SB Nation - Angel Berroa

Friday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:03:38 -0000

More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP

It appears Claudio Vargas was never photographed as a Brewer. He'll get another chance to show up in an AP photo in 2010.

Browse more photos »

Some things to read while simulating a sunrise.

Claudio Vargas is expected in Milwaukee for his physical late in the day today, so we can expect an official announcement on his contract sometime late this afternoon. Vargas had to return from the Dominican Republic, where he just reported to winter ball a few weeks ago and has yet to allow an earned run in four relief appearances, including two saves. Since he's only logged 6.1 innings of work, he might head back down there after the physical.

Until last season, Vargas had thought of himself as a starter temporarily pitching out of the bullpen, but Adam McCalvy has the story of how a late-season matchup against Albert Pujols changed his mind and caused him to embrace his new role.

Once the Vargas signing is official, the Brewer 40 man roster will be full. Tom H. engaged in a little rosterbation and notes the team is pretty much set going into spring training, barring an injury or trade.

With a tight roster, apparently there's no room for Seth McClung. McClung tweeted that the Brewers sent an email to his agent letting him know they're not interested in pursuing a deal to bring him back as a free agent. He's also looking to sell his house in Florida, if you're in the market.

Meanwhile, Adam McCalvy posted a correction to an earlier report on the incentives in LaTroy Hawkins' contract: they're actually tied to appearances and games finished, not saves. As TheJay noted, the collective bargaining agreement prohibits teams from tying incentives to "skill" stats, but allows them for playing time.

Elsewhere in the bullpen, Chuck Lofgren's hometown paper has a story about his opportunity to pitch for the Brewers this spring. They also have this quote, which might remind you of another former Brewer reliever/pinch hitter:

"I don't prepare for spring training like a hitter would, but I do still get in the cage,'' Lofgren said. "I can still hit. I never really lost it.''

Months into the offseason, the market hasn't heated up quite as much as one might have expected for second basemen. FanGraphs has a look at the guys that still remain on the market, including Felipe Lopez, and the possibility that they'll have to change positions to find work this offseason. I still think Lopez would have turned down arbitration in search of full-time work, but perhaps the Brewers knew something we didn't in terms of the market for his services.

Adam McCalvy also picked up on that note, and his ensuing post on Lopez included this note regarding the Brewer payroll for 2010:

Melvin says he still has some flexibility left over to troll the market in January and February for bargains. If he doesn't find any deals to his liking, Melvin could retain that flexibility into June and July to make a pre-trade deadline deal.

I guess the possibility of another signing shouldn't be ruled out.

Have the Brewers done enough to improve themselves this offseason? Reds Blog handicapped the 2010 NL Central, and said the Brewers "may be slightly better than the Reds, but not much."

John Steinmiller and Caitlin Moyer continue to give us looks into the offseason jobs of the Brewer front office staff: Today they have a look at the work being done by Aleta Mercer, Brewers Senior Director of Entertainment and Broadcasting.

Meanwhile, the Timber Rattlers' front office staff still has some time on their hands, as demonstrated by the five minute battle for superiority between ketchup and mustard in this week's episode of The Offseason.

The Timber Rattlers are also looking for your help to select a shortstop for their 15th anniversary team. Follow this link to read about the candidates, then click over to the front page to vote.

Speaking of voting, we have two of the closest races to date for our BCB All Decade Team. You have until 4 pm today to cast a vote for a backup catcher, where Mike Rivera leads Jason Kendall by 13 votes. You also have until 4 pm tomorrow to cast a vote for our fourth outfielder, where Carlos Lee leads Scott Podsednik by 28 votes, with Jeromy Burnitz lurking over his shoulder.

Around baseball:

Dodgers: Signed infielders Doug Mientkiewicz and Angel Berroa to minor league deals.
Marlins: Signed Ricky Nolasco to a $3.8 million, one year deal, avoiding arbitration.
Mets: Signed Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi to a two year deal worth $3 million.
Padres: Signed outfielder Chris Denorfia to a minor league deal.

Here's another research project for a reader looking for something to do: Max Marchi of The Hardball Times looks at the difference in pitches CC Sabathia threw to three Yankee catchers in 2009, showing he appeared to prefer to throw sinkers to Jose Molina. I'd be curious to see if there are any disparities in pitches thrown to Mike Rivera and Jason Kendall last season.

There seem to be enough sites discussing it so I'm not going to turn the Mug into a daily receptacle for notes on Hall of Fame voting, but I did find these notes interesting:

Tom H. submitted his ballot yesterday, and had nine players on it. He didn't name them but based on this argument for Bert Blyleven, it's safe to assume he's one of them.
Followers on Twitter convinced Jeff Fletcher of AOL to change his mind and vote yes for Tim Raines.
Rob Neyer reminded us that some Hall of Fame voters still don't get it.

