There's something brewing - A Badenian going America

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


12th September 2008


Game #146 –Milwaukee [81-64] (C. Villanueva 4-5, 4.17 ERA) at Atlanta [80-65] (A. Lerew 4-9, 6.47 ERA)

2B C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF G. Gross - 3B M. Reynolds - SS A. Escobar

Villanueva allowed only five hits in seven innings, while striking out a career high eleven batters, but was still the clear loser as he allowed two key home runs. We had more hits than the Braves but failed in the clutch.

Milwaukee at Atlanta: 2-5

W: A. Lerew (5-9); L: C. Villanueva (4-6)
H: E. Ramirez (2), T. Hodges (10), C. James (2)
SV: R. Soriano (7)
HR: P. Fielder (22) / A. Dunn (35), B. Lillibridge (8)
SB: R. Braun (21) / -
CS: J. Upton (15), C. Izturis (9) / -
E: -/ -
MoM: P. Fielder - 2/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI


Elsewhere:

The season of former Brewer Derrick Turnbow (0-0, 2.19 ERA) is over after he suffered a damaged wrist ligament while pitching for the Angels.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


13th September 2008


Game #147 –Milwaukee [81-65] (B. Webb 7-6, 3.77 ERA) at Atlanta [81-65] (W. Ledezma 13-6, 4.81 ERA)

SS A. Escobar - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - 3B M. Reynolds - RF J. Parraz - 2B V. Rottino - C H. Blanco

We jumped on the Braves right from the beginning and after batting through the order in the first we led 6-0. After three more runs in the second we lost focus and things almost got close as the opponent scored run after run.

Milwaukee at Atlanta: 9-6

W: B. Webb (15-10); L: A. Ledezma (13-7)
HR: H. Blanco (6) / J. Francoeur 2 (36), C. Loadenthal (2)
SB: - / -
CS: - / B. Lillibridge (12)
E: B. Webb (4) / B. Lillibridge (12)
MoM: J. Francoeur - 3/4, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


13th September 2008

Our AA team, the Huntsville Stars finished their season with a 75-53 record. That's the best record in the North Division, 7 games worse than Southern division winners Mobile Bay Bears.

Top perfomers were:
3B Fredy de la Cruz (.307, 2 HR, 37 RBI)
LF Ron Davenport (.265, 7 HR, 51 RBI)
2B Kenneth Holmberg (.212, 10 HR, 38 RBI)
SP Josh Wahpepah (6-3, 1.93 ERA, 84.0 IP, 1.20 WHIP)
SP Jeff Housman (13-3, 2.96 ERA, 115.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP)
CL Ángel Tapia (0-4-36, 3.80 ERA, 45.0 IP, 1.40 WHIP, 92,3 SV% - 1st round pick 2007)

In the playoffs the Stars face the Jacksonville Suns,while the Carolina Mudcats battle the Mobile Bay Bears.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


13th September 2008

As we enjoy a day off and just 15 games to go it might be interesting to take another look at the playoffrace:

American League:

Unless a team breaks down like the 2007 Mets the playoff spots are distributed. The Angels own a 11 game advantage over the Athletics, the Indians a six game lead over the Twins. The Devil Rays have a one game lead over the Red Sox, who have a 9 game advantage over the 2nd best wild card team.

National League:

The Mets seem to be save holding a six game advantage over Atlanta. We are two games ahead of the Cubs and six games ahead the Cardinals. The Diamondbacks hold a tiny one game lead over the Dodgers, while the Padres who sit four games behind, still could strike back.
The Braves hold a one game wild card lead over the Cubs and Marlins, with the Dodgers (four games), Cardinals (five games) and Padres (seven games) to follow.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


14th September 2008

Our higher level rookie team, the Helena Brewers finished their season with a 52-24 record. That's the best record in the North Division, 11 games worse than Southern division winners Idaho Falls Chukars.

