No doubt that Milwaukee officials were watching closely Thursday as arbitrators handed Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard a one-year, $10 million present.
And no doubt that Brewers first sacker Prince Fielder and agent Scott Boras smiled simultaneously when they heard the news.
Howard belted 47 homers and knocked in 136 runs but batted .268 and struck out a whopping 199 times. He had slammed 58 round-trippers, brought home 149 and hit a sparkling .313 in 2006 after recording 22 HRs and 63 RBIs in 88 games to claim the National League's Rookie of the Year award in '05.
The 28-year-old Howard won't become a free agent until after the 2011 season, although the Phillies, who offered $7 million in arbitration, certainly will attempt to work out a long-term deal before that.
Fielder, only 23, has hammered NL hurlers for similar numbers. He smacked 50 homers, the youngest player in Major League history to reach that plateau, knocked in 119 and batted .288 last summer. His rookie numbers were 28, 81 and .271, respectively.
The rotund vegetarian made $415,000 last year and should approach Howard's 2007 salary of $900,000 when he inks a contract for the upcoming season. And that should set the stage for a similar asking price in '09 in his first year of arbitration eligibility.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Yost, staff face pressure to produce
Upon sitting back and taking a second look at Milwaukee's 2007 season, most fans have to admit that the Brewers accomplished a lot, especially considering that the franchise hadn't posted a winning season since 1992.
However, the fact that Ned Yost's squad led the National League's Central Division for most of the season made the faithful_and those who jumped on the bandwagon_to expect more. That didn't happen as the Brewers finished 83-79 and two games behind Chicago, forcing them and those who followed the team to wonder what could have, or should have, been.
So, expectations are extremely high for this summer, and that's a good situation because that's something that's been missing on the shores of Lake Michigan and across Wisconsin.
That means that this talented bunch has to produce or general manager Doug Melvin and owner Mark Attanasio may make changes despite signing off on Yost's option for 2009, and that includes the staff: Ted Simmons, Ed Sedar, Dale Sveum, Jim Skaalen, Mike Maddux and Bill Castro.
Here are four factors that I believe need improving for Milwaukee to reach the postseason:
1. The Brewers must play better defense. They tied for 12th in fielding percentage and were 12th in double plays. Several key off-season moves emphasized this area, namely signing three-time Gold Glove winner Mike Cameron to play center, which allowed for Bill Hall to take over at third base and Ryan Braun to shift to left. Veteran Jason Kendall also was brought in as the No. 1 catcher.
2. Milwaukee's hitters much show better plate discipline. Brewers batters led the majors with 231 homers, but the backlash from that free-swinging approach resulted in a .262 team average and only 501 walks, which placed them 14th in the Senior Circuit. Kendall is a big upgrade from Johnny Estrada in that regard, but Cameron more than offsets that gain. Milwaukee's young core players should be better after a full year of experience, but opposing pitchers also know their tendancies better.
3. Once Cameron returns from his 25-game suspension to open the season, here's hoping that Yost settles on a regular lineup. Injuries and any prolonged slumps will dictate who and where players will bat, but because several key pieces were so inconsistent last year, Yost juggled his batting order almost every other day. Hopefully the players will make those decisions easy, but it'll be interesting to see who's the No. 2 hitter, whether Braun bats ahead of or behind Prince Fielder and who settles into the Nos. 5-7 spots.
4. They must improve drastically on the road. Milwaukee posted the league's best home mark at 51-30, but its dismal record away from Miller Park (32-49) was better than just lowly Houston and Pittsburgh, and by only one game. There may be no easy explanation for those numbers, but it's still inexcusable. The Brewers are a year wiser and better, so that statistic will go a long way in determining whether they're a contender or a pretender.
However, the fact that Ned Yost's squad led the National League's Central Division for most of the season made the faithful_and those who jumped on the bandwagon_to expect more. That didn't happen as the Brewers finished 83-79 and two games behind Chicago, forcing them and those who followed the team to wonder what could have, or should have, been.
So, expectations are extremely high for this summer, and that's a good situation because that's something that's been missing on the shores of Lake Michigan and across Wisconsin.
That means that this talented bunch has to produce or general manager Doug Melvin and owner Mark Attanasio may make changes despite signing off on Yost's option for 2009, and that includes the staff: Ted Simmons, Ed Sedar, Dale Sveum, Jim Skaalen, Mike Maddux and Bill Castro.
Here are four factors that I believe need improving for Milwaukee to reach the postseason:
1. The Brewers must play better defense. They tied for 12th in fielding percentage and were 12th in double plays. Several key off-season moves emphasized this area, namely signing three-time Gold Glove winner Mike Cameron to play center, which allowed for Bill Hall to take over at third base and Ryan Braun to shift to left. Veteran Jason Kendall also was brought in as the No. 1 catcher.
