A New Kind of Brew

[jaykno14]

Hi all. This is my first stab at a dynasty in a while. As you can see in my sig. I have actually had numerous tries in the past, however I have just never been able to finish a certain dynasty out. So here I am again, with my team the Brewers, trying a different, yet similar idea of a dynasty.

I have always considered running a dynasty similar to Magatsu's 1995 Seattle Mariners dynasty, and will try to do so this time. Instead I think I am going to play out all the games to start, but I might elect to go a similar way that he did when he played out only one game per series, if it's going slower than I wished.

For now, I am going to stick solely to my team, with maybe a few updates on hot teams ever two weeks or something like that, and then every month I'll give an update around the league. If you have any questions on a team of curiousity then just ask and I'll check it out!

Now, on to the 2006 Milwaukee Brewers team I will be taking over (in Rolen17's roster ste). This team could be a surprise team in the league this year, as the Brewers experienced their first season that wasn't a losing season since 1992 last year. What will this season bring? Hopefully a little different than the real Brewer's 2006 season.

A New Kind of Brew-History

League History

 
Pennant Winners (Bold=World Series Champs)
2006 
AL: Los Angeles (A)  
NL: New York (N)

Most Valuable Players
2006 
AL: Vladimir Guerrero (LAA)  
NL: Ryan Howard (PHI)

Cy Youngs
2006 
AL: Johan Santana (MIN)  
NL: Billy Wagner (NYN)

Rookies of the Year
2006 
AL: Matt Garza (MIN)  
NL: Jeremy Hermida (FLO)
 
Division Winners
2006
AL East: Boston (86-76)
AL Central: Minnesota (98-64)
AL West: Oakland (96-66)
NL East: Philadelphia (98-64)
NL Central: Chicago (84-78)
NL West: Los Angeles (87-75)
 
Hall of Fame Inductees
2006
SP Roger Clemens
SP Tom Glavine
C  Mike Piazza
SP Randy Johnson

Team History

 
Team Win-Loss Records
2006: 79-83, 3rd Place, 5.0 GB
 
Team Most Valuable Players
2006: 1B Prince Fielder: 159 G, 602 AB, 104 R, 157 H, 25 2B, 1 3B, 25 HR, 92 RBI, 10S B .261/.355/.430
 
Team Cy Youngs
2006: CL Derrick Turnbow: 5-3, 27 SV, 3.79 ERA, 54.2 IP, 43 HA, 5 HRA, 38 BB, 49 K, .218 ABG 
 
Team Rookie of the Year
2006: SP Yovani Gallardo: 3-0, 1 SV, 1.97 ERA, 45.2 IP, 44 HA, 4 HRA, 8 BB, 60 K, .251 AVG 
 
Minor League Player of the Year-Hitting
2006: LF Drew Anderson (AA): 136 G, 555 AB, 169 H, 37 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 74 RBI, 78 R, .305/.369/.404, 25 SB
 
Minor League Player of the Year-Pitching
2006: SP Will Inman (A): 10-1, 160.2 IP, 120 HA, 7 HRA, 26 BB, 190 K, 2.02 ERA, .202 AVG
 
Team Batting Averages
2006: .252 - 12th in NL
 
Team Home Runs
2006: 168 - 5th in NL
 
Team OPS's
2006: .727 - 8th in NL
 
Team Runs Scored
2006: 760 - 4th in NL
 
Team ERA
2006: 4.62 - 13th in NL
 
Team Starters ERA
2006: 4.58 - 13th in NL
 
Team Bullpen ERA
2006: 4.70 - 14th in NL

Individual Records

 
Hitting
At Bats: 612, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Hits: 157, 1B Prince Fielder - 2006
 
Doubles: 33, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Triples: 10, 3B Bill Hall - 2006
 
Home Runs: 25, 1B Prince Fielder - 2006
 
Runs Batted In: 92, 1B Prince Fielder - 2006
 
Runs Scored: 104 (tie), 1B Prince Fielder and 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Walks: 96, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Strikeouts: 139, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Stolen Bases: 23, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Batting Average: .267, RF Geoff Jenkins - 2006
 
On Base Percentage: .367, RF Geoff Jenkins - 2006
 
Slugging Percentage: .476, RF Geoff Jenkins - 2006
 
OPS: .842, RF Geoff Jenkins - 2006
 
Pinch Hits: 10, OF Corey Hart - 2006
 
Sacrifice Hits: 4, 2B Rickie Weeks - 2006
 
Total Bases: 259, 1B Prince Fielder - 2006
 

Pitching
Decisions: 24, Dave Bush - 2006
 
Wins: 10, Dave Bush - 2006
 
Losses: 15, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Earned Runs (most): 82, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Reliever ERA (min 50 IP): 3.47, Kiko Calero - 2006

Starter ERA (min 100 IP): 3.68, Dave Bush - 2006
 
Games: 59, Scot Shields - 2006
 
Games Started: 32, Dave Bush - 2006
 
Innings Pitched: 198.1, Dave Bush - 2006
 
Hits Allowed-Most: 171, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Complete Games: 1 (tie), Carlos Villanueva and Dave Bush - 2006 
 
Shutouts: 1, Carlos Villanueva - 2006
 
Home Runs Allowed-Most: 23, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Runs Allowed-Most: 95, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Strikeouts-Most: 127, Ben Sheets - 2006
 
Walks-Most: 44, Ben Sheets - 2006

A New Kind of Brew Brewer All-Stars

2006
No All-Star Selection

2007
RF Juan Rivera (1x)
CF Tony Gwynn Jr. (1x)

[jaykno14]

Lineup v RHP
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. J.J. Hardy SS
3. Prince Fielder 1B
4. Carlos Lee LF
5. Geoff Jenkins RF
6. Bill Hall CF
7. Corey Koskie 3B
8. Damien Miller C*Injured in Spring Training, expected back early May. Mike Rivera and Chad Moeller will split time until he comes back, and then one will be sent down

Lineup v LHP
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. J.J. Hardy SS
3. Bill Hall 3B
4. Carlos Lee LF
5. Prince Fielder 1B
6. Geoff Jenkins RF
7. Damien Miller C*
8. Brady Clark CF

