There's something brewing - A Badenian going America

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

16th June 2008

We start the series against the Rockies in a very positive mood. The blockbaster trade seemed to work - at least offensively - and the draft went well. The Colorado team struggles this year, but is unlucky to play in National League's strongest division. We won two out of three against them earlier this season

Game #67 – Colorado [29-37] (B. Myers 0-0, 12.00 ERA) at Milwaukee [33-33] (D. Bush 6-5, 3.01 ERA)

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

This seemed to be an easy victory after we jumped to a 4-0 lead after two innings. But David Bush struggled early on as well giving up nine hits over five innings. The Rockies couldn't create more than two runs though and suddenly David Bush started pitching like an all-star. He pitched his third complete game of the season and after scoring five more runs in sixth it was in the end nothing less than an easy victory.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 2-9

W: D. Bush (7-5), L: B. Myers (3-9)
HR - / M. Reynolds (7)
MoM: M. Reynolds - 4/5, 2 R, HR 4 RBI

A very important win because the Cubs and Cardinals are on winning streaks as well. The Reds though are playing themselves once more slowly out of the playoff race.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

17th June 2008

Tens days left until the All-Star-Game and we managed to climb above .500 again. Hopefully we can hold on? Offense really shows improovement recently, but starting pitching became kind of inconsistent.

Game #68 – Colorado [29-38] (J. Germano 3-6, 5.04 ERA) at Milwaukee [34-33] (M. Parra 5-2, 3.11 ERA)

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

This game was mostly a pitching duel between two young pitchers with rather low endurance. But it was Germano to get problems in the sixth, while Parra lasted mor than seven innings. But as so often the bullpens made things interesting late. We picked up a five run lead in the top of the eighth, while the Rockies failed to score in the bottom of the inning with the bases loaded. They hit a run homer in the ninth though, so that our closer Fujita got his save.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 3-6

W: M. Parra (6-2), L: J. Germano (3-7)
H: A. Otsuka (5)
S: S. Fujita (7)
HR - K. Matsui (2) / R. Braun (19)
MoM: M. Parra - 7.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Elsewhere:

Rangers Reliever C.J. Wilson (3-1-1, 6.37 ERA) will miss 5 to 6 weeks with a damaged meniscus.

The Orioles SS Miguel Tejada (.333, 9 HR, 39 RBI) went 5 for 6 in a 16-6 victory over Texas.


Trades:

The Florida Marlins sent reliever Jesus Delgado (0-1-0, 5.16 ERA) to the San Francisco Giants for minor league RF Tom Adams (.295, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 7 SB - A)

The Twins traded 1B/SS Jason Bartlett (.249, 5 HR, 22 RBI) to the Nationals for minor leaguers 3B Luis Munóz (no record - rookie level) and RF Armando Vélasquez (.321, 5 HR, 40 RBI - A).

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

18th June 2008

Today the main focus will be on Brandon Webb and if can make Ben Sheets forget after his first rather bad outing. Some starters are likely to get some rest.

Game #69 – Colorado [29-39] (J. Hirsh 3-5, 4.46 ERA) at Milwaukee [35-33] (B. Webb 0-0, 8.53 ERA)

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

Somehow don't Milwaukee air and Brandon Webb get along yet. Webb had another bad outing giving up 11 hits and walking four. We still had a chance to win this one, but our offense wasn't very sound either.

Colorado at Milwaukee: 5-3

W: J. Julio (2-4), L: B. Webb (7-5)
H: R. Speier (3), B. Fuentes (4)
S: M. Corpas (11)
HR - / R. Braun (20)
MoM: R. Braun - 1/4, 1R, HR, 2 RBI

Elsewhere:

White Sox CF Ryan Sweeney (.343, 11 HR, 35 RBI) is out for three months with a dislocated shoulder.

CF Brett Gardner (.271, 0 HR, 10 RBI) went 5 for 5 for the Yankees. They lost the game 6-5 to the Angels.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

19th June 2008

The next to last series before the All-Star-Break brings us to Philadelphia. Maybe the team with the closest links to us as their roster features three members of our 2007 World Series team:
- spot starter Claudio Vargas (6-3-1, 3.08 ERA). He was moved to the bullpen after going 6-2 with an ERA below 3.00 after nine starts.
- reliever Francisco Cordero (3-1-1, 4.55 ERA)
- right fielder Kevin Mench (.205, 4 HR, 16 RBI) He has the sixth worst batting average and fifth worst on base percentage of all qualified players so far this season. Newly acquired Seth Smith is playing every day in right field now.
Prince Fielder will miss his second start of the season. He's in need of a rest and his overall performances are only a shadow of last season.