2. Milwaukee's hitters much show better plate discipline. Brewers batters led the majors with 231 homers, but the backlash from that free-swinging approach resulted in a .262 team average and only 501 walks, which placed them 14th in the Senior Circuit. Kendall is a big upgrade from Johnny Estrada in that regard, but Cameron more than offsets that gain. Milwaukee's young core players should be better after a full year of experience, but opposing pitchers also know their tendancies better.
3. Once Cameron returns from his 25-game suspension to open the season, here's hoping that Yost settles on a regular lineup. Injuries and any prolonged slumps will dictate who and where players will bat, but because several key pieces were so inconsistent last year, Yost juggled his batting order almost every other day. Hopefully the players will make those decisions easy, but it'll be interesting to see who's the No. 2 hitter, whether Braun bats ahead of or behind Prince Fielder and who settles into the Nos. 5-7 spots.
4. They must improve drastically on the road. Milwaukee posted the league's best home mark at 51-30, but its dismal record away from Miller Park (32-49) was better than just lowly Houston and Pittsburgh, and by only one game. There may be no easy explanation for those numbers, but it's still inexcusable. The Brewers are a year wiser and better, so that statistic will go a long way in determining whether they're a contender or a pretender.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Battle for spots in rotation intense
The top three spots in Milwaukee's starting rotation were penciled in. Too bad that manager Ned Yost already has had to get out his eraser before his squad even started full-team workouts.
Rookie standout Yovani Gallardo suffered cartilage damage and was scheduled for surgery that would knock him out of spring training for four weeks, jeopardizing his availability when the Brewers open their season with a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
So, Yost and general manager Doug Melvin are looking like geniuses for hanging onto their depth of arms. That's not to say that one or more of their prospective starters won't be traded before camp breaks, but Gallardo's setback will present that many more opportunities for several pitchers to secure spots.
Two of those will go to ace Ben Sheets, who knows all too well what Gallardo is going through, and Jeff Suppan. Others in the competition for starting positions or perhaps a role as the long reliever include Carlos Villanueva, Chris Capuano, Dave Bush, Claudio Vargas and Manny Parra.
Sheets suffered several maladies that restricted him to 24 starts. He posted a 12-5 record and 3.82 earned-run average and averaged 6.8 strikeouts per nine innings, but his absence proved crucial as the team faltered after the All-Star break. He's in the final season of a four-year contract, so he could gain tremendously from a solid and injury-free campaign.
Suppan surpassed the 30-start plateau for a ninth consecutive time, finishing with a 12-12 mark in which he displayed Jeckyl and Hyde tendancies, finishing 9-3 at home and 3-9 on the road. He was heralded as an innings-eater, but far too often he didn't eat enough because he allowed a whopping 243 hits and 68 walks in 206 innings. The Brewers deserve more for their four-year, $40 million investment.
Gallardo survived a rough stretch, capping his 9-5 overall record and 3.67 ERA with 3-1 and 1.36 marks in September. He averaged 8.2 Ks per nine innings and hit .250 with two homers.
Villanueva also finished strong, going 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA in six September outings, including five starts. He was so valuable in relief for much of the season, entering the break with a 2.83 standing. Villanueva also tired in the dog days of July and August, but finished 8-5 with a 3.94 ERA.
Bush also won 12 times while losing 10 and posting a 5.12 ERA. He often fell victim to big innings, allowing 217 hits and issuing 44 free passes in 186 innings.
Capuano didn't pitch badly every time, but the Brewers lost 22 straight games in which he pitched. The lefty won 18 games in 2005 and made the All-Star team in '06, but everything's gone downhill since then as he finished 5-12 with a 5.01 ERA last season. Capuano had averaged 220 innings his two previous summers before allowing 170 hits and 54 walks in 150 innings in 2007.
Vargas often wiggled his way out of trouble and benefitted from offensive support in finishing 11-6. He also allowed far too many baserunners, giving up 153 hits and 54 walks in 134 innings. He got past the sixth inning only twice in 23 starts and ended up with a 5.09 ERA.
Parra is the only other left-hander in the mix and showed promise before injuring a finger while bunting against the Cubs. He was 0-1 but struck out 26 in 26.1 innings, posting a 3.76 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.
There's no doubt that an improved defense will aid Milwaukee's pitching numbers by making them face fewer batters, thus throwing fewer pitches, etc. The fact that several of their bullpen additions are multiple-inning guys also will help, but starters must stay healthy and go deeper into games for the Brewers to reach the postseason.
Rookie standout Yovani Gallardo suffered cartilage damage and was scheduled for surgery that would knock him out of spring training for four weeks, jeopardizing his availability when the Brewers open their season with a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
So, Yost and general manager Doug Melvin are looking like geniuses for hanging onto their depth of arms. That's not to say that one or more of their prospective starters won't be traded before camp breaks, but Gallardo's setback will present that many more opportunities for several pitchers to secure spots.
Two of those will go to ace Ben Sheets, who knows all too well what Gallardo is going through, and Jeff Suppan. Others in the competition for starting positions or perhaps a role as the long reliever include Carlos Villanueva, Chris Capuano, Dave Bush, Claudio Vargas and Manny Parra.