Bench
C Mike Rivera/Chad Moeller
3B Jeff Cirillo
CF Brady Clark/3B Corey Koskie
OF Corey Hart
OF Gabe Gross

Starting Rotation
1. Ben Sheets*He will return in the middle of May, meanwhile rotation will shift up one and Jorge de la Rosa will be the fifth starter
2. Doug Davis
3. Chris Capuano
4. Dave Bush
5. Tomo Ohka

MR
Jose Capellan
Jorge de la Rosa
Justin Lehr
Jared Fernandez

MU
Rick Helling

SU
Matt Wise
Danny Kolb

CL
Derrick Turnbow

Coaching Staff
Manager: Ned Yost
Bench Coach: Robin Yount
Hitting Coach: Butch Wynegar
Pitching Coach: Mike Maddux

My thoughts: This team is impressive. And young. But impressive. And if we can stay consistant and avoid losing streaks I could easily see us surprising some people in the NL Central and making it a race. Our rotation is going to have to hold up early on, with Sheets out until mid May, and the bottom of our lineup is going to have to be consistent. Either Moeller or Rivera will be demoted to AAA once Miller is o.k. to come back.

[jaykno14]

4/03: vs. Pirates, loss 3-8 - LP: Davis (0-1)
Opening day in Milwaukee wasn't a pleasant one, as Doug Davis filled in for the injured Ben Sheets and gave up seven runs in four innings. Rick Helling saved some arms in the bullpen and pitched the last five innings giving up only one run. The top of the lineup for the Pirates accounted for six of the eight runs and went 5-17 with two walks. Zach Duke held the Brewers to four hits and went eight innings giving up only three. Brady Clark was 2-3 driving in all three Brewer runs.

4/04: vs. Pirates, win 10-8 - WP: Capuano (1-0), S: Turnbow (1)
It was a little better today, at least for the hitting that is. Chris Capuano could only make it through five innings, giving up seven earned runs (five in the fifth). The bullpen again proved to be key for us, as Jared Fernandez came in and pitched three innings giving up only one run. Derrick Turnbow pitched out of trouble in the ninth to get his first save of the year. At the plate, Everyone except for Mike Rivera had a hit, and Carlos Lee homered going 3-5 with four RBIs. Rickie Weeks also homered.

4/05: vs. Pirates, win 8-7 (11) - WP: Wise (1-0), BS: Turnbow (1)
What a game this was! We got off to an early 5-0 lead, with a four run fourth. Bush was dealing through six but then gave up three to make it 5-3. I decided I'd leave in Bush for the eighth because he was only on 85 pitches, but he gave up another run to make it 5-4. In the ninth we brought in Turnbow, and he gave up the lead after giving up two hits and a walk, and then gave them the lead, at 6-5 going into the bottom of the ninth. In the ninth Bill Hall led off the inning with a solo shot to make it 6-6. Turnbow was able to pitch a 1-2-3 10th. In the 11th we brought in Matt Wise and he gave up three hits and a run to make it 7-6 Pirates. That brought us to the bottom half of the inning where J.J. Hardy led off with a flyout. Billy Hall then legged out an infield single, but was followed with a flyout by Carlos Lee. Prince Fielder then doubled and Hall wasn't able to score so there were guys on second and third with two outs. The count went full to Jenkins and let's let Bob Uecker take it the rest of the way:
"Here's the full count pitch to Jenkins, hit to the right side...Sanchez dives...and...it's through, it's through! Fielder is on his way around third Wilson comes up throwing...the throw is over Cota's head! The Brewers take the series! The Brewers win!"

4/06: OFF

4/07: vs. Diamondbacks, win 5-4 - WP: Kolb (1-0), BS: Kolb (1)
Well we seem to be making it too often that we have to win on a walk off, as Rickie Weeks took one to deep center to end this game. Ohka only gave up one earned run, and three total. They scored two runs off of a Billy Hall error out in center, and I hope that those don't come too often. Geoff Jenkins had a home run, his first of the year, and that was Weeks' second of the year. He was 2-4 with two runs today. He also got his first stolen base.

4/08: vs. Diamondbacks, win 8-7 - WP: de la Rosa (1-0), BS: Fernandez (1)
These games are much closer than they should be. We were winning 7-0 in this one and then we gave up 7 runs in the fifth and sixth combined. All seven of those runs went to Davis, but he pitched pretty well for the most part. Rickie Weeks had a big day in a small way. He was 4-5, but didn't have any RBIs or runs. He also had a walk. His average is up to .400. J.J. Hardy was 2-6 with a run and two RBIs. Prince Fielder had four walks. Bill Hall manufactored runs in a small ball kind of way by driving in a run with a squeeze play, and then driving in a run on a sacrifice fly. Hopefully our pitching comes around soon.

4/09: vs. Diamondbacks, win 3-2 - WP: Lehr (1-0), S: Capellan (1)
Our pitching finally came through for us, as Cappy went six strong innings of two run ball, and then the bullpen came in and shut them down. Hitting wise, we decided to give a few starters off, Koskie and Jenkins that is, so Cirillo and Hart got the start. Hart proved big today going 2-3 with all three RBIs. He had a big two-out double in the seventh to put us up 3-2 for good. Capellan pitched a perfect ninth to save the game, as Turnbow was still tired from a few performances back. I am debating whether to experiment with the closer role, possibly with Wise, Turnbow, and Capellan, but we'll see.

Jay's Thoughts
I'm not too diappointed with the start, considering how poor our stats are right now. We've definitely shown we can win the close games, going 4-0 in one run games, and the othe win being a two run victory, however it'd be nice to get a blow out here soon, to save some pitching arms.

In the minors there isn't a lot to talk about. Tony Gwynn is hitting .467 with two stolen bases at AAA.

