I attended last night's game. Another in a long line of Ned Yost Specials.

NTNgod can begin rolling his eyes now. Because as the Brewers season moves forward Ned's negatives are become more and more a barrier to the team's progress.

Ned Yost has some definitive positives. The players like him. He sets a very positive atmosphere around the clubhouse. He works well with Doug Melvin. He has built a fairly decent coaching staff. For a team with a good number of young players these are all good things.

HOWEVER, Ned's negatives, with a helping hand from Doug Melvin, are glaring. And last night was a microcosm of these failings.

1. Ned Yost's determination to have a slew of one inning relief pitchers.

The Milwaukee Brewers have 13 pitchers on the active roster. 13!! Included in this number are such luminaries as Dan Kolb, Jared Fernandez, Chris Demaria, and Jorge de La Rosa. Danny Kolb's specialty is a hard fastball down the middle of the plate. He is a less athletic version of Kyle Farnsworth. Chris Demaria, who helped lost last night's game, would be the 7th best pitcher on the Nashville staff. His "stuff" consists of throwing the ball in the direction of home plate and immediately crossing his fingers tightly after releasing the pitch. Chris has a wonderful career ahead of him in the insurance industry. Jorge de La Rosa has some interesting talent but since Yost doesn't trust him he spends most of his time in the bullpen. Which as everyone knows is a great place to develop one's talent. Sitting around staring aimlessly into the distance really helps a person refine their abilities. That de La Rosa might be better served PITCHING apparently has not occurred to Yost, Melvin, or anyone else in the Brewer front office.

But WAIT, it gets BETTER.

Because Ned only lets guys pitch an inning at a time should the starter get knocked out early or the Brewers go extra innings the bullpen quickly gets depleted. So not only does the team get in a bind with having to force a player conditioned for one inning finally go multiple innings (in case the game goes beyond 10 innings) the following day feels the ripple effect. Because should a similiar event happen within the next game or two the bullpen suddenly becomes GASSED. Despite 13 pitchers the bullpen is WIPED. This may read as completely impossible but Ned Yost has achieved what Don Baylor tried but failed. He can wipe out a bullpen bigger then most island nations.

2. Ned Yost has one pinch hitter.

Last season Wes Helms had a great season as a pinch hitter. Apparently the lesson Ned Yost took from that was NOT that a flexible roster could help you gain a tactical advantage. No. Ned learned that a single guy becomes your PINCH-HITTER. Period. Nobody else is worth anything. This season Gabe Gross hit some pinch homers to begin the season. Since then Gabe Gross is THE GUY. So once the Gabe GRoss bullet is fired Ned's holster is empty. He has nothing left. Yost clearly is lost as to what to do. So when Corey Koskie was asked to face Billy Wagner with JJ Hardy sitting on the bench Koskie was allowed to take his hacks. Even though superior lefty hitters were punched out in advance of Koskie.

3. Bill Hall is the bench.

The Brewers have two back up outfielders. Gabe Gross and Bill Hall. The Brewers have two backup infielders. Jeff Cirillo and Bill Hall. The Brewers have two backup catchers. Chad Moeller and Bill Hall. Well, actually that last one isn't true (I think) but right now the Brewers simply have no options late in the game because Yost (and Melvin) have decided that guys like Corey Hart, Nelson Cruz, and Mike Rivera are best served playing in Nashville. It's great that these guys are ringing up the scoreboard for the Sounds, but it wouldn't be that bad to have them lurking on the bench in case the Crew was, say, playing a close game where a HIT might help. And nobody ever gets to hit for the catcher in the game because should the game go extra and THAT guy gets hurts Yost has no options. Three times this season Chad Moeller has been allowed to hit in key situations late because Ned didn't feel comfortable replacing him. Think about it. Ned was concerned that if the pinch hitter SUCCEEEDED and tied the game but Miller (Moller's replacement defensively) then got hurt the Crew wouldn't have any idea what to do. So Yost let Moeller hit to avoid the CHANCE of maybe looking foolish. Read that again. Honest. That's the problem. Yost is avoiding making a move for fear of what MIGHT happen. It's pathetic.