Top perfomers were:
2B Manuel Terry (.380, 0 HR, 29 RBI, 12 SB - non drafted free agent in 2008)
3B César Martínez (.321, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 10 SB - 20th round pick in 2007)
3B Sukenobo Matsu****a (.305, 7 HR, 41 RBI - 5th round pick in 2007)
SP Juan Rocha (8-2, 2.11 ERA, 106.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP - 12th round pick in 2008)[size=4][size=3]
SP Marcos Torres (9-3, 2.36 ERA, 95.1 IP, 1.14 WHIP - 12th round pick in 2007)
SP Alejandro Mendoza (6-5, 3.11 ERA, 110.0 IP, 1.35 WHIP - 2nd round pick 2007)

In the playoffs the Brewers face the Great Falls White Sox,while the Ogden Raptors battle the Idaho Falls Chukars.


Our AAA team, the Nashville Sounds finished their season with a 75-63 record. That's the best record in the American North Division, 9 games worse than Southern division winners Round Rock Express.

Top perfomers were:
CF Charlie Fermaint (.311, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 9 SB)
1B Chris Errecart (.301, 11 HR, 68 RBI)
RF Jordan Parraz (.297, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 17 SB)
MR Matt Wise (6-1-5, 1.04 ERA, 43.1 IP, 0.74 WHIP)
MR Steve Bray (2-0-1, 2.08 ERA, 43.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP)
SP Carlos Villanueva (4-3, 3.46 ERA, 75.1 IP, 1.23 WHIP)

In the playoffs the Sounds face the Round Rock Express,while the Las Vegas 51's battle the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.


American League Player of the Week:
Paul Konerko (.306, 46 HR, 117 RBI - Chicago): .448, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 8 R

National League Player of the Week:
Jeff Francoeur (.304, 36 HR, 87 RBI - Atlanta): .500, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R


Elsewhere:

The Cardinals 1B Jim Edmonds (.262, 6 HR, 26 RBI) will retire at the end of the season.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


15th September 2008

Another "must win" series coming up. This time against our old rivals the Pittsburgh Pirates, who don't do well in their new division. Out cold streak last month was exactly against such teams. This time a cold streak could be fatal

Game #148 –Pittsburgh [69-78] (T. Gorzelanny 11-11, 3.91 ERA) at Milwaukee [82-65] (D. Bush 16-7, 3.17 ERA)

2B C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - 3B M. Reynolds - RF S. Victorino - SS A. Escobar - C H. Blanco

The game went exactly as I feared. After three innings of a pitchers duel, Bush was the one who began to struggle, while his counterpart kept sharp. The 3-1 lead seemed to be enough for the Pirates, but the added three more in the seventh. We got a bunch of baserunners in the eighth and ninth, but as often we batted awful with runners on bases.

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee: 6-2

W: T. Gorzelanny (12-11); L: D. Bush (16-8)
H: B. Rogers (16), M. Tejera (10)
SV: J. Williams (26)
HR: - / -
SB: - / -
CS: - / S. Victorino (14)
E: - / M. Reynolds (12)
MoM: T. Gorzelanny - 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


16th September 2008

As the Cubs lost their third game in a row, yesterday's loss could be forgotten if we win today.


Game #149 –Pittsburgh [70-78] (I. Snell 8-14, 4.48 ERA) at Milwaukee [82-66] (C. Capuano 16-7, 4.22 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF G. Gross - 2B A. Escobar - 3B M. Gamel

The Pirates sent half of their B-squad to the field, but did once again surprisingly well despite comitting four errors. The score was tied at five, when pinch hitter Jordan Parraz belted a grand slam. Prince Fielder added another homerun an inning later to put the game out of reach for the visitors.

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee: 6-11

W: A. Otsuka (3-4); L: S. Torres (7-3)
H: W. LeBlanc (5)
HR: - / P. Fielder (23), J. Parraz (1)
SB: - / -
CS: - / -
E: J. Bay (10), B. Eldred (1), Y. de Caster (2), J. Castillo (1) / G. Gross (8)
MoM: P. Fieder - 3/5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


17th September 2008

Game #150 –Pittsburgh [70-79] (S. Burnett 8-4, 3.00 ERA) at Milwaukee [83-66] (Y. Gallardo 10-9, 4.03 ERA)

SS A. Escobar - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - 3B M. Reynolds - RF S. Victorino - 2B O. Infante - C H. Blanco

Gallardo was on fire and led us the only won series against the Pirates this season. Not good to have a 3-9 record against a last placed team, but also last season we struggled badly against them. Alltogether a very solid game by all parts of our team

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee: 2-6

W: Y. Gallardo (11-9); L: S. Burnett (8-5)
HR: - / -
SB: - / -
CS: A. McCutchen (11) / -
E: J. Bay (11) / A. Escobar (6)
MoM: Y. Gallardo - 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K


Elsewhere:

The Royals Zack Greinke (10-15, 4.42 ERA) pitched a 6-hitter against the White Sox.