Team Stats
Total: 5-1
Streak: 5 wins
Average: .260
ERA: 5.30
 
Team Hitting Leaders
2B Rickie Weeks: .333 BA, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .467 OBP, .625 SLG, 1.092 OPS, 3/4 SB
1B Prince Fielder: .316 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .519 OBP
 
Team Pitching Leaders
Tomo Ohka: 1.50 ERA, 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER

What's on Tap? (courtesy of FSN Wisconsin)
4/10: @STL
4/11: OFF
4/12: @STL
4/13: @STL
4/14: @NYM
4/16: @NYM
4/17: @NYM

[jaykno14]

4/10: @ Cardinals (2-4), loss 0-5 - LP: Bush (0-1)
We just didn't hit this game. Bush didn't pitch half bad until about the fifth inning when he gave up two runs, after only having then get 5 hits off him all game. Mulder shut us down in eight innings. Capellan and Lehr came out of the bullpen to shut them down giving up only one hit the rest of the way.

4/11: OFF

4/12: @ Cardinals, loss 2-11 - LP: Ohka (0-1)
There's really not much to say about this game other than we got out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but that was it from there. Carlos Lee hit his second home run of the year and drove in two going 1-4. The rest of the team=crap.

4/13: @ Cardinals, win 8-6 - WP: Kolb (2-0), S: Turnbow (2)
We were lucky to win this game. Going into the seventh we were down 6-2, but then we were able to get four in the top of the seventh to tie it up. Then in the eighth we manufactored the go ahead run with a sacrifice fly from Mike Rivera. Turnbow came in the ninth and struck out the side, revealing the Turnbow we really know, who hasn't been here as of late. Prince Fielder was 2-3 with three RBIs and a walk. Bill Hall was also 2-3 with two runs.

4/14: @ Mets (4-5), loss 1-2 - LP: Davis (0-2)
This is a game we probably could have won. we left a total of 12 guys on base, which usually isn't going to lead to sucess. Davis pitched a gem for us, going all eight innings that he could could have. It should chalk up a tally in the complete game column. It also was VERY valuable, as every guy in the bullpen has gone out lately, and was tired. So now for the rest of the series we have a well rested bullpen, which should be an advantage.

4/15: @ Mets, loss 0-12 - LP: Capuano (1-1)
Enough said. Pedro was Beast.

4/16: @ Mets, win 3-1 - WP: Bush (1-1), S: Turnbow (3)
Brady Clark continues to be clutch coming off the bench subbing in for guys, going 1-3 with a walk. That one hit was a seventh inning three-run home run to break a 0-0 tie between Tom Glavine and Dave Bush. After giving up a hit and walking two, to have the bases loaded in the ninth, Derrick Turnbow got Anderson Hernandez to pop out to center, and Jose Valentin to ground out to third to end the game for his third save.

Jay's Thoughts
I am hoping that this road trip isn't a sign of things to come for the Brewers this year. I am glad that we were at least able to pull off two on the road, as it could have just as easily been none if not for some clutch hits. In my opinion the key is to avoid sweeps, and that is what we did in both series, having to win the third and final game to escape the brooms. I, myself, would like to maybe take two out of three from a team, but that's just me. Our hitting floundered a bit, and is down to a .237 average. Pitching still hasn't done very well either at a 5.43 ERA, so I am hoping this team's peak is ahead of us with a 7-5 record not being half bad.

Down on the farm Tony Gwynn continues to hit well, with a .413 average and four stolen bases. Nelson Cruz has four home runs and 21 RBIs and a .376 average to beat. Ben Hendrickson continues to deal with a 1.35 ERA and Zach Jackson also has pitched well with a 3.95 ERA after a rough first start.

 
Team Stats
Record: 7-5 (2-4)
Streak: 1 win
Average: .237
ERA: 5.43 (Bullpen ERA: 3.51)
Team Walks (hitting): 55, good for second in the NL
 
Hitting Leaders
1B Prince Fielder: .325 BA, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .472 OBP, .847 OPS - Still not hitting for power
 
Pitching Leaders
Dave Bush: 1-1, 3.48 ERA, 9K/1BB
Danny Kolb: 2-0, 1.80 ERA, .118 OAVE

Whats On Tap?
4/17: @ Houston (7-6)
4/18: @ Houston
4/19: @ Houston*
4/20: vs Cincinatti (6-6)
4/21: vs Cincinatti
4/22: vs Cincinatti*
4/23: vs Cincinatti
*I have decided that with the games, I'm going to go to magatsu's way of playing one game per series to quicken up the pace a little. I hope I can set the strategy to as perfect as I want it to reflect what I would do. I will still have game logs, just might not be AS detailed as usual. You guys have a good idea on how I should decide what game to play in avanced?

[jaykno14]

To start the week we sent down RF Gabe Gross and promoted MR Chris Demaria, who although struggling in AAA, has some pretty good ratings and will help out in the bullpen.

4/17: @ Houston (7-6), win 12-1 - WP: Ohka (1-1)
Wow. Well long story on this one, but I'm going to keep it short. Ohka saved some bullpen arms and pitched a complete game three-hitter. Carlos Lee was 3-5 with two runs, six RBIs, a double, and a home run. Rickie Weeks also hit his third home run of the year, and was 2-5 with two runs and a walk. J.J. Hardy had three runs and was 1-3 with three walks. Billy Hall was 2-5 with two RBIs and a run. Prince Fielder was 2-5 with a run. Well I guess you can look at this as a good win.

4/18: @ Houston, loss 1-10 - LP: de la Rosa (1-1)
JDLR didn't get an out in this one. Our bullpen is shot. This sucks. Leadoff man Willy Taveras for the Astros was 4-4 with three runs and an RBI. Jason Lane had five RBIs in a 3-5 effort. Morgan Ensburg was 1-4 with four RBIs. Brewer pitchers had a team high seven walks.

4/19: @ Houston, loss 3-8 - LP: Davis (0-3)
Our bat's din't come to play again today. This was a 5-1 game for a while, but then when Davis came out, they opened up on Capellan for three more runs. For us, our team, I mean Carlos Lee, went 2-4 with two runs and two RBIs. J.J. Hardy was also 2-4 with a run, and Corey Koskie went 1-3 with an RBI and a walk.

4/20: vs Cincinnati (9-6), loss 5-9 - LP: Capuano (1-2)
Cappy pitched really well for us today giving up one earned run and two runs total in seven. Matt Wise gave up the other seven. Corey Koskie was 2-3 with three RBIs and a home run. Billy Hall and Rickie Weeks also both had an RBI.