Game #70 – Milwaukee [35-34] (Y. Gallardo 5-4, 3.95 ERA) at Philadelphia [33-36] (S. Mathieson 2-4, 6.34 ERA)

RF S. Victorino - CF J. Upton - LF R. Braun - 1B M. Reynolds - C J. Estrada - SS O. Infante - 3B M. Gamel - 2B L. Rivas

A rather dull and eventless game with many 1-2-3 innings. Not so the top of the first when Mark Reynolds injured himself hitting a RBI double and the bottom of the fourth when the Phillies scored four to decide the game. Reynolds (.441, 1 HR, 14 RBI in 9 games as a Brewer) will miss up to two weeks and go on the DL. We have to call up one of the "power bats" from AAA, but it's not yet decided whom.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 3-5

W: S. Mathieson (3-4), L: Y. Gallardo (5-5)
H: C. Vargas (2), R. Madson (3), G. Geary (4)
S: T. Gordon (17)
HR - R. Braun (21) / P. Burrell (20)
MoM: P. Burrell - 2/4, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI

Elsewhere:

The Tigers CF Cameron Maybin (.262, 10 HR, 33 RBI) went 5 from 5 in a 12-5 over Baltimore.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

20th June 2008

Roster move:

The only three "power bats" at AAA play 1B, but that's exactly not the position we need. Therefore 28 year old Wisconsin native Vinny Rotino (.282, 1 HR, 14 RBI - AAA) gets a chance to shine in the big leagues. He can play all infield postions except first base and will most likely platoon with Gamel and Infante at third base while Reynolds is on the DL.

Game #71 – Milwaukee [35-35] (C. Capuano 7-3, 3.22 ERA) at Philadelphia [34-36] (C. Carrasco 1-8, 5.24 ERA)

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

A very boring scoreless game for the first three innings when virtually nothing happened. Then our bats awoke and we scored in every inning until the end. Our 13-2 lead after seven strong Capuano innings looked very secure, but out phantastic bullpen allowed the Phillies to rally for ten runs in the eighth and ninth. After giving up a grand slam our closer Fujita managed to tremble to the final out.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 14-12

W: C. Capuano (8-3), L: C. Carrasco (1-9)
HR - G. Gross (5), P. Fielder (9) / R. Barajas (12), C. Utley (7), J. Rollins 2 (8), P. Burrell (21)
MoM: J. Rollins - 5/5, 3 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI

Elsewhere:

2B Alberto Callaspo (.261, 4 HR, 20 RBI) collected 5 hits during a 6-7 Diamondbacks vs. Mets loss.


Trades:

The Florida Marlins sent starter Chris Volstad (5-4, 4.30 ERA) to the New York Yankees for minor league 2B Kazuhide McDonald (.288, 2 HR, 16 RBI - A). Even if McDonald was the Yankees 1st round pick in 2007, the Marlins GM deserves to get sacked because of this trade.

The very GM stayed busy and traded minor leaguers CF Greg Burns (.298, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 15 SB) and SS Daniel Garcia (.280, 1 HR, 4 RBI) to the Minnesota Twins for starter Glen Perkins (5-6, 4.74 ERA).


All-Star Game - Southern League - AA

The following players of our team Huntsville Stars were selected:

SP Josh Wahpepah (5-2, 1.54 ERA)
CL Angel Tapia (0-2-15, 6.11 ERA)
C Andy Bouchie (.285, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 4 SB)
3B Fredy de la Cruz (.375, 0 HR, 9 RBI)

East Stars vs. West Stars: 0-1 (10)

W: G. White (1-4), L: J. Lockwood (4-1)
MoM: J. Wahpepah - 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

A. Tapia - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
A. Bouchie - 0/3
F. de la Cruz - defensive replacement at 1B

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

21th June 2008

Game #72 – Milwaukee [36-35] (D. Bush 7-5, 2.91 ERA) at Philadelphia [34-37] (J. Outman 1-0, 0.00 ERA)

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

The votes for the All-Star-Game are not yet counted, but it would really surprise me if David Bush and Ryan Braun don't make the squad. Bush threw another complete game allowing only four hits, while walking none. Braun's two home runs were more than enough to give Bush his eighth win of the season.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia: 6-1

W: D. Bush (8-5), L: J. Outman (1-1)
HR - R. Braun 2 (23) / M. Costanzo (12)
MoM: D. Bush - 9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Elsewhere:

The Yankees Chien-Ming Wang (4-6, 5.36 ERA) pitched a 6 hit shutout against the Nationals.

Atlanta's CF Andruw Jones (.259, 16 HR, 44 RBI) collected his 400th career homerun in 8-2 loss against the Pirates.

3B Andy Marte (.300, 9 HR, 38 RBI) became the first player in Buffalo history to hit for the cycle. He also collected five hits in a 11-8 victory over San Diego.