Our farm team Huntsville (AA) beat Jacksonville 3 games to 1 to face Mobile Bay for the Southern League crown.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


18th September 2008

A three game series in St. Louis is up next. Those Redbirds are not out of the race at all and they own a very strong home record. Pujols is out, but there are four other players with more than 24 homers. They are 5-4 against us this season. Id like them to catch the Cubs, but please only after this series. We will take a gamble and give the start to Chris Volstad.

Game #151 –Milwaukee [84-66] (C. Volstad 0-0, 0.00 ERA) at St. Louis [79-71] (B. Hawksworth 13-6, 4.40 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF G. Gross - 3B M. Reynolds - 2B O. Infante

Volstad surrendered ten hits and three earned runs in six innings, which meand he was more or less the same as Villanueva. As it looks now neither of them would be a playoff starter. When Volstad left the game was luckily tied at 2, but then Capellan and Stetter blew it up. I doubt those two will be on the 25 man roster next year.

Milwaukee at St. Louis: 2-6

W: B. Hawksworth (14-6); L: C. Volstad (9-11)
H: M. Sillman (1)
HR: R. Braun (35) / W. Betemit (25), J. Rodriguez (13)
SB: - / S. Rolen (8), C. Beltran (14)
CS: - / -
E: M. Reynolds (13), C. Volstad (1) / -
MoM: W. Betemit - 2/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


19th September 2008


Game #152 – Milwaukee [84-67] (B. Webb 17-8, 3.70 ERA) at St. Louis [80-71] (B. Looper 11-4, 4.07 ERA)

RF S. Victorino - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - 3B M. Reynolds - SS A. Escobar - 2B H. Iribarren

Yahoo, that was the right answer after yesterday's sad outing. Brandon Webb and a red hot Prince Fielder were the keys to break the Cardinals. Webb threw only 96 pitches to collect the shutout, while Naughty Chow Fielder homered twice. By doing that he passed the 25 HRs/25 SBs mark.

Milwaukee at St. Louis: 8-0

W: B. Webb (16-10); L: B. Looper (11-5)
HR: P. Fielder 2 (25) / -
SB: R. Braun (22), J. Upton (15) / -
CS: - / J. Edmonds (3)
E: J. Upton (7) / -
MoM: B. Webb - 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K


Elsewhere:

The Nationals LF Nick Johnson (.311, 12 HR, 77 RBI) hit for the cycle when his team beat Minnesota 6-5.

The Nashville Sounds (AAA) and Helena Brewers (advanced R) both swept their first round opponents and advance to the playoff finals.


Trade:

The Padres dealt C Josh Bard (.213, 2 HR, 11 RBI) to the Dodgers for reliever Mark Alexander (4-1-2, 2.34 ERA) and minor league SS Randall Lee (.283, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 5 SB - R).

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


20th September 2008


Game #153 – Milwaukee [85-67] (C. Capuano 16-7, 4.27 ERA) at St. Louis [80-72] (C. Carpenter 11-10, 4.66 ERA)

2B C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF G. Gross - SS A. Escobar - 3B M. Gamel

I gave Capuano the start because the Cardinals have half a dozen dangerous left handed batters. This move worked well and the score was 3-2 when our starter left. Thankfully the more positive side of our bullpen shone today and Accardo, Shouse, Wise and Fujita didn't allow anything in the final two innings. Unless we suffer a complete meltdown in the two final weeks, we should finish this season ahead of the Cardinals.

Milwaukee at St. Louis: 3-2

W: C. Capuano (17-7); L: C. Carpenter (11-11)
H: J. Accardo (11), B. Shouse (11), M. Wise (2)
SV: S. Fujita (23)
HR: - / S. Rolen (32), C. Beltran (33)
E: G. Gross (9) / J. Encarnacion (2)
MoM: C. Capuano - 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K


Elsewhere:

The Marmots A.J. Burnett (9-14, 4.35 ERA) allowed only four hits in a 5-0 shutout over the Yankees.

