There's something brewing - A Badenian going America

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


3rd July 2008

Trade:

The Colorado Rockies dealt reliever Ramon Ramirez (4-1-2, 3.61 ERA) to the Oakland Athletics for minor league starter Pascual Menzueta (3-4, 3.74 ERA - A)

We will give the ball to Brandon Webb again. And once again he will pitch at home. Some people think he performs rather average, because he is too nervous infront of the home crowd who has big expectations.

Game #80 – New York [47-32] (T. Glavine 5-6, 4.81 ERA) at Milwaukee [42-37] (B. Webb 0-1, 6.41 ERA)

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

Also this game was one the pitchers liked. We had our biggest chance to score when Fermaint hit a lead-off triple in the 7th, but we didn't manage to bring him home. The Mets Carlos Gomez was more lucky as Jose Reyes brought him home. The rest of the game was simply two innings of Mets bullpen domination. Omar Infante had to leave the game with a minor injury.

New York at Milwaukee: 1-0

W: T. Glavine (6-6), L: B. Webb (7-6)
H: J. Padilla (2), P. Feliciano (10), D. Sanchez (10)
S: B. Wagner (24)
HR - /
MoM: T. Glavine - 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


3rd July 2008

The Milwaukee Brewers organization announced today the following June Award winners:

Batter of the Month:
C Johnny Estrada - .415, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB

Pitcher of the Month:
SP David Bush - 3-1, 2.04 ERA, 39.2 IP, 30 H, 7 BB, 22 K, .211

Cucumber of the Month - Batter:
OF Shane Victorino - .221, 0 HR, 14 RBI, 0 SB

Cucumber of the Month - Pitcher:
MR Jeremy Accardo - 1-1-1, 8.68 ERA, 9.1 IP, 16 H, 7 BB, 11 K, .372


Minor Leagues:
Batter of the Month:
SS Marcos Yepez (Brevard County) - .419, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 17 R, 5 SB

Pitcher of the Month:
MR Jeremy Lewis (Brevard County) - 1-1-0, 0.42 ERA, 21.2 IP, 6 H, 10 BB, 11 K, .087

Cucumber of the Month - Batter:
CF Freddy Parejo (Brevard County) - .189, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 SB

Cucumber of the Month - Pitcher:
MR Greg Aquino (Huntsville) - 1-0-0, 9.00 ERA, 7.0 IP, 13 H, 4 BB, 4 K, .406

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


4th July 2008

Back-up catcher Henry Blanco (.230, 3 HR, 19 RBI) signed a new 1-year contract worth $850,000. Blanco is a regular against lefties as Estrada (.320, 5 HR, 33 RBI) struggles against them, but was signed because he's one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Currently he's second in the NL in runners caught with 43.2 % (Estrada 30.5 %).

2B Luis Rivas (.054, 0 HR, 2 RBI / .435, 0 HR, 8 RBI - AAA) had asked for a trade after a scuffle with his manager and a few teammates.
We are waiting for offers.


Roster moves:

3B Mark Reynolds (.441, 1 HR, 14 RBI) was activated from the DL. For him IF Vinny Rotino (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI) was sent down. Also CF Charlie Fermaint (.176, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB) will make the way back to Nashville. RF Lorenzo Cain (.284, 3 HR, 20 RBI - AAA) will get another shot to proove he can put up better numbers as Fermaint.


Game #81 – New York [48-32] (J. Maine 8-4, 2.38 ERA) at Milwaukee [42-38] (D. Bush 9-5, 2.60 ERA)

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

Tonight Dave Bush found his master in John Maine, but in this game the Mets manager took Maine out far too early. Therefore we got a chance to take advantage off a struggling Padilla and a Mahay who couldn't find the strike zone. His wildness led to two runs he walked in. And we have a guy in the bullpen who is magic when brought in late in a game when the score is tied. First he pitched 1.1 fine innings and then Gabe Gross hit the walk-off homer to award Elmer Dessens his 13th win in a row. Dessens ERA is 5.70, but he usually only gives up runs when it doesn't matter. Despite losing two of three this was a very good series that showed we can on a good day compete with one of the best teams in baseball.

