3/23/05 - Chisox (Garland) @ Brewers (Santos), 2:00 PM CT

[endaround]

Seriously, why does everyone pretend that Botallico is some scrub? He's better than Vizcaino. Wise has had a fair amount of success as well. Helling actually completed alot of major league seasons--look where that gets you.

[DHonks]

and the difference between being a solid AAA reliever and MLB reliever isn't that great (Lehr). Plus, Kieschnick has done a fine job in his 2 years.

[shelmark]

I stand corrected, but not convinced. Bottallico and Kieschnick have completed successful seasons. I still believe that the bullpen will be the cause of our lack of improvement in wins this year.

[clancyphile]

ja002h

 

Branyan could be the answer, IMO.

 

I think he and Prince could be the first teammates to each hit 60 homers in a season.

[endaround]

See the bullpen wasn't very good last season but I'd hardly consider that the big reason for the Brewers lack of success. If I were to rank th eissues the Brewers face in finding a .500 or winning season it would be more like:

 

1. Finding 300 innings or so of league average pitching behind Sheets and Davis. This means serious improvement from any or all of the starting canidates over last season.

 

2. Spivey staying healthy. Hall is a big reason why the offense was putrid last season. If Spivey misses consdierable time ealry in the season, you'll be looking at around the loss of 3-4 wins in offense alone by the All-Star break.

 

3. Hardy not aggrevating his shoulder--see above. While not as costly offensively, still a very bad thing.

 

4. Jenkins having a down or injury filled year.

 

5. Miller falling off a cliff offensively.

 

6. Ovrebay plays an enitre season unlike last year's first half but closer to what he did for the rest of his MLB career.

 

7. Other less likely injuries.

 

8. Bullpen.

[shelmark]

I have many disagreements with your list endaround, but the major one is Miller dropping off a cliff offensively. I'm sorry but to fall from a cliff one has to be at a high level already, and Miller's numbers are nothing to get excited about. What do you expect, 20 HR? The guy might hit 10 if he is lucky and will probably hit .260-270. What would be falling off a cliff? .240? I am in shock and disbelief that you would put the bullpen at #8. Just to end this on a warm and fuzzy note I do agree with #1!!

[SeriesFinale]

That's why Miller's numbers dropping wouldn't be as much an issue than if Jenks' or Spivey's did...I don't think the offensive expectations at catcher are nearly as high

[tnweill]

What's the deal with a game thread for today? Is anyone going to do the play by play? If anyone could, it'd be very much appreciated. I could use something to keep me awake at work!