There's something brewing - A Badenian going America

[Loeffle]

This is my first try writing a dynasty. As I'm not a native speaker I hope you are able to get what I write. But on the other hand there are even some famous Americans who don't know the difference between Australia and Austria

Reading the stories of darkcloud4579, majormet, Purple Cowboy and Dauis was a big inspiration for me. I adopted many ideas, but try to do this story my own way.

So far I played every single game from 1st to last inning. I control the offense and make the substitions, while my head coach gives pitching instructions and controls defense.

My story will start a bit unusual, but that's the things went as my story developed out of a "test season".

There will be only a rather short 2007 review. The real dynasty begins after the 2007 World Series.

2007 Review - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager Yost / GM Fritsche

After what was considered a shock move, the Milwaukee Brewers sacked proven, but boring GM Doug Melvin and replaced him with Grand Duchy of Baden native Andreas "Red Chow" Fritsche. Fritsche who's never ever been to the Americas or played a single professional baseball match was supposed to bring and completely new approach to Milwaukee as owner Mark Attanasio stated in a pressconference 2nd January 2007.

Fritsche's lone highlight came at the age of 11, when he collected the Striker of the Year award in the Black Forest League playing for FC Löffingen (football - soccer). His career came to an sad end when he tore his ligaments at the age of 18 playing hit and run trying for a double on a ground not really suited for baseball. When trying a football comeback Fritsche strained the same ligaments in only his third game playing for a student team in Tromsø/Norway.

As Fritsche knew the baseball basics, he was quite a rookie being a GM. That's why the months January to March were quiet ones. On the first glimpse the Brewers were a decent team with a lot talent on the field. Pitching was a bit weak, and there were too many outfielders.

Therefore Fritsche's main aim was a trade to bolster pitching. But trades with Houston, San Diego and the Dodgers failed, as they were unwilling to give us a couple of decent pitchers for Geoff Jenkins, who was in the last year of his contract.

After a horrible spring training Yost was degraded to assistant manager, as Fritsche took over every day management as well. The owner expected us to play .500 ball, a realistic goal, if we only would manage to pitch.

[Loeffle]

April to July 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

Opening Day Lineup (Home vs. Dodgers):

Weeks (2B)
Braun (3B)
Fielder (1B)
Hart (LF)
Hall (CF)
Jenkins (RF)
Estrada (C)
Hardy (SS)
Sheets (SP)

Non-Starters:
Bush (SP)
Capuano (SP)
Gallardo (SP)
Suppan (SP)

Vargas (Spot Starter)
Turnbow (R)
Shouse (R)
Wise (R)
Parra (R)
Dessens (R)
Cordero (CL)

Counsell (Infield)
Graffanino (Infield)
Gross (Outfield)
Nix (Outfield)
Miller (C)

The first game was won 8-4 as we chased Schmidt after only 2.1 IP.

April was a great month as we went 16-10, even if pitching was below average. Especially Jeff Suppan was a disgrace collecting a 6.66 ERA.

Some other players surprised positively and got rewarded with new contracts.

RF/LF Gabe Gross (great defensively and better in offense than struggling Jenkins) 3 year extension worth 2,040,000.
SS / Utility man Tony Graffanino (batting .333 with 3 HRs and 15 RBIs) 2 year extension worth 2,340,000
CL Francisco Cordero (1.29 ERA with 7 saves - a rare highlight in a sad bullpen) 2 year extension worth 3,820,000
MR Elmer Dessens (3-0, 2.13 ERA, 0.95 WHIP - the only reliable reliever besides Cordero) 1 year extension 520,000

Fortunes for the Brew Crew and GM/Manager Red Chow Fritsche changed at once when 3B Ryan "Calamity" Braun went on the DL for 3 weeks on 23rd April (batting .329 until then).

Even when he came back the Brewers played from times to times awful and they dropped to 4th in NL Central (behind Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Houston). Despite going 2-13 on a road trip, they ended May with 12-17 record.

Fritsche singled out Jeff Suppan and his mighty 4 year / 42,000,000 contract out as mayor problem. To get rid of Suppan (8.19 ERA / 10 GS) we had to add Corey Hart and minor leaguer Zach Jackson to the White Sox. Even if losing Hart hurt, this trade was a key for Brewer success as we escaped financial disaster.

2007 Draft - 15th Pick in every round

1st Round - MR Angel Tapia - Middleborough, Massachusetts

• A 31.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 16 BB, 20 K
• AA 1.0 IP, 36.00 ERA, 4.00 WHIP, 1 B, 2 K

2nd Round - SP Alejandro Mendoza - Hudson, New York

• R (AZL) 70.2 IP, 1.66 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 16 BB, 45 K, 3 CG, 1 SHO
• R 21.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8 BB, 17 K

3rd Round - SS Nick Haynes - Naperville, Illinois

• R (AZL) .198 AVG, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB, 19 K

4th Round - SP Alfonso Mendoza - Chicago, Illinois

• R (AZL) 39.1 IP, 5.49 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 11 BB, 12 K

5th Round - 2B Sukenobu Matsu****a - Japan

• R (AZL) .240 AVG, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 23 BB, 16 K
• R .000 AVG (1 AB)

6th Round - MR Nelson Salazar - San Diego, California

• R (AZL) 19.2 IP, 5.03 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 5 BB, 12 K

7th Round - MR Michel Marcil - Lethbridge, Alberta

• R 14.0 IP; 2.57 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 6 BB, 7 K

8th Round - 1B Bob Bannatyne - Springfield, Missouri

• R .369 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 11 BB, 15 K
• A .241 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 3 K (13 AB)
• 2007 Pioneer League All-Star

9th Round - 2B Sean Stone - Brisbane, Queensland

• R .272 AVG, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 17 BB, 29 K, 6 SB

10th Round - CF Andy Walker - West Carson, California

• R .220 AVG, 0 HR, 24 RBI, 11 BB, 34 K, 33 SB
• 2007 Pioneer League All-Star

June ended with 15-11 record, but the Pirates seem to be too strong for us. Their pitching is among the best in the mayors. We battle the Cubs and the Cardinals for 2nd place.

[Loeffle]

July 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

Another problem we had was outfield. We had at least six players who were supposed to be good enough to start (Hart, Hall, Jenkins and Gross on the Brewers squad, as well as Gwynn and Mench who terrorized AAA pitching).

In early July the Dodgers showed us a nice way out of our problem.

Trade:
RF Geoff Jenkins (.270 AVG, 13 HR, 30 RBI) + MR Steve Hammond (AAA - 4.22 ERA) for LF/1B James Loney (AAA - .306, 3 HR, 28 RBI) + MR/CL Justin Orenduff (AAA - 3.46 ERA, 11 S)

Of course Jenkins was a great Brewer hero, but he was not worth his 7,500,000. Loney is much younger, offers a bit more offense and less defense, but can play also 1B if Fielder goes down. Orenduff could make the mayors.

2007 All Star Selection's

The 2007 All Star Game was sadly cancelled as more than half of the selected players chose to boycott the game after a big Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Julio Franco hormone scandal.

[Loeffle]

July 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

With pitching slowly improoving and financials under control, we only had one major problem left: The Shortstop position.

JJ Hardy battled the Mendoza line early on and was sent down to regain his swing. Tony Graffanino who did very well and was on pace for 20 homers, injured himself just before the All-Star break. AAA Call-Up Alcides Escobar showed he's still a season or two away from reaching the Mayors.

The solution to our problem was Cesar Izturis who had been released by the Cubs. Thankful that we gave him another chance he simply exploded in his first month for us, hitting .406.

The emergence of Izturis allowed us to shop old warhorse Craig Counsell (.226 in 125 AB's) around in order to find some pitching talent. The Braves were willing takers sending highly rated pitchers Jeff Locke and Carlos Rivas. Why the Braves released poor Craig only two weeks after the trade is not known.

We also ended July with a 15-11 record, meaning standing at 58-49 on 1st of August. The Pirates led the Central with 59-48, while the Cubs (52-54) and Cards (51-55) seemed to be out of the race.

On the 31st of July we lost SP Yovani Gallardo for the season, which prompted us to call up Jack Egbert, who we received in the Suppan/Hart trade. Gallardo's injury put pressure on underachieving starters Sheets, Capuano and Vargas if we should make a playoff run.

Just before the trading deadline we make a trade with the Oakland A's receiving their star reliever Alan Embree (0.69 ERA in 26.0 IP with a 0.81 WHIP) for Minor Leaguer Jose Macias (2B) (batting .271 in 107 AB for AAA Nashville). As our Lefty Parra (7.54 ERA) showed more than once that he is not ready for the mayors and Shouse couldn't shoulder the workload against left-handed batter, Embree was considered a key acquisation for our unlikely playoffrun. We left wondering why the A's only wanted a free agent minor leaguer with no future at Milwaukee for him.

