Brewers Fanatics

Poll: Who Should get the Majority of the Starts at 2B?

2008-08-21T13:25:00.000-05:00

The votes are in, and you want Ray Durham at second base. 64% of you voted for Durham, while 36% want Rickie Weeks to see most of the playing time.

The Brewers acquired Durham before the trading deadline to bolster second base. Despite the trade, Rickie Weeks has still seen the majority of the playing time even though he's performed sub par this season. Here are their current numbers.

Rickie Weeks - .229 BA, 10 HR, 36 RBI, .335 OBP, 16 SB

Ray Durham - .285, 4 HR, 38 RBI, .375 OBP, 7 SB

Durham has had the much better year overall, and his on base percentage sure looks nice at the lead off position. Not only that, but Durham is also a major upgrade defensively. He doesn't have the best range but has only made three errors all season. Weeks has nine errors, and has made several errant throws on double play opportunities.

Weeks has come on strong though after the All-Star break, which he's been known to do over his career. Since the break Weeks is hitting .273 with a .369 on base percentage. Durham has not been as successful since the break as he's only hitting .229 with a .302 on base percentage. I wouldn't factor Durham's post All-Star numbers in too much though since he has had limited opportunities. Weeks has always been inconsistent, and the Brewers could use consistency down the stretch, which is why Ray Durham should see the majority of the playing time at second base.

Prospect Watch: Jeremy Jeffress

2008-08-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

Jeremy Jeffress, 20, is the Brewers' top pitching prospect. He was recently promoted to Double-A Huntsville after a fairly successful stint at High-A Brevard County. Jeffress is the youngest player on the Huntsville roster. At Brevard County, he went 4-6 with a 4.08 ERA and had 102 strike outs in 79.1 innings pitched.

Jeffress made his debut for Huntsville on August 13th, and it didn't go as well as he hoped. The young right-hander only went 2 1/3 innings, allowing two hits, two runs, and three walks, while striking out two.

The news that Jeffress was being promoted to Double-A was somewhat surprising. He wasn't extremely consistent at Brevard County, although he was a little more consistent towards the end of his stint there. The main reason for his promotion is the Brewers will most likely send him to the Arizona Fall League, where a player needs to be on at least a Double-A roster to be eligible.

Yost's Fixation with Counsell

2008-08-15T12:50:00.001-05:00

Ned Yost has always taken a liking to Craig Counsell, but this month he's taken his fixation with him to another level. Counsell has basically become the Brewers' every day third basemen. Why is he starting every day? That's a very good question.

The Bill Hall/Russell Branyan platoon has combined for 26 home runs and 66 RBI this season. Craig Counsell has one home run and 12 RBI. Hall and Branyan don't carry the greatest looking batting average, but neither does Counsell. Hall and Branyan together is almost like having another Prince Fielder in the lineup. With Branyan now out due to injury, that leaves the Brewers with just Counsell and Hall battling for time at the hot corner.

The reason Yost seems to like Counsell so much is because of his defense. He has a sure handed glove pretty much anywhere in the infield, but is that enough reason to start him every day? The difference he makes defensively is not a big enough reason to start him over Hall as their offensive production isn't even close.

The only reason I can think of why Yost continues to send Counsell out there is because he has a decent on base percentage compared to how putrid his batting average is. Counsell is hitting .229 but has an OBP of .333. What is so puzzling to me is the timing of this. July was Bill Hall's best month of the season while Counsell had one of his worst months in July. In July, Hall hit .288 with a .350 on base percentage, four home runs, and 16 RBI. July wasn't as kind to Counsell as he only hit .174 with a .286 on base percentage, and 1 RBI.

I have no problem with Craig Counsell as a role player. His fine defense makes him a solid option off the bench, and a defensive option with the lead in a late inning game. He is just not an every day player. It makes no sense that Yost stopped giving Hall playing time when he was tearing the cover off the ball and Counsell hasn't been hitting all year.

Test: Making a Test post

2008-08-15T01:44:00.000-05:00

This is a test post.

Click read more for more.

Test test!

Where Are They Now?

2008-08-13T12:17:00.001-05:00

Every year players come and go. Here is look at some of last years Brewers who have moved on.

Kevin Mench - Shrek currently is playing for the Blue Jays in a reserve role. Mench is hitting .233 with zero home runs and eight RBI in 86 at bats. Wasn't he supposed to be a power hitter?

