Thank you for a great year!
December 31, 2009As we count down the final minutes of 2009, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for making 2009 an incredibly successful year for BCB.
Earlier today (sometime around 11 am), the 2,000,000th visitor stopped by this site. If you've been around for a while, you'll know that we reached one million last December, so we've roughly doubled the site's traffic total since turning the calendar over to 2009:
| Year | Visits |
| 2006 | 123,014 |
| 2007 | 359,194 |
| 2008 | 506.205 |
| 2009 | 977,338 |
Just like I did when we reached one million, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who's helped us reach this point. We've added several new contributors this year, and they've done a great job, as have the contributors who preceded them. In addition, I've been thrilled with the work of our new weekend editors. Having them on board producing consistent weekend content has been a huge step towards my goal: making this the best place on the web to talk Brewers regardless of the day of week, season or offseason, or time of day.
This week has been a perfect example of what I'm trying to accomplish here. Saying it's been a slow news week would be a massive understatement. There's nothing going on this week. Even Adam McCalvy and Tom Haudricourt went on vacation, leaving us to our own devices to find things to discuss and keep the hot stove warm. Not only has there been a Mug every day this week, there have still been dozens of comments on each of them.
Of course, most of the credit for that belongs to you, the reader. Thank you for taking the time to make BCB a part of your day, whether you're here every day, some days, or you're here for the first time (people got here today by searching "Wonder bread," "cubs blow ups" and "facepalm quotes"). I hope you've been entertained at times, informed at others, or simply enjoyed being a part of our community.
With a new milestone comes a new goal: I want to reach three million by the end of October. I think that's an attainable mark, and I'm hoping you'll help us reach it.
At any rate, thanks for being a part, however large or small, of what we've been able to accomplish here. Also, if you're reading this after midnight, happy new year. Friday's Mug will be up in a few hours, but it will most likely be a little late, depending on when I get to bed tonight.
Making Your ‘00 Face: Bullpen spot #5
December 31, 2009It's time to select another player for the BCB All Decade Team. Here are the players we've selected so far:
First Base: Prince Fielder
Second Base: Rickie Weeks
Shortstop: J.J. Hardy
Third Base: Bill Hall
Corner Outfield: Ryan Braun
Center Field: Mike Cameron
Corner Outfield: Geoff Jenkins
Catcher: Damian Miller
Bench IF: Craig Counsell
Bench C: Mike Rivera
Bench COF: Carlos Lee
Bench OF: Scott Podsednik
Bench 1B: Richie Sexson
#1 SP: Ben Sheets
#2 SP: CC Sabathia
#3 SP: Yovani Gallardo
#4 SP: Doug Davis
Closer: Francisco Cordero
LOOGY: Brian Shouse
Setup man: Dan Kolb
7th inning: Todd Coffey
Voting for our final starter opened yesterday and will close at 4 pm tomorrow. Today we'll select the fifth member of our bullpen. Follow the jump for the nominees' stats, then vote in the poll below.
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2002-2004
Traditional numbers: 224 G, 13-10, 6 saves, 4.22 ERA, 215.1 IP, 79 BB, 203 K
Advanced numbers: 4.47 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.3
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2005-2008
Traditional numbers: 218 G, 15-16, 4.84 ERA, 65 saves, 198 IP, 222 K, 122 BB
Advanced numbers: 3.99 FIP, 1.429 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 5.5 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.1
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2000-2002, 2007
Traditional numbers: 206 G, 6-8, 1 save, 3.03 ERA, 154.2 IP, 125 K, 62 BB
Advanced numbers: 3.79 FIP, 1.27 WHIP, 7.27 K/9, 3.61 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2001-2003
Traditional numbers: 201 G, 9-14, 3.50 ERA, 47 saves, 224 IP, 191 K, 105 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.24 FIP, 1.41 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 4.2 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2006-2009
Traditional numbers: 180 G, 18-24, 5 saves, 4.30 ERA, 372.1 IP, 129 BB, 314 K
Advanced numbers: 4.47 FIP, 1.31 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 3.1 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.5
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2004-2007
Traditional numbers: 175 G, 13-14, 2 saves, 3.93 ERA, 215 IP, 71 BB, 162 K
Advanced numbers: 3.89 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 3.0 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2001, 2003
Traditional numbers: 169 G, 15-9, 29 saves, 3.01 ERA, 173.1 IP, 100 BB, 167 K
Advanced numbers: 4.43 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 5.2 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 3.9
Valerio de los Santos
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2000-2003*
Traditional numbers: 163 G, 7-9, 1 save, 4.24 ERA, 180.1 IP, 144 K, 82 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.91 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, 7.19 K/9, 4.10 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.1
* - de los Santos was also a Brewer in 1998 and 1999.