4/21: vs Cincinnati, loss 1-2 - LP: Bush (1-2)
Again we get very good pitching from our starter, and our hitting cannot pull through. I don't know what is up but we just can't hit the ball currently. I'm probably going to try shaking up the lineup for the next two games, and we'll see what happens.

4/22: vs Cincinnati, win 7-0 - WP: Ohka (2-1)
Ohka pitched very well in this game. I have no idea why the computer manager pulled him so early though. After five innings he had given up two hits and one walk and had thrown 60 pitches and they pull him. I have no idea what that was, and with a tired bullpen already, it killed to have to go with three bullpen pitchers. All in all, we won and it was nice to get some hitting. Fielder finally hit a home run, his first of the season. Chad Moeller went 3-4 with an RBI and a run. Rickie Weeks and J.J. Hardy were BOTH 2-4 with a run and two RBIs and a walk. Their line is exactly the same across the box score.

4/23: vs Cincinnati, loss 0-4 - LP: de la Rosa (1-2)
Again we have good pitching in which JDLR goes five in giving up two runs, and Helling came out of the bullpen to go four innings in giving up two. Again we only manage to get five hits. This is P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C.

Jay's Thoughts
We need to hit. Period. 2nd to last in batting average. Last in slugging. Last in OPS. Last in extra base hits. Third to last in home runs. Yeah. I don't know what to say, but I think we're lucky to have a 9-10 record at this point. I've learned that we like to leave guys on quite often also. It hurts when your lead off hitter gets on, the next guy moves him over with a bunt. The next guy grounds out to the right side to get him to third, and then we pop out to the short stop. Let me just say it sucks, and right now I am debating what I want to do to manufactor runs because I probably shouldn't bunt or sacrifice since seem to do that well enough on our own. The pitching has really come around though, that is a plus.

Hey, maybe there will be something down here (in the minors). Gwynn is still ripping the cover off the ball with a .386 average and six stolen bases. He also has 15 RBIs and 16 runs.

Team Stats
Record: 9-10 (2-5)
Streak: Lost 1
Average: .238
ERA: 5.23 (still second to last in the NL)

Hitting Leaders (or lack thereof)
OF Carlos Lee: .257 BA, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 14 R, .862 OPS, 12 Extra Bases (in 19 hits)
C Chad Moeller: .367 BA (8-30), .906 OPS

Pitching Leaders
MR Danny Kolb: 2-0, 1.00 ERA, 7 G, 3 H, 0.67 WHIP
SP Tomo Ohka: 2-1, 3.18 ERA, 22.2 IP, 17 H, 1.10 WHIP, .214 OAVE
SP David Bush: 1-2, 3.38 ERA, 26.2 IP, (except for one game, he's pitched very well for us)

Around the League
The Cubs are the hottest team in baseball, having reeled off five straight wins and a 13-4 record. They also lead the division by two games over the 12-7 Reds. We'll be facing them this coming weekend. Other than that, the divisions are pretty much even.

Whats On Tap?
4/24: vs Braves (9-10)
4/25: vs Braves
4/26: vs Braves*
4/27: OFF
4/28: @ Chicago (13-4)
4/29: @ Chicago
4/30: @ Chicago*

[jaykno14]

4/24: vs Braves (9-10), win 4-3 - WP: Lehr (2-0), S: Turnbow (4)
Davis left the game early with some tenderness, however the bullpen pitched six innings of runless ball. The platoon of Lehr, Kolb, Capellan, Wise, and Turnbow held the Braves (hot hitting Braves) to a total of five hits. J.J. Hardy moved into second place in the RBI tally with RBIs nine and ten off of a home run. Carlos Lee was 1-3 with two RBIs. As a team we still only had four hits, but I guess you take them as they come. Davis will probably be back next game, as it seemed to be only day-to-day.

4/25: vs Braves, loss 5-7 (10) - LP: Turnbow (0-1), BS: Turnbow (2)
Through the first seven innings we were winning 1-0. We then brought in Danny Kolb and he gave up four runs (he was due). We then, in the bottom of the eighth came back and got four runs to make it a 5-4 game. Turnbow then came in (probably shouldn't have) and blew the save. In the tenth we gave up two runs and the rest is history. Cappy pitched pretty well, but the computer held him short again. I think I'm going to have to make some adjustments with that. Hitting wise Billy Hall was 1-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Carlos Lee had another double and drove in a run. Corey Koskie was 1-3 with an RBI. We still have yet to have someone really breakout, as Lee is really only hitting .259 average wise. Fielder was 2-5 and has a batting average of .284, but that's about it.

4/26: vs Braves, loss 3-9 - LP: Bush (1-3)
Obviously when we can't pitch we decide to pull out ten hits out of the bag. Actually that's a bit misleading, four of those hits, or 40% of the hits we had for those mathmatically challenge, came from Jeff Cirillo's bat who was filling in for Rickie Weeks. Bush was able to help out our bullpen and go six innings although he gave up all nine runs. Only five of those nine were earned. J.J. Hardy had another homer for us, and a squeeze play that plated a run so he was a decent 1-3 with three RBIs and a run.

4/27: OFF

4/28: @ Cubs (14-6/4-5 Home), loss 2-8 - LP: Ohka (2-2)
Well in a bad day team wise, Rickie Weeks doubled and tripled, raising his average to what looks to be fourth highest team at first glance, a whopping .233. Ohka helped us out by going to the seventh inning, but I'm starting to think that its not helping much considering we never seem to need our bullpen when we've got the lead because we never HAVE the lead.

4/29: @ Cubs, loss 3-5 - LP: Davis (0-4)
We have now lost four straight games, and it feels like an eternity. Jenkins, Hall, and Fielder all homered in the game, and Carlos Lee was 2-4 to raise that average. We need to start doing something. Soon. It might be time for a splash to get us going. Anything jeez, laweez.