Geoff Jenkins - Jenks has had a rough year in his first season out of Milwaukee. The former Brewers first round pick is batting just .243 with nine home runs and 28 RBI. He also has the lowest fielding percentage of his career at .965. It's tough to see how far he has fallen.

Johnny "I don't speak spanish" Estrada - First the Brewers trade him to the Mets for Guillermo Mota, and then the Mets release him. Ouch. Then he was signed by the lowly Nationals and has only registered 53 at bats on the season. He hit .170 and drew one walk, which gave him a staggering .200 on base percentage.

Tony Graffanino - Graffy is currently playing for the Indians Triple-A team, the Buffalo Bisons. He's hitting .321 with a .379 on base percentage in 53 at bats. Perhaps he'll see some action in the show soon with the Indians?

Damian Miller - Miller is now retired. He received some interest from teams in the off-season, but the only team he was interested in playing for was the Brewers.

Claudio Vargas - Vargas is playing for the Mets Triple-A team, the New Orleans Zephyrs. He's posted a 5-2 record, with a 4.36 ERA. He did receive some time with the big league team, posting a 4.62 ERA in 37 innings pitched.

Scott Linebrink - Linebrink has reestablished himself as one of the premier setup men in the game this year. In 39 innings of work for the White Sox Linebrink has a 2.30 ERA and outstanding WHIP of 0.92. Too bad the Brewers didn't get this kind of performance out of him last year.

Matt Wise - The change up specialist signed with the Mets this off-season and has not the had the year he was hoping for. Wise has only pitched 7 innings for New York and had a 6.43 ERA in them. He's spent most of the year on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Brewers Top 10 Catchers of the 2000's

2008-08-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last year some of you might remember a post on here listing the Brewers' top catchers of the 2000's. Well there was a flaw with last years list, Johnny Estrada was on it. Here's a new updated list of catchers that have had Bill Schroeder drooling for years.

1. Damian Miller - The real life Jake Taylor has been the most stable catcher for the Brewers this century. He provided the Brewers with two serviceable years as the starter, and one as the backup. He also did a great job handling the staff while he was here.

2. Jason Kendall - Kendall's low average kind of sticks out at you, but his on base percentage isn't that bad for a catcher. He has played great defense for the Brewers and the pitchers have raved about how he calls a game.

3. Mike Rivera - Being ranked third isn't bad for someone who's never been the starter is it? Rivera has provided the Brewers with two quality years as the teams backup backstop.

4. Eddie Perez - While on the Brewers, Perez posted a .271 batting average. Eddie Perez = domination

5. Keith Osik - Osik knows how to draw walks. He posted a .342 OBP with the crew. How was this guy the backup? Oh yeah, EDDIE PEREZ.

6. Henry Blanco - Blanco may not have been the greatest hitter with the crew but his defense always got Bill Schroeder going.

7. Raul Casanova - Three years of catching with the Brewers in the 2000's. How many guys can say that?

8. Gary Bennett - Bennett provided solid defense for the crew to compliment his .224 batting average. He also won a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 06. Gary Bennett = winner.

9. Chad Moeller - Chad Moeller hit for the cycle. What other Brewers have done that lately? Oh yeah, none. Moeller > ALL

10. Robert Machado - Posted a .310 OBP in his one year with the Brewers. Johnny Estrada's OBP last year, .296.

Honorable Mention - Paul Bako - This gritty battler has played for TEN different teams in his legendary MLB career. TEN. Now that's an accomplishment.

Prospect Watch: Brett Lawrie

2008-08-11T12:39:00.002-05:00

Brett Lawrie, 18, was the Brewers' first round pick in this past June's draft. The Brewers selected the high catcher 16th overall. He just signed this past week for what is believed to be a signing bonus of around $1.7 million.

Lawrie is currently playing for Team Canada in the Olympics, where he will face advanced minor league pitching, and players with major league experience. He is the youngest player on Canada's roster. The right-handed hitting Lawrie will most likely begin next season at the Brewers' Low-A affiliate, wherever that ends up being.

Lawrie is known for his strong hands and quick bat speed. He has good power and a plus arm. There is some question as to whether he will stick as a catcher, but that is where the Brewers will leave him for now.

