May 22- MIN 11 MIL 3
Rec.: 26-16 Up 1 Game on STL
Parra Falls Prey to Homerdome
I don't think the roof played a part in a botched DP in a 4 run 4th, however, I am really suspicious that the reason Minnesota's interleague record is so good is because NL teams just aren't used to that dump of a stadium. If Counsell (playing in place of Hardy who left with back spasms) turns that DP, maybe Parra has a better line than 3.1 innings, 9 runs, 8 earned. Michael Cuddyer hit for the cycle and the Twins now have 10 players that have hit for the cycle in their franchise history. I'm going to pin that on the dome as well.
Considering the White Sox had 20 hung on them by the Twinkies the night before, I should be glad it was only an 8 run loss.
5.23.2009
5.22.2009
May 21- MIL 4 HOU 3
Rec.: 26-15 2.0 games ahead STL
McClung Shuts 'Stros Down and Lot's of Moves
It wasn't what we've come to expect of Suppan of late but thankfully, it wasn't what we used to get from Suppan either. He couldn't retire anyone in the 6th after already surreduring 3 runs and letting the first two hitters reach. McClung finished the inning with no more damage, Villanueva had his 9th straight scoreless appearance in the 7th, Coffey took care of the 8th and Hoffman shut it out... although he did allow 2 Astros to reach.
Craig Counsell (leading off and now hitting .342) and J.J. Hardy finally chased Roy Oswalt in the 7th with the team down 2. With the bases loaded, Prince had a 2 run single to tie it up and scuffling Corey Hart scored Braun with a go ahead double off Chris Sampson, the 3rd pitcher of the inning.
Lot's of personell moves made. First off, Tony Gwynn, Jr., traded to San Diego for Jody Gerut, a left handed veteran outfielder who Melvin hopes will be more effective off the bench. With Brad Nelson gone and Chris Duffy probably the victim of this recent transaction, the Crew is obviously trying to strengthen the bench. I hope this works out for Tony, who was hitting well in Nashville and should make the big league roster in San Diego. With that team's problems, he could be starting. Speaking of Padre's problems, Peavey apparently nixed a deal to the White Sox. That means the Crew could still get him (although I don't know what we could give him) and it also means the Cubs could get him... NOOOOOOOOO! The other move was that R.J. Swindle, a lefty was called up from Nashville and Hernan Iribarren was sent down. He was 0-2 with 2 Ks in 1 game, which I can't recall when.
May 20- HOU 6 MIL 4
Rec.: 25-15 2.0 games up on STL
Streak Ends and Coop Can't Fill Out a Lineup Card
Left Wandy Rodriquez put the halt on a win streak tonight as Yovanni Gallardo failed to match that complete game he threw in Houston back in April. The big story in this game was probably that Michael Bourne got to bat twice in the 1st because Cooper didn't right in Kaz Matsui on the Crew's lineup card.
Bill Hall, who was given a chance to hit a righty in this game, continued to scuffle. In the 9th, as the tying run, Hall came to the plate against righty Chris Sampson and K'd on 3 pitches, his 4th strikeout of the night. Macha probably won't tolerate that kind of performance too much longer before he goes back to a platoon. Poor Bill Hall but that 35 HR season seems longer than 3 years ago.
Rec.: 26-15 2.0 games ahead STL
McClung Shuts 'Stros Down and Lot's of Moves
It wasn't what we've come to expect of Suppan of late but thankfully, it wasn't what we used to get from Suppan either. He couldn't retire anyone in the 6th after already surreduring 3 runs and letting the first two hitters reach. McClung finished the inning with no more damage, Villanueva had his 9th straight scoreless appearance in the 7th, Coffey took care of the 8th and Hoffman shut it out... although he did allow 2 Astros to reach.
Craig Counsell (leading off and now hitting .342) and J.J. Hardy finally chased Roy Oswalt in the 7th with the team down 2. With the bases loaded, Prince had a 2 run single to tie it up and scuffling Corey Hart scored Braun with a go ahead double off Chris Sampson, the 3rd pitcher of the inning.
Lot's of personell moves made. First off, Tony Gwynn, Jr., traded to San Diego for Jody Gerut, a left handed veteran outfielder who Melvin hopes will be more effective off the bench. With Brad Nelson gone and Chris Duffy probably the victim of this recent transaction, the Crew is obviously trying to strengthen the bench. I hope this works out for Tony, who was hitting well in Nashville and should make the big league roster in San Diego. With that team's problems, he could be starting. Speaking of Padre's problems, Peavey apparently nixed a deal to the White Sox. That means the Crew could still get him (although I don't know what we could give him) and it also means the Cubs could get him... NOOOOOOOOO! The other move was that R.J. Swindle, a lefty was called up from Nashville and Hernan Iribarren was sent down. He was 0-2 with 2 Ks in 1 game, which I can't recall when.
