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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Milwaukee Brewers (14-11) @ Chicago Cubs (16-9), Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 8:05pm

MIL: Ben Sheets (29, RHP, 3-0, 0.96)
CHC: Jason Marquis (29, RHP, 1-0, 3.47)

The Primer Chimp Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:00 AM | 179 comment(s)
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   1. Stevens Posted: April 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM (#2762439)
Sheets is back just in time for the Cubbies. Of course. Well, here's hoping Marquis can keep it together.

A shame it's not a day game. I would have enjoyed a chatter with the good Crew fans as a pleasant work distraction.
   2. Bunny Vincennes Posted: April 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM (#2762451)
A shame it's not a day game.

This fact has not stopped my Brewer "fan" co-workers from talking a lot of #### today.
   3. Moses Taylor, Optimist Posted: April 29, 2008 at 02:58 PM (#2762700)
I don't count on Marquis being that reliable tonight. Hopefully Sheets is rusty (I won't root for him to still be hurt) and the Cubs offense enjoyed the day off and gets back to their patient slugging ways.
   4. Bunny Vincennes Posted: April 29, 2008 at 03:54 PM (#2762803)
Marquis is a an odd tight rope act. Watching him is maddening.
   5. Death to Tasty Things (Justin T) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:06 PM (#2763132)
Mike Cameron in the house.
   6. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:09 PM (#2763141)
<i>I don't count on Marquis being that reliable tonight.

Fixed that for you.

That said, he has settled in with some good starts lately.
   7. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:10 PM (#2763143)
Ringing double high off the ivy.
Nice first swing by Cameron :P
   8. whoisalhedges Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:13 PM (#2763152)
Well, if Braun's gonna swing at those pitches in the dirt, he may as well run.
   9. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:13 PM (#2763154)
I realize he's been hitting, but Soto has been rather poor defensively (Michael Barrett-ish) every time I see him
   10. whoisalhedges Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:14 PM (#2763155)
1-0 Crew!
   11. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:14 PM (#2763156)
Sac fly works for me.
   12. whoisalhedges Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:14 PM (#2763159)
I realize he's been hitting, but Soto has been rather poor defensively (Michael Barrett-ish) every time I see him

Yeah, but if I were a Cub fan, I'd take the D with the bat he's been showing. Don't know if it'll last, but still.
   13. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:15 PM (#2763160)
I realize he's been hitting, but Soto has been rather poor defensively (Michael Barrett-ish) every time I see him

NLoCD in action!
   14. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:17 PM (#2763163)
I'd take the D with the bat he's been showing.


Wouldn't say otherwise.
   15. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:22 PM (#2763184)
Soriano might do that more than his share of the time, but I get the feeling that Johnson is going to be evacuated from the leadoff spot just in the nick of time.
   16. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:27 PM (#2763197)
Can't knock the patience. Whatever gets Sheets out of there sooner.
   17. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:27 PM (#2763198)
After the last 23 seasons, I could watch the Cubs just draw walks all season long.
   18. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:27 PM (#2763199)
Fukudome didn't get the patience memo on that swing.
   19. whoisalhedges Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:29 PM (#2763202)
Nice play by Prince.

He'd be an okay 1B if he could bend down and get the throw in the dirt (and with Weeks at second, there'll be plenty of those).
   20. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:41 PM (#2763238)
I think Soto might have just had trouble picking up Washington's finesse lefties. He has a willingness to work the outside pitch the other way, but mighht get a bit tied up on the balls breaking in on his hands.
   21. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:41 PM (#2763240)
Sheets' command hasn't been so hot, to put it mildly. Those pitches to Pie weren't even close.
   22. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:42 PM (#2763241)
Fukudome's patience memo must have been sent to Pie by mistake. Whoda thunk that Pie would have been able to follow it though?
   23. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:42 PM (#2763242)
Marquis not a bad guy to have up here.
   24. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:43 PM (#2763251)
Yeah, but Pie bunting--Brenly speculated sac bunting--is still stupid.


