It’s important to not overreact about the sweep the Brewers just suffered. But it’s also important for Ned Yost and the Brewers brain trust (oxymoron?) to not under-react. What this recent series and homestand revealed, is that the Brewers are not quite ready for primetime yet. While it may have been a playoff atmosphere at Miller Park earlier this week, it is impossible to recreate October pressure in July. The Brewers were not able to handle the pressure of big games the past 4 days, and the series undoubtedly will draw comparisons to the series sweep Milwaukee suffered against Boston earlier in the season.
The difference here is that there are less games remaining in the season, and some important changes will have to be made. Yost is either incredibly arrogant and stubborn, or incredibly oblivious and stupid, and he has shown time and time again that he is incapable of making such changes. He is incapable of making a quick decisive change and sticking with it, and this fault may cost the Brewers a chance at the playoffs.
What changes need to be made? The leadoff situation is probably the easiest one to identify, and Tom Haudricourt has already made a compelling case for sitting Rickie Weeks. I also feel that the Brewers should explore sitting Mike Cameron in favor of Gabe Kapler. Cameron’s numbers are well below his career averages, and as far as I’m concerned Kapler is just as efficient defensively. The Brewers could also consider bringing up another outfielder from AAA, such as Tony Gwynn Jr, Laynce Nix, or the recently signed Jay Gibbons. The Brewers should also give Jason Kendall a few more days off. Kendall’s batting average hasn’t been above .280 since May 15, and his current avg. of .264 is well under his career avg. of .294. Kendall showed signs of fatigue in the cubs series, with several of his attempts to throw out runners wild and off target. Finally, the Brewers need bullpen help. There is currently not a single reliever that comes out of the bullpen for Yost that is day-in and day-out dependable. I was pretty disappointed that the Brewers failed (thus far at least) to pick up some extra help via a trade. Milwaukee could always explore bringing up someone from their farm system, but previous call-ups this season have not worked out well.
A closer look at the recent series:
-The Brewers left a total of 42 runners on base in the series, and committed an error in 3 of the 4 games.
-In the series, the Brewers’ starting pitchers combined to go 4-8, with a double and a triple. Here are the numbers from the other starters during the series:
Prince Fielder: 6-13, 3 BB, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 K
Mike Cameron: 3-14, BB, R, 2 RBI, 7 K
Bill Hall: 2-9, 2 RBI, 3 K
Ray Durham: 2-8, R, K
Ryan Braun: 2-15, BB, 2 R, RBI, 7 K
Corey Hart: 2-12, RBI, 6 K
Rickie Weeks: 1-10, BB, 6 K
JJ Hardy: 1-16, R, RBI, 6 K
Jason Kendall: 1-14, BB, R, K
Fielder was the only Brewer hitter to have any success in the series – a tremendous feat considering the fact that the cubbies did their best to pitch around him. Prince finished with a pretty good month of July, and hopefully he’ll get even hotter down the stretch. Here are his numbers from July:
.298 AVG, .412 OBP, 28 Hits, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 17 BB, 11 R, 25 K
Corey Hart meanwhile has been struggling lately. Here are his July numbers:
.265 AVG, .323 OBP, 26 Hits, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 14 R, 22 K
Milwaukee now embarks on a 6-game roadtrip to Atlanta and Cincinnati. Here's hoping a change of scenery (and a change of opponent) will benefit the Crew.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
It's "Big-Boy Time"
Tom Haudricourt has some serious words concerning Rickie Weeks in a Brewers Blog entry today. Haudricourt's arguments for sitting Weeks are pretty solid, and he calls for Ned Yost to hold the second baseman to the same standards as the rest of the roster.
"If you're not going to hit, you better be able to field. And vice versa. Weeks has proven to be a liability in both areas."
When I heard that the Brewers had traded for Ray Durham, I thought for sure that Weeks' time as a starter had come to an end. At the least, I expected a platoon situation like the Russell Branyan-Bill Hall platoon at third base.
But Yost has stubbornly and arrogantly stuck with Weeks. Durham has started twice (he went 2-3, with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored in his last start). Durham is a veteran with loads more experience than Weeks, he is a proven hitter, and a lot more solid in the field (a career .979 fielding % vs. Weeks' .964). The Brewers have made a lot of good moves in the past month to put themselves in a situation where the playoffs are a possibility. They may be able to still make the playoffs with Weeks as their leadoff hitter and second baseman - but don't count on it. And don't count on any World Series rings with Weeks as your starter.
