Sportandfashion-news MLB Preview: Oakland A's

Here we go. My hope is we are going to start pumping a couple of these out a day. Today is our first one, and then we will continue to run through the current division. If there is something you would like to see added to these previews, shoot me an email: sportandfashion-news12@gmail.com or tweet me: @Sportandfashion-news12, I would be happy to oblige with the people.  

What went right for Oakland in 2013: I like big bats and I cannot lie. - Maybe I am thinking in the moment, but I cannot remember an Oakland with this much firepower. They had four guys hit over 20 home runs last season plus Jed Lowrie and Josh Reddick added double-digit home run numbers. This team was an offensive juggernaut. They were third in home runs and runs as a team. They also finished second in doubles. Oakland has always been known for their pitching, but their big bats were a major key to success last season.

What went wrong for Oakland in 2013: Yoenis Cespedes took a wee step back - I am not going to rush to conclusions, but Cespedes definitely had himself a sophomore slump. Yes, he did win a Home Run Derby and hit more home runs, but other than that, he had a pedestrian year. Cespedes hit only .240 which was 50 points less than his first year with Oakland. Further, he had a dismal OBP of .254 and only an OPS of .442. Cespedes will be a player to watch this season.

Key Additions: RP Jim Johnson, IF Nick Punto, SP Scott Kazmir, RP Luke Gregerson, RP Francisco Abad - Not many big signings for the A's, but Johnson definitely could be a shut down closer again. We have seen guys move teams and reinvent their career especially as closers. Gregerson is a solid bullpen arm. Don't hate the Kazmir move either.

Key Subtractions: OF Chris Young, RP Grant Balfour, C Kurt Suzuki, SP Bartolo Colon - Nothing really stands out as a major loss. Young never became the player people expected him to be and that's disappointing.

What to watch: Will the young pitching hold up again? - We can talk all day about the bats from Oakland, but it is always all about pitching. Oakland features a stable of young arms with Jarrod Parker, Sonny Gray, Dan Straily whom are all 25 or younger plus A.J. Griffith is only the ripe age of 26. These guys could all hit at the same time, and it is fair to talk about Oakland to be World Series contenders. I am dead serious. But there is still a chance that these guys will be slightly inconsistent meaning it could lead to struggles of the team as a whole. There is a huge boom or bust with this squad.

Population: Breakout: SP Sonny Gray - Even though I am wondering about the young pitchers, I do think some of them will have a big year. Gray seems like the most likely to have a huge year. He had a 2.67 ERA in 10 games started including only giving up four home run and a WHIP of 1.109. That's pretty great even if it is a small sample size. ZIP's thinks Gray should have a pretty solid year having a decision in 26 starts which feels like a lot, but maybe I am wrong there. Look forward to watching Gray pitch this season, it could be special.

Population: Regression: Would you like a Jed Lowrie or Brandon Moss - Projections do not see a big time drop off, but I have to think one of these guys falls off the map. Lowrie hit .290 and has came nowhere near in other years. Brandon Moss was a journeyman for many years but he hit 30 home runs with a .250 average after going for 21 home runs with .290. Where will Moss end up this season? I think Moss is more likely to struggle versus Lowrie. There is not much there to hope Moss stays the course.

Prospect to Watch: SS Addison Russell - He is only 20 years young, and they do not think he will be ready for 2014 season, yet if Russell has a strong minor league season, I think he comes up for the postseason push. In Single A, he hit 17 home runs, hit for a .260 average with 21 stolen bases and had over 100 hits. Russell will not be on the major league roster, but he had a solid Spring Training meaning the future is damn bright for him.  

Outlook and Prediction: Oakland won the AL West in the last two seasons. Many people wondered how this happened and there are columns about Oakland doing it again. I love the A's, and what they stand for, but you have to think one of these years, the big boys of the AL West are going to come to roost plus betting on the offense to be there again is questionable.  I am predicting third in the AL West with about 87 wins. 