May 20- HOU 6 MIL 4
Rec.: 25-15 2.0 games up on STL
Streak Ends and Coop Can't Fill Out a Lineup Card
Left Wandy Rodriquez put the halt on a win streak tonight as Yovanni Gallardo failed to match that complete game he threw in Houston back in April. The big story in this game was probably that Michael Bourne got to bat twice in the 1st because Cooper didn't right in Kaz Matsui on the Crew's lineup card.
Bill Hall, who was given a chance to hit a righty in this game, continued to scuffle. In the 9th, as the tying run, Hall came to the plate against righty Chris Sampson and K'd on 3 pitches, his 4th strikeout of the night. Macha probably won't tolerate that kind of performance too much longer before he goes back to a platoon. Poor Bill Hall but that 35 HR season seems longer than 3 years ago.
5.20.2009
May 19- MIL 4 HOU 2
Rec.: 25-14 3 Games Up on CHI
7 in a Row
After climbing into that 4-9 hole to start the season, the crew has now equaled their best start to season, matching the mark by the 2007 squad... which of course tanked in the second half to let the division slip to the Cubs.
But now it's 2009, and the Crew has Trever Hoffman, who saved his 10th for the Brewes on 8 pitches. He only needed TWO to retire the first two. The article on brewers.com, without going into details, said that Hoffman's routine usually keeps him out of the bullpen until the 6th, and involves working out after the game as well. I realize there are plenty of athletes that take their preparation routine seriosly, but I can appreciate the obsessive complusiveness of Hoffman's ritual... especially down to the Hells Bells.
Dave Bush worked out of a no out jam right off the bat in the first, and faced more troubles in 4 of the 6 he pitched. In the first, Kaz Matsui scored (credited with a steal of home) from 3b when a rundown of Michael Bourne was botched. However, Bushy got Carlos Lee to ground into a DP and ended the threat with a harmless pop up from Tejada. Bush is now 3-0.
On the offensive side, J.J. had 2 RBI, including the go ahead single in the 6th to overcome a Russ Ortiz home run, the only earned run Bush gave up.
Rec.: 25-14 3 Games Up on CHI
7 in a Row
After climbing into that 4-9 hole to start the season, the crew has now equaled their best start to season, matching the mark by the 2007 squad... which of course tanked in the second half to let the division slip to the Cubs.
But now it's 2009, and the Crew has Trever Hoffman, who saved his 10th for the Brewes on 8 pitches. He only needed TWO to retire the first two. The article on brewers.com, without going into details, said that Hoffman's routine usually keeps him out of the bullpen until the 6th, and involves working out after the game as well. I realize there are plenty of athletes that take their preparation routine seriosly, but I can appreciate the obsessive complusiveness of Hoffman's ritual... especially down to the Hells Bells.
Dave Bush worked out of a no out jam right off the bat in the first, and faced more troubles in 4 of the 6 he pitched. In the first, Kaz Matsui scored (credited with a steal of home) from 3b when a rundown of Michael Bourne was botched. However, Bushy got Carlos Lee to ground into a DP and ended the threat with a harmless pop up from Tejada. Bush is now 3-0.
On the offensive side, J.J. had 2 RBI, including the go ahead single in the 6th to overcome a Russ Ortiz home run, the only earned run Bush gave up.
5.19.2009
May 18- MIL 8 STL 4
Rec.: 24-14 2.0 Games in Front of CHI
Weeks out for the season
It's hard not to feel good when you sweep the Cards in St. Louis, but a few hours before game time, I logged on at work to see Weeks status after leaving the game early last night. Out for the SEASON! This guy is finally having the season we all expected, and now it's toast. I like the team's offense alot, but it's hard not to see Weeks as a major player in the batting order quality. Kind of spoiled a night where Looper made the Brewers major league leading 24th quality start, Kendall got his 2,000th hit and Mat Gamel hit a 3 run bomb to put the game out of reach. Once again, walks were the story for the offense. St. Louis gave up 11 in the contest. Nice to see that role reversing after all the free passes issued at the start of the season.
Rec.: 24-14 2.0 Games in Front of CHI
Weeks out for the season
It's hard not to feel good when you sweep the Cards in St. Louis, but a few hours before game time, I logged on at work to see Weeks status after leaving the game early last night. Out for the SEASON! This guy is finally having the season we all expected, and now it's toast. I like the team's offense alot, but it's hard not to see Weeks as a major player in the batting order quality. Kind of spoiled a night where Looper made the Brewers major league leading 24th quality start, Kendall got his 2,000th hit and Mat Gamel hit a 3 run bomb to put the game out of reach. Once again, walks were the story for the offense. St. Louis gave up 11 in the contest. Nice to see that role reversing after all the free passes issued at the start of the season.