"If you're not going to hit, you better be able to field. And vice versa. Weeks has proven to be a liability in both areas."
When I heard that the Brewers had traded for Ray Durham, I thought for sure that Weeks' time as a starter had come to an end. At the least, I expected a platoon situation like the Russell Branyan-Bill Hall platoon at third base.
But Yost has stubbornly and arrogantly stuck with Weeks. Durham has started twice (he went 2-3, with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored in his last start). Durham is a veteran with loads more experience than Weeks, he is a proven hitter, and a lot more solid in the field (a career .979 fielding % vs. Weeks' .964). The Brewers have made a lot of good moves in the past month to put themselves in a situation where the playoffs are a possibility. They may be able to still make the playoffs with Weeks as their leadoff hitter and second baseman - but don't count on it. And don't count on any World Series rings with Weeks as your starter.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Favre Story Of The Day
Here is the latest twist on the mess that is the Brett Favre story.
Tom Silverstein at JSOnline is blogging about various reports that say Favre intends to report to the Packers' training camp, which begins on July 28. This is an interesting development, because it appeared as if the Packers were going to grant Favre's wish and trade him to another team.
Silverstein makes a good point in stating that this could just be a bluff by Favre, and that it will likely lead to more pressure on the Packers.
I've really kind of enjoyed watching this whole mess unfold - each day the two sides engage in a PR battle, and each day a new side has the upper hand. It's probably the biggest game of chicken the NFL has ever seen, and it will be interesting to see which side blinks first.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A Sweep And A New Face
Not a bad way for the Brew Crew to start off the rest of the season. Today, they completed a 3-game sweep of the Giants, with Manny Parra out-dueling Tim Lincecum to pick up his ninth victory. Parra went 7 2/3 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs, while Lincecum gave up 5 runs in 6 innings. Ryan Braun meanwhile collected 5 RBIs.
The Brewers also welcomed another new teammate, as it was learned that they had acquired Ray Durham from the Giants. This trade seems to have a few more complications involved with it than the Sabathia deal. For one, Rickie Weeks, who is the Brewers' current second baseman and leadoff hitter, has been a Brewer his entire career. And there are several players on the team that have been friends with Weeks for several years. While the Brewers appear to have a loose and easygoing clubhouse, this move could cause some tension.
Meanwhile, check out Ned Yost's comments after the game, and let me know if anyone can translate what Ned is saying here:
Brewers manager Ned Yost made it abundantly clear Sunday that Rickie Weeks is his leadoff man and second baseman, but Weeks will have some company for the rest of the season.
Yost said he does not plan to install a platoon between Durham and Weeks.
"I will not, probably, right now," Yost said. "Rickie's doing fine. I'll play Ray a couple days a week, maybe. We'll see how it goes. I'll take it day by day.
"I don't know what I'm going to do," Yost added. "We'll find out when it happens."
Here are Weeks' and Durham's numbers:
Weeks: .218 Avg, 67 Hits, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 59 Runs, 13 SB, 38 Walks, 72 Strikeouts, .322 OBP
Durham: .293 Avg, 77 Hits, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 43 Runs, 6 SB, 38 Walks, 49 Strikeouts, .385 OBP
The Brewers also welcomed another new teammate, as it was learned that they had acquired Ray Durham from the Giants. This trade seems to have a few more complications involved with it than the Sabathia deal. For one, Rickie Weeks, who is the Brewers' current second baseman and leadoff hitter, has been a Brewer his entire career. And there are several players on the team that have been friends with Weeks for several years. While the Brewers appear to have a loose and easygoing clubhouse, this move could cause some tension.
Meanwhile, check out Ned Yost's comments after the game, and let me know if anyone can translate what Ned is saying here:
Brewers manager Ned Yost made it abundantly clear Sunday that Rickie Weeks is his leadoff man and second baseman, but Weeks will have some company for the rest of the season.
Yost said he does not plan to install a platoon between Durham and Weeks.
"I will not, probably, right now," Yost said. "Rickie's doing fine. I'll play Ray a couple days a week, maybe. We'll see how it goes. I'll take it day by day.