All-Star Game - Pacific Coast League - AAA

The following players of our team Nashville Sounds were selected:

SP Vince Perkins (8-2, 4.16 ERA)
3B Chris Errecart (.330, 8 HR, 40 RBI)
1B Garrett Jones (.278, 10 HR, 38 RBI)

American vs. Pacific: 14-6

W: L. Walrond (7-3), L: J. Castellanos (7-4)
H: M. Sillman (5), D. Lowery (0), C. Blazek (13)
HR - J. Jay (2), C. Robinson (9), C. Rasmus (10) / J. Leone (13), J. Herrera (9), J. Morris (3)
MoM: J. Jay - 1/3, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB

C. Errecart - 1/2, R
G. Jones - 0/1 (pinch hit)
V. Perkins - not selected


All-Star Game - Florida State League - A (higher level)

The following players of our team Brevard County Manatees were selected:

SP Derek Miller (7-3, 2.64 ERA)
CL Patrick Ryan (2-1-13, 2.05 ERA)
SS Marcos Yepez (.321, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 12 SB)
C Ulrich Snijders (.310, 4 HR, 26 RBI)
2B Lenny Leclercq (.261, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 5 SB)
1B Bob Bannatyne (.295, 6 HR, 29 RBI)
CF Freddy Parejo (.256, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 11 SB)
3B Harold Mejia (.292, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 5 SB)
SS Guilder Rodriguez (.270, 0 HR, 13 RBI)

East Stars vs. West Stars: 5-4

W: P. Ryan (2-1), L: M. Martinez (3-3)
H: C. Homer (1), A. Garcia (10), B. Kirk (6), S. Patterson (3)
BS: M. Martinez (1)
HR - / D. Phipps (1)
MoM: U. Snijders - 2/4, 1 R, 2 RBI

D. Miller - not selected
P. Ryan - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K, error, Winning Pitcher
M. Yepez - (3B) 2/3
U. Snijders - 2/4, 1 R, 2 RBI
L. Leclercq - 1/3
B. Bannatyne - 1/4, 1 R, BB
F. Parejo - 0/3
H. Mejia - 0/1
G. Rodriguez - 1/3

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

23rd June 2008

American League Player of the Week:
Cameron Maybin (.269, 11 HR, 37 RBI - Detroit): .433, 3 HR, 6 R, 11 RBI

National League Player of the Week:
Ryan Braun (.356, 23 HR, 64 RBI - Milwaukee): .542, 7 HR, 11 R, 12 RBI


Trades:

The Yankees keep stockpilling pitchers: They got Todd Redmond (4-5, 3.42 ERA) from the Pirates for minor league starter Anthony Hall (no record - rookie level). The trade means Andy Pettitte (3-4, 4.40 ERA) and Mike Mussina (2-2, 5.40 ERA) are relegated to the bullpen.

And also the Pirates give up this season already. They traded another starter - Paul Maholm (2-6, 4.64 ERA) to the Braves for minor league starter Jeff Lyman (3-7, 5.10 ERA - AA) and CF Jordan Schafer (.203, 1 HR, 7 RBI - AAA).

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

23rd June 2008

The last series before the All-Star-Game is a mighty one. The division leading Cubs come to town with their main goal keeping their 2.0 game lead. Our goal is of course to win at least two of three games to close the gap. It has to be seen if Webb can pitch a decent game in his third start in Milwaukee. After the break there might be some roster moves concerning pitchers. In game the guy we almost signed (Zambrano) faces the guy who took over the rotation spot who was intended for him (Parra)

Game #73 – Chicago [39-33] (C. Zambrano 8-3, 4.48 ERA) at Milwaukee [37-35] (M. Parra 6-2, 2.92 ERA)

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

Sadly the planned roster move will come earlier than expected. Manny Parra looked again like the rookie of the year during 2.1 innings, but had then to leave the game with bone chips in the elbow. He won't be able to pitch for the next ten months. The crowd was shocked, but the team wasn't. Fredy Garcia picked up the game and battled down his famous countryman Zambrano. The bullpen (Otsuka and Shouse) was very sharp as well to give us a very important victory. Braun hit his eighth homer in ten games.

Chicago at Milwaukee: 3-8

W: F. Garcia (3-3) L: R. Dempster (1-2)
HR - / R. Braun (24)
MoM: R. Braun - 2/5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI

Roster move:

Manny Parra (6-2, 2.84 ERA) was placed on the 60-day-DL. His ERA was fifth best in the National League so far. Carlos Villanueva (4-3, 3.46 ERA - AAA) will take his spot as Nr 5 starter. Fredy Garcia will continue in his role as spot starter and firefighter in emergency situations.


Elsewhere:

Florida will miss starter Josh Johnson (10-3, 3.87 ERA) for 2-3 months with a torn back muscle.


Trades:

The Diamondbacks sent LF/2B Scott Hairston (.308, 7 HR, 18 RBI) and $3,000,000 to the Rockies for reliever Ryan Speier (0-0-2, 2.82 ERA) and minor league RF Roberto Álvarez (.182., 0 HR, 1 RBI - A).

The Cubs sent 1B Derrek Lee (.289, 8 HR, 22 RBI) and minor league starter Chris Huseby (no record - rookie level) to the Dodgers for reliever Hong-Chih Kuo (2-1-2, 3.86 ERA).