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2001, 2009*
Traditional numbers: 146 G, 7-12, 5 saves, 2.96 ERA, 158 IP, 68 BB, 106 K
Advanced numbers: 4.22 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 3.9 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 3.1
* - Weathers was also a Brewer in 1998 and 1999.
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2007-2009
Traditional numbers: 92 G, 9-10, 4.32 ERA, 179.1 IP, 99 BB, 138 K
Advanced numbers: 4.84 FIP, 1.48 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 5.0 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.8
Cubs sign Byrd
December 31, 2009Cubs sign Byrd
3 years, $15 million. Byrd will most likely patrol center with Fukudome moving back to right.
The Thursday Thinker: The End-of-Decade Extravaganza
December 31, 2009
Well folks, here we are, on the final day of the '00s. And to celebrate the occasion, I've prepared an epic quiz. Since Opening Day 2001, 186 players have had at least one official AB as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. How many can you name in 20 minutes?
Again, here are the rules: Post your score in the comments, but do not comment on any specific answer until after 6 pm Central time, so everyone gets a chance to try it out without having it spoiled for them. And, of course, there's no reason to cheat here, because there's no prizes.
Clearly, with 186 answers (and over 100 of them recording less than 100 ABs), this would be a nearly impossible quiz to get a perfect score on without cheating. If you somehow manage to get them all, though, post your time along with your score in the comments.
A quick hint that might help you along the way: The quiz accepts last-name-only submissions, but gets a bit confused when dealing with players with multiple-word last names. So, for example, if noted one act play character Gritty von Canthitalick was a correct answer, "Canthitalick" would be accepted as an answer, but "von Canthitalick" would not.
Have fun, and don't forget to post your score in the comments!
Thursday’s Frosty Mug
December 31, 2009
Some things to read while chickens break theories of evolution.
The final day of the year/decade means lots of year in review type posts. Here's a quick sampling:
- Tom H. has his top ten highlights of 2009. He's planning on posting his top ten
rain delaysdisappointments today. - In-Between Hops notes that, when ranked by winning percentage, the 2000's were the worst decade in Brewer history. Once a playoff appearance is factored in, it might only be the second worst.
- Here's a small victory: The Brewers only appeared one time in The Daily Drink's list of 2009's most painful moments.
Ryan Braun picked up an award this week, joining Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman as the Most Valuable Jewish Players of the Year (h/t Jeff Fletcher).
Anyone remember Emmert Dose, author of the worst Brewer column ever written? He's back with a list of predictions for 2010. It's not as bad as his previous work...although it's hard to imagine anything being that bad.
In significantly better work, Roguejim wondered aloud about Carlos Gomez, his position as a somewhat-guaranteed starter on a potentially contending team, and whether or not the Brewers would benefit by sending him to Nashville to open the 2010 season.
Meanwhile, there are only a few spots left on the BCB All Decade Team. Todd Coffey is currently leading the race for the latest bullpen spot, and Chris Capuano has opened up a commanding lead for the final spot in the rotation. Those votes close at 4 pm today and tomorrow, respectively.
Around baseball:
A's: Designated reliever Jay Marshall for assignment.
Blue Jays: Never actually signed their reported deal with catcher Ramon Castro, who remains a free agent.
Giants: Have reportedly agreed to a one year deal with Juan Uribe.
Rockies: Are reportedly close to a deal with Miguel Olivo.