"I don't know what I'm going to do," Yost added. "We'll find out when it happens."
Here are Weeks' and Durham's numbers:
Weeks: .218 Avg, 67 Hits, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 59 Runs, 13 SB, 38 Walks, 72 Strikeouts, .322 OBP
Durham: .293 Avg, 77 Hits, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 43 Runs, 6 SB, 38 Walks, 49 Strikeouts, .385 OBP
IMDB Users Vault Dark Knight Into #1
The Dark Knight has just wrapped up the best weekend of all-time, raking in over $155 million domestic. That total surpasses the old #1, Spiderman 3, which brought in $151.1 million.
Meanwhile, if you head over to imdb.com, you will find Dark Knight is currently the #1 film of all-time, as voted on by the site's registered users. I don't place too much (actually any) significance on such rankings, but I think it is interesting how much support this film is seeing.
Meanwhile, if you head over to imdb.com, you will find Dark Knight is currently the #1 film of all-time, as voted on by the site's registered users. I don't place too much (actually any) significance on such rankings, but I think it is interesting how much support this film is seeing.
Dark Knight A Near-Masterpiece
This past decade has seen great changes in the way that comic books are translated into films. The Spiderman and X-Men trilogies attempted to inject their characters with more humanity, and the movies tackled more serious issues. But those movies had a distinct disadvantage, in that their characters - the heroes and villains - possessed supernatural or mutant powers. It's difficult for an audience member to relate to the problems of someone who can fly.
In Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, the heroes and villains possess a verisimilitude that goes far beyond any characters in previous comic book films. The film deals with issues such as fear and terror, but instead of using such themes to preach, Nolan explores these ideas with a subtle touch. Good and evil do not battle each other in this movie, rather they dance together. And it is a dance that is incredibly entertaining to watch.
Every main actor delivers quality work in the film, but no one can come close to the powerful energy of Heath Ledger as The Joker. Few would be able to. Throughout the film, Ledger's performance reminded me of the work done by Daniel Day Lewis in last year's There Will Be Blood. Both characters possess a larger-than-life feeling of invincibility, and both are relentless in their pursuits.
I refer to the film as a near-masterpiece in this post's title, because there are a few minor critiques that I did have. One small problem that I have with all superhero movies, are the quick scenes that a director will cut to, where an innocent bystander will have some small line that is meant to be witty. These lines usually fall flat and add little, and usually leads to me rolling my eyes.
Thankfully, the movie's positive attributes greatly outweigh any small criticisms that any moviegoer could have. It's been almost two days now since I saw it, and I am eagerly anticipating my next chance to view The Dark Knight. It is easily the best movie so far of 2008, and by the time that 2009 begins, I expect it to remain among the year's best.
In Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, the heroes and villains possess a verisimilitude that goes far beyond any characters in previous comic book films. The film deals with issues such as fear and terror, but instead of using such themes to preach, Nolan explores these ideas with a subtle touch. Good and evil do not battle each other in this movie, rather they dance together. And it is a dance that is incredibly entertaining to watch.
Every main actor delivers quality work in the film, but no one can come close to the powerful energy of Heath Ledger as The Joker. Few would be able to. Throughout the film, Ledger's performance reminded me of the work done by Daniel Day Lewis in last year's There Will Be Blood. Both characters possess a larger-than-life feeling of invincibility, and both are relentless in their pursuits.
I refer to the film as a near-masterpiece in this post's title, because there are a few minor critiques that I did have. One small problem that I have with all superhero movies, are the quick scenes that a director will cut to, where an innocent bystander will have some small line that is meant to be witty. These lines usually fall flat and add little, and usually leads to me rolling my eyes.
Thankfully, the movie's positive attributes greatly outweigh any small criticisms that any moviegoer could have. It's been almost two days now since I saw it, and I am eagerly anticipating my next chance to view The Dark Knight. It is easily the best movie so far of 2008, and by the time that 2009 begins, I expect it to remain among the year's best.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Batman Fever
The Brett Favre comeback/don't comeback debate. The Brewers losing 4 out of their last 6 games. The hot, humid, and wet weather that refuses to leave Wisconsin. Flooding and mosquitoes. The inane political debates which have begun to saturate the media. And Bozo the Clown is dead.