New York at Milwaukee: 3-4 (10)

W: E. Dessens (2-0), L: A. Heilman (0-2)
H: D. Sanchez (11), J. Padilla (3), P. Feliciano (11), J. Smith (10)
BS: R. Mahay (2)
HR - J. Reyes (12) / G. Gross (7)
MoM: J. Maine - 6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Elsewhere:

The Tigers reliever (!) Jeremy Bonderman (2-2-1, 5.52 ERA) will miss up to 7 weeks with a strained rotator cuff muscle.

Tampy Bay shortstop Reid Brignac (.239, 5 HR, 20 RBI) is expected out for 3-4 weeks with a strained back muscle.

Next up the Houston Astros (40-41). The Indians and Tigers share the lead in the AL Central with a 40-41 record!

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


5th July 2008

In Game 1 Chris Capuano tries to become the third 10 game winner of the National League.

Game #82 – Milwaukee [43-38] (C. Capuano 9-3, 3.40 ERA) at Houston [40-41] (J. Jennings 7-3, 4.05 ERA)

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

Minute Maid Park is the perfect stadium for our contact hitters who can distribute the ball well. Jennings fell early victim to this fact. Chris Capuano's almost perfect performance didn't help the Astros either. He needed less than 100 pitches for his first shutout of the season and all of our starters got at least one hit.

Milwaukee at Houston: 11-0

W: C. Capuano (10-3), L: J. Jennings (7-4)
HR - M. Reynolds (8) / -
MoM: C. Capuano - 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K - 2/4, 2 R


Elsewhere:

Angels' starter Kelvim Escobar (5-8, 5.27 ERA) will miss up to 3 weeks with a strained back muscle.

Daniel Cabrera (8-6, 4.43 ERA) pitched a one-hitter for the Baltimore Orioles in a 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

The Athletics lost RF Jeff Baker (.273, 9 HR, 42 RBI) for eight months with a torn abdominal muscle.

The career for our 7th round pick SS Melvin Roberts (.375, 0 HR, 6 RBI - R) is over after he suffered a fractured skull in todays Arizona League game. Roberts career lasted only ten games and we lose a big infield talent.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


6th July 2008

I think it's time to give Freddy Garcia another start. Especially since Gallardo is on a very cold streak. We will decide later if Gallardo starts tomorrow or not. I decided to have a very strong defensive outfield today as Minute Maid Park has some tricks corners.

Game #83 – Milwaukee [44-38] (F. Garcia 3-3, 4.86 ERA) at Houston [40-42] (M. Albers 5-8, 6.06 ERA)

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

Maybe it was the wrong decision to give Garcia the start. Much worse is that Justin Upton will miss up to six weeks after he injured himself hitting a triple in the top of the ninth. Obviously the rally was virtually stopped after that injury and we will have a hard time to find a cover for Upton.

Milwaukee at Houston: 4-6

W: M. Albers (6-8), L: F. Garcia (3-4)
H: T. Miller (5)
S: B. Lidge (17)
HR - / L. Berkman (18), K. Millar (2)
MoM: L. Berkman - 2/4, 1 R, HR, 4 RBI

Elsewhere:

The Rockies rarely used 1B Todd Helton (.160, 1 HR, 3 RBI) collected his 300th career home run in 6-4 loss to the Pirates.

As we have no other real option, Charlie Fermaint is called up from Nashville after only two days. Tony Gwynn Jr. is batting only .207 at Nashville and was no option.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


7th July 2008

American League Player of the Week:
Miguel Tejada (.336, 13 HR, 54 RBI - Baltimore): .452, 3 HR, 4 R, 6 RBI

National League Player of the Week:
Adam LaRoche (.248, 13 HR, 38 RBI - Pittsburgh): .500, 4 HR, 8 R, 8 RBI


Our West Virginia (lower level A) C Dan Tsamis (.344, 1 HR, 23 RBI) won the SALLY Player of the Week Award. He might soon get the call to higher level A.

Game One without Upton. Our outfield gets a new face as also Braun has to sit out to rest. I decided to skip Gallardo in the rotation and hope Villanueva will pitch well on my birthday.

Game #84 – Milwaukee [44-39] (C. Villanueva 0-0, 2.84 ERA) at Houston [41-42] (C. Reineke 3-5, 5.19 ERA)

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

Both starters had some control problems today, but none of the teams could take advantage of it. The game was decided in the sixth inning when Lane hit a three homer of Villanueva. The Astros bullpen gave us no chance to start a rally. What started as a wonderful series ended more or less in fiasko: the loss of the series and the loss of center fielder Justin Upton.