Sheets suffered several maladies that restricted him to 24 starts. He posted a 12-5 record and 3.82 earned-run average and averaged 6.8 strikeouts per nine innings, but his absence proved crucial as the team faltered after the All-Star break. He's in the final season of a four-year contract, so he could gain tremendously from a solid and injury-free campaign.
Suppan surpassed the 30-start plateau for a ninth consecutive time, finishing with a 12-12 mark in which he displayed Jeckyl and Hyde tendancies, finishing 9-3 at home and 3-9 on the road. He was heralded as an innings-eater, but far too often he didn't eat enough because he allowed a whopping 243 hits and 68 walks in 206 innings. The Brewers deserve more for their four-year, $40 million investment.
Gallardo survived a rough stretch, capping his 9-5 overall record and 3.67 ERA with 3-1 and 1.36 marks in September. He averaged 8.2 Ks per nine innings and hit .250 with two homers.
Villanueva also finished strong, going 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA in six September outings, including five starts. He was so valuable in relief for much of the season, entering the break with a 2.83 standing. Villanueva also tired in the dog days of July and August, but finished 8-5 with a 3.94 ERA.
Bush also won 12 times while losing 10 and posting a 5.12 ERA. He often fell victim to big innings, allowing 217 hits and issuing 44 free passes in 186 innings.
Capuano didn't pitch badly every time, but the Brewers lost 22 straight games in which he pitched. The lefty won 18 games in 2005 and made the All-Star team in '06, but everything's gone downhill since then as he finished 5-12 with a 5.01 ERA last season. Capuano had averaged 220 innings his two previous summers before allowing 170 hits and 54 walks in 150 innings in 2007.
Vargas often wiggled his way out of trouble and benefitted from offensive support in finishing 11-6. He also allowed far too many baserunners, giving up 153 hits and 54 walks in 134 innings. He got past the sixth inning only twice in 23 starts and ended up with a 5.09 ERA.
Parra is the only other left-hander in the mix and showed promise before injuring a finger while bunting against the Cubs. He was 0-1 but struck out 26 in 26.1 innings, posting a 3.76 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.
There's no doubt that an improved defense will aid Milwaukee's pitching numbers by making them face fewer batters, thus throwing fewer pitches, etc. The fact that several of their bullpen additions are multiple-inning guys also will help, but starters must stay healthy and go deeper into games for the Brewers to reach the postseason.
Gagne key to revamped Brewers bullpen
Eric Gagne apologized for any distraction his inclusion in the Mitchell Report may have caused as he made his first public appearance at Milwaukee's spring training camp Monday.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers star and National League Cy Young Award winner issued a one-minute statement, declining to be interviewed about his reported use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Brewers officials are hoping that he can duck opposing hitters this summer like he ducked reporters' questions. That's because Gagne, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract just days before the controversial findings were released during a congressional hearing in December, is expected to be Milwaukee's closer after Francisco Cordero took the money and ran to Central Division rival Cincinnati.
General manager Doug Melvin and skipper Ned Yost need to see the Gagne who recorded a 2.16 earned-run average and 16 saves in 17 opportunities while at Texas rather than the guy who was raked for a 6.75 ERA in 20 appearances after a trade to Boston last year. Still, Gagne finished 4-2 and struck out 51 batters in 52 innings, not as dominating as his days in Dodger blue but numbers that Milwaukee can live with.
However, should Plan A crumble, the Brewers have several other options thanks to Melvin's astute off-season maneuvering. He signed free agent David Riske away from Kansas City and traded prospects to Pittsburgh for Salomon Torres. They and incumbent set-up man Derrick Turnbow all have closed before.
Riske inked a three-year deal after posting a 1-4 record and 2.45 ERA. He only saved four games in 65 appearances, so he appears to be more of a seventh-inning guy than closer, although he struck out 52 in 69.2 innings.
Torres struggled last year, finishing with a 2-4 mark and 5.47 ERA. Two stints on the disabled list limited him to 56 games after he had appeared in 84, 78 and 94 contests the three previous seasons. Torres still recorded 12 saves and struck out 45 in 52.2 innings.
Turnbow turned in an above-average 2007, tying for third with 33 holds in setting the table for Cordero, but several horrendous outings riled up fans and dented his confidence. The main culprit was his control, or lack thereof: He walked 46 in 68 innings, a major reason for an inflated 4.63 ERA. Lefties hit only .172 and righties just .189 against him, but the damage occurred when turnbow put too many runners on base.
Another big question, like with Milwaukee's starting rotation, is can it find enough quality left-handers to go with the predominantly right-handed arsenal.
Brian Shouse is back as the leading specialist, having finished 1-1 with a 3.02 ERA with 32 Ks in 47.2 innings. Lefties hit .214 against Shouse, who posted a 1.16 ERA at Miller Park.
Other candidates include righties Guillermo Mota, obtained from the Mets for Johnny Estrada, and Seth McClung and young lefty Mitch Stetter.
