SB Nation User Blog: drewishdrewid

Randy Wells for ROY

drewishdrewid — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:14:55 -0000

Randy Wells for ROY

Just one season after the Chicago Cubs saw catcher Geovany Soto capture top rookie honors, they may have another winner on their hands.

One of these young players quickly establishing himself is Cubs' starting pitcher Randy Wells.

OT: The Next Generation: The Playoffs

drewishdrewid — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:38:16 -0000

Game One: Brewers 7, Cubs 3

The Brewers beat the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs 7-3, scoring four runs in the first inning and three in the third. The Cubs were hampered by bad baserunning decisions, not plating their first run till the fourth inning. Max went 0-2, both strikeouts, and played two innings in right field.

The Brewers on the bench.

Max squares for the bunt.

Coach talks to the team after the victory.

Game Two: Dodgers 6, Brewers 5

The Brewers lost a close game 6-5 to the Dodgers to end their chances at a Mustang League Championship. It came down to defense execution, with two Brewers errors giving away too many free runs. The Brewers almost came back in the top of the 5th, scoring one and having the tying run on third, but to no avail. Max went 0-1 with a K and a walk, and played two innings in right field.

Max at first base after walking.

Game Three: Brewers 6, Red-Sox 5

The Westdale Brewers took third place in the League Championships with a walk-off win in the bottom of the 7th inning, beating the Westdale Red-Sox 6-5. The Brewers struck early in the game, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, only to be tied in the top of the fourth. They scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth, but gave up two more in the top of the sixth. The Red-Sox reliever was wild, and gave up two hits and two walks, walking in the winning run.

Max played two innings in right field, and went 0-1, with a K, and a walk. He stole third base and scored a run.

The Brewers were presented with 3rd Place Trophies after the game, and then went out for pizza and ice-cream.

Coach settles his players before their final game of the season.

Max in right field.

Max steals third base.

Max receives his third-place trophy.

Which may or may not have been as good as the cheese fries.

OT: The Next Generation: Game 14: Brewers 11, Northlake Knights 1

drewishdrewid — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:48:21 -0000

The WestDale Brewers won their last played game of the regular season and then took a win in a forfeit from a dissolved team the next day.

The Brewers beat the Knights in a four inning game that was called after the Knights couldn't overcome the ten run deficit by the end of the fourth inning.

Max went 0-1, with a walk and a K. His walk drove in a run, and he was walked all the way around the bases and across the plate for a scored run of his own.

Max does pushups during a pitching change. Ahem. "Pushups." Sigh.

Max played one inning in right field, and had no defensive plays to speak off.

Max takes an unadvisedly large lead and then has to run back after the pitch.

And that was the last game of the regular season! The last game, against the Northlake Blue, was a forfeit by the Blue because they disbanded the team. The Westdale Brewers had a record of 11-6, and are going to the playoffs, with a Bye in the first round! The playoffs are single elimination, with games to be played Thursday (bye day), Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so look for a post about how the Brewers did after that!

The Brewers celebrate their successful season, and prepare for the post-season.

Max's regular season statistics:

Batting
Avg 0.111
OBP 0.250
SLG 0.370
OBP+ 0.620
3 RBI
5 Runs
SB - 3/4
6 walks
13 Ks
2 Sac Bunts

Pitching
ERA 13.514
1 walk issued
2 SB
1 K
1 HB

Not bad for his first year. I'll run up his post-season stats separately as they happen.

Go Westdale Brewers!

OT: The Next Generation: Brewers beat Cubs, Red-Sox

drewishdrewid — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:24:37 -0000

Game 12: On Monday, the Westdale Brewers played the Westdale Cubs, beating them solidly, 15-4, gaining revenge on their loss from the week previously.

Watch carefully, because I'm only going to say this once: WOOO-HOOO! BREWERS BEAT THE CUBS!

The Brewers struck early, scoring two runs in the first inning. The Cubs came back in the bottom of the first, scoring four, but would not score for the rest of the game. The Brewers were very patient with the Cubs pitching, drawing plenty of walks and manufacturing runs. Max went 1-3, with a K, a hit, and a perfect bunt that drove a runner from second to third, which went on to score. The Brewers pitching recovered from the first inning, and went on to shut the Cubs out for the next five innings. Max played two innings in right field, and one in left.

The Cubs strike early.

Max gets a hit on a grounder throught the left side.

Max looks on as the Brewers pound the Cubs pitching.

Max lays down a bunt on a very high pitch.

This game was delayed for nearly half an hour when, on a close play at the plate, the Cubs catcher was knocked out after a collision with the Brewers left-fielder. As you can see in the picture below, the catcher didn't give our player the plate, and the Brewer was unable to slide. The catcher woke up and went to the hospital for precautionary reasons, but has been reported as fine.