4/30: @ Cubs, win 5-2 - WP: Capuano (2-2), S: Turnbow (5)
This was a well played game by us. Hitting wise, Fielder is starting to get involved in the run production, driving in three today off two hits in five at bats. Lee had another RBI also off a double and was 1-4. Billy Hall had a double and a triple and scored two runs. Capuano pitched very well going seven strong innings of two run baseball, and I'm hoping we begin to see more quality starts like that.

Jay's Thoughts
Overall another poor week from the Crew. We just can't seem to put it all together, which I suppose you can assume is going to happen this early from as young a team we are. It was nice to finish the Cub series without getting swept, and here's to hoping that when we get Sheets back soon, we can get on a roll. I don't think he's going to help our hitting though. In the first month of the year, 11-14 isn't as good as we'd hoped, but I suppose it could be worse. We are six games behind the division leader currently, but I don't think we should worry about that quite yet.

In the minors this week, Gwynn raised his average to .396 and stole two more bases to increase his total to eight. He has also scored 21 runs now and driven in 21. Gabe Gross is ripping the cover off the ball, going 5-8 with three doubles so far.

This report is going to be a bit shorter this time around, because the monthly report is coming up next. Anyways, here's whats on tap for the first week of May:

Whats On Tap?
5/01: vs Astros (13-12)
5/02: vs Astros*
5/03: vs Giants (11-15)
5/04: vs Giants*
5/05: @ Dodgers (13-12)
5/06: @ Dodgers
5/07: @ Dodgers*

[Magatsu]

Of course I'll be reading

Those Brewers seem to be quite a challenge, but they are pretty young. Hopefully they come around.

Good luck

M

[jaykno14]

Originally Posted by Magatsu

Of course I'll be reading

Those Brewers seem to be quite a challenge, but they are pretty young. Hopefully they come around.

Good luck

M

Happy to hear that you'll be reading. I've always enjoyed your dynasty reads! Workin' on any right now?

[jaykno14]

APRIL 2006

Guys, let me know if you'd like to see anything else, as I'm going to be flexible in what I put into my reports from the beginning and maybe then grow more consistent with them. If there is anything else you'd like to see just say something.

TEAM STATS
Information
Overall Record: 11-14, 6 GB
Position in Division: 4th place
Position in Wild Card: 9th place
Home Record: 7-6
Road Record: 4-8
Xtra's Record: 1-1
One Run Games: 5-2
Record vs Lefties: 5-3
Record vs Righties: 6-11
Last 10 Games: 3-7
April Record: 11-14

Batting
Batting Average: .240 - 14th in NL
On-Base Percentage: .322 - 13th in NL
Slugging Percentage: .366 - 16th in NL
OPS: .688 - 15th in NL
Runs Scored: 102 - 14th in NL
Hits: 199 - 15th in NL
Extra-Base Hits: 59 - 16th in NL
Home Runs: 20 - tied for 13th in NL
BBs: 96 - 4th in NL
Strikeouts: 136 - 5th in NL
Stolen Bases: 11 - tied for 5th in NL

Pitching
ERA: 5.20 - 16th in NL
Starters ERA: 5.57 - 15th in NL
Bullpen ERA: 4.57 - 10th in NL
Runs Allowed: 141 - 16th in NL
Hits Allowed: 237 - 14th in NL
Opponent AVE: .273 - 15th in NL
BABIP: .300 - 12th in NL
Home Runs Allowed: 27 - tied for 9th in NL
BBs: 92 - 12th in NL
Strikeouts: 140 - 10th in NL

Hitting Report
2B Rickie Weeks: .235/.370/.420, 14 R, 8 XBH, 4 SB
SS J.J. Hardy: .221/.302/.358, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R
CF Bill Hall: .237/.297/.376, 18 R, 11 RBI, 4 SB
LF Carlos Lee: .271/.327/.531, 16 R, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 14 XBH
1B Prince Fielder: .267/.385/.367, 11 R, 10 RBI, 17 BB
RF Geoff Jenkins: .205/.283/.289, 17 K's, 2 HR, 6 RBI
3B Corey Koskie: .226/.360/.290, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 18 K's
C Chad Moeller: .289/.341/.395, 3 RBI
3B Jeff Cirillo: 5-25, 1 2B
OF Brady Clark: .324/.425/.529, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 BB, 3 K's
OF Corey Hart: 7-26, 4 2B, 3 RBI
C Mike Rivera: .235/.281/.275, 4 RBI

Hitting wise, I think I learned a few things about my lineup. Weeks is going to continue hitting leadoff, however Koskie and Clark (when he's in the lineup) will swap with Hardy. I am also going to bat Carlos Lee third, and move Fielder into the four spot with Hall hitting fifth. I am hoping that the bottom of the lineup can start producing, and heres to hoping that we get some of those SLG% up. Those are measley.

Pitching Report
SP Doug Davis: 0-4, 6 GS, 33.1 IP, 44 HA, 7.83 ERA, .321 OAVE, 1.68 WHIP, 1 QS, 1 CG
SP Chris Capuano: 2-2, 6 GS, 31.2 IP, 34 HA, 27 Ks, 4.55 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3 QS
SP Dave Bush: 1-3, 5 GS, 32.2 IP, 45 HA, 4.13 ERA, 4:1 K:B, 1.50 WHIP, 3 QS
SP Tomo Ohka: 2-2, 5 GS, 29.2 IP, 26 HA, 4.25 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .230 OAVE, 2 QS, 1 CG
SP Jorge de la Rosa: 1-2, 4 GS, 12.0 IP, 10 HA, 8.25 ERA, 2.17 WHIP, 16 BB
MR Rick Helling: 0-0, 5 G, 17.1 IP, 18 HA, 4.67 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .277 OAVE,
MR Jared Fernandez: 0-0, 8 G, 7.2 IP, 6 HA, 1.17 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .200 OAVE, 2 HLD
MR Chris Demaria: 0-0, 2 G, 5.0 IP, 2 HA, 0.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, .133 OAVE
MR Justin Lehr: 2-0, 7 G, 11.1 IP, 12 HA, 7.15 ERA, 1.85 WHIP,
MR Jose Capellan: 0-0, 10 G, 9 IP, 11 HA, 5.00 ERA, 2.33 WHIP, .306 OAVE, 4 HLD, 1 SV
MR Danny Kolb: 2-0, 10 G, 12 IP, 9 HA, 3.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .209 OAVE,
SU Matt Wise: 1-0, 7 G, 9.1 IP, 12 HA, 7.71 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 2 HLD, 1 SV
CL Derrick Turnbow: 0-1, 7 G, 9.0 IP, 8 HA, 6 BB, 5.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 5 SV, 2 BS

Pitching numbers are skewed, as I feel that we started performing better here at the tail end of the month. Ben Sheets might get a start in the weekend series in Los Angeles. Possibly on Sunday, the game that I play. JDLR will probably just get optioned to AAA to work on his stuff, as he could be a big part of our team in the future. Having Capellan and Wise for the seventh inning, Kolb as a set up man, and Turnbow as a closer is an above average group of guys to shut you down. Wise had one poor outing (7 ER) that really hurt his line, but I'm confident he'll lower that ERA this month.

