How to Solve a Pitching Log Jam

I wrote last week about how the Milwaukee Brewers recent home stand was the biggest part of the year so far and they have risen up to the occasion. Now with one pitcher hanging out in Nashville awaiting his fate, the Brewers can officially say they are in a logjam.

I think the Crew is happy with the team they have right now and really do not want to ruin the chemistry especially when they have won the last six of seven playing their best baseball.  They are hitting with runners in scoring positions, the pitchers are making it past the fifth inning, and the bullpen is rock solid. I don't think any of us expect this at the beginning of June, and now I am beginning to read that the Brewers might even be buyers during the trading deadline.  What kind of alternate world am I living in right now?  A team that still is seven games under is going to be a buyer?

That tells me the Brewers believe the turn is being made and now the question remains what will they do about their starting staff with Doug Davis ready to come back?  My dad's theory was the Crew is keeping Davis down there as long as possible because they are trying to work out a trade. I tend to agree that might want to deal Davis but no one is safe right now amongst the lefties. Dave Bush is probably safe because he is the lone righty other than Yovani Gallardo who we all know is safe. I will be level five pissed if Davis is immediately inserted into the rotation because Ken Macha says 'the players make the lineup' and if that's the case, Davis doesn't deserve to start.  My plead to management is they learned from the Jeff Suppan mistake that they shouldn't reward pitchers with a start just because they have a larger contract than a guy like Chris Narveson or Manny Parra.

Both of those guys belong in the rotation due to their great performance. I personally love that Manny had 5 wild pitches, why?  He is throwing his splitter with confidence, something that he has never done before. So far this month, we haven't seen Manny lose his shit as he has done in the past.  Narveson just gave his best performance of his career and with a big start against St. Louis this weekend, he can really make a name for himself.  Like Parra, Narverson's confidence is getting higher and higher by each start.  No reason why they should ruin confidence of two young pitchers. 

The Brewers have had to make these decisions before and usually they have been the wrong choice.  Please do not let it happen again because that turn you think is happening will hit a stone wall.

-Charlie.

Brewers Weekly: Manny=Headcase

Brewer fans have found a new pitcher to hate... Manny Parra. Although while I thought Dave Bush's hatred was completely unwarranted last year and it still is (talking to you Eric, "If I had one bullet, it would be for Dave Bush"-Eric Nohelty). Now the Parra backlash is totally worth it because the guy has utterly lost his mind on the mound with a 3-8 record with a 7.25 ERA earning him a trip to Nashville to figure his shit out. I still believe that Parra can be a good pitcher in the big leagues because he has a great curveball, solid change, and a very good fastball. My other suggestion would be to have Mike Rivera catch Parra to give Manny a change of pace and hope that he may feel comfortable with Rivera. I am hoping the complete best for Manny and that he comes back with his head on straight. Now on to the disappointing 1-5 home stand although we are still in first place somehow.

Tuesday: I didnt like playing the Rockies this week as they were comin' in hot on a five game winning streak and the Brewers got off to a nice start with back-to-back runs in the 1st/2nd. Braden Looper needs to work on getting past the last inning he supposed to and if that doesnt happen, the Brewers are in big trouble. Todd Coffey is also at fault for not holding the game although he is due a poor performance.

Wednesday: There is no f'in reason why the Brewers should have lost to Jorge de la Rosa, a left-hander who struggled with Milwaukee and now he basically has his best outing of the year against the Crew. It was just another ugly game and the bats continue to fall asleep.

Thursday: Recently, Yovani Gallardo has been awesome for the Brewers but he struggled mightily giving up a bunch of walks although I cant really be mad at the guy. It was disappointing to see Carlos Villaneuva have more problems when Ryan Braun hit a homer in the 9th (shouldnt have struck out with the bases jacked in the first place).

Friday: A nice win where no home runs were involved and another solid start from Jeff Suppan who has been great as of late. Corey Hart started off with a huge three RBI day and continue a strong hot streak throughout the weekend.

Saturday: Just an awful performance by Manny Parra and we just got dominated by Jose Contreas which shouldnt have happened. In addition this was on national television which made it more embarrassing.

Sunday: If Corey Hart isnt batting second tomorrow, Macha's last name might be Yost. He hit two homers and kept the Crew in the game. Looper shouldnt have gave up a homer to Mark Buerhle who doesnt hit at all during the year. Also the Journal Sentinel is to blame with their continuous Sunday jinx with Trevor Hoffman on the cover.

Here is hoping for a better week.

-Charlie.