Milwaukee at Houston: 1-4

W: C. Reineke (4-5), L: C. Villanueva (0-1)
H: J. Benoit (7), T. Miller (6), D. Borkowski (4)
S: B. Lidge (18)
HR - / J. Lane (11)
MoM: C. Reineke - 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K


Elsewhere:

The Yankees Chien-Ming Wang (5-7, 4.82 ERA) pitched a two hitter against the Detroit Tigers.


Trade:

The Texas Rangers sent 2B Michael Young (.304, 10 HR, 40 RBI) and minor league starter William Williams (1-1, 4.64 ERA - R) to the White Sox for reliever Mike MacDougal (3-2-1, 5.33 ERA).
No wonder the Rangers (29-55) are the worst team in the mayors. The Royals (34-50) are next best - from the bottom.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


8th July 2008

Next up the Reds. Despite their awful record, they were a team still in contention less than four weeks ago. And as we seem on a cold streak again, this won't be an easy task. Believe it or not, but Brandon Webb's fifth start will also be at Miller Park.

Game #85 – Cincinnati Reds [35-49] (C. Fisher 0-1, 5.73 ERA) at Milwaukee [44-40] (B. Webb 0-2, 4.88 ERA)

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

Today was finally Brandon Webb's night and fans gave him standing ovations when he left the game after 8.1 innnings. He allowed only one earned run and went in addition 2 from 5 with a home run and 3 RBI's. He also committed an error. Ryan Braun showed he rested well yesterday and homered twice.

Cincinnati at Milwaukee: 2-11

W: B. Webb (8-6), L: C. Fisher (0-2)
HR: S. Hatteberg (6) / B. Webb (2), R. Braun 2 (26)
SB: - / S. Victorino (17), R. Braun (13)
E: - / B. Webb (2), P. Fielder (5)
MoM: R. Braun - 2/3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR, 2 BB


Elsewhere:

LF Endy Chavez (.325, 5 HR, 26 RBI) collected 5 hits in 4-2 Indians over Red Sox victory. With the win the Indians moved one game above .500 and took over first place in the AL Central.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


9th July 2008

During the Astros series we also a great first game and began then slumping in the second one. Hopefully David Bush can lead the team to another good performance and claim his 10th win of the season.

Game #86 – Cincinnati Reds [35-50] (L. Hochevar 5-9, 4.03 ERA) at Milwaukee [45-40] (D. Bush 9-5, 2.68 ERA)

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

The Reds started hot and Bush was almost out of the game after four innings. But their bats cooled off quickly and three errors gave us a way back into the game. Once again it was Ryan Braun with a key 2-RBI single to tie the game in the fifth. From then on we were more or less in control and Bush went eight innings to earn his 10th victory.

Cincinnati at Milwaukee: 4-7

W: D. Bush (10-5), L: L. Hochevar (5-10)
S: S. Fujita (10)
HR: /
SB: - / A. Escobar (10)
CS: R. Braun (1)
E: K. Lohse (1), B. Giles (7), D. Ross (6) / J. Estrada (4)
MoM: J. Bruce - 3/4, 1 R, 1 RBI


Elsewhere:

The Twins Johan Santana (8-7, 4.23 ERA) pitched a two-hitter in 5-0 victory over the Royals.

The White Sox 1B Paul Konerko (.288, 27 HR, 66 RBI) hit his 300th homer in a 6-4 loss to the Devil Rays.

And 1B Jason Giambi (.220, 17 HR, 48 RBI) of the Yankees hit his 400th homer in a 4-3 victory over the Mariners.

San Diego's Greg Maddux (7-6, 3.45 ERA) collected his 350th career victory by beating the Mets 11-5.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


10th July 2008

Today we go for the sweep which would in reality end all hopes of the Reds to achieve the playoffs. The Cubs, Cardinals and Astros are though all within three games and a cold streak could soon end our time as division leaders.
We will have a day off tomorrow that's why we send the same line-up into the game as yesterday.