The tradeoff is mighty interesting. Dan Kolb gets to hang around GIVING UP runs while Corey Hart is twiddling his thumbs SCORING RUNS for the Triple A team. Anyone else find that peculiar? Odd perhaps? Just a bit strange??

And the Brewers had OTHER options. They dumped Russ Branyan by the side of the road during the offseason. Branyan LIKED playing in Milwaukee. He could play first, third, or the outfield. Russ was a GREAT bench guy. Nah, didn't want him. Same with TRent Durrington. Durrington could play all over, steal a base, and every so often line a ball into the gap. Again, dumped him. Had no use for him.

So come the 7th inning it's Gabe Gross or Jeff Cirillo and then....................NOTHING. Ned is stumped. Stymied. The whole game becomes a giant case of hoping Carlos can bail him out again with a big hit.

SUMMARY:

Milwaukee has had a lot of things go RIGHT this season. Prince is hitting BETTER then expected at this stage of the season. Normally he spends the first two months of a season hitting like Neifi Perez before turning it on. Carlos Lee's salary drive is in full force. Rickie Weeks is recovering from his thumb injury and holding his own despite the defensive struggles. Chris Capuano seems to be taking the next step forward. Dave Bush is decent at the back of the rotation. Bill Hall just keeps on keeping on. Damian Miller has found the Fountain of Youth.

Crew fans can mutter about Ohka getting hurt or Sheets going back on the DL or Brady scuffling to start the season. But the team has been in position to WIN a good number of games. But when it matters the MANAGER, not the PLAYERS, has failed to do his job. The BASICS of putting the right people in position to succeed are not happening once the game begins.

Ned's idea of managing is put 8 guys on the field and PRESTO--team wins.

Well, Milwaukee doesn't have that level of talent. He needs to be involved. And right now he is not up to the task. And if he was new to the role I would be more forgiving. But Yost has been FAILING in these areas for several YEARS now. Melvin needs to either get him the "Idiot's Guide to Game Management" or consider an alternative. Because he is getting in the way.

Thank you for your time.

Forgive me, Harvey's but as to this passage:

Well, actually that last one isn't true (I think) but right now the Brewers simply have no options late in the game because Yost (and Melvin) have decided that guys like Corey Hart, Nelson Cruz, and Mike Rivera are best served playing in Nashville. It's great that these guys are ringing up the scoreboard for the Sounds, but it wouldn't be that bad to have them lurking on the bench in case the Crew was, say, playing a close game where a HIT might help.

Why is the GM in the parenthetical instead of having his name emphasized as the bigger part of the problem? Obviously, you know the way this organization works a lot better than I do, but if the roster was being so massively misaligned like that on my team, I'd put the lion's share of the blame on the GM, not the manager. Not so on the Brewers?

Pedro is the awesomeness.

Sam M:

My understanding is that Yost has pleaded WITH AND convinced Melvin that because of:

--Sheets coming back from injury
--Bush being "untested"

that the Brewers HAD to have additional arms coming out of spring training. That Sheets is on the DL along with Ohka just cements the current roster.

Doug Melvin gives the manager a lot of input on his roster. At TIMES he interjects more directly as in the case of Wes Helms. Helms was given an absurd amount of playing time in 2004, and it was starting to tear apart the clubhouse. Scott Podsednik openly rebelled based on the accusation that performance didn't matter to Yost, only that he liked you. Yost was losing the team and to correct things Melvin traded Pod in the offseason and directly ORDERED Yost to plant Helms on the bench for the 2005 season no matter his output.

Melvin has also given Yost very clear instructions as to the playing time for Weeks, Hardy, and Fielder. Note that Hardy hit about .100 for several months to start the 2005 season but stayed in the lineup. It cannot be questioned that any other manager would have been griping to some degree about having to play the "kid". Ron Gardenshire gets to demote Jason Bartlett for the way Jason looks at him during Spring Training.

