Episode 51 "Jim Henderson Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Greinke For Segura/Hellweg/Pena 0:00-18:30
Break
Bullpen Goes From Bad To Total Joke 18:30-29:00
Break
Rotation Rest Of Season? 29:00-43:00
Break
Preview/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner 43:00-51:00

The Brewers Are Selling. What's On The Shelves?

This past series against the Reds cemented what almost every fan has known for months, the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers are losers. Yes, it’s true and disappointing, but not only are they losers, they have talent that is good and will be gone soon, or is filling up space in payroll the front office will need to rebuild this team.


So it’s time to take a look at what the Brewers can sell and a few players they should probably think about selling.

Players That Are Available

Zack Greinke- This is the one everyone already knows. Greinke doesn’t want the contract the Brewers are offering right now, so in order to get an immediate return on the pitcher Milwaukee needs to ditch him. This is the most valuable piece they have (obvious statement I know), but most teams won’t pay in top prospects with the new rules of the CBA (restrictions in pick compensation for losing a A or B player). So, unless the Brewers and the team getting Greinke agree to a deal where the other team signs Greinke before a trade is completed I think the Brewers will most likely get AA to A players no higher than top 50 in value. I believe Melvin is looking for better, but might not get it.

Francisco Rodriguez- It’s true he’s the new closer, but K-Rod costs a lot and is gone after this season. Some teams really need a high end reliever at the back end of their bullpen so Rodriguez will probably have some good value, but he is more valuable if the Brewers eat some of his contract. I think a AA pitcher with late inning bullpen pitcher is a great return of K-Rod and something that fills the Crew’s needs for the future.

Nyjer Morgan- With the arrival of Norichika Aoki, I can’t believe Morgan isn’t available. Considering the season Morgan is having, I cannot believe the Brewers can expect much in terms of return for Nyjer. He is cheaper and has another 2 years before he’s a free agent, but considering he isn’t always considered a team player, and has little value outside of defense and speed I think the Brewers could get a mid-level AAA prospect. A role bench player and nothing more.

Players That Are Probably Available

Randy Wolf- The lefty has an option left on his contract and can fill the back end of a rotation. But his value diminished this year with his performance. Not many teams are looking for a starter with an ERA above 5, but his recent performances may have redeemed him to some GM’s. Plus he is probably a lot better as a #5 than most player in the league in that role.

George Kottaras- Every team needs more catching, beside the Brewers. With the arrival of Martin Maldonado the Brewers actually have two plus catchers locked up for a very long time. Teams will probably be interested since he has some pop too, but if they trade Wolf they might need to throw in Kottaras so he has someone to pitch to on his next team.

Kameron Loe- A solid reliever. Probably only low-A return to get anything valuable. Probably a player that could get packaged with someone else.

Players That Should Be Available

Aramis Ramirez- A good investment to start the season but now he’s an old guy eating roster space. Not a rental, still has value and can immediately help a contender. A-Ram is the type of player that can bring back a good return for the Brewers. I don’t think they will sell him because they want a hitter behind Braun.

Corey Hart- See Aramis Ramirez. I think his prominence at first base will make the Brewers much less interested in selling compared to if he was still playing right. If the Brewers sell either of these players it’s only going to be one of them.

If the Team Trades This Guy It’s a Fire Sale

Rickie Weeks- A few years on his contract. When he’s on he’s one of the most valuable second baseman in the league. If he was traded last year, he could get a Dan Uggla type haul. This year he could bring back some nice pieces but nothing completely mind blowing. Unless Melvin can do a great sell job it’s probably better to wait until his value is back up. Maybe even this offseason.