Game #87 – Cincinnati Reds [35-51] (A. Harang 5-8, 5.94 ERA) at Milwaukee [46-40] (C. Capuano 10-3, 3.14 ERA)

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

The game started awful and due to a Calamity Braun error and bad pitching by Chris Capuano the Reds had a 6-1 lead after three innings. It looked like a typical Milwaukee "off" day. But somehow the Reds have an "off" season and showed us a way back into the game through a couple of errors and bad pitching. After a successful double steal and RBI double by Reynolds I was quite sure we can turn this game around. Especially with Ross and his weak arm playing catcher tonight. In the ninth the score was tied at 6 and Coffey walked Izturis to lead the inning off. Victorino's sac bunt saw Izturis called out at 2nd. To make up for it Victorino stole 2nd, but Braun flied out. The Reds decided to walk Fielder intentionally - something that didn't work in the 2th either - giving Reynolds that chance to hit a walk off single to bring Victorino home.
This was a game we shouldn't have won by any means, but that's baseball.

Cincinnati at Milwaukee: 6-7

W: B. Shouse (2-1), L: T. Coffey (2-2)
H: C. Vazquez (1), T. Johnson (11), H. Bailey (3)
BS: J. Kershner
HR: - / S. Victorino (6)
SB: - / S. Victorino (18), R. Braun (14), P. Fielder 2 (17), C. Fermaint (1)
CS: J. Bruce (2) / -
E: A. Harang (2), C. Valaika (15) / R. Braun (8)
MoM: S. Victorino - 2/5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, SB

Prince "Naughty Chow Fielder" (.268, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 17 SB) might not hit any homeruns this year. But he ranks 7th in Stolen Bases in the National League now.


Elsewhere:

The Phillies starter Carlos Carrasco (4-10, 5.28 ERA) will miss five weeks with a strained tricep muscle.

Also "K-Rod" (2-2-24, 4.93 ERA) will go on the DL. The Angels closer will miss four weeks with the same injury as Carrasco.

SS Wilson Betemit (.284, 16 HR, 57 RBI) hit three homeruns for the Cardinals when they won at Colorado 8-0.


Trade:

The Angels were really desperate for some bullpen help and we were very willing to do business.

They get MR/CL Derrick Turnbow (1-0-15, 3.00 ERA - AAA) and 2B Luis Rivas (.386, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 3 SB - AAA), while we are picking up a couple of prospects in SS Ryan Mount (.245, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 3 SB - AAA) and CL Christopher Armstrong (4-6-7, 4.40 ERA - AA).
Both new players will report to AAA Nashville, while the Angels call Rivas and Turnbow up the mayor league team.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


12th July 2008

After an eventless day off we welcome the Diamondbacks and Ben Sheets to town. If everything goes as scheduled Sheets will face Brandon Webb in Game 3 of this series. The Diamondbacks also converted to a starter, which means Randy Johnson and Doug Davis move to the bullpen. Bill Hall is doing better at Arizona as well and Franklin Gutierrez might soon get called up, as he is batting over .300 at AAA. Ben Sheets didn't sign a new contract yet ...

Game #88 – Arizona Diamondbacks [48-39] (O. Perez 7-7, 5.40 ERA) at Milwaukee [47-40] (Y. Gallardo 5-6, 4.39 ERA)

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

Gallardo continued his cold streak, but somehow the Diamondbacks managed to waste nine baserunners in the first six innings. Perez was virtually unhittable, but we got some hope to get on the board first when Elmer Dessens took the mound in the 7th. But tonight it was his time to lose for the first time in 1,5 years and he gave up the decisive homerun in the 8th. Our comeback try in the bottom of the 8th came to an end when our former player Alan Embree entered the game.

Arizona at Milwaukee: 2-0

W: C. Perez (8-7), L: E. Dessens (2-1)
H: R. Speier (7), B. Medders (9), A. Embree (12)
S: J. Valverde (21)
HR: C. Young (18) / -
CS: E. Bonifacio (6) / -
MoM: O. Perez - 7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


13th July 2008

Game 2 of this series is already rather important. The pressure is especially on Villanueva as Cook is 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA at Nashville. In addition it wouldn't look good to lose two in a row at home against a potential playoff opponent. Today we will bench Victorino as his average is heading direction .250.

Game #89 – Arizona Diamondbacks [49-39] (M. Owings 8-7, 4.69ERA) at Milwaukee [47-41] (C. Villanueva 0-1, 3.60 ERA)

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

Villanueva had only given up two hits through six innings, but looked like the losing pitcher anyway. But in the seventh pinch hitter Victorino brought home Estrada to tie the game. And in the eight it became once again obvious why its good having a Braun in your lineup. His 27th homer was all we needed to waste Owings strong start. Closer Fujita collected his 11th save in 12th chances.

