Results tagged ‘ Gagne ’
Brewers (2) vs. Mets (4) 9/1 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Ryan Braun–Went 3 for 4 and seems to be really heating up again. Look for 2-3 home runs on this homestand.
Less Filling:
Eric Gagne–I defended him for a long time, but no more. He’s been Derrick Turnbow….look good for 4-5 outings and then all of a sudden blow up and allow a crooked number. If he sees crunchtime work again the rest of the year Ned is officially an idiot.
Brewers offense–Oh, the shadows, the shadows. Oh, Santana is so great, he’s unbelievable. Shut up and do your jobs. And your jobs don’t entail 15 strikeouts in a 9 inning game.
Ben Sheets–Nice pulled ****** Ben. His early exit caused a domino effect that led to the air being taken out of the Brewers sails and the bullpen to have to do too much. If this is the only thing to come of this than I guess it’s ok. But if he goes down for weeks during the late part of the season with another strained injury I am forever done with Ben. Get yourself in shape and pitch through some discomfort. Don’t make excuses, get the job done as the leader you’re supposed to be.
Brewers (3) @ Pirates (1) 8/29 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Dave Bush–Another solid outing for Bushie. He’s now lowered his ERA to 4.12 with his strong second half. I have to admit, I didn’t think he had it in him.
Ryan Braun–Starting to carry the team a bit. His first inning three-run home run provided the only offense for the Brewers.
Bullpen–It seems like they’re either rock solid or blow up with crooked numbers. Tonight they were rock solid with Shouse, Gagne, and Torres getting the job done.
Less Filling:
Brewers offense–Thank God for Ryan Braun in this one or it would have been a 4 hit shutout. The Brewers offense has been madingly inconsistent this year as evidenced by the last three games. Go off for 12 against the Cards in the first game, then get three early against them the next only to go in a hole, and then do the same thing today.
Prince Fielder–His average has dipped to .268 and despite hitting 6 home runs this month, he hasn’t hit one since August 13th. He’s been chipping in with RBI’s periodically, but he’s still not on pace for 100 RBI on the year all of his numbers are down considerably from last year. I didn’t expect another 50 home run season, but this year’s numbers would have been on the low end of what I’d expect. Also, his defense continues to be attrocious and he committed yet another error last night, his 13th on the year
Brewers (5) vs. Nationals (4) 8/10 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Mike Rivera–Nearly single-handedly kept the Brewers alive in a game they should have lost. Three walks and a couple hits including a three run double to tie it up in the 8th. He’s hitting about 80 points higher than Kendall this year, yet Ned apparently thinks he should play once every three weeks. I don’t think he’d keep up that pace over a full season as a full-timer, but at least one start a week, especially in the dog days of summer, should be the standard.
Gabe Kapler–Well on his way to a Less Filling appearance after going 0 for his first 6 with 3 strikeouts and 6 men left on base. But then he goes and does something like that…..and totally redeems himself.
Manny Parra–He’d struggled in his last handful of starts, but came out and was rock solid today. He certainly deserved a better fate after going 7 strong innings.
Less Filling:
Eric Gagne–Ahh, Eric. He’d been doing so well lately. I was watching the 8th inning today and Gagne had 2 outs with no one on and 2 strikes on Ryan Zimmerman. I went to change my little boy’s diaper and come back to find its all of a sudden 4-1. He’s turning into Turnbow from last year. Go 4-5 outings in a row and be good, and then all of a sudden blow up and allow 3 runs or more. When he blows up, he really blows up. Hopefully he can get things straightened out (again) unlike Turnbow last year.
J.J. Hardy–A very tough 0 for 6 with three strikeouts. And his strikeout with the bases loaded and one out in the 10th could have cost the Brewers the game. Luckily the rest of the bullpen was rock solid and Kapler came through in the 13th.
Brewers (6) @ Reds (3) 8/6 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Rickie Weeks–I am an admitted Weeks apologist. I do like the addition of Durham though and am fine with a soft platoon. That being said, I think Weeks is breaking out of his slumber and about to get it going. His stats have improved over the last month or so. Continuing to bench him is not going to allow him to blossom and improve. I’m fine with Durham playing 1-2 times a week, but not more. Especially if Rickie is starting to play well. A big 4 for 5 today including some clutch hits.