-Brad

Episode 50 "Chris Spurling Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Recharging Greinke's Batteries 0:00-20:00

Break

Axford to K-Rod, Right Move? 20:00-41:00

Break

Lucroy, Marcum Back Soon 41:00-1:01:00

Break
Preview/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner 1:01:00-1:10:00

Episode 47 "Jorge De La Rosa Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

When/Should They Sell? 0:00-20:00

Break

Draft Review 20:00-35:30

Break

Corey Hart: 1B or RF? 35:30-45:30

Break

Preview/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner/Mail 45:30-57:30

Episode 42 "Scott Karl Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Cardinals & Cubs Series 0:00-22:00
Break
Greinke/Brewers Table Extension Talks 22:00-42:00
Break
Bullpen Woes 42:00-53:00
Break
Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner/News&Notes 54:00-1:00

VFBC Podcast Episode 39 "Chris Capuano Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Infield Preview 0:00-20:00

Break
Outfield Preview 21:00-37:00
Break
Possible Greinke & Axford Extensions? 38:00-52:00
Break
News & Notes 53:00-59:00

VFBC Podcast Episode 37 "Jeff Suppan Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Brewers Top Prospects Lists 0:00-21:40

Break
Guest Interview: Adam Rygg of Brewer Nation 22:50-57:00
Break
Zack Greinke Extension? Maybe 57:45-1:10

Listener/Reader Poll Results

"Who should be the Brewers #1 contract extension candidate?"

Zack Greinke: 71%

Shaun Marcum: 14%

John Axford: 14%

VFBC Podcast Episode 34 "Rollie Fingers Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Ryan Braun, NL MVP! :00-18:59
Break
SS Search Update 19:54-37:19
Break
Greinke & Marcum Extension Talk 38:11-56:13
Break
News & Notes (40 Man Roster, Sveum, Melvin, Kotsay) 57:15-1:16:51

NLCS Game 1 Preview

Who: Cardinals (Jaime Garcia) vs Brewers (Zack Greinke)

When: Sunday October 9th at 3:05 pm CST
Where: Miller Park Milwaukee, WI
TV: TBS
Radio: 620 AM WTMJ/540 AM ESPN

"Shit just got real". That is what I tweeted after the Cardinals defeated the Phillies last night to set up this epic rematch of the 1982 "Suds" Series. 29 years after the Cardinals defeated the Brewers in 7 games to win the World Series the two teams will meet in the NLCS for the right to represent the National League in the World Series. While this matchup is certainly not what Yankees vs Red Sox is on a national level, it is a very heated rivalry that could produce the type of intensity and drama that those two teams have brought to numerous ALCS'.

These teams do not like each other. It is clear. LaRussa and the Cards have had issues with the Brewers pretty much since the Braun/Fielder era began. The Cardinals do not like swagger. They consider themselves the police of baseball, the keepers of the unwritten rules and are to "classy" to actually enjoy the game and have fun, much like their fans. They hated the Brewers "untucking" after wins 2008 and 2009 and things have only gotten worse with the Brewers adding Nyjer Morgan this season the whole "beast mode" celebrations. The rivalry came to a boiling point in their final regular season meeting when Morgan and Chris Carpenter exchanged "fuck yous" and Albert Pujols decided to run in and start shit, the benches cleared but no physical altercations occurred.

When the playoffs started many people could see this matchup happening and hoped for it. Two very good teams who don't like each other meeting in a 7 game series for the NL pennant. It has classic written all over it. As Bart Scott of the Jets would say: "CAN'T WAIT."

Since both teams had to use their aces (Gallardo and Carpenter) in game 5 of their NLDS games they will not be available in game 1 of the NLCS. Instead Roenicke and LaRussa have to go to their number 2's, Zack Greinke will toe the rubber for the Crew and Jamie Garcia for the Red Birds. Greinke has been incredible at Miller Park for the Brewers. They did not lose a single start he made their all season. On the year Greinke was 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA in 28 starts, 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA vs the Cardinals. The most impressive stat for Zack was his 10.5 SO/9 that led the NL. Jamie Garcia like Greinke had a very good 2011 campaign. He went 13-7 with a 3.56 ERA in 32 starts, 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA vs the Brewers. The Brewers the past two years have struggled to hit and score runs vs Garcia, it will be important to score early and get to him before he settles in. Unlike Zack, Jaime is more of a pitch to contact pitcher.

The season series between these two teams was split at 9 games a piece. They are about as evenly matched as two teams can be and they obviously know each other very well. I expect a grind it out series that will go the full 7 games. With the home field advantage I have full confidence that the Brewers will pull it out and advance to the World Series.