[No Pepper]

Loeffle, congratulations on a good start to your dynasty. I need to take the plunge myself and write my own dynasty soon. I will be following your story as I am a fan of the Brewers. Who did you get in return for the trade with the White Sox for Suppan/Hart/Jackson?

[darkcloud4579]

You're off to a good start. Keep it up!

[Loeffle]

Originally Posted by No Pepper

Loeffle, congratulations on a good start to your dynasty. I need to take the plunge myself and write my own dynasty soon. I will be following your story as I am a fan of the Brewers. Who did you get in return for the trade with the White Sox for Suppan/Hart/Jackson?

Well thanks

As I wanted to dump Suppan and his contract at all costs (I had financial problems) we only got SP Jack Egbert for him. We considered Egbert (4.20 ERA in 5 starts for the Sox) as a maybe 5th starter and were happy to take him. No other team was willing to take Suppan, so we had to sacrifice Hart as well.

[Loeffle]

Originally Posted by darkcloud4579

You're off to a good start. Keep it up!

Thanks a lot This is not yet the real story, just warming up for 2008 and a "hot winter" )

[Loeffle]

August and September 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

August should quickly tell if we are good enough for the playoffs. While the offense with Hall, Braun and Fielder was running, the rotation and the bullpen were trouble areas. David Bush was the only reliable starter, Ben Sheets
ate innings, but gave up homerun after homerun. Chris Capuano mixed good and bad outings, while it was better to have a rested bullpen for Claudio Vargas starts. But who should we call up as Nr. 5 starter for the injured Gallardo? Veteran R.A. Dickey was the most successful pitcher at AAA Nashville, but head scout Terry Dean vetoed calling him up as he doubted him being good enough for our playoff run. Eventually we opted for Jack Egbert (2.40 ERA / 1.23 WHIP in 10 starts for Nashville)over Carlos Villanueva (4.17 ERA / 1.46 WHIP as spot starter and reliever for Nashville).
Our bullpen was also seriously lacking consistency and virtually no lead was "safe". Only Matt Wise, Jose Cappellan and Francisco Cordero were more or less solid. Japanese free agent signing Rui Makino showed more shadow than sun.

The biggest names in August were then Claudio Vargas who finally showed he's a big league pitcher fighting for a contract and the new setup combo Capellan/Embree who both were virtually inhitable during 7th and 8th innings.

While we went 15-12, Pittsburgh took a huge hit going only 10-18 in August.

But we were by no means through to the playoffs as we had to play the Pirates six times. Sadly we struggled against them all season. They simply took advantage of our pitching problems and we simply couldn't hit Snell, Gorzelanny, Redmond and Duke. Their bullpen was superiour we lost 4 out of 6 games.

Our comfortable lead was cut to 3,5 games, as problems increased. Ryan "Calamity" Braun showed signs of the "Chuck Knoblauch illness" and committed error after error. But as we needed his bat, we moved him to LF (where he didn't have to throw that much), while red hot Bill Hall took over 3B.

After going 3-7 in Mid-August the division became really close, but with a 10-0 victory against the Padres we qualified for the playoffs on 27th september.

Looking back to those hot days in september, I think the Hall - Braun move rescued our lead.

Final 2007 standings:

American League Standings

Eastern Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 108 54 .667 - 100-62 8 58-23 50-31 10-2 36-14 Clinched W1 7-3 Boston Red Sox 78 84 .481 30.0 79-83 -1 38-43 40-41 6-14 26-21 W2 4-6 Toronto Blue Jays 73 89 .451 35.0 73-89 0 39-42 34-47 6-8 17-25 L1 4-6 New York (A) Yankees 70 92 .432 38.0 82-80 -12 36-45 34-47 4-8 12-34 L2 4-6 Baltimore Orioles 68 94 .420 40.0 66-96 2 36-45 32-49 7-8 26-23 W2 5-5 Central Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Chicago (A) White Sox 86 76 .531 - 77-85 9 46-35 40-41 8-3 27-15 Clinched W1 4-6 Minnesota Twins 85 77 .525 1.0 86-76 -1 44-37 41-40 7-9 25-21 L2 5-5 Cleveland Indians 84 78 .519 2.0 88-74 -4 36-45 48-33 9-4 24-25 L1 4-6 Detroit Tigers 73 89 .451 13.0 75-87 -2 40-41 33-48 5-11 23-29 L1 6-4 Kansas City Royals 68 94 .420 18.0 69-93 -1 35-46 33-48 8-9 18-22 W1 4-6 Western Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Los Angeles (A) Angels 95 67 .586 - 90-72 5 49-32 46-35 14-6 26-19 Clinched W1 7-3 Oakland Athletics 94 68 .580 1.0 94-68 0 56-25 38-43 7-7 26-24 L1 7-3 Seattle Mariners 77 85 .475 18.0 74-88 3 45-36 32-49 9-4 23-24 W1 4-6 Texas Rangers 68 94 .420 27.0 70-92 -2 40-41 28-53 4-9 18-29 L1 5-5 AL Wild Card Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Oakland Athletics 94 68 .580 - 94-68 0 56-25 38-43 7-7 26-24 Clinched L1 7-3 Minnesota Twins 85 77 .525 9.0 86-76 -1 44-37 41-40 7-9 25-21 L2 5-5 Cleveland Indians 84 78 .519 10.0 88-74 -4 36-45 48-33 9-4 24-25 L1 4-6 Boston Red Sox 78 84 .481 16.0 79-83 -1 38-43 40-41 6-14 26-21 W2 4-6 Seattle Mariners 77 85 .475 17.0 74-88 3 45-36 32-49 9-4 23-24 W1 4-6 Detroit Tigers 73 89 .451 21.0 75-87 -2 40-41 33-48 5-11 23-29 L1 6-4 Toronto Blue Jays 73 89 .451 21.0 73-89 0 39-42 34-47 6-8 17-25 L1 4-6 New York (A) Yankees 70 92 .432 24.0 82-80 -12 36-45 34-47 4-8 12-34 L2 4-6 Baltimore Orioles 68 94 .420 26.0 66-96 2 36-45 32-49 7-8 26-23 W2 5-5 Kansas City Royals 68 94 .420 26.0 69-93 -1 35-46 33-48 8-9 18-22 W1 4-6 Texas Rangers 68 94 .420 26.0 70-92 -2 40-41 28-53 4-9 18-29 L1 5-5

National League Standings

Eastern Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Atlanta Braves 89 73 .549 - 87-75 2 48-33 41-40 9-6 23-20 Clinched L1 7-3 Philadelphia Phillies 87 75 .537 2.0 88-74 -1 48-33 39-42 4-4 17-23 L1 5-5 Florida Marlins 86 76 .531 3.0 88-74 -2 47-34 39-42 7-7 25-23 L1 6-4 New York (N) Mets 85 77 .525 4.0 85-77 0 40-41 45-36 7-6 24-27 W1 5-5 Washington Nationals 67 95 .414 22.0 67-95 0 36-45 31-50 2-5 13-19 W1 3-7 Central Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Milwaukee Brewers 87 75 .537 - 89-73 -2 46-35 41-40 7-9 21-23 Clinched L3 3-7 Pittsburgh Pirates 86 76 .531 1.0 87-75 -1 51-30 35-46 13-7 30-23 W6 8-2 Chicago (N) Cubs 80 82 .494 7.0 81-81 -1 42-39 38-43 4-12 25-26 W1 4-6 St. Louis Cardinals 79 83 .488 8.0 79-83 0 50-31 29-52 8-8 23-25 L3 6-4 Houston Astros 75 87 .463 12.0 76-86 -1 43-38 32-49 8-8 28-24 W1 3-7 Cincinnati Reds 71 91 .438 16.0 66-96 5 39-42 32-49 6-8 32-25 L1 4-6 Western Division Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Arizona Diamondbacks 98 64 .605 - 101-61 -3 54-27 44-37 8-8 23-23 Clinched L2 5-5 Colorado Rockies 86 76 .531 12.0 87-75 -1 43-38 43-38 8-7 21-18 W2 6-4 San Francisco Giants 85 77 .525 13.0 81-81 4 51-30 34-47 7-4 20-21 L1 6-4 San Diego Padres 73 89 .451 25.0 72-90 1 40-41 33-48 8-9 25-23 W3 5-5 Los Angeles (N) Dodgers 69 93 .426 29.0 74-88 -5 40-41 29-52 10-10 21-30 W1 4-6 NL Wild Card Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia Phillies 87 75 .537 - 88-74 -1 48-33 39-42 4-4 17-23 Clinched L1 5-5 Colorado Rockies 86 76 .531 1.0 87-75 -1 43-38 43-38 8-7 21-18 W2 6-4 Florida Marlins 86 76 .531 1.0 88-74 -2 47-34 39-42 7-7 25-23 L1 6-4 Pittsburgh Pirates 86 76 .531 1.0 87-75 -1 51-30 35-46 13-7 30-23 W6 8-2 New York (N) Mets 85 77 .525 2.0 85-77 0 40-41 45-36 7-6 24-27 W1 5-5 San Francisco Giants 85 77 .525 2.0 81-81 4 51-30 34-47 7-4 20-21 L1 6-4 Chicago (N) Cubs 80 82 .494 7.0 81-81 -1 42-39 38-43 4-12 25-26 W1 4-6 St. Louis Cardinals 79 83 .488 8.0 79-83 0 50-31 29-52 8-8 23-25 L3 6-4 Houston Astros 75 87 .463 12.0 76-86 -1 43-38 32-49 8-8 28-24 W1 3-7 San Diego Padres 73 89 .451 14.0 72-90 1 40-41 33-48 8-9 25-23 W3 5-5 Cincinnati Reds 71 91 .438 16.0 66-96 5 39-42 32-49 6-8 32-25 L1 4-6 Los Angeles (N) Dodgers 69 93 .426 18.0 74-88 -5 40-41 29-52 10-10 21-30 W1 4-6 Washington Nationals 67 95 .414 20.0 67-95 0 36-45 31-50 2-5 13-19 W1 3-7