Long relief will no doubt depend on which candidates lose the battles for the Nos. 4 and 5 starting roles. And the injury factor always looms, as it has already with Yovanni Gallardo's knee surgery that probably means he'll start the season on the DL and open up a spot for someone who wouldn't have made the roster otherwise.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers star and National League Cy Young Award winner issued a one-minute statement, declining to be interviewed about his reported use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Brewers officials are hoping that he can duck opposing hitters this summer like he ducked reporters' questions. That's because Gagne, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract just days before the controversial findings were released during a congressional hearing in December, is expected to be Milwaukee's closer after Francisco Cordero took the money and ran to Central Division rival Cincinnati.
General manager Doug Melvin and skipper Ned Yost need to see the Gagne who recorded a 2.16 earned-run average and 16 saves in 17 opportunities while at Texas rather than the guy who was raked for a 6.75 ERA in 20 appearances after a trade to Boston last year. Still, Gagne finished 4-2 and struck out 51 batters in 52 innings, not as dominating as his days in Dodger blue but numbers that Milwaukee can live with.
However, should Plan A crumble, the Brewers have several other options thanks to Melvin's astute off-season maneuvering. He signed free agent David Riske away from Kansas City and traded prospects to Pittsburgh for Salomon Torres. They and incumbent set-up man Derrick Turnbow all have closed before.
Riske inked a three-year deal after posting a 1-4 record and 2.45 ERA. He only saved four games in 65 appearances, so he appears to be more of a seventh-inning guy than closer, although he struck out 52 in 69.2 innings.
Torres struggled last year, finishing with a 2-4 mark and 5.47 ERA. Two stints on the disabled list limited him to 56 games after he had appeared in 84, 78 and 94 contests the three previous seasons. Torres still recorded 12 saves and struck out 45 in 52.2 innings.
Turnbow turned in an above-average 2007, tying for third with 33 holds in setting the table for Cordero, but several horrendous outings riled up fans and dented his confidence. The main culprit was his control, or lack thereof: He walked 46 in 68 innings, a major reason for an inflated 4.63 ERA. Lefties hit only .172 and righties just .189 against him, but the damage occurred when turnbow put too many runners on base.
Another big question, like with Milwaukee's starting rotation, is can it find enough quality left-handers to go with the predominantly right-handed arsenal.
Brian Shouse is back as the leading specialist, having finished 1-1 with a 3.02 ERA with 32 Ks in 47.2 innings. Lefties hit .214 against Shouse, who posted a 1.16 ERA at Miller Park.
Other candidates include righties Guillermo Mota, obtained from the Mets for Johnny Estrada, and Seth McClung and young lefty Mitch Stetter.
Long relief will no doubt depend on which candidates lose the battles for the Nos. 4 and 5 starting roles. And the injury factor always looms, as it has already with Yovanni Gallardo's knee surgery that probably means he'll start the season on the DL and open up a spot for someone who wouldn't have made the roster otherwise.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Hart, rookie sensation Braun lead outfield
Like Bill Hall last spring, second-year hitting standout Ryan Braun is moving from the infield to the outfield in hopes of making Milwaukee a better defensive team while getting the best starting eight players on the diamond.
Hall understandably struggled early in switching to center after spending his career in the infield. He replaces Braun at third base this season because the latter committed an astounding 26 errors after being called up from Triple A in late May.
Braun no doubt will take his lumps, where he'll be manning left field after the platooning partners of long-time Brewer Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench were released. Braun is looking to avoid the sophomore jinx after winning National League rookie of the year honors. He batted .324, scored 91 runs, hit 34 homers, knocked in 97 and set a major league rookie record with a .634 slugging percentage, shattering Mark McGuire's standard. However, he struck out 112 times and walked only 29 times, an area that should improve now that he knows many of the opposing pitchers.
Corey Hart is the incumbent in right, although he has admirably filled in in center occasionally. Hart, whether down in the order or replacing the injured Rickie Weeks in the lead-off spot, turned in a wonderful campaign. He batted .295 and had a .353 on-base percentage while belting 24 homers, knocking in 81 runs and stealing 23 bases, second to Weeks' 25. Hart also led the team with nine triples.
As for center, that spot will be veteran Mike Cameron's, once he returns from a 25-game suspension to start the season, that is. The three-time Gold Glove winner brings speed and experience to the young unit, although his 160 strikeouts and .242 average at San Diego last season weren't what the Brewers brass was seeking during off-season shopping.
That means holdover reserves Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn Jr. and newcomer Gabe Kapler will vie for important playing time in April and beyond.
Gross offers more power after hitting seven round-trippers and knocking in 24. He hit .350 in August after being shipped to Nashville to get regular playing time. He finished at .235 but registered a .329 OBP.
Gwynn is an excellent fielder and stole eight bases, but his fast start fell off to a .260 average in 123 plate appearances.
Kapler came out of retirement and can play all three spots. He has a career .270 average and played on Boston's 2004 World Series champions.
