VFBC Podcast Episode 36 "Mike Fetters Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Reaction To Fielder's Big Deal w/ Tigers 0:00-22:00
Break
Latest on Braun (Appeal, Accepts MVP Award) 23:00-40:00
Break
Aoki Signs 2 Year Deal, Expectations & Role 41:30-56:30
Break
News & Notes (Counsell Front Office, On Deck, Roster, Arbitration) 57:30-1:12:30

Listener/Reader Poll Results

"What uniform do you think Prince Fielder will be wearing in 2012?"

Brewers: 0%

Cubs: 10%

Rangers: 50%

Nationals: 0%

Orioles: 20%

Angels: 0%

Somewhere Else: 20%

VFBC Podcast Episode 28 "Prince Fielder Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

K-Rod and Fielder Stir Pot With Comments:00-16:14
Break
Rickie Weeks Returns To Lineup/Impact 17:25-30:02
Break
Casey McGehee, Human Rally Killer, Time To Bench? 31:34-45:08
Break
Preview/Chalet Award Winner 46:44-56:24

VFBC Podcast Episode 18

Breakdown of The Show:

Mat Gamel and Zach Braddock Are Free! Roster Moves 00:00-17:12

Break
Ryan Braun & Prince Fielder/How Special Is this Duo? 18:21-31:27

Break

John Axford, All-Star Closer? Should He Be Used In 8th? 32:44-48:36

Break

Preview Week/Around NL Central/Chalet Award Winner 49:36-1:00:51

Keith Law Chat ESPN.com 11/4/10

It's been quite awhile since I recapped any Brewers related questions/answers from a Keith Law chat on ESPN.com but today there were some pretty good ones so I figured I should. I always look forward to lunch break at work on Thursdays to read through Law's chats.

Ray (Home of the World Series Champs)

Is there anyway the Brewers would accept a deal of Jonathan Sanchez, Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Belt and Ryan Verdugo for Prince Fielder?

Klaw

(1:06 PM)

I wanted to say no when I first saw this, just because it smells like a quantity-for-quality deal, but Belt is a legitimate prospect, an above-average 1b who could start by midyear if not sooner, and Sanchez is what the Brewers have been totally inept at developing for the last ten years. It's not really that crazy when you think about it.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

Lots of talk about Jeremey Jeffress this AFL season. Bottom line, should the Brewers try him in the rotation next year and where does his future probably lie?

Klaw

(1:17 PM)

Reliever, for a variety of reasons. But a chance to be elite.

I have to say, if the Giants offered Doug Melvin those four players for Prince Fielder I would hope he would do it in a heart beat. I would almost do that trade for Sanchez and Belt straight up, but you throw in Sandoval and another prospect and I don't know how the Brewers could turn that deal down. I know Sanchez can be a bit wild, but he has great stuff and if he can improve his walk rate he could be very good.

I like many fans would love to see Jeremy Jeffress get a chance to start because of how badly the Brewers need good, young, hard throwing starting pitching. But I can see Law's point that with Jeffress' stuff and the fact that he has had more success when pitching out of the pen that he could be an elite closer. But I would still like to see the Brewers try him as a starter first.

Wow, Really? Why Sports Talk Radio Sometimes Sucks.

I'm an avid listener of sports talk radio. It is what I usually listen to in my car. I don't listen to FM radio much anymore, save for Kramp & Adler in the morning on FM 102.1. If I want to listen to music in the car I listen to my iPod. I prefer ESPN 540 in Milwaukee over WSSP 1250. But today while driving to get something to eat on my lunch break, I was reminded why I hate sports talk radio as much as I enjoy it. I was listening to the D-List on 540, they were taking calls and emails on the Brewers. A particular email just drove me nuts and it made me ask myself why I was even listening. The emailer suggested the Brewers trade Prince Fielder and another player to the Astros for Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman and a minor leaguer.

Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind would think it is a good idea to trade Prince for high priced veterans? Yeah, no one should. When the Brewers do decide to trade Fielder, it has to be for 2 or 3 good young pitchers who the Brewers would control for 4 or 5 years at a cheap price. The reason the Brewers have to trade Prince is because he will be expensive and they need pitching. Trading him for one aging pitcher and an aging 1B that will be almost as expensive as Fielder would be is the worst idea ever. And what surprised me was Drew Olson and Dan Needles did not even bring up these points and that the trade would be a disaster.

Now, I hear ridiculous calls and emails all the time on sports talk radio shows, but this one really hit a nerve. I really wanted to call in and rip it. But I didn't have the time to sit on hold and wait to get on the air. Okay my vent/rant is over. I feel better.

Embarrassing

That is the only way to describe today's game between our beloved Brewers and the Braves. Actually the entire series was an embarrassment, but today was the worst of the three games. That is of course because I was 1 of 30,000+ that was at Miller Park for today's matinee, series finale. It was my first game of the season, I was pumped. A couple of friends and I bought the tickets before the season started. It's always nice to take a vacation day from work in the middle of the week and go see a game. It's one of my favorite things to do. It's just a shame there was not a whole hell of a lot to cheer about on this day.

The Brewers played pretty much exactly as they did the previous three games of the series. They were in the game till the 6th or 7th inning, the offense was pretty much non existent save for Casey McGehee who continues to impress after his strong 2009. Casey was 2-4 with a double and an RBI. The bullpen crapped the bed and the game got out of hand. Yovani Gallardo was on the hill, it is always a treat to see him pitch in person. He once again had a high pitch count that chased him to soon. He still managed to pitch 6 inning with 6 K's and only giving up 2 earned runs. In the bottom of the 6th the Brewers offense did manage 2 runs to tie the game. But it could have been more, Jody Gerut got caught stealing 3B and Prince Fielder narrowly missed a HR on a ball that went JUST foul.

Then the 7th inning came. Manny Parra comes in, boom! 2 runs given up. 4-2 Braves. Then Carlos Villanueva comes in to pitch the 8th, boom! 2 more runs given up. 6-2 Braves. Hoffman comes out in a non-save situtation to get some work, he gives up 3 runs all earned. 9-2 Braves and that was all she wrote. Ryan Braun did sit out his 2nd straight game after getting hit on the elbow by Tommy Hanson on Monday, that surely did not help the offense. But in any case the Brewers are now 4-11 at home this season. That is very embarrassing, this team used to dominate at home, had one of the best home records in all of baseball. This season they have gotten taken to the wood shed at home and it is so frustrating.

I think today was the first time this season I felt "demoralized". It's not that early anymore in the season and this team is all or nothing. Teams like that don't contend and certainly don't make the playoffs. We still have a couple of months to go before the All-Star break, but if this team is under .500 and more then 5 games out of 1st or the Wild Card I hope they blow up the team and bring up some of the prospects. Trade all the veterans who have no future with the team; Hoffman, Davis, Hawkins, Edmonds, Zaun, Gerut and maybe even Counsell. Get whoever you can for those guys. And then the big one, trade Prince. It now seems very unlikely that he will settle for any kind of "home town" discount, thus we can't afford him. Move him so the team you trade him to gets a year and a half of his services, giving us a good haul back to re-tool and get ready for 2011 and 2012.

With some of the good young prospects (Gamel, Lucroy, Lawrie, Cain, Braddock, Axford,Arnett, Peralta, Rogers, etc), our core guys (Braun, McGehee, Escobar, Weeks and Gomez) and who ever we get back for Prince we should be in good position to contend for real in 2011 or 2012 at the latest.

VFBC Podcast: Prince Fielder Contract Extension Real Possible

Keith Law Chat ESPN.com 11/12/09

After a one week layoff, Keith Law was back today for another chat on ESPN.com. Here were the Brewers related questions/answers.

Brewers Fan (Milwaukee)

When a GM says that he won't listen to trade offers about a certain player, how true is that in most cases? Like if another GM calls him up and says "Fielder", does Melvin just hang up immediately? Call me crazy, but it seems like a GM is an idiot if he won't at least listen to an offer for anybody on his team or in his system.