Arizona at Milwaukee: 1-3

W: C. Villanueva (1-1), L: C. Robertson (3-2)
H: A. Otsuka (8)
BS: B. Medders (1)
S: S. Fujita (11)
HR: - / R. Braun (27)
SB: - / C. Izturis (19)
CS: - / -
E: - / -
MoM: C. Villanueva - 8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K


Elsewhere:

The Orioles Carlos Silva (5-9, 6.48 ERA) pitched a 4-hitter against his former team the Minnesota Twins.

St. Louis is in shock after they learnt that 1B Albert Pujols (.386, 24 HR, 78 RBI) will miss at least 7 months with a torn thight muscle. Jim Edmonds (.241, 1 HR, 10 RBI) will take over 1B, but the loss of Prince Albert could seriously hurt the Cardinals playoff run. Pujols was leading the NL in .AVG, .OBP, .SLG, RC, VORP, Hits, Runs Scored, BB und Total Bases when he went down.


American League Player of the Week:
Frank Thomas (.228, 19 HR, 48 RBI - Toronto): .412, 5 HR, 5 R, 6 RBI

National League Player of the Week:
Albert Pujols (.386, 24 HR, 78 RBI - St. Louis): .480, 1 HR, 9 R, 8 RBI

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


14th July 2008

High Noon at Miller Park. Ben Sheets (Arizona) will face Brandon Webb (Milwaukee). So far Sheets did a bit better for his new team than Webb did, but after five starts its too early to judge. While Webb still had a couple of years in his contract, while Sheets is hesitating to commit himself to the Diamondbacks. If also this game will be close, we might have a problem as our closer Fujita is tired.

Game #90 – Arizona Diamondbacks [49-40] (B. Sheets 2-2, 3.38 ERA) at Milwaukee [48-41] (B. Webb 1-2, 4.00 ERA)

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

The first three innings were a pitching duel, but then things started to become awful for Brandon Webb, who suffered two runs each in the 4th and 7th innings. Former Brewers Bill Hall (4 hits) and Alan Embree (1.1 IP) were very effective. Our only offense today came from Cesar Izturis (2 hits) and Ryan Braun (2-RBI double).

Arizona at Milwaukee: 8-2

W: B. Sheets (8-6), L: B. Webb (8-7)
HR: M. Montero (12) / -
SB: B. Hall (11), S. Drew (2) / R. Braun (15)
CS: - / -
E: C. Gonzalez (5) / -
MoM: B. Sheets - 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


15th July 2008

It's mid month and therefore time for minor league roster moves. Most notable: OF Tony Gwynn Jr. who batted .324 in twelve NL playoff games last season was demoted to AA Huntsville after batting only .196. My scouts agree that it's rather unlikely we will ever see him again in the big leagues after he partied all off season long. Also SS J.J. Hardy (.193, 0 HR, 3 RBI) is struggling badly at AA Huntsville.

New faces at AAA Nashville:
DH / C Lou Palmisano (.289, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 2 SB - AA)
C Andy Bouchie (.303, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 4 SB - AA)
MR Robert Hinton (0-0-3, 1.08 ERA, 0.84 WHIP - AA)
SP Josh Wahpepah (6-3, 1.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP - AA)

Demoted (in addition to Gwynn Jr.) to AA Huntsville:
C Lou Marson (.210, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB - AAA)
MR / SP Chris Oxspring (3-4, 4.65 ERA, 1.73 WHIP - AAA)
MR Justin Orenduff (3-1-1, 5.73 ERA, 1.71 WHIP - AAA)
SP David Herndon (1-7, 5.48 ERA, 1.60 WHIP - AAA)

The loss to the Diamondbacks meant that we are no longer alone at the top of NL Central. We are tied for first with the Cubs, while the Pujolsless
Cardinals are one game back. We continue against NL West opposition by travelling to Los Angeles.

Game #91 – Milwaukee [48-42] (D. Bush 10-5, 2.72 ERA)
at Los Angeles [48-42] (J. McDonald 6-8, 4.11 ERA)

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

David Bush becomes a bit scary. Today he carried a one hitter into the eighth inning and was in total control. His shutout was ended by an Ethier solo shot. Six of Bush's 18 starts lead to complete games. We didn't need much offense to win this, therefore the sold shots by Victorino, Fielder and Estrada were more than enough.

