July 30- MIL 7 WSH 3
51-51, -4 STL
Gallardo Leads a Game where Everything Works and Suppan, Hall Out
The bats, the starting pitching and the bullpen all worked and for the first time since June 30th, the Crew has won 2 in a row. Tied at 3 in the 7th, Mike Cameron, who led off the inning with a double, sneaked in under a tag at the plate after Jason Kendall chopped a ball to Ryan Zimmerman at 3B. The Crew got another one that inning when Craig Counsell was safe on a botched DP relay and Casey McGehee (who singled) scored from 3B.
With the lead, Macha ends Yovanni Gallardo's great day that included double digit strike outs and brings Todd Coffey to pitch a perfect 8th after throwing 2 innings last night. Mitch Stetter closes out the 9th after the Crew tacks on 2 more on a Cameron sac fly and a wild pitch. Craig Counsell and Prince Fielder had homers for the Brewer's earlier in the game and the Crew is back to .500.
It was announced after the game that Bill Hall has agreed to go to Nashville to work on his hitting and Jeff Suppan will go on the DL. Who on earth will Brewer fans dog?
7.30.2009
July 29- MIL 7 WSH 5
50-51, -4½ STL
McGehee PH Dinger Ends Skid
A beautiful note to Casey McGehee's night was added when I read the JSO article that said his 2 year old son, who has cerebal palsy, threw out the first pitch before the Brewer's 1st win after dropping 3 in a row to two of the worst teams in baseball. Down a run in the 6th, McGehee, hitting for Manny Parra, nailed a 2 run shot that put the Brewer's in front. The offensive outburst help make up for the "not so perfect" Parra, who toiled in the first 2 innings (giving up 4 and walking 2 runs in), but settled down to allow only 1 more run in his 6 inning stint.
After the game, McGehee spoke with tears about how inspirational it is to see his son living his life despite the horrible card he's been dealt. He also added how he asked Prince to walk his son out to the mound before the game because his son, like most kids, just likes Prince. There is something likeable about the big slugger that can be simultaneosly fear inspiring to an adult but sort of "teddy bear" like to a kid.
50-51, -4½ STL
McGehee PH Dinger Ends Skid
A beautiful note to Casey McGehee's night was added when I read the JSO article that said his 2 year old son, who has cerebal palsy, threw out the first pitch before the Brewer's 1st win after dropping 3 in a row to two of the worst teams in baseball. Down a run in the 6th, McGehee, hitting for Manny Parra, nailed a 2 run shot that put the Brewer's in front. The offensive outburst help make up for the "not so perfect" Parra, who toiled in the first 2 innings (giving up 4 and walking 2 runs in), but settled down to allow only 1 more run in his 6 inning stint.
After the game, McGehee spoke with tears about how inspirational it is to see his son living his life despite the horrible card he's been dealt. He also added how he asked Prince to walk his son out to the mound before the game because his son, like most kids, just likes Prince. There is something likeable about the big slugger that can be simultaneosly fear inspiring to an adult but sort of "teddy bear" like to a kid.
7.29.2009
July 28- WSH 8 MIL 3
49-51, -4½ STL
Villanueva No Better as Starter
It was a leadoff HR to Nyjer Morgan and a 4 run 4th that made Carlos Villanueva's 1st start since early '08 a rough one. Tim Dillard, who I would have preferred to see start, didn't fair much better. After overcoming 4 walks and 2 hits to pitch 3 scoreless innings, he unraveled in the 8th when Christian Guzman hit a 3 run bomb.
Ryan Braun supplied the offense with his 21st homer and a triple, plus J.J. Hardy was 3-3, but the rest of the offense was anemic against Collin Balester who got his 1st win of the season.
News also came down today that Jueff Suppan has an oblique strain and will be reevalutated Thursday as to whether he can make his start this Saturday. This pitching staff is decimated.
49-51, -4½ STL
Villanueva No Better as Starter
It was a leadoff HR to Nyjer Morgan and a 4 run 4th that made Carlos Villanueva's 1st start since early '08 a rough one. Tim Dillard, who I would have preferred to see start, didn't fair much better. After overcoming 4 walks and 2 hits to pitch 3 scoreless innings, he unraveled in the 8th when Christian Guzman hit a 3 run bomb.
Ryan Braun supplied the offense with his 21st homer and a triple, plus J.J. Hardy was 3-3, but the rest of the offense was anemic against Collin Balester who got his 1st win of the season.
News also came down today that Jueff Suppan has an oblique strain and will be reevalutated Thursday as to whether he can make his start this Saturday. This pitching staff is decimated.
