http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100129&content_id=7997826&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil&partnerId=rss_mil
Friday was a tentative deadline for a compromise deal to be made in regards to Corey Hart’s salary for the upcoming 2010 season. With that deadline having come and gone, it appears that the two sides will need to prepare for an arbitration hearing, something that Doug Melvin has never had to attend as GM of the Brewers. Hart has been disappointing since his All-Star appearance in 2008, notoriously falling off a cliff at the end of the 2008 season. With a marked improvement in his plate discipline last season, he became a bit more valuable at the plate, but it will take another step forward before he can earn the All-Star on his resume.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dennis Sarfate again looking for a job
http://masnsports.com/2010/01/the-corresponding-roster-move.html
Dennis Sarfate always had a blazing fastball, but never had the control to harness it. With upwards of a 97 MPH fastball, pitchers like Dennis always get a 2nd or perhaps even 3rd look for the MLB scouting community. Initially, division rival Houston gave him a shot, before shipping him off to Baltimore in the trade for SS Miguel Tejada. Now with the 2010 Baltimore Orioles giving Tejada 6 million for a second stint with the team, Sarfate has again been kicked to the curb, ironically both Tejada and Sarfate were involved in each transaction. Sarfate, while a Brewer, was infamous for his father bad-mouthing the organization. One can only wonder if those issues came up again with his subsequent teams.
Dennis Sarfate always had a blazing fastball, but never had the control to harness it. With upwards of a 97 MPH fastball, pitchers like Dennis always get a 2nd or perhaps even 3rd look for the MLB scouting community. Initially, division rival Houston gave him a shot, before shipping him off to Baltimore in the trade for SS Miguel Tejada. Now with the 2010 Baltimore Orioles giving Tejada 6 million for a second stint with the team, Sarfate has again been kicked to the curb, ironically both Tejada and Sarfate were involved in each transaction. Sarfate, while a Brewer, was infamous for his father bad-mouthing the organization. One can only wonder if those issues came up again with his subsequent teams.
Brewers make a waiver claim
http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100127&content_id=7984570
The Brewers claimed 2B/OF Joe Inglett off waivers from the Rangers, while in the process designating Chris Smith for assignment. Inglett had a productive 2008 with the Rangers, producing a 104 OPS+ in 385 plate appearances. With a career slash line of .293/.349/.396, he should be able to replace Frank Catalanotto’s role with the 2009 Brewers as main pinch hitter off the bench, competing for the 5th OF job in Milwaukee among a surplus of candidates, including Norris Hopper and Trent Oeltjen. I personally would have rather seen a reuniting with Gabe Gross, as a LH who could platoon with Gomez and replace Corey Hart against tough RHP. The offense will need a boost this season as Gomez is a significant offensive drop-off from Mike Cameron who signed a 2 year-15.5 million deal to become the new CF for the Boston Red Sox. Smith was one of the few successful pitchers that Milwaukee called up from the minors last season. Hopefully he seems through the cracks and can go back to Nashville if case of an injury to the 2010 pitching staff.
The Brewers claimed 2B/OF Joe Inglett off waivers from the Rangers, while in the process designating Chris Smith for assignment. Inglett had a productive 2008 with the Rangers, producing a 104 OPS+ in 385 plate appearances. With a career slash line of .293/.349/.396, he should be able to replace Frank Catalanotto’s role with the 2009 Brewers as main pinch hitter off the bench, competing for the 5th OF job in Milwaukee among a surplus of candidates, including Norris Hopper and Trent Oeltjen. I personally would have rather seen a reuniting with Gabe Gross, as a LH who could platoon with Gomez and replace Corey Hart against tough RHP. The offense will need a boost this season as Gomez is a significant offensive drop-off from Mike Cameron who signed a 2 year-15.5 million deal to become the new CF for the Boston Red Sox. Smith was one of the few successful pitchers that Milwaukee called up from the minors last season. Hopefully he seems through the cracks and can go back to Nashville if case of an injury to the 2010 pitching staff.