And the crazy Pirates dealt away their third starter in two days by sending Zach Duke (6-3, 3.68 ERA) to the Cubs for minor league RF Robert Cochran (.226, 0 HR, 18 RBI, 6 SB - A). Cochran was the Cubs first round pick in 2007.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

24th June 2008

Now it's up to Brandon Webb to pace us into a tie with the Cubs. Their team is not the same as in game 1 after they were busy trading last night.

Game #74 – Chicago [39-34] (A. Guzman 9-3, 2.50 ERA) at Milwaukee [38-35] (B. Webb 0-1, 7.43 ERA)

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

Brandon Webb had without doubt his best outing as a Brewer, but was yet far below expectations. Neither he nor Guzman got the decision in today's game. It looked as Elmer "Victoria" Dessens would lose his first game since 2006, but the game should develop into a nightmare for the Cubs newly acquired lefty Kuo who gave a 2-RBI two out double to Victorino. The Japanese combo Otsuka/Fujita closed the door and lead us to a tie with the Cubs.

Chicago at Milwaukee: 5-6

W: E. Dessens (1-0), L: H. Kuo (2-2)
H: J. Crain (11) / A. Otsuka (6)
BS: R. Dempster (2), H. Kuo (1)
S: S. Fujita (8)
HR - C. Snyder (6) / P. Fielder (10)
MoM: C. Snyder - 2/3, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB

Elmer "Victoria" Dessens (1-0-1, 5.34 ERA) is 12-0-1 since joining the Brewers.

Elsewhere:

SS Jose Reyes (.324, 11 HR, 35 RBI) went 5 for 5 for the Mets as they clipped the Astros 9-5.


All-Star Game - South Atlantic League - A Lower Level

The following players of our team West Virginia Power were selected:

C Dan Tsamis (.335, 1 HR, 15 RBI)
1B Paul Jefferson (.302, 2 HR, 22 RBI)
SS Yohannis Perez (.257, 1 HR, 17 RBI)

North vs. South: 6-2

W: B. Todd (1-2), L: J. Farrell (3-3)
H: H. Hering (9), E. Lin (11), C. Perez (8)
HR - S. Mortimer (4) /
MoM: S. Mortimer - 1/2, 1 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB

D. Tsamis - 0/1 (pinch hit)
P. Jefferson - 0/1 (pinch hit)
Y. Perez - 1/2, 2 R, BB

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

25th June 2008

All-Star Game Rosters

American League

SP F. Liriano - MIN (9-3, 2.09 ERA)
SP J. Jurrjens - DET (10-3, 3.11 ERA)
SP F. Hernandez - SET (7-4, 2.08 ERA)
SP S. Kazmir - TBA (7-2, 2.03 ERA)
SP B. Colon - LAA (9-0, 3.86 ERA)
SP J. Howell - TBA (8-3, 3.47 ERA)
CL J.J. Putz - SEA (3-2-20, 2.03 ERA)
CL J. Papelbon - BOS (4-3-18, 2.92 ERA)
CL J. Zumaya - DET (3-0-15, 2.10 ERA)
CL F. Rodriguez - LAA (2-2-22, 5.17 ERA)
CL M. Rivera - NYA (3-4-16, 1.88 ERA)
CL S. Casilla - BAL (0-2-20, 2.90 ERA)
1B C. Tracy - OAK (.323, 18 HR, 39 RBI, 3 SB)
3B T. Glaus - TOR (.289, 33 HR, 53 RBI, 1 SB)
LF C. Crawford - TBA (.341, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 30 SB)
2B H. Kendrick - LAA (.306, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 5 SB)
RF V. Guerrero - LAA (.356, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 7 SB)
CF V. Wells - TOR (.323, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 3 SB)
SS M. Tejada - BAL (.329, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB)
C V. Martinez - CLE (.274, 21 HR, 51 RBI, 0 SB)
C M. Collins - LAA (.317, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 3 SB)
1B M. Aubrey - DET (.347, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 0 SB)
3B E. Longoria - TBA (.315, 20 HR, 59 RBI, 5 SB)
3B B.J. Upton - TBA (.312, 10 HR, 41 RBI, 19 SB)
2B R. Cano - NYA (.312, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 1 SB)
RF A. Kearns - WAS (.297, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 3 SB)
RF D. Young - TBA (.324, 14 HR, 57 RBI, 8 SB)
LF B. Butler - SEA (.315, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB)


National League:

SP J. Peavy - SDN (10-2, 3.03 ERA)
SP A. Guzman - CHN (9-3, 2.55 ERA)
SP J. Maine - NYN (8-3, 2.29 ERA)
SP D. Bush - MIL (8-5, 2.74 ERA)
SP C. Capuano - MIL (8-3, 3.17 ERA)
SP G. Miller - LAN (6-2, 2.06 ERA)
CL J. Broxton - LAN (3-1-20, 2.32 ERA)
CL B. Wagner - NYN (1-0-21, 0.59 ERA)
CL M. Wuertz - CHN (3-1-13, 1.45 ERA)
CL T. Gordon - PHI (2-1-17, 2.83 ERA)
CL T. Coffey - CIN (2-1-15, 1.97 ERA)
CL B. Wilson - SFN (4-2-17, 4.06 ERA)
1B A. Pujuls - SLN (.385, 22 HR, 66 RBI, 6 SB)
LF R. Braun - MIL (.356, 24 HR, 66 RBI, 11 SB)
CF L. Milledge - NYN (.372, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 13 SB)
3D D. Wright - NYN (.333, 18 HR, 54 RBI, 5 SB)
SS J. Reyes - NYN (.324, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 38 SB)
2B R. Durham - SFN (.343, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 4 SB)
RF J. Hermida - FLO (.346, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 7 SB)
C M. Barrett - NYN (.304, 15 HR, 52 RBI, 0 SB)
C N. Hundley - SDN (.314, 10 HR, 38 RBI, 0 SB)
LF C. Lee - HOU (.347, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 3 SB)
3B M. Cabrera - FLO (.308, 20 HR, 45 RBI, 3 SB)
3B S. Rolen - SLN (.319, 11 HR, 48 RBI, 4 SB)
RF L. Berkman - HOU (.303, 14 HR, 43 RBI, 0 SB)
1B R. Howard - PHI (.304, 19 HR, 51 RBI, 0 SB)
CF C. Hunter - SDN (.324, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 16 SB)
CF C. Beltran - SLN (.308, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 6 SB)

[Dauis]

Wow. That hurts with Parra going down like that. Congrats on battling back above .500 and getting 3 All-Stars. Webb should settle down and you should be able to make a serious run at the postseason. I can't believe the Cubs traded Lee. Good luck in the second half!

[Loeffle]

Originally Posted by Dauis

Wow. That hurts with Parra going down like that. Congrats on battling back above .500 and getting 3 All-Stars. Webb should settle down and you should be able to make a serious run at the postseason. I can't believe the Cubs traded Lee. Good luck in the second half!

Thanks. Parra would have been an All-Star, too, but maybe he was overused as a rookie? Gallardo went down in his first season as well ...

My rotation should be like this:

Webb - should more or less settle down
Bush - steady and good
Capuano - underated, but doing well
Gallardo - good start, but lousy June so far. Hope he can bounce back.
Villanueva - should be ready for the big leagues.

If Nr. 4 or 5 struggle, Garcia (who I rather would like to save for emergency situations or extra innings) or Cook should be able to fill in as well.

More tonight when I'm back home (here's it 14:55 now)!

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

25th June 2008

Last game before the All-Star Break: Would look nice to sweep those Cubbies? Capuano takes over the Nr. 2 spot in the rotation as Gallardo struggled recently.

Game #75 – Chicago [39-35] (M. Prior 6-6, 5.11 ERA) at Milwaukee [39-35] (C. Capuano 8-3, 3.17 ERA)

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

The Cubs scored in the first, but the All-Star Chris Capuano stroke back by delivering eight solid innings to earn his ninth victory of the season. The team gave him some solid run support and the Cubs wasted a fair deal of baserunnes. The victory means we are heading to the break as division leaders.

Chicago at Milwaukee: 2-7

W: C. Capuano (9-3), L: M. Prior (6-7)
HR - R. Cedeno (7) / J. Estrada (5)
MoM: C. Capuano - 8.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Elsewhere:

The Baltimore Orioles lost reliever Luis Lebron (2-1-0, 5.45 ERA) for eight months with back spasms.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

27th June 2008

12th round pick Juan Rocha had the best possible start to his career by pitching a six hit shutout for the Helena Brewers in a 7-0 victory over the Orem Owlz.

Trades:

The Diamondbacks sent C Phil Avlas (.207, 0 HR, 7 RBI) and minor league CF Derrick Walker (.287, 0 HR, 22 RBI, 13 SB - A) to the Blue Jays for starting pitcher Shaun Marcum (2-10, 6.86 ERA) and minor league 2B Pedro Rivera (.300, 0 HR, 1 RBI).

The Cincinnati Reds sent free agent LF Adam Dunn (.260, 23 HR, 41 RBI) to the Atlanta Braves for pitching prospect Cory Rasmus (7-4, 2.46 ERA - A).

Honestly I think the Reds could have asked much more in exchange for Dunn, but on the other hand they are not known for smart managing in real life either.