-Jason

Milwaukee's Four Aces

At the beginning of the MLB season, there were rants and raves around the baseball world about the pitching staff in Philadelphia. After all the Phillies had a formidable staff starting with one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last 20 years in Roy Halladay and followed it with Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Phillies’ homegrown ace Cole Hamels. It’s hard to argue against the idea that this set of pitchers is one of the most complete staffs that has been seen in baseball. The Phillies have three legitimate Cy Young candidates and are currently the best team in MLB as far as wins go.

The Brewers were considered the second best staff but were a staff of more than capable two slot starters. And Milwaukee and Philly both filled those roles well heading into the All-Star break, but something happened to Milwaukee that changed the shape of pitching in the NL around the break, the addition of Francisco Rodriguez. Since that point it seems that the Brewers starters have a new determination to pitch above their ability on paper and carry leads into late innings where a fierce Brewer bullpen has made it near impossible for teams to put a dent into the Brewers team ERA past inning 6.

Since the All-Star break, the Brewers actually have the best team ERA in the MLB at 2.89, where Philly sits at 3.27. Granted the dominate bullpen has assisted that ERA to become the best in baseball since the middle of July, but the Brewers staff has certainly assisted that mark helping the team go 32-11 in that mark (6 wins better than Philadelphia).

Possibly the only thing making the Brewers better than K-Rod could have done, is the absolute dominance by ace Zack Greinke. Greinke’s second half numbers have been past astounding, with a 6-2 record and a 2.35 ERA despite a 7 run outing, he has been the Major League’s best pitcher during that time, making it feel like a second coming of CC Sabathia in Milwaukee, carrying the Brewers down the stretch into the best playoff run in franchise history. Greinke’s absolute destruction of oppositions can be shown at his impressive 1.01 WHIP and .208 Opponents BA.

Greinke has even been better than the ungodly destructive Roy Halladay. Halladay, although nearly as good carries a 4-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, .6 points above Greinke’s in that same time span. Halladay has been a bit more touchable during that time with a 1.17 WHIP and a .271 opponent batting average. Halladay is a notorious inning eater as a pitcher, but has 20 innings less than Greinke since the break in one less start.

The rest of Milwaukee’s staff has been fantastic in the same period. Yovani Gallardo has carried a dominant line of 5-3 with a 2.59 ERA, 54 K’s in 59 IP and a WHIP of 1.02, marking his territory as the second ace in the Brewers’ staff. Randy Wolf has carried a stunning line of 5-2 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 55.1 innings. While Shawn Marcum, the hero of the first half for Milwaukee has a pedestrian (in comparison) stat line of 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA and a WHIP of 1.13 in just 50.2 IP.

When you compare this to the Phillies, the Brewers’ staff lines up just a tad better. Cliff Lee has actually been the Phillie closest to Greinke with a 5-1 record and a 2.40 ERA, Hamels follows very close to Marcum at a 2-3 record but a 3.60 ERA (with some time on the DL) and the winning edge comes in when Oswalt starts going 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA.

Looking at this, should the NL come down to a fight between the Phillies and Brewers in a 7 game CS series you would feel great. Especially with Milwaukee’s unbeatable home record, the Phillies seemed backed against a wall.

It’s time to stop giving the Phillies national recognition and realize, the Brewers over the last 43 games are the best team in baseball, and lined up to be the best team in the MLB playoffs. It’s time for Milwaukee to get optimistic of their baseball team.

-Brad

Zack, I Am Sorry

I have to get this apology out of the way now, I have waited to long. And after his stellar 7 inning performance last night I am finally going to apologize to Zack Greinke. Zack, I am sorry for not believing in you. Yes, I was one of the many Brewers fans who were ready to jump ship on Zack Greinke after his horrific start at Yankee Stadium on June 28th in which he went only 2 innings gave up 5 hits, 3 walks and 7 earned runs. He got lit up and his body language told me he didn't really give a shit. His ERA sat at 5.63, yes his K/BB rate was stellar, but he seemed to be getting hit hard and also seemed to have a hard time focusing and getting out of jams. Many said he was just unlucky, I didn't buy it, I was too angry. I went as far to say on the podcast and on twitter that I wondered if the Brewers made the right choice by dealing Escobar, Cain, Jeffress and Odorizzi for Zack.

