MNBrew

Regardless of the timing, the common thread with the parade of batting coaches every 2-3 years has been the players failing to make adjustments. The question was raised about the coach's credibility when he'd never been a major leaguer. My point was that they also had Carew and his credibility didn't make any difference in the results, either. The advocacy of Kremblas (in general, not just you) is rooted in the same reasons the young Brewers especially were really pleased when Skaalen was named hitting coach -- they all knew him well and liked him when they were in the minors. His teaching helped produce results. Now he's an ineffective teacher? No, they're just too thick-skulled or otherwise too slow at making any meaningful adjustments. That's not the hitting coach's fault. Sveum & Braun both commented in the JS today (articles or blog, I don't recall which) that to get deeper into October, they need much better balance overall from the hitting standpoint, and that they can't be so solely reliant on the HR -- they have to be good at the little things, too (not necessarily just the "smallball" things, either). Agree or not, those are two significant voices in the team's on-field leadership making the blatant point that the makeup of the team needs to change. I think it will be very interesting to see how the managerial & coaching situations unfold over the next few weeks, and then of course the roster after that.

In the same way that cleaning up his defensive techniques was a huge goal of his offseason last year, I wouldn't be surprised if Kendall makes his offense his focus this offseason. His contract is now vested and the pitching staff loves the guy. Between the periodic pop flies to shallow right and the endless stream of groundouts to SS (I think he did the latter every time up today!), it wouldn't take a ton to make some positive fundamental improvement. That said, it wouldn't hurt anything for Rivera to play in at least another 2 dozen games in '09, either. It's not like he was chopped liver behind the plate.

Right on, HTR: quality moves over quantity! The smartest, "right"-est moves only.

I hope no "Sox" team is in it -- Red or White -- and I had been hoping that if the Brewers didn't get to the Series, the Cubs would and would win it. I really don't like them, but it would've been nice to get the eternal drought/curse talk over with, just as the recent championships of both Sox teams did the same (see: Curse of the Bambino & aftermath of the Black Sox scandal). I'm not crazy about LA teams even though they're not as over-hyped as the NY teams, and also the Angels are solid and generally non-controversial. Philly wouldn't be all bad, and losing to the eventual champs at least puts the team you lost to in a different context. But I have to go with my own Florida roots and long-time Tampa-resident brother's favorite team: Go Rays!

Not that we'd want him back or that he was your point anyway, but Helms should be off that list now since he just re-signed with FL for 2 years on Fri., Oct 3rd, per ESPN's transactions page. LINK

If you changed that to "5th OF" I could possibly buy the logic. Nelson as a 4th OF over Kapler = delusional. Kapler is a role player, knows it, enjoys it, knows how to thrive, and does thrive. Why should we be looking elsewhere? The guy's shoulder, at least in theory, should be fine. Oh, and I think Baldelli could be a very attractive option, granted with risks attached but probably quite affordable because of that.

That logic doesn't hold water. The Brewers' hitters didn't have any success when they were listening to Rod Carew, either, and he's an HOFer. The same problems still exist from when he was here, whether it's actual results or the inability to make adjustments. Charlie Lau wasn't much of a major league hitter but was one of the most respected hitting coaches in the '70s and '80s.

Clancy, would you look to keep Kapler, too? I'd favor Nelson over Rottino and seriously look at the Twins for Matt Tolbert or Brendan Harris as 1st-string middle IF reserve who's also 3B-capable (or Punto, but he's a free agent to be). Personally I favor the change-of-scenery option for Billy Hall. Also, as ugly as 3B was this year, I firmly believe Braun has to stay in LF. We're set in LF both offensively and defensively with Braun there. Fix 3B with a third baseman or at most another IF who has played well on D and produced solidly on O there.

Hart's OBP wasn't great all year but only atrocious in September, and it was magnified by his awful batting slump. His age and the overall package of his skills suggest he could still improve. He's one guy who could use that 140-mph tennis ball batting machine that Loretta & Cirillo used to improve their eyes at the plate.