We've had to put up with a lot lately, and more than ever we need a distraction. We need Batman.
Thankfully, the wait is nearly over. The Dark Knight, the most-buzzed about film of the summer (a summer with few buzz-worthy movies), will finally be released this Friday across the country. Many theatres are providing midnight showings, and some are even adding extra showings as early as 6 am.
Early reviews of the Batman Begins sequel are only creating more anticipation. Rottentomatoes.com has posted 15 reviews of the movie already, and so far there is a 100% rating. Peter Travers from Rolling Stone magazine raves about all of the performances from the movie's main stars, and compares Christian Bale to "Al Pacino in The Godfather II." Time's Richard Corliss describes how the movie rises above mere comic book-movie-popcorn-blockbuster qualities, creating a far more substantial product. Corliss credits the film's director, Christopher Nolan, for turning "pulp into dark poetry." While Newsweek's David Ansen's review is mostly positive, he does "wish it [the film] were a little more fun." At the same time, he praises (along with every other critic) the performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker, calling it "a stupendously creepy performance, wild but never over the top."
There are few movies that I will see more than once at a cinema, but I am already planning on seeing Dark Knight once in a regular theater and then later on an IMAX screen. The first thing I plan on doing after I get my paycheck Wednesday, is purchasing some advance tickets for a Friday showing.
We've had to put up with a lot lately, and more than ever we need a distraction. We need Batman.
Thankfully, the wait is nearly over. The Dark Knight, the most-buzzed about film of the summer (a summer with few buzz-worthy movies), will finally be released this Friday across the country. Many theatres are providing midnight showings, and some are even adding extra showings as early as 6 am.
Early reviews of the Batman Begins sequel are only creating more anticipation. Rottentomatoes.com has posted 15 reviews of the movie already, and so far there is a 100% rating. Peter Travers from Rolling Stone magazine raves about all of the performances from the movie's main stars, and compares Christian Bale to "Al Pacino in The Godfather II." Time's Richard Corliss describes how the movie rises above mere comic book-movie-popcorn-blockbuster qualities, creating a far more substantial product. Corliss credits the film's director, Christopher Nolan, for turning "pulp into dark poetry." While Newsweek's David Ansen's review is mostly positive, he does "wish it [the film] were a little more fun." At the same time, he praises (along with every other critic) the performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker, calling it "a stupendously creepy performance, wild but never over the top."
There are few movies that I will see more than once at a cinema, but I am already planning on seeing Dark Knight once in a regular theater and then later on an IMAX screen. The first thing I plan on doing after I get my paycheck Wednesday, is purchasing some advance tickets for a Friday showing.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
NL Central Race Heats Up
Following Milwaukee's acquisition of CC Sabathia, the cubs traded for former Oakland starter Rich Harden. Now comes a war of words.
Check out Michael Hunt's column from today's Journal Sentinel.
Hunt makes reference to a "certain decrepit stadium" south of Milwaukee, and the "pompous" fans which inhabit it.
Hunt seems riled up about some comments which were made in a Chicago newspaper Tuesday - calling Milwaukee "the frumpy hamlet to the north."
The Brewers enter tonight's game 4 games behind the cubs, and 1 game behind the Cardinals.
After the All-Star break, the cubs come to Milwaukee for 4 games, July 28-31. The Brewers won't see the cubs again until September, when they play two series: Sep. 16-18 at Wrigley Field, and Sep 26-28 at Miller Park (the final 3 games of the season).
Check out Michael Hunt's column from today's Journal Sentinel.
Hunt makes reference to a "certain decrepit stadium" south of Milwaukee, and the "pompous" fans which inhabit it.
Hunt seems riled up about some comments which were made in a Chicago newspaper Tuesday - calling Milwaukee "the frumpy hamlet to the north."
The Brewers enter tonight's game 4 games behind the cubs, and 1 game behind the Cardinals.
After the All-Star break, the cubs come to Milwaukee for 4 games, July 28-31. The Brewers won't see the cubs again until September, when they play two series: Sep. 16-18 at Wrigley Field, and Sep 26-28 at Miller Park (the final 3 games of the season).