Anyway, in return for these conditions Melvin defers to Yost on the remainder of the roster. It's pretty galling because Doug Melvin has proven himself to be a d*mn good judge of talent. He can tell who can play and who cannot. I am less certain about Yost. It's only because he really can't go wrong with whomever he inserts in the lineup right now that he looks ok. Honest, other then Chad Moeller there isn't a below average position player on the Milwaukee roster which cannot be said for many teams. That it only speaks to 11(!) players is what is disappointing.

Doug Melvin doesn't WANT to TELL Ned who to play. He wants to focus on FINDING the talent and making it available. But I do know Melvin is getting a bit concerned about the Brewers repeated failures in close games. Doug is paying a LOT more attention to THAT then he is to say Rickie's defensive problems at second base.

For anyone curious Brewer management is convinced that Rickie Weeks will make the adjustment. Having spoken to several players they speak with genuine awe about Weeks ability. What isn't discussed but is understood around the clubhouse is that Weeks is still recovering from offseason thumb surgery. That the kid is:

--playing a tough defensive position
--batting leadoff
--battling through his recovery period while playing every day

only helps his rep in the clubhouse. There isn't a guy on the team who doesn't think the world of Rickie Weeks. Same with Fielder and Hardy. It is legitimately surprising and pleasing that not only do the vets accept the kids they LIKE them. Having watched many a clubhouse that is not a regular happening.

I see SO MANY positives about the Brewers right now. It's incredibly frustrating to see multiple games frittered away because the manager couldn't hold his own in Strat-O-Matic.

Sigh........................

What channel is this one in NY? I'm getting Arena football.

Ah. 2:05 local start. Stupid time zones.

At my Passover Seder, I spent about a hour chatting with a cousin who is living in China. One of the more interesting "I did not know that" moments wss when he mentioned that there is one time zone in the whole country.

That has to suck if you are on the other side of the country.

2pm start.

no, 2:05 eastern. It's 1:30 now.

Is Floyd going to sit against all LHP from now on? If so, he might not play in a while. Monday's a day off, and Mulder is pitching on Tuesday.

He should sit against all everything from now on.

Randy Johnson is getting hit hard again over in Oakland. It may be the end of the line for him. Although I get the feeling that if the Yankees make it to October, the Big Unit has a couple more gems left in that arm.

This Brewers lineup is really good. Too bad Carlos Lee will be in another uniform next year. I like Bill Hall a lot, and Weeks is developing into a very good hitter - a rare asset for 2B.

Eddie C. in the booth!

Although I get the feeling that if the Yankees make it to October, the Big Unit has a couple more gems left in that arm.

Like that awesome game he pitched in the LDS last year? He's a stiff. And a jerk at that.

OK, what is Keith in trouble for now?

Old Brew Crew uniforms!

OK, what is Keith in trouble for now?

Actually, he is just sick.

OK, what is Keith in trouble for now?

Actually, he is just sick.

Hernandez is probably out because he's sick.

That's not a good start.

Eddie probably had to buy a tie on his way to the stadium.

Well, that was a crappy half-inning.

Is Keith Hernandez sick?

Let's go Pedro!

We need Pedro to be lights out today. I can see him toying with some of these good young hitters on the Brewers. (Fingers crossed).

I have to say, I don't have a good feeling about this game and I'm usually optimistic.

I wanted to see how he would do 100 PAs into the season, but I'm about ready to throw in the towel on Matsui. I don't think he'll ever to be a good hitter - these last two years have not been a fluke. The Mets should start thinking about trading for a passable 2bman.

Nice recovery Beltran.

Beltran plays very deep.

I have faith in Pedro. Today's matchup favors us.

K!

Over in Philly, Myers is about to complete the Hamels-Lieber-Myers shutdown of the Cincy offense. The Phillies are going to be real tough this year.