####...Felix dying the mark prior death.
   25. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:43 PM (#2763252)
That was a funky looking play.
   26. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:44 PM (#2763254)
Looks like a groin injury maybe. Or maybe Pie likes tugging his genitals.
   27. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:45 PM (#2763258)
Perhaps they haven't fully untwisted.
   28. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:46 PM (#2763261)
Sheets may not have command, but that hook looks pretty.
   29. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:47 PM (#2763262)
We're going to need Pie, I hope that was nothing bad.
   30. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:47 PM (#2763263)
He's got better control of the hard, short hook than he does the fastball or slow curve so far.
   31. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:50 PM (#2763271)
How do the Brewers fans feel about bringing back Sheets tonight? Considering the weather, and the fact that he had 1 side session on flat ground, this really screams of typical Yost.
   32. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:51 PM (#2763277)
Jerry Crawford appears to have hypothermia.
   33. Moses Taylor, Optimist Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:54 PM (#2763287)
The delay is cause the ump is cold? Seriously?
   34. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:54 PM (#2763288)
Southside:

Agreed. Ned has a blind spot with respect to Sheets. He's the 'ace'. Period. End of discussion. He will pitch and I wouldn't be surprised if Yost left him out there for 110 pitches.

Same thing with Gallardo. Kid has knee surgery, three stints in the minors and first game back on a rainy day in Cincinnati Yost rides him for 112 pitches over seven innings. And then the next start it's 117 pitches.

The Brewers have been in their share of extra inning games so Yost had the rationale of trying to save his bullpen. But other guys he treats like they are made of fine China (Suppan).

I have surrendered to the notion that barring Ned exposing himself to Mrs. Melvin he will remain the manager until Doug is relieved of his command.
   35. Death to Tasty Things (Justin T) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:54 PM (#2763291)
I think I read that home plate umps in all games tonight are checking out early as a tribute to Kerwin Danley.
   36. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:55 PM (#2763295)
How do the Brewers fans feel about bringing back Sheets tonight? Considering the weather, and the fact that he had 1 side session on flat ground, this really screams of typical Yost.


They already skipped one of his starts, even though it wasn't viewed as a major problem. If Sheets wasn't feeling the soreness beforehand (and he was being truthful), there's not much reason to hold him back longer.
   37. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:57 PM (#2763302)
Agreed. Ned has a blind spot with respect to Sheets. He's the 'ace'. Period. End of discussion.


I think if Melvin thought Sheets was at risk, he would have already stuck him on the DL, rather than having him be dead weight for 10 days.
   38. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 08:59 PM (#2763307)
Do you think it was something where Sheets could afford to have just been pushed back a couple days, but since the Cubs were coming up, they held him off to face a division rival?
   39. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:03 PM (#2763316)
No - between Sheets being dead-weight and Turnbow being non-existent, that really messed with the roster.

It seems like way too much hardship for too little gain, especially with the Brewers playing a ton of extra-inning games.
   40. Fred Garvin, Male Prostitute Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM (#2763322)
So what's the delay?
   41. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM (#2763323)
NTN/Southside:

First, Melvin has 14 d*mn pitchers on the roster 1/3 of which stink. I think Doug is more than comfortable with the concept of "dead weight". Turnbow is the very definition of dead weight.

Second, Sheets just threw the other day but if you had a brain would you pitch your fragile pitcher in a controlled environment or on a cool April evening?

Yost has the sense of a rutebaga...............
   42. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:05 PM (#2763325)
So what's the delay?

Home plate ump Jerry Crawford left the game due to the cold, and another ump had to put on the gear.
   43. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM (#2763329)
Cards are blooping the Reds to death. Ankiel rainbowed one just past Phillips. 4-0 Cards.
   44. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM (#2763330)
What's peoples' opinions on Ronny vs. Theriot. Ronny has a higher BB rate and a lower K rate than last season. But otherwise his fangraphs peripherals aren't all that different from last year. Cedeno has a .429 BABIP vs. a career BABIP of .303. Theriot has upped his BB rate, his K-rate and his LD% significantly. This year Theriot has a .364 BABIP vs. a career average of .308.