Horrible Hardy pouting, I mean, putting last season behind him
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14302953
J.J. Hardy was horrible last season for the Brewers. There is no way around that, even his mother would have to agree. What’s worse is how he handled it last year, being so carefree and basically whining every chance he could. The man didn’t want to hit in front of the pitcher even though he hit like a pitcher. He had to hit #2 so he could get those juicy fastballs hitting in front of the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Hardy, your tired act ran dry in Milwaukee, and we are glad your weak mental state in across the border in the Twin Cities. In Escobar we trust.
J.J. Hardy was horrible last season for the Brewers. There is no way around that, even his mother would have to agree. What’s worse is how he handled it last year, being so carefree and basically whining every chance he could. The man didn’t want to hit in front of the pitcher even though he hit like a pitcher. He had to hit #2 so he could get those juicy fastballs hitting in front of the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Hardy, your tired act ran dry in Milwaukee, and we are glad your weak mental state in across the border in the Twin Cities. In Escobar we trust.
Mets sign the Big Cat
http://twitter.com/Ledger_Yankees/statuses/8418877892
Frank Catalanotto for the longest time was someone that I always wanted the Brewers to acquire to platoon in left field for no particular reason. Perhaps all those hours of playing Triple Play 97 corrupted my brain? Regardless of how naive I was back then, when the Brewers signed Catalanotto from the Brewers I couldn’t help but show a bit of satisfaction with the move. Happy to see him sign a deal that gets him closer to his New Jersey home as well. Good luck Cat.
Frank Catalanotto for the longest time was someone that I always wanted the Brewers to acquire to platoon in left field for no particular reason. Perhaps all those hours of playing Triple Play 97 corrupted my brain? Regardless of how naive I was back then, when the Brewers signed Catalanotto from the Brewers I couldn’t help but show a bit of satisfaction with the move. Happy to see him sign a deal that gets him closer to his New Jersey home as well. Good luck Cat.
A's get Gabe
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100131&content_id=8002942
Gabe Gross was solid during his time as a Milwaukee Brewers, and acquiring Josh Butler in a trade for him was even sweeter. I would rather have Gabe Gross for the reported 750k than Jody Gerut for 2 million. That 1.25 million might not seem like much, but that could have been added to a player mid-season, and now will just be a waste and I even like Gerut. A strange misuse of resources by the Brewers.
Gabe Gross was solid during his time as a Milwaukee Brewers, and acquiring Josh Butler in a trade for him was even sweeter. I would rather have Gabe Gross for the reported 750k than Jody Gerut for 2 million. That 1.25 million might not seem like much, but that could have been added to a player mid-season, and now will just be a waste and I even like Gerut. A strange misuse of resources by the Brewers.
A big “Duh!” to Major League Baseball
http://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/article/758307--griffin-ash-s-ideas-a-solid-start-to-fixing-flaws
I like Major league baseball and I think that it is the most fair of all the professional sports. The “salary cap” in the NFL and even worse in the NBA was completely destroyed the level-playing field that was it was supposed to provide for. Revenue sharing in MLB is by far the best of the 3 major sports leagues. But that doesn’t mean that baseball is without fault. Look no further than the draft. I find it appalling that the best prospects in the draft always seem to fall to the big market teams over signability concerns. That is ludicrous to me. And no international draft at all? That’s absurd. Gord Ash, the Brewers assistant GM, should take his list of simple points directly to Bud Selig’s office.
I like Major league baseball and I think that it is the most fair of all the professional sports. The “salary cap” in the NFL and even worse in the NBA was completely destroyed the level-playing field that was it was supposed to provide for. Revenue sharing in MLB is by far the best of the 3 major sports leagues. But that doesn’t mean that baseball is without fault. Look no further than the draft. I find it appalling that the best prospects in the draft always seem to fall to the big market teams over signability concerns. That is ludicrous to me. And no international draft at all? That’s absurd. Gord Ash, the Brewers assistant GM, should take his list of simple points directly to Bud Selig’s office.