Sunday, July 6, 2008
C.C. Sabathia To Be Announced A Brewer
In case you have not yet heard, various sources are reporting that C.C. Sabathia will be introduced as the newest Milwaukee Brewer tomorrow morning. The Brewers have apparently agreed to trade highly touted prospect Matt LaPorta, along with three other players. Tom Haudricourt is reporting that two of the other players might be Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson.
Haudricourt also reports that Sabathia should start for Milwaukee this Tuesday against the Rockies at Miller Park.
I'm sure most Brewer fans are pretty psyched right now, especially because the team has been doing so well lately. The addition of Sabathia will hopefully strengthen the starting rotation and provide less pressure on the Brewers bullpen (which has been spotty at times this season).
The Sabathia trade also puts a lot of pressure on the cubs, who hold a slim 3 1/2 game lead over the Brewers.
Haudricourt also reports that Sabathia should start for Milwaukee this Tuesday against the Rockies at Miller Park.
I'm sure most Brewer fans are pretty psyched right now, especially because the team has been doing so well lately. The addition of Sabathia will hopefully strengthen the starting rotation and provide less pressure on the Brewers bullpen (which has been spotty at times this season).
The Sabathia trade also puts a lot of pressure on the cubs, who hold a slim 3 1/2 game lead over the Brewers.
Reactions To All-Star Selections
Milwaukee fans made Ryan Braun an All-Star starter for the NL, Ben Sheets is on the roster, and Corey Hart has a chance to fill the last spot on the team. Meanwhile, somehow the cubs have 7 players on the NL roster - including an outfielder who hasn't played since June 11, another outfielder who has put up solid but not spectacular numbers, and a pitcher who stole a spot from Cole Hamels.
-Alfonso Soriano should not be a starter. No way. Soriano has only appeared in 51 games this year. Corey Hart, Pat Burrell, Carlos Lee, and Aaron Rowand (who are all candidates for the final spot) are all more deserving than Soriano.
-I feel that Hart and Lee are also more deserving than Kosuke Fokudome, who is also a starter for the NL. Fokudome is hitting .285 with 7 HR and 35 RBI. Wow. Let's look at some NL outfielders who have more HRs and RBIs than Fokudome:
Corey Hart, Pat Burrell, Adam Dunn, Carlos Lee, Rick Ankiel, Jason Bay, Cody Ross, Chris Young, Matt Holliday, Xavier Nady, Brad Hawpe, Carlos Beltran, Ken Griffey Jr., Ryan Church, Hunter Pence, Andre Ethier, John Bowker, Aaron Rowand, Jeremy Hermida, Jeff Francoeur, Matt Kemp (that's 21 players). Jim Edmonds has appeared in 19 fewer games than Fokudome and has almost the same numbers.
-Not sure how Jason Varitek is an All-Star. Varitek is one of my favorite players, but check out his numbers - .219 avg, 7 HR, 27 RBI.
-I also would love to see Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez removed from the starting lineup. Jeter is hitting .282 with 4 HR and 36 RBI, while Michael Young in Texas has better numbers. Meanwhile, Rodriguez will probably attempt to brainwash the AL roster with the help of Madonna.
-J.J. Hardy is one more great week away from deserving to be an All-Star. His numbers are almost as good as Miguel Tejada's (plus, Hardy never lied about his age).
-Ryan Dempster, another hated cubbie, stole a spot on the NL team. Check out the numbers from Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and St. Louis' Kyle Lohse:
Hamels - 9-5, 3.22 ERA, 110 K, 33 BB, 128.2 IP
Lohse - 10-2, 3.61 ERA, 56 K, 28 BB, 112.1 IP
Dempster - 9-3, 3.24 ERA, 93 K, 43 BB, 111.0 IP
Now go vote for Corey Hart!
-Alfonso Soriano should not be a starter. No way. Soriano has only appeared in 51 games this year. Corey Hart, Pat Burrell, Carlos Lee, and Aaron Rowand (who are all candidates for the final spot) are all more deserving than Soriano.
-I feel that Hart and Lee are also more deserving than Kosuke Fokudome, who is also a starter for the NL. Fokudome is hitting .285 with 7 HR and 35 RBI. Wow. Let's look at some NL outfielders who have more HRs and RBIs than Fokudome:
Corey Hart, Pat Burrell, Adam Dunn, Carlos Lee, Rick Ankiel, Jason Bay, Cody Ross, Chris Young, Matt Holliday, Xavier Nady, Brad Hawpe, Carlos Beltran, Ken Griffey Jr., Ryan Church, Hunter Pence, Andre Ethier, John Bowker, Aaron Rowand, Jeremy Hermida, Jeff Francoeur, Matt Kemp (that's 21 players). Jim Edmonds has appeared in 19 fewer games than Fokudome and has almost the same numbers.