Boston, Houston and San Diego sent both their GMs and managers packing.
The Rangers and Yankees bade farewell to their GMs, while Toronto and the Mets sacked their managers.


Our Minor League Teams:

• AAA Nashville Sounds (90-54 - won American North under Manager Motonobu Kikuchi - won the playoff championship against the Fresno Grizzlies 4 games to 0)
• AA Huntsville Stars (62-78 - last in Northern Division under Manager Don Money)
• A Brevard County Manatees (62-78 - 5th in Eastern Division under Manager Jonathan Herbert who was replaced by Vincent Booth on 21st september)
• A West Virginia Power (73-67 - 4th in Northern Division under Manager Jed Kramer who was replaced by Terry MacPatrick on 21st september)
• R Helena Brewers (49-27 - won Northern Division under Manager Uzmir Chaga - lost the playoff championship against the Orem Owlz 3 games to 0)
• R AZL Brewers - (25-31 - 7th in Arizona League under Manager Edmond Harris)

[Loeffle]

2007 Regular Season Stats

American League

Batting Average

1. V. Guerrero (LAA) .359
2. J. Mauer (MIN) .347
3. I. Suzuki (SEA) . 340

On-Base Percentage

1. J. Mauer (MIN) .418
2. T. Hafner (CLE) .408
3. V. Guerrero (LAA) .405

Slugging Percentage

1. V. Guerrero (LAA) .599
2. M. Teixeira (TEX) .593
3. M. Ramirez (BOS) .589

VORP

1. V. Guerrero (LAA) 87.0
2. J. Mauer (MIN) 74.9
3. T. Hafner (CLE) 68.1

Hits

1. C. Crawford (TBA) 211
2. V. Guerrero (LAA) 204
3. D. Young (TBA) 203

Doubles

1. D. Young (TBA) 49
2. C. Crawford (TBA) 46
3. J. Baker (LAA) 44

Triples

1. C. Crawford (TBA) 19
2. A. Casilla (MIN) 11
3. W. Balentien (SEA), E. German (KC), A. Gordon (KC), T. Hunter (MIN), J. Mauer (MIN), B. Upton (TBA) all 8

Home Runs

1. M. Teixeira (TEX) 47
2. M. Ramirez (BOS) 45
3. T. Hafner (CLE) 44

Runs Batted In

1. M. Teixeira (TEX) 139
2. E. Longoria (TBA) 130
3. M. Ramirez (BOS) 125

Runs Scored

1. T. Hafner (CLE) 125
2. M. Teixeira (TEX) 113
3. C. Crawford (TBA), D. Young (TBA) both 111

Stolen Bases

1. C. Crawford (TBA) 50 SB
2. B. Upton (TBA) 45 SB
3. I. Suzuki (SEA) 36 SB

Bases on Balls

1. J. Giambi (NYA) 114
2. T. Hafner (CLE) 113
3. M. Ramirez (BOS) 99

Strikeouts

1. W. Pena (BOS) 173
2. R. Sexson (SEA) 170
3. B. Wood (LAA) 159

Extra Base Hits

1. M. Teixeira (TEX) 89
2. C. Crawford (TBA) 86
3. E. Longoria (TBA) 83

Total Bases

1. M. Teixeira (TEX) 363
2. C. Crawford (TBA) 358
3. T. Hafner (CLE) 351

Earned Run Average

1. J. Howell (TBA) 2.58
2. R. Harden (OAK) 2.78
3. J. Vasquez (CHA) 3.16

Wins

1. R. Harden (OAK) 20
2. J. Howell (TBA) 19
3. C Wang (NYA) 19

Losses

1. M. Garza (MIN) 18
2. V. Padilla (TEX) 18
3. A. Pettitte (NYA) 18

Saves

1. F. Rodriguez (LAA) 41
2. H. Street (OAK) 39
3. B. Jenks (CHA), A. Reyes (TBA) both 38

Innings Pitched

1. J. Vasquez (CHA) 256.1 IP
2. J. Bonderman (DET) 245.1 IP
3. R. Harden (OAK) 243.0 IP

VORP

1. J. Howell (TBA) 73.0
2. R. Harden (OAK) 71.1
3. J. Vasquez (CHA) 70.0

Bases on Balls

1. D. Cabrera (BAL) 105
2. A. Loewen (BAL) 99
3. E. Bedard (BAL) 93

Strikeouts

1. R. Harden (OAK) 246
2. S. Kazmir (TBA) 240
3. J. Santana (MIN) 227

WHIP

1. J. Howell (TBA) 1.08
2. J. Vazquez (CHA) 1.14
3. K. Slowey (MIN) 1.16

Hits Allowed

1. C. Wang (NYA) 277
2. R. Halladay (TOR) 269
3. C. Sabathia (CLE) 267

Home Runs Allowed

1. M. Buehrle (CHA) 47
2. J. Garland (CHA) 43
3. M. Mussina (NYA) 41

[Loeffle]