All-Star-Game @ Turner Field – American League (F. Liriano 9-3, 2.09 ERA) at National League (J. Peavy 10-2, 3.03 ERA)

American: SS B.J Upton - LF B. Butler - CF C. Crawford - RF V. Guerrero - 2B H. Kendrick - 3B E. Longoria - 1B C. Tracy

National: SS J. Reyes - LF L. Milledge - 1B A. Pujols - 3B D. Wright - RF L. Berkman - CF C. Beltran - 2B R. Durham - C M. Barrett

American at National: 4-5

W: T. Gordon (2-1), L: J. Putz (3-2)
H: B. Wilson, T. Coffey, M. Wuertz
BS: J. Putz
S: J. Broxton
HR - M. Tejada (10) / A. Pujols (22), D. Wright (18)
MVP: A. Pujols - 1/4, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI

Ryan Braun - 0/1 as pinchhitter, 2.0 IP as shortstop (!)
David Bush and Chris Capuano - not selected

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

28th June 2008

We activated SS Cesar Izturis from the DL. 21 year old Alcides Escobar (.307, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 8 SB) batted .333 during his absence. Even if 2B Luis Rivas (.054, 0 HR, 2 RBI) collected his second hit of the season, he's sent down to AAA.


Trade:

The Buffalo Blizzards sent 28-year old starting pitcher Rich Hill (3-8, 5.23 ERA) to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 23-year old minor league C Gilbert Buenrostro (.292, 3 HR, 25 RBI - AAA).

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

29th June 2008

Despite the early All-Star-Game we just played 75 of 162 games. If our starting pitching continues to dominate we have a fair chance of reaching the playoffs. Bullpen and most of our power hitters should improove as well to give us a lift. The Central will most likely be a very tight race until late September. The Cubs, Cardinals (1.0 GB), Astros (3.0 GB), Blizzards (5.0 GB) and even the Reds (9.0 GB) have still fair chances to make the playoffs.
Especially the expansion team from Buffalo (35-40) surprised all experts with many not so famous players performing way above expectations.

We try to have a good start after the break by facing the Marlins:

Game #76 – Florida [35-40] (G. Perkins 0-0, 10.39 ERA) at Milwaukee [40-35] (D. Bush 8-5, 2.74 ERA)

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

This game gave us everything I want for the rest of the season. But it was again Dave Bush who pitched like CY Young. Today he needed only 96 pitches for this third complete game in a row. To help his case he hit a home run which gave us a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Offensive production was on as well, but not really needed tonight.

Florida at Milwaukee: 1-9

W: D. Bush (9-5), L: G. Perkins (5-7)
HR - J. Hermida (11) / D. Bush (1), G. Gross (6)
MoM: D. Bush - 9.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K / HR, RBI

Elsewhere:

The Cardinals Jaime Garcia (4-7, 5.57 ERA) pitched a 5-hit shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

30th June 2008

American League Player of the Week:
Frank Thomas (.225, 14 HR, 41 RBI - Toronto): .500, 2 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI
One of the players who was already arround when I "discovered" baseball in the Early 90's showed he's not yet done. Frankie Boy is much more productive than Steroid Bomber (.259, 4 HR, 27 RBI) who is earning more than twice as much at Florida.

National League Player of the Week:
Milton Bradley (.333, 11 HR, 38 RBI - San Diego): .615, 4 HR, 8 R, 8 RBI


Florida's Josh Johnson (10-3, 3.87 ERA) will miss three months after he suffered a fractured cheekbone while getting in a fight with a neighbour. Kind of strange as the Marlins are playing a series at Milwaukee right now.

Game #77 – Florida [35-41] (S. Mitre 2-2, 1.78 ERA) at Milwaukee [41-35] (C. Capuano 9-3, 3.10 ERA)

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

Through six innings it looked as Capuano would easily pick up his 10th win of the season. But in the 7th he broke completely down allowing the Marlins to score five runs. We were nevertheless not done yet and started a rally in the 8th, where we scored five runs as well even if we had only two hits. Our two Japanese relievers were then in full control to close the game out.

Florida at Milwaukee: 7-8

W: J. Accardo (4-1), L: A. Benitez (1-3)
H: K. Gregg (9) / A. Otsuka (7)
BS: M. Lindstrom (1)
S: S. Fujita (9)
HR - G. Sanchez (9), J. Crede (3) / -
MoM: G. Sanchez - 1/5, 1 R, HR, 3 RBI

Despite having won seven in a row now, we are only one game ahead of the Cardinals who are on a hot streak as well. The Cubs, Astros and Blizzards are all on losing streaks.

[Loeffle]

June 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche

June 2008 - Review

No roster moves will be made as we made some moves after the draft. We will check the farm in Mid-July again.