-Not sure how Jason Varitek is an All-Star. Varitek is one of my favorite players, but check out his numbers - .219 avg, 7 HR, 27 RBI.
-I also would love to see Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez removed from the starting lineup. Jeter is hitting .282 with 4 HR and 36 RBI, while Michael Young in Texas has better numbers. Meanwhile, Rodriguez will probably attempt to brainwash the AL roster with the help of Madonna.
-J.J. Hardy is one more great week away from deserving to be an All-Star. His numbers are almost as good as Miguel Tejada's (plus, Hardy never lied about his age).
-Ryan Dempster, another hated cubbie, stole a spot on the NL team. Check out the numbers from Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and St. Louis' Kyle Lohse:
Hamels - 9-5, 3.22 ERA, 110 K, 33 BB, 128.2 IP
Lohse - 10-2, 3.61 ERA, 56 K, 28 BB, 112.1 IP
Dempster - 9-3, 3.24 ERA, 93 K, 43 BB, 111.0 IP
Now go vote for Corey Hart!
Nadal Defeats Federer In Wimbledon Final
It took an entire day and an incredible amount of mental and physical toughness, but Rafael Nadal, who was once considered a clay-court specialist, narrowly defeated Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Men's Final.
Federer had won the previous 5 Wimbledon championships, but throughout today's match he made several un-Federer-like mistakes. Federer had to fight to save many break points and it always seemed like he was playing from behind in the match. Nadal's main advantage was clearly his quickness though, and even though it was the longest championship match ever, Nadal was full of energy to the end.
After the match, John McEnroe, who does analysis for NBC, was rather adamant that the match was the greatest he had ever witnessed. It was definitely a great match, but I don't think it was the greatest one I've watched.
Some of my favorite matches that come to mind include:
-2000 Wimbledon Final, Pete Sampras defeated Patrick Rafter in a very entertaining 4-setter. It was also Sampras' final Wimbledon championship.
-2001 Wimbledon Final, Goran Ivanisevic defeated Rafter, another exciting match that went 5 sets, and the final set was won by Ivanisevic 9-7.
-2002 US Open Final, Pete Sampras defeated Andre Agassi, end of an era for US tennis, Sampras beat Agassi in 4 sets.
-2003 Australian Open Quarterfinal, Andy Roddick defeated Younes El Aynaoui in a 5 set match, the final set was 21-19.
-2005 US Open Quarterfinal and Semifinal, Andre Agassi, in his second to last US Open, defeated James Blake in a 5-set quarterfinal, and then Robby Ginepri in the semifinals in another 5-setter. Agassi ran into Federer in the Championship, losing in 4 sets.
Federer had won the previous 5 Wimbledon championships, but throughout today's match he made several un-Federer-like mistakes. Federer had to fight to save many break points and it always seemed like he was playing from behind in the match. Nadal's main advantage was clearly his quickness though, and even though it was the longest championship match ever, Nadal was full of energy to the end.
After the match, John McEnroe, who does analysis for NBC, was rather adamant that the match was the greatest he had ever witnessed. It was definitely a great match, but I don't think it was the greatest one I've watched.
Some of my favorite matches that come to mind include:
-2000 Wimbledon Final, Pete Sampras defeated Patrick Rafter in a very entertaining 4-setter. It was also Sampras' final Wimbledon championship.
-2001 Wimbledon Final, Goran Ivanisevic defeated Rafter, another exciting match that went 5 sets, and the final set was won by Ivanisevic 9-7.
-2002 US Open Final, Pete Sampras defeated Andre Agassi, end of an era for US tennis, Sampras beat Agassi in 4 sets.
-2003 Australian Open Quarterfinal, Andy Roddick defeated Younes El Aynaoui in a 5 set match, the final set was 21-19.