Klaw (1:36 PM)

You're not crazy. You always listen. A GM who doesn't isn't doing his job.

Adam (Milwaukee)

KLaw...Completely random trade thought:Prince Fielder, Manny Parra, and either Salome or Lucroy to the Braves for Hanson

Klaw (1:47 PM)

Random = wrong adjective.

Stephen (Knauff)

Reading your analysis of the Hardy/Gomez trade, I got the vibe you feel that neither team got the better of trade, would you say this is accurate?

Klaw (1:48 PM)

I can't excited over either guy. I've never loved Hardy's swing or approach, but Gomez may never see a .330 OBP. I do think Gomez has a chance to be an average regular because of his glove and some small power potential, but ... I'm not saying I don't want him on my team, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get him.

Adam (Milwaukee)

Sorry about the poor English. Could I get your general thoughts on the following trade: Fielder, Parra, and Lucroy for Hanson

Klaw (2:00 PM)
I wasn't correcting your grammar. I was telling you the trade is absurd.

I'm sure Melvin would listen to any offer for Fielder, but to actually pull the trigger he would have to be blown away for a trade. Probably something like Linceum or Cain plus Sandoval for Fielder. Like Keith said, if a GM would not at least listen to an offer on a player he is not doing his job very well. I'm not exactly sure which part of the trade proposal by Adam that Keith thinks is absurd? For me the Brewers giving up Fielder, Parra and Lucroy for Hanson alone would be absurd. Maybe Keith is on the other side, not really sure from what he wrote. I like what Keith said about Gomez and as I wrote is pretty much how I feel, he can at least be average because of his glove/speed and the potential power he could have. If Gomez did have a .330 OBP or higher in 2010 I think I would be delighted.

Ketih Law Chat ESPN.com 10/22/09

Keith Law is one of my absolute favorite baseball writers. He is very smart, informative and kind of funny in a snarky kind of way. I read as much of his stuff as I can, although without a ESPN Insider subscription that can be difficult. Keith does these chats and in his most recent there were a few Brewers related questions/answers. Check them out:

James (Kenosha,Wi)

What is your take on Jonathan Lucroy do you think he would be ready to take over the Brewers catcher spot by June?

Klaw

(1:15 PM)

They've got an interesting dilemma with him and Salome. Neither one looks like a star; Lucroy is definitely a catcher, probably a 50 (solid average regular), while Salome has more bat potential but may not be able to catch. I'd probably let Salome start 2010 in the majors and send Lucroy to AAA. (By the way, how awful was that Trevor Hoffman extension? Extremely fluky HR rate gets you $8 million? 10% or more of the team's payroll for a one-inning closer, and not a good one? Wow.)

Russ (Balt Md)

Bret Lawrie question. Is he an impact bat in MLB? Ive heard he's playing 2B, is this Big News for his value, if true?How is he progressing? 2011 callup?

Klaw

(1:18 PM)

He really has no position. Good bat, potentially a special bat, but he might end up in LF.

Ryan (madison,wi)

Who says no: Fielder for Kemp?

Klaw

(1:35 PM)

Dodgers. With howls of derisive laughter.

He seems right on about Lucroy and Salome. I personally like Lucroy more. Think he will be better defensively and be fine offensively. As for his side note on Hoffman being a bad signing I couldn't disagree more. $8 mill for a proven closer who is coming off a fantastic year when you have no option around even close to as good, I don't see any issue with that. Maybe he doesn't remember what the Brewers went through with Gagne/Torres in 2008, you were never safe with a lead. With Hoffman I feel safe.

Brett Lawrie may very well end up in LF, with Braun moving to RF at some point. But for now I think the Brewers intend to keep him at 2B. He had some issues there, I went to a few Rattlers games this past season and he played really well in the game I saw. Turned two well and showed good range. When I hear the term "potentially special bat" with Lawrie it sure gets me excited for what this kid might turn out to be. He is only 19. A Fielder for Kemp trade? He says Dodgers would laugh at the Brewers. Why? Yes Kemp is a 5 tool talent, but Fielder is one of the top 5 hitters in all of the game. That would be a pretty even deal I think. But I don't think either team would do it at this point. It's a hypothetical deal. Not even a rumor to it.