2007 Regular Season Stats

National League

Batting Average

1. A. Pujols (SLN) .367
2. R. Braun (MIL) .353
3. M. Cabrera (FLO) .448

On-Base Percentage

1. A. Pujols (SLN) .438
2. P. Fielder (MIL) .428
3. B. Bonds (SFN) . 421

Slugging Percentage

1. A. Pujols (SLN) .676
2. R. Howard (PHI) .667
3. P. Fielder (MIL) .600

VORP

1. A. Pujols (SLN) 104.2
2. P. Fielder (MIL) 94.4
3. M. Cabrera (FLO) 88.0

Hits

1. A. Pujols (SLN) 212
2. C. Jackson (ARI) 208
3. M. Cabrera (FLO) 206

Doubles

1. C. Jackson (ARI) 48
2. A. Callaspo (ARI) 42
3. M. Kemp (LAN) 42

Triples

1. A. Callaspo (ARI) 11
2. L. Milledge (NYN) 10
3. C. Jackson (ARI), A. Soriano (CHN) both 8

Home Runs

1. R. Howard (PHI) 59
2. P. Fielder (MIL) 51
3. A. LaRoche (PIT) 47

Runs Batted In

1. P. Fielder (MIL) 156
2. A. Pujols (SLN) 141
3. J. Francoeur (ATL) 129

Runs Scored

1. P. Fielder (MIL) 137
   
2. R. Braun (MIL) 122
3. R. Howard (PHI) 122

Stolen Bases

1. J. Reyes (NYN) 47
2. R. Freel (SLN) 39
3. R. Furcal (LAN) 36

Bases on Balls

1. B. Bonds (SFN) 116
2. P. Fielder (MIL) 113
3. L. Berkman (HOU) 102

Strikeouts

1. J. Bay (PIT) 164
2. R. Howard (PHI) 149
3. E. Renteria (ATL), D. Ross (CIN) both 147

Extra Base Hits

1. P. Fielder (MIL) 95
2. J. Francoeur (ATL) 87
3. R. Howard (PHI) 87

Total Bases

1. P. Fielder (MIL) 398
2. R. Howard (PHI) 395
3. A. Pujols (SLN) 390

Earned Run Average

1. S. Olsen (FLO) 3.32
2. J. Peavy (SDN) 3.34
3. A. Cook (COL) 3.46

Wins

1. S. Gallagher (CHN) 17
2. B. Myers (PHI) 17
3. C. Zambrano (CHN) 17

Losses

1. C. Kershaw (LAN) 19
2. A. Wainwright (WAS) 18
3. R. Oswalt (HOU) 17

Saves

1. B. Wilson (SFN) 40
2. T. Gordon (PHI) 38
3. J. Rincon (FLO), B. Wagner (NYN) both 37

Innings Pitched

1. C. Carpenter (SLN) 244.0
2. J. Peavy (SDN) 240.0
3. B. Sheets (MIL) 234.2

VORP

1. B. Webb (ARI) 53.6
2. J. Peavy (SDN) 51.7
3. R. Lopez (COL) 48.8

Bases on Balls

1. H. Bailey (CIN) 88
2. T. Lincecum (SFN) 85
3. S. Gallagher (CHN) 82

Strikeouts

1. T. Lincecum (SFN) 263
2. J. Peavy (SDN) 244
3. M. Cain (SFN) 222

WHIP

1. J. Peavy (SDN) 1.07
2. B. Sheets (MIL) 1.14
3. J. Mateo (CHN) 1.18

Hits Allowed

1. C. Carpenter (SLN) 267
2. R. Oswalt (HOU) 253
3. B. Webb (ARI) 243

Home Runs Allowed

1. B. Sheets (MIL) 53
2. O. Matos (SFN) 41
3. R. Oswalt (HOU) 39

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

Milwaukee Brewers Playoff-Roster:

No 1 Starter David Bush / 15-10, 3.70 ERA, 228.2 IP, 232H, 56BB, 161K
No 2 Starter Ben Sheets / 10-14, 4.33 ERA, 234.2 IP, 225H, 42BB, 206K
No 3 Starter Chris Capuano / 16-10, 4.59 ERA, 227.1 IP, 242H, 66BB, 163K
No 4 Starter Claudio Vargas / 6-9, 4.95 ERA, 158.1 IP, 172H, 58BB, 118K
Long Reliever Carlos Villanueva / 0-2, 5.19 ERA, 26.0 IP, 27H, 11 BB, 26K
Middle Reliever Elmer "Get the Win" Dessens / 11-0, 4.65 ERA, 71.2 IP, 72H, 23BB, 57K - all 11 wins came in relief
Middle Reliever Matt Wise / 5-2, 4.42 ERA, 57.0 IP, 59 H, 21BB, 42K
Mop-Up Reliever Brian Shouse / 4-3, 4.89 ERA, 35.0 IP, 37 H, 16BB, 41K
Mop-Up Reliever Rui Makino / 2-2, 5.89 ERA, 36.2 IP, 45 H, 13BB, 24K
Setup Reliever Jose Capellan / 1-3, 2.97 ERA, 30.1 IP, 26 H, 15BB, 26K
Setup Reliever Alan Embree / 3-0, 1.57 ERA, 46.0 IP, 26 H, 14BB, 33K
Closer Francisco Cordero / 1-4-26, 4.15 ERA, 30.1 IP, 37 H, 21BB, 41K


C Johnny Estrada / 374 AB, .254, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 32 BB, 44 K
C Damian Miller / 232 AB, .233, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 31 BB, 48 K
1B Prince Fielder / 603 AB, .322, 51 HR, 156 RBI, 113 BB, 82 K, 16 SB
2B Rickie Weeks / 473 AB, .283, 23 HR, 78 RBI, 64 BB, 107 K, 19 SB
3B Bill Hall / 427 AB, .258, 22 HR, 82 RBI, 60 BB, 111 K, 8 SB
SS Tony Graffanino / 276 AB, .275, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 31 BB, 34 K, 1 SB
SS Cesar Izturis / 241 AB, .320, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 19 BB, 23 K, 8 SB
SS Alcides Escobar / 55 AB, .255, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 BB, 6 K, 10 SB
LF Ryan "Calamity" Braun / 573 AB, .353, 40 HR, 120 RBI, 53 BB, 101 K, 13 SB
CF Tony Gwynn Jr. / 369 AB, .331, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 57 BB, 53 K, 18 SB
RF Gabe Gross / 483 AB, .280, 23 HR, 85 RBI, 92 BB, 121 K, 1 SB
RF Kevin Mench / 228 AB, .254, 7 HR, 41 RBI, 36 BB, 26 K
RF Lorenzo Cain / 52 AB, .308, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K, 2 SB

SP Jack Egbert
MR Vince Perkins
MR Greg Aquino
MR Manny Parra
CL Derrick Turnbow
C Mike Rivera
1B Brad Nelson
2B Hernan Iribarren
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Mat Gamel
LF James Loney
CF Lance Nix

were all sent down to AAA Nashville.

Coming tomorrow, Playoff Scores

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

Qualified for 1st Round:

• Chicago White Sox (86-76)
• Los Angeles Angels (95-67)
• Oakland Athletics (94-68) *
• Tampa Bay Devil Rays (108-54)

• Milwaukee Brewers (87-75)
• Atlanta Braves (89-73)
• Philadelphia Phillies (87-75) *
• Arizona Diamondbacks (98-64)

* Wild Card Qualafier

The Devil Rays were clearly the best team in regular season clinching the division already in Early September. Surprisingly none of the big spenders made it to the playoffs. It had to be seen how the small markets teams manage with playoff atmosphere.


2nd October 2007:

Chicago (A) at Los Angeles (A): 7-6 (10)
W: B. Jenks (1-0); L: S. Shields (0-1); S: A. Sisco (1)

Oakland at Tampa Bay: 7-6
W: R. Harden (1-0); L: S. Kazmir (0-1); S: H. Street (1)

Philadelphia at Arizona: 6-3
W: B. Myers (1-0); L: B. Webb (0-1); S: T. Gordon (1)

Milwaukee at Atlanta: 7-3
W: D. Bush (1-0); L: J. Smoltz (0-1)
HR - B. Hall (1), G. Gross (1) / B. Jones (1), K. Johnson (1), J. Smoltz (1)
Gwynn Jr. 3-4, Hall 3-4 (3 runs scored, 1 HR - MoM)

After trailing 3-1 after 2, we just kept scoring in almost every inning. In total we had 13 hits, while the Braves only had 6. Bush gave up three solo home runs in seven innings.

All four underdogs won their road games to start the playoffs on a surprising note.


3rd October 2007:

Chicago (A) at Los Angeles (A): 2-7
W: J. Lackey (1-0), L: M. Buehrle (0-1)

Oakland at Tampa Bay: 2-7
W: J. Shields (1-0), L: J. Windsor (0-1)

Philadelphia at Arizona: 7-8
W: D. Davis (1-0), L: G. Geary (0-1), S: J. Valverde (1)

Milwaukee at Atlanta: 7-5
W: B. Sheets (1-0), L: W. Ledezma (0-1), S: F. Cordero (1)
HR - P. Fielder (1) / McCann (1)
Weeks 2-5 (3 RBI), P. Fielder 3-5 (HR, 2 RBI, MoM)

The game was really tight until Weeks hit a 2 RBI triple in the 4 run 5th inning. The Braves threatened in the 8th when Sheets ran out of power and Shouse was unable to record an out. Rui Makino pitched himself in deep trouble while struggling with his controls, but a inning ending double play saved us.

Milwaukee is the only team with a 2-0 lead. In all other ballparks the home teams prevailed and managed to tie their series as 1.


5th October 2007:

Los Angeles (A) at Chicago (A): 4-7
W: J. Vazquez (1-0), L: N. Adenhart (0-1), S: B. Jenks (1)
Chicago leads 2 games to 1

Tampa Bay at Oakland: 8-3
W: J. Hellickson (1-0), L: D. Haren (0-1)
Tampa Bay leads 2 games to 1

Arizona at Philadelphia: 10-6
W: R. Hill (1-0), L: C. Carrasco (0-1)
Arizona leads 2 games to 1

Atlanta at Milwaukee: 7-2
W: K. Davies (1-0), L: C. Capuano (0-1
HR - K. Kaaihue (1) / J. Estrada (1)
Izturis 2-3, Estrada 2-3 (HR, 2 RBI)
MoM: K. Kaaihue 4-5 (3 runs scored, HR)
Milwaukee leads 2 games to 1

Braves starter Davies allowed only 3 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings, but Capuano pitched decent as well. The inconsistent Brewers bullpen (this time Dessens and again Shouse) gave the game away in the 8th.