Speaking of Neyer, earlier this week I mentioned his post on the top 100 players of the decade, which included Corey Koskie (among others), but not Prince Fielder. Tangotiger has a look at Koskie's career, and his somewhat surprising route to 22 WAR in slightly more than five full seasons.

If that's not enough stat content for you today, Big League Stew has everything you always wanted to know about WPA.

There may be snow on the field on or near Opening Day, but at least Target Field will have functional bathrooms. Hall of Famer and Twins exec Tony Oliva was recently trapped in a Metrodome bathroom when the handle fell off the door.

I've heard of players doing all kinds of things to break slumps, but Hee Seop Choi might have topped them all by climbing Mount Seorak.

On this day in 1985, the Brewers traded two minor leaguers to the Giants for Rob Deer. Long before Russell Branyan was king of the Three True Outcomes, Deer was a 3TO Pioneer, hitting .229/.329/.450 with 333 walks, 137 home runs and 823 strikeouts in five seasons as a Brewer. Those 137 home runs were the tenth most in baseball during that stretch.

Happy birthday today to 2009 Nashville Sound Patrick Arlis, who turns 29.

Oh, and I'm hoping Garrett Broshuis will eventually share the plans for his Radioactive Cardboard Catcher.

Drink up.

Worst New York Yankees of the Decade

Ed Valentine — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:17 -0000

We had some fun the other day debating the Pinstripe Alley Yankee Team of the Decade. Good points were raised on several controversial choices.

Along the way, some of you asked for the 'Worst Yankees of the Decade' team. I thought that would be fun, so I decided to take a shot at it.

Looking at the rosters over the years, though, I found it almost impossible to narrow it down to a single team. Instead, position-by-position, here are some of the most forgettable -- and regrettable -- Yankees of the past decade.

I am sure there are many other names that could or should be added to this list. But, this should get you started strolling down the wrong side of Yankee Memory Lane.

C -- Alberto Castillo, Chris Turner, Chris Widger, Todd Greene, Joe Oliver, Bobby Estelalla, Wil Nieves, Sal Fasano, Michel Hernandez,

1B -- Travis Lee (.105 in 7 games)

2B -- Tony Womack

SS -- Erick Almonte,

3B -- Wilson Betemit, Drew Henson,

INF -- Alex Arias, Felix Escalona (.000, 5 games in 2004), Mark Bellhorn (.118, 9 games, 2005), Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa, Morgan Ensberg

OF -- Kenny Lofton, Matt Lawton (.125, 21 games, 2005), Mike Vento, Justin Christian,

DH -- Jose Canseco

SP -- Kevin Brown, Tim Redding (54.00 ERA in 1 game, 2005), Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa, Jaret Wright (Carl Pavano BEFORE Pavano), Christian Parker (one 2001 start, got hurt, never pitched again), Jeff Weaver, Darrell May, Sidney Ponson (multiple times),

RP -- Alex Graman (19.80 in 3 games, 2004) & 13.50 in 2 games, 2005), Colter Bean, Bret Prinz, Sean Henn, Gabe White, Billy Traber, Anthony Claggett (33.75 ERA in 2 games).

I am ashamed to admit so many guys like this have worn the pinstripes during the course of the last decade. Yuck!

BS Applesauce - Reyes setback, Mets blow another, Castillo vs. the dugout, Yusmeiro Petit

Joe Budd — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:51:24 -0000

Not too much encouraging news after last night's debacle. The new and improved bullpen looks a lot like the 2008 bullpen for Santana. If I wasn't able to laugh about this season, I definitely would cry myself to sleep every night.

Meet the Mets

Jose Reyes was sent back to New York for further examination after he felt discomfort from running. Adam Rubin, who apparently played a mean shortstop back in Babe Ruth league, says he may be done for the season. At this point, what difference does it make if he plays in 2009?

Not only did Reyes suffer a setback, Luis Castillo fell down the dugout steps last night, spraining an ankle. It looks like we are going to have a double play combination of Angel Berroa and Alex Cora. Wow. Castillo can't wait for Florida.

Greg Prince lists the things that the 1914 Boston Braves did not do to complete their miracle season.

Metstradamus pictures a new Subway commercial.

The Mets horrible season has a trickle down effect on their farm system, as well.

Carlos Delgado is running, kind of.

Matt Cerrone talks to Josh Thole. No word yet if he means business too.

Centerfield Maz highlights one of my favorites, John Olerud.

Wilmer Flores went 3-for-4 and Lance Broadway is not good.

Around the NL East

The Marlins blew a 4-0 lead to the Nationals, losing 6-4. Is it just me or are the Mets clearly the worst team in the division right now?