Pedro!

<i>I have to say, I don't have a good feeling about this game and I'm usually optimistic.

I don't know. If you don't have a good feeling with Pedro on the mound, you're just being pessimistic. I always feel good about our chances when he's pitching.

Pedro is looking good.

Cutter! I love Pedro.

Without looking it up, doesn't this Brewers team strike out alot? I can see Pedro putting up 12-14 Ks today. I think he knows the Mets need this game.

The Phils are good, but they are not this good. They'll cool off eventually.

The Mets need to trade for Castillo and Radke. What do you think the Twins would ask for?

I think it's about time David broke out. I predict a big game from him today.

Yay Wright!

The Mets need to trade for Castillo and Radke. What do you think the Twins would ask for?

Both free agents, aren't they? They can't demand much. Radke may even retire and not even net a draft pick (not that he seems like a good candidate to receive an arbitration offer).

Sam M:

Just thought you would like to know that "Sally" had her pups. Six healthy specimens, four gents and two gals. The mother is resting comfortably with her young charges.

Good coloring. There is some latent "lemon" ticking in the gene pool. While it is certainly not a major issue I find lemon coloring to be completely unnatural and therefore something of an irritant. I prefer the classic hound look.

If anyone is curious Doug Davis' issues early this season have been solely that of control. Literally in the middle of an inning he will suddenly lose command, walk two in about ten pitches, and then give up a moon shot. He then will manage to correct himself only to do it again two innings later. It's odd and driving both he and coach Mike Maddux crazy.

Speaking of which..............

The Phils are good, but they are not this good. They'll cool off eventually.

Their pitching is especially not this good. The offense is legitimate, but should the Phillies remain in the race, they are likely to have the worst pitching staff among contenders. Except maybe the Yankees if RJ is really finished.

I'm not sold on Radke. He's a control pitcher, and they usually have shorter lives. It may be the end for Radke.

What do you think the Twins would ask for?

Milledge and Pelfrey.

The Mets need to trade for Castillo and Radke.

Would Radke want to leave Minny? I seem to remember him taking less money to stay there and saying he was going to retire after his contract ran out.

I think Radke might have trouble pitching with that giant fork sticking out of his back, but he's got to be a better choice than Lima.

Yay X-man walk!

Ya' know, I really don't ENJOY predicting the future. It's tough knowing that which will be all the time...............

Their pitching is especially not this good.

I dunno about that. It looks like Myers has taken the leap into Ace status. Lieber has always been one of the underrated pitchers in the game (except when he pitched for the Yanks) - I don't think he's ever been over 4.50. And Hamels is the wild card - if he doesn't show rookie nerves, he gives the Phils 3 very good starters.

If the Mets are going to start Valentin two games in a row, they might as well call up Diaz.

They can't demand much.

You guys sre nuts. Didn't the Twins trade some real good prospects this off season to get Castillo. They are going to want at least that much back, plus what it would take to get Radke. Small market teams expect a premium when dealing with the Mets and usually get it.

Valentin again!

This is such an odd move. Valentin didn't hit lefties all that much when he was in his prime.

That Valentin is one wild and crazy guy.

Once again, I eat my words. Nice job, Valentin!

Valentin = rejuvinated.

That's just terrible pitching. If that were a Met who gave that up to the # 8 hitter ahead of a hitter like Pedro, I'd be going nuts.

Valentin! Also badly misjudged by Lee.

Who is this guy and what did he do with Jose Valentin? Good job.

You guys sre nuts. Didn't the Twins trade some real good prospects this off season to get Castillo. They are going to want at least that much back, plus what it would take to get Radke. Small market teams expect a premium when dealing with the Mets and usually get it.

I didn't mean to suggest that they wouldn't ask a lot. I would just be suprised if they got it. Of course, the Mets should have traded for him instead of Blow Duca.

That was a pretty crappy inning by Davis. Two walks and a terrible pitch to the number 8 hitter with the pitcher on deck and two outs in the inning?