Milwaukee at Los Angeles: 4-1

W: D. Bush (11-5), L: J. McDonald (6-9)
HR: S. Victorino (7), J. Estrada (6), P. Fielder (11) / A. Ethier (11)
SB: - / -
CS: - / -
E: M. Gamel (1) / A. Ethier (3)
MoM: D. Bush - 9.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


16th July 2008

Game #92 – Milwaukee [49-42] (C. Capuano 10-3, 3.10 ERA)
at Los Angeles [48-43] (S. Elbert 2-1, 3.70 ERA)

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

This was a very wild one. Chris Capuano didn't look like an All-Star at all, allowing 7 hits, 6 walks and a grand slam in just five innings. Elbert pitched seven decent innings, but the Dodgers bullpen allowed us to rally for five runs in eighth and ninth innings. In the tenth Johnny Estrada hit a solo homer to give us the lead. Our Japanese late inning combo Otsuka and Fujita pitched a perfect tenth to give us a very unlikely victory in California.

Milwaukee at Los Angeles: 9-8 (10)

W: A. Otsuka (2-3), L: J. Broxton (3-4)
H: J. Meloan (13), T. Sipp (6), B. Penny (4)
BS: J. Broxton (2)
S: S. Fujita (12)
HR: G. Gross (8), J. Estrada (7) / R. Martin (5)
SB: L. Cain (3) / R. Furcal (12)
CS: - / -
E: - / R. Martin (7)
MoM: R. Martin - 1/4, 1 R, HR, 4 RBI; but he also commited a key error when he throw the ball into the outfield when we tried a double steal in the ninth.


Elsewhere:

CF Ichiro Suzuki (.322, 6 HR, 24 RBI) went 5 for 5 for the Mariners when they beat Washington 12-2.

The Twins SS Alexi Casilla (.302, 1 HR, 30 RBI) will miss 2-3 months with a torn back muscle.

[Klew1986]

I like this dynasty. Just wondering. What roster set did you start with?

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


17th July 2008

A sweep of the Dodgers wouldn't be the worst thing. But today Gallardo will start for us whose last win was over a month ago. The Dodgers send their unlikely ace Greg Miller to the mount.

Game #93 – Milwaukee [50-42] (Y. Gallardo 5-6, 4.13 ERA)
at Los Angeles [48-44] (G. Miller 7-3, 2.90 ERA)

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

The Dodgers took the lead in the first, but suffered a setback when Miller had to leave the game with a sore shoulder in the third and we took the lead. Things look great as we took an insurance run in the fifth, but the the Dodgers tied the game with back-to-back homers in the sixth. Another homer in the eighth won the game for them.

Milwaukee at Los Angeles: 4-5

W: T. Sipp (4-1), L: J. Accardo (4-2)
S: M. Alexander (1)
HR: - / J. Repko (9), M. Kemp (18), A. Ethier (12)
SB: - / -
CS: - / R. Furcal 2 (15)
E: - / A. Ethier (4)
MoM: A. Ethier - 2/2, 1 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB; error


Elsewhere:

SS Hanley Ramirez (.280, 10 HR, 40 RBI) hit for the cycle when his Marlins lost 8-7 to the Pirates.

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


18th July 2008

Before the start of another key series against the division leading Padres we take a lot at some interesting stats. Even if we are past Mid-July we have only two hitters with more than ten homeruns: Ryan Braun (27) and Prince Fielder (11).

Home Runs by Team:

Toronto (145)
Philadelphia (144)
...
Milwaukee (83)
Buffalo (82)
Minnesota (71)
Vancouver (63)

On the other hand we have already five player with more than ten stolen bases: Cesar Izturis (19), Shane Victorino (18), Prince Fielder (17), Ryan Braun (15), Alcides Escobar (10).

Stolen Bases by Team:

Tampa Bay (122)
Milwaukee (109)
New York (N) (100)
...
Cincinnati 22
Buffalo 15

Last season we ranked seventh in both categories, stealing 107 bases, while hitting 230 homers.

MR Matt Wise (3-1-4, 1.73 ERA - AAA) signed a new one year contract worth $600,000. Despite being in the minors right now, he is considered playing in the mayors next season.


