Thanks for a great year!
December 31, 2010Morning folks,
I wanted to take a moment on the final day of 2010 to thank all of you for another great year here at BCB. 2010 wasn't the year most of us hoped it would be on the field and that dampened the enthusiasm here for a bit, but we still had a very successful year and have reason to expect a huge step forward in 2011. Here's a partial list of the people I wanted to make sure I credit for the point we've reached:
- Contributors: Thanks for all you've done to help keep this site active and interesting. Whether you're taking the reins on a recurring series, providing unique insights and reactions when things happen or filling in for me when I need a break, your contributions add a welcome diversity of content to this site and go a long way towards preserving my sanity. This site wouldn't be as good or as consistent without you.
- The SBN team: You often don't get the recognition you deserve, but your work makes my life easier more or less every day. Thank you for giving me this platform to discuss the Brewers, and for continuing to develop new features that allow me to write more often and more efficiently.
- Readers: Thanks for stopping by and continuing to stop by to check out our stuff, correct my mistakes and contribute to our community. As I mentioned on Tuesday, we had our three millionth visitor this week. Hopefully you've been entertained and informed, will continue to stop by and will tell your friend(s).
There won't be a Frosty Mug today: I'm on the road celebrating a late Christmas with my family. So, enjoy the final moments of 2010 today and I'll see you on Monday!
KL
BCB Similarity Score Contest: Carlos Gomez
December 31, 2010
Today, we wrap up the contest with one final challenge: Carlos Gomez.
If you have any questions, visit last Monday's post for a full rundown of the rules. As always, you have until midnight. I'll tabulate the results and announce a winner on Monday. Good luck!
The Thursday Thinker: Where’d he come from?
December 30, 2010
I was thinking about Takashi Saito yesterday. Hailing from Miyagi, he's the fifth Brewer ever to come from Japan.
Using the B-Ref Play Index, I was able to make a list of 15 Brewers born in relatively unusual places for major league players. How many can you name in seven minutes?
The rules remain the same: 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 aren't any prizes.
In the highly unlikely event that you get them all, post your time along with your score.
Have fun, and don't forget to post your score in the comments!
Thursday’s Frosty Mug
December 30, 2010
Some things to read while going commando.
What are your expectations for Zack Greinke this season? Jeffrey Gross of The Hardball Times considered the impact of Greinke's move to the National League and projects a pretty impressive line: 3.20 ERA, 8.92 strikeouts per nine, 2.53 BB/9, and a 1.235 WHIP.
Meanwhile, Royally Speaking takes a look back at Greinke's career in Kansas City and wonders if he'll eventually be a Royals Hall of Famer.
Acquiring Greinke was one of the reasons Jon Heyman is listing the Brewers as the offseason's biggest winner, ahead of the Red Sox, Phillies and Nationals.
R.J. Anderson of FanGraphs also looked at this winter's moves and is now listing the Brewers as one of six teams on the "legitimate contenders" tier.
Of course, all of this came with a cost: Jim Callis of Baseball America says the Brewers were baseball's 30th ranked organization even before making the Greinke trade.
With the Brewers likely done shopping, it's time to start considering the 2011 roster. Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker has a look at the 40 man roster and how this spring's position battles will likely shake out.
If you're one of many who think the Brewers could still use an upgrade in center field, here's an option to consider: Rowland's Office notes that Andruw Jones is still a free agent, likely available cheap, and hit .230/.341/.486 for the White Sox last season.
As noted at Brewerfan.net, the Toronto Sun's annual list of the 100 most important Canadians in baseball features three Brewers: Doug Melvin (#4), Gord Ash (#22) and scout Jay Lapp (#52). My first reaction was "only three?"
Ever wondered if one of your recipes could be served at Miller Park? The Brewers announced a contest yesterday allowing you to submit an idea for potential use next season. I've already started work on my recipe: I made three kinds of mac and cheese last night. If you're not sure what to make, Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar has some suggestions.
Again, no transactions today. I think it's possible we're the only ones who didn't take this week off.
It's relevant to nothing, but I spent a fair amount of time this morning reading this A's Nation post discussing the possibility that the A's and Rays could be contracted sometime in the next 15 years. It's an unlikely scenario, but it is feasible.
It's Hall of Fame season, if you hadn't noticed by the fact that it seems like everyone is obsessing over (more or less) the same debates they had last year at this time. I'm bored with it this year so I haven't spent much time on it, but this Jon Bois post from SBNation.com is one you should read.
As 2010 draws to a close, Marty Noble of MLB.com has a look at the various baseball people who passed away this year. It's sad but well worth reading.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2007 Brewer Grant Balfour, who turns 33.
- 2000 Brewer Santiago Perez, who turns 35.
- 1974-76 Brewer Tom Murphy, who turns 65.
- 1956-60 Milwaukee Brave Frank Torre, who turns 79.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I can't find my phone.
Drink up.