The Phillies lose to the Rockies and the fans left early. Wow, spoiled already.

JA Happ was moved to the Philadelphia bullpen.

The Braves showed signs of life last night, beating up on the Padres.

Around MLB

Yusmeiro Petit (remember him?) took a no-hitter into the 8th inning for Arizona.

Met fans aren't the only ones mad at Guillermo Mota. Prince Fielder was stopped at the Dodger clubhouse door by security after Mota hit him with a retaliation pitch.

Mark Prior's career rehabilitation with the Padres took a step back yesterday as he was released.

Joe Posnanski is getting a senior writers job at Sports Illustrated.

Keep an eye on Neftali Perez.

Wild Green Blunder: Diamondbacks 3, Mets 2

Eric Simon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:00:50 -0000

I'm not sure how often the best play of a game immediately precedes the worst, but it happened for the Mets in last night's eighth inning. After retiring Stephen Drew on a groundout to end the seventh, Pedro Feliciano stayed on to begin the eighth, allowing a leadoff single to center by Gerardo Parra. Sean Green was summoned to spell Feliciano and quickly showed everyone that he had nothing, hitting Justin Upton and then walking Mark Reynolds to load the bases. Miguel Montero, who earlier had launched a prodigious blast off the right-field facade for his tenth homerun of the year, pulled a Green offering to Daniel Murphy at first, who fired home for one out and scampered back to first to retrieve Omir Santos's return throw to complete the 3-2-3 double-play. Murphy pumped his blue-collared fist, congratulated Green on a job well done, and gave the ball back to his pitcher to finish out the inning. Green chucked the next pitch wildly toward the plate, and Santos, unable to corral it on one bounce, scampered after it while Upton glided home to give the Diamondbacks the 3-2 lead that would be their ultimate margin of victory.

Offensively, the Mets drew six walks and collected four hits off of Doug Davis but managed to score just two runs on solo homeruns by Murphy and David Wright. They stranded seven runners in Davis's six innings, including two in the fourth and three in the sixth. The latter began with Wright's blast, and sprinkled around outs by Jeff Francoeur and Omir Santos, Fernando Tatis doubled and Murphy and Alex Cora each drew walks. Jerry Manuel made the proper move by pinch-hitting for Livan Hernandez with the bases full and the game tied 2-2. Manuel went with Angel Berroa, who is terrible, and I guess Manuel's only defense is that Berroa is righty and Davis is lefty. He could have gone with Cory Sullivan, who is also terrible but probably not to the extent that Berroa is. He could also have gone with Jeremy Reed, who has only seven at-bats against lefties this season but nevertheless has four hits -- two more than Berroa has in his 18 total at-bats this season. Sullivan was probably the better choice, but not obviously so. So Manuel went with Berroa, who grounded the first Davis offering to short to end the threat. The Mets would have just one baserunner over the final three innings and never really threaten again.

Now's as good a time as any to ask the obvious question: Why is Nick Evans in Triple-A? He would've been the obvious pinch-hit candidate in the sixth, and, while he was by no means assured of coming through in that situation, he'd have been a much better choice than Berroa, Sullivan or anyone else. Reed is the late-innings defensive replacement, so why exactly is Sullivan still with the team when Evans has the brighter future and is actually the better player right now? Roster management fail.

I couldn't help but laugh sadly to myself when the SNY broadcast team went on about how Davis had been a ".500 pitcher" (Keith's words) from 2004 through 2007, when he posted 12-12, 11-11, 11-11, and 13-12 seasons in succession, as if implying that Davis bore the brunt of the responsibility for his records those years. Not a moment later, Gary remarked at how Davis's record had taken a turn this year -- just 5-10 so far -- but that it was hardly his fault because the Diamondbacks' offense gave him very little run support. So frustrating that he seems to get that pitcher wins and losses are really team stats, yet won't hesitate to pray at the alter of those same wins and losses when evaluating any starting pitcher in any other context.

Oliver Perez and Max Scherzer square off at 7:10pm tonight at the Citi.

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* AZ Snakepit Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: David Wright, +16.6% WPA, Cory Sullivan, +9.9% WPA
Big losers: Angel Pagan, -32.6% WPA, Jeff Francoeur, -15.8% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Montero 3-2-3 double-play in eighth, +27.4% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Upton scores on Green wild pitch in eight, -22.1% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: +3.1% WPA
Total batter WPA: -53.1% WPA
GWRBI!: None

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by Jadden Hopkins; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	Jadden Hopkins	73
2	fxcarden	57
3	itsmetsforme	56
4	Schmidtxc	54
5	KeithsMoustache	54
6	MetsGod	50
7	Abstract NYC	36
8	Kepler	35
9	MikeSilvaNYBD	32
10	Pat Andriola	26

Reviewing Dayton Moore at the Deadline: 2008

royalsreview — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:30:08 -0000

As we build up to the 2009 Trade Deadline, we continue our review of the past three deadlines of the Dayton Moore era. Click here for 2006 & 2007.