April Awards
AL Batter of the Month: LF Manny Ramirez, BOS
.390/.434/.870, 14 HR, 32 RBI, 26 R, 6 2B

AL Pitcher of the Month: SP Chien-Ming Wang, NYY
5 GS, 3-0, 2.33 ERA, 1 CG, 2QS, 38.2 IP

AL Rookie of the Month: C Jeff Mathis, LAA
.291/.361/.547, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R, 7 2B

NL Batter of the Month: LF Barry Bonds, SFG
.329/.529/.549, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 7 2B, 1 3B, 24 R, 36 BB

NL Pitcher of the Month: SP Ryan Madson, PHI
5 GS, 5-0, 0.26 ERA, 34.0 IP, 8 HA, 1 ER, 5 QS

NL Rookie of the Month: 1B Conor Jackson, ARI
.341/.420/.518, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 9 2B

Around the League
In the AL East the Red Sox are 17-8 and in first, with the hated Yankees at a close second at 14-9, in the AL Central the Tigers are a half game ahead of Chicago and Minnesota, at 14-11. The A's are also 14-11 in the AL West. Philadelphia is 16-9 in the NL East, and the Cubs are 16-7 with the best the best record in the bigs. The Reds are only a game behind at 16-9 and ahead in the wild card. The Padres are 14-11 in the NL West, while the Dodgers are 13-12 and only a game behind.

[Magatsu]

Originally Posted by jaykno14

Happy to hear that you'll be reading. I've always enjoyed your dynasty reads! Workin' on any right now?

Not really. I'm pondering the option of resurrecting my old thread(s) but by now OOTP 6.12 seems so .... uhm ... archaic (btw, which version are you using?). Anyway, at the moment I have to lead my New Orleans Knights to the pennant .

Looking forward to see Ben Sheets return.

M

[RoyalsBlue]

looking good, jaykno. I like how you're doing this, it's a good setup.

BTW, what's going on in your minors?

[Astros33Resurrected]

Go Brewers! NOTTT!

Good luck

[jaykno14]

Originally Posted by Magatsu

Not really. I'm pondering the option of resurrecting my old thread(s) but by now OOTP 6.12 seems so .... uhm ... archaic (btw, which version are you using?). Anyway, at the moment I have to lead my New Orleans Knights to the pennant .

Looking forward to see Ben Sheets return.

M

I'm using 2007 which may have been the reason I decided to start this in the first place. Once you get the hang of it, its pretty cool.

Originally Posted by RoyalsBlue

looking good, jaykno. I like how you're doing this, it's a good setup.

BTW, what's going on in your minors?

I am going to start updating that a little bit more closely in the weekly updates, maybe once every two weeks, or every odd week. Something like that. I might have like a "who's hot in the minors" or a top ten prospect update or something of that sort. We'll see though.

Originally Posted by Astros33Resurrected

Go Brewers! NOTTT!

Good luck

Got a big series with Houston this weekend, I'll be tuning in!

[majormet]

The Brewers can be a challenge, but I think the 2nd year of running them is where they really take off.

In my Las Vegas Sim, they are a very tough team because of Ben Sheets. He stays healthy.

You have not had that luck with Mr Ben, but once he gets healthy, he tends to be the best pitcher in the current sim.

[jaykno14]

Originally Posted by majormet

The Brewers can be a challenge, but I think the 2nd year of running them is where they really take off.

In my Las Vegas Sim, they are a very tough team because of Ben Sheets. He stays healthy.

You have not had that luck with Mr Ben, but once he gets healthy, he tends to be the best pitcher in the current sim.

I am hoping you are right! And that would be a goal of mine is to really jump ahead in my second year, but it'd be nice to get something done this year, and who knows maybe we're a move or two away...well, maybe not.

[jaykno14]

I started the week by demoting JDLR, and Helling/Fernandez will split the final game that we need a spot starter for Sheets, which should be Wednesday against the Giants. Sheets will then go Thursday, bumping down everyone a day. So instead of Davis pitching Thursday like normal, Sheets will pitch Thursday, Davis Friday, Cappy Sat., etc. For the three days that we don't have Sheets I am going to call up Mike Adams for a couple days to come out of the bullpen and save some arms. He will then go down on Wednesday night when Sheets is officially activated off the DL.

5/01: vs Astros (13-12), loss 5-9 - Bush (1-4)
Bush was only able to go 3.2 innings giving up four runs, although only two of them were actually earned. We reeled off 10 hits which was nice to see, but it just doesn't feel like we can put everything together, and it sucks. Hardy produced nicely at the eight hole going 2-4 with a run scored. Koskie also played well hitting second and went 2-4 with a run and two RBIs. Lee was 0-4 in the three hole, but Fielder was 2-4 with two runs scored and Hall had two RBIs outta' the five hole. Now let's just put it all together!

5/02: vs Astros, win 6-3 - WP: Ohka (3-2), S: Turnbow (6)
This was a well played game, and except for a three run seventh, Ohka was virtually unhittable. Games like these are examples of what this team could be. The middle of the lineup had a huge day today, going a combined 6-11 with four runs and four RBIs. Lee was 2-3 with a walk, RBI, and a run. Fielder was 1-4 with a run. Billy Hall had a huge day going 3-4 with two runs and three RBIs. That included a home run and triple for Hall. Jeff Cirillo also filled in for Rickie Weeks at second base and hit his first of the year. Turnbow's perfect ninth sealed the victory, and his sixth save.