BCB Similarity Score Contest: Ron Roenicke
December 30, 2010
Today's player is Ron Roenicke.
If you have any questions, visit last Monday's post for a full rundown of the rules. As always, you have until midnight. Good luck!
Brewers Numerical History: #58
December 29, 2010Last Post: #13
The traditional history of baseball uniform numbers links each player to his spot in the batting order. It follow then, that higher uniform numbers are, in general, a recent phenomenon. This trend was seen in an earlier post about the Brewers history of #57 and it holds true for today's number as well. For the first twenty-eight years of Brewers history, no player wore #58. However, it has become rather popular among itinerant pitchers over the past few years.
Follow the jump to read about the six Brewers who have worn #58.
In 1993, the Brewers signed a young lefthanded pitcher from the Dominican Republic named Valerio de los Santos. It took five years and a move to the bullpen, but de los Santos made his Brewers debut on July 31, 1998. In thirteen games through the rest of the season, he struck out 18 while walking just two in 21 2/3 innings. That promising start was derailed by an injury-riddled 1999, during which he underwent back surgery. Following that season, he switched to #28. He pitched a full campaign in 2000, but prodigious strikeout totals were overshadowed by his troubles with the long ball (15 home runs in 73 2/3 innings). He lost all but one game of 2001 to injuries. He was finally healthy in 2002 and 2003, but had lost his strikeout ability. He was claimed by the Phillies off waivers in early September 2003.
One year later, the Brewers expanded their annual search for competent pitching to journeyman Gary Glover. Glover had middling results for three teams before joining the Cubs on a minor league contract before the 2004 season. He was released in June, signed for three weeks by the Minnesota Twins, and finally joined the Brewers in July. A capable end to the AAA season earned him another chance in the majors. A 3.50 ERA over four appearances (18 innings) in the majors showed promise for the next season. In 2005, he suddenly started striking out hitters but other results just weren't there: he was demoted after putting up a 6.70 ERA in nine starts. He was released after the season.
The Brewers probably could have used Glover in 2006, when just about the team's entire pitching staff caught the injury bug. One of the pitchers thrown into the breach was ex-Royal Chris Demaria, who had very good minor league numbers. Unfortunately, he couldn't find the same success in the majors and was demoted after ten appearances in which he gave up eleven runs in 13 2/3 innings. He struggled with his control, walking nine hitters against eleven strikeouts. He finished the year with good numbers in AAA Nashville, but was cut the next season in spring training and has not appeared in the majors or minors since.
In 2008, the Brewers built up for a playoff run by putting together the most expensive bullpen in baseball. One cog in the machine was journeyman righthander Guillermo Mota. Mota was days away from being cut by the Mets, despite being owed over $3 million, when the Brewers acquired him in exchange for catcher Johnny Estrada, who had fallen out of favor. The timing of the move and Mota's unimpressive career caused some consternation among Brewers fans. Matters weren't helped any when Mota went through a disastrous six-week stretch starting in mid-May during which he lost four games and allowed twenty-one runs in twenty-two innings. After pitching his way to the back of the bullpen, he allowed just three runs in August and September. The Brewers let him go as a free agent following the season.
In July 2009, the Brewers signed journeyman righthander Jesus Colome to a minor league contract. Colome had been cut by the Washington Nationals earlier in the season but was called up after just four appearances in AAA Nashville. Colome made five appearances for the team before being placed on the disabled list with a forearm strain.
Shortly after Doug Melvin fiercely defended the team's scouting staff against critiques of the team's inability to develop pitching, 2006 10th round pick Mike McClendon was called up in an unanticipated move. Though he had not dominated at any level, McClendon had steadily worked his way up to AAA in the Brewers farm system by the time of his callup. He proceeded to pitch very well in the majors over the rest of the season. In seventeen appearances, he won two games and struck out 21 batters in exactly 21 innings. It is unlikely he will continue to strike out so many batters in the majors, but one can hope his rookie experience will help him carve out a solid career. He will face tough competition for the few openings in the Brewers bullpen to start 2011, but as of yet has no challengers for the #58 jersey.
Brewers fans get cooking at Miller Park
December 29, 2010The Brewers launched a contest on Wednesday to find a fan with the culinary creativity to devise a new menu creation for Miller Park. Through Friday, Jan. 14, fans are invited to submit a recipe at Brewers.com/concessioncontest, and everything from sandwiches to snacks to toppings to deserts will be considered.
Wednesday’s Frosty Mug
December 29, 2010
Some things to read while starting a business. (h/t @Massaconsin)
It's a slow news day, so we'll lead with potentially outdated information: Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar noted that Jon Heyman is listing the Brewers as one of twelve teams interested in free agent reliever Brian Fuentes. Fuentes turns 35 in April and posted a 2.81 ERA in 48 appearances between the Angels and Twins last season. He's believed to be seeking a three year deal.