The Brewers celebrate their win!

Game 13: On Wedesday, the Brewers beat the Red-Sox, 7-2. The game was even more unbalanced than the score would indicate; the Brewers scored four in the first inning, one in the third, and two in the fifth, with the Red Sox runs both coming in the fourth inning. The Brewers played good fundamental baseball, making infield plays to all bases, including a brilliant relay throw home to catch a runner in the bottom of the third for the third out.

Max played Right field for three innings, making two key plays, although on the second play, his throw home went wide. He was 0-2, striking out both times.

Max still struggling at the plate.

Max discusses outfield strategy with the coach.

The teams line up after the Brewers' victory.

The team record is now 9-5, with two games left to go in the regular season.

Max's stats:

Batting
Avg 0.115
OBP 0.235
SLG 0.346
OBP+ 0.581
2 RBI
4 Runs
SB - 3/4
6 walks
12 Ks
2 Sac Bunts

Pitching
ERA 13.514
1 walk issued
2 SB
1 K
1 HB

"We Believe" trailer

drewishdrewid — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:08:49 -0000

"We Believe" trailer

On being a fan

drewishdrewid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:02:54 -0000

After talking about wind-oscillators, Dictionary.com defines "fan" as "an enthusiastic devotee, follower, or admirer of a sport, pastime, celebrity, etc.: a baseball fan; a great fan of Charlie Chaplin." Synonyms are listed as "supporter, enthusiast, partisan, booster, addict."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fan

Of course, the root of "fan" is "fanatic".

I started thinking about this after an exchange I had on the gamethreads last night. Berated for being too optimistic and wearing rose-colored glasses, I replied

I’m rooting for my team in spite of the problems.

I recognize the team is struggling. I root for them anyway.

To me, this is the quintessential essence of being a fan. It's being those people at the beginning of "Major League" at the Indians games, KNOWING they suck, but you go anyway. It's rooting for your team day in and day out.

I am not blind to the difficulties this team faces. I tend to lean towards wanting them to fix it from within, rather than bringing in outside help, because the only really tradable people on the team are valuable, or unproven or both, so we're not likely to get enough in return for them, or we need them to stay right now. I defend those players who have struggled with passion, and, in fairness, I am suspicious of players who may be supplanting my favorites. I would like Milton Bradley a lot less if getting him had meant benching Dome. I dislike Miles not only because he doesn't seem to be playing well this year, but because I perceive him as having replaced DeRosa. I don't dislike Freel because I perceive him to be a stand-in for Rami, not a threat to him.

I'm very negative towards people who are negative about this team. Yes, the pen needs help, but they're getting it in the form of Marshall, if Harden ever gets back. Yes, we have little pop, but Lee is improving, Bradley as well, and I (perhaps irrationally) hope that when Rami gets back, he'll be 100% and raise this team on high. I have the faith of the converted that Soriano will go on another tear and carry the team for two weeks.

I want this team to get better. I want the Cubs to go on a mad, crazy run. I want last year back.

I also recognize that other people are fans in different ways. I'll argue interpretations of statistics (I still don't think Marmol is struggling because he's overused, for example) but I understand that other people react differently than I do. I won't agree, but I do understand.

But I'm a Cubs fan, and I have my team's back. Slam Z for being a baby, and I'll dispute it. Denegrate Bradley for not talking to the press, and I'll support him. Complain that Fonty is too short, and I'll expect you to supply him with elevator shoes. And I have my fellow fans' backs too. Troll the boards, and I'll flag you. Steal money from my friends, and I'll expose you. Scream, and I'll make sure you reap what you sow.

Because I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the conference series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings.

Worf is right. No one has the right to tell you how to be a fan. And this is the kind of fan I am.

Fanatic: a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal.

OT: The Next Generation: Brewers Win, then Lose a Heartbreaker

drewishdrewid — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:17:49 -0000

The Brewers played two games this week, one on Friday, when they blew out the River Grove Gold again, 10-0, and one on Saturday, when they lost a close game to the Westdale Cubs, 9-7.

Game 10: Brewers 10, Gold 0.

The Brewers got out to an early lead on Friday, and ended up invoking the slaughter rule in the middle of the fourth inning -- the Brewers still had one out to go with the bases loaded, and the Gold would have gotten the top of the fifth to try and come back when the Gold coach conceeded the game. It was a little odd, and Max was kind of ticked off, because he'd been hit by a pitch, and been walked to third base, and was likely to score. It was weird, but it was the Brewers' fifth win in a row. Max went 0-1, with a strikeout and a HBP.

Max spies with his little eye...

Max leaps back after being hit in the arm.

Max shakes it off.