5/03: vs Giants (11-17/4-9 Rd), win 6-4 - WP: Kolb (3-0), S: Turnbow (7)
I decided that I'm going to be greedy and play out the Giants series. I decided to play today's game because I want to split the time between Fernandez and Helling, and so I could control what Helling does. Tomorrow's game is Sheets' first game back so I wanted to play that too. The game started off as a real pitchers duel, however Helling started to wear down and couldnt get out of the seventh. After realizing that Fernandez had pitched in the Monday game already and was tired, I decided to go with Chris Demaria. With a 2-1 lead, he gave up a two run homer to Todd Greene to make it 3-2, and then gave up two straight doubles, so I decided to bring in Kolb. Kolb was able to get Bonds to ground out and end the inning, the Giants led 4-2. The next inning I pinch hit for Jenkins (hitting .186 or so) with Hart because they brought a lefty in. Hart singled up the middle, and that was followed with a single from catcher Mike Rivera. J.J. Hardy then had his second sacrifice of the day (the first being a squeeze play) to move the runners to second and third. I pinch hit for Kolb with Brady Clark, who was able to ground out to second to get in a run and advance Rivera to third. Rickie Weeks then walked, and I decided that I'd pinch hit Cirillo for Koskie because of the lefty on the mound, and Cirillo blasted a three-run shot to left field. The rest is history.

5/04: vs Giants, win 12-7 - WP: Sheets (1-0)
Sheets was able to go six innings and only gave up three runs, so that was a positive sign. Our hitting has become to come around, and that is also a good sign. Everyone got involved today, as Weeks was 2-5 with a run and four RBI. Prince Fielder was 2-4 with two runs and an RBI. He also had another walk. Bill Hall was also 2-4 with an RBI and a run. Jenkins hit bettter today, raising his average above the mendoza line, well actually right at it. He was 2-4, with two runs and two RBIs. Mike Rivera was also 2-3 with two runs and two RBIs, and Ben Sheets, probably the worst hitting pitcher I've ever seen, was 1-1 with two walks and an RBI and a run.

5/05: @ Dodgers (16-13/9-5 Hm), loss 4-6 - LP: Wise (1-1)
This is a game we should have won. We were up 4-3 through six and a half and then Matt Wise gave up three runs to give them the lead. Bill Hall continued his hot streak going 3-5 with a run, and then Geoff Jenkins drove in three, but was only 1-5. Prince Fielder was 1-4 with two runs and another walk. However we did leave 12 guys on base, which is never good.

5/06: @ Dodgers, loss 9-11 - LP: Capuano (2-3)
Well, it looks as though we're gonna have to do some shifting in the lineup as J.J. Hardy went down for two weeks with elbow tenderness. I am going to just probably put him on the DL so we can call up someone. We had another big day hitting, but the bullpen is beginning to struggle. We had 17 hits, but stranded 12 guys again. The bullpen gave up five runs to take us out of the game in the seventh, as Cappy only gave up five runs, four earned. Koskie was 3-6 with a run and a RBI, Lee was 2-5 with a run and a RBI, Fielder continued to hit well going 2-4 with two runs, and an RBI, Hall was 2-5 with a run and a RBI, Jenkins was 2-4 with two runs and an RBI, and Rivera was 3-4 with a run. Obviously we had a good day hitting :-). We still can't pitch though.

We called up Vinny Rottino, a Racine, WI native, to play some infield for us while Hardy is out, and Cirillo is probably going to split time at third (when Hall would have played there against lefties), while Hall will be predominantly at short, and Clark and Hart will split time in the CF.

5/07: @ Dodgers, loss 2-13 - LP: Bush (1-5)
Ugly. That's all I can really say.

Jay's Thoughts
Well this was definitely an up and down week. It was nice to win three straight in the middle of the week, but the sweep by the Dodgers killed our morale on the road. We just need to become more consistent all around, which is usually the trick for younger teams. It was definitely nice to see a rise in hitting, but I hope our pitching can get up there a little more, especially the bullpen. Our batting average raised to .253 which is really a huge jump from a week ago, and taht is good to see, but our pitching is still where it has been, and that needs to do better, if we're going to be sucessful.

Team Stats
Record: 14-18 (3-4)
Streak: Lost 3
Batting Average: .253 - 13th in NL
ERA: 5.56 - 14th in NL

Down on the Farm
Top Ten Prospects - Updates
2. SP Dana Eveland (AAA): 4-1, 3.96 ERA, 36.1 IP, 37 HA, 19 BB, 31 K
3. SP Yovani Gallardo (A): 3-0, 1.93 ERA, 37.1 IP, 25 HA, 9 BB, 48 K<---Will be promoted this week
4. SP Carlos Villanueva (AA): 3-1, 2.27 ERA, 39.2 IP, 31 HA, 4 BB, 40 K
5. SP Zach Jackson (AAA): 4-1, 4.54 ERA, 37.2 IP, 42 HA, 10 BB, 39 K
6. SP Mark Rogers (A): 2-1, 4.11 ERA, 30.2 IP, 23 HA, 13 BB, 25 K
8. LF Lorenzo Cain (A): .248 AVE, 1 HR, 19 RBIs<---He appears to be destined for the top of the lineup
9. LF Tony Gwynn (AAA): .363 AVE, 1 HR, 22 RBIs, 9/12 SBs
10. RF Nelson Cruz (AAA): .310 AVE, 8 HR, 35 RBIs

Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart are the #1 and #7 prospects respectively, and thus have been skipped. Eveland, Gallardo, Villanueva, and Jackson could very well be a part of the orginization's rotation in the near future. Eveland and Gallardo could both be very, very good starters, top of the line, and Jackson and Villanueva could be middle of the rotation starters. Lorenzo Cain has very good speed, and has good potential in hitting for contact and very good discipline. Gywnn and Cruz could be both used for trade bait, but I'd have to guess that one of them if not both will be a part of this team in the future.