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news MLB Preview: Houston Astros

Here we go. My hope is we are going to start pumping a couple of these out a day. Today is our first one, and then we will continue to run through the current division. If there is something you would like to see added to these previews, shoot me an email: sportandfashion-news12@gmail.com or tweet me: @Sportandfashion-news12, I would be happy to oblige with the people.  

What went right for Houston in 2013: Jason Castro - He had a breakout year last season for Houston in what was a glum season. Castro went .276 and featured an .835 OPS with 18 home runs. No one really saw that coming from Castro whom only had eight home runs for his entire career plus a mediocre average to go with it. Either he figured something out getting more playing time for Houston or this was just an aberration.

What went wrong for Houston in 2013: Where do you want me to start? Here's the thing about Houston. They are not supposed to be good. They want to build a farm system and make a run into a couple of years. Houston will probably be one of the best teams in the next couple years so to be critical of the pitching or hitting from the Astros. There is no reason to be negative towards this team because it is blatantly clear what's going on which is not an issue.

Key Additions: OF Dexter Fowler, SP Scott Feldman, RP Chad Qualls, RP/SP Anthony Bass, RP Matt Albers, RP Jessie Crain - Houston built their bullpen through free agency, and I am willing to bet they hope a couple of these pan out so the Astros can make a deal in July for these guys. The Feldman deal sort of puzzled me from the get-go. He is nothing more than a three starter at best. Interested to see Fowler's season.

Key Subtractions: SP Erik Bedard - Not a huge loss as he struggled in his first season with 30 or more appearances since 2006. He will be in Tampa Bay where they will work the usual voodoo magic.

What to watch: The progression of the team as a whole - Once again, this is a young team meaning we could see some players really break out leading to more wins, and a better overall play. We could also see much of the same as last year leading to Houston dragging their feet for the second straight season. The oldest guy in their starting line is at the age of 27. 27!  I mean there is a lot of opportunity of things going wrong, but this is a babyface team without question.

Population: Breakout: SP Jarred Cosart - People are thinking he will regress from his 1.95 ERA in 2013 which is probably accurate because he is not that good yet Cosart is still poised to have a big season in a full-time starting role. The thing that sticks out to me is his numbers are based off 10 games. Usually teams would figure out what's going with you by that fifth or sixth start, and it appears like Cosart does enough different things to keep opposing teams guessing.  I think there is a chance Cosart will have a near All-Star level season which might come back to bite me in the ass.

Population: Regression: C Jason Castro -  This is funny and I doubt it will be the last time that happens when we do these previews. Castro is a good player, but are we really sure he did not hit his ceiling last season. Projections say he could get the same amount of home runs, but they are looking at Castro to only average about .250 this year which is a stark contrast to what he did last season. He is projected to be the third hitter in the order this season, and that makes me feel uncomfortable.

Prospect to Watch: OF George Springer - He was the eleventh pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, and people believe he has next. Springer can play all positions of the outfield, and I would be shocked if he is not up after the arbitration period. Springer has big power as well as solid speed. If you want a sneaky pick for Rookie of the Year, this might be the pick. I like what Astros have with Springer. He could really produce for them this season.

Outlook and Prediction: A young team where the expectations should just be 'Get better than 2013 and everything will be fine.' The American League West is about as hard as a trigonometry test meaning Astros could struggle more than I think they will this season yet Springer and Cosart could provide some sunlight. I am predicting fifth in the AL West with about 65 wins. 

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news MLB Preview: Seattle Mariners

Here we go. My hope is we are going to start pumping a couple of these out a day. Today is our first one, and then we will continue to run through the current division. If there is something you would like to see added to these previews, shoot me an email: sportandfashion-news12@gmail.com or tweet me: @Sportandfashion-news12, I would be happy to oblige with the people.  

What went right for Seattle in 2013: Hisashi Iwakuma - This could make the Mariners a threat this season is having two solid pitchers at the top of their rotation. Iwakuma was fantastic last season with a 2.66 ERA earning his first All-Star appearance.  He had a WHIP at one along with his hits per nine and walks per nine went drastically down for Iwakuma.

