Game Thread (5/11/2022): Brewers (Houser) at Reds (Gutierrez) - 11:35 AM CDT

[willie key]

Just now, SomewhereInTime said:

It's going to happen!!!  Believe!!!!  Tying run on deck!

Hahaha

 

No way

[BruisedCrew]

9 minutes ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Case in point, the Dodgers are on the verge of losing a series to the Pirates...

To be complete about the story, the Dodgers used a bullpen game today. They didn't see one of their regular starters light the fuse for a double digit outburst for the second time in 3 days.

[SomewhereInTime]

Think Luis Perdomo being a trashcan doesn't matter?  Think again.  If only we held them at 10

[Brewcrew82]

Just now, willie key said:

I dont know yet

 

People got pretty excited about beating the reds and pirates at home.    Lets be honest the Reds beat our rear ends this week

 

That isnt good.     At all

 

I think this team has a lot to prove.    Their formula for winning in the past is defintely not the same in early days here.    The bullpen doesnt inspire confidence       At all

Hader, Boxberger, and Gott inspire a lot confidence. Suter has been a solid reliever the last three years. Williams has been a top 5 reliever in baseball the last two years. Do they need to find some more reliable relievers in the back-end of the bullpen? Yes. But that can be done a heck of a lot easier than things like finding aces in the rotation or an all star-caliber shortstop, which we thankfully already have.

You say that we shouldn't have taken too much from beating up on the Pirates and Reds. Well, by that same token, why should we make grand conclusions about this team from one bad series against the Reds? Even good teams have bad series against bad teams. Look at the Dodgers, who just lost 2/3 to the Pirates...Last year's 95 win season and this year's fast start to the season tell me most of what I need to know about this team.

[timpep]

At least the ending was kinda fun. Gotta shore up the pen though.

[stoutdude04]

1 minute ago, SomewhereInTime said:

Think Luis Perdomo being a trashcan doesn't matter?  Think again.  If only we held them at 10

Possibly, or they bring in a better reliever right away and the Crew never has a 9th inning rally. Never know.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

1 minute ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Hader, Boxberger, and Gott inspire a lot confidence. Suter has been a solid reliever the last three years. Williams has been a top 5 reliever in baseball the last two years. Do they need to find some more reliable relievers in the back-end of the bullpen? Yes. But that can be done a heck of a lot easier than things like finding aces in the rotation or an all star-caliber shortstop, which we thankfully already have.

You say that we shouldn't have taken too much from beating up on the Pirates and Reds. Well, by that same token, why should we make grand conclusions about this team from one bad series against the Reds? Even good teams have bad series against bad teams. Look at the Dodgers, who just lost 2/3 to the Pirates...Last year's 95 win season and this year's fast start to the season tell me most of what I need to know about this team.

Dontcha know, when they play poorly, it's because they are bad. When they play well, it's because the other team is bad.  

[SomewhereInTime]

Just now, stoutdude04 said:

Possibly, or they bring in a better reliever right away and the Crew never has a 9th inning rally. Never know.

Could have left Suter in for another inning, he only threw like 8 pitches.  He doesn't have to be a one batter or one inning guy.

[Brock Beauchamp]

What on earth is happening in this game? I've been out running errands and doing work all day.

[SomewhereInTime]

Just now, Brock Beauchamp said:

What on earth is happening in this game? I've been out running errands and doing work all day.

6/9ths of the way to tying the greatest 9th inning comeback in major league history.

[Brewcrew82]

Just now, BruisedCrew said:

To be complete about the story, the Dodgers used a bullpen game today. They didn't see one of their regular starters light the fuse for a double digit outburst for the second time in 3 days.

Okay. But they still lost two out of three. Even the Dodgers bullpen should be more than enough against the Pirates, particularly when the Pirates had a bullpen game of their own. Even the best of teams will lose series to bad teams. It's part of playing a 162 game season. Of course, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned about the terrible starts from Woodruff and Houser. But I'm not going to fret too much over it, especially when past results have proven otherwise. 

[Joseph Zarr]

I'm going to advocate for our Triple-A guys because, well, I will always advocate for our lower level guys:

This just in, fellas: Adjusting to Major League hitters, ballparks, atmospheres, and situations is a step-up from Triple-A or any lower level scene. The adjustment takes time. Sometimes the adjustment and the success happens. Sometimes it does not. This is baseball.

I really encourage you to not refer to these pitchers as 'trash cans'. Obviously, they haven't elevated and lit the world on fire. BUT, they deserve second and third chances. Maybe it works out. Maybe it does not. BUT, one or two outings does not a pitcher make. 

My public service announcement on behalf of all our lower level players is complete. I will unabashedly always root for their promotions and success. I concede sometimes it doesn't fit. 

Go Luis! And, go Mejía!

? 