On July 31, 2008 the Royals woke up in a position they'd long become familiar with. At 50-59 (thanks to a four game winning streak), the Royals were way out of it in the AL Central, despite thrilling fans with their pursuit of a 75-win season. For the second straight season, fans expected at least some action. Rumors were out there involving Grudz, Mahay, DeJesus, Teahen, and Greinke. Dutton penned a story about Mahay and Grudz's emotions. Other players, such as Miguel Olivo, at least seemed possible.

Instead, Moore's deadline activity can be summed up pretty quickly: he made no trades.

At least not at or around the deadline, that is. Moore made two minor in-season deals, and reserved his real shockers for the off-season, when he made the Crisp-Ramirez and Jacobs-Nunez deals. As for the actual in-season trades:

June 6, 2008: Angel Berroa traded to Dodgers for Juan Rivera. One of the happiest days in Royals history, Berroa was the last no-hit, no-field, overpaid shortstop the Royals would ever field. Juan Rivera, a middleinfielder with a career .248/.298/.311 line and currently playingin Burlington, is, I believe, the first sub-.300 OBP guy Dayton ever acquired. He must have been desperate!

August 9, 2008: Horacio Ramirez traded to White Sox for Paulo Orlando. Of course, as we know now, we wouldn't be seperated from Ho-Ram for too long. Orlando, a unique baseballer from Brazil, is a 23 year old OF with a career minor league line of .259/.303/.393. He is currently a Blue Rock.

Not trading Greinke was a good thing. Not trading DeJesus was probably a good thing. Not trading Grudzielanek was a calculated risk, and the Royals lost the gamble. Grudz was hitting .300/.346/.401 at the deadline, and rewarded the Royals for their loyalty by getting injured by Ross Gload on August 1st, then failing to sign with anybody before it was too late. It's about results, and the Royals generated a losing result with Grudz. Not trading Mahay, who had more value last season than he does now, was another mistake.

2008 was Moore's worst deadline as the GM of the Royals, and given the two trades he made over the winter, in addition to his minor free agent spending spree, the idea was clearly in his head that the Royals needed to make a play for 2009-10. It is extremely likely that this will go down as a huge mistake, and one that may further set back a franchise that does not need any additional barriers.

During the second half of this decade, nearly every National League team has been a buyer at the deadline, and the constant shopping of the New Boston Red Yankees, as well as aggressive deadlines by both LA teams, has created strong seller's markets. No, the Royals have not had a huge number of tradeable assets (in part because of Dayton's free agent mistakes), but when you look at Dayton Moore's three deadlines in total, you have to conclude that he has failed to take advantage of his one suppposed strength, his scouting abilities.

Yes, Dayton has made multiple non-deadline trades, including the very good Bannister-Burgos swap. However, one can only wonder what he might have been able to get in 2007 or 2008 if he'd been a more active player in a competitive market. Look at what the Indians have done the last two deadlines: Cleveland has a better Major League and Minor League talent stream than the Royals, yet Shapiro (who is far from perfect) has done much to position the Indians for another run beginning in 2011. The Royals, in 2011, Gil Meche's farewell tour, will most likely be rebuilding again.

Failcoeur: Nationals 3, Mets 1

Eric Simon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:59:42 -0000

I don't think there's any question that the Nationals have a superior lineup to the Mets right now. I mean, the Mets fielded a lineup tonight that was even worse than this one. It's July 22 and the Mets had two non-pitchers who entered (and exited) the game with a .000 OPS. And for whatever reason, Jerry Manuel must believe there is a rule that prohibits a catcher from batting anywhere but eighth, because I can't fathom why Corey Sullivan and Angel Berroa might otherwise be hitting ahead of Brian Schneider. Things went from bad to worse when Luis Castillo, the Mets' second-best hitter, was ejected in the second inning for arguing a fielder's choice call at second base. At first I was relieved because I thought Jerry Manuel had been thrown out of the game, which I figured could only help the Mets' chances of winning. Instead, it was Castillo, who was replaced by Fernando Tatis, who has a .310 on-base percentage and is a lousy defensive outfielder.

Things went pretty much according to plan after that. The Nationals worked out a run in the fourth, and the Mets countered with an Angel Pagan little league inside-the-park homerun in the sixth. Jeff Francoeur dove for safety away from the path of a flying baseball, allowing Adam Dunn to reach base in the bottom of the sixth. Josh Willingham followed with a two-run homerun to give the Nats a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 lead, which must have looked to the Mets like a 15-1 deficit. The Mets threatened in the eighth, getting two runners on before bowing out pitifully. The ninth was uneventful and then the game was over, the Mets having lost their second in a row to the rival Nationals.