Mike Cameron–Cameron has been swinging the bat well lately, so you can bet Ned will have him on the bench the first game of the Nats series. I’m hoping not, but that’s been Ned’s MO. Cameron hit the ball the other way with authority, which is always a sign of a hitter that is locked in. He’s a streaky hitter and you have to ride him when he’s hot. He should start every game this series.
Jeff Suppan–Started out kind of rocky, but got out of the damage early and pitched 7 strong. Need that kind of performance out of him down the stretch. His ERA in August and September is much better than the other months.
Eric Gagne–He only threw three pitches. But they were all quality pitches in a tight spot. That last fastball to Encarnacion was 94 on the black. If he can do that a little more, watch out.
Less Filling:
Craig Counsell–0 for 5 with 5 men left on base.
Ned Yost–Regardless of what Kendall did today or the day before he should have been out of those games. One of Kendall’s hits Tuesday was a weak flare into right, and today he had a standard grounder up the middle that the pitcher missed. Ned will continue to land here until Kendall gets a day off like he should have a week ago. Also, JJ finally broke his 0 for 28 slump with two hits on Tuesday, so what does Ned do? He benches him. Are you kidding me? Then he’s played Craig Counsell 5 games in a row now. And on the fifth day Counsell goes 0 for 5. Craig is in good shape for his age, but his talent level and age should dictate him to be a 1 to 2 games a week guy if that.
Brewers (2) vs. Reds (8) 7/12 — Tastes Great, Less Fillilng
Tastes Great:
Seth McClung–Bounced back after a couple rough outings to pitch pretty well.
Prince Fielder–His home run provided the only offense for the Brewers all day.
Less Filling:
Eric Gagne–The Brewers were already down 2 when he came in in the 9th inning, so its doubtful they’d be able to score off CoCo anyway, but Gagne proceeded to give up 4 runs (including 2 home runs) to put the game out of reach. After three pretty good outings after coming back, he blew up his ERA over 7 again with this one.
Guillermo Mota–Came in a tough spot and was basically just asked to somehow get that last out, but proceeded to give up a hit to allow two of Gagne’s runs to score.
Brewers (2) vs. Pirates (1) 7/5 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Dave Bush–I’ve been very hard on Bushie this year, and he certainly has deserved it. However, in his last 6-8 starts or so he’s really performed pretty well. I’m not ready to say I’m completely comfortable when he pitches, but at least he’s improving.
Mike Cameron–His shot early staked the Brewers to a lead.
Prince Fielder–He had to feel insulted when the Pirates intentionally walked Braun to pitch to him. And he delivered with the game-winning hit.
Eric Gagne–So far, so good in his first two outings.
JJ Hardy–He’s been hammering the ball latey. But today he showed where his priorities lie. He came in with a 16 game hitting streak and had an opportunity to extend it in the 9th. Instead he followed orders and dropped down a sacrifice bunt to set up the winning run. He was appropriately acknowledged with a nice ovation by the crowd.
Less Filling:
Certainly would have liked to see some more offense, but gotta be happy with the end result.
Brewers (5) @ Diamondbacks (6) 7/3 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
JJ Hardy–What a streak!! Another home run and a couple scorched doubles to go along with a single.
Mike Cameron–Starting to swing the bat better lately. He’s always been a slow starter, and hopefully he’s ready to heat up again.
Parra–Pitched pretty well and obviously should have gotten the win. Once slight complaint though is he managed to get his pitch count up there and had to be pulled after 6 innings. That meant the bullpen needed to be stretched out and we saw what happened.
Gagne, Stetter–Both have had their issues earlier this year, but it was nice to see them both pitch good and hopefully get back on track.
Less Filling:
Mota/Shouse/Torres–I know its kind of something you just gotta chalk up to a once in a million time and move on, but this was a disgusting loss. You have a chance to beat one of the best pitchers in the league, have a winning road trip, and rest your closer. But instead the unthinkable happens. These three combined for face seven hitters and gave up 6 hits, 1 walk, 6 runs, and got NO FRICKIN’ OUTS!!!
