Reflections on the Brewers Postseason

Yes, the Brewers season ended about as disappointingly as possible, limping through the NLCS and losing to the division rival St. Louis Cardinals in six games. Even worse, the games they lost, aside from Gallardo's start against Carpenter, weren't even close, with a run differential of 10-31. The Cardinals all but destroyed the Brewers' pitching and the Crew's hitters somehow never cracked Tony La Russa's bullpen.

Time For a Lineup Shuffle?

The Brewers lost again yesterday despite an excellent outing by Chris Narveson (6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K), pushing their record to a disappointing 0-4 to begin the season. Another tough loss for the Crew, who saw their 1-0 lead slip away in the eighth inning when Takashi Saito, a pitcher historically good at keeping the ball in the park, gave up two solo home runs to give Atlanta the lead. Surely most Brewers fans didn't expect their best performance by a starting pitcher to begin the season from Chris Narveson, and the Narve Dog indeed looked somewhat shaky in the first inning. He quickly overcame what I'm calling his "home opener nerves," settled in, and mostly made Braves' hitters look foolish for six innings.

Through those innings no Brave passed first base. Had the Narve Dog been more economical with his pitches he surely could have stayed in the game longer. Unfortunately, such performances sometimes go to waste, and Brewers' bats just couldn't provide enough offense for the bullpen to secure the win. It's far too early to start worrying, but it's probably time for Ron Roenicke to shuffle his lineup, if not only for the day.

The Return of Mitch Stetter?

Why do you look so sad, Zach?

Brewers LHP Zach Braddock has struggled mightily this spring. Last night vs the Mariners he entered with a 4-1 lead. He proceeded to give up a base hit and hit the next batter, followed by a three-run home run. He pitched poorly on Monday, too, walking a batter and hitting another with two earned runs. He sports a 11.37 ERA and has only struck out three batters in 6.1 IP. His velocity has been down, too, causing some to wonder if he may be injured. After some less than supportive words by manger Ron Roenicke, Adam McCalvy wondered if his struggles might pave the way for a return of Mitch Stetter.

Mark Rogers Debuts Monday, Demoted Tuesday

Mark Rogers gave up two runs vs the Giants yesterday in his first appearance of 2011 on a home run by Pablo Sandoval. He came away pleased with his outing, having experienced no discomfort in his twice surgically repaired shoulder. Ron Roenicke wasn't as excited, saying Rogers "just didn't look like he was comfortable. He worked really slow; a little too methodical." I'm sure Rogers was disappointed today when he was reassigned to AAA, having previously vowed to ready himself to fill in for injured ace Zack Greinke.

Ryan Braun Oozes Confidence; That's Just Fine With Ron Roenicke

When asked about his tweaked intercostal muscle this weekend, Ryan Braun provided some classic Braunie-style quotes: "It's nothing at all. I could have played [Saturday] but there's no sense in it. Honestly, I feel better than I've ever felt in my life, so I don't really need at-bats right now." The three-time All-star and Silver Slugger recipient has never shied away from expressing confidence in his abilities, but his statements this weekend went even a bit further than usual.

Ned Yost Whines About Time With Brewers

The Brewers play the Kansas City Royals today at 3:05 CST, reuniting Royals skipper Ned Yost with his former club. In an interview this week he took a swipe at the Brewers and some of its players while discussing his first Spring Training with the Royals. Said Yost: "I have no drama issues. None. I've got no issues with hot dogs, I've got no issues with guys not respecting their teammates ... no issues with selfish players. I've got no issues with lack of hustle. I've got zero issues. It's the way it's supposed to be."

Gallardo to Start Opening Day in Cincinnati

Yesterday Ron Roenicke announced his plans to line up the Brewers starters (sans Zack Greinke) to open the season. For the second consecutive year Yovani Gallardo gets the nod on opening day. He'll face off against Reds ace Edinson Volquez in Cincinnati on March 31. Said Gallardo: "It's very exciting for me, and it just gives me that opportunity to go out there and show what I'm capable of doing."