What went wrong for Seattle in 2013: No prospects panned out.. yet - Mariners took a ton of heat last season for rushing some of their players up to the big leagues. None of them really had a breakout year. Mike Zunino disappointed in a major way with the continued struggles at second base with Nick Franklin and Dustin Ackley.

Key Additions: 2B Robinson Cano, 1B/OF Logan Morrison, 1B/OF Corey Hart, RP Fernando  Rodney, SS Willie Bloomquist, SP Scott Baker,  - Easily, they had one of the biggest offseasons adding some of the biggest stars on the market. It is still puzzling why Morrison and Hart both were signed by Seattle.

Key Subtractions: LF Raul Ibanez, SP Joe Saunders, SP Oliver Perez - Ibanez had a comeback season at the age of 41 which is not weird at all. He moved down the coast to play for Los Angeles.

What to watch: Free Agents - I think all eyes on this team will be how Cano, Hart and Morrison do this season. For Cano, people's expectations will be through the roof as he is sort of seen as a savior for this once great baseball organization. For the other two, it is a matter of whether they can stay healthy this season.

Population: Breakout: 1B Justin Smoak - You know what... At some point, one of these former prospects Seattle has on their roster will have a monster year. Waiting on the Smoak monster to be great is like waiting on the actual Smoke Monster but I digress. They only project Smoak to hit .235 next season, but let's hope he can be a little bit better than that. He is projected with 20 home runs. Honestly, none of the players on this roster scream breakout so I went with one of the many former prospects.

Population: Regression: RP Fernando Rodney - Look at his career, it is a wasteland of inconsistency where he had a great year with Tampa Bay in 2012 and then he scuffled a bit in 2013. Closers are nearly a swear word at this point looking at players, but Rodney really strikes me as a player that could be a walking disaster for Seattle.

Prospect to Watch: SP Taijuan Walker & SP James Paxton - Both of these players are two of the top prospects right now in Seattle's system. Walker pitched well in a couple games last season and is battling shoulder inflammation right now. Paxton is a left-hander that can really do some damage. If anything, I think Paxton becoming a third starter is more important than Walker as he is only 21, there is time.

Outlook and Prediction: This is a team where everything has to work right for this team to find themselves in the playoffs. All of the free agents need to deliver, the prospect pitchers need to come into their one, King Felix needs to keep being King Felix and I just feel like all of that might be too much to ask for this team. I am predicting fourth in the AL West, but I see right around 81 wins. 

Charlie.

10 Interesting Thoughts on 2014 Brewers' ZIPs

I am starting to get the baseball itch. No it is not like an STD so do not worry about becoming infected, but it is time to wade my toes back in the water of baseball writing. This is probably the time when people wonder 'Why doesn't Charlie just pick a lane?' and I say 'Well sorry for being an equal opportunity sports lover, gosh.'  Anyways, this is my first of many Milwaukee Brewers posts of the season and then we will be getting to MLB previews either starting Saturday or Monday pending if I go out after work on Friday night.

Projections are a cool thing to look at as a starting point to the season. ZIPs is one of the most trusted projection tools out there and released how 2014 will look for all Major League Baseball teams. They are not guarantees by any shape of the imagination, but it is still fascinating to see what the season might become for this player or maybe let's not expect as big of a season from that player. If anything, projections can make most expectations reasonable allowing for pleasant surprises and saddening disappointments along the way. Let's hope for the former with the Milwaukee Brewers this season.  Here were some of the more intriguing numbers. These are in some order but not an exact order if that makes any sense at all.***** 

*****Disclaimer... I keep up with FanGraphs and saw they had ZIPs projections for the Brewers out in late January, but they all became official yesterday as FanGraphs announced via Twitter these were out for the 2014 season.  If I made a mistake and this is all old information, my apologies. If not, let's get this ball rolling.  If it is somewhere in-between, then I have no answers.   

