Wednesday’s Frosty Mug
March 31, 2010
Some things to read while finding a new favorite song.
Well, we came into yesterday hoping for some answers regarding Jeff Suppan and we got some, but now we also have more questions. Suppan underwent an MRI Monday night, threw 90 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday morning, then was placed on the DL with cervical disc pain in his neck (FanShot). The timing is a little strange, for several reasons:
- Suppan had reportedly been receiving treatment on his neck all spring, but it had never been reported and Suppan had taken every turn in the rotation, pitching with no sign of injury.
- Suppan underwent an MRI Monday night and still threw a simulated game Tuesday morning, suggesting the issue wasn't exactly serious.
At any rate, because Suppan was placed on the DL retroactive to March 26, he could be activated as soon as April 10 if needed, or sent on a month long rehab assignment. Meanwhile, The Bucky Channel notes that Suppan is no stranger to "convenient" DL placements. We'll have more on that later today.
Over at SBNation.com/mlb, I have a post on convenient DL placements and one of their other uses: protecting Rule 5 picks. And for more on the process of putting a player on the DL and the procedures in place to prevent its abuse, check out this Jayson Stark article that TheJay shared with me yesterday.
Even with Suppan gone, the race for the #5 starter is still not decided, and likely won't be until after Opening Day. That story from Tom Haudricourt includes several other notable tidbits:
- Jim Edmonds has been excused from camp to attend to a family matter, and may not return until Thursday.
- Josh Butler, who had previously been optioned to AAA, has had his option voided so he could be placed on the major league DL.
- Ryan Braun missed the fourth straight game recovering from a sore back. Gregg Zaun also missed his second straight game with a sore quad.
- Adam Stern made a good impression in camp, and might have leapfrogged Lorenzo Cain and Trent Oeltjen on the depth chart.
With Suppan out of the short term picture, the opening day roster is likely set, with both Manny Parra and Chris Narveson headed to the bullpen until a fifth starter is needed and Carlos Villanueva sticking with the team.
Doug Melvin appeared on WSSP yesterday, with easily the most notable tidbit being his unwillingness to name Corey Hart as the primary starter in right field (FanShot). The combination of Hart's slow start this spring and Jim Edmonds' resurgent performance have created the possibility that Edmonds could see a lot of starts against right handed pitching.
The Brewers and Angels played to a ten inning 1-1 tie yesterday, dropping the Crew to 3-7-2 in their last 12 Cactus League contests. Despite the recent skid, Ken Macha told Channel3000.com there are reasons to be optimistic about the season.
Elsewhere in camp minutiae:
- George Kottaras is a Canadian who doesn't play hockey.
Here's something to ponder today: Even after signing Randy Wolf and Doug Davis this offseason, the Brewers are spending just $18.5 million on their projected starting rotation, the 19th most in baseball. If you add Jeff Suppan's $12.5 million and the $1 million buyout paid to Braden Looper, it climbs to $32 million and ninth place.
The Ghost of Moonlight Graham selected Corey Hart as the "key" player for the Brewers this season, while Stan McNeal of The Sporting News said Randy Wolf will be key to the NL Central race. (h/t BBTF)
Heading out to Opening Day? Perhaps you'll see our own Tristarscoop there - but she's a little nervous about the experience. With that said, she'll be among the first to see the new additions to Miller Park.
In the minors: Ryan Topp of Bernie's Crew has more minor league predictions.
Before I get to other people's predictions, I wanted to remind you to make yours: As part of Prediction Week, we're asking for your picks in the NL Central - click here to add them. I'll have the results after the game tonight. And when you're done there, head on over to Wezen-ball to participate in his prediction contest, too.
Elsewhere in predictions/projections/rankings:
- Big League Stew has a two-man NL Central preview, with Kevin Kaduk picking the Brewers to finish second, and David Brown picking them to finish fourth. Kaduk picked Prince Fielder as the non-Pujols division MVP, and Brown picked Yovani Gallardo as the division's Cy Young.
- Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? has a preview of the 2010 Brewers, and says "it's not at all apparent to me that this team is going to be better in 2010 than they were in 2009."
- Babes Love Baseball has several Brewer preview haiku, and also ranked Escobar third on their list of MLB rookies destined for greatness.
- MLB FanHouse has the Brewers 16th in their power rankings.
- Rowland's Office has the Brewers 9th in their NL Power Rankings.
- Jeff Passan of Yahoo has a division preview.
This also belongs under the "predictions" heading, but I moved it out on its own because it's that bad. Keith Olbermann previewed the NL Central yesterday. Here are some quotes:
CHICAGO may represent a startling fact about this division - there not only isn't a great team here, there isn't even a good one.
...
It'll be an exciting race, to see if you actually can get into the playoffs with 79 victories.
In other news, Olbermann has been bumped off my reading list.
I haven't started filling my cards out yet, but the BP C'mon Back ticket promotion is underway for 2010. Bob Helbig of the JS takes a look at the numbers and decides the program is worth getting into.