Well since that day, Zack has made me eat every last bad word I spoke or typed about him. In 9 starts since that blowup against the Yankees, Greinke has gone 6 or more innings (7 or more 4 times) won 5 games and lowered his ERA to a beautiful 3.92. Pretty impressive to lower your ERA from almost 6 to under 4 in just 9 starts. That is how good Zack has been over that stretch. His 151 K's to only 29 BB in 121.2 innings is flat out sick and he now has a 12-4 record to his name. The eye test shows that his stuff is sharper, especially his slider which has been so filthy it almost isn't fair for the opposition. To me he also seems to be focusing more and really buckling down with runners on base pitching out of the stretch. Something that I think he really struggled with during and before that Yankees start.

I should have never doubted that Zack would go on a run and start to pitch more like the guy that won the 2009 AL Cy Young award, but I did. I was frustrated. This was the guy that got everyone so jazzed up about how special this 2011 season could be back in December when Jim Breen of Bernie's Crew broke the news that the Crew had trade for Zack. And I just didn't think he was coming through like he should have. Well, he has and this season has been every bit the special season we anticipated. And if the Crew does hang on to this lead over the Cardinals and win the NL Central, there is no one I would rather have take the ball in game 1 of the NLDS than Zack Greinke (no offense Yovani and Shaun). He's earned it and proved it. He is the true ace.

-Jason

VFBC Podcast Episode 23

Breakdown of The Show:

Weeks Injury/Lopez & Hairston Deals :00-28:21
Break
Zack Greinke On Fire 29:45-41:42
Break
Strong Bullpen Suddenly 42:42-54:37
Break
Preview/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner 55:41-1:16:54

Listener Poll Results

"One game to win, who gets the start?"

Yovani Gallardo: 10%

Shaun Marcum: 80%

Zack Greinke: 10%

Randy Wolf: 0%

Chris Narveson: 0%

VFBC Podcast Episode 19

Breakdown of The Show:

Recent Skid (Yankees/Twins/DBacks Series) 00:00-18:49

Break
Zack Greinke, Are You Concerned? 19:58-36:58

Break

Roenicke's Bullpen (Miss)Management 37:52-50:17

Break

Preview Week/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner 51:51-59:56

VFBC Podcast Episode 11

Breakdown of The Show:

Greinke's First Brewers Start :00-13:10
Break
Yovani Gallardo's Woes 13:55-27:45
Break
Overall Team Struggles 28:50-44:20
Break
Preview (Cards/Padres Series)/News & Notes 45:36-54:42

Listener Poll Results

"Who should be the Brewers 5th starter until Greinke returns?"

Mark Rogers: 73%

Amaury Rivas: 6%

Cody Scarpetta: 0%

Wily Peralta: 6%

Tim Dillard: 0%

Manny Parra: 13%

VFBC Podcast Episode 4

Breakdown of The Show:

Injury Updates, Serious? (Greinke, Braun, Weeks, Hart, Parra, etc.) :00-25:29
Break
Bench Spots (Who gets the final couple spots?) 26:31-45:10
Break
Bullpen (Who gets the final couple spots?) 45:59-1:02:18
Break
News and Notes (Maple Street Press, Rick Peterson, Axford Theme Song) 1:03:33-1:17:16

VFBC Podcast Epiosde 2

Breakdown of The Show:

Lucroy's Injury/Catching Options :00-17:02
Break
Greinke Interview/Interesting Cat 17:46-32:07
Break
Wainright Injury/Impact on NL Central 33:00-44:27
Break
Rotation Set/Marcum Home Opener 45:13-52:17
Break
News and Notes 52:48-59:26

VFBC Podcast Episode 1

Breakdown of The Show:

Intro 0:00-3:55
What We Gained 3:55-21:45
What We Lost 21:45-37:30
Break
Biggest Question Marks 40:35-51:45
Replacements for Gomez/Betancourt 51:45-1:05
Break
Greinke in 3 Years 1:08-1:24
Break
Goodbye 1:27-1:33