6th October 2007:

Los Angeles (A) at Chicago (A): 5-3
W: D. Moseley (1-0), L: H. Phillips (0-1), S: F. Rodriguez (1)
Series tied at 2

Tampa Bay at Oakland: 2-3
W: K. Calero (1-0), L: C. Orvella (0-1), S: H. Street (2)
Series tied at 2

Arizona at Philadelphia: 7-4
W: D. Davis (2-0), L: J. Lieber (0-1), S: J. Valverde (2)
Arizona wins series 3 games to 1

Atlanta at Milwaukee: 2-5
W: D. Bush (2-0), L: W. Startup (0-1), S: F. Cordero (2)
HR - K. Johnson (2) / B. Hall (2)
Izturis 2-3, Hall 2-3 (HR, 5 RBI, MoM)
Milwaukee wins series 3 games to 1

The Braves took a 2-1 lead in the 4th when Johnson homered off Bush, who otherwise had a very solid outing. Bill Hall who was maybe Milwaukee's offensive MVP after the All Star Break hit a grand slam off Will Startup in the 6th. A strong Shouse - Embree - Cordero pitched two perfect innings to lead Milwaukee to the 2nd round for the first in 25 years.


8th October 2007:

Chicago (A) at Los Angeles (A): 0-5
W: K. Escobar (1-0), L: M. Buehrle (0-2)
Los Angeles (A) wins series 3 games to 2

Oakland at Tampa Bay: 4-5
W: C. Orvella (1-1), L: H. Street (0-1)
Tampa Bay scores three runs in the 9th to rally and win the game.
Tampa Bay wins series 3 games to 2


Coming up:

American League Championship Series Los Angeles at Tampa Bay

National League Championship Series Milwaukee at Arizona

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

Championship Series

10th October 2007

Trade
The New York Mets sent starting pitcher Oliver Perez (9-14, 5.17 ERA, 153.1 IP) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2B Orlando Hudson (.268, 20 RBI, 19 R), minor league starter Edward Romero (A - 12-12, 3.15 ERA, 203.0 IP) and 1.500.000 $ in cash.
As this trade was widely regarded as illegal both teams were fined 500.000 $. Oliver Perez is allowed to pitch in the playoffs anyway, even if the Milwaukee Brewers handed in a formal protest, which was dismissed at once.

Los Angeles (A) at Tampa Bay: 5-3
W: J. Lackey (2-0), L: S. McClung (0-1), S: F. Rodriguez (2)

Milwaukee at Arizona: 6-2
W: B.Sheets (2-0), L: B. Webb (0-2)
HR - / M. Reynolds (1)
Izturis 3-5 (3 runs scored), Braun 3-5 (3 RBI)
MoM: B. Sheets (7.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K)

Both starters had very solid outings and this game was an open affair until Ryan Braun hit a 3-RBI triple in the 7th of Medders. Matt Wise struggled a bit in the 9th, but Brian Shouse retired the two final lefties for the Brew Crew.

Again a great start for the underdogs. Can they prevail?


11th October 2007

Los Angeles (A) at Tampa Bay: 2-3
W: J. Howell (1-0), L: N. Adenhart (0-2), S: A. Reyes (1)
Series tied at 1

Milwaukee at Arizona: 7-8
W: J. Valverde (1-0), L: C. Villanueva (0-1)
HR - R. Weeks (1) / M. Montero (3)
Weeks 2-4 (2 Runs scored, HR, MoM)
Series tied at 1

Milwaukee had good control of this one until Bush ran into trouble in the 6th. Maybe coach Fritsche misused star relievers Embree and Capellan who struggled to keep the Diamondbacks from scoring six runs. Milwaukee rallied in the 8th and even tied the game in the 9th, but C. Jackson's two out infield single won the game for the hosts.


13th October 2007

Tampa Bay at Los Angeles (A): 5-4
W: C. Orvella (2-1), L: S. Shields, S: A. Reyes (2)
Tampa Bay leads ALCS 2 games to 1

Arizona at Milwaukee: 3-4 (10)
W: E. Dessens (1-0), L: J. Valverde (0-1)
HR - N/A
Izturis 3-5 (Run scored)
MoM: E. Gonzales (7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K)
Milwaukee leads NLCS 2 games to 1

A pitchers duel until the 7th when the visitors took the lead. First Arizona set-up man Robertson blew a 2-0 lead in the 8th, before Brewer closer Cordero walked 3 straight in the 9th, sending the game tied at 3 into extra innings. In the 10th Elmer "Victoria" retired three in a row on six pitches. In the bottom of the 10th Valverde struggled with his control loading the bases with one out. Cruz came in to walk Cain and give the Brewers the win.

Dessens win was his 12th in relief this season.


14th October 2007

Tampa Bay at Los Angeles (A): 3-1
W: S. McClung (1-1), L: K. Escobar (1-1), S: A. Reyes (3)
Tampa Bay leads ALCS 3 games to 1

Arizona at Milwaukee: 2-5
W: C. Vargas (1-0), L: B. Webb (0-3), S: A. Embree (1)
HR - S. Hairston (2), M. Reynolds (2) / P. Fielder (2), B. Hall (3), R. Weeks (2)
Izturis 2-4 (Run scored)
MoM: C. Vargas (7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K)
Milwaukee leads NLCS 3 games to 1

Also in this game the visitors took the league. But Fielders 2 run homer in the bottom of the 5th gave the Brewers a 3-2 lead. Afterwards Arizona looked lifeless and never managed to threaten Milwaukee's lead. Alan Embree got the save as Fritsche decided to rest Cordero who had a bad outing in game 4.
Vargas got his first start of the playoffs and showed that he is willing to fight for a new contract.


15th October 2007

Tampa Bay at Los Angeles (A): 5-6
W: C. Resop (1-0), L: B. Sadler (0-1)
Tampa Bay leads ALCS 3 games to 2

Arizona at Milwaukee: 2-4
W: B. Sheets (3-0), L: R. Hill (1-1), S: F. Cordero (3)
HR - C. Young (3) / R. Braun (1)
Izturis 2-4 (Run scored), Weeks 2-4 (Run scored)
MoM: B. Sheets (7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K)
Milwaukee wins NLCS 4 games to 1

One good inning and a 2-out 3 run homer by Calamity Braun was enough to bury the Diamonsbacks and send the Brewers to the World Series.
Sheets seems to be a playoff pitcher being rather dominant for the third time in as many starts.


17th October 2007

Los Angeles (A) at Tampa Bay: 6-7 (10)
W: C. Orvella (3-1), L: J. Speier (0-1)
Tampa Bay wins ALCS 4 games to 2

E. Longoria's double scored C. Crawford from 1st with no outs to send the Devils Rays to the World Series.


Coming up:

World Series Milwaukee at Tampa Bay

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

World Series Preview

(TBA / MIL)
Batting Average --------.286 (1st) / .279 (1st)
On-Base Percentage----.331 (6th) / .362 (1st)
Slugging Percentage----.499 (1st) / .471 (3rd)
Runs Scored------------960 (1st) / 955 (1st)
Hits--------------------1647 (1st)/ 1584 (2nd)
Extra-Base Hits---------660 (1st) / 583 (3rd)
Home Runs-------------255 (1st) / 230 (7th)
Bases-On-Balls---------410 (12th)/ 745 (1st)
Strikeouts--------------1068 (10th)/1018 (2nd)
Stolen Bases-----------209 (1st) / 107 (7th)

Earned Run Average----4.06 (3rd) / 4.71 (12th)
Starters' ERA----------3.94 (2nd) / 4.46 (4th)
Bullpen ERA------------4.54 (10th)/ 5.03 (13th)
Runs allowed-----------739 (3rd) / 855 (12th)
Hits allowed------------1399 (1st)/1522 (10th)
Opponents AVG--------.249 (1st)/ .267 (12th)
BABIP-----------------.286 (3rd)/ .298 (9th)
Home Runs allowed----203 (8th)/ 232 (13th)
Bases-On Balls--------527 (9th)/ 479 (6th)
Strikeouts------------1234 (1st)/ 1133 (6th)

Offense:
Tampa Bay led the American League in all key offensive categories. They have more power and more speed than Milwaukee, while offering an higher average. One disadvantage is the lack of patience at the plate
Edge Tampa Bay

Starting Pitching:
The Brewers lacked a true ace last season, while Tampy Bay had one in J. P. Howell (2.58 ERA). On the other hand the Brewers starting four had been quite solid in the playoffs and the Sheets showed he could be a true ace.
Little Edge Tampa Bay

Bullpen:
On the paper Tampy Bay has the better equipment, but when you look to key relievers the Brewers don't have to hide Dessens, Capellan, Embree and Cordero.
Tie

Defense:
Weeks and Braun ranked last in NL fielding percentage at 2B and 3B last season, but Braun moved to outfield in september, which is considered to be one of the strengths. Tampa's defense was slightly above average in the American League.
Edge Tampa Bay

WWW.BZOL.DE Prediction:

Tampa Bay should win it in 5. But if the Brewers can win one in Florida, everything is possible in Wisconsin. You should never underestimate the freezing conditions up there in october.