I don't know how to interpret these numbers, though. Early returns suggest improvement for both players in component stats; moreso for Theriot than Cedeno. I think it's WAY to early to say that the component statistics represent any significant change any more than Ronny's .962 OPS or Theriot's .849 OPS represent anything about their production. I guess I'm curious how far both players will fall / the extent to which the improvement is real.
   45. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM (#2763334)
Well that didn't last long. Idiot.
   46. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:07 PM (#2763336)
I have always like Cedeno. I think Theriot is a utility guy.

Glaus just hit a triple/error though the official scorer will likely be a stooge and call it an inside-the-park homer.
   47. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:08 PM (#2763340)
I was joking about the hypothermia thing since it was 35 frikkin degrees here this morning.

Ronny vs. Theriot? It's Ronny in a runaway.

Marquis ###### sucks. But yeah, let's make sure to push back Rich Hill cause he had a bad game 3 weeks ago.
   48. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:08 PM (#2763341)
Brewers are getting really, really good swings on Marquis.
   49. Moses Taylor, Optimist Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:08 PM (#2763342)
Marquis sucks? Who knew.
   50. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:09 PM (#2763347)
Even though Ronny probably isn't as good as he's looked so far, I prefer him over Theriot. I appreciate what Theriot did for the team last year, but I don't think that's reason enough to not give Ronny consideration if he can give Theriot a run for his money.
   51. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:09 PM (#2763350)
What a horrible pitch.
   52. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:10 PM (#2763352)
Yeah Jason, it's the balls.
   53. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:10 PM (#2763355)
I've concluded the only thing more agonizing than watching a Jason Marquis start is watching a Jason Marquis start via Gameday.
   54. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:11 PM (#2763358)
Len: "Marquis has not looked the same since the delay"

Um....okay.
   55. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:11 PM (#2763362)
All Theriot did for the team last year was be not Cesar Izturis.
   56. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:12 PM (#2763365)
I've concluded the only thing more agonizing than watching a Jason Marquis start is watching a Jason Marquis start via Gameday.


I don't know... you could pretend the Brewers are getting lucky with bloops, when in reality, everything this inning (even the out) has been positively smoked.
   57. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2763369)
Infield in in the 3rd inning is just a terrible idea.
   58. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2763371)
Rise, ERA, rise!
   59. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:14 PM (#2763372)
Not when every dot is placed behind the OF fence.
   60. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:15 PM (#2763376)
Not when every dot is placed behind the OF fence.

"Really strong wind"
   61. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:17 PM (#2763381)
Enough out of you, the faster Marquis gets Zitoed the better.
   62. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:19 PM (#2763391)
I still can't quite wrap my head around the contract Marquis got last year. An ERA over 6!!! And he gets 3/20. Amazing.
   63. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM (#2763399)
Why do you guys like Derrek Lee?
   64. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM (#2763400)
Marquis isn't the only one seeing his ERA rise.
   65. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM (#2763401)
So glad the pop's back.
   66. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:21 PM (#2763407)
See, I think Theriot could be a borderline sarter. A SS with a .980 f%, but not a lot of range, who steals bases at around 80% and hits for an OBP heavy 88 OPS+ seems like a starter (maybe a 2nd division starter, though) to me. Ideally, Ronny Cedeno could put up an OPS+ around 100 and play rangier, but less surehanded SS, but I don't think it's necessarily the case that a job-sharing arrangement is the wrong play. A 150 OPS+, even in only 45 or so PAs, cries out for playing time, though.
   67. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:21 PM (#2763412)
Oops.
   68. greenback06 Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:25 PM (#2763431)
Cards are blooping the Reds to death. Ankiel rainbowed one just past Phillips. 4-0 Cards.


Harvey, make sure you watch Dunn's error tonight.
   69. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:27 PM (#2763445)
Where did the bad defense come from all of a sudden? Hadn't been in evidence most of the season
   70. Moses Taylor, Optimist Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:27 PM (#2763446)
When is the cubs first trip to Milwaukee?
   71. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:27 PM (#2763450)
When is the cubs first trip to Milwaukee?

July, I believe.
   72. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:28 PM (#2763456)
New guy's zone kinda sucks.
   73. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:29 PM (#2763463)
That 2-1 pitch to Soto was nasty. It looked like a strike, too.