1. Ryan Braun will likely make everyone love him again - The numbers for the new Brewers right fielder come in at 33 home runs which would be fourth in the league, hitting .300, swiping 22 bases, scoring 99 times as well driving in 116 runs. For all intents and purposes, this makes Braun an All-Star again and makes a case for being a fringe MVP candidate. The only thing concerning about Milwaukee's superstar is his OBP is at .367 which would be his lowest since 2010. 

2. Four of the five starters find themselves with ERA's under four - Found this interesting as Matt Garza, Kyle Lohse, Marco Estrada and Yovani Gallardo all slide under the four ERA's looking all have strong seasons. The thing worth mentioning is other than Garza, most of the ERAs are close enough to four meaning it could be a fluctuating year for all of them. Looking at those four pitchers, there are reasons to have some encouraging thoughts about them if the play to their potential. 

3. Carlos Gomez on pace to avoid the regression monster - Another strong year for the All-Star centerfielder is projected by ZIPs.  Gomez's highlights him missing his second straight 20-20 season by one home run as he predicted to have 19 dingers with 32 stolen bases. Gomez's fielding percentage (FLD) would be top ten in the major leagues for the season at 11.8. For those wondering about his average, he would slide in at .260. This would  be another ideal season for Gomez. He would have more than 100 strikeouts, but we can build on this! 

4. Bullpen could be an issue... Again - Jim Henderson has the lowest projected ERA at 3.50 meaning there is not one bullpen pitcher projected to have a sub-three ERA this season. Francisco Rodriguez is the next one at 3.68. Although the one bright spot is two of the better possible relievers this season, Will Smith and Tyler Thornburg, both have projections as pitchers whom will get to start multiple games versus looking at them as just relievers. I know this might sound crazy, but I have a weird feeling Alfredo Figaro could be a strong sixth-seventh inning pitcher, I also might have down three bourbons before writing. Basically, the jury is still out but there are a ton of questions. 

5. Another season of missing out on Aramis Ramirez? - The guess is Ramirez would only play about 111 games this season meaning he would miss about 50 games of the season or better known as six to eight weeks in the season. I do not think Brewers fans want to be realistic on what might happen with A-Ram this season. He could definitely be a trade piece if Milwaukee struggles in the first half. He could be a liability. He could also put together a kick ass season. I really do believe Ramirez could be all over the place this year.

6. Regression could hit Tyler Thornburg hard - Nothing about the numbers says this will be a strong year for Thornburg. But once again, we need to possibly look past all the statistics right now given it is a blend of mostly starting games. Personally, Wily Peralta will get the first opportunity and that opportunity will last for awhile unless the shit really hits the fan with him early on. I am all about Thorny as a reliever, but it is evident the Brewers see him as much more than just a middle reliever. If that were the case, Ike Davis would be at first base. 

7. Do not tempt me with Mark Reynolds's home run numbers - People seem to be focused on how much Mark Reynolds strikes out even though he will not play every game nor will be hitting in a spot needing clutch hits on the regular (If Reynolds hits above five, fire Ron Roenicke on the spot) so yes Reynolds's strikeout number is 160 which is ugly. But they are also projecting Reynolds to hit 29 home runs which is a beautiful swan. Yes, he will not be flashy but dammit he can still put together a good year as a basher at first. 

8. As always, Yovani Gallardo's numbers are a bit polarizing - I tried to make sense of this one. Gallardo's WAR will be the highest among Brewers pitcher. But he also has the highest BB/9 by a long shot with the established four starters we discussed earlier. Gallardo also gives up a good amount of home runs meaning there is not much to '2014.. THE YEAR OF ACE YOVANI!!!!' (No one is talking about this, but if he stars hot, someone will, just you watch (Actually it will probably me, so don't watch.)).  

9. If Hunter Morris gets a chance... Could he be pretty decent? - For those whom do not know or care, ZIPs is a projection base system if minor leaguers got a 'chance' at a full season, what might happen. Morris is projected to hit 21 home runs, be second to Braun in doubles with 29, hit .241 and have 136 strikeouts which comes along with a mediocre OBP. I will be curious to see how the first base situation plays out this Spring and these projections get brought to light.  