Hall understandably struggled early in switching to center after spending his career in the infield. He replaces Braun at third base this season because the latter committed an astounding 26 errors after being called up from Triple A in late May.
Braun no doubt will take his lumps, where he'll be manning left field after the platooning partners of long-time Brewer Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench were released. Braun is looking to avoid the sophomore jinx after winning National League rookie of the year honors. He batted .324, scored 91 runs, hit 34 homers, knocked in 97 and set a major league rookie record with a .634 slugging percentage, shattering Mark McGuire's standard. However, he struck out 112 times and walked only 29 times, an area that should improve now that he knows many of the opposing pitchers.
Corey Hart is the incumbent in right, although he has admirably filled in in center occasionally. Hart, whether down in the order or replacing the injured Rickie Weeks in the lead-off spot, turned in a wonderful campaign. He batted .295 and had a .353 on-base percentage while belting 24 homers, knocking in 81 runs and stealing 23 bases, second to Weeks' 25. Hart also led the team with nine triples.
As for center, that spot will be veteran Mike Cameron's, once he returns from a 25-game suspension to start the season, that is. The three-time Gold Glove winner brings speed and experience to the young unit, although his 160 strikeouts and .242 average at San Diego last season weren't what the Brewers brass was seeking during off-season shopping.
That means holdover reserves Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn Jr. and newcomer Gabe Kapler will vie for important playing time in April and beyond.
Gross offers more power after hitting seven round-trippers and knocking in 24. He hit .350 in August after being shipped to Nashville to get regular playing time. He finished at .235 but registered a .329 OBP.
Gwynn is an excellent fielder and stole eight bases, but his fast start fell off to a .260 average in 123 plate appearances.
Kapler came out of retirement and can play all three spots. He has a career .270 average and played on Boston's 2004 World Series champions.
Consistency key in Milwaukee infield
Shortstop J.J. Hardy and second baseman Rickie Weeks are aiming to put two good halves together, Bill Hall hopes to finally find a home at third base and first sacker Prince Fielder simply wants to pick up where he left off.
Milwaukee's infield exudes talent, so it's a matter of settling in and consistently performing. A big part of that will be how Hall responds to returning to the infield after a year of playing center.
Hall posted a career season after filling in for an injured Hardy in 2006, ripping 35 homers and knocking in 85 runs. However, learning a new position and spending time on the disabled list saw those numbers spiral to 14 and 63, respectively.
Although he previously played mainly at shortstop and second base, Hall has experience at and should adapt to a full-time job at the hot corner. Offensively is where he needs to make progress. He hit .254 but struck out 128 times last season, his fourth in a row with more than 100 whiffs. His playing time down the stretch dwindled because of it as he has averaged a strikeout every 3.7 at-bats in the big leagues.
Hardy and Weeks want to string together six good months as the double-play combination, something that should improve defensively as long as the latter continues the progress he made last year.
Hardy made the National League All-Star squad because of 18 homers and 54 RBIs, but then he slumped with a .231 average, three homers and 14 RBIs during July and August before a strong September to finish at .277, 26 and 80.
Weeks got off to a horrendous start, partly because he still was recovering from a right wrist injury. He spent time on the DL and later was sent to Nashville when he couldn't find his stroke. Weeks then tore up opposing pitchers, recording a .442 on-base percentage the final two months and belting nine HRs in September. He finished at .235 with 16 dingers and a .374 OBP, but he struck out 116 times, something that needs improving as the team's lead-off hitter.
Fielder, at 23, became the youngest player in major league history to reach the 50-homer plateau, adding 119 RBIs, an All-Star appearance and a .395 OBP. He also must become better with the glove, but he's adaquate enough that his offensive prowess far outweighs any shortcomings. He also batted .288 after flirting with .300 for a good portion of the year.
Craig Counsell is the top reserve, hitting only .220 but posting a .323 OBP. Counsell can fill in anywhere and committed two errors in 122 games.
Joe Dillon carried a big stick, batting .342 with 26 hits in 76 trips and registering a .390 OBP. He can fill in everywhere except shortstop if needed and saw action in the outfield.
Abraham Nunez was brought in on a minor-league deal and could be in the mix depending on injuries and whether the team keeps an extra outfielder. The switch-hitter has a .242 career average in 11 seasons with Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Milwaukee's infield exudes talent, so it's a matter of settling in and consistently performing. A big part of that will be how Hall responds to returning to the infield after a year of playing center.
Hall posted a career season after filling in for an injured Hardy in 2006, ripping 35 homers and knocking in 85 runs. However, learning a new position and spending time on the disabled list saw those numbers spiral to 14 and 63, respectively.
Although he previously played mainly at shortstop and second base, Hall has experience at and should adapt to a full-time job at the hot corner. Offensively is where he needs to make progress. He hit .254 but struck out 128 times last season, his fourth in a row with more than 100 whiffs. His playing time down the stretch dwindled because of it as he has averaged a strikeout every 3.7 at-bats in the big leagues.
Hardy and Weeks want to string together six good months as the double-play combination, something that should improve defensively as long as the latter continues the progress he made last year.