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

World Series

19th October 2007

Milwaukee at Tampa Bay: 12-5
W: B. Sheets (4-0), L: S. Kazmir (0-2)
HR - R. Braun (3), R. Weeks (3) / E. Longoria (3), R. Baldelli (4)
Weeks 3-5 (2 Runs, 3 RBI, MoM), every Brewer starter collected at least one hit

The game started with two very nervous pitchers and the scored was 3-2 after one inning. But it was Kazmir who completely broke down in the second. After 1.2 IP and six earned runs he was out of the game. Sheets on the other hand was on fire for the next five innings and didn't allow more runs. The Brewers scored three more runs in the 5th and the first game was virtually won. The Devil Rays also had to use five relievers, while the Brewers bullpen will be almost completely rested in game 2.


20th October 2007

Milwaukee at Tampa Bay: 10-5
W: D. Bush (3-0), L: J. Howell (1-1), S: M. Wise (1)
HR - B. Hall (4), C. Izturis (1), R. Weeks (4) / A. Iwamura (2)
Izturis 4-6 (1 Run Scored, 2 RBI, MoM)
Milwaukee leads World Series 2 games to 0

Again a very explosive start of the Brewers. They scored in every of the first four innings, taking a 8-0 lead. Cy Young candidate J. Howell was pulled after two innings, and an already tired Tampa Bay was raped even more. The Rays tried a comeback in sixth when Milwaukee starter D. Bush ran into trouble, but M. Wise pitched three strong innings to get the save. C. Izturis hit his first ever homer for the Brewers


22nd October 2007

Tampa Bay at Milwaukee: 1-6
W: C. Capuano (1-1), L: J. Shields (1-1)
HR - / P. Fielder (3)
Fielder 3-3 (2 Runs Scored, HR, 1 RBI)
MoM: C. Capuano (9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K)
Milwaukee leads World Series 3 games to 0

This time Tampa Bay's starting pitcher didn't suck, but sadly for the Rays C. Capuano had a perfect day allowing only five baserunners in nine innings. The Brewers on the other hand manufactured runs with the small ball. Will they manage a sensation and sweep the Devil Rays tomorrow?


23rd October 2007

Tampa Bay at Milwaukee: 2-8
W: C. Vargas (2-0), L: S. Kazmir (0-3)
HR - J. Jaso (1) / -
Graffanino 2-5 (2 Runs Scored, 2 RBI, MoM), every Brewer starter collected at least one hit
Milwaukee wins World Series 4 games to 0 over Tampa Bay

While Tampa Bay decided to start S. Kazmir on short rest, Milwaukee sent C. Vargas to the mound. Fritsche's decision proved to be the better one as Kazmir lasted only 3.1 innings, walking 5. Vargas had six very solid innings, freeing the road to Milwaukee's World Series victory. The score was only 4-2 when Vargas left the game, but a superiour Brewer bullpen didn't allow a hit in the final three innings.

Surprisingly enough this world series was rather one sided. Key for the Brewers were the horrible performances of high profile starters Kazmir and Howell, which led to an exhausted bull pen, while the Tampa Bay offensive never started to produce.

2007 playoff MVPs:

SP Ben Sheets (4-0, 27.0 IP, 27 HA, 4 BB, 26 K, 1.67 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)
SS Cesar Izturis (.491, 55 AB, 27 H, 11 R, 5 RBI, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K)




2007 World Series goes to

M i l w a u k e e

* * * * * * *

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

2007 individual review:

# 54 SP Ben Sheets
10-14, 4.33 ERA, 33 GS, 234.2 IP, 225 H, 42 BB, 206 K, 1.14 WHIP
Sheets was a big disappointment in regular season giving up 53 homers and being inconsistent throughout the whole season. The playoff version - where he won the MVP - of Sheets was a very promising one.
Sheets has one year left in his contract, gettings 11.000,000 next season.

# 95 SP David Bush
15-10, 3.70 ERA, 33 GS, 228.2 IP, 232 H, 56 BB, 161 K, 1.26 WHIP
Actually Bush was our real top starter and he was our "go to" guy in the difficult period in august, when the Pirates were closing in. The question is if he just had a career year or if he can continue to be a very solid Nr. 2 starter.
Bush is arbitration eligible in offseason.

# 57 SP Chris Capuano
16-10, 4.59 ERA, 33 GS, 227.1 IP, 242 H, 66 BB, 163 K, 1.35 WHIP
On the one hand Capuano pitched our only shutout this season, but on the other hand he was mostly very unreliable. His 16 wins came due to great run support. Has to improove to have a long term future at Milwaukee.
Capuano is arbitration eligible in offseason.

# 21 SP Claudio Vargas
12-10, 4.83 ERA, 30 GS, 167.2 IP, 185 H, 52 BB, 123 K, 1.41 WHIP
Vargas entered the season as spot starter, but quickly moved up to Nr. 5 for struggling Jeff Suppan (8.90 ERA in 29.1 IP for the White Sox after being traded). While Vargas was not as bad as Suppan, he was still very bad until the All-Star Break. From august to october he showed glimpses of excellence. Highly considered getting dumped in off-season, Vargas might be offered a new contract after going 2-0 in the playoffs.
Vargas is arbitration eligible in offseason.
# 46 SP Yovani Gallardo *
6-6, 4.51 ERA, 22 GS, 137.2 IP, 134 H, 54 BB, 116 K, 1.37 WHIP
* on the DL with a ruptured tricep tendon
Was our Nr. 3 starter until an injury ended his season 31st July. He is widely regarded to be our best pitching prospect in years, but some scouts are unsure if he can come back for good after his injury.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 47 SP Jack Egbert *
2-1, 6,98 ERA, 7 GS, 38.2 IP, 56 H, 13 BB, 22 K, 1.78 WHIP
* currently at AAA Nashville
Pitched well after being acquired in the Suppan - Hart (.285, 12 HR, 49 RBI in 253 AB for the White Sox) deal. So he got the call when Gallardo went down with injury. Half of his starts were decent, the other half were nightmares. He is not yet ready for the big leagues, some scouts doubt he ever will. Let's wait and see ...
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 11 SP/MR Carlos Villanueva
0-2, 5.19 ERA, 9 G, 3 GS, 26.0 IP, 27 H, 11 B, 26 K, 1.46 WHIP
Villanueva got a couple of starts when Egbert was simply too bad to continue. Villanueva showed promise, but we are undecided if he is the answer as Nr. 5 starter. Pitched awful out of the bullpen.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 90 MR Elmer "Victoria" Dessens
11-0, 4.65 ERA, 52 G, 71.2 IP, 72 H, 23 BB, 57 K, 1.33 WHIP
Elmer almost didn't make the active roster after spring training, but then developed into one of our most valuable players. He won more games than Ben Sheets and if we handed him a tie game in 7th or 8th, we would most likely win it eventually. Really magic! He was awful in other relief situation though.
Got a new contract worth 520,000 for the next season.

# 25 MR Matt Wise
5-2-6, 4.42 ERA, 55 G, 57.0 IP, 59 H, 21 BB, 42 K, 1.40 WHIP
Wise struggled early in the season and was one of the reasons why we signed Rui Makino. After the All-Star Break he was a very sharp and reliable reliever. His performance in game 4 of the World Series was a good example.
Got a new contract worth 500,000 for the next season.

# 66 MR Alan Embree
1-0, 2.70 ERA, 20 G, 20,0 IP, 11 H, 8 BB, 14 K, 0.95 WHIP
The definity steal of this years trades. We sent a 35 year old minor leaguer to Oakland for him. Lefties hit only .132 against him, while he was also sharp against right handed batters. Despite his age he should be a cornerstone of our bullpen next year.
Embree has one year left in his contract, making 3.000,000 next year.

# 58 MR Rui Makino
2-2-2, 5.89 ERA, 26 G, 36.2 IP, 45 H, 13 BB, 24 K, 1.58 WHIP
After joining us on 15th June, he pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in his debut. Honestly everybody was thrilled, but he never ever pitched like that again. The scouts still love his stuff, but I don't know what his problem is. Not sure if he will come back for a 2nd season in Wisconsin.
Makino has one year left in his contract, making 400,000 next year.

# 4 MR Brian Shouse
4-3-2, 4.89 ERA, 56 G, 35.0 IP, 37 H, 16 BB, 31 K, 1.51 WHIP
Shouse was great against lefties, but when he had to face one or two righties he usually was quickly in a mess. Anyway he fulfilled our expectations and was much more reliable than Manny Parra.
Got a new contract worth 720,000 for the next season.