7.27.2009
July 27- WSH 14 MIL 6
48-49, -4 on CHI
Below .500 Again
No such luck in turning things around with a 4 game home series against the Nats. Despite having the worst record in baseball, the Jeff Suppan and the Crew found a way to make the "Team that Should Not Be" (seriously, why didn't the league contract Montreal when they had a chance? I know, because it would have left an odd number of teams in the league) into the best story in baseball on a Monday night. Right fielder Josh Willingham hit two grand slams (one in the 5th off Suppan and 1 in the 6th of Mike DiFelice) and Ryan Zimmerman had a solo shot with 3 runs scored to counter Ryan Braun's 2oth dinger of the season and Corey Hart's 2nd tater in two days. The bullpen, already depleted with Looper's short outing yesterday and the plan to have Carlos Villanueva start tomorrow (instead of Tim Dillard who was doing well as a starter in Nashville?), was the reason Macha trotted Suppan out there for the 6th, where Suppan surrendured 4 more of his 10 earned before leaving for DiFelice.
The Crew also demoted Mike Burns and called up R.J. Swindle to try and stop the pitching mess that is making the next few weeks before Dave Bush's expected return seem REALLY long.
48-49, -4 on CHI
Below .500 Again
No such luck in turning things around with a 4 game home series against the Nats. Despite having the worst record in baseball, the Jeff Suppan and the Crew found a way to make the "Team that Should Not Be" (seriously, why didn't the league contract Montreal when they had a chance? I know, because it would have left an odd number of teams in the league) into the best story in baseball on a Monday night. Right fielder Josh Willingham hit two grand slams (one in the 5th off Suppan and 1 in the 6th of Mike DiFelice) and Ryan Zimmerman had a solo shot with 3 runs scored to counter Ryan Braun's 2oth dinger of the season and Corey Hart's 2nd tater in two days. The bullpen, already depleted with Looper's short outing yesterday and the plan to have Carlos Villanueva start tomorrow (instead of Tim Dillard who was doing well as a starter in Nashville?), was the reason Macha trotted Suppan out there for the 6th, where Suppan surrendured 4 more of his 10 earned before leaving for DiFelice.
The Crew also demoted Mike Burns and called up R.J. Swindle to try and stop the pitching mess that is making the next few weeks before Dave Bush's expected return seem REALLY long.
July 26- ATL 10 MIL 2
49-49, -3 on STL
Another Day Game Loss for The Crew
50 points lower in day games. That's in regards to the Brewer's team batting average and the difference between the best hitters at night and worst hitters in the day for the NL.
Looper was skating by through 5 innings, allowing on 1 run until a 4 run 6th that included a 3 run Casey Kotchman home run. Then the bullpen combo of Mark DiFelice, Mike Burns and Chris Smith gave up another 5 in 3 innings of work. The lone offense was Corey Hart's 2 run dinger in the 6th off Derek Lowe who was able to limit the Brewers to 2 runs on 9 hits over 6 innings of work.
With the cost of ANY pitching help being too high in my opinion, I'm quickly getting to the point where I might concede the season and just hope for a +.500 record, which was my goal at the start of the season. It's a damn shame though, because the amazing fan turnout at Miller this season deserves more.
49-49, -3 on STL
Another Day Game Loss for The Crew
50 points lower in day games. That's in regards to the Brewer's team batting average and the difference between the best hitters at night and worst hitters in the day for the NL.
Looper was skating by through 5 innings, allowing on 1 run until a 4 run 6th that included a 3 run Casey Kotchman home run. Then the bullpen combo of Mark DiFelice, Mike Burns and Chris Smith gave up another 5 in 3 innings of work. The lone offense was Corey Hart's 2 run dinger in the 6th off Derek Lowe who was able to limit the Brewers to 2 runs on 9 hits over 6 innings of work.
With the cost of ANY pitching help being too high in my opinion, I'm quickly getting to the point where I might concede the season and just hope for a +.500 record, which was my goal at the start of the season. It's a damn shame though, because the amazing fan turnout at Miller this season deserves more.
7.26.2009
July 25- MIL 4 ATL 0
49-48 2½ back STL
Really Need to Get Some Pitching
With the odds of the Brewer's acquiring Roy Haliday slim, the fans should be damn thankful the Crew has a starter with as bright a future at Yovanni. I don't know where this team would be without him. However, it makes me also wonder how good they could be with just 1 more good arm. Hell, now that McClung is on the DL, they also have a bullpen that looks much worse than it did 2 months ago. Amazing what two arms on the DL and a pitcher like Villanueva falling apart (he took his 7th loss yesterday) can do to a team. Plus, remember when David Riske was going to be part of the bullpen. And what about Chris Capuano, how nice would it be to have him now?
As for the game, it was ALL Gallardo. 7⅓ innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, 6 Ks and a 2-3 day at the plate in which he got the scoring going with a single in the 5th. I guess it was a good day for the offense to fall asleep against Tommy Hanson. Casey McGehee's pinch hit RBI was a nice AB for the Crew as well considering how horrible the bench has been this season.
Once again, I'm going to throw some Kew-Dohs at my man professional hitter Craig Counsell who was 2-4 with an RBI in his new spot, number 2 behind Lopez. Counsell is now batting .299 at age 38 and outperforming all other position players his age. Great article by Tom Haudricourt this Sunday comparing Counsell to guys like Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey, Jim Thome or Gary Sheffield who are either playing poorly or benefitting from DHing or a light work load, not the daily grind that Counsell has had being an everyday infielder.