If you missed the Francoeur Failcoeur, I've included an animated GIF after the jump. Just give it a few seconds to load, then commence laughter. In another cruel twist for Francoeur, I was at the game tonight and can attest that, at least where Nationals Park is concerned, they do in fact show on-base percentage on the scoreboard, and yours is .289.

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Federal Baseball Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Angel Pagan, +16.3% WPA, Jeremy Reed, +6.2% WPA
Big losers: Jeff Francoeur, -12.6% WPA, Brian Schneider, -9.4% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Pagan little league inside-the-parker in sixth, +11.9% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Willingham two-run homerun in sixth, -22.4% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: -6.2% WPA
Total batter WPA: -33.8% WPA
GWRBI!: Josh Willingham

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by fxcarden; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	fxcarden	77
2	Schmidtxc	46
3	lstorie1971	33
4	Syler	32
5	AnthonyR	31
6	Rigsay	28
7	firejerrynow	25
8	mets81	25
9	Chickendirt	25
10	Mex_17	22

Sad Day To Be A New York Mets Fan: Washington Nationals 3-1 For Second Straight Over NY.

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:58:42 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

5 months ago: Washington Nationals starter Craig Stammen delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Browse more photos »

Let's be honest. The lowly streaking Washington Nationals should be beating the New York Mets that are on the field these days. Sure, the Mets have David Wright, Daniel Murphy, Brian Schneider and Luis Castillo in their lineup, but they're starting Angel Berroa at short, Angel Pagan in center and Cory Sullivan in right. The Nationals have Cristian Guzman, Nyjer Morgan and Josh Willingham in those same positions, with Adam Dunn, Nick Johnson and (a struggling) Ryan Zimmerman to boot, so they should be able to beat this ragtag Mets' roster, and they have now in two consecutive games, with the second strong pitching performance of the series coming from Craig Stammen, who holds New York to one run on four hits in 7.1 IP. Stammen (W, 3-5) gets offensive support for his third win of the season from the Hammer, Josh Willingham and the two-run HR to right he hits in the sixth, which breaks a 1-1 tie and holds up for Washington's second-straight win over NY, and DC's 28th win of '09. Willingham ends the night 4 for 4 with two doubles, two RBI's, the HR and a single, falling short of the cycle only because Nick Johnson's tired legs couldn't make it around third when the Hammer split the left-center gap for his second double of the game in the eighth.

Nationals win, 3-1 final.

Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching?

See How The Mets Fans Saw It? Check Out Amazin' Avenue's GameThread...

BACKPAGE:

• Stammen Follows The Leader...
• Hammer Showcase: Is Anyone Watching...?
• Bergmann To Beimel To MacDougal? I'll Take It...

• For The Completists, Full Game Report After The Jump.

Nationals now 28-66.

BACKPAGE:

• Stammen Follows The Leader...

The Washington Nationals' 25-year-old right-hander, Craig Stammen, follows John Lannan's complete game shutout win with a strong outing of his own, in which he throws 95 pitches, 62 for strikes, and gives up just 4 hits, 2 walks and 1 earned run in 7.1 IP. Stammen holds NY hitless through four before David Wright's leadoff single in the fifth, and he retires the next five in order, finally surrendering another hit and the Mets' only run with two out in the sixth when Nyjer Morgan misjudges Angel Pagan's line drive to center, and has it fly right by and roll to the wall. Morgan throws in as Pagan nears third, but Guzman's relay is off the mark, over third, and into the dugout, Pagan scores on what should be two E's but is only one, Guzman's 13th and the Nationals' 89th...Stammen gets the lead right back in the home-half of the sixth, and Jason Bergmann and Mike MacDougal pitch the eighth and ninth to lock down Stammen's third major league win.

• Hammer Showcase: Is Anyone Watching...?

Josh Willingham would have hit for the cycle if anyone other than Nick Johnson had been trying to go from first to home on the Hammer's line drive into the left-center gap in the eighth. DC third base coach Pat Listach knew who he had running, however, and he held Johnson up, forcing Willingham to throw on the brakes halfway to third and 3/4 of the way to the cycle. Willingham knocked Johnson from first to third with his first double of the night in the fourth, after which a sac fly from Ronnie Belliard scored Johnson for an early 1-0 DC lead. Willingham got the single in the second, in his first AB, the double in the fourth, the second time he came up, and the Hammer hits the HR in the sixth to put Washington up 3-1...The double in the eighth is Willingham's 18th, but it's not the triple he needs, and he has to settle for going 4 for 4 with a run scored, two RBI's and his 13th HR of '09.

