball qualify for the Beijing Olympics before playing winter ball briefly in Puerto Rico. Ungs also experienced a decrease in his workload last summer at Triple-A Albuquerque, where the organization bounced him between the bullpen and rotation. The inactivity led to a weight gain of nearly 20 pounds to 238. A smarter diet and a consistent workout program enabled the 6-foot-2 pitcher to enter spring training camp at 214 pounds. He dropped his body fat content from 13 to 9 percent. Ungs pitched 17 innings in the Cactus League this spring, all in the Triple-A level. "With the Marlins, even though I was moving up, it still felt like doors were being closed on me," said Ungs, a 12th round draft pick in 2001. "I wasn't an investment any more. Right away with Milwaukee, I felt like I'd been their investment all along. "I feel very confident that, if anything happens at the big league level, doors will open for me in this organization. It's just a matter of taking care of my own business, performing like I know I can, and doors will open for me." Ungs reported to the Brewers' big league camp for one game this spring but did not pitch. He instead spent the day in the bullpen, getting to know the big-league pitchers. "I've never been one of those guys who gets star struck, except last year when I met Nolan Ryan," Ungs said. "But, it meant a lot to me to sit and chat with guys like Eric Gagne and Derrick Turnbow in the bullpen. When you sit down and B.S. with them, you realize they're basically the same person you are. "I've played with and against guys like Corey Hart and Joe Dillon, too. So, if I do get the call to the big leagues, it's not going to be a huge shock to me to walk into the clubhouse and have to introduce myself to a bunch of guys I've never met before." Ungs owns a career record of 54-45 with a 3.65 ERA, 614 strikeouts and 204 walks in 907?2?"3 innings of work. Of his 173 appearances, 150 have come in a starting role. Ungs went 5-5 with a 4.98 ERA last season, his second at Albuquerque. Pitching in the high altitude of New Mexico, he fashioned a 3-3 record and 7.84 ERA at home. In moving to Nashville, Ungs will now pitch in one of his favorite Pacific Coast League cities. "I've always loved pitching there, and I couldn't have asked for more from the Brewers organization," Ungs said. "I'm pumped. They've kept up their end of the bargain, as far as keeping their word on everything we talked about during our contract negotiations. "Now, it's up to me to do my part."

We can if Sheeter is pitching against them, as he has all 3 times. JMO, but I think that's probably been more the factor than anything else. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Well done, derflotr. I can't decide whether that is sad or funny. Probably a little bit of both. 99% of ESPN sucks.

are you wanting him to draw inspiration from hannibal lecter? There were 2 posts in this thread that stand out above the others: Andrew's dad, who said, "There are not really "rights and wrongs" about bullpen use." (Not that you'd know that by reading this site.) And D.J.'s. Well played, octagone. Disturbing memory, but well-played nonetheless.

Fantastic story.

I have no scientific reasoning for this whatsoever. Just my gut, which is currently empty, for whatever that's worth. Hardy - good chance at keeping him Hart - same Especially if the following two leave, as I expect. Braun - not if he keeps up this pace Fielder - not a friggin' chance Weeks - much better odds at this point with his struggles Fielder and Braun are super talents under Scott Boras representation. Each has about a 1% chance of staying in Milwaukee post-free agency. IMO, of course.

Oh, great. More "But we're still in first place!" posts. http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eyes.gif http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif

I will say this much. The Brewers' collapse has brought out an ugly shade in some here, but a brilliant in others. RyDogg, well-played. I also loved Automator's "Animal House" post in the Vent Thread. (edit) And I forgot to mention bieder's post here. Just friggin' brilliant. I just read that post, then over on another message board read a post that referenced the old skit where Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor keep calling each other racial slurs back-and-forth. Two classic SNL references in one day. What are the odds?

I just don't think the Brewers will win the Central ... haven't for a couple weeks now. But I will cheer them to the (hopefully-not-so-bitter) end, and I remain hopeful they will prove me wrong. Here's one postgame quote from J.J. Hardy that helps keep my hope alive: That's after the loss that sent the team out of first place (sort of) for the first time since I was getting spring allergies instead of fall ones. That's encouraging.We may be going bonkers over this collapse, but the players aren't. Hopefully they've got something left in the tank to still pull this one off.

"Calm down. The Brewers are still in first place." What's the line now?

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3343/cubs1908au6.jpg

Forget it, man. He's on a roll.

The Brewers are playing OK right now, but OK might not be enough to win the division. It certainly will not be if the Cubs keep up this torrid pace much longer. I can only hope that when the Cubs come back to Earth a little bit -- They've got to at some point, right? -- they crash hard, as in .400 ball for a couple weeks. Friggin' Cubs. Geesh.

Dear Cubs, Hope you're enjoying your vacation. Come back soon. -Earth

Goal: Take the last two, win the series and get the lead to 8.5.

(rim shot) Here's here all week, folks. Don't forget to tip your waitress.

T-Bow. Wouldn't using CV in a setup role take him further away from being a starter? Isn't he expected to be a starter again some day? Am I wrong on that? Why I am asking so many questions?

And if a quick rally occurs and Co-Co isn't warmed up, Yost's head would be on the chopping block for not having his closer ready.

MJS columnist Michael Hunt says: Calm down, Brewers fans

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/3571/meltdownfs6.jpg

I had a nightmare last night that there was an MLB game today and the starting pitching matchup was Jorge de la Rosa vs. Victor Santos. Wait ... I wasn't dreaming?! Oh, no.

When you've got a player like Hall who can play so many positions, and good players at other spots, why would you handcuff yourself by committing Hall to one position? I think the current situation is great. Hall gets plenty of ABs, he's fine with the situation, and you're not pushing out any of the talented regulars (a la Hardy) at your other positions. Until someone else is injured/moved, I see no reason for the Brewers to change their approach. In fact, I think it would be a waste.

All 81 vs. 82 wins does is change verbage in offseason/'06 preseason stories. Writers can still say "no winning seasons since '92." In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal. 81 vs. 80 wins was the big one, and the Brewers got there. For that, the entire organization and its fans should be very pleased with '05. Can't wait for '06. When's the last time that was the case?

Isn't this a simple matter of the Brewers going with the kid they feel will best help them over the long haul, all stats be darned? BTW, Dogs w/Bees had the best post in this mega-thread. Go back and look for it if you didn't catch it. (edited for new subject line)

My dad coached HS baseball for 30+ years and also preached never walking the leadoff hitter. I am now very sad. This thread is a perfect example of what has led to my new signature. (I'm going to cut off the shouting before it starts. My sig is tongue-in-cheek. While I have no interest at all in having an OPS vs. OXS vs. BA discussion, I very much respect those who do and also am not so ignorant as to acknowledge that there are obviously some numbers out there that can very clearly tell the story and often times debunk gut feelings and classic baseball theories.)