Do you do New Year resolutions? If you do and haven't chosen one yet, Jim Caple has an above-replacement-level list of suggestions.
If your resolution is to learn more about sabermetrics, here's a nice headstart:
- Tom Tango recently received ten questions from noted saber-skeptic Mike Silva, and is addressing them one by one in a series that could be considered must-read for folks looking for a deeper understanding of advanced metrics. Here's the first post, where he explains the series, and a post with links to all ten answers.
- Big League Stew also took on WAR in their "Everything you always wanted to know" series.
And, if you're looking for food for thought on a slow news day, this Baseball Digest Daily post on Ian Snell and perceived velocity is a good read.
I don't have any Brewer birthdays today, sorry. At some point, FtJ will probably stop by the comments to inform us of one I missed, so check back for that.
That's all I have for you today, unless you're looking for Keith Law's review of Stone Age. Side note: Anyone out there live in/near the Fox Cities and like board games? If so, drop me an email or mention something in the comments.
Drink up.
Winter League Update for 12/31/2009
December 31, 2009In the Dominican Republic:
- Erick Almonte went 3-for-5 in Cibao's 6-5 win over Este.
- Carlos Gomez went 1-for-2 with a walk, stole two bases and drove in a run in Escogido's 3-0 win over Licey.
Through five games, the standings are tight in the round-robin phase of the DWL playoffs. Cibao and Escogido are tied for first at 3-2, with Licey and Este a game back at 2-3.
In Mexico: Luis Cruz went 1-for-3 with a triple and a run scored for Culiacan. Cruz finished the regular season batting .314/.363/.456 in 220 PAs.
I'm not sure how the playoff system works in the LMP, but Cruz's Culiacan team finished second in the second half with a 19-12 record.
Making Your ‘00 Face: Final rotation spot
December 30, 2009Four spots remain on the BCB All Decade Team. Here are the players we've selected so far:
First Base: Prince Fielder
Second Base: Rickie Weeks
Shortstop: J.J. Hardy
Third Base: Bill Hall
Corner Outfield: Ryan Braun
Center Field: Mike Cameron
Corner Outfield: Geoff Jenkins
Catcher: Damian Miller
Bench IF: Craig Counsell
Bench C: Mike Rivera
Bench COF: Carlos Lee
Bench OF: Scott Podsednik
Bench 1B: Richie Sexson
#1 SP: Ben Sheets
#2 SP: CC Sabathia
#3 SP: Yovani Gallardo
#4 SP: Doug Davis
Closer: Francisco Cordero
LOOGY: Brian Shouse
Setup man: Dan Kolb
Voting for our 7th inning man opened yesterday and will close at 4 pm tomorrow. Today we'll select the final member of our starting rotation. Follow the jump for the nominees' stats, then vote in the poll below.
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2006-2009
Traditional numbers: 153 GS, 38-40, 4.86 ERA, 695.2 IP, 498 K, 167 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.38 FIP, 1.26 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 2.2 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 3.2
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2004-2007
Traditional numbers: 116 GS, 40-44, 4.39 ERA, 678.2 IP, 562 K, 229 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.62 FIP, 1.37 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 3.0 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 7.4
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2007-2009
Traditional numbers: 95 GS, 29-34, 4.93 ERA, 546 IP, 284 K, 209 BB
Advanced numbers: 5.05 FIP, 1.573 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 3.4 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2002
Traditional numbers: 77 GS, 23-34, 4.73 ERA, 473.2 IP, 294 K, 249 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.99 FIP, 1.52 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 4.7 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2
Seasons as a Brewer: 2, 2000-2001
Traditional numbers: 62 GS, 20-30, 5.10 ERA, 372 IP, 200 K, 178 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.99 FIP, 1.58 WHIP, 4.8 K/9, 4.3 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.5
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2007-2009
Traditional numbers: 58 GS, 21-20, 5.17 ERA, 332.1 IP, 289 K, 164 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.40 FIP, 1.65 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 4.4 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: -2.1
Seasons as a Brewer: 2, 2002-2003
Traditional numbers: 53 GS, 11-28, 5.34 ERA, 334 IP, 233 K, 121 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.49 FIP, 1.554 WHIP, 6.3 K/9, 3.3 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: -0.8
Seasons as a Brewer: 2, 2004-2005
Traditional numbers: 52 GS, 15-25, 4.78 ERA, 295.2 IP, 204 K, 117 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.68 FIP, 1.49 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 3.6 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.3
Wednesday’s Frosty Mug
December 30, 2009
Some things to read while fending off the penguin army.