• Bergmann To Beimel To MacDougal? I'll Take It...

Craig Stammen got Brian Schneider to ground out for the first out of the eighth, but after a double and a one-out walk he was lifted in favor of DC reliever Jason Bergmann, who popped up Fernando Tatis, and Joe Beimel, who took on the Mets' lefty Daniel Murphy, and got a line drive to strand two runners and preserve Washington's 3-1 lead. Mike MacDougal took over in the ninth and gets three straight groundouts for his 6th save of the season and the Nationals' 28th win.

GAME REPORT:

New York Mets At Washington Nationals. Game 94 Of 162.

Craig Stammen reaches up to field a high hopper off Angel Pagan’s bat for the first out. Luis Castillo grounds out to Cristian Guzman. Daniel Murphy does the same, and it’s another scoreless frame for a Nationals’ pitcher...Nyjer Morgan goes with a fastball outside and pushes it through short by Angel Berroa for a single. Former DC backstop Brian Schneider nails Nyjer Morgan going for second. Guzman grounds out to first, Mets’ righty Mike Pelfrey gets there in time to cover. Ryan Zimmerman takes a full-count fastball back up the middle for a single. Adam Dunn pops out to Cory Sullivan, who makes a sliding catch at the edge of the left field stands.

Craig Stammen drops a two-strike sinker inside to get David Wright swinging in the second. Adam Dunn gracefully backpedals all the way to the track to catch Jeff Francoeur’s fly ball out. Cory Sullivan takes one for a ride, but Nyjer Morgan makes a catch as he jumps into the center field wall, and Stammen’s through two...Nick Johnson grounds out on the first pitch he sees from Pelfrey. Josh Willingham lifts the first pitch over the infield and has himself a one-out single. David Wright makes a stab on a grounder from Ronnie Belliard that rolls over third and Wright throws to second trying for the force. The Ump calls Hammer safe and Luis Castillo gets himself tossed arguing. First and second for Josh Bard. Bard flies out harmlessly to Angel Pagan in center. Craig Stammen grounds out to end the second.

Cristian Guzman gets under an infield pop from Angel Berroa. Brian Schneider grounds to second, and Craig Stammen strikes out Pelfrey for his third scoreless frame...Nyjer Morgan tries to bunt his way on, but there’s someone named Wright at third for New York. Cristian Guzman grounds sharply to short. Ryan Zimmerman pops out foul of third to end the inning.

Angel Pagan flies out to Adam Dunn in left for the first out of the fourth. Fernando Tatis stares a two-strike curve into Josh Bard’s mitt. Adam Dunn charges in to catch Daniel Murphy’s fly ball to left. Stammen’s through the fourth...The Big Donkey pops out in short left, David Wright has a long way to run from his shift position. Nick Johnson uses his Discerning Eye™ to draw a one-out walk. Nick Johnson goes first to third on a double over third by Josh Willingham. Ronnie Belliard flies to deep center and Angel Pagan throws in to third to hold Dunn at second. 1-0 DC as Nick Johnson tags and scores. Bard gets the intentionals, and Stammen gets sawed off, as Pelfrey gets out of trouble.

David Wright singles for the Mets’ first hit of the game. Jeff Francoeur grounds to third, Ryan Zimmerman backhands, spins while crouched and throws to second to get a force, but Belliard’s DP throw to first is too late. Cory Sullivan grounds out to Belliard. Angel Berroa tests Zimmerman too, but the Nationals’ all-star is up to it...Nyjer Morgan grounds to second. Cristian Guzman does the same. Ryan ZImmerman grounds out to short, and it’s 1-0 DC after five.

Craig Stammen gets another ground ball out, this one from Brian Schneider. Mike Pelfrey K's swinging. Angel Pagan gets a line drive by a charging Nyjer Morgan in center, Morgan hits Guzman with the cutoff throw, and Guzman’s throw gets by third and into the dugout, a triple and a throwing error and it’s 1-1 ballgame. Craig Stammen hangs a curve up for Fernando Tatis, who doubles to left. Stammen walks Daniel Murphy with two down. David Wright lines to right, Willingham has it...Adam Dunn lines to right, Jeff Francoeur charges and loses it in the lights, protecting himself as it flies by him and bounces to the wall. Nick Johnson grounds out unproductively to third. Josh Willingham gets hold of a slider that’s meant for smashing, and he sends it out to left and over the visitor’s bullpen. 3-1 Nationals. Angel Pagan slides in to rob Ronnie Belliard of a bloop single. Josh Bard stares strike three into Brian Schneider’s glove.