Game #94 – San Diego [53-40] (C. Young 5-5, 4.55 ERA)
at Milwaukee [50-43] (C. Villanueva 1-1, 3.00 ERA)

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

Carlos Villanueva was already roughed up in the first, loading the bases with no outs. He escaped with "only" four runs. His counterpart had to pay the bill in the third and we eventually took a 6-5 lead in the fourth. But in the fifth Kouzmanoff's two run shot gave the Padres the lead. Even if we loaded the bases for Fielder and Gross in the ninth, we managed only one run.

San Diego at Milwaukee: 9-7

W: T. Mastny (2-2), L: C. Villanueva (1-2)
H: H. Bell (10), M. Guerrier (8)
S: M. Adams (1)
HR: K. Kouzmanoff (12), N. Crosta (11) / M. Reynolds (9), R. Braun 2 (29)
SB: - / -
CS: - / -
E: - / M. Reynolds (7)
MoM: R. Braun - 3/4, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB


Elsewhere:

The Braves RF Jeff Francoeur (.296, 22 HR, 51 RBI) went 5 for 6 in a 6-5 victory against the Astros.

The Mets traded 2B Mark Kiger (.231, 2 HR, 10 RBI) and minor league starter Bemabe Ramírez (1-1, 4.59 ERA - R) to the Blue Jays for reliever Brandon League (3-2-3, 3.76 ERA).

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


19th July 2008

Yesterdays loss means we dropped to a three way tie for first with the Cubs and Cardinals. So far the Cardinals do very well without Pujols and those crazy trades seemed not hurt the Cubs either.
Today we face Greg Maddux who is at the age 42 enjoying his best season since 2002.


Game #95 – San Diego [54-40] (G. Maddux 8-6, 3.27 ERA)
at Milwaukee [50-44] (B. Webb 1-3, 4.22 ERA)

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

Greg Maddux found himself in the same mess as Villanueva was yesterday. He only lasted 2/3 of a inning, giving up 5 runs, walking 3 and suffering 3 hits. The rest of the game went 3-2, but of course the Padres never had a realistic chance to come back. Webb had a fair outing and went the distance, while the Padres used a total of seven pitchers in the game.

San Diego at Milwaukee: 2-8

W: B. Webb (9-7), L: G. Maddux (8-7)
HR: - / -
SB: - / -
CS: - / S. Victorino (8)
E: R. Ring (1) / -
MoM: B. Webb - 9.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K


Elsewhere:

The Devil Rays lose RF Delmon Young (.308, 17 HR, 69 RBI) for up to three weeks with back spasms.

Also Kansas City pitcher Jorge de la Rose (1-3-1, 5.58 ERA) will watch TV for three weeks. He damaged his meniscus while throwing a pitch.

[Loeffle]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

I like this dynasty. Just wondering. What roster set did you start with?

Hi!

Thanks you like it and understand my European English

I'm not sure if it's roster set, but I use "Lahman"?
What I like in it, that it produces rather realistic numbers. The only problems is that the AI promotes too many prospects who play in real life maybe at A level.

I also play OOTP 2007, because OOTP 8 messes my game up. As you are from Minnesota, also like the Twins, but playing half of my games in the Dome is a bit boring. Soon the stadium will come

[Loeffle]

July 2008 - Milwaukee Brewers
Manager and GM Fritsche


20th July 2008

Game #96 – San Diego [54-41] (Z. Miner 2-4, 5.36 ERA)
at Milwaukee [51-44] (D. Bush 11-5, 2.61 ERA)

SS C. Izturis - CF S. Victorino - 2B M Reynolds - 1B P. Fielder - RF G. Gross - C. J. Estrada - 3B M. Gamel - LF L. Cain

David Bush starts to become scary. He pitched another brilliant game and two cheap runs were enough to give him win nr. 12. When his shutout was threatened in the eighth, he converted a sacrifice bunt into a double play. Bush has now a eight game unbeaten streak, while leading the National League with his 2.44 ERA.

San Diego at Milwaukee: 0-2

W: D. Bush (12-5), L: Z. Miner (5-10)
HR: - / -
SB: K. Frandsen (12) / -
CS: - / S. Victorino (9)
E: C. Meredith (1) / -
MoM: D. Bush - 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K



American League Player of the Week:
Vernon Wells (.322, 21 HR, 60 RBI - Toronto): .538, 6 HR, 9 R, 12 RBI

National League Player of the Week:
Ryan Braun (.353, 29 HR, 86 RBI - Milwaukee): .448, 3 HR, 6 R, 10 RBI