These are also worth a few moments of your time: the 2010 Brewer TV ads are actually pretty good.
Around baseball:
Astros: Lance Berkman will open the season on the DL as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Cubs: Released Kevin Millar.
Dodgers: Sold pitcher Eric Stults to Japan's Hiroshima Carp.
Marlins: Released Seth McClung (FanShot).
Mets: Claimed pitcher Manny Acosta off waivers from the Braves.
Rangers: Ian Kinsler has a sprained ankle and will likely open the season on the DL.
Tigers: Traded pitcher Nate Robertson and cash to the Marlins for a minor leaguer.
Here's today's roundup of former Brewers in other camps:
- Joe Dillon isn't going to make the Rays.
- Chad Moeller isn't going to make the Orioles.
- Russell Branyan is back swinging a bat in Indians camp, with the expected result.
It's the time of year when we hear a lot about spring training results and how little they matter, but that might not be entirely true. As Jayson Stark notes, four of the last six teams to leave spring training with the best record have made the playoffs. The Rays enter play today at 18-7, half a game ahead of the 20-10 Giants.
If you can't get enough MLB Previews, here's a link to SBN's recently completed collection, featuring one for each team.
I mentioned it in yesterday's game thread and again on Twitter last night, but I've decided to cast the net out to a larger audience: I've been tuning into the webcasts of Brewer games a little early for much of the spring, and stumbled across the realization that the ambient crowd noise coming over the mic before the broadcasts really helps me focus and work. Anyone know where I can stream or download ambient ballpark noise? Helping me find the answer might make the Mug earlier and more coherent, which would be a nice bonus for everyone.
On this day in 1998, the Brewers played their first National League game, losing to the Braves at Turner Field. The Brewers were the first team since 1901 to switch leagues. (thanks to TheJay for bringing it to my attention.)
Happy birthday today to 1975-76 Brewer Tom Hausman, who turns 57.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pick up more paper.
Opening Day lineup appears to be set
March 30, 2010Brewers 1, Angels 1
March 30, 2010
This was a well pitched game all round. Chris Narveson got things started with another good outing: 3 IP, 3H, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 ER. In the third inning he loaded the bases with no outs but didn't allow a run, striking out Hideki Matsui for the final out. Manny Parra followed up Narveson with two clean innings of his own, only allowing one hit and one walk. LaTroy Hawkins, Claudio Vargas, and Mitch Stetter pitched the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, respectively, with Vargas allowing the Angel's only run. Chris Smith pitched the final two innings without allowing a run.
The Brewers scored their only run in the first inning when Carlos Gomez scored on a Rickie Weeks ground rule double. Brett Lawrie started and collected a double in three at bats. Carlos Gomez, Alcides Escobar and George Kottaras each stole a base.
Join us again tomorrow as the Brewers take on the Cubs at Maryvale at 3:05.
Only 6 days until Opening Day!
Gomez continues to blaze on basepaths
March 30, 2010Carlos Gomez continued to show his ability to lead off, collecting two hits and his 11th stolen base of the spring, as the Brewers and Angels ended in a 1-1 tie after 10 innings on Tuesday.
Suppan on the 15-day DL with neck injury
March 30, 2010Ken Macha said Tuesday that Jeff Suppan, the most expensive of the team's fifth-starter candidates, could possibly start the season on the disabled list.
Suppan to open the season on DL
March 30, 2010Suppan to open the season on DL
He was healthy enough to throw 90 pitches in a simulated game today, but that stiff neck must really be bothering him.
Game Thread #-5: Brewers (13-13-1) at Angels (9-14)
March 30, 2010
This late in March, Spring Training has become pretty mundane. But once in a while, something happends that makes things just a bit more interesting. Such is the case today as, we get to listen to one of our top prospects play today as the Brewers travel to Tempe Diablo Stadium to take on the Angels.
Follow the jump for pitching matchups and to find out who the mystery prospect is!
Chris Narveson (1-0, 0.00 ERA this spring) will be on the bump today for the Brewers. The Narve-dog has yet to allow a run in an official spring training game, although he did allow one run in a B game last week. Hopefully he will pitch well again today, as a poor performance might cause Jeff Suppan's "stiff neck" to heal a little more quickly.
He'll be taking on Scott Kazmir (0-1, 7,11 ERA this spring). Kazmir missed his last spring start with fatigue in his left deltoid and is apparently still experiencing some tightness in the shoulder. In his last game he gave up three runs on five hits in four innings against the Rockies.
Today's lineup is an interesting one, with top prospect Brett Lawrie playing second while Weeks is at DH. Ryan Braun is still out with lower back tightness and Gregg Zaun is missing his second straight game with a sore left quad, although neither injury is considered serious.
Gomez CF
Escobar SS
Weeks DH
Fielder 1B
McGehee 3B
Hart RF
Stern LF
Lawrie 2B
Kottaras C
Narveson LHP
Go Brewers!