Badgers get some credibility, then lose
Wisconsin doesn't get respect nationally. That is a fact. But do you know what else is a fact? When Wisconsin does get some credibility, they lose, in football and in basketball. Come on men, that was a horrible loss. Letting Illinois beat you, no less on you home floor? Letting them shoot 54%, almost as good as your FT percentage 55%? Terrible loss. The Big Ten is a tough league, and Illinois is NOT a very good team no matter what their record says. Frustrating beyond belief.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bobby Simmons could be traded? Bought out?
javascript:newwind('http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/basketball/nets/83743987_Nets_notes__Bobby_Simmons__future.html','105')
Newsflash, one of Larry Harris' heinous long term contracts, this time Bobby Simmons is set to expire. Simmons had a good season for the Clippers before signing his huge deal with the Bucks. I liked the signing from a player perspective, Simmons was a solid role player who could easily average about 16 and 6, which he did for the Clippers. However, that production is not worth 10-12 million annually, and for 4 years no less. It is hard to believe that was only 4 years ago. Not only did he make too much coin, but basically forced Harris to trade Desmond Mason, who actually liked it in Milwaukee. Harris basically was under the opinion that Simmons and other NBA Free Agents would not come to Milwaukee unless vastly overpaid, a sentiment that is probably more true than false. Simmons' injuries during his time in Milwaukee were numerous, and overall he was a huge disappointment. Harris' brutal infatuation with Free Agency and resigning average players to all-star contracts; see Mo Williams, Dan Gadzuric, Charlie Bell, and Bobby Simmons, in addition to signing all-stat players to superstar contracts, Michael Redd, really handcuffed this team. John Hammond may not be stellar at player evaluation, but understands the importance of salary cap flexibility, which is ever so critical as a small-market team.
Newsflash, one of Larry Harris' heinous long term contracts, this time Bobby Simmons is set to expire. Simmons had a good season for the Clippers before signing his huge deal with the Bucks. I liked the signing from a player perspective, Simmons was a solid role player who could easily average about 16 and 6, which he did for the Clippers. However, that production is not worth 10-12 million annually, and for 4 years no less. It is hard to believe that was only 4 years ago. Not only did he make too much coin, but basically forced Harris to trade Desmond Mason, who actually liked it in Milwaukee. Harris basically was under the opinion that Simmons and other NBA Free Agents would not come to Milwaukee unless vastly overpaid, a sentiment that is probably more true than false. Simmons' injuries during his time in Milwaukee were numerous, and overall he was a huge disappointment. Harris' brutal infatuation with Free Agency and resigning average players to all-star contracts; see Mo Williams, Dan Gadzuric, Charlie Bell, and Bobby Simmons, in addition to signing all-stat players to superstar contracts, Michael Redd, really handcuffed this team. John Hammond may not be stellar at player evaluation, but understands the importance of salary cap flexibility, which is ever so critical as a small-market team.
Lindsey Hunter to retire after this season?
javascript:newwind('http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/02/06/chicagos-hunter-ready-to-retire-after-this-season/','114')
Only about ten years too late pal. Man was he horrendous in the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals, and even the Semi Finals against the Charlotte Hornets. Could not hit the broadside of a barn. Hunter's putrid performance against Philadelphia is one of the secondary reasons the Bucks didn't make it to the Finals that season, but nonetheless, if someone like say Dell Curry had been on that team, it just might have been enough to tip the scales in Milwaukee's favor. But I'm not bitter, nah you must have me confused with someone else.
Only about ten years too late pal. Man was he horrendous in the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals, and even the Semi Finals against the Charlotte Hornets. Could not hit the broadside of a barn. Hunter's putrid performance against Philadelphia is one of the secondary reasons the Bucks didn't make it to the Finals that season, but nonetheless, if someone like say Dell Curry had been on that team, it just might have been enough to tip the scales in Milwaukee's favor. But I'm not bitter, nah you must have me confused with someone else.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Bucks clinch 3 game Wisconsin Sweep Saturday
3-0 for the Badger state. When was the last time that happened? Big win over the Pacers, continuing the undefeated home record in 2010. Best game of the season for Luc Richard, as his defense on Granger was key, in addition to his great night offensively with 18 pts and 11 rebounds. Stackhouse and Delfino each had solid nights in supporting roles with 14 and 6 and 16 and 4 respectively. Everything was fine, until TJ Ford decided to hit shots for the first time in his life, of course from the other bench. Did TJ ever have a night like that in Milwaukee? Jennings got schooled by him, and shot just 2/10. Sorry Brandon, you were a minus tonight.