10. Wily Peralta does not improve, likely stays inconsistent - This is the one that disappointed me the most because I do really think the future is bright for Peralta. I have no doubts he could be a solid starer for the entire season, but these numbers do not really say he will be the best on the star. Peralta has a 4.40 ERA projection with a BB/9 of 4.18 and a K/9 of 7.08. These are not numbers that make you sell the idea of having Peralta being the fifth starter at this point. 

In the end, these are all projections. No one really knows until the games are being played on the field, but at least, we have an idea of what to expect from the 2014 Milwaukee Brewers.

Charlie.  

The Captain Hanging Up his Pinstripes

Derek Jeter is one of the best players to ever play the game. He is a New York Yankees legend up there with Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, Lou Gehrig and others. Jeter will always be remembered for his postseason heroics plus being one of the most consistent players for his career. Yesterday on Facebook of all places, Jeter announced 2014 will be his last season and will be retiring. This not only ends an era with New York Yankees, but it also closes the book on the Major League Baseball players of the late 90's to the 2000's.

Yankees are one of the most hated teams in all of sports. People find a reason to dislike because they spend too much money even when there are other teams in Major League Baseball spending more money but I digress. No matter how people feel about New York, they always say 'I respect Jeter. I might hate the Yankees but dammit, Jeter gets my respect.' The reason why is for a lot of people he fits the classic narrative of playing the game the right way. Many people believe Jeter was never a steroid or PED user making him one of the cleanest athletes in baseball, which purists love more than their own children or siblings.

Jeter's career started when the Steroid Era was moving at full steam with MLB having their heads directly in the sand. Jeter never looked like a guy whom took steroids nor will anyone accuses him as such, and for that reason, he became so damn appealing to people around the country. The appeal of Jeter grew rapidly when The Mitchell Report came out, and other players were accused or caught taking PED's.  There were columns and statements with people saying 'Why can't more players be like Jeter?' If anything, the Steroid Era helped build Jeter's legacy by being one of the clean ones gaining him more respect because of it.

Another big thing Jeter will be remembered for recreating the shortstop position. Granted, Alex Rodriguez deserves a large amount of credit for this as well, but Jeter and Rodriguez were the cornerstones of making the shortstop position into an offense one. For years upon years, people saw the shortstop position as one for defense and one where the shortstop would either bat in the leadoff spot or the eighth/ninth position. Many people forgot this vital part of Jeter's legacy, but he helped pave the way for teams to rethink how they scouted shortstop players for the future.  Jeter showed a shortstops could be offensive and defensive talent.

Reading through Jeter's stat line is like drinking a fine bourbon. In 17 out of his 19 years, Jeter had more than 150 hits, eight of them he had over 200 and led the league twice.  There were only six years where Jeter did not score at least 100 runs and led the league once. Only three times did Jeter not have an average over .290 and only twice did Jeter not have an OPS over .700. The man is a model of consistency and this is not even talking about his postseason numbers. Jeter had 20 home runs with hitting .308 in the months of October and November. Even though he never won the MVP, an argument could be made he was the most valuable offensive player in 1999 and 2006 when he led the league in Wins Above Replacement.

Let's hope for the final season of Jeter he is able to play instead of what happened in 2013. It is never fun to see great ones go out limping, rather we would like to see the legends of the game have one more big-time effort in the tank. Here's to you Captain.

Charlie.

Garza Signing Gives Brewers Hope for October

When Milwaukee Brewers signed Mark Reynolds, this very blog made mention how the team had been very quiet this offseason, and it almost felt like they were too quiet. The latter proved to be accurate as Milwaukee signed Matt Garza to a four-deal worth 50 million dollars, but he could earn up to 67 million dollars over five years if things go really well. Garza helps the Brewers in not only adding an high-quality pitcher to their rotation but he also brings a fiery nature Milwaukee has missed since 2011. Brewers are getting closer to make a run at the 2014 MLB Playoffs. 