Ronnie Belliard’s waiting on the grass for Jeff Francoeur’s groundout. Cory Sullivan grounds out to Belliard. Angel Berroa K’s swinging to end the Mets’ seventh...Craig Stammen K’s chasing. Mike Pelfrey gets a fly ball from Nyjer Morgan to Cory Sullivan in left. Cristian Guzman grounds out to second, and the seventh is over in a hurry.

Brian Schneider grounds out to Guzman to start the eighth. Jeremy Reed doubles over the Hammer’s head in right. Stammen walks Angel Pagan to put two on with one out. Jason Bergmann takes over against Fernando Tatis. Tatis pops out foul of first for Nick Johnson. Joe Beimel on for Bergmann, and he pops up Daniel Murphy to end the eighth, Adam Dunn charges and makes the grab as he hits the wall down the line in left...Ryan Zimmerman starts DC’s eighth against Bobby Parnell. Ground ball to short, and now Parnell’s out. Pedro Feliciano’s on to face Adam Dunn. Dunn K’s chasing a cut fastball across and off the plate. Nick Johnson hits a trademark single to center with two down. NJ™. Sean Green’s up to face Willingham. The Hammer doubles to left center and off the wall. Nick Johnson stops at third, and Hammer almost catches up. Ronnie Belliard K’s swinging over a two-strike bender from Green.

Mike MacDougal’s on to end it. David Wright grounds out to short. Nick Johnson makes a slick play on a sharp grounder from Francoeur for out no. 2. Cory Sullivan grounds toward short, Zimmerman cuts it off and throws to first on the run, in time, out No.3. The Nationals win.

Nationals win, 3-1 final.

Baseball's Back Applesauce - Ryan Church is back, Angel Berroa improvements on the Met brand, brave Pedro, Musial

Joe Budd — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:18:55 -0000

Yesterday was a SLOW baseball day. I usually wake up to 300 new items in the amazing Google Reader (my Applesauce ingredients), but there were only 150 stories this morning, most of them about Pedro who, if you haven't heard, is now a Phillie.

Meet the Mets

This Met fan attended five Met games in 18 days. The Mets scored a total of 0 runs. The odds of that happening are 1.42 out of a million.

Angel Berroa has been called up from Brooklyn to the Mets, replacing Argenis Reyes. I would get worked up, but once again, he's replacing Argenis Reyes.

We get to see Ryan Church again.

Mets Police has some good suggestions to build brand loyalty.

Around the NL East

Pedro says that he was "too brave" when playing for the Mets. "Brave" is not exactly the word I was thinking of, although he did stand tall against those sprinklers.

Around MLB

Justin Morneau is ticked about the piped-in recording of Oh Canada a the All Star game.

Here is the most important stat of the week.

Albert Pujols is this generation's Stan Musial. Joe Posnanski picks up on Musial's underrated legend status and politics at the All Star game.

Tyler Yates has had surgery and is out for the year.

Mets Call-Up Angel Berroa

Sam Page — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:41:11 -0000

No kidding.

Good work, team.

Monday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:20:17 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

5 months ago: Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun fails to make the catch on a home run by the Los Angeles Dodgers' Orlando Hudson during the eighth inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 12, 2009, in Milwaukee. The Dodgers defeated the Brewers 7-4. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

Browse more photos »

Some things to read while walking your kangaroo.

While most of the Brewers settled in early for a few days of rest, Trevor Hoffman was making last minute reservations for St. Louis yesterday. Hoffman was a late addition to the NL All Star squad, replacing Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton, who will sit out with an injured toe. Hoffman called the invite "a big surprise" and "a big honor." Hopefully he won't give up a big inning.

If you were thinking of skipping tonight's Home Run Derby, I can't say I blame you. If you're watching, though, there's another reason to cheer for Prince Fielder: The Brewers are taking $1 off the price of loge outfield seats for the August 11-13 Padres series for each home run Fielder hits tonight. And if you need a drink in your hand to enjoy the derby, Chuckie Hacks has a drinking game that will give you a long day at work tomorrow and Home Run Derby has one that almost assures you won't make it to the second round.

Players will tell you that making the All Star Game is "a big honor," but for most it's also an extra paycheck. The Biz of Baseball has a list of players receiving a bonus for playing in the game this season. Ryan Braun is pocketing an extra $50,000 and Prince Fielder is getting $25k. The list was compiled before Trevor Hoffman was added to the team, so I don't know what he's getting.

J.J. Hardy, meanwhile, is just happy to take a break. Hardy has typically been a better hitter in the second half, and if he doesn't turn it around soon this season he'll likely have Alcides Escobar nipping on his heels for playing time down the stretch.