Prospect Watch: Mat Gamel

2008-08-10T13:11:00.000-05:00

Mat Gamel, the top prospect in the Brewers' farm system was just promoted to Triple-A Nashville from Double-A Huntsville. Gamel, 23, hit .329 with 19 home runs and 96 RBI's for Huntsville. He had an excellent .395 on base percentage, and a .933 OPS.

2008 has been a breakout season for Gamel. The third basemen has been named the Southern League's Player of the Week numerous times, and was selected to the MLB Future's Game. He will continue to play third base for Nashville.

Gamel's promotion comes a week before Major League rosters expand to 40 players. Nashville's season in Triple-A ends August 31, so the Brewers so will decide then whether or not they will call up Gamel for the September roster expansion.

Poll: Should Jeff Suppan Stay in the Starting Rotation?

2008-08-07T13:27:00.002-05:00

In our latest poll we asked if Jeff Suppan should remain in the Brewers' starting rotation. The majority of you believe he should not. 72% said he should be removed from the rotation, while just 28% wanted him as a starter.

This season has been a very up and down year for Suppan. He has put together some really good starts, but he's also put together some really awful starts too. As of now Suppan currently has a 7-7 record with a 4.70 ERA. Here's a month by month breakdown of his performance.

April - 5.19 ERA
May - 2.56 ERA
June - 4.33 ERA
July - 9.43 ERA
August - 1.93 ERA (Two Starts)

Suppan has been all over the place this season, and has been very erratic. His career numbers do show that he tends to come on strong towards the end of the season though. Last year Suppan posted a 3.90 ERA in August and a 3.86 ERA in September. In 2006 with the Cardinals, Suppan had a 3.44 ERA in August, a 2.15 ERA in September, and ended up as the MVP of the NLCS.

I think for now it's best to keep Suppan in the rotation. He catches a lot of flack due to his high paying salary, but I don't expect him to pitch like he did in July for the rest of the year. In the last three years Suppan has a 3.09 ERA after the All-Star break. The Brewers don't really have a better option than him, and based on his history he should finish strong.

The Dugout Incident

2008-08-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

During Monday night's game the FSN broadcast showed Manny Parra and Prince Fielder walking to the end of the dugout exchanging words, and then Fielder snapping on Parra. Fielder shoved Parra with full force back into the wall. Several Brewers then restrained Fielder from mauling Parra.

This is absolutely unacceptable behavior from Fielder regardless of what was said. Teammates fighting is not what this team needs right now, especially from Fielder, who is supposed to be a leader. Parra could have easily been hurt, and that's one of the last things this team needs down the stretch. If you have a problem you don't use physical force on a teammate to solve it.

Prince has been known for his temper in his time with the Brewers. This isn't the first time he's shown a lot of emotion. Showing emotion, or trying to motivate someone is no excuse for attacking them though. I wouldn't mind seeing Prince out of the lineup for a game to teach him a lesson.

Prospect Watch: Luis Pena

2008-08-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

Luis Pena, a 25-year old relief pitcher was originally signed by the Brewers in 1999 as a non-drafted free agent. Pena is currently playing in Triple-A for the Nashville Sounds.

Pena did well for himself in the first half earning a spot on the PCL All-Star team. There were rumblings about him being called up to the show to help the Brewers' bullpen, but since then he has faltered. Pena had a horrendous month of July with a 13.50 ERA.

Currently Pena's ERA stands at 5.89. Pena has a good fastball and was thought of as a potential closer by some, but he has struggled lately. He had been a shoe in for a September callup, but that may no longer be the case. It will be interesting to see how he responds down the stretch.

Poll: First Half MVP

2008-07-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our latest poll asked who was the Brewers' first half MVP? The winner of the poll was Ben Sheets with 47%. I was slightly surprised to see Salomon Torres come in second place at 29%, while Ryan Braun was third with 23%.

I can't argue with Sheets winning the poll. He was the teams ace in the first half, won 10 games, had a sub 3 ERA, and started for the NL in the all-star game. Sheets was fantastic, and definitely deserving of the honor.

I was surprised to see Torres get more votes than Braun, but he was great. The Brewers needed someone to take hold of the closers role, and Torres got the job done. After watching Gagne blow all those saves you understand how valuable Torres is to this team.