American League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Red Sox	50	27	.649	-
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	50	27	.649	-
Washington Nationals	38	39	.494	12.0
Baltimore Orioles	36	41	.468	14.0
New York (A) Yankees	36	41	.468	14.0
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Detroit Tigers	39	38	.506	-
Cleveland Indians	38	39	.494	1.0
Chicago (A) White Sox	37	40	.481	2.0
Minnesota Twins	37	40	.481	2.0
Toronto Blue Jays	32	45	.416	7.0
Kansas City Royals	31	46	.403	8.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Los Angeles (A) Angels	52	25	.675	-
Oakland Athletics	41	36	.532	11.0
Seattle Mariners	36	41	.468	16.0
Vancouver Marmots	35	42	.455	17.0
Texas Rangers	28	49	.364	24.0

National League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
New York (N) Mets	45	32	.584	-
Atlanta Braves	39	38	.506	6.0
Philadelphia Phillies	37	40	.481	8.0
Florida Marlins	35	42	.455	10.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	33	44	.429	12.0
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Milwaukee Brewers	42	35	.545	-
St. Louis Cardinals	41	36	.532	1.0
Chicago (N) Cubs	39	38	.506	3.0
Houston Astros	37	40	.481	5.0
Buffalo Blizzards	35	42	.455	7.0
Cincinnati Reds	33	44	.429	9.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
San Diego Padres	44	33	.571	-
Los Angeles (N) Dodgers	42	35	.545	2.0
Arizona Diamondbacks	41	36	.532	3.0
San Francisco Giants	39	38	.506	5.0
Colorado Rockies	34	43	.442	10.0

Milwaukee Brewers Stats after June 2008:

Name	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Prince Fielder 1B	77	300	50	81	13	0	10	46	124	39	59	15	4	.270	.356	.413	.770
Ryan Braun LF	75	292	65	103	19	3	24	67	200	37	56	11	0	.353	.426	.685	1.111
Shane Victorino LF	74	262	41	67	15	1	5	32	99	27	39	14	7	.256	.327	.378	.704
Cesar Izturis SS	64	250	40	87	9	0	0	24	96	21	24	18	6	.348	.396	.384	.780
Gabe Gross RF	75	208	33	59	11	1	6	30	90	42	40	2	0	.284	.399	.433	.832
Johnny Estrada C	67	185	24	61	11	1	5	33	89	12	25	0	0	.330	.370	.481	.851
Billy Hall 3B	54	178	22	42	9	1	3	24	62	12	41	6	1	.236	.280	.348	.628
Rickie Weeks 2B	40	146	32	44	10	3	5	25	75	25	26	8	1	.301	.412	.514	.926
Henry Blanco C	49	119	11	28	6	3	3	18	49	10	22	0	0	.235	.288	.412	.700
Omar Infante 2B	32	103	17	29	9	0	1	12	41	12	16	1	0	.282	.362	.398	.760
Mat Gamel 3B	62	98	9	20	7	0	0	13	27	14	21	0	1	.204	.301	.276	.576
Alcides Escobar SS	40	92	19	27	6	3	0	10	39	11	18	9	3	.293	.365	.424	.789
Justin Upton CF	16	65	17	23	5	1	2	12	36	9	15	4	2	.354	.440	.554	.994
Tony Gwynn Jr. LF	41	63	8	17	1	0	0	6	18	7	9	4	1	.270	.338	.286	.624
Franklin Gutierrez RF	36	58	6	13	2	0	1	6	18	10	17	1	0	.224	.348	.310	.658
Chris Capuano SP	16	47	7	11	5	0	2	7	22	4	7	0	0	.234	.294	.468	.762
David Bush SP	17	39	4	7	1	0	1	3	11	4	7	0	0	.179	.256	.282	.538
Luis Rivas 2B	30	37	2	2	2	0	0	2	4	4	8	0	1	.054	.143	.108	.251
Mark Reynolds 3B	9	34	5	15	4	0	1	14	22	1	7	0	0	.441	.432	.647	1.079
Yovani Gallardo SP	14	31	3	7	0	0	0	1	7	0	12	0	0	.226	.226	.226	.452
Ben Sheets SP	12	30	4	8	4	0	2	7	18	1	8	0	0	.267	.281	.600	.881
Manny Parra SP	14	29	1	4	2	0	0	1	6	1	5	0	0	.138	.167	.207	.374
Charlie Fermaint CF	17	14	2	2	0	0	0	2	2	3	2	0	0	.143	.294	.143	.437
Freddy Garcia SP	14	11	2	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	3	0	0	.091	.167	.091	.258