5.18.2009
May 17- MIL 8 STL 2
Rec.: 23-14 1.5 in front of CHI
Pitching Over Their Heads
That's what I told my dad when we talked on Sunday, but I'm not going to worry about it now. Parra won his 3 straight start and benefited from a quick start by that bats. The Crew scored 4 in the 1st of Todd Wellmeyer, all with 2 outs, on home runs by J.J. Hardy and Jason Kendall. Wellmeyer ended up walking 7 and hitting 2, but he still kept the game from getting out of hand by not allowing a hit, let alone a run for the remainder of his 5.2 inning outing. The Crew didn't really tack any more runs until Fielder his a 3 run jack in the 7th.
In a conversation with Lexi later Sunday night, who is taking a great interest in the Crew, she told me that her mother, who apparently listens to sports radio, heard the Brewers are doing well, but Lexi didn't want to jinx anything by telling me exactly what she said. I'm trying not to be superstitious, I think it's more that I don't want to get too high, especially considering we're only 35 games into the season. And an example of that is being reminded that all it takes is one injury to change your fortune. Rickie left the game in the 1st with soreness in his wrist and he's heading to Arizona to have it checked out. I think it was his left wrist, the one that he had a tendon repaired in 2006.
May 16- MIL 1 STL 0
Rec.: 22-14 0.5 in front of CHI
Who is Wearing Suppan's Jersey?
I really shouldn't mock him, since starting the season 0-2 with a 12.91 ERA, Soup has gone 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA and today, beat the Cards in a 1-0 game where Corey Hart's home run (first in 27 games) was the only offense the lineup could muster. It was only the sixth time the Brewer's have won a game with 2 or less hits and to my surprise (even with his recent mistake) Suppan was able to make that hold up. It also helps that Suppan owns the Cards. Since coming over in the 2007 season, he is 5-0 with a 1.66 ERA. The only real threat Suppan faced was in the 7th (his final inning) when J.J. made a tremendous play on a Skip Schumaker grounder in the hole to get a force at 2nd and save Suppan from a 1st and 3rd situation. Adam Wainwright took the loss for the Cards, who LaRussa said, "didn't pay as much attention to Suppan when he was a Cardinal as Suppan paide to them." It sounds like Soup was really offended by the Cards lowball offer in 2006. I've never doubted Suppan's character as a good guy, but I've often questioned his value as a $42 million pitcher. With the way he's been able to overcome his struggles, and more importantly, the fan scrutiny, I have gained even more respect for him. Everyone loves a guy who can turn things around.
Rec.: 23-14 1.5 in front of CHI
Pitching Over Their Heads
That's what I told my dad when we talked on Sunday, but I'm not going to worry about it now. Parra won his 3 straight start and benefited from a quick start by that bats. The Crew scored 4 in the 1st of Todd Wellmeyer, all with 2 outs, on home runs by J.J. Hardy and Jason Kendall. Wellmeyer ended up walking 7 and hitting 2, but he still kept the game from getting out of hand by not allowing a hit, let alone a run for the remainder of his 5.2 inning outing. The Crew didn't really tack any more runs until Fielder his a 3 run jack in the 7th.
In a conversation with Lexi later Sunday night, who is taking a great interest in the Crew, she told me that her mother, who apparently listens to sports radio, heard the Brewers are doing well, but Lexi didn't want to jinx anything by telling me exactly what she said. I'm trying not to be superstitious, I think it's more that I don't want to get too high, especially considering we're only 35 games into the season. And an example of that is being reminded that all it takes is one injury to change your fortune. Rickie left the game in the 1st with soreness in his wrist and he's heading to Arizona to have it checked out. I think it was his left wrist, the one that he had a tendon repaired in 2006.
May 16- MIL 1 STL 0
Rec.: 22-14 0.5 in front of CHI
Who is Wearing Suppan's Jersey?
I really shouldn't mock him, since starting the season 0-2 with a 12.91 ERA, Soup has gone 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA and today, beat the Cards in a 1-0 game where Corey Hart's home run (first in 27 games) was the only offense the lineup could muster. It was only the sixth time the Brewer's have won a game with 2 or less hits and to my surprise (even with his recent mistake) Suppan was able to make that hold up. It also helps that Suppan owns the Cards. Since coming over in the 2007 season, he is 5-0 with a 1.66 ERA. The only real threat Suppan faced was in the 7th (his final inning) when J.J. made a tremendous play on a Skip Schumaker grounder in the hole to get a force at 2nd and save Suppan from a 1st and 3rd situation. Adam Wainwright took the loss for the Cards, who LaRussa said, "didn't pay as much attention to Suppan when he was a Cardinal as Suppan paide to them." It sounds like Soup was really offended by the Cards lowball offer in 2006. I've never doubted Suppan's character as a good guy, but I've often questioned his value as a $42 million pitcher. With the way he's been able to overcome his struggles, and more importantly, the fan scrutiny, I have gained even more respect for him. Everyone loves a guy who can turn things around.
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