Dave Bush is 30 and posted a 6.38 ERA last season, the second time in three years his ERA has been over 5. Is he done? Dave Pinto of Baseball Musings posted a note on Bush as part of his Players A to Z series, and called his down year "an extreme outlier in a decline phase of his career." He set career highs in both BB/9 and HR/9 last season.
Thankfully, his new pitching coach appears ready to emphasize the importance of throwing strikes. Rick Peterson offered some analysis on Twitter yesterday regarding the value of 0-2 and 1-2 counts, and including three exclamation points for extra emphasis. Meanwhile, Yovani Gallardo could really use some work in that area: just 59.2% of his pitches in 2009 were thrown for strikes, the second lowest among 78 qualified pitchers.
When we discuss the Gregg Zaun signing, it's freqently noted that he can't be much worse offensively than his predecessor. However, Zaun has done one thing Jason Kendall has never done: Go 0-for-7 twice. He's one of just 42 players in major league history with multiple games recording seven plate appearances without reaching base. Kendall missed the list for obvious reasons: Given seven opportunities, he'd get hit by a pitch at least once.
MLB Trade Rumors has a roundup of offseason moves in the NL Central, if you're falling behind. The quality of the Brewer acquisitions has yet to be determined, but they're certainly building up some volume, having acquired, signed or re-signed 18 players since the end of the season.
After a few months of waiting, the market may finally be heating up for Felipe Lopez. With Mark DeRosa and Kelly Johnson off the market, the Cardinals are reportedly expressing interest, but may want Lopez to play third, not second. Orlando Hudson is also still unsigned.
Somehow, Lopez missed the cut for Miller Park Drunk's list of ten Brewers to get drunk with.
In the minors, Jim Breen of Bernie's Crew has an interesting post comparing the top two center field prospects in the Brewer organization, fast-rising Logan Schafer and Lorenzo Cain, who saw his development stalled a bit by injuries in 2009. Both could feasibly start the 2010 season in Huntsville.
Voting is coming down to the wire in the race for the fourth spot in the rotation on our BCB All Decade Team. As of this writing, Doug Davis leads Chris Capuano by ten votes. You have until 4 pm to cast a vote, if you haven't yet. Meanwhile, Todd Coffey is building a commanding lead in the race for the latest bullpen spot.
Around baseball:
Diamondbacks: Signed Kelly Johnson to a one year deal worth $2 million.
Mets: Signed Jason Bay to a four year, $66 million albatross contract with a vesting option for a fifth year, and signed Bengie Molina to a two year deal.
I'll be the first to admit, I'm guilty of this: I take a camera to places (including Brewer games) but rarely take good pictures. In fact, sometimes I never take the camera out of the case. If you'd like some pointers on being a better baseball photographer, freelance photographer Brad Mangin has some pointers for you. (h/t 6-4-2)
Screw winning in October: If you want America to see you succeed on the grandest stage, win the Home Run Derby. Fielder's victory was the most-watched MLB program on cable for the 2009 season.
Speaking of MLB programming, I'll second what Adam Foster of Project Prospect said: I'd watch a show introducing somewhat advanced statistical and scouting metrics like Pitch F/x and BABIP to the masses.
The offseason has big news days and slow ones, but talking Brewers always beats spending the day developing bad husband power rankings.
Happy birthday today to Grant Balfour. The Australian native appeared in three games for the 2007 Brewers before being traded for Seth McClung. He turns 32 today.
That's all I have today, unless of course you want to help name Hyatt's baby (FanShot).
Drink up.
Winter League Update for 12/30/2009
December 30, 2009in Venezuela: Hernan Iribarren, leading off and playing center field for Caracas for the second straight day, went 1-for-4.