Cool Andrew Bogut Video
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4843089
Maybe I'm lame, but I kinda like these kind of things. Bogut has a nice house considering he makes 10 million per year. You can tell he is smart with his money.
Maybe I'm lame, but I kinda like these kind of things. Bogut has a nice house considering he makes 10 million per year. You can tell he is smart with his money.
Kurt Thomas a fall back option?
javascript:newwind('http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/12915/kurt-thomas-the-fallback-trade-option','307')
Kurt Thomas has played for 7 different NBA teams, and has a reputation for being a good post defender with the ability to hit the 15 foot jumper. He would help any NBA team win a title. I believe that the Bucks have playoff aspirations, but depending on the return for Thomas, would be hesitant to give him up. Behind Bogut, the Bucks have nothing, I repeat, nothing at the Center position. Plus, Travis Outlaw doesn't do anything for me. Now Francisco Elson, that's another story. He is horrible. I would take ANYTHING for that plodder.
Kurt Thomas has played for 7 different NBA teams, and has a reputation for being a good post defender with the ability to hit the 15 foot jumper. He would help any NBA team win a title. I believe that the Bucks have playoff aspirations, but depending on the return for Thomas, would be hesitant to give him up. Behind Bogut, the Bucks have nothing, I repeat, nothing at the Center position. Plus, Travis Outlaw doesn't do anything for me. Now Francisco Elson, that's another story. He is horrible. I would take ANYTHING for that plodder.
Badgers own Wolverines
Wisconsin has owned Michigan, winning their third straight at the Breslin Center and their 8th straight overall. Jason Bohannon continued his torrid shooting while pretty much everyone played well. Michigan was ranked #15 at the beginning of the season? I remember getting excited when Marquette beat them handily earlier in the season, but man they are terrible. Rob Wilson could turn out to be the real sleeper come tournament time. I recall that he just didn't look ready from prime time when I went to see the ACC/Big 10 challenge game against Virginia Tech last year, but recently he has shown a real spurt off the bench. Trevon Hughes played much more under control today than against MSU, but still not what you would like to see out of a Bo Ryan point guard. However, Hughes is one of the few Badgers with play-making ability, making him virtually unbenchable. Can the Bucks clinch a sweep for today?
Bucks beat Knicks, without Bogut
Andrew Bogut has 6 pts in a very short stint before leaving the game with a migraine. After Bogut left, Bucks nation couldn't help but think the worst with Bogut's substantial injury history. But the Bucks responded with a good, hard all-around effort. Ersan Ilyasova really carried the offense early, while Jennings carried the trigger in the second half. Only really concern was Jennings seemed to get a little too carried away with the New York spotlight. I understand that he holds a grudge against the Knicks, but he needs to be better than that. He had shown maturity beyond his years in his short stint in the NBA, and he needs to continue to be able to deal with success.
Marquette escapes by the skin of their throats
Providence is not a good team. Marquette is. Marquette has to, has to, beat teams like Providence to get an at large bid in the NCAA tournament. Of course, the game went down to the final possession, and for once Marquette's opponents missed a game tying shot. Marquette escaped, but obviously that is better than losing. Marquette almost lost to Providence with the Three Amigos to this same Providence team, but ultimately prevailed. This game was similar, with this years team pulling out a much needed victory, especially on the road.
Forgot to mention
Marquette blew out DePaul after that heart-wrenching defeat earlier in Chicago, or where ever in Chicagoland the Blue Demons play. As I outlined in my February scheduling post, your Golden Eagles have a legitimate shot at winning out in Big East play. We Are Marquette.