Max hustles to third, which is where he was when the opposing team conceeded the game.

Game 11: Cubs 9, Brewers 7

Saturday morning was a hard game to get warmed up for, after the late afternoon game on Friday. The Brewers' starting pitching struggled early, giving up all nine Cubs runs in the first two innings. But over the next four, the Brewers slowly but surely fought their way back, with timely hitting and being very patient. Max hit a huge line-drive in the bottom of the second, but it was right at the shortstop. He walked in his next at bat, and in his third, was hit by a pitch. He scored in each instance. In the bottom of the sixth, Max laid down a PERFECT sacrifice bunt to advance the runner (almost beating out the throw), but the Brewers were unable to rally after that, and lost.

The Brewers get fired up!

Max socks it to short -- but it's caught.

Max at third base.

And he scores!

Max lays down a perfect bunt in the bottom of the 6th.

Stats:
Batting
Avg 0.095
OBP 0.400
SLG 0.095
OBP+ 0.495
2 RBI
4 Runs
SB - 3/4
6 walks
11 Ks

Pitching
ERA 13.514
1 walk issued
2 SB
1 K
1 HB

My Call to MLB

drewishdrewid — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:37:58 -0000

My Call to MLB

I called Bob Watson's office at MLB (212-931-7800 ex 7818) and told the receptionist that I wanted to complain about how the league had treated Z, and that I wanted to know what punishment Carlson was going to get. I was transferred to PR, left my name and number, and they said they'd send my complaint to MLB Operations.

Happy Birthday Fukudome!

drewishdrewid — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:59:53 -0000

Happy Birthday Fukudome!

OT: The Next Generation: Brewers go on a Tear

drewishdrewid — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:45:37 -0000

So, it's been a while since we last visited the Westdale Brewers. Since we last saw Max and his team, they have gone 5-0. So, on with the recap!

Game Six: Brewers 17, Gold 1.

Game 6 saw the Brewers visit River Grove, to play the River Grove Gold.

Max gets in some batting practice before the game

Max went 1-3 in this game, with an infield hit, two Ks, two walks, and a run scored.

Max played Right field, and swung the bat well. The Brewers batted and fielded well, winning the game in a blowout, 17-1. The slaughter rule was invoked, and the game ended after 4 innings.

Max stands at third, about to be driven in to score.

Late in the game, Max was moved to second base. He threw out one runner, 4-3.

Max at 2nd base

Max ducks to avoid a wild pitch.

the Final score.

Game Seven: Brewers 6, Yankees 4.

The next game, the Brewers played the Yankees, and beat them 6-4. Max's struggles at the plate continued, as he went 0-2, striking out twice.

Max swings

...And misses.

He played right field again.

Game Eight: Brewers 3, Yankees 0.

Game eight saw the Brewers facing the Yankees again. Max played right-field, struck out once, and was HBP and stole a base.

Max steals second base after being hit by a pitch.

Max advanced to third on a single, but was stranded.

Max runs to third base.

The team lines up after winning the game.

Game Nine: Brewers 15, Blue 4.

Game nine saw Max step into two new roles -- relief pitcher, and shortstop, as the Brewers defeated the Northlake Blue 15-4.

Max batted 0-2 with two strikeouts, but he also pitched 2/3 of an inning, with one K, 1 walk, a hit-batsman, two steals, two wild pitches and one earned run.

The team relaxes before the game.

Max started the game in right field, and pitch the first two-thirds of the third inning. He's still struggling at the plate.

Max still having little luck with the bat.

Max threw about 24 pitches. His K came with two balls, and his walk came on a 3-2 pitch. The second out came as the runner was picked off trying to steal third.

Max needs to make sure that his glove doesn't fly out... but pitches fairly well for his first time.

Just as an aside, here's a picture of one of the other relief pitchers that day. He has the WEIRDEST motion I've ever seen. He has no leg kick whatsoever. In fact, he barely picks his front foot up at all.

Max finished the game at shortstop, the first time he's ever played that position in a game. He fielded a grounder that went for an infield hit. This game, like Game Six, ended in the fourth inning due to the slaughter rule.

The team celebrates another win.

So, what's next for Max? There are at least five more games in the season, and he's still looking for his first real hit. We went to the batting cage for over an hour over the holiday weekend, and practicing in the back-yard. Max hopes to have more of an impact in these last games, and maybe even pitch again.

There will be another post of "OT: The Next Generation", so don't miss it!

Max's current stats:

Batting
Avg: 0.111
OBP: 0.333
SLG: 0.111
OBP+: 0.444
2 RBI
3 Runs
SB - 3/4
5 walks
11 Ks

Pitching
ERA: 13.514
1 walk issued
2 SB
1 K
1 HB