I'm looking at the Yanks/Oak game on the net, and who do I see warming up in the Yanks bullpen? Scott Erickson. Beautiful. Just too funny.

Post 53:

Doug Davis simply cannot get out of this pattern. It's maddening. Walk, walk, BAM. Walk, walk, BAM. It's a d*mn conga routine over and over and over again.

The Crew could really use some help with Sheets out and the team having seen multiple starters leave extra early lately. But heaven forbid a veteran pitcher step forward and provide some sense of calm.

And then tomorrow Doug will talk again about "Gee, I just don't know what happens. I just seem to lose it out of nowhere." Doug has been an overall plus to the club, but I don't think it's coincidence that he is a .500 pitcher despite the strikeouts and innings pitched. Whether it's lack of focus or what I have no idea.

Reyes showing the range.

Nice play by Reyes.

Reyes has the 3rd best ZR in the NL so far:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding?seasonType=2&sortOrder=true&split=82&groupId=8&season=2006&qualified=null&sortColumn=zoneRating

You know what the scary part about Fielder is? He's only going to get better.

Harveys, trade ya Diaz for Davis. Alright, alright, since you're such a tough negotiator, we'll concede and add in Lima as well.

Fielder is such a smart hitter.

Just thought you would like to know that "Sally" had her pups. Six healthy specimens, four gents and two gals. The mother is resting comfortably with her young charges.

As my people say, Mazel Tov!!!! Wonderful.

Prince certainly didn't learn his hitting approach from his dad.

That was not ball four.

Where the heck was that pitch to Koskie???

nuts

Oh Pedro...

That was not ball four.

overhead cam showed it was outside.

Damien F. Miller??? Geez.

Nevermind it was ball four. And #### FUCK ####!!!!!

DAMN YOU RUSSLAN AND YOUR BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS GAME

UGH. I told you guys, I didn't have a good feeling about this game.

2 walks and a blast, just like that.

I'm still optimistic, come on Pedro, lock down from here on it!

Pedro ain't goin' to no Mets.

Gee, maybe what Davis has is catching?

In all seriousness Davis will give this right back. I am not being pessimistic. That's what he is doing right now. It just IS. He will walk someone, like Reyes, and then after getting Matsui Beltran will hit one 3 miles. And Doug will fuss around the mound and make a big show about how upset he is.

Our pitching has been brutal in this series.

I blame Lima.

Sam M:

Damian is on FIRE lately. So of course Ned has him in the lineup ignoring that the guy is 36 and likely to collapse at any moment. Why Milwaukee can't bring up Mike Rivera I have no idea. He is ten times the hitter of a Chad Moeller and with Sheets on the shelf Chad's status as Ben's personal caddy isn't that valuable right now.

5 runs on 2 hits. Go figure...............

I blame Chris Dial.

You gotta be kidding me, Jose. The bunt doesnt work if its not surprising anyone. And goddammit, Matsui sucks.

Coming in to today, the Mets are averaging giving up 5.7 runs in games caught by Ramon Castro. And no, there's no pattern to which guys are starting those games. Small sample size, yes. But I believe they also gave up more runs with him catching last year, too. Just sayin'.

Having the good Beltran makes these innings less painful.

0-2 and then he walks him. Not even close.

Can you now understand why a fan would find Doug Davis incredibly frustrating. Countdown to liftoff...3...2...1.....BINGO. Mets lead a comin'..

I really disagree with Reyes trying to bunt. Davis is having control problems.

Damian is on FIRE lately.

That's all well and good. But if Pedro throws his real slider, Miller doesn't hit it out, no matter how hot he is. That was a terrible pitch.

It's time for a Beltran special.

Nice cut, Beltran.

Beltran swings at ball 4.

AARRRGGGGGHHH!!!! Beltran . . . .

That wasn't too special. Come on rest of the lineup.

But if Pedro throws his real slider

Castro called for teh hanging slider.