Name	W	L	SV	ERA	G	GS	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	WHIP	OAVG	BABIP
Mitch Stetter MR	0	0	0	0.00	4	0	2.2	0	0	0	0	1	2	0.38	.000	.000
Soichi Fujita CL	1	2	9	2.29	26	0	19.2	16	6	5	1	6	16	1.12	.242	.306
David Bush SP	9	5	0	2.60	15	15	110.2	91	36	32	12	28	75	1.08	.222	.245
Manny Parra SP	6	2	0	2.84	14	14	82.1	74	34	26	1	27	66	1.23	.236	.297
Brian Shouse MR	1	0	1	3.09	22	0	11.2	10	4	4	2	0	8	0.86	.227	.235
Jose Capellan MR	0	1	0	3.38	11	0	10.2	11	6	4	1	4	8	1.41	.262	.303
Chris Capuano SP	9	3	0	3.40	16	15	108.2	98	49	41	18	30	74	1.18	.236	.248
Ben Sheets SP	5	4	0	3.45	12	12	88.2	84	38	34	13	12	63	1.08	.247	.269
Yovani Gallardo SP	5	5	0	4.08	14	14	90.1	98	45	41	7	34	64	1.46	.274	.317
Carlos Villanueva SP	0	0	0	4.09	3	1	11.0	13	6	5	2	2	7	1.36	.289	.306
Freddy Garcia SP	3	3	0	4.86	13	2	37.0	39	22	20	3	3	34	1.14	.273	.340
Elmer Dessens MR	1	0	1	5.34	25	0	28.2	39	19	17	5	15	22	1.88	.325	.366
Juan Cruz MR	0	1	0	6.15	24	0	26.1	25	18	18	3	16	15	1.56	.258	.278
Akinori Otsuka MR	1	3	1	6.40	20	0	12.2	18	11	9	2	10	6	2.21	.310	.320
Brandon Webb SP	0	1	0	6.41	3	3	19.2	31	14	14	1	6	18	1.88	.352	.435
Aaron Cook SP	0	1	0	7.71	1	1	7.0	10	8	6	1	2	2	1.71	.333	.333
Alan Embree MR	0	1	1	8.79	21	0	14.1	23	16	14	3	4	8	1.88	.377	.400
Jeremy Accardo MR	1	1	1	9.45	7	0	6.2	12	8	7	2	4	8	2.40	.375	.455
Francisco Cordero MR	0	2	1	12.46	6	0	4.1	7	6	6	2	3	2	2.31	.412	.385

American League Batter of the Month:
Rocco Baldelli (.289, 13 HR, 54 RBI - Tampa Bay): .320, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 25 R

National League Batter of the Month:
Ryan Braun (.353, 24 HR, 67 RBI - Milwaukee): .384, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 29 R

American League Pitcher of the Month:
Francisco Liriano (9-3, 2.09 ERA - Minnesota): 5-0, 41.0 IP, 1.98 ERA, 29 H, 11 BB, 33 K, .201

National League Pitcher of the Month:
Matt Cain (6-7, 5.48 ERA - San Francisco): 4-1, 44.1 IP, 2.64 ERA, 30 H, 14 BB, 48 K, .185

American League Rookie of the Month:
Michael Aubrey (.343, 11 HR, 45 RBI - Detroit): .340, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R

National League Rookie of the Month:
Chase Headley (.271, 8 HR, 26 RBI - Pittsburgh): .378, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


1st July 2008


Today we go for sweeping the Marlins who traded in my eyes their playoff chances away in June. I think signing Steroid Bomber to a two year deal was a big mistake they made

Game #78 – Florida [35-42] (A. Sanchez 5-7, 4.32 ERA) at Milwaukee [42-35] (Y. Gallardo 5-5, 4.08 ERA)

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

Gallardo continued his cold streak and has his fourth bad outing in a row. Our offense was not as sharp as in the games before, but we had our chances anyway. All hopes were crushed when the Marlins scored five runs off Gallardo and Dessens.

Florida at Milwaukee: 9-1

W: A. Sanchez (6-7), L: Y. Gallardo (5-6)
HR - M. Cabrera (22) / -
MoM: G. Sanchez - 3/5, 2 R, 4 RBI


Elsewhere:

One of the recent Yankees acquisations Chris Volstad (1-1, 4.61 ERA) pitched a 3-hit shutout against the Devil Rays in his second start for the New York team.

The Angels Scott Baker (7-3, 4.43 ERA) pitched a 6-hit shutout against the White Sox.

Next up a series against the best National League team: the New York Mets

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


2nd July 2008

We are heading into a very interesting series against the Mets. If regular season would end tomorrow both teams would be playoff bound. Sadly Reynolds can only be activated from the DL for the third game. I'm curious about Villanueva's first start for the Brewers after being sent down in April. He was 4-3 with an 3.46 ERA for AAA - Nashville.


Game #79 – New York [46-32] (K. Mulvey 8-3, 3.69 ERA) at Milwaukee [42-36] (C. Villanueva 0-0, 4.09 ERA)

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

Both starters pitched eight strong innings in a game which could have been a playoff battle. Good pitching and defense, while batters from both teams managed very little. Henry Blanco's sacrifice fly in the eighth tied the game, but the Mets speedster Jose Reyes needed only a lead off hit in the ninth, his 39th stolen base and another single to score the go ahead run. Billy Wagner allowed Ryan Braun to reach base in the bottom of the ninth, but then the best closer in the game closed the door in very impressive style.

New York at Milwaukee: 2-1

W: K. Mulvey (9-3), L: B. Shouse (1-1)
S: B. Wagner (23)
HR - /
MoM: K. Mulvey - 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Elsewhere:

One of the last heroes Pittsburgh has, went wild today. 1B Adam LaRoche (.241, 13 HR, 37 RBI) homered three times in 9-2 victory over the Blizzards.