[Brewcrew82]

12 minutes ago, timpep said:

At least the ending was kinda fun. Gotta shore up the pen though.

Yeah. I would like to see Sanchez up. He was awesome for a stretch there last year. Ashby going to the pen full-time would also really help. Small can then make those spot starts. 

[Brewcrew82]

6 minutes ago, Julio Muchacho said:

I'm going to advocate for our Triple-A guys because, well, I will always advocate for our lower level guys:

This just in, fellas: Adjusting to Major League hitters, ballparks, atmospheres, and situations is a step-up from Triple-A or any lower level scene. The adjustment takes time. Sometimes the adjustment and the success happens. Sometimes it does not. This is baseball.

I really encourage you to not refer to these pitchers as 'trash cans'. Obviously, they haven't elevated and lit the world on fire. BUT, they deserve second and third chances. Maybe it works out. Maybe it does not. BUT, one or two outings does not a pitcher make. 

My public service announcement on behalf of all our lower level players is complete. I will unabashedly always root for their promotions and success. I concede sometimes it doesn't fit. 

Go Luis! And, go Mejía!

? 

Agreed on the "trash cans" wording. It's just not helpful. Who, of our AAA relievers, do you think can most help stabilize the back-end of our bullpen right now? Figured you would be the man to ask considering that you've actually seen all these guys....

[Brock Beauchamp]

23 minutes ago, SomewhereInTime said:

Think Luis Perdomo being a trashcan doesn't matter?  Think again.  If only we held them at 10

Please don't refer to living human beings as trash cans. I know frustration boils over in times like these but let's try to keep the discourse level above insults toward the players. It's fine to be upset and complain but a line is crossed when we start referring to players and personnel this way. Thanks.

[dlk9s]

Judging by the reactions by the players in the dugout from the moment Yelich's bat hit ball on the triple, I think they are way less worried than any of us.

[Joseph Zarr]

13 minutes ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Who, of our AAA relievers, do you think can most help stabilize the back-end of our bullpen right now? 

That's a complex and tricky question. The aforementioned challenges of unknown response or acclimation to the vastly different hitting and stadium environments are a real thing.

I would say, however, the benefit of the current Nashville scene is there are quite a few guys performing at a high level. They may need multiple runs to try and find right fits to fill roles.

I would also casually say: because we suffer from a dearth of legitimate LHP arms, we see an Hobey Milner manning a key bullpen spot. I pretty much remain unconvinced Milner has the deception and tools to claim Big League stuff - I sincerly hope I'm wrong! I'm glad he's receiving an extended opportunity but I don't know how long that can last until his next 3-5 run outing. 

If we're looking at worthwhile candidates to get chances, consistent performers out of the League-leading Nashville pen, we would probably consider:

• Ethan Small (obviously not in the Nashville pen)
• Jason Alexander (also not in pen...good stuff Julio! What in the...)
• Peter Strzelecki (just won Brewers Minor League pitcher of the month. He's been fantastic)
• Trevor Kelley 
• Hobie Harris
• Connor Sadzeck
• Miguel Sanchez

All of these guys, at various times, have been dominant. Miguel struggled with control today, unfortunately, but has generally been quite solid and we have a track record there. Hobie Harris hasn't allowed a single run in over 10 innings but he also has a 1:1 k/bb ration in Triple-A so he is probably lowest on the list for me. So, if I ranked, I would go:

(1) Ethan Small
(2) Peter Strzelecki
(3) Jason Alexander - middle reliever role (currently a dominant starter)
(4) Connor Sadzeck
(5) Trevor Kelley
(6) Miguel Sanchez
(7) Hobie Harris

[DuWayne Steurer]

7 minutes ago, dlk9s said:

Judging by the reactions by the players in the dugout from the moment Yelich's bat hit ball on the triple, I think they are way less worried than any of us.

Right?  It's almost like professional ballplayers know there's an ebb and flow to a 162 game season, and don't let the emotional low of a bad loss get them too down.  

[Joseph Zarr]

Another guy I want to see get an opportunity to, in  the very least, get a stab at Triple-A is Tyler Herb in Biloxi. He has been downright dominant as a Starting Pitcher in a very un-pitcher friendly environment given his defense behind him has been laughably bad at times. He's a guy I'd love to see tossed up to Triple-A to try and start at that level if say they promote a Small or an Alexander. My wheels are a spinnin'.

[Joseph Zarr]

Also, even tho Nashville lost today (they had an opportunity in the ninth with two men down and two men on), check out the swing improvements we are seeing from Brice Turang in Nashville. This is just smooth, easy, and potent:

They've been working on his hand placement since Spring Training. He looks so much more comfortable in 2022 it's not even funny. This is an exciting development! If you can't tell: That was an absolute BOMB.

[willie key]

19 minutes ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

Dontcha know, when they play poorly, it's because they are bad. When they play well, it's because the other team is bad.  