The Blue Jays 3B Troy Glaus (.263, 52 HR, 116 RBI) hit three homers in a 10-2 victory over the Mariners.


Trade:

Kansas City sent starter Jorge de la Rosa (1-3-1, 5.58 ERA) to Cincinnati in exchange for 1B Tonys Gutierrez (.262, 0 HR, 22 RBI - AAA) and minor league starter Fernand García (4-1, 2.89 ERA - R).

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


21st September 2008

We host the Blizzards for the last time this season. They cooled off after a quite hot start and some ill fated trades. They might end up as worst team in the National League, but won't lose 100 games. With a win today we would tie last season's win total

Game #154 – Buffalo [61-92] (J. Mateo 7-16, 4.67 ERA) at Milwaukee [86-67] (D. Bush 16-8, 3.24 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF G. Gross - 3B M. Reynolds - 2B A. Escobar

The game was a nice pitching duel, where we once again were awful with runners on base. In the first we loaded the bases with not outs, and the Blizzards didn't even need a double play to escape unharmed. Once again we needed Fielder, who is really hot in september, to create the decisive runs. The bullpen did again a nice job to defend the lead

Buffalo at Milwaukee: 1-3

W: D. Bush (17-8); L: J. Mateo (7-17)
H: W. LeBlanc (6), E. Dessens (4)
SV: S. Fujita (24)
HR: - / J. Upton (10)
MoM: D. Bush - 7.0 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K


American League Player of the Week:
Daric Barton (.318, 6 HR, 17 RBI - Oakland): .522, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R

National League Player of the Week:
Scott Rolen (.342, 32 HR, 112 RBI - St. Louis): .522, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


22nd September 2008


Game #155 – Buffalo [61-93] (D. Rasner 3-5, 5.09 ERA) at Milwaukee [87-67] (Y. Gallardo 11-9, 3.91 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF S. Victorino - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - 3B M. Reynolds - RF L. Cain - 2B O. Infante

Also today the Blizzards showed that they are much better than their record and another pitchers duel developed. Gallardo had a strong and wild outing and also Rasner was doing well in one of his rare starts. An Estrada sacrifice fly gave us the lead and once again our bullpen pitched perfect. Accardo got the save as we didn't want to risk throwing in Fujita who was tired.

Buffalo at Milwaukee: 1-2

W: Y. Gallardo (12-9); L: D. Rasner (3-6)
H: M. Stetter (39
SV: J. Accardo (4)
HR: - / -
SB: J. Loney (2) / -
CS: J. Loney (4) / -
E: - / -
MoM: Y. Gallardo - 6.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K

With this win we might have gotten the decisive edge over the Cubs who are now four games back with eight days of regular season left.


Elsewhere:

The Red Sox 1B David Ortiz (.261, 41 HR, 116 RBI) hit his 300th career homer when his team beat Washington 9-0.

The Brevard County Manatees won the Florida State League championship beating the Palm Beach Cardinals 4 games to 2.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


23rd September 2008

With every victory the playoffs become more and more reality. Quite unreal when you remember the horrible start we had. If the playoffs would start today, we faced the Diamondbacks. Known from last years playoffs, known from the Sheets/Hall - Webb/Reynolds/Upton trade.


Game #156 – Buffalo [61-94] (J. Richmond 5-10, 5.03 ERA) at Milwaukee [88-67] (C. Villanueva 4-6, 4.32 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF S. Victorino - 1B P. Fielder - 3B M. Reynolds - RF G. Gross - 2B O. Infante - C H. Blanco

Villanueva delivered his best performance in the big leagues so far, pitching eight strong innings. Otsuka who might not be on the playoff roster almost blew the lead, but we were saved by closer Fujita. By that we finished a season sweet of the Blizzards going 12-0 against them.

Buffalo at Milwaukee: 3-5

W: C. Villanueva (5-6); L: J. Richmond (5-11)
SV: S. Fujita (25)
HR: C. Fontaine (1) / P. Fielder (26), G. Gross (15)
SB: - / -
CS: - / -
E: C. Fontaine (2) / C. Izturis (11)
MoM: C. Villanueva - 8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K

Elsewhere:

The Astros Matt Albers (8-17, 6.12 ERA) will miss four weeks with a strained bicep muscle.