Hardy made the National League All-Star squad because of 18 homers and 54 RBIs, but then he slumped with a .231 average, three homers and 14 RBIs during July and August before a strong September to finish at .277, 26 and 80.
Weeks got off to a horrendous start, partly because he still was recovering from a right wrist injury. He spent time on the DL and later was sent to Nashville when he couldn't find his stroke. Weeks then tore up opposing pitchers, recording a .442 on-base percentage the final two months and belting nine HRs in September. He finished at .235 with 16 dingers and a .374 OBP, but he struck out 116 times, something that needs improving as the team's lead-off hitter.
Fielder, at 23, became the youngest player in major league history to reach the 50-homer plateau, adding 119 RBIs, an All-Star appearance and a .395 OBP. He also must become better with the glove, but he's adaquate enough that his offensive prowess far outweighs any shortcomings. He also batted .288 after flirting with .300 for a good portion of the year.
Craig Counsell is the top reserve, hitting only .220 but posting a .323 OBP. Counsell can fill in anywhere and committed two errors in 122 games.
Joe Dillon carried a big stick, batting .342 with 26 hits in 76 trips and registering a .390 OBP. He can fill in everywhere except shortstop if needed and saw action in the outfield.
Abraham Nunez was brought in on a minor-league deal and could be in the mix depending on injuries and whether the team keeps an extra outfielder. The switch-hitter has a .242 career average in 11 seasons with Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Kendall steady behind plate, with bat
Milwaukee is banking that free agent pickup Jason Kendall returns to form, signing him to a $4.25 million contract with a vesting option for 2009 that kicks in if he starts 115 games. If he does, the Brewers will have made a nice deposit to say the least.
The 33-year-old played most of his career with Pittsburgh, was traded to Oakland and then split last season between the A's and National League Central Division rival Chicago.
His numbers dipped considerably: He batted .242 with three homers and 41 RBIs. He's never been a long-ball threat, but he sports a career batting average of .297 and an on-base percentage of .375.
Kendall has hit .300 or more six times, something the Brewers haven't seen in a backstop since Ted Simmons' days with Harvey's Wallbangers. His offensive modus operandi is making contact, which the power-oriented, free-swinging Brewers can use. Kendall has struck out 538 times and walked 588 times in 12 seasons.
Contrast that to last year's starter, Johnny Estrada, who hit a respectable .278, two points lower than his career standard. Estrada's OBP was a lousy .296 and his career mark is .320. His backup, Damian Miller, batted .237 in limited duty and his career numbers are .262 BA and .329 OBP.
I would love to see Wisconsin product Miller in a supporting role again, but general manager Doug Melvin has opted to go with younger guys instead.
Eric Munson was signed after Houston waived him in mid-October. He registered 18 and 19 homers with Detroit in 2003-04, respectively. However, he's never hit above .240 and has a career .214 average, plus he strikes out every 4.5 at-bats. His biggest advantage is that he's a left-handed batter, something the team lacks overall.
Mike Rivera and Vinny Rottino are the other options.
Rivera is a career .239 hitter who has some pop in his bat, but he strikes out every 4.9 at-bats.
Rottino should get the nod, even though his sample is much smaller. He's only batted 27 times in late-season visits the past two years, hitting .217. However, he's only struck out three times and was an excellent hitter while climbing the minor league ladder. Rottino's also the most versatile performer on the team's 40-man roster, having played almost every position along the way.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Picking up Yost's 2009 option right move
It finally became public knowledge Friday that Milwaukee had picked up manager Ned Yost's option for 2009, basically giving him a two-year deal.
Yost has compiled a 374-435 mark in five years (.462) since taking the reins of a team in shambles. That includes the team's first non-losing campaign since 1992 when the team went 81-81 in 2005 and last year's 83-79 second-place effort in which they led the Central Division for most of the season.
However, some fans still don't want the former Brewers catcher leading the team. They complain, in particular, about what they see as poor handling of pitchers and pitching changes.
Two things I do know: Yost was a big-league catcher for six years and coached with one of the best mound staffs ever for 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. I think he knows a little more about pitching than his detractors combined.
It's still up to the guys he brings in to get the job done. Sure, he's made mistakes and will continue to do so, but a major part of the problem last season was the substandard starting pitching that led to more innings for a bullpen that in turn became overworked, thus magnifying the problem and oftentimes leaving Yost with few, if any, options.
Others have said that he's the fourth-best manager in the division behind Chicago's Lou Piniella, St. Louis' Tony La Russa and Cincinnati's Dusty Baker. That may be true, especially when it comes to experience. Piniella's got 20 years under his belt, La Russa has 28-plus and Baker enters his 15th.
The fact is that only Piniella's team won more games last year_two. The Cardinals finished third while the Reds team that Baker takes over was 72-90. The Cubs and Piniella should have won the division last year, and by a much bigger margin considering they had the cash to bring in free agents Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Mark De Rosa, keep Aramis Ramirez and placate the volatile Carlos Zambrano.