Every year is different.     We will see.    People always pick and choose past performances so their kool aid tastes a little better.

Who knows what will happen

Is it likely guys like Woodruff, Peralta and Devyn will be great again.   Maybe.    What if they arent.   Isnt that how we are supposed to win.   Can they be average or be a little better than average and we can win.   Who knows

Will guys like wong, adames, urias, jace, suter, taylor, navaraez repeat their performance from last year.

Gott and Lauer have been good to awesome, Yelich looks better.   Rowdy has been fine too.     Burnes is good, he is the most reliable player we got (watch him fall off or get hurt now. Ha)

I think there are some questions on a team that doesnt have the payroll of the LA Dodgers.     I also have alot of faith in our GM to straighten out problems we have too.   He's earned that.   i think our division is so bad that I cant tell if we are actually good or not.   But I guess it doesnt matter as long as you win the division

Its only been about 20% of the season so nothing has been answered yet.     Why is that so unreasonable?      

[willie key]

22 minutes ago, RoCoBrewfan said:

Right?  It's almost like professional ballplayers know there's an ebb and flow to a 162 game season, and don't let the emotional low of a bad loss get them too down.  

So does every team ever played from little league up until the majors.   A team that is 7-45 jacks around too if they win or lose.   I seriously doubt if anybody is asking for Rowdy Tellez to all upset and start crying because they lost one game.     I dont even know what that means.

Isnt the whole point of the game thread to comment on the game.     Then people get over it and go on to the next game.

 

So the next time somebody, gets excited for a homerun and posts in all caps and !!!!!! lets just remind them there is an ebb and flow to a 162 season.    Or better yet lets not comment on anything until the season is over.    Then we might have the sample size that everyone needs to make a comment

[Nola Beery]

1 hour ago, titletownking said:

Pitiful road stand. 2-4 and some pretty horrendous losses. This team needs reliable pen arms and a bat in centerfield. A completely winnable game minus the early errors and awful pen. 

I can't help blaming it on sloppy defense.  But you can't ignore the bull pen when you score 11 and still lose because you gave up 2 touchdowns. What a waste of a beautiful game by Yelich.   Maybe this game will have positive motivational effects.   

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

36 minutes ago, willie key said:

Every year is different.     We will see.    People always pick and choose past performances so their kool aid tastes a little better.

Who knows what will happen

Is it likely guys like Woodruff, Peralta and Devyn will be great again.   Maybe.    What if they arent.   Isnt that how we are supposed to win.   Can they be average or be a little better than average and we can win.   Who knows

Will guys like wong, adames, urias, jace, suter, taylor, navaraez repeat their performance from last year.

Gott and Lauer have been good to awesome, Yelich looks better.   Rowdy has been fine too.     Burnes is good, he is the most reliable player we got (watch him fall off or get hurt now. Ha)

I think there are some questions on a team that doesnt have the payroll of the LA Dodgers.     I also have alot of faith in our GM to straighten out problems we have too.   He's earned that.   i think our division is so bad that I cant tell if we are actually good or not.   But I guess it doesnt matter as long as you win the division

Its only been about 20% of the season so nothing has been answered yet.     Why is that so unreasonable?      

Of course it is ok to be skeptical, They are 32 games into the season. But at a 20-12 record, despite coming off a poor week, it is not unreasonable to be optimistic that we are, in fact, watching a good baseball team. As mentioned earlier, the best teams in MLB have poor stretches. Yes, even against bad teams. But given this team's track record over the last several seasons, plus how they have performed so far this season, I believe most would agree that some optimism, however guarded, is certainly in order. Is this team a World Series contender? That we don't know. Not yet at least. But are they a playoff contender? There isn't a ton of doubt there, IMO.

[Brewcrew82]

47 minutes ago, willie key said:

So does every team ever played from little league up until the majors.   A team that is 7-45 jacks around too if they win or lose.   I seriously doubt if anybody is asking for Rowdy Tellez to all upset and start crying because they lost one game.     I dont even know what that means.

Isnt the whole point of the game thread to comment on the game.     Then people get over it and go on to the next game.

 

So the next time somebody, gets excited for a homerun and posts in all caps and !!!!!! lets just remind them there is an ebb and flow to a 162 season.    Or better yet lets not comment on anything until the season is over.    Then we might have the sample size that everyone needs to make a comment

There's a major difference between cheering on your team and getting excited when someone hits a home run to making grand statements such as, "This team sucks..." Yes, this series was disappointing. But it's just one in a season of 162 games. We're in first place, after being in the playoffs four years in a row. Our hitting seems to be improved, and we all know how good our pitching can be when it's on. Let's just take a deep breath, watch the Bucks pull out a win in Boston tonight, and then move onto the next series where we have the best pitcher in baseball leading us off.