Hitting Leaders
1B Prince Fielder: .296 AVE, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 21 R, 23 BB, .414 OBP, 1 SB

Pitching Leaders
SP Tomo Ohka: 3-2, 4.17 ERA, .219 OAVG, 1 CG, 1.12 WHIP

Around the League
The Red Sox continued to stay hot in the AL East, with a 23-9 record at the end of this week. The Twins are 19-12 in the Central, and the A's are 18-14 in the West. In the NL the Phillies are 21-11, and the Reds moved ahead of the Cubs with a 22-10 record. the Dodgers, after sweeping us, are 19-13, good for a one game lead in the West.

What's On Tap?
5/08: OFF
5/09: @ Padres (18-14)
5/10: @ Padres
5/11: @ Padres*
5/12: vs Mets (16-16)
5/13: vs Mets
5/14: vs Mets*

[jaykno14]

5/08: @ Padres (19-14/12-8), loss 6-16 - LP: Demaria (0-1)
We gave up 15 of those runs in the final three innings. 15 in three innings. Unbelievable. Demaria gave up six runs in 0.1 IP. Fernandez gave up four without getting an out. Rickie Weeks was 2-5 with two runs, three RBIs, and two doubles.

5/09: @ Padres, loss 7-8 - LP: Sheets (1-1)
Sheets gave up five runs in six innings, however more disappointing is that our bullpen continued to give up runs, as Capellan and Lehr gave up three runs in just two innings. Hitting wise, we continue to hit pretty well, as Prince Fielder was 3-5 with two runs and one RBI. He also hit a home run. Bill Hall was 2-4 with a run and an RBI, and Geoff Jenkins hit a home run too, going 1-2 with two runs and one RBI. Mike Rivera continued hitting well as he drove in two runs with a hit in four at bats.

After this game I decided that it was a time for change in the bullpen. I decided that I would seperate who I thought was doing well in the bullpen, and who deserved to remain a part of our big league club. Those pitchers are: Derrick Turnbow, Matt Wise, Danny Kolb, and Jose Capellan jump out for sure. Wise has some poor numbers as of now, however I feel he will settle down if given more time. I feel that Chris Demaria deserves a second chance as he had only given up two runs prior to his last outting, and Rick Helling serves as a good option in instances that we need someone to eat up innings. After all of that, I decided that I would demote Justin Lehr to AAA, and designate Jared Fernandez for assignment, opening two spots up on our 25-man roster. To replace these guys, I decided to promote 29 year old lefty Jason Kershner and 25 year old Ben Hendrickson, who will serve as a spot starter, and a mop up type reliever out of the bullpen. He could start in the future.

5/10: @ Padres, loss 2-7 - LP: Davis (0-5)
Well, the slide continues, although the bullpen performed a little better today, most notably Rick Helling, who pitched four innings and gave up two runs, one earned. Geoff Jenkins continued to hit well going 2-3 with a home run and a double. He also had a RBI.

5/11: vs Mets (19-16/9-7 Rd), loss 4-7 - LP: Capuano (2-4)
Cappy could only last three innings, provoking a longer outing for our bullpen. For the most part it did alright, however Kershner did give up two runs in 1.2 inngs, but I'm not willing to give up on him yet. Brady Clark was 3-4 with an RBI, and Geoff Jenkins had an RBI triple and a run.

5/12: vs Mets, loss 6-9 - LP: Capellan (0-1)
To lose our eighth in a row, our bullpen had to blow a 6-5 seventh inning lead in giving up four runs, three of them coming off Capellan. We hit pretty well, with 11 hits, but we left nine on base. Lee hit a home run, but was only 1-5 on the day. Fielder was 2-4 with three runs and one RBI, coming off a solo homer. Bill Hall was 4-5 with three RBIs and a runn scored, and also hit a home run.

5/13: vs Mets, loss 5-8 - LP: Ohka (3-3)
Right now I'd say it feels like we just can't win. Today Ohka pitched fairly well, by keeping us within two until the seventh, but then Helling comes in and gives up four runs to open the lead right back up. Prince Fielder was 2-4 with a run and two RBIs, and we only had three other guys with hits. Something's gotta' give, and I guess I just have to hang in there.

Jay's Thoughts
I was hoping that mid-week shakeup might help us out a little bit in the bullpen, but it obviously didn't. Our league worst pitching continues to lose us games, and they're going to have to step it up soon if they want to keept their jobs (I say that but who do I replace them with?).

Team Stats
Record: 14-24 (0-6)
Streak: Lost 9
Batting Average: .253: 12th in NL
ERA: 6.12: 16th in NL

Hitting Leaders
1B Prince Fielder: .304/.416/.486, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 29 R
SS Bill Hall: .283/.327/.462, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 26 R, 8 2B, 3 3B, 4/5 SB

Pitching Leaders
I don't think I can put any down, as there is no deservence.

Around the League
The Red Sox cooled down a bit this week, but remain atop the AL East by four games with a 25-13 record. In the AL Central the Twins stayed consistently above the rest of the teams with a 23-14 record, two games ahead of the White Sox. The A's continued their lead in the West and are 23-15, good for 4.5 games ahead of the Angels. The Mets and Phillies are now tied in the NL East at 22-16. The Reds have really heated up going 27-11 through this point. The Dodgers and Padres are battling it out in the NL West going 23-15 and 23-16 respectively.

What's On Tap?
5/15: OFF
5/16: vs Phillies (22-16/8-6)*
5/17: vs Phillies
5/18: vs Phillies
5/19: vs Twins (23-14/13-5)
5/20: vs Twins*
5/21: vs Twins

[RoyalsBlue]

Ouch, rough week for ya, jaykno.

On the bright side, interleague play is coming up though!

[24Rocks]

Man that is one bad week. The lest amount of runs you allowed was 7 and the most you got was 7.

[jaykno14]

Originally Posted by RoyalsBlue

Ouch, rough week for ya, jaykno.

On the bright side, interleague play is coming up though!

Originally Posted by 24Rocks

Man that is one bad week. The lest amount of runs you allowed was 7 and the most you got was 7.

Yes that as a rough week. This week we play two first place teams, so its probably going to be another tough week. We'll see though... .