Braun and Fielder 2009

Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder who are now the best 1-2 punch in MLB and who I like to call the modern day Aaron and Matthews end the season with these lines:

Ryan Braun: .320/.386/.551, 32 HR, 114 RBI, 20 SB, 203 Hits (Led NL)

Prince Fielder: .299/.412/.602, 46 HR, 141 RBI (Led MLB)

Simply amazing seasons from both guys. With these two leading the charge and the other good supporting offensive cast, all we need is some decent pitching and the Brewers should be back in the playoffs in 2010.

Bullpen Help On The Way

By now you have probably seen all over various Brewers blogs that RHP Jesus Colome will most likely be called up tomorrow from AAA Nashville. Colome was released by the Nationals last month and the Brewers picked him up and sent him to Nashville. All he has done there is throw 7 scoreless innings with 11 K's to 2 BB's. He has a mid 90's fastball and could turn out to be a nice option out of the pen in middle relief. And if not, he can't really be any worse then RJ Swindle or Chris Smith have been out of the pen. Those two are the most likely options to be the player sent down to make room on the roster for Colome. The Brewers don't really have any pitcher out of the pen other then Coffey that can throw gas so Colome will be a welcome addition.

I have to say, those west coast games really take it out of me. I was not able to stay awake for any of the games in their entirety's. I usually made it through 6 innings watching on TV and then fell asleep listening to Uecker and Cory on the radio of my alarm clock on sleep. And I still woke up every morning this week very tired and yawning my way through work at the office each day. Thank God the west coats trip is over, although in September the Brewers do head to Arizona, but those games are on a a weekend. Yeah!

As for the Fielder incident on Tuesday night, it was what it was. He was upset and let his emotions get the best of him. We have seen this before with the Manny Parra shove incident last season. Prince can be a very calm mild mannered guy, but every so often some clicks in his head and he kind of goes off the deep end. Almost a little scary, but I appreciate the passion and intensity. I'm just thankful he was not suspended any games for what he did, I thought for sure he would get at least one game. Especially since you don't hear about that kind of thing really ever happening. First time in my 27 years that I have heard of a player going to the other teams clubhouse in rage.

Fielder To Complain Less About Contract This Season

Well it appears that the Brewers and 1B Prince Fielder have a deal in place to pay the big man $18 mill over the next two seasons, thus buying out Prince's first two years of arbitration. The deal is expected to be made "official" tomorrow after his physical. Of course everyone remembers Prince's well documented distaste for having his contract renewed before the 2008 season for only $670,000, after he just belted 50 HR's in 2007, the youngest player ever to do so.

I would imagine there will be no talk of that now with Prince about to sign this very nice contract. I would say this is actually a better deal for the club then for Fielder. If Prince has another big year in 2009 you don't have to worry about having to go into arby before next season with him where he could possibly ask for and get more then $12 mill. Also if you decide to trade Prince before the 2010 season a team will see that $11 mill salary for 2010 as a bargain plus having the opportunity to have him for his 3rd and final arbitration season and that could get the Brewers more value in a trade.

Maybe the best piece of information around all this Prince news the last two days is that Satan, oops I did it again, I mean Scott Boras told Haudricourt that Prince has lost weight since the end of the 2008 season and is committed to a conditioning program. Thank God for that, because he gained quite a bit of weight from 07' to 08' and was probably the most fat vegetarian in history.

Lots Of Arby Stiff Goin Down Today

Lots of little bits of news about the remaining Brewers arbitration eligible players broke out today little by little Of course Haudricourt was all over it all day here.

McClung signed a 1 year $1.6625 mill deal. The other players left Fielder, Hart and Weeks all submitted their numbers and none matched with what the club submitted. But none of the three are too far apart. So baring something crazy none should go to a hearing and all three should be able to meet in the middle and avoid a hearing.