Discussion has slowed but I'll still chip in a few thoughts. Overall principle: a few accurate tweaks, not an overhaul. 1. Re-sign CC. Stud pitching helps a ton, and his decent bat for a pitcher is gravy. Sorry, not about the offense, but that's such an important move for '09 and beyond. Let Sheets go, esp. if they can keep CC. Anyway, back to the offense.... 2. Dump Hall however it has to get done. Pay for Suppan's way out of town while they're at it, too. It'd probably mean a move for someone else's ugly contract, but who knows? Mota was turned out mostly well besides his one ugly month. What you'd have to take on is a question mark, but who knows. If the M's would do it, would you do Hall & Suppan for Bedard for the possible but inevitably delayed positive return? 3. Don't overreact to Hart's bad last month. He's been horrid but that's so out of line with the rest of his career, which was always figured to be 25 HR & 25 SB anyway, lots of doubles, and a .290 BA. Let the offseason rest do what it needs to for him. 4. To keep Mike Cameron or go for Bobby Abreu? I favor Abreu & move Hart over to CF. There would be a bit of a defensive drop but should be much improved overall offensive production. 5. 3B? If they don't end up with Beltre or Blalock in a deal, move Hardy over and put Escobar at SS. Have a better backup plan than Counsell. 6. Bench? Start by keeping Kapler & Rivera, consider keeping Gwynn (#5 OF) & Dillon, hmmm....

What Corey Hart needs is just a serious break to clear his head. But the team hasn't been able to afford him that because they need him for what he can do. Vicious cycle totally spiralling on itself right now and the guy just needs to get away from it for awhile - but can't because Tony Gwynn is a worse option. The Kapler injury really hurts. I'm still totally convinced that Hart's a great asset to the Brewers and a starting OF for many years to come. Over time he's been quite steadily productive. His first clutch-time choke is just lasting 2+ months. I wonder how many guys this open stance business is killing. You supposedly see the ball better. Well, too many guys think they see the ball much better than they actually are. The straight-on or slightly closed stance would seem to keep more guys "on the ball," would create much better plate coverage and more balls hit to the opposite field with the conviction we used to see, and less "flying open". Hart stinks at the plate right now, his head's in a bad place, but this is neither incurable nor terminal. I think he'll come back next year better for this, as hollow as that feels to say right now.

Corey hasn't lost it altogether (my opinion), although it sure seems the sky is falling. He's watching the easy strikes and swinging at everything else under the sun and can't lay off the low/outside slider to save his life (ugh!). It sure is painful to watch. But I also believe this guy is a key piece of the team's future, and not as a trade chip, either.

Just caught BB Tonight's highlights of the Twins' win vs. ChiSox. One recurring point was the Twins doing all the little things right. Perhaps the failure to do enough of the little things right is the better explanation for the ugly September play of the Brewers before this week. And perhaps a little judicious smallball here or there might have been one way to do the little things right. I would buy well-timed smallball as a good solution, and predictable smallball as even the opposite of a cure-all.

I like the Abreu idea a whole lot and have for a couple years. Steady, dependable, productive, lefty, & consistently good OBP. Assuming Hart would move to CF, by the way. Defense might take a little hit less Cameron this way. But if the notion is that they need to change the complexion of the team offensively to shore up the ugly areas (BA, OBP, RISP, etc.), then Abreu in and Cameron out with Hart scootching over to CF seems like a very sensible plan.

The key to making smallball work is rooted in 3 things: judicious/opportunistic timing, solid fundamental execution, and a little luck. For the first 19 or whatever games of this month, when the offense usually played like it was being executed rather than executing its basics, much of the failure of the team offensively was exacerbated by continuing to attempt to solve the problem without much variance in the method for doing so. When the usual methods aren't working, you need to try something else. One way is to create your breaks since you're not getting 'em otherwise. This isn't just a recent problem in the Brewers' history. Late in the Trebelhorn and Garner eras, when their early years were marked by assertive offensive approaches, there was also a consistent and longer-lasting unwillingness to change their approach by trying to create their own breaks. In Spring Training, I remember Yost stressing the bunting, moving runners over, etc. And by August & September he'd fallen into the pattern of consistenly waiting for the HR to bail the team out. Combine a smarter (Moneyball-type) approach to getting on base more (making the pitcher throw more pitches, not making yourself an easy out, making better adjustments and stop watching so many called 3rd strikes) and the right timing for a little smallball (giving the opposition that much more to deal with and creating more chances for them to make mistakes) and you give yourself a better chance of stopping losing streaks and curtailing slumps -- and that's one thing the Brewers needed much more of during those crappy 19 games. Sorry to ramble. I'm not suggesting smallball's the perfect end-all solution. But while it's human to make mistakes, it's the sign of foolishness or a sheer lack of intelligence to keep making the same mistake over and over. It cost Yost his job. They need some luck and did right to try to create it. Maybe the little diversion from the usual route helps make enable the usual route to become productive once again.