Mets rightfielder Carlos Gomez (.325, 15 HR, 67 RBI) went 5 from 6 in a 5-4 victory over the Cubs. This means our magic number is down to two now.

MR Chris Spurling (0-1-1, 3.76 ERA) member of the Manatees championship squad retires.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


24th September 2008

Our last regular season home series against the Rockies is about to start. They are dead last in their division.


Game #157 – Colorado [66-90] (R. Lopez 5-7, 5.20 ERA) at Milwaukee [89-67] (B. Webb 16-10, 3.24 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF S. Victorino - 3B M. Gamel - 2B A. Escobar

Virtually one of the worst games we had for a long time. Especially pitching sucked badly so that we never had a realistic chance to win this one.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 10-6

W: R. Lopez (6-7); L: B. Webb (16-11)
HR: - / R. Braun 2 (37)
SB: M. Napoli (2), B. Abreu 2 (20) / C. Izturis (26)
CS: - / C. Izturis (10)
E: - / A. Escobar (7), M. Gamel (2)
MoM: R. Braun - 2/4, 3 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


25th September 2008

Game #158 – Colorado [67-90] (U. Jimenez 7-5, 5.35 ERA) at Milwaukee [89-68] (C. Capuano 17-7, 4.21 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF S. G. Gross - 3B M. Reynolds - 2B O. Infante

Not the best moment to hit "Finish today" by accident, but oh well it happened.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 1-8

W: C. Capuano (18-7); L: U. Jimenez (7-6)
HR: R. Spilborghs (1) / R. Braun (38)
SB: - / R. Braun (23), J. Upton (16), C. Izturis (27)
CS: M. Holliday (6) / J. Upton (16)
E: - / -
MoM: C. Capuano - 9.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K


Elsewhere:

LF Chris Lubanski (.266, 31 HR, 77 RBI) had 5 hits for the Royals when they crushed the Tigers 20-6. RF Mark Teahen (.259, 25 HR, 64 RBI) hit three homers in the same game.

SS Derek Jeter (.269, 8 HR, 64 RBI) collected his 2500th career hit for the Yankees while they lost 6-5 to the Angels.

The Mobile Bay Bears beat our AA team the Huntsville Stars 4 games to 2 to clinch the Southern League title.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


26th September 2008

Game #159 – Colorado [67-92] (B. Myers 10-14, 5.47 ERA) at Milwaukee [90-68] (D. Bush 17-8, 3.18 ERA)

3B C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF S. G. Gross - 2B O. Infante - SS A. Escobar

Another very positive outing by the whole gang gave Bush his 18th win of the season. Bush will also be among the best three pitchers in ERA and rank high in some other key stats. Prince Fielder rose his average to .300 and seems having found his 2007 form. Cesar Izturis is red hot and contending for the NL batting title.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 1-8

W: D. Bush (18-8); L: B. Myers (10-15)
HR: - / P. Fielder (27), J. Upton (11), G. Gross (16)
SB: - / J. Upton (17), C. Izturis (28)
CS: T. Tulowitzki (3) / -
E: - / -
MoM: D. Bush - 6.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K


Elsewhere:

Nationals LF Nick Johnson (.319, 14 HR, 86 RBI) had a 5 for 5 day in a 13-4 victory over Vancouver.

We clinched the NL Central title today. More good news is that the Cubs need a miracle and a Braves breakdown to get the wild card. In the West the Diamondbacks trail the Dodgers by one game.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


28th September 2008

And off we go to the final series of regular season. We head to Philadelphia where we have not much to play for. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is rather unlikely as we trail the Mets by two games. On the other hand the NL West champions have no chance of catching us. Therefore we will mix the lineups quite a bit and Brandon Webb wont start in game 3 of this series. Gallardo who was doomed by many scouts in July is trying to win his sixth straight start.