Piniella, La Russa and Baker may have longer managing resumes, but they've also been fired at least once. Piniella is in charge of his fifth squad, while La Russa and Baker are with their third organizations. I mean, nothing against Dusty, but he was an ESPN analyst last year while Yost was involved in a pennant race.
Not all of Yost's moves were bad. He created quality chemistry in the clubhouse, apparently except for Johnny Estrada. The Brewers skipper also put Bill Hall in center, a move that allowed eventual rookie of the year Ryan Braun to take over at third base. He made Corey Hart the regular right fielder and batted him lead-off in Rickie Weeks' absence. His platooning of left-handed hitting Geoff Jenkins and right-handed Kevin Mench paid dividends for much of the season, especially early.
A lot of guys were playing major roles for the first time and/or seeing their initial big-league
action such as Hart, Yovanni Gallardo, Carlos Villanueva, Manny Parra and Joe Dillon.
Yost will have enough pressure on him, from within and outside the dugout, without worrying about whether every move he makes could be his last. He understands that he and his team have to perform and meet lofty expectations, or he'll be out of a job before 2009 rolls around anyway.
Yost has compiled a 374-435 mark in five years (.462) since taking the reins of a team in shambles. That includes the team's first non-losing campaign since 1992 when the team went 81-81 in 2005 and last year's 83-79 second-place effort in which they led the Central Division for most of the season.
However, some fans still don't want the former Brewers catcher leading the team. They complain, in particular, about what they see as poor handling of pitchers and pitching changes.
Two things I do know: Yost was a big-league catcher for six years and coached with one of the best mound staffs ever for 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. I think he knows a little more about pitching than his detractors combined.
It's still up to the guys he brings in to get the job done. Sure, he's made mistakes and will continue to do so, but a major part of the problem last season was the substandard starting pitching that led to more innings for a bullpen that in turn became overworked, thus magnifying the problem and oftentimes leaving Yost with few, if any, options.
Others have said that he's the fourth-best manager in the division behind Chicago's Lou Piniella, St. Louis' Tony La Russa and Cincinnati's Dusty Baker. That may be true, especially when it comes to experience. Piniella's got 20 years under his belt, La Russa has 28-plus and Baker enters his 15th.
The fact is that only Piniella's team won more games last year_two. The Cardinals finished third while the Reds team that Baker takes over was 72-90. The Cubs and Piniella should have won the division last year, and by a much bigger margin considering they had the cash to bring in free agents Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Mark De Rosa, keep Aramis Ramirez and placate the volatile Carlos Zambrano.
Piniella, La Russa and Baker may have longer managing resumes, but they've also been fired at least once. Piniella is in charge of his fifth squad, while La Russa and Baker are with their third organizations. I mean, nothing against Dusty, but he was an ESPN analyst last year while Yost was involved in a pennant race.
Not all of Yost's moves were bad. He created quality chemistry in the clubhouse, apparently except for Johnny Estrada. The Brewers skipper also put Bill Hall in center, a move that allowed eventual rookie of the year Ryan Braun to take over at third base. He made Corey Hart the regular right fielder and batted him lead-off in Rickie Weeks' absence. His platooning of left-handed hitting Geoff Jenkins and right-handed Kevin Mench paid dividends for much of the season, especially early.
A lot of guys were playing major roles for the first time and/or seeing their initial big-league
action such as Hart, Yovanni Gallardo, Carlos Villanueva, Manny Parra and Joe Dillon.
Yost will have enough pressure on him, from within and outside the dugout, without worrying about whether every move he makes could be his last. He understands that he and his team have to perform and meet lofty expectations, or he'll be out of a job before 2009 rolls around anyway.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Bush signs, Hardy faces arbitration Feb. 18
General manager Doug Melvin has never been involved in an arbitration hearing during his tenure in Milwaukee, and he's only one player away from continuing that streak.
The Brewers signed pitcher Dave Bush to a one-year, $2.55 million deal Tuesday night, leaving only starting shortstop J.J. Hardy left.
Bush settled for under the midpoint after asking for $3 million while the team was offering $2.25 million.
The right-hander will compete against Carlos Villanueva, Chris Capuano, Claudio Vargas and Manny Parra for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. Bush has to be happy with his deal after making $450,000 last year while finishing 12-10 with a hefty 5.12 earned-run average.
Meanwhile, the feeling is that Hardy could end Melvin's string. Hardy filed a request for $3.05 million while Milwaukee submitted $2.4 million. That difference is smaller than Bush's was, so why can't they come to an agreement. Although Hardy has had injury issues, he stayed heathy last year. The slick-fielding everyday player deserves his asking price after hitting .277 with 26 homers and 80 RBIs.
If a potential No. 5 pitcher is worth $2.55 million, an everyday performer and steadying influence in one of the youngest and best infields in the big leagues should warrant $3.05 million. Here's hoping that they work it out and add him to the list of core players they ink to a long-term contract in the near future.