Good logic, but it was obvious all along that Braun was the Brewers' best option in LF and that's how they chose to play their hand. Given that they had tons of chances to use him at 3B but never did, it's also obvious they never have any intention to return Braun to 3B, which is a decision I agree with fully (and not that my opinion counts for anything).

That isn't much of an endorsement. The best that can be said about a player is that he isn't a liability?....I took Colby to mean that Hardy has some obvious plusses but is one of the few guys on the roster with no major detractions to his game. Two example of significant plusses AND minuses: Fielder has monster power, drives in lots of runs, can carry the team at the plate in stretches. However, Fielder is getting bigger & slower, Ks a ton, and is a defensive liability enough so that his most productive future could be as a DH. Cameron has good power and a decent RBI total, esp. considering he missed the first month, and is an outstanding defensive CF with good speed. But he hits for a low BA, his OBP is also poor, he Ks way too much and doesn't walk nearly enough. Put in that context, it's easy as well as complimentary to state that Hardy doesn't really have major holes in his game.

One of the worst things about this type of ending to this season is that most of the players you'd want to pawn off are playing so crappy that they're driving their value so far down. In most cases, "potential" is hardly a worthwhile discussion item because their proven performance has looked so bad.

Well said, brewmann04. The emperor's new clothes are what they are and the dude's exposed as can be, as it were. I can't fault Sveum for any of this. The Brewers really aren't this bad of a team. Their record through August was no mirage. But all this September ugliness and its timing should give Melvin & Co. a more realistic sense of who has what it takes to get this team to the next level. So far, it seems pretty evident that... - in the OF, Braun & Hart are keepers. Cameron may be, too, but his Sept. swoon raises serious questions again. Kapler definitely is a keeper. OF #5 for '09 is a good mystery. Gwynn either needs to be playing on the Milwaukee bench or for another organization.... - Hardy & Fielder merit keeping. Fielder, esp., could be used as a bargaining chip. Hall & Counsell don't merit keeping. Weeks should merit keeping but never stops shooting himself in the foot. Branyan......hmmmm.... Personally, I like Dillon as a reserve. - Kendall & Rivera behind the plate is a good situation, the only real detraction being Kendall's declining bat. - the Brewers should try to pawn off Jeff Suppan. Maybe include him with Fielder in a deal for a good starting pitcher.

I look at Punto or someone similar as a replacement for Counsell. The Brewers seem to favor a 1st-string backup IF with decent major league experience -- and in the case of replacing Counsell, they need someone who can start regularly at SS or 2B if needed. Heether, Iribarren, & Crabbe haven't shown yet that they really even deserve a promotion to the majors. Organizational soldiers fit the bill for 25th man, not 1st-string backup IF. Anyway, Punto doesn't get paid like a starter and is a clear upgrade at the plate from Counsell, who may take a good approach at the plate but at the end of the day still has the indisputable results of a banjo hitter. I'd rather see Salome as starting C at AAA. Sorry for the oversight. My point was that I don't believe Vinny Rottino, for all his sentimental value, has come close to earning a 25-man roster spot. A 2nd Tommy John surgery puts Capuano in prime position to be non-tendered. He's a total wildcard to play in 2009 if ever again at all. I don't think any team would pay him $3M just to hope he could start pitching in August. A pre-arranged minor league deal with a spring training NRI seems far more likely. Capuano has a very long and formidable road ahead of him.