Brewers (7) @ Pirates (2) 5/20 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
.200 Club–Wha, What? That’s right folks, all three members of the .200 Club had at least two hits. Cam and Rickie seem to be really coming around. Billy had a bullet into right-center for a double; that is the hit that made him in 05 and 06. Maybe he can get that form back now.
Ryan Braun–Nuff said.
Corey Hart–Mainstay; home run the other way.
JJ Hardy–2 hits and a walk. He seems to be coming around as well.
Manny Parra–Nice outing as he did not give up a run. My enthusiasm is tempered by his high pitch count and inability to finish the 6th. Going deep into the count on hitter after hitter is a recipe for disaster.
Less Filling:
Prince Fielder–0 for 5. People raved about his leadership last year, and it was easy when the team was winning. Its not so easy to lead when your team is struggling. Haven’t seen that out of him this year on the field with his play or off the field.
Eric Gagne–4 runners allowed in 2/3 inning. Left due to injury before he could finish. We’ll have to see how serious the injury is still.
Brewers (5) vs. Dodgers (3) 5/13 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Wow, that was a pretty well-rounded performance by the Brewers. Defense left a little to be desired, but they put some solid pitching and hitting together. All 5 of their runs came with two outs. Good to see those clutch hits.
Carlos Villanueva–That’s the kind of start we needed out of him. Scattererd a few hits, but didn’t give up the longball or any walks. The next step is to be able to do that consistently and get that extra inning into the 7th. Wouldn’t have minded Ned trying him in the 7th as he’d only thrown 83 pitches through 6. First baserunner he allows you pull him.
Ryan Braun–I heart his life. Definetly a man-crush.
Prince Fielder–Another couple hits, including one to left. Last time he did that I predicted an offensive outburst but he went the other way. We’ll see what happens.
Mike Cameron–A couple base knocks, a RBI, a run. Still extended his strikeout streak though; wouldn’t wanna mess that up:)
Bill Hall–I’ve said before this year that I’m not encourage when he hits home runs because they’ve all been to left. Well he finally took one out to right center. If he stays with that approach he can turn this season around. And now both he and Cameron are at or above .200, and Rickie’s been raising his average lately too. Could this spell the end of the .200 Club?
Eric Gagne–I’ve said all along that I think he’s the guy in that closer role and I still had confidence in him. His last few outings he hasn’t been giving up longballs or extra bases. Its been some shaky defense, squeezing by umps, bloopers and dinks, and some walks that got him in trouble. He pitched solidly last night and should have been out of the inning earlier if Rickie makes that turn. Hopefully he’s got stuff straightened out and comes back with a vengeance.
Less Filling:
Defense–An error by Rickie, double play that should have been turned in the 9th, a misplayed ball in left by Braunie, another passed ball by Kendall. Kendall might need a day off coming up here. He’s allowed a couple passed balls lately and missed that squeeze sign on Saturday. A day off to rejuvenate and clear his mind might be good. With Parra pitching today don’t be surprised to see Rivera in there.
Brewers (5) vs. Cardinals (3) 5/11 — Tastes Great, Less Filling
Tastes Great:
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, my wife, and all the mother’s out there!
Jeff Suppan–That’s the kind of effort we needed out of him last time out and going forward. He needs to step up and pitch like the Number 2 starter he now is. 7 innings and only 1 run. He did flirt with danger a bit by walking 5 in the first couple innings, but the Cardinals made 4 outs on the bases to help him out of it.
Ryan Braun–35-40 homers a year looks like the rule not the exception. He seems to make such good contact so often, even if he gets under the ball a bit sometimes.
Corey Hart–Just keeps producing.
JJ Hardy–3 for 4 yesterday and has quietly raised his average to .260 after starting the year out pretty poorly. Starting to settle into that 7 spot.
Less Filling:
Bill Hall–His average did finally dip below .200 and he becomes a full-fledged member of the .200 Club, joining Rickie Weeks (.193) and Mike Cameron (.174). Billy did make a very nice play on the Glaus liner to double off Pujols.
Bullpen–Even though Gagne has been removed from the closer role, the last couple innings still provided too much excitement. Riske, Torres, and Shouse had been pretty solid lately but allowed a couple runs and too many baserunners before closing it out.
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