2011-06-13 Brewers (Wolf) at Cubs (Dempster) - [Brewers lose, 1-0]

[adambr2]

I will concede that Nieves still being on the roster is ultimately Melvin's responsibility, but no way for a second do I believe that Roenicke has "no control" over it.

[Eddiehitsthefoulpole]

We scored 0 runs last night. People make it sound like Nieves and Betancourt alternated at bats. We have struggled this entire season with right handed pitchers with good sliders. As for Nieves, he may be the worst hitter in baseball but he is probably our best defensive catcher. He is the best at calling a game and blocking pitches. He is far better than Rivera or Kottaras defensively. In the old days, before the era of the expanded pitching staff, Nieves would have been the perfect 3rd catcher. With him on the team you probably do need another catcher. If it were up to me I would have Rivera as the back-up but I can live with Nieves. As for the rest of last night's line-up and RR's strategy, don't get me started. In my opinion if you start Nieves you need to play your best offensive players at the rest of the positions. That would mean Morgan and Counsell. I also don't agree with a 3-1 squeeze with the pitcher batting and the top of the order on deck. Sacrifice bunting and squeeze bunting are completely different. Most pitchers don't succeed on their first bunt attempt of an at bat. But let's relax. Everybody loses once in while. Dempster has always had our number. The season goes on and we are OK.

[RobDeer 45]

Well said sir