If there was an MVP in the lineup it was definitely Braun. He started in the all-star game, and was far and away the Brewers top hitter. He also provided the team with consistency, which most of the lineup had trouble with in the first half.

Prospect Watch: Evan Frederickson

2008-07-28T11:44:00.001-05:00

Evan Frederickson was drafted by the Brewers #35 overall in this past June's draft. Frederickson is a 6'6'' left handed pitcher out of the University of San Francisco.

After posting a 3.09 ERA in the Pioneer League for Helena, the 21 year-old Frederickson was quickly moved to Low-A West Virginia. So far he's off to a bit of a rough start. Through 13.2 innings pitched Frederickson is 0-1 with a 7.90 ERA. He's struck out 13 batters, but has allowed 18 walks.

Frederickson throws a mid 90's fastball and has a lot of potential, but he's not as polished as some college pitchers are. He has control issues that he needs to work on, but the stuff is definitely there. It will be very interesting to watch his progress. Right Field Bleachers recently had an interview with him, which you can read by clicking here.

Unbelievable

2008-07-24T22:37:00.001-05:00

The only word that can describe the Brewers right now is unbelievable. After sweeping the Cards tonight, the Brewers have now won eight straight games, and lead the NL Wild Card. They are one game behind the Cubs for first place in the division.

Ryan Braun is unreal. Is there anyone you'd rather have up in a big situation? Ryan Braun is the definition of pro. He was born for the big moment. A two run homer to take the lead in the 9th, and it secures a sweep on the road.

The way this team has come back late in these games has been amazing. These definitely aren't the Brewers of old, who we have seen fold so many times after squandering a lead, or would give up when down. This team expects to win, and they never give up. It sure is great to watch them play.

Next up for the Brewers will be the Houston Astros at Miller Park. The crew will look to win their ninth straight game. Then the Chicago Cubs come to town for what will be the biggest series of the year thus far.

Prospect Watch: Brad Nelson

2008-07-21T14:22:00.002-05:00

Brad Nelson was the Brewers fourth round pick in the 2001 draft. After being drafted Nelson quickly asserted himself as one of the Brewers top prospects. Then Nelson battled injuries, and saw his status as a top prospect take a nose dive. Last season things started to get back on track for him as he hit 20 home runs in Triple-A.

This season the 25 year-old first basemen is hitting .296 with a spectacular .402 on base percentage for the Sounds. He's also hit 12 home runs and has 52 RBI. Out in the field he's made four errors.

It's been a long time coming for Nelson, and now he's knocking on the door of the major leagues. Unfortunately for Nelson, he's blocked by Prince Fielder. If he continues to play well though he should receive a September call up when the roster expands.

Brewers Acquire Durham

2008-07-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Brewers have acquired second basemen, Ray Durham from the Giants in exchange for minor leaguers, Steve Hammond and Darren Ford.

Durham is hitting .293 with a .385 on base percentage at second base. Rickie Weeks this is your wake up call. Durham's high OBP would look good at the top of the Brewers order, and he will press Weeks for playing time.

I really like this trade. Durham gives the Brewers the high on base guy they needed, and Doug Melvin did not have to give up too much for him. Steve Hammond was having a nice year pitching in Double-A, but struggled since being promoted to Triple-A. He's also 26 years old so he most likely won't make a huge impact in the major leagues.

Darren Ford has not been having a very strong season. The 22 year-old center fielder was only hitting .230 in High-A Brevard County. He did have 48 stolen bases however. Last year at Low-A West Virginia, Ford hit .335 with a .398 on base percentage, but he has not handled the promotion to High-A well.

Podcast: Brewers Blog Roundtable EP 2

2008-07-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

Along with Right Field Bleachers and Bernie's Crew we are proud to bring you the second edition of the Brewers Blog Roundtable. Jared, Jim, and myself discuss the All-Star game, the top prospect in the Brewers system other than Mat Gamel, the first half of the season, and the keys to success in the second half.

You can listen to the show by clicking here.

Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment, or by sending an e-mail to brewersfanatics@yahoo.com We really would like to hear your feedback!