Friday, February 5, 2010
IMO: Underrated Players Around the Association
The NBA constantly hypes up overrated players and underrates others. I, like most fans, have always wanted my team to acquire said players, only to watch a smarter team signor trade for them, and the media to finally catch up to their perceived worth and wonder what went wrong. Until now, I have never published this list, it was always mental. But now, I shall pen my first underrated players list that I would like the Bucks to acquire but they never will. You don't have to believe me, but Trevor Ariza and Devin Harris were once on this list.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Leon Powe 1 yr 855,189
Miami Heat:
Dorrell Wright
(Former) New Jersey Net:
Sean Williams: Free Agent
Simple, just sign him
New York Knicks:
Marcus Landry 1 year 457,588
Orlando Magic:
Brandon Bass 3 yrs 4,000,000
Matt Barnes 1yr $1,600,000
Mickeal Pietrus 2 yrs $5,300,000
Ryan Anderson 2 yrs $1,317,120
Toronto Raptors:
Amir Johnson 1 yr 3,941,667
Denver Nuggets:
Ronaldo Balkman 4 yr 2,112,417
Ty Lawson 2 yr 1,438,630
Los Angeles Clippers:
Steve Novak 1 yr 1,031,000
Minnesota Timberwolves
Ramon Sessions 3 yr 3,670,667
Alando Tucker 1 yr 1071,720
New Orleans Hornets
James Posey 3 yr 6,031,800
Sacramento Kings:
Sergio Rodriguez 1 yr 1,576,696
San Antonio Spurs:
DeJuan Blair 4 yr 850,000
Utah Jazz:
Wes Matthews 1 yr 457,588
Any agreements, disagreements? Notable Omissions?
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Leon Powe 1 yr 855,189
Miami Heat:
Dorrell Wright
(Former) New Jersey Net:
Sean Williams: Free Agent
Simple, just sign him
New York Knicks:
Marcus Landry 1 year 457,588
Orlando Magic:
Brandon Bass 3 yrs 4,000,000
Matt Barnes 1yr $1,600,000
Mickeal Pietrus 2 yrs $5,300,000
Ryan Anderson 2 yrs $1,317,120
Toronto Raptors:
Amir Johnson 1 yr 3,941,667
Denver Nuggets:
Ronaldo Balkman 4 yr 2,112,417
Ty Lawson 2 yr 1,438,630
Los Angeles Clippers:
Steve Novak 1 yr 1,031,000
Minnesota Timberwolves
Ramon Sessions 3 yr 3,670,667
Alando Tucker 1 yr 1071,720
New Orleans Hornets
James Posey 3 yr 6,031,800
Sacramento Kings:
Sergio Rodriguez 1 yr 1,576,696
San Antonio Spurs:
DeJuan Blair 4 yr 850,000
Utah Jazz:
Wes Matthews 1 yr 457,588
Any agreements, disagreements? Notable Omissions?
Mike Dunleavy finally out of a job
javascript:newwind('http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-clippers5-2010feb05,0,2533047.column','164')
If you are a fan of Bill Simmons, you can't help but know about his distaste for Clippers (former) GM/Coach Mike Dunleavy. If you are a Milwaukee Bucks fan, you completely understand his sentiments. How did Dunleavy ever get a job in the first place? Seriously, how? Better yet, how did his son get picked #3 overall? Are the Dunleavys like the Kennedys? washed up overrated people who always seem to get jobs that they don't deserve, and who's scandals always seem to somehow bother no one. At the very least they have that stupid legacy name thing going on.
If you are a fan of Bill Simmons, you can't help but know about his distaste for Clippers (former) GM/Coach Mike Dunleavy. If you are a Milwaukee Bucks fan, you completely understand his sentiments. How did Dunleavy ever get a job in the first place? Seriously, how? Better yet, how did his son get picked #3 overall? Are the Dunleavys like the Kennedys? washed up overrated people who always seem to get jobs that they don't deserve, and who's scandals always seem to somehow bother no one. At the very least they have that stupid legacy name thing going on.
Celtics continue to shop Allen?
javascript:newwind('http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-garnettceltics020110&prov=yhoo&type=lgns','801')
According to reports, the Celtics continue to shop Ray Allen, but for what? I think that the only deal that makes sense, if it’s even being discussed would be for Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. If the reported deal with Chicago goes down; Allen for John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich, then the Celtics are selling way low on Allen. Everyone knows that I definitely evaluate Allen too highly, but Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons. Come on.
According to reports, the Celtics continue to shop Ray Allen, but for what? I think that the only deal that makes sense, if it’s even being discussed would be for Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. If the reported deal with Chicago goes down; Allen for John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich, then the Celtics are selling way low on Allen. Everyone knows that I definitely evaluate Allen too highly, but Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons. Come on.
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