SB Nation User Blog: molitorfan

Flat Brew

molitorfan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:42:38 -0000

Flat Brew

Here is your piping hot thimble of suds. Not good times. Not good times at all.

Does Harden Have an Injury as Well?

molitorfan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:49:30 -0000

Does Harden Have an Injury as Well?

No, this is not an infamous RJ joke link. In this article about Big Z's arm problems it is mentioned off the cuff that Harden is experiencing arm soreness as well. So invest now in your "Astros 2008 NL Central Champs" t-shirts.

Who is the NL Cy Young Favorite?

molitorfan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:54:45 -0000

Who is the NL Cy Young Favorite?

Stark puts the question up for debate with a month left in the season. Our very own CC Sabathia is included in the discussion

Instant Replay Approved for This Season

molitorfan — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:41:04 -0000

Instant Replay Approved for This Season

The umpires agreed to allow MLB to use replay for boundary calls. Now the Crew can feel free to smash homers out to center and off that wall.

Keith Law- ESPN chat

molitorfan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:06:41 -0000

This is from a Keith Law chat on espn.com Friday afternoon. Just in case anyone thinks calling for Ned's head is irrational, look at the second question. I am sure we will have many postmortems during the off season, but I agree that Braun has to move to the outfield and Hall should move to third. Also, I would bet that almost every season preview of the Brewers next year will mention Ned losing his mind and plunking Pujols.

Alex (Princeton): So, what series will you be watching this weekend? Brewers-Pads, Rocks-DBacks, Mets-Marlins or Phils-Nats? Which teams do you think have the best chance of surviving and making it to the NLDS?

Keith Law: (2:16 PM ET ) All but the Brewers-Padres series - I think the Brewers are finished, and Capuano was 83-86 when I saw him last month, which is good news for the Padres.

Shawn (MN): Now that the Brewers are basically done, what do you think they should be looking to add in the offseason? Any good middle relievers going to be available? Any starters they should be targeting?

Keith Law: (2:22 PM ET ) I believe more in developing your own middle relievers, rather than edwading them on the free agent market. I think their top priorities are as follows: 1. New manager. 2. Getting everyone in the right positions, which to me means Braun in LF or even CF, Hall at 3b, and deciding on Weeks at 2b or CF. 3. Catcher.

Chris (madison): Keith, Rickie Weeks has a 1.000+ OPS since being recalled in mid-August. He has hit more than half his season's HRs (8) in September. He has a .235 BA, but a .375 OBP (.490+ OBP since July). Is he FINALLY showing what he can do once he gets healthy at-bats? What kind of ceiling do you give him, if he has one?

Keith Law: (3:30 PM ET ) I wrote in a chat right after my Chicago trip that I thought Weeks was going to be a star. The only thing holding him back is his defense.

Poll

What is the #1 priority of the off-season

Improve the bullpen

20 votes

Move Braun to the outfield

8 votes

Fire Ned

31 votes

Root for the Pack to make the Super Bowl

4 votes

Have lambadomy to erase the Cubs' celebration from our minds

1 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

Molitor Chat on ESPN.com

molitorfan — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:53:08 -0000

My screen name is no joke, I love me some Molitor. He chatted on ESPN today and there are a few mentions about Brewers' teams of past and present. The chat is Insider so I am posting it here:

Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, Hall of Famer Paul Molitor will stop by to chat.

Molitor, a 2004 Hall of Fame inductee, finished his career with 3,319 hits, which is ninth on the all-time list, and a .306 batting average. He also ranks 36th all-time with 504 stolen bases. In his 21-year career, Molitor also drove in 1,307 runs.

Molitor is working with Taco Bell to present The World Series Experience of a Lifetime. Fans could win a trip for two to every game of the World Series, a chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch or $50,000 in cash.

Send your questions now and join Molitor in The Show at 1:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Previous chat guests | SportsNation index

Buzzmaster: (1:32 PM ET ) We've got Paul!

Ryan (Arlington, VA): How did it feel to get together with most of the members of the 1982 team last week?

Paul Molitor: (1:33 PM ET ) It was a great reunion. It brought back a lot of memories. The stories are a little more fabricated. My most enjoyable season in the big leagues.

Phillip (Tucson): Paul, if I win the Taco Bell contest, can you be the one I take to every game of the World Series?

Paul Molitor: (1:33 PM ET ) Let's do it. Hope they go seven.

Kyle (Kansas): Out of all the stats you accumulated in your career, which are you most proud of?

Paul Molitor: (1:34 PM ET ) Playing 21 years. Overcoming injuries. Playing until you're 42. That was the challenging part.

Randall: Which player in today's game reminds you of yourself, as a player?

Paul Molitor: (1:34 PM ET ) Michael Young from Texas. Knows all facets of the game. Team player. Hits for average and a little power. Great clutch player (not trying to be boastful).

Greg (Utah): After 21 seasons, is there any moment that stands out above the rest?

Paul Molitor: (1:35 PM ET ) Joe Carter's home run in 1993. No question, my most memorable moment as a major league player.