Mid-Season Grades - Hitters

2008-07-17T09:00:00.003-05:00

Rickie Weeks - Rickie has been a real disappointment. He has all the potential in the world, but sadly it seems he may never live up to it. No lead off hitter should be hitting .217, and if Rickie hadn't been a #2 overall pick, and came to the team with so much hype he probably wouldn't be in the big leagues still. Grade = D-

J.J. Hardy - Hardy started slow, but boy has he been hot the last month or so. J.J. is near the top in every statistical category for shortstops, and has been solid in the field. Grade = B

Ryan Braun - Braun keeps on dominating. He hasn't let up much after his historical rookie season, and has been the best player in the Brewers lineup this season. Grade = A

Prince Fielder - Most players would dream of having a season like Fielder is having right now. Prince has 18 homers at the break, and after last years performance this is an off year for him. He's been a little more inconsistent than in the past as he is getting used to being pitched differently. Grade = B+

Corey Hart - Brewers fans have known about Corey Hart for a while, but he finally got the recognition he deserved by making the all-star team through the final vote. Hart does everything well and might be the most consistent player on the team. Grade = A-

Bill Hall - It's been a difficult year for Billy, but he's been heating up as of late. Since he began platooning with Branyan he's really upped his game. His average is down, but he is still hitting for pretty good power. Grade = C

Russell Branyan - The muscle returned to Milwaukee with a bang. He started off extremely hot, but has cooled off recently. He does have 11 home runs in 106 at bats, which you'll take any time. Grade = B

Mike Cameron - Cameron has provided the Brewers with another power bat and solid defense. His power is probably more than expected. However, he wasn't a very good hitter in the two hole as his average and on base percentage were not high enough. He is solid batting seventh though. Grade = C

Jason Kendall - Kendall has been fantastic, and is exactly what the Brewers were looking for after the disaster known as Johnny Estrada. All the pitchers seem to love him, especially Ben Sheets, as he calls a great game. Not only does Kendall call a great game, but his defense has been much better than advertised. A .339 on base percentage from a catcher isn't bad either. Grade = B+

Joe Dillon - Joe hasn't had a ton of playing time, but has been very serviceable when called upon. He posted a .359 on base percentage in the first half, which you love to see off the bench. Grade = B-

Mike Rivera - Speaking of minimal playing time Rivera has rarely seen the field as the back up catcher to Jason Kendall. Rivera only had 47 at bats in the first half, but when he's played you can't ask for anything more. Rivera hit .319 with a .360 OBP. Grade = A

Gabe Kapler - What an addition Gabe has been. It seems every time he is called upon he delivers. He's having one of the best years of his career; not bad for someone who didn't even play last year. Grade = A

Craig Counsell - I'm not going to lie, I've never been a big fan of Counsell. I didn't understand why the Brewers signed him back after he didn't do well in his first stint with the team, especially when they could have had Jeff Cirillo back instead. This year I haven't minded him as much. He's actually been pretty solid off the bench this season. He plays good defense and has been giving the Brewers good at bats when they need him to. Grade = C+

Mid-Season Grades - Pitchers

2008-07-16T15:28:00.004-05:00

We've reached the half way point of the season, and now is the time to hand out grades for the first half. Here's a breakdown of the pitchers.

Ben Sheets - Sheets is turning in a Cy Young type season, and started in the all-star game. The Brewers couldn't have asked for anything more. Grade = A

Jeff Suppan - It's been an inconsistent year for Soup. He had a really nice stretch where he turned in some great starts, but has also had some terrible outings. Now he's on the DL. Grade = C-

Dave Bush - Bush, like Suppan, has suffered from inconsistency. Bush got off to a horrible start, but has really turned things around since June by putting together some dynamite starts. Grade = C+

Manny Parra - Manny got off to a slow start but sure heated up. For a first year starter, Parra has been excellent, and gives the Brewers a chance to win every time out. Grade = B+

CC Sabathia - CC has done great in his two starts with the Brewers, but hasn't been around long enough to earn a grade. Grade = Incomplete

Seth McClung - McClung has definitely done more than most expected out of him. Many were shocked to see he made the team out of Spring Training, but he did a solid job in the pen, and has made some much needed quality starts. Grade = B-

Salomon Torres - Torres began the season as a 7th inning type guy, but quickly took the closers role after Gagne's poor performance. He's exceeded all expectations, and probably would have been an all-star had he been the closer from the beginning. Grade = A

Eric Gagne - While Torres has exceeded expectations, Gagne has fallen far below his. The $10 million man has been a complete disappointment. He has an ERA over seven, blew five saves, and has two losses. Grade = F