-2005 US Open Quarterfinal and Semifinal, Andre Agassi, in his second to last US Open, defeated James Blake in a 5-set quarterfinal, and then Robby Ginepri in the semifinals in another 5-setter. Agassi ran into Federer in the Championship, losing in 4 sets.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Brewers News
Dave Bush, Mike Cameron, and Prince Fielder all played key roles tonight in one of the season's most exciting wins.
But the win, which pulls Milwaukee within 3 1/2 games of first-place Chicago, will be quickly overshadowed if the Cleveland Indians accept the latest offer for C.C. Sabathia.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney, who was the first person I heard suggest (a couple of weeks ago) that the Brewers were the front-runners in the Sabathia sweepstakes, also provides an update on the situation. He also lists some alternative starters that the Brewers might be interested in should the Sabathia deal fall through.
But the win, which pulls Milwaukee within 3 1/2 games of first-place Chicago, will be quickly overshadowed if the Cleveland Indians accept the latest offer for C.C. Sabathia.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney, who was the first person I heard suggest (a couple of weeks ago) that the Brewers were the front-runners in the Sabathia sweepstakes, also provides an update on the situation. He also lists some alternative starters that the Brewers might be interested in should the Sabathia deal fall through.
Jumping Jehosephats! - J.J. Hardy!
Actually, the "J.J." stands for James Jerry (although I could have sworn that Robin Yount referred to him as "John" on the Brewers' telecast the other night).
Hardy is playing out of his mind right now. Consider the following:
-At the end of April, Hardy was hitting .234 with 1 HR and 8 RBI.
-At the end of May, he was hitting .249 with 2 HRs and 15 RBI.
-On June 10, he was hitting .242. Since then, his batting average has risen 50 points to .292.
-He now has 10 HRs, including 4 in the last 4 games.
-He now has 34 RBI, including 8 in the last 5 games.
-His hitting streak stands at 16 games now, and he has 15 hits in the last 5 games.
Hardy is playing out of his mind right now. Consider the following:
-At the end of April, Hardy was hitting .234 with 1 HR and 8 RBI.
-At the end of May, he was hitting .249 with 2 HRs and 15 RBI.
-On June 10, he was hitting .242. Since then, his batting average has risen 50 points to .292.
-He now has 10 HRs, including 4 in the last 4 games.
-He now has 34 RBI, including 8 in the last 5 games.
-His hitting streak stands at 16 games now, and he has 15 hits in the last 5 games.
Friday, July 4, 2008
MLB All-Star Picks - American League
At the beginning of the week I posted my picks for the NL All-Star team, and today I present my picks for the AL. It should be noted that among my picks, there is not a single Red Sox or Yankee player.
Catcher
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Mauer does not produce as many power numbers as other big league catchers, but he is a great hitter with a very good eye, and he gets on base a lot. Check out his OBP:
.326 Avg, 36 RBI, 3 HR, 89 Hits, 51 Runs, .413 OBP
First Baseman
Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Along with Mauer, Morneau provides one of the best 1-2 punches in the game.
.310 Avg, 63 RBI, 12 HR, 102 Hits
Second Baseman
Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Kinsler is putting up astounding power numbers for a second baseman. It doesn't hurt playing in such a hitter-friendly ballpark.
.323 Avg, 50 RBI, 27 Doubles, 13 HR, 114 Hits, 74 Runs, .533 SLG
Shortstop
Michael Young, Texas Rangers
This hasn't been such a good year for AL shortstops. Remember a few years ago when it seemed like all of the best shortstops were in the AL - Rodriguez, Jeter, Garciaparra, Young, Crosby, etc.
.288 Avg, 45 RBI, 100 Hits, 23 Doubles, 58 Runs
Third Baseman
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria didn't even start the season on the Rays' 25-man roster, but his impact since being called up has been undeniable.
.275 Avg, 50 RBI, 15 HR, 74 Hits, 21 Doubles
Designated Hitter
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers
Bradley is one of four Rangers on my list. If Texas ever got some quality starting pitching that could thrive in that ballpark, they would be an even more dangerous team.