Game #160 –Milwaukee [91-68] (Y. Gallardo 12-9, 3.83 ERA)at Philadelphia [79-80] (C. Hamels 14-8, 3.85 ERA)

SS A. Escobar - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - 3B M. Reynolds - RF L. Cain - 2B V. Rottino - C H. Blanco

The game somehow went as expected. Most players didn't give 100 %, but we still had a chance to win it. Capellan blew his maybe final chance to make the playoff roster by allowing the winning runs.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 4-5

W: C. Hamels (15-8); L: J. Capellan (1-3)
H: F. Cordero (21)
SV: T. Gordon (42)
HR: P. Fielder (28) / M. Costanzo (24)
SB: - / J. Rollins (30)
CS: - / J. Rollins (16)
E: - / -
MoM: P. Fielder - 3/4, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI


Elsewhere:

RF Ken Griffey Jr. (.187, 5 HR, 16 RBI) hit his 600th career homer when the Reds beat the Cubs 4-3.

The Idaho Falls Chukars beat our Advanced Rookie team the Helena Brewers 4 games to 2 to clinch the Pioneer League title.


American League Player of the Week:
Magglio Ordonez (.316, 23 HR, 93 RBI - Detroit): .455, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R

National League Player of the Week:
Cesar Izturis (.351, 2 HR, 46 RBI - Milwaukee): .652, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8 R
Our leadoff man as unlikely hero. With two games to go he has also a good chance to become NL batting champion. Carlos Lee is second with .348.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


29th September 2008

Game #161 –Milwaukee [91-69] (V. Villanueva 5-6, 4.09 ERA)at Philadelphia [80-80] (C. Carrasco 6-12, 4.67 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - C J. Estrada - RF S. Victorino - 3B M. Reynolds - 2B A. Escobar

This game was almost a copy of yesterdays. Hope the guys won't carry this cold streak into the playoffs. Tomorrow we will bench most of the playoff roster to give them a break to think.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 1-5

W: C. Carrasco (7-12); L: C. Villanueva (5-7)
H: A. Eaton (13), F. Cordero (22)
SV: B. Mazone (2)
HR: - / R. Barajas (23), R. Howard (47), D. Myers (7), K. Mench (10)
SB: - / -
CS: - / D. Myers (4)
E: M. Reynolds (14) / O. Quintanilla (13)
MoM: R. Barajas - 2/4, 1 R, HR, 2 RBI


Elsewhere:

The Giants SS Emmanuel Burriss (.298, 3 HR, 40 RBI) is out for two months with a fractured elbow.

[Loeffle]

September 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


30th September 2008

The pennants in the NL East and West broken open again, as the Mets are on a six game losing streak and the Dodgers/Diamondbacks simply can't decide who is best in the division.
We will rest most of our regulars today, but Prince Fielder will make his 162nd game of the season.

Game #162 –Milwaukee [91-70] (F. Garcia 5-4, 5.05 ERA) at Philadelphia [81-80] (S. Mathieson 8-9, 5.00 ERA)

SS A. Escobar - CF S. Victorino - LF R. Braun - 1B P. Fielder - RF G. Gross - C H. Blanco - 3B M. Gamel - 2B H. Iribarren

Mathieson's bid for a no hitter came only to end in the seventh, when Prince Fielder singled to center. We collected two more runs in ninth through Izturis and Fermaint, which should be enough for Izturis to win the NL Batting Title with a .351 average. Garcia threw a complete game and lowered his average under 5.00 ERA. Was most likely his last game as a Brewer.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 1-5

W: S. Mathieson (9-9); L: F. Garcia (5-5)
HR: - / J. Rollins (23)
SB: H. Iribarren (2) / -
CS: - / -
E: P. Fielder (7) / -
MoM: S. Mathieson - 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K


Elsewhere:

Arizona at New York: 1-3
means all other games are meaningless.
Arizona is out, New York and Los Angeles win their divisions, while the Braves clinch the wild card.
Nevertheless:
Colorado at Los Angeles: 6-14
Pittsburgh at Atlanta: 3-8

Surprise, surprise the Rangers (59-103) are the only team to lose 100 games. The Royals and Blizzards tried hard, but managed only 99 losses. Angels (102-60) and Devil Rays (101-61) win more than 100. The Devil Rays for the second season in a row.

More bad news for the Diamondbacks: SS Stephen Drew (.292, 31 HR, 100 RBI) ruptured his ulnar collateral ligament and is out until the beginning of spring training at least.

Upcoming free agent Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia (13-14, 4.59 ERA) pitched a five hitter against the Athletics.

The Nationals Clint Everts (14-8, 4.15 ERA) added more misery to the Yankees by pitching a four h