# 94 MR Jose Capellan
4-2, 4.40 ERA, 26 G, 25.1 IP, 21 H, 11 B, 31 K, 1.26 WHIP
He was our only option at AAA when Turnbow struggled badly being a set up man. Capellan was pretty dominant and much better than his ERA tells. Milwaukee hopes he can continue to be a good set up man next season.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 48 MR Manny Parra *
2-5-1, 7,54 ERA, 37 G, 28.2 IP, 34 H, 17 BB, 21 K, 1.78 WHIP
* currently at AAA Nashville
Parra had a strong springtraining and made the Active roster. He actually pitched well in April and May, but broke down completely in summer. We had no other chance to send him down and acquire another lefty (Embree) by trade. Parra is still young and will get some chances to proove if he is ready for the big leagues.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 56 MR Derrick Turnbow *
0-1-2, 7.77 ERA, 22 G, 24.1 IP, 31 H, 13 BB, 25 K, 1.81 WHIP
* currently at AAA Nashville
Turnbow was supposed being a key member of our bullpen, but failed badly. In Mid-June we had no other choise to send him down to Nashville. There he did well as part time closer, but struggled again when being called up in september. Due to his contract it's unsure if he will be in Brewers organization next season.
Turnbow has one year left in his contract, making 3.200,000 next year.

# 90 MR Greg Aquino *
0-0, 5.40 ERA, 5 G, 6.2 IP, 8 H, 9 BB, 5 K, 2.55 WHIP
* currently at AAA Nashville
Pitched decent at Nashville and was a september call up because we didn't have anybody better. Showed he is not ready for the big leagues, and might never reach them as he is already 29. Unlikely he will be with us next season.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 29 MR Vince Perkins *
1-0, 1.80 ERA, 3 G, 5.0 IP, 6 H, 6 BB, 1 K, 2.40 WHIP
* currently at AAA Nashville
Was a very dominant starter at Nashville (2.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and deserved a call up to Milwaukee. Scouts doubt his potential, but why not give him another chance in spring training?
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# CL 60 Francisco Cordero
1-4-26, 4.15 ERA, 30.1 IP, 37 H, 21 BB, 41 K, 1.91 WHIP
Milwaukee's strategy doesn't lead to many save opportunites, but Cordero was nevertheless not always as sharp as a closer should be. Four blown saves are an ok number, but his WHIP is too high. He should also be the closer next year, but mostly because of financial reasons

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Playoffs
Manager and GM Fritsche

2007 individual review:

# 31 C Johnny Estrada
.254, 141 G, 374 AB, 41 R, 95 H, 19 2B, 3 3B, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 32 BB, 44 K
Estrada started about 2/3 of our games but not close to the numbers he produced for Arizona in 2006. He was consistent, but very average. No month below .227 and none above .293. He did ok in defense, throwing out 35,2 % of runners. As the market for catchers is slim he was resigned for much less money.
Got a new three year contract worth 2.000,000 in total.

# 59 C Damian Miller
.233, 116 G, 232 AB, 23 R, 54 H, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 31 BB, 48 K
When Miller got the chance to hunt Estrada out of the every day job, he failed even worse at the plate, hitting .132 in May. Defensively he was about as effective as Estrada, nailing 33,9 % of the runners, with a slighly better fielding percentage. Due to his age (38) Miller has likely played his last game for the Brewers.
Free agent after the season

# 31 C Mike Rivera *
.000, 9 G, 11 AB, 0 R, ..., 0 BB, 4 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Rivera had a very solid season at Nashville (.262, 13 HR, 61 RBI) and looked to be the obvious home grown choise to back up Estrada next year. During his september call up he though looked not like a MLB player. Shouldn't give as any defensive problems at catcher as he threw out 44,0 % with a .994 fielding percentage at Nashville.
Rivera is arbitration eligible in offseason.

# 50 1B Prince "Naughty Chow" Fielder
.322, 162 G, 603 AB, 137 R, 194 H, 37 2B, 7 3B, 51 HR, 156 RBI, 113 BB,
82 K, 16 SB, 9 CS
His numbers don't need any explanation and this guy is only 23 years old. A mini "slump" (.295) in september kept him throw collecting 200 hits and from breaking his beloved daddies 52 HR mark. He does ok in defense even if their are better 1 Baseman in the game. Who would complain anyway?
Got his nickname because he insisted of bringing his Chow Chow to the locker room every home game (where he hit .329 with 34 homers).
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 49 1B Brad Nelson *
.118, 12 G, 17 AB, 2 R, 2 H, ..., 3 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Nelson did well at Nashville hitting .257 with 14 HR and 78 RBI. As Fielder appeared in all 162 games, there wasn't much playing time for Nelson even when he was called up in september. Should Fielder go down with injury, Nelson would be a fair backup, playing very good defense. Being only 24 Nelson is a player we really want to keep in the organization.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 8 2B Hernan Iribarren *
.229, 32 G, 35 AB, 10 R, 8 H, 1 2B, ..., 2 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K, 3 SB, 1 CS
* currently at AAA Nashville
Iribarren was called up twice when Weeks had to go to the DL. Even if he hit .303 at Nashville, he couldn't adopt yet to big league pitching. Iribarren will never challenge Fielder for being the Homerun leader, but has good speed and contact potential.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 43 2B Richie Weeks
.283, 123 G, 473 AB, 98 R, 134 H, 17 2B, 7 3B, 23 HR, 78 RBI, 64 BB,
107 K, 19 SB, 16 CS
Weeks was an offensive factor for us and was badly missed in the Nr. 2 spot when on the DL. We like that he can do damage with his speed and power. The high CS rate is mostly to blame on GM Fritsche's inexperience. Weeks struggled on the field and his. 970 fielding percentage is last for 2B regulars in the NL.
Weeks is arbitration eligible in offseason.

# 47 3B Bill Hall
.258, 151 G, 427 AB, 70 R, 110 H, 24 2B, 4 3B, 22 HR, 82 RBI, 60 BB, 111 K, 8 SB, 6 CS
Bill Hall had an awful start to the season and lost his outfield job in May after battling with the Mendoza line and hitting in about one double play per game. He fought his way back to the starting line up through some key pinch hits and settled back in Center Field, while strong newcomer Gwynn Jr. moved to left. Ryan Brown break down at 3B, prompted us to move Hall to the hot corner where he had very good playoffs. The plan is to leave him at 3B next season.
Hall has three years left in his contract, making 20.700,000 in that span.

# 17 3B Mat Gamel *
.289, 31 G, 45 AB, 5 R, 13 H, 5 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Gamel showed a fair deal of talent when he was with Milwaukee, while Ryan Braun was on the DL for a couple of weeks. He did also well in september and almost made the playoff roster. If Hall and Braun should fail at 3B, Gamel is the likely choise. He's a better fielder and should also be good for 20 HR's.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 19 SS Alcides Escobar
.255, 48 G, 55 AB, 15 R, 14 H, 2 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 BB, 6 K,
10 SB, 4 CS
After hitting .301 at Nashville, Escobar also did well after being called up during the Graffanino injury. He showed a great eyes for his age (20 years only), great defensive skills and above average speed. Due to this attributes he made the playoff roster. Even if he might need another year at AAA, he will get his chance in spring.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 80 SS/2B Tony Graffanino
. 275, 99 G, 276 AB, 41 R, 76 H, 21 2B, 0 3B, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 31 BB, 34 K
Tony gave us much more than expected in the first two months of the season. Unexpected offensive production and above average feeling. Sadly he was never the same after being on the DL for almost two months. Lost his starter job to Izturis and it has to be seen what happens with him next season.
Got a new two year contract worth 2.340,000 in total.

# 6 SS/2B/3B Cesar Izturis
.320, 80 G, 241 AB, 42 R, 77 H, 11 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 19 BB, 23 K,
8 SB, 5 CS
We signed Izturis after he was released by the Cubs and when Graffanino went down with injury. Izturis was on fire from the very first day, hitting .406 in July. Even if his average dropped a bit after that first month, he was again very naughty at the plate during the playoffs hitting .491 in 13 games. Izturis is a very good lead off hitter (.373 OBP) with fair speed and a golden glove calibre fielder.
Izturis has one year left in his contract, making 480,000 next year.