I've avoided ever even looking at the Vent Thread because there's enough negativism in so many other threads. I'd love to see the Crew turn it around and there's at least a mathematical chance they could (something -- anything -- to cling onto for hope!)... If there's a protocol to the vent thread, I'm unaware. Sorry, and beware.... I really cannot believe this! It's the Ultimate Death Spiral, edition 2008! I love this team and I've been a steadfast supporter of Yost as the manager. But just how many times can this team choke on its own vomit in the 2nd half of so many seasons, sending all the good work up to that point on an express route down the toilet? I just don't get it. Not that I have any better ideas for who could manage this team. But this progression from position of strength to total collapse is becoming an annual trademark of Yost's teams. What kind of mental makeup do they have? Where is this roster's gumption, killer instinct, and leadership? Some of these other teams sure have it. Why not the Brewers? Why is it about any time either they have a golden opportunity to take a lead and run away with it, or their backs are truly up against the wall, the Brewers get that deer-in-the-headlights look, flinch, and get creamed? Think of that sweep in Boston in early July. Think of that Cubs series at the end of July. The Mets series at the start of this month and this series in Philly. Four crucial series against playoff teams and a total of ZERO freaking wins -- not even one game!!!! And the thing is, once they got swept by the Mets, you could almost see this coming. Going into this Philly series, why did it just feel like even getting one win might be borderline miraculous? Don't gag, but I do think Yost is a decent manager. That said, it just might not hurt my feelings to see a new guy doing that job next year. I do see a couple good things within this picture, the sheer overall ugliness notwithstanding: 1. We're not hearing Yost babble like he did last year's September mantra/baloney, "Why is everyone so upset? We're still in first place." Maybe he finally figured out that the fans just aren't that stupid to buy that foolishness. 2. Melvin is a good GM. He's capable of proving it, just as he's done before. He just really needs to do so this winter to restore many fans' faith since it's been well documented, especially with certain players and with certain elements about the team's game, that the jig is up on the emperor's new clothes! 3. Ryan Braun can mash better than anyone on this roster, he isn't afraid to call a spade a spade, and he's here another 7 years. No whining, contract squabbles, or worrying about the home fans' booing. Just zero tolerance for failure. 4. At least we know some of Riske's sucking has medical justification -- it's not entirely that he lost all ability to pitch -- which at least has to be looked at as favorable since he's under contract for 2 more years. 5. The 2009 Brewers are under no obligation to employ a single major league player named Gagne or Turnbow.

One more thing: It wouldn't be bad if Durham could be re-signed at a reasonable cost and Weeks could be pawned off on someone who still thinks he's a stud prospect. His ceiling is clear rather than hopeful or prospect-like, but the dumb play quotient reduces considerably.

My take on the '09 Brewers is that most of this year's roster ought to come back. Within that... Position players: - 3B needs to be upgraded significantly and Bill Hall needs to be used as part of a package to acquire another player. - Cameron is back in CF and spends the whole offseason on that Cirillo/Loretta tennis ball 140 mph pitching machine -- anything to improve his strike zone judgement to cut down the Ks and maybe net a few more hits & walks. - Counsell is back as a minor league manager - Kapler & Rivera & Dillon are reserves - Brewers acquire a solid backup middle IF who can hit better than .230 (Nick Punto or Brendan Harris of MN? -- Bill Hall would be a huge 3B platoon upgrade w/ Buscher) - Vinny Rottino is the starting C at AAA Pitching: - CC re-signs (whatever it takes); if not, someone comparable is acquired - Mota comes back, but only for a comparable or slightly lesser salary - Gagne, Turnblow, Capuano no longer have Brewers uniforms with their names on them - the Brewers make a deal for an underperforming closer (like Lidge last winter) -- maybe this is the deal where Bill Hall is dealt

While it doesn't become as much of a deciding factor as often as it seems it should -- money usually trumps -- I wonder what kind of a roster and what kind of team/clubhouse/playing atmoshpere the Yankees offer compared to the Brewers. You'd hope CC would consider that. Sure, there are huge names and huge contracts. But look at that team vs. the Brewers and what team offers a better scenario for team success over the life of the contract CC would be getting? You'd think the Brewers would fare well in such a comparison. You hope it doesn't just come down to brightest lights, biggest city, and biggest contract. Often that formula also means biggest headaches and toughest work environment.

Isn't it tampering when you're in one team's front office and talk publicly about acquiring another team's player? Isn't that what Steinbrenner's doing when he talks about going after Sabathia, Sheets, et al., during free agency? Technically, don't players have to actually be free agents before you can discuss them as such? Any potential free agents are still under contract with their present teams, which would seem to make Steinbrenner's comments fair game for tampering charges. Hank's only been in charge for a year or so, but he sure has his father's knack for putting himself and his mouth in the spotlight. Not very impressive or classy. LINK While the verbiage is indirect and not really quoted, why is it we always hear what the Yankees want to do in the offseason first, and typically before the season' over? How can they get away with that?