David Riske - Riske was one of the Brewers' big acquisitions in the off-season, but like Gagne hasn't performed to the level the Brewers hoped. He's battled injuries, and has been pretty mediocre when healthy. The Brewers are hoping he puts it together in the second half. Grade = D+

Brian Shouse - The unsung hero of the bullpen. Shouse has been spectacular this year for the Brewers as their lefty specialist. He goes out there and gets the job done. Grade = A

Guillermo Mota - Well you can't expect much out of a guy when it only took Johnny Estrada to acquire him. Still, after showing promise early in the season it's disappointing to see Mota just melt down. Grade = D-

Carlos Villanueva - Expectations were high for Carlos, and things haven't gone as planned. He started off in the rotation, and now is in the bullpen as a long relief guy. He's been a little better in relief, but after his performance last year many thought he was going to be a quality starter. Grade = D

Mitch Stetter - Stetter definitely has some electric stuff. He's been solid for the most part, but has also had some control problems. You can't complain much about a 2.45 ERA though. Grade = B

Come back tomorrow for a breakdown of the lineup and bench players.

Prospect Watch: Top 10 Prospects

2008-07-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

We're halfway through the season, and it's time to put together the Brewers top 10 prospect list.

1. Mat Gamel - With Matt LaPorta gone, Mat Gamel is the number one prospect in the system. A .375 average and 15 home runs was good enough to earn Gamel a spot in the futures game.

2. Jeremy Jeffress - Jeffress perhaps has more potential than any other Brewers prospect. Jeffress has been inconsistent this year, but when he's on he's unstoppable. Jeffress has 80 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched at Brevard County.

3. Angel Salome - Salome has been mashing at Double-A Huntsville. The 22-year old catcher hit .345 with a .401 on base percentage in the first half. Brewer fans have been waiting a long time for a catcher that can hit and Salome might be just that.

4. Michael Brantley - Brantley was good last season too, but this year people are starting to take notice. He's only 21-years old and had a .407 on base percentage in the first half for Huntsville. The center fielder has also stolen 25 bases. He could very well be taking Mike Cameron's place in center field down the line, and fill the Brewers need for a lead off hitter.

5. Alcides Escobar - Escobar is one of the most exciting prospects in Huntsville. He hit .337 with a .367 on base percentage in the first half, and wreaks havoc on the base paths, having stolen 25 bases.

6. Jonathan Lucroy - Lucroy just keeps on hitting. He hit well at Low-A West Virginia to start the season, and has continued to rake at High-A Brevard County, currently boasting a .326 average. Lucroy along with Salome lead a suddenly strong corps of catchers in the farm system.

7. Taylor Green - The other third base prospect in Brewers system, who plays better defensively than Mat Gamel. Green also has a solid bat. He's not a big power hitter, but does have 10 home runs. He shows great plate discipline with his .368 on base percentage.

8. Cole Gillespie - The best word to describe Gillespie would be solid. He's not a can't miss prospect, but is a nice player. The 24 year-old outfielder, currently playing for Double-A Huntsville, has an impressive .379 on base percentage, and 12 home runs.

9. Jake Odorizzi - Drafted #32 overall in this past June's draft, Odorizzi was touted by many as the best high school pitcher in the draft. He can throw four different pitches, and has good command. He provides the Brewers' system with much needed pitching depth.

10. Chris Errecart - Errecart is one of the more underrated players the Brewers have in the minors right now. Perhaps it's because he plays in Huntsville, where talent is a plenty. The 23 year-old first basemen hit .291 with a .364 on base percentage, and 13 home runs in the first half.

Poll: CC Sabathia Trade

2008-07-13T16:16:00.001-05:00

After the big trade was made to acquire CC Sabathia we put up a poll asking if you liked the trade or not. 35 votes were turned in, and 27 people said they liked the trade, while 8 people were not in favor.

After today it'd be hard not to like what you see from Sabathia so far. After two games he's 2-0, and today he turned in an amazing performance with a complete game. He allowed only two runs, and struck out nine.

Oh yeah, and he hit a home run. Ben wrote when the trade went down that Sabathia would also help out the Brewers' offense. Good call on that one. Today was a great win for the Brewers heading into the all-star break. It sure is nice to have another stopper in the rotation.