Throughout the Doug Melvin era, pitching is usually the problem. 2013 might have been the first time in a long time where the hitters were not picking up the slack for the pitching rotation and the bullpen. With Ryan Braun back and the addition of Reynolds plus the emergence of Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura, the offense will be fine, but questions remained about their pitching staff. The addition of Garza gives this team an added element with three number two starters leading their rotation this season. Something Milwaukee has not had since 2011, and that will always be the year people point to until the Brewers can find themselves back into the playoffs. 

Before we look at what Garza's statistics could mean for the Brewers, Melvin did a great job getting Garza at this value given the current market. Additionally, he did not have to give up a draft pick which he would have done if Milwaukee signed Ervin Santana or Ubaldo Jiminez. From a management standpoint, this is a good signing for Milwaukee to make if they believe this team has what it takes to make a run to the playoffs. In the National League, it is not out of the question. The combination of Kyle Lohse, Garza and Yovani Gallardo could be pretty special, and if Wily Peralta takes another step as a pitcher, this rotation might be something to be feared this season. 

Unfortunately when the deal was first announced people were quick to their #HOTSPORTSTAKES and made a comparison to Jeff Suppan because he is the last pitcher to get this kind of money from Milwaukee. Now this is flawed and inaccurate. Disregard Garza's .500 record as pitcher as win/loss really does not matter no matter if the pitcher is Sandy Koufax or Bronswell Patrick. Garza is not perfect nor a true ace, but he is only the ripe age of 29 meaning Milwaukee will get him in his essential prime versus when the Brewers inked Suppan he was 32 years heading for the decline. The comparison with Suppan is baseless, and not worth a discussion. 

The one thing to love about Garza is his fiery nature as a competitor. While we cannot excuse his attitude and behavior towards women, Garza's 'f--- the free world' attitude is something Milwaukee lacked since 2011. I made mention of this in October when Boston was on their way to a World Series appearance. This team did not have any badasses. The 2011 team pissed a lot of baseball pursuits off, and it was stellar. But the last two years, this team played without an edge. Carlos Gomez fits what Garza brings as well as a couple others yet this edge, this chip on the shoulder nature was not present. Hopefully with Garza that returns even if we might get a few outbursts at inopportune times. Once again, let's pray he does not make any more comments about women. 

Things to like about Garza is his ERA steadley stays under four. The last time Garza's ERA was over four for an entire season was at age 22 when he broke into the league with Minnesota. Since 2011, Garza's strikeout to walk ratio has been over three, an improvement from the first couple years in the league although his strikeouts per nine innings has been down in the last couple years. This could be a sign that he is pitching more to contact versus trying to strike every player out.  In 2010, Garza walked 79 batters but since then those numbers went down rapidly with in 2012, he went down by more than 50 percent. Whatever issue Garza had with control during his last year at Tampa Bay are over. 

If there is one thing to raise an eyebrow like you were The Rock, it would be Garza's issue with giving up home runs. Garza averages about a home run per nine innings. With the way balls tend to fly out of Miller Park, this could be a problem. It is the same issue with Marco Estrada. This is okay if there are no runners are on or one at the very most. It gets troublesome when there are multiple runners on. The other issue is Garza struggles fielding bunts at time. It is a weird quirk, but he is not a good fielding pitcher. Hopefully, Brewers fans will do some research on Garza therefore they can expect this rather than make wild assumptions... Oh wait they crossed out Ryan Braun's name on shirt jerseys to make a statement. Nevermind, my bad. Garza is a good pitcher, but he does come with some negatives as all players do in any sport. 

Can the Brewers make a serious run at the playoffs?  By March 15th, I will probably be talked into it, but the team has its best chance since 2011. They have as dangerous as a two through six in baseball along with a competent pitching staff with a bullpen that could be improved yet it is not the worst in the Major Leagues. This team might be on the cusp of something big, and Garza is a big reason why, now to see if it all comes together like the Brewers hope it does in the 2014 season. 

Charlie.  