James (Toronto): Paul, talk about how fun it was to play with the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays and win the World Series in such dramatic fashion.

Paul Molitor: (1:36 PM ET ) To finally be a world champion after 16 years understatedly was an awesome feeling. Being a Blue Jay was a big transition, but it couldn't have worked out better. The way it ended, you couldn't have scripted it any better.

Ryan (Arlington, VA): Which role do you think suits you best- front office for an MLB team, on field coach or manager, or broadcaster?

Paul Molitor: (1:37 PM ET ) Right now, on the field. I enjoy teaching. Helping young players try to reach the major leagues. Perhaps down the road, I'll make my way to the front office.

Nathan (Canada): Hi Paul, when I was 7 years old, you were my fave player ever. I had your T-shirt and everything else of you the year you won World Series MVP. Where do you rank your Series win with the Jays against the rest of your career?

Paul Molitor: (1:38 PM ET ) It was the most memorable time, because it was my only championship. I'll always be appreciative to the Blue Jays fans and the way they received me into their organization and city.

Craig (Shelton, CT): Can you describe what is was like to be inducted into the baseball HOF?

Paul Molitor: (1:38 PM ET ) Very humbling. Somewhat overwhelming. I've been back three years and am beginning to feel a little more comfortable in that environment.

Luke (Charlotte): How active are you with the Twins organization these days?

Paul Molitor: (1:39 PM ET ) Very active. I'm a minor league base running and infield coordinator. I help out the big league team from time to time. It's a great fit for me right now.

James (Toronto): Were you surprised by the rabid interest in baseball in Canada, particularly during that 1993 WS season?

Paul Molitor: (1:40 PM ET ) Not really surprised, the fans of the Jays kind of evolved as the franchise did. But four million people was more than anyone could have imagined.

drew (california): Paul, what can baseball do to help bring back fans who are disgusted with the steroid scandals?

Paul Molitor: (1:41 PM ET ) We can only try to win fans back by earning their trust by putting a clean product on the field. It will take time, but the right policies are in place.

Deege (Champaign): Paul, what do you think of the role sabermetrics have played in baseball? Seems that the philosophy of the game is split between statheads and scouts. Thanks!

Paul Molitor: (1:42 PM ET ) Baseball is about numbers, but sometimes you have to trust your instincts on the intangibles. Example, David Eckstein.

Christian (Chicago): Do you still follow the Brewers? What do you make of their chances of winning the division this year?

Paul Molitor: (1:43 PM ET ) I do follow the Brewers. Great young nucleus. Will their lack of experience be the difference in winning or coming up short is my question.

Greg (Miami, FL): Who is the toughest pitcher you ever faced?

Paul Molitor: (1:43 PM ET ) There were several, but I would put Nolan Ryan at the top.

Jarrod, Columbus: You waited so long to get that World Series ring - what did it feel like when Joe Carter hit that Homerun?

Paul Molitor: (1:44 PM ET ) The old adage is the longer you wait for something the more you appreciate it. With Joe's home run, it made all the years the work, the toiling, worthwhile.

Jeffy D. (Feeding Hills, MA): If you were a average fan, which young players would you pay to see when they come to town?

Paul Molitor: (1:45 PM ET ) Not necessarily young - Ordonez, Ichiro, Howard, Fielder. Some great young players that bode well for a transition to superstars in the game.

Travis(Wisconsin): Who was the best player on that 82 team?

Paul Molitor: (1:46 PM ET ) Robin Yount was the best player. He could beat you in more ways than anyone else on that team.

Marcia M. (Lansing, Michigan): What are you doing for your 51st birthday tomorrow?

Paul Molitor: (1:46 PM ET ) 7:30 tee time. Afternoon with the kids. Dinner with my wife.

James (Toronto): Was that 15-14 spectacle in Game 5 of the '93 WS the craziest game you've ever been a part of?

Paul Molitor: (1:47 PM ET ) Off the top of my head, I'd have to say yes. Overcame 5-run deficits twice to win. Pretty rare.

Ron (Chicago): What will it be like for you to get drubbed by two ex-pitchers on the golf course tomorrow?

Paul Molitor: (1:48 PM ET ) You been drinking?

Deege (Champaign): Paul, could you give us some differences of today's game as opposed to that of the 1980's? Thanks!

Paul Molitor: (1:49 PM ET ) Pitching roles are more specialized. Pitch counts are a huge factor. Offensively, the game revolves around the home run a little bit more. Players make more money and good for them.

Chris (Texas): Tell us more about this World series of a Lifetime thing. How do I sign up?

Paul Molitor: (1:50 PM ET ) Go to your favorite Taco Bell. Buy a large or X-Large Mountain Dew Baja Blast or Pepsi Cola soft drink and you'll receive a game code. Go online to WorldSeriesBlast.com enter your game code and you're eligible.

Jarrod (Columbus): As my favorite player of all-time, I want to know who is your favorite player of all-time.