Fielder and his agent Satan, errrr I mean Scott Boras want $8 mill, the Brewers offered $6 mill. Myself and most thought Fielder would be looking for $10 mill so only being $2 mill apart they should be able to get it done. I would say Fielder is probably worth at least $7 mill.

Corey Hart wanted $3.8 mill, Brewers offered $2.7 mill. Personally I would say Corey Hart is worth the $3.8 mill, that ain't much to pay a guy who although was terrible in September was an All-Star and had a very good all around year.

Rickie wants $2.8 mill in 09', Brewers say no. We want to give you $2 mill. I side the Brewers on this one. Weeks should make no more then $2 mill.

All in all, not bad that they were able to get McClung done and are very close with Fielder, Hart and Weeks. If any of these go to a hearing I would be pretty shocked. Even Fielder with Boras I expect them to settle in the middle and get the deal done.

Oh Where Has The Prince Fielder Of 2007 Gone?

Last season Prince Fielder almost won the MVP award and looked like he was going to be a very rich man going into arbitration before next season. Fielder crushed 50 HR and was the youngest ever to do that in a season. His complete numbers looked like this:

.288/.395/.618, 50 HR and 119 RBI

Those are fantastic numbers, now I sure didn't expect Prince to put up those kinds of numbers every year. It is very hard to hit 50 HR in a season. But for him to drop to these numbers:

.262/.361/.471, 28 HR and 84 RBI

A .471 SLG%? That is just not going to cut it. Not when you slugged .618 a season ago! And he has now been stuck on 28 HR for well over 20 games. Where is the power stroke?

But perhaps the thing that has disappointed me more then anything about Fielder's game this season has been his defense. I thought he improved quite a bit from 2006 to 2007 and expected more of the same in 2008. But he has been horrendous, maybe the worst defensive 1B in all of the NL. He has 15 errors this season and probably could have more if not for generous official scorers. I can't even count how many times this season I have wanted to throw a brick through my HD TV after Prince made a bonehead play in the field.

Before this season started, Prince grumbled about not getting a big contract and only getting his contract renewed for the minimum. Well he wanted the type of money Ryan Howard got in arbitration which was 10 million. Well with Prince headed to arby before next season with the numbers he has put up this season I doubt he gets 10 mill. Maybe between 5-7 if he is lucky.

This is kind of a joke, but with the way CC Sabathia handles the bat and fields his position as a pitcher. Could CC play 1B on the days he isn't pitching? Just a thought, kidding of course. Or am I?

JJ Hardy Wins "Error of the Year" Award By Landslide

Last night I missed the first 5 innings of the Brewers @ Nationals game since I was watching a movie with my fiancee. We watched "Martian Child", which is a great movie by the way. One of those cute dramady type films. Anyway the movie finished and I tuned in to see the Crew tied 1-1 with the Nats. Then everything pretty much went down hill, I was just in time to see the Brewers get 1 out on the bottom of the 6th and with a man at first and Christian Guzman at the plate he hit perhaps the easiest ground ball to the SS (Hardy) for a tailor made field ball step on 2nd and throw to 1st, BOOM DP inning over. Well it didn't happen that way. Hardy instead of fielding the ball, booted it like he was trying to outdo Prince Fielder for biggest, bone headed, awful error of the season. And as we all know Fielder has had many of those thus far. And boy did Hardy outdo Prince, after that error the Brewer went on to give up 4 runs in the inning and that was all she wrote as the Nats won 5-1 on only 3 base hits. Yes you read that right, the Nats got 5 runs on 3 hits. JJ, even though Prince has had many bad errors this season that have made me want to pull the hair right out of my skull you sir have won the award for that performance. And perhaps the saddest thing is your supposed to be a good fielder. We can only hope we win 3 straight to finish this God awful 10 game road trip at 5-5. But if not, maybe there is a better chance Ned Yost is fired before we start a home stand Tuesday.