Marcum Blanks Angels, Fielder Homers in 2-1 Win

Brewers fans got a glimpse of what the club traded Brett Lawrie for yesterday when Shaun Marcum threw three scoreless innings against the Angels. The changeup specialist threw his number one pitch especially well as he struck out three while giving up two hits and no walks. Said Craig Counsell of Marcum's outing: "That was impressive."

Meanwhile Prince Fielder, originally slated for a day off, batted fourth as designated hitter and provided the Brewers' sole runs with his first homer of the year, a two-run shot. Fielder asked manager Ron Roenicke if he could DH in order to get in a couple more at-bats. Roenicke was pleased with Prince's initiative and was happy to oblige the slugger.

Takashi Saito relieved Marcum, walked the first batter he faced and retired the next two on flyouts to right field. He then exited, having reached his pitch limit.

The Brewers play split squad road games today vs the Rangers and A's, both at 2:05 CST. Zack Greinke starts against the Rangers while Chris Narveson leads off against the Athletics.

Previewing the 2011 Season: Takashi Saito

The Brewers host the Los Angeles Angels today at 2:05 in a game that reunites manager Ron Roenicke with the club in which he spent the last 11 years. Newly acquired Brewers setup man, Takashi Saito, is scheduled to pitch after his first outing was delayed this week due to hamstring tightness. What a better time, I thought, to introduce Saito to my readers.

Who Will Be Milwaukee's Opening Day Starter?

Yovani Gallardo makes his 2011 debut today as the Brewers host the Cubs in Cactus League play. The question persists as to whether the Brewers' 2010 opening day starter will stand as such in 2011 after the arrival of Cy Young winner Zack Greinke. Shaun Marcum started on opening day for the Blue Jays last year but he's widely expected to start the Brewers home opener vs the Braves and he's said that he's ok with flying under the radar. Ron Roenicke remains mute on the subject, not yet wishing to tip his hand. So who, in the end, will be the opening day starter?

Brewers Down White Sox 3-1

Brewers pitchers put together a solid day on the mound today in a Cactus League victory over the White Sox. The Brewers struck first in the top of the third when Rickie Weeks batted home catcher Wil Nieves after he singled and stole second.

Still More Pics From Spring Training

Here's another set courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Hall of Famer Robin Yount to Spend Considerable Time With Brewers This Spring

Ron Roenicke told reporters Friday that Brewers legend Robin Yount would spend more time with the team this spring than in years past. Yount lives nearby and usually spends a few days each spring with the Brewers as a special instructor. This year Roenicke asked him if he'd spend more time with the team and despite his busy schedule, he agreed.

What Does 2011 Hold For Mat Gamel?

As of yesterday most of the Brewers had arrived in Arizona (position players are not required to arrive until today). Mat Gamel, historically not known for his punctuality, let alone arriving early, reported earlier last week. Perhaps the fact that he showed up early this year means he's matured a bit over the last couple of years. In 2008 he became known for showing up late to workouts, leading some of the veterans in the clubhouse to move his belongings outside to teach him a lesson. He didn't make the same mistake in 2009, a year shortened by injuries, but he seemed less than willing to explore different positions given the fact that 3B is blocked at the Major League level by Casey McGehee.

Early Pics From Spring Training

Here are some early pics of Brewers pitchers working out this week courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. I have to admit, it sure is awesome to see Greinke in a Brewers uniform! Enjoy!

Roenicke Thinking of Batting Pitcher Eighth

Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday and everyone is getting geared up for baseball. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke spoke with reporters today and with the ink on Rickie Weeks' contract still drying his name inevitably came up for discussion. Of Weeks Roenicke said: "He's lead-off but he can hit anywhere. You put him in the 3rd spot last year and maybe he drives in 100 [RBI]." Roenicke mentioned he's even considering batting his pitchers eighth in the lineup to give Weeks more RBI opportunities.

Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke, 3B Casey McGehee, RHP LaTroy Hawkins to Chat With Fans Sunday

In case anyone missed it, Brewers "On Deck" is this Sunday. For those that can't make it, you'll still get a chance to interact with some of the team. New Manager Ron Roenicke, third baseman Casey McGehee, and right-handed relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins will take part in an online web chat with fans on Sunday at 2:00 CST. Go to Brewers.com for details and for the chat itself.