Paul Molitor: (1:51 PM ET ) Harmon Killebrew was my boyhood idol. Getting to know him over the past several years has affirmed it was a good choice.

Patrick (Springfield, MA): Did you ever consider playing other sports in high school or college, or was baseball your one and only love?

Paul Molitor: (1:52 PM ET ) I played basketball and soccer in high school. Loved basketball but all things pointed my future was in baseball.

James (Toronto): How important is locker-room cohesion when it comes to building a championship team, and how important was it for you to be a positive influence in the clubhouse?

Paul Molitor: (1:53 PM ET ) Does winning create chemistry or does chemistry create winning? Probably goes both ways. As a veteran, you try to set an example in preparation, consistency and work ethic.

Sammy (Bayside Queens): Paul- big fan! Please name 3 players from your era that you feel should be in the Hall of Fame that aren't.

Paul Molitor: (1:54 PM ET ) Bert Blyelven, Goose Gossage, and Andre Dawson.

Justin (ny, ny): Which current pitcher would you least want to face - were you still currently playing at the same hall of fame level we were all so privileged to see?

Paul Molitor: (1:56 PM ET ) I should say Santana, working for the Twins, but I'll go with Verlander. Velocity, nasty breaking ball, changeup. Pretty good.

Paul Molitor: (1:56 PM ET ) Been a pleasure. Good luck with the contest. Hope to see you at the World Series.

Crappy

molitorfan — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:53:44 -0000

I want to open a thread regarding everyone's thoughts on switching the roles of Capuano and Parra. I believe Keith Law on espn.com suggested that the Brewers would be in much better shape if they made this move. My opinion is that we need to do something about the rotation, whether it is to insert Villy or Parra. The Crew is 0-13 over Crappy's last 13 starts so moving him to the pen would be a great place to start.
The only current member of the rotation that I have any confidence in right now is Gallardo**.

**Note- If I jinxed Yovani tonight with this last sentence I will put myself on the 15 day diary DL list.

Home Run Derby

molitorfan — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:39:37 -0000

Baseball Tonight just reported that Prince will be in the Derby and Howard will be back to defend his crown even though he isn't an all star.
I wish Prince would sit this one out and not mess with his swing.
The Fox crew was talking about it Saturday during the Mets vs. Phils game, which us east coast saps got instead of Cubs vs. Brewers. They said Wright is sitting out this year because he felt it really hurt him in the second half and his HR total suffered. However, Howard obviously had a great second half after winning the derby.
Thoughts?

Nicknames

molitorfan — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:31:35 -0000

Since it is an off day and we need a light and fluffy topic to get us feeling good before a long weekend, here it is. These are the nicknames that my girlfriend has created for selected Brewers over the past two years. Feel free to add any others that your significant other or drinking buddy has come up with.

Prince Fielder = Chunker
Geoff Jenkins = Favre
Derrick Turnbow = Muppet
Corey Hart = The Scary Looking Guy
Francisco Cordero = Piggy
JJ Hardy = The Hot Guy

Former Brewer
Carlos Lee = Turtle

Some notes: Maybe Yost doesn't play Hart as much because he also finds him scary looking. Also, it took me about two weeks of explaining as to why the Brewers had to trade away "Turtle" last year.

Rob Neyer on the Brewers

molitorfan — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:20:22 -0000

A few questions from his chat earlier today relevant to the Brewers. The last answer about JJ really stings:

Maurice, Chicago: The Cubs have the worst record in 1 run games in the
majors @ 2-9. Usually this means a poor bullpen and bad luck. And to
solve
the woes of the Cubs, they want to move Dempster to the rotation thus
weakening their bullpen. Perfect sense right? Well Perfect sense if
your a
Cubs fan.

Rob Neyer: (12:16 PM ET )
I
understand your frustration, but you've got the order wrong: it's bad
luck,
and then poor bullpen. And there's a lot of space between those two.
The
Cubs have a better run differential than the Brewers, and I believe
that's
going to show up in the standings eventually. Whatever Dempster does.

Adam - Golden Valley Minnesota: Rob- Fact or Fiction...it is time to
bring
up Ryan Braun and get Counsell and Grafanino back on the bench.
(Answer-
Fact)

Rob Neyer: (12:22 PM ET )
Ditto. I just blogged this very subject a few minutes ago. The Brewers
have
a chance to measurably improve their chances, right now. Let's see if
they
take it.

Shannon, MO: What's the deal with JJ Hardy? I know you mentioned in a
blog
awhile back about A-Rod that sometimes hot flashes like Hardy's can
just be
explained by great players being great, but did anyone ever really
think
that JJ Hardy was capable of what he's doing right now? Would a more
apt
comparison be '96 Brady Anderson? Also, do you think Hardy is capable
of
keeping something similar to what he's doing now (say .310/40/130) up
all
season?

Rob Neyer: (12:54 PM ET )
Brady Anderson? For me, the name that comes to mind is Brian Roberts.
Remember when he hit 10 homers in the first five weeks of the season,
and
only 8 the rest of the season?