Escobar and Brett Lawrie represented the Brewers well in yesterday's Futures Game. Escobar started the game at shortstop for the World team and went 2-for-4 with a pair of infield singles. Lawrie started at DH for the World (a pretty nice honor for a guy who's never played above Low A) and went 1-for-3 with a seventh inning double that sparked a rally in the seventh inning. Some notes from the game:

Ryan Fagan of The Sporting News listed Escobar as one of his six "Stars in Waiting" in yesterday's game, and tweeted that Lawrie had one of the most impressive BP sessions.
Tom H. profiled Escobar, who says he's ready to be called up.
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated listed Escobar as one of eight prospects who are "close to untouchable" in trade talks.

Elsewhere in the minors:

Dave Bush pitched well for the Timber Rattlers on Friday, allowing just four hits and an unearned run while throwing 53 pitches over 4.2 innings. He's still expected to return on July 20, when the Brewers open a series with the Pirates.
John Sickels of Minor League Ball spent three days last week watching the Rattlers play in Burlington, and has scouting reports on sixteen players, including top ten prospects Brett Lawrie and Lorenzo Cain.
Wily Peralta and Evan Anundsen checked in at #12 and #22 on Project Prospect's list of the top 25 prospects who didn't make the Top 100. I guess that makes them #112 and #122 overall.

Manny Parra pitched well in his return from Nashville and many are crediting Sounds pitching coach Chris Bosio for helping him turn things around. Maybe there's another explanation, though: Miller Park Drunk tells the tale of Parra's meeting with Billy Ray Cyrus.

Maybe Billy Ray has some time for Chris Narveson, too. Narveson is expected to accept an assignment to Nashville today, when he officially clears waivers.

Mike Cameron is quietly getting hot again, hitting .394/.488/.667 in ten games in July (after posting a .536 OPS in June). Padres GM Kevin Towers says he regrets letting Cameron go after the 2007 season, crediting his leadership abilities. Cameron, along with Braden Looper (option) and Jason Kendall is one of three Brewers who would be Type B free agents if the season ended today. Trevor Hoffman would be a Type A. (h/t Pro Ball NW)

This morning's Mug is going to be late enough, so I'll lump these notes into one group:

Jayson Stark listed Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun among his candidates for first half NL MVP, Bill Hall among his candidates for LVP, Casey McGehee among his candidates for Rookie of the Year and Ken Macha for manager of the year, but did not select a Brewer for any of those awards.
Rob Neyer selected Robin Yount as the Brewers' representative in his All Time AL All Star Team.
The Ghost of Moonlight Graham ranked the Brewers outfield fourth in all of baseball in his midseason rankings.
The Hardball Times' Dartboard ranked the Brewers #16.

Another homestand, another story about a player scared to stay at the Pfister Hotel. This week, it's Twins OF Carlos Gomez and another unnamed player.

Around baseball:

Angels: Placed Torii Hunter (hip abductor strain) and Vlad Guerrero (calf strain) on the DL.
Astros: Claimed catcher Chris Coste off the DL from the Phillies.
Braves: Acquired Ryan Church from the Mets for Jeff Francoeur and cash.
Cubs: Placed Geovany Soto on the DL with a strained oblique.
D-Backs: Released Tony Clark.
Mariners: Acquired Jack Hannahan from the A's for a minor league pitcher.
Mets: Signed Angel Berroa to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Fired manager Manny Acta and will replace him with Jim Riggleman.
Pirates: Released outfielder Chris Snelling.
Padres: Acquired Sean Gallagher as the PTBNL in the Scott Hairston deal with the A's and signed Russ Adams to a minor league deal.
Reds: Jay Bruce has a broken wrist and will be placed on the DL.

If you're hanging out in St. Louis this week and you're not interested in the Hone Run Derby, perhaps you should be a part of the All Star Treasure Hunt Reebok is putting on. Also, if you're the guy wandering around St. Louis wearing a Tyler Houston Brewers jersey, keep up the good work.

Here's a strategic move to debate: Lou Piniella, who needed a lefty to face two out of three Cardinal batters in last night's game, moved lefty Sean Marshall into left field for one batter, then brought him back to the mound. Good idea? Would you lose your mind if Ken Macha did it with Mitch Stetter? Discuss.

This makes sense in concept, but now a study has proven it: Dr. Ian Byram of Vanderbilt Medical Center says pitchers who come to camp with weakness around their rotator cuff are more likely to get injured during the season.

I'll admit my interest in the Moneyball movie was fading, but they did exactly what they needed to do to bring me back: asked Aaron Sorkin to redraft it. Now I'll go see it. (h/t C. Trent Rosecrans)

One year ago today, CC Sabathia pitched a complete game, 3-2 victory over the Reds, and hit a home run. For whatever it's worth.

Oh, and if you're going to haul your suitcase on the subway, you should zip up the pocket with your dirty underwear first.

Drink up.