SB Nation User Blog: drezdn

Kevin Mench is back

drezdn — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:42:10 -0000

With a surplus of giant hats left over after they DFA'd Frank Thomas, the Toronto Blue Jays realized that they had a need for a lefty mashing Shrek look-a-like. So, in exchange for cash considerations, Kevin Mench has been fished out of AAA and sent to Toronto.

This raises a few questions for the June Brewers/Blue Jays series... Will Mench get a tribute video ala Jenkins? Will he be booed by Brewers fans? Will anyone remember him enough to boo him?

Bill James Interview

drezdn — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:41:19 -0000

On the PRI show "The Sound of Young America," Sabremetrics guru Bill James discusses life as an employee of a Boston Red Sox, his studies into the effects of the stolen base, and how you can pitch a complete game when only facing thirteen batters.

The complete interview is available here.

It also explains why Jesse Thorn has been talking about baseball so much on his other podcast, Jordan Jesse Go! Probably the biggest take-away for me is that Bill James isn't a people person, though he has learned to respect baseball scouts.

Tom Haudricourt "Brewers Essential"

drezdn — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:24:06 -0000

Tom Haudricourt, who we all know and "love" from the JSonline, will be discussing his book Brewers Essential this Thursday, April 24 at the Schwartz Bookstore in Mequon (10976 N. Port Washington Rd.) at 7 p.m.... Will Haudricourt diss Gross? Will he dismiss questions about Gagne?

There's no cost to attend, and I imagine that Haudricourt will probably take questions. I'm kind of tempted to see if he'll be willing to dish any dirt about exactly what soured the team to Estrada (besides his inability to take the first pitch).

Bill James answers questions

drezdn — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:17:10 -0000

Bill James answers questions for the readers of the Freakonomics blog

For the Brewers Tie In

Ninety-five percent scouts, five percent stats. The thing is that — with the exception of a very few players like Ryan Braun — college players are so far away from the major leagues that even the best of them will have to improve tremendously in order to survive as major league players — thus, the knowledge of who will improve is vastly more important than the knowledge of who is good.

Hardy/Escobar Theory

drezdn — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:53:58 -0000

Why have the Brewers been hyping Escobar so much?

Here's my theory: If the Brewers are going to need to trade for anyone in June/July it's going to probably be a starting pitcher, which will most likely involve losing a decent position player or outfielder.

With Hardy being the closest to Free Agency, and assuming Escobar continues to hit well (though power would be nice). I could see the Brewers trading Hardy for a good starting pitcher this year.

On the other hand, Hardy seems a bit like the "Molitor" of the team (ie. good looking, good playing fan favorite type) so they might just keep him.

Grant Balfour

drezdn — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:56:42 -0000

McClung trade bait Grant Balfour has been cut by the Tampa Bay Rays.

While he probably would never be considered for the MLB team after his stint last year, would he be worth picking up for Nashville?

Game Thread #30: Brewers vs. Cubs

drezdn — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:59:31 -0000

The 17-10 Brewers take on the 14-14 Cubs, with Mark DiFelice taking the mound for the Brewers and Cory Bailey pitching for the Cubs.

There's a good chance both teams will be checking their watches throughout the game.

Brewers
2B Rickie Weeks
CF Mike Cameron
1B Prince Fielder
LF Ryan Braun
3B Bill Hall
RF Corey Hart
DH Joe Dillon
SS J.J. Hardy
C Mike Rivera

Cubs
CF Reed Johnson
LF Alfonso Soriano
1B Derrek Lee
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Kosuke Fukudome
DH Daryle Ward
2B Mark DeRosa
SS Ronny Cedeno
C Henry Blanco

Game Thread: March 21 Brewers vs. Padres

drezdn — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:36:52 -0000

It's Bush vs. Peavy in this game.

Rickie Weeks is out with a swollen hand, and J.J. Hardy is slowly turning into the machinist with a flu that has drained 10 pounds from him.

Kapler

drezdn — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:01:42 -0000

Does anyone know what happens to Kapler if he doesn't make the 25 man roster?

Does he go down to the minors? Does he walk? Is it up to him or the Brewers?

How to heckle the Cubs

drezdn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:25:39 -0000

The Heckler's Prospectus offers suggestions on how to properly heckle the Cubs.

Marquis, Jason - According to Wikipedia, Marquis plays acoustic guitar for the final track of Nada Surf's latest album, "Lucky". Nada Surf, known best for their hit-song "Popular" in 1996, is a band that sucks. Let Jason in on this fact.