# 4 SS J.J.Hardy *
.270, 98 G, 200 AB, 25 R, 54 H, 9 2B, 0 3B, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 23 BB, 34 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Hardy was supposed becoming a super star, but after batting .129 in April and .217 in May he was sent down to Nashville to find his swing. After doing well at AAA, he got another chance when Graffanino was injured, but couldn't compete with new signed Izturis. Obviously Hardy had no chance making the Playoff roster. He seems to be at disadvantage as he lacks speed and can only play Shortshop. Future very unknown.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 12 LF/3B Ryan "Calamity" Braun
.353, 141 G, 573 AB, 122 R, 202 H, 37 2B, 6 3B, 40 HR, 120 RBI, 53 BB,
101 K, 13 SB, 8 CS
Braun was simply brilliant in his first year in the big leagues and should easily win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Together with Fielder he did a lot of damage hitting 3rd or 4th. At 3B he was below average from the beginning (2 DP in 1084,2 IP), but when he averaged an error per game in september, we had to move him to left field. Even if his not half as good as Gwynn Jr. there, we had to find a position where he does least damage.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 77 LF/1B James Loney *
.264, 39 G, 72 AB, 11 R, 19 H, 6 2B, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Loney was acquired in the Geoff Jenkins deal and somehow we hoped he could be a Geoff Jenkins clone. Obviously he wasn't and therefore lost left field quickly to the emerging Gwynn Jr. Loney is young and has a good swing. So we shouldn't give him up.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 41 LF/CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
.331, 122 G, 369 AB, 74 R, 122 H, 24 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 57 BB, 53 K,
18 SB, 7 CS
Gwynn Jr. was called up from Nashville when Corey Hart got traded to the White Sox. Right from the beginning Tony showed much more than we expected. High average, an OBP of .423 and at times superb play in left field. Was a very good one two punch with Izturis or Weeks. Certainly a player with the future at his hands.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 24 CF Charlie Fermaint *
.188, 12 G, 16 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 1 2B, ..., 1 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K
* currently on the 60-day DL
Charlie tore his abdominal muscle after only two weeks in the big leagues. Down at Nashville he showed a very promising combination of speed and power. If he's healthy in March, he will be with us in spring training.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 14 CF/RF Lance Nix *
.167, 38 G, 54 AB, 5 R, 9 H, ..., 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K
* currently at AAA Nashville
Nix means "nothing" in German, and that was exactly what he showed in the big leagues. After batting .414 in spring he won a place on the active roster, but after one week in May he was sent packing back to Nashville. The scouts like him, but I don't. If the offer is right he it out of here before Christmas.
Nix is arbitration eligible in offseason.

# 96 RF/LF Gabe Gross
.280, 158 G, 483 AB, 88 R, 135 H, 32 2B, 4 3B, 23 HR, 85 RBI, 92 BB, 121 K
Gross had the best season of his career and was the only outfielder who played from opening day to the World Series finale. Even if his offensive numbers were fine and above average, he receives more praise for his play in right field, where is considered as one of the golden glove candidates.
Got a new contract worth 2.040,000 for the next three seasons.

# 17 RF/LF/CF Lorenzo Cain
.308, 41 G, 52 AB, 6 R, 16 H, 7 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K, 2 SB, 3 CS
Cain was called up after the All-Star Break hitting .308 with 46 RBIs at Nashville. Surprisingly Cain had no problems to adjust to big league pitching. Being an above average fielder with good pace, we had no reason to scratch him from the play off roster. Might be back in the big leagues next spring.
His contact gets automatically renewed after the season.

# 70 RF/LF Kevin Mench
.254, 90 G, 228 AB, 32 R, 58 H, 6 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 41 RBI, 36 BB, 26 K
Mench didn't make the 25 roster on 1st April, but was eventually called up in early summer to fill in for departured Jenkins and Hart. Mench had an ok season, but didn't offer enough power to make up for his lack of speed. He had a fair OBP, but regarding the young outfield talent we have, it's unsure if Mench will keep his fourth outfielder job in 2008.
Mench is arbitration eligible in offseason.

[Loeffle]

October 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Offseason
Manager and GM Fritsche

Even if the 2007 season came to a best possible end, offseason won't be a honeycake. First of all we almost missed the playoffs with the current squad, then there are some serious questionmarks conserning our bullpen and defense.
When keeping in mind that some key players who performed very well last season are eligable for arbitration, we might also face some serious wage budget problems.
Almost certainly we will not be able to carry our World Series squad into 2008 season.

Quickly after the last World Series game other teams were interested in trades including Cesar Izturis and Bill Hall our two top offensive performers in the post season.

John Smoltz, who pitched his last postseason game against the Brewers, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa were inducted to the Hall of Fame!

[Loeffle]

November 2007 - Milwaukee Brewers - Offseason
Manager and GM Fritsche

Offseason could also become interesting outside Milwaukee, as it is rumoured MLB having big plans for some key changes. Realignment, expansion, end of interleague play and much more strict drug controls are only three key topics going to be discusses during the Winter Meetings.

1st November 2007:

Claudio Vargas signed a new two year contract worth $ 1,030.000. In regard to the $ 2,500,000 he made this season and his hot streak this autumn, we decided to offer him a contract instead of heading to arbitration.


4th November 2007:

American League Golden Gloves

P - Mark Buehrle (Chicago)
C - Victor Martinez (Cleveland)
1B - Lyle Overbay (Toronto)
2B - Omar Infante (Detroit)
3B - Alex Rodriguez (New York)
SS - Michael Young (Texas)
LF - Hideki Matsui (New York)
CF - Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle)
RF - Vladimir Guerreo (Los Angeles)


National League Golden Gloves

P - Tim Hudson (Atlanta)
C - Bengie Molina (San Francisco)
1B - Albert Pujols (St. Louis)
2B - Kazuo Matsui (Colorado)
3B - Scott Rolen (St. Louis)
SS - Stephen Drew (Arizona)
LF - Lastings Milledge (New York)
CF - Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh)
RF - Ken Griffey Jr. (Cincinnati)

Not that surprsing to see no Brewers here.


5th November 2007:

American League Rookie of the Year

3B Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay)
.293, 155 G, 621 AB, 100 R, 182 H, 40 2B, 6 3B, 37 HR, 130 RBI, 38 BB,
115 K, 15 SB, 1 CS


National League Rookie of the Year

3B/LF Ryan "Calamity" Braun (Milwaukee)
.353, 141 G, 573 AB, 122 R, 202 H, 37 2B, 6 3B, 40 HR, 120 RBI, 53 BB,
101 K, 13 SB, 8 CS

Well done Ryan!


7th November 2007:

American League Cy Young Award

SP Rich Harden (Oakland)
20-8, 2.78 ERA, 35 GS, 243.0 IP, 220 H, 80 BB, 246 K, 1.23 WHIP


National League Cy Young Award

CL Juan Rincon (Florida)
4-3-37, 1.99 ERA, 60 G, 68.0 IP, 44 H, 29 BB, 75 K, 1.07 WHIP

Maybe a surprise selection, but when keeping in mind that no National League starter was dominant this season, an understandable selection.


8th November 2007:

American League Most Valuable Player Award

RF Vladimir Guerrero (Los Angeles)
.359, 135 G, 558 AB, 95 R, 204 H, 34 2B, 3 3B, 32 HR, 102 RBI, 48 BB,
63 K, 21 SB, 4 CS


National League Most Valuable Player Award
1B Albert Pujols (St. Louis)
.367, 146 G, 577 AB, 118 R, 212 H, 40 2B, 0 3B, 46 HR, 141 RBI, 75 BB,
46 K, 19 SB, 8 CS


9th November 2007:

Trade
We sent RF/LF Kevin Mench and $220,000 in cash to the Philadelphia Phillies for Outfielder Shane "Flyin' Hawaiian" Victorino. We initiated this trade as both outfielders are eligable for arbitration next week. Mench made
$3.400,000this season, while Victorino made only $380,000. Victorino has less power than Mench, but can play all outfield positions. I considered Mench as being too slow to be a great outfielder.
Nevertheless we wish Kevin well, as he always had been a loyal and fine member of the Milwaukee organization.
Victorino went .252 (424 AB) with 8 homers, 36 RBIs and 17 stolen bases this season.


12th November 2007:

Trade
We sent MR Lindsay Gulin (3-3-5, 3.39 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 79.2 IP for AAA Nashville) for 16 year old Aruban SP Alexander 'Worhorse" Stamfordham (1st Round Draft Pick in 2007, which we also had on our priority list then), RF John Stewart (2nd Round Draft Pick in 2007) and C Kyle Blumenthal (.261 in 403 AB with 4 HR and 32 RBI for AA Tulsa).
It seemed that the Rockies were in desperate need for a lefty in their bullpen. Why would they give up their two top draft picks otherwise?


15th November 2007:

Arbitration Hearings Results

SP David Bush - $ 2,304,000
SP Chris Capuano - $ 2,600,000
OF Shane Victorino - $ 380,000 (Kevin Mench was awarded $ 2,700,000!)
2B Richie Weeks - $ 5,482,400
C Mike Rivera - $ 380,000
CF Laynce Nix - $ 380,000

After the hearings we have $ 15,132,396 for player or staff signings.