It's possible the Brewers inquired on Fuentes before signing Takashi Saito, but it seems unlikely they're still interested now. If nothing else the 40 man roster is full, so someone would have to be removed to make room for the latest multi-year deal for a late-30's pitcher.
If the Brewers did manage to sign Fuentes he'd likely fill the last open slot in the bullpen, ending this spring training competition before it began: Bernie's Crew has a look at the nine pitchers projected to battle for the final spot on the Opening Day roster.
Bernie's Crew also has a look at Casey McGehee's increasing tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone, which might have led to some of his power decline last season.
Fortunately it hasn't come up much this offseason, but it's probably time for the Brewers to shed the "small market" label. This report at FanGraphs showed the Brewers' final 2010 payroll at $94.5 million, the 13th highest in baseball. (h/t to Gaslamp Ball, who also noted that the Padres, not the Marlins, had baseball's lowest total.)
Elsewhere at FanGraphs, Jesse Wolfersberger's study of microeconomics and offense shows the Brewers ranking well above league average in on base percentage but only slightly below average in terms of stranding runners on base. Say it with me: The offense is not the problem.
Early projections continue to trickle in: The Replacement Level Yankees Weblog has unveiled their latest CAIRO projections for 2011 and they have the Brewers at 87.2 wins, three games back of the Cardinals. They're projected to make the playoffs 36.7% of the time. (h/t R.J. Anderson)
No transactions today.
Today's former Brewer note is a somewhat depressing one: Lone Star Ball's lunchtime pop quiz yesterday asked readers to name six players who had retired in the 2000's with at least 8000 career plate appearances and an OPS under .750. It turns out five of the six are former Brewers: B.J. Surhoff, Devon White, Marquis Grissom, Royce Clayton and Tony Fernandez.
A side note: I didn't understand the rules so I accidentally "spoiled" that quiz by checking my work before posting correct answers. So, if the handful (or more) of you that hate me are looking for a new place to congregate and/or recruit followers, that thread might be a good place to try.
It's relevant to nothing but I thought it was interesting: Larry Stone of the Seattle Times has a great post on the lone sub-.500 playoff team in major league history, and a consideration of what might have been if the AL West had been allowed to play out in 1994.
Today in sad news: Adam McCalvy reports that former Brewer exec Bill Lajoie has passed away. He was 76. Lajoie spent two years working under Dean Taylor in the early '00s.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2000-03 Brewer Richie Sexson, who turns 36.
- 2000-01 Brewer James Mouton, who turns 42.
- 2001 Brewer Devon White, who turns 48.
- 1970 Brewer Bruce Brubaker, who turns 69.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to get serious.
Drink up.
BCB Similarity Score Contest: Bob Uecker
December 29, 2010
Today's player is Bob Uecker.
If you have any questions, visit last Monday's post for a full rundown of the rules. As always, you have until midnight. Good luck!
Doug Melvin’s Approval Rating Skyrockets in Latest BCB Tracking Poll
December 28, 2010249 readers responded to the poll. Here are the most notable results:
- Doug Melvin's approval rating is now at 85%, easily a record high. 51% approved of his performance on September 24, the last time the question appeared. Following the season, only 59% of voters thought he should be retained for 2011.
- Both the Greinke and Marcum trades have been widely popular, receiving 96% and 94% approval respectively.
- None of this offseason's moves received less than 50% approval. The decision to non-tender Todd Coffey was the least popular, at 59%.
- 78% of voters said they're more likely to watch or attend 2011 games as a result of these moves.
Follow the jump for the full results.
Do you approve of the decision to re-sign Craig Counsell to a one year, $1.4 million deal?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 213 | 85% |
| No | 24 | 10% |
| Undecided | 13 | 5% |
Do you approve of the decision to trade Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Jeremy Jeffress and Jake Odorizzi to the Royals for Zack Greinke, Yuniesky Betancourt and cash?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 240 | 96% |
| No | 2 | 1% |
| Undecided | 8 | 3% |
Do you approve of the decision to trade Brett Lawrie to the Blue Jays for Shaun Marcum?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 236 | 94% |
| No | 6 | 2% |
| Undecided | 8 | 3% |
Do you approve of the decision to non-tender Todd Coffey?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 148 | 59% |
| No | 58 | 23% |
| Undecided | 44 | 18% |
Do you approve of the hiring of Ron Roenicke as the Brewers' new manager?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 196 | 78% |
| No | 4 | 2% |
| Undecided | 50 | 20% |
Do you approve of the job Doug Melvin is doing as General Manager of the Brewers?
| Response | Votes | % |
| Yes | 218 | 87% |
| No | 10 | 4% |
| Undecided | 22 | 9% |
Have the Brewers offseason moves made you more or less likely to watch and/or attend games in 2011?
| Response | Votes | % |
| I'll probably watch and/or attend more games. | 196 | 78% |
| The moves didn't change anything for me. | 52 | 21% |
| I probably won't watch or attend as many games. | 2 | 1% |