Prediction Week: Make Your Picks
March 30, 2010
Yesterday, we opened Prediction Week with a look back at our Community Projections for 2010. Today, we're keeping the spotlight on you and asking for your help with our BCB Community NL Central Predictions.
Follow the jump and add your thoughts on the 2010 NL Central. I'll post the results tomorrow.
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Suppan to pitch sim’d game; “injured”
March 30, 2010Suppan to pitch sim'd game; "injured"
Suppan is throwing a 90 pitch simulated game today, and apparently has had a "stiff neck" all camp, yet no one has heard about it until now. So, there's your reason to dump him on the DL to start the year.
UPDATE: Suppan is headed to the DL. - KL
Tuesday’s Frosty Mug
March 30, 2010
Some things to read while busting out the traxedo.
It's possible something could be about to happen in the race for the fifth starter's spot. Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra and Chris Narveson are all lined up to pitch today. Chris Narveson will start today's game, with Manny Parra coming out of the bullpen. But Ken Macha was evasive at best when discussing plans for Jeff Suppan, telling reporters he "hoped to have an answer this morning" about the veteran's schedule for today. Tom Haudricourt noted the unusual nature of waiting this long to announce a pitching assignment, and wonders if something is in the works.
Certainly, it's possible that something could be about to happen. But in the meantime, there are a couple of other things to note here:
- If the front office intends to hold onto Suppan, they have to know it's going to be an unpopular decision. As such, it would make sense to find a place for him to pitch today that's away from fan and media attention, either in an intrasquad or minor league game. If he had another rough outing in full view of the fans today, it'd be even harder to justify keeping him around.
- Setting the issue with Suppan aside for a moment - this will be Manny Parra's second consecutive outing working out of the bullpen. I think it's possible that's a decent indication of where he might be headed to start the season.
Adam McCalvy has his Brewer season preview. For whatever it's worth, he has Jeff Suppan on his projected roster and Carlos Villanueva off.
You can count Howie Magner of Milwaukee Magazine as one of many lobbying for Suppan's dismissal. Magner revisits the "sunk cost" argument (and has a nice shout out to BCB) in his latest column. In-Between Hops has also updated the Jeff Suppan vigil.
Meanwhile, Dave Bush had a rough outing yesterday in his first appearance since being named the #4 starter, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks in six innings. Also, for the third consecutive day, Ryan Braun was held out of action with tightness in his back. On the field, the Brewers dropped to 3-7-1 in their last 11 games.
Elsewhere in camp minutiae:
- It's been a near given for weeks, but Yovani Gallardo was confirmed as the Opening Day starter yesterday.
- Ted Keith of Sports Illustrated was in Brewer camp recently and sent in a postcard.
Between televising games and offering an alternative to Baseball Tonight, MLB Network has been a great resource this spring. They'll also be televising 30 games in April, including the Brewers-Rockies afternoon game a week from tomorrow.
In the minors: Lisa Winston of MiLB.com has a Brewer organizational preview and ten prospects to watch. Last year's ten to watch only had one pitcher (Jeremy Jeffress). This year's list includes four.
If you're watching TV today, you might see one of the Brewers' new TV commercials. Caitlin Moyer has a behind-the-scenes look at their production.
Or, you could spend all day in line at the DOT signing up for a Brewer license plate, now officially available (FanPost).
In predictions/rankings/etc:
- The Ghost of Moonlight Graham has updated their projected starting rotations and lineups for the NL Central. They might need to be updated again, since Jeff Suppan is still a member of the projected Brewer rotation.
- Cory Melvin is picking the Brewers to win the NL Central.
- Joel Roza of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times is predicting the Brewers will win 80 games and finish in third place.
Another note on projections: If you haven't yet, please take a moment to head over to The Book Blog and help Tom Tango with his Community Playing Time Projections. At the moment, there have only been 14 ballots cast for the Brewers. We can do better than that.
Around baseball:
Nationals: Claimed catcher Chris Coste off waivers from the Mets.
Orioles: Signed Joey Gathright to a minor league deal. Also, reliever Koji Uehara will start the season on the DL with a hamstring strain.
Pirates: Claimed pitcher Hayden Penn off waivers from the Marlins, and designated Brandon Moss for assignment.
As noted yesterday, the Brewers showed up at #12 in FanGraphs' organizational rankings. As it turns out, that's not too far from the top of the NL Central: The Cardinals are ranked tenth.
I'm having a hard time writing anything clever about these links, so I'm just going to lump them together under "curiosities:"
- The Pirates will bat the pitcher eighth this season (FanShot)
- The Dodgers are opening the season with 11 pitchers.
- The Yankees have an ambidextrous pitcher in camp, and he's expected to pitch in their Grapefruit League game today.
We're closing in on the end of spring training, so we're almost out of spring training "slices of life" stories like this one: Scott Strickland, cut by the Marlins yesterday, will likely head back to his winter job of repossessing cars.
I struck out on birthdays today, but FtJ will likely stop by the comments to let us know what I missed.
Oh, and here's what I want for my birthday.
Drink up.