49-48 2½ back STL
Really Need to Get Some Pitching
With the odds of the Brewer's acquiring Roy Haliday slim, the fans should be damn thankful the Crew has a starter with as bright a future at Yovanni. I don't know where this team would be without him. However, it makes me also wonder how good they could be with just 1 more good arm. Hell, now that McClung is on the DL, they also have a bullpen that looks much worse than it did 2 months ago. Amazing what two arms on the DL and a pitcher like Villanueva falling apart (he took his 7th loss yesterday) can do to a team. Plus, remember when David Riske was going to be part of the bullpen. And what about Chris Capuano, how nice would it be to have him now?
As for the game, it was ALL Gallardo. 7⅓ innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, 6 Ks and a 2-3 day at the plate in which he got the scoring going with a single in the 5th. I guess it was a good day for the offense to fall asleep against Tommy Hanson. Casey McGehee's pinch hit RBI was a nice AB for the Crew as well considering how horrible the bench has been this season.
Once again, I'm going to throw some Kew-Dohs at my man professional hitter Craig Counsell who was 2-4 with an RBI in his new spot, number 2 behind Lopez. Counsell is now batting .299 at age 38 and outperforming all other position players his age. Great article by Tom Haudricourt this Sunday comparing Counsell to guys like Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey, Jim Thome or Gary Sheffield who are either playing poorly or benefitting from DHing or a light work load, not the daily grind that Counsell has had being an everyday infielder.
July 24- ATL 9 MIL 4
48-48 3½ back STL
Back to .500 and Feeling the Division Slip Away
I thought this division would be tough, but now that the Cards have Matt Holliay and Chicago and Houston (hooray Cecil Cooper) climbing back into it, I'm doubting weather the Crew have the ability to stay in the race.
Friday's loss to Atlanta showed just how many holes there are in the pitching staff. Although Counsell's 2 run double and Braun's 2 run homer in the 5th tied the game and kept Manny Parra off the hook for a little while, the bullpen just couldn't hold things together. Villanueva, Chris Smith and McClung gave up 5 in 3⅔ innings and Javier Vazquez was solid after the fifth, striking out Fielder 4 times in his 7 innings of work.
48-48 3½ back STL
Back to .500 and Feeling the Division Slip Away
I thought this division would be tough, but now that the Cards have Matt Holliay and Chicago and Houston (hooray Cecil Cooper) climbing back into it, I'm doubting weather the Crew have the ability to stay in the race.
Friday's loss to Atlanta showed just how many holes there are in the pitching staff. Although Counsell's 2 run double and Braun's 2 run homer in the 5th tied the game and kept Manny Parra off the hook for a little while, the bullpen just couldn't hold things together. Villanueva, Chris Smith and McClung gave up 5 in 3⅔ innings and Javier Vazquez was solid after the fifth, striking out Fielder 4 times in his 7 innings of work.
July 22- PIT 8 MIL 7
48-47 -2 on STL
Pittsburgh Figuring Out Crew
For a long time, the Pirates could do nothing right against the Crew. Now, thanks to Jeff Suppan serving up 4 taters in 3⅓ inlcluding 2 to Ryan Doumit, the Pirates were able to take 2 of 3 from the Brewers and send the Crew back to Miller with a 3-4 road trip result.
The offense did try to overcome Suppan's start with a good offensive day. Ryan Braun brought 2 in with a dinger in the 1st and 3 more in 5th with a bases loaded, 3 run double in the 5th. That 5th also contained a Casey McGehee 2 run shot that chased Pat Maholm from the game.
All that, plus a Bill Hall RBI, gave the Crew a somewhat comfortable 7-5 lead until Seth McClung surrendured 2 in the bottom of the 5th which set up Brandon Moss' leadoff homer in the 9th off Mitch Stetter. Moss was batting .250 with 0 home runs off lefty's coming into the game, however Stetter fell behind a let one get over the plate to give 21,000 in Pittsburgh something to cheer about.
48-47 -2 on STL
Pittsburgh Figuring Out Crew
For a long time, the Pirates could do nothing right against the Crew. Now, thanks to Jeff Suppan serving up 4 taters in 3⅓ inlcluding 2 to Ryan Doumit, the Pirates were able to take 2 of 3 from the Brewers and send the Crew back to Miller with a 3-4 road trip result.
The offense did try to overcome Suppan's start with a good offensive day. Ryan Braun brought 2 in with a dinger in the 1st and 3 more in 5th with a bases loaded, 3 run double in the 5th. That 5th also contained a Casey McGehee 2 run shot that chased Pat Maholm from the game.
All that, plus a Bill Hall RBI, gave the Crew a somewhat comfortable 7-5 lead until Seth McClung surrendured 2 in the bottom of the 5th which set up Brandon Moss' leadoff homer in the 9th off Mitch Stetter. Moss was batting .250 with 0 home runs off lefty's coming into the game, however Stetter fell behind a let one get over the plate to give 21,000 in Pittsburgh something to cheer about.
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