In the Dominican Republic:
- Carlos Gomez went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Escogido's 9-3 loss to Este.
- Erick Almonte went 1-for-5 and scored a run in Cibao's 6-5 win over Licey.
In Mexico: Luis Cruz went 0-for-4 for Culiacan.
In Puerto Rico:
- Martin Maldonado went 0-for-2 for Mayaguez.
- Efrain Nieves pitched 1.2 innings in relief for Arecibo, allowing a run on two hits and three walks, with one strikeout.
Making Your ‘00 Face: Seventh inning reliever
December 29, 2009It's time to select another player for the BCB All Decade Team. Here are the players we've selected so far:
First Base: Prince Fielder
Second Base: Rickie Weeks
Shortstop: J.J. Hardy
Third Base: Bill Hall
Corner Outfield: Ryan Braun
Center Field: Mike Cameron
Corner Outfield: Geoff Jenkins
Catcher: Damian Miller
Bench IF: Craig Counsell
Bench C: Mike Rivera
Bench COF: Carlos Lee
Bench OF: Scott Podsednik
Bench 1B: Richie Sexson
#1 SP: Ben Sheets
#2 SP: CC Sabathia
#3 SP: Yovani Gallardo
Closer: Francisco Cordero
LOOGY: Brian Shouse
Setup man: Dan Kolb
Voting for our #4 starter opened yesterday and will close at 4 pm tomorrow. Today we'll select the fourth member of our bullpen. Follow the jump for the nominees' stats, then vote in the poll below.
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2002-2004
Traditional numbers: 224 G, 13-10, 6 saves, 4.22 ERA, 215.1 IP, 79 BB, 203 K
Advanced numbers: 4.47 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.3
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2005-2008
Traditional numbers: 218 G, 15-16, 4.84 ERA, 65 saves, 198 IP, 222 K, 122 BB
Advanced numbers: 3.99 FIP, 1.429 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 5.5 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.1
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2000-2002, 2007
Traditional numbers: 206 G, 6-8, 1 save, 3.03 ERA, 154.2 IP, 125 K, 62 BB
Advanced numbers: 3.79 FIP, 1.27 WHIP, 7.27 K/9, 3.61 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2001-2003
Traditional numbers: 201 G, 9-14, 3.50 ERA, 47 saves, 224 IP, 191 K, 105 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.24 FIP, 1.41 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 4.2 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2006-2009
Traditional numbers: 180 G, 18-24, 5 saves, 4.30 ERA, 372.1 IP, 129 BB, 314 K
Advanced numbers: 4.47 FIP, 1.31 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 3.1 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 2.5
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2004-2007
Traditional numbers: 175 G, 13-14, 2 saves, 3.93 ERA, 215 IP, 71 BB, 162 K
Advanced numbers: 3.89 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 3.0 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.6
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2001, 2003
Traditional numbers: 169 G, 15-9, 29 saves, 3.01 ERA, 173.1 IP, 100 BB, 167 K
Advanced numbers: 4.43 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 5.2 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 3.9
Valerio de los Santos
Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2000-2003*
Traditional numbers: 163 G, 7-9, 1 save, 4.24 ERA, 180.1 IP, 144 K, 82 BB
Advanced numbers: 4.91 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, 7.19 K/9, 4.10 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 1.1
* - de los Santos was also a Brewer in 1998 and 1999.
Seasons as a Brewer: 2, 2008-2009
Traditional numbers: 87 G, 5-4, 2.67 ERA, 2 saves, 91 IP, 23 BB, 72 K
WAR as a Brewer: 2
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2001, 2009*
Traditional numbers: 146 G, 7-12, 5 saves, 2.96 ERA, 158 IP, 68 BB, 106 K
Advanced numbers: 4.22 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 3.9 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 3.1
* - Weathers was also a Brewer in 1998 and 1999.
Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2007-2009
Traditional numbers: 92 G, 9-10, 4.32 ERA, 179.1 IP, 99 BB, 138 K
Advanced numbers: 4.84 FIP, 1.48 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 5.0 BB/9
WAR as a Brewer: 0.8