Bush Stepping Up

2008-07-11T15:09:00.005-05:00

Two years ago many people were picking Dave Bush to be a breakout player. He was coming off his first season with the Brewers and finished the year with a 4.41 ERA.

Why were people picking him to be a breakout player? It wasn't the way he started the season, but the way he finished it. Bush posted a 3.79 ERA in August, and an ERA of 3.03 in September. The right-hander was primed to have a big 2007.

The 2007 season came and Bush did not have the year everyone hoped he'd have. Bush struggled out of the gate, and finished April with a 6.23 ERA. Bush's struggles eventually landed him in the bullpen for a time, before he went back into the rotation. He finished 2007 with a 5.12 ERA.

2008 came and the Brewers began the spring loaded with starting pitching. Now Bush was battling for a spot in the rotation. He did land a spot in the rotation, but once again struggled early on in the season. Bush finished April 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. The fans grew frustrated, and many wanted him gone. What happened? Bush seemed to have loads of potential and many thought he was a potential all-star after his first season with the team. He was beginning to look like someone who didn't belong in the big leagues.

After continuous poor outings Bush was sent to Triple-A to figure things out. Bush only made one start in Triple-A, and it was a good one. He pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run. Then Yovani Gallardo went down with an injury and Bush was recalled to take his place in the rotation.

The results did not get any better at the big league level upon his return. Bush gave up at least five runs in three of his next four starts. It was to the point where Brewers fans dreaded every time he made a start. Then all of a sudden something started to click. Bush turned in an outstanding month of June by posting a 3.65 ERA.

Despite a solid month in June, Bush's status in the rotation was still in question. The Brewers made a blockbuster trade, acquiring 2007 AL Cy Young winner, CC Sabathia. The question when the Brewers made the trade was, who was going to be dropped out of the rotation? The most likely choice was Dave Bush or Seth McClung. However, shortly after the trade was made it was announced Jeff Suppan was headed to the 15 day DL.

Jeff Suppan was signed to the largest contract in Brewers history prior to last season, and is making over $8 million this season. When he returns from the disabled list it's assumed he will regain his spot in the rotation. That means one of Bush or McClung will move to the bullpen.

Bush has been making a real strong case by his recent performance that he won't be the one taken out of the rotation. In two starts so far this month Bush is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA. In his last start he allowed only one run and had a career-high, 13 punch outs. The heat has been on Bush to step up, and he is responding. Well done Dave Bush, well done.

Podcast: Brewers Blog Roundtable

2008-07-09T23:34:00.010-05:00

Along with Right Field Bleachers, and Brewers Nation, we are proud to bring you the first edition of the Brewers Blog Roundtable. Jared from Right Field Bleachers, Jim from Brewers Nation, and myself discuss the latest on the brew crew.

Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a message, or e-mail us at brewersfanatics@yahoo.com with any suggestions, questions, or comments.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here

Prospect Watch: Cutter Dykstra

2008-07-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

Cutter Dykstra, the son of former major leaguer, Lenny Dykstra, was one of the Brewers' second round picks in this past June's draft. (#54 overall) The 19 year-old is currently playing center field in rookie league for the Helena Brewers and is off to a solid start.

Though 10 games and 36 at bats Dykstra is hitting .278 with a .395 on base percentage. He has one home run and two RBI. Out in the field he's made one error. Dykstra will most likely begin next season in Low-A, whether that's West Virginia remains to be seen, since there are rumors the Brewers will not renew their contract with the Power.

Corey Hart: All Star? Yes!

2008-07-07T17:28:00.010-05:00

As of today through the first 24 hours of voting, Hart is currently leading in the final vote for the National League. He is narrowly leading David Wright of the Mets, who is followed by Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and Carlos Lee.

Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays leads the voting on the AL side thus far, followed by Jermaine Dye, Jason Giambi, Brian Roberts, and Jose Guillen.

Don't forget to vote for Hart, or whoever you think the most deserving player may be. Voting ends on Thursday at 4 p.m. CT.

I will update this thread with results until Thursday.

Update 7/8: Hart and Longoria continue to lead, the current voting positions remain the same in both leagues.

Update 7/9: With 24 hours remaining in the final vote, the standings in both leagues remain the same.

Update 7/10: Corey Hart wins the NL final vote! He narrowly edges out David Wright. Evan Longoria wins the AL final vote.