The Brewers signed pitcher Dave Bush to a one-year, $2.55 million deal Tuesday night, leaving only starting shortstop J.J. Hardy left.
Bush settled for under the midpoint after asking for $3 million while the team was offering $2.25 million.
The right-hander will compete against Carlos Villanueva, Chris Capuano, Claudio Vargas and Manny Parra for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. Bush has to be happy with his deal after making $450,000 last year while finishing 12-10 with a hefty 5.12 earned-run average.
Meanwhile, the feeling is that Hardy could end Melvin's string. Hardy filed a request for $3.05 million while Milwaukee submitted $2.4 million. That difference is smaller than Bush's was, so why can't they come to an agreement. Although Hardy has had injury issues, he stayed heathy last year. The slick-fielding everyday player deserves his asking price after hitting .277 with 26 homers and 80 RBIs.
If a potential No. 5 pitcher is worth $2.55 million, an everyday performer and steadying influence in one of the youngest and best infields in the big leagues should warrant $3.05 million. Here's hoping that they work it out and add him to the list of core players they ink to a long-term contract in the near future.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Santana: Mets win now; Twins look to future
It's another example of how wide the gap is between the haves and have-nots of baseball.
Johan Santana passed his physical Saturday, finalizing a deal that sent arguably the best pitcher in the big leagues from Minnesota to the New York Mets.
The left-hander agreed to a six-year, $137.5 million contract, a record deal for a pitcher, that includes an option for a seventh year and total of $157 million.
The small-market Twins pried four prospects away from Mets general manager Omar Minaya: outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-handed pitchers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.
Santana, who'll turn 29 before the season opens, joins a beleagured team that lost a seven-game lead over Philadelphia with 17 games remaining last season and already turns New York into almost everybody's NL East champions and favorite to represent the Senior Circuit in the World Series.
He automatically became the ace of an aging staff that lost Tom Glavine back to Atlanta but still includes veterans Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez and young John Maine, who finished 15-10 in 2007.
Santana is 93-44 during his career but was only 15-13 last season while giving up 33 gopher balls. Long-term deals are always a crap shoot with pitchers, but Santana should save plenty of wear and tear on his arm pitching in Shea Stadium compared to the Metrodome and from facing pitchers instead of designated hitters.
Minnesota's hands were pretty much tied, knowing that their two-time Cy Young Award winner would likely depart via free agency after the 2008 season and they might get much less for him had they waited until the trading deadline. After all, Santana had turned down a measly four-year, $80 million extension to stay in the Twin Cities.
Meanwhile, the Twins are hoping that the speedy Gomez eventually fills Torii Hunter's spot in center field. He hit .232 in 125 at-bats with the Mets last year, his only big-league experience.
Of the three pitching farmhands, Guerra hasn't performed higher than Class A yet, while Humber and Mulvey also are long shots to contribute this season, something that has left Twins fans wondering why their team turned down overtures from Boston and the Yankees in December, deals that could have landed them Major League ready players.
Nobody knows for sure, although this deal prevents Santana from hurting the Twins as he shifts to the NL. So, they finally reached an agreement with the Mets, who'll play their last season at Shea.
Johan Santana passed his physical Saturday, finalizing a deal that sent arguably the best pitcher in the big leagues from Minnesota to the New York Mets.
The left-hander agreed to a six-year, $137.5 million contract, a record deal for a pitcher, that includes an option for a seventh year and total of $157 million.
The small-market Twins pried four prospects away from Mets general manager Omar Minaya: outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-handed pitchers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.
Santana, who'll turn 29 before the season opens, joins a beleagured team that lost a seven-game lead over Philadelphia with 17 games remaining last season and already turns New York into almost everybody's NL East champions and favorite to represent the Senior Circuit in the World Series.
He automatically became the ace of an aging staff that lost Tom Glavine back to Atlanta but still includes veterans Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez and young John Maine, who finished 15-10 in 2007.
Santana is 93-44 during his career but was only 15-13 last season while giving up 33 gopher balls. Long-term deals are always a crap shoot with pitchers, but Santana should save plenty of wear and tear on his arm pitching in Shea Stadium compared to the Metrodome and from facing pitchers instead of designated hitters.
Minnesota's hands were pretty much tied, knowing that their two-time Cy Young Award winner would likely depart via free agency after the 2008 season and they might get much less for him had they waited until the trading deadline. After all, Santana had turned down a measly four-year, $80 million extension to stay in the Twin Cities.
Meanwhile, the Twins are hoping that the speedy Gomez eventually fills Torii Hunter's spot in center field. He hit .232 in 125 at-bats with the Mets last year, his only big-league experience.
Of the three pitching farmhands, Guerra hasn't performed higher than Class A yet, while Humber and Mulvey also are long shots to contribute this season, something that has left Twins fans wondering why their team turned down overtures from Boston and the Yankees in December, deals that could have landed them Major League ready players.
Nobody knows for sure, although this deal prevents Santana from hurting the Twins as he shifts to the NL. So, they finally reached an agreement with the Mets, who'll play their last season at Shea.
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