This is killing he Sheets K/BB ratio.
   74. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:29 PM (#2763468)
Another five walks for the Cubs, in three innings. Wow, just ####### wow.
   75. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:31 PM (#2763474)
Sheets and Zambrano now have the same number of walks this season. That's CRAZY!
   76. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:32 PM (#2763476)
Cubs might have a chance if they get Marquis the hell out of there.
   77. Moses Taylor, Optimist Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:34 PM (#2763494)
Thanks, ntn.

We got ourselves a warm weather style game. And its f'in cold here.
   78. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:37 PM (#2763516)
Sheets at 71 pitches through 3.
   79. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:38 PM (#2763522)
Crawford is now headed to the hospital for an unspecified reason?
   80. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:38 PM (#2763526)
I wish the Cubs would have signed Cameron instead of Reed Johnson. I love Cameron. I assume that wouldn't have been possible since he'd have wanted a starting job.
   81. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:43 PM (#2763548)
Yes, reportedly Crawford was not feeling well.
   82. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:44 PM (#2763552)
'bout time that sharp curve gets called a strike.
   83. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:44 PM (#2763555)
Sort of a Jason Kendall fan, so it's nice to see he's thrown out 40% of runners who've attempted to steal off of him. Nice to see that footwork stuff paying off.
   84. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:45 PM (#2763559)
First clean inning for Sheets. Assuming the Cubs don't go up there hacking next inning, I doubt he sees the sixth.
   85. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:45 PM (#2763561)
Whatever. That looked like a ball to me.
   86. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2763567)
Marquis has been getting a ton of borderline low strikes with his sinker.
   87. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:47 PM (#2763568)
Jesus! Whack the ball you stupid Brewers! Marquis is bad enough as it is without a bunch of guys playing lawyerball against him.
   88. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:51 PM (#2763579)
I think the ump called him safe before he got to the base.
   89. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:51 PM (#2763581)
Nevermind, Corey Hart's just friggin tall.
   90. Sweet Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:51 PM (#2763582)
I wish the Cubs would have signed Cameron instead of Reed Johnson.

Yeah, I have a bad feeling we'll be referring to Johnson/Theriot at the top of lineup as Piss/Poor II any day now. Granted, that .750 OPS is OBP-heavy, but it's heading south fast.
   91. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:53 PM (#2763587)
What the hell happened at the tail end of that Hall RBI? Weird.

Yeah, I have a bad feeling we'll be referring to Johnson/Theriot at the top of lineup as Piss/Poor II any day now.
Soriano to remain in leadoff spot
   92. Sweet Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:54 PM (#2763591)
Pie's going to get reacquainted with Des Moines real soon if he doesn't start hitting the cutoff man.
   93. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:55 PM (#2763593)
GOD DAMMIT!!!! How many times do we have to be told about Pie airmailing a throw earlier this season. Even though this time was in the midst of a compliment, it;s still annoying. Reed Johnson has "aimailed" a couple and we never hear about it at all.
   94. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:57 PM (#2763600)
Pie's going to get reacquainted with Des Moines real soon if he doesn't start hitting the cutoff man.


NOT Pie's fault at all. Lee wasn't really in position to cut off a throw home. He streaked over to grab Pie's throw--which Marquis coulda cut off where he was standing--and it bounced off his glove.
   95. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:59 PM (#2763608)
I'm not sure why Sheets is still out there after walking Ramirez. I suspect/hope it is the ease with which he's handled Fukudome and they'll take him out after him.
   96. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 09:59 PM (#2763609)
Kendall's got to stop pointing to a non-existant third base umpire.
   97. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 10:01 PM (#2763614)
Sending Pie to the minors for Lee botching a cutoff would be very Cubs-like.
   98. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM (#2763618)
Is anyone in the pen for the Brew?
   99. NTNgod Posted: April 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM (#2763620)
McClung was throwing earlier.
   100. SouthSideRyan(roots for dreck) Posted: April 29, 2008 at 10:03 PM (#2763621)
7 walks for Sheets. Wow.
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