.320 Avg, 17 HR, 51 RBI, 79 Hits, 21 Doubles, .611 SLG
Outfield
Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
.308 Avg, 82 RBI, 19 HR, 53 Runs, 103 Hits
Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
.276 Avg, 61 RBI, 19 HR, 54 Runs
Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
.305 Avg, 108 Hits, 60 Runs, 33 SB
Pitchers
Joe Saunders, LA Angels
12-4, 3.04 ERA, 58 SO, 31 BB
Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
9-6, 2.90 ERA, 106 SO, 19 BB
Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
11-1, 2.26 ERA, 93 SO, 17 BB
Justin Duchscherer, Oakland A's
9-5, 1.96 ERA, 59 SO, 21 BB
Francisco Rodriguez, LA Angels
34/36 Saves, 37.1 IP, 35 SO, 1.93 ERA
Catcher
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Mauer does not produce as many power numbers as other big league catchers, but he is a great hitter with a very good eye, and he gets on base a lot. Check out his OBP:
.326 Avg, 36 RBI, 3 HR, 89 Hits, 51 Runs, .413 OBP
First Baseman
Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Along with Mauer, Morneau provides one of the best 1-2 punches in the game.
.310 Avg, 63 RBI, 12 HR, 102 Hits
Second Baseman
Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Kinsler is putting up astounding power numbers for a second baseman. It doesn't hurt playing in such a hitter-friendly ballpark.
.323 Avg, 50 RBI, 27 Doubles, 13 HR, 114 Hits, 74 Runs, .533 SLG
Shortstop
Michael Young, Texas Rangers
This hasn't been such a good year for AL shortstops. Remember a few years ago when it seemed like all of the best shortstops were in the AL - Rodriguez, Jeter, Garciaparra, Young, Crosby, etc.
.288 Avg, 45 RBI, 100 Hits, 23 Doubles, 58 Runs
Third Baseman
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria didn't even start the season on the Rays' 25-man roster, but his impact since being called up has been undeniable.
.275 Avg, 50 RBI, 15 HR, 74 Hits, 21 Doubles
Designated Hitter
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers
Bradley is one of four Rangers on my list. If Texas ever got some quality starting pitching that could thrive in that ballpark, they would be an even more dangerous team.
.320 Avg, 17 HR, 51 RBI, 79 Hits, 21 Doubles, .611 SLG
Outfield
Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
.308 Avg, 82 RBI, 19 HR, 53 Runs, 103 Hits
Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
.276 Avg, 61 RBI, 19 HR, 54 Runs
Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
.305 Avg, 108 Hits, 60 Runs, 33 SB
Pitchers
Joe Saunders, LA Angels
12-4, 3.04 ERA, 58 SO, 31 BB
Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
9-6, 2.90 ERA, 106 SO, 19 BB
Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
11-1, 2.26 ERA, 93 SO, 17 BB
Justin Duchscherer, Oakland A's
9-5, 1.96 ERA, 59 SO, 21 BB
Francisco Rodriguez, LA Angels
34/36 Saves, 37.1 IP, 35 SO, 1.93 ERA
Sabathia Trade Talks Heating Up
Tom Haudricourt over at JSOnline's Brewers Blog has recently posted a few items concerning the possible trade for Cleveland starter C.C. Sabathia (funny how a rumor can get quite serious in just a matter of days - between this story and the Favre comeback whisperings, Wisconsin is becoming the number one state for sports gossip).
The possibility of acquiring a quality starter like Sabathia is very exciting to think about - imagine Sabathia, Sheets, and Parra as your first 3 starters in a playoff series.
Here are Sabathia's numbers so far this season:
6-8, 3.83 ERA, 123 Strikeouts, 34 Walks, 1.23 WHIP
Sabathia is also a big innings-eater...he is averaging almost 7 innings per start this year. And while he got off to a slow start this season, he has not lost a decision since June 5.
I actually pulled the trigger on a Sabathia deal in my fantasy league a couple of months ago, and acquired him cheaply. I'm now coasting in first place in that league.
The possibility of acquiring a quality starter like Sabathia is very exciting to think about - imagine Sabathia, Sheets, and Parra as your first 3 starters in a playoff series.
Here are Sabathia's numbers so far this season:
6-8, 3.83 ERA, 123 Strikeouts, 34 Walks, 1.23 WHIP
Sabathia is also a big innings-eater...he is averaging almost 7 innings per start this year. And while he got off to a slow start this season, he has not lost a decision since June 5.
I actually pulled the trigger on a Sabathia deal in my fantasy league a couple of months ago, and acquired him cheaply. I'm now coasting in first place in that league.
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