What the Hell Happened to Bud Selig?

Growing up in the Milwaukee area, Bud Selig is name you know without question. Selig is known for owner the Milwaukee Brewers, enjoying Gilles Custard like the rest of us do around southeastern Wisconsin and a guy whom fought like hell to get a new stadium ensuring Milwaukee would not move from a place they have called home since 1970. Even though his daughter took over the team after he became MLB Commissioner and nearly tanked the franchise, there was no real reason to consider Selig a 'bad guy.'  In fact, people saw Selig as one of the reasons to be proud of Milwaukee. 

Let's fast forward to 2014. Selig is 81 years old and still going as commissioner in what will be his final year of being the head honcho. Unfortunately for Selig, he has a head that can barely fit in most door frames these days with his latest antic of giving himself the Bud Selig Leadership Award which is just another disappointing dent from Selig in the last year and a half with his desire to have a 'Mariano Rivera' send-off as well as everything he has done to distance himself from how ignoring steroids to preserve baseball in Selig's early years as commissioner. 

The Selig Leadership Award might be the height of obscurity and stupidity from him. Just like people do not give themselves their own nicknames, people do not give themselves their own awards for quote 'leadership.' If you want to start an award named after yourself, that's fine, people do that all the time whether it be in business, sports, politics, etc and while it is a little egomaniacal, it nothing compared to acting like a complete egomaniac by giving yourself the first annual award. There are a great deal of baseball players deserving of an award like the one Selig is handing out, but all this seems like another move for Selig patting himself on the back for 'fixing baseball' which is a puzzling way to look at things. 

Selig wants this nationwide tour of all the stadiums, but really what the hell does he expect when they go there?  Baseball fans are a little less rabid than other sports therefore is I do not believe people will boo him like National Football League fans would to their commissioner Roger Goodell if he were to pull something like this in the next decade. But what does Selig really expect? A standing ovation from all of these places?  The hilarity of it all is one of his worst receptions could come in the city he ensured would have baseball in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, if I were there, I would probably remain in my seat with one big eye roll.  It is senseless to boo, but it is senseless to cheer for a guy that needed steroids to keep his sport alive to trying to eliminate the evidence like nothing happen making him this white knight of baseball which is entirely flawed. 

Honestly, I do not have a problem with PED suspensions. If that's what Major League Baseball wants out of the sport,  fine, that's their prerogative even if I feel like there is a discussion needed about how HGH and other stuff can help heal injuries faster without much consequence. But what I do take issue with Selig is the totalitarian rulings of suspensions can be anything and everything pending on the player a la Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun. That's not okay. Selig is trying to basically wipe the blood clean off his hands that nothing happened in baseball in the late 90's.  But what's still there is Ken Caminiti whom won 1996 MVP unanimously chalked full of steroids. That will always be there, Commissioner Selig.  

I do not think Selig is a bad guy, let's get that straight. I am forever grateful and thankful he did everything he could to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee. As well as help mold this city into what it is today.  And those are the exact reasons why I am disappointed this is the man he has become in his final days of commissioner.

Charlie. 

Reynolds Solves Brewers First Base Problem

Milwaukee Brewers have not done much this offseason. In fact, they are basically the definition of a church mouse with no real moves being made minus dealing Norichika Aoki getting traded to Kansas City and Ryan Braun heading into right field. Other than that, not many moves have been made and it feels like we as Wisconsin sports fans have two Ted Thompson's in Wisconsin.

With their quiet winter nature, people started to get concern who would play first base. It really felt like they were going all in on Juan Francisco which gave some people nightmares and probably something Rickie Weeks pulled for as he would be second-most booed by casual fans and Francisco would take his crown. Francisco will finally get some competition as Brewers signed Mark Reynolds to a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Baseball training camp. Reynolds could provide yet another power bat as well as relief for Aramis Ramirez and if fans do not expect too much, this will work out for Milwaukee better than last year.

Reynolds is a version of Russell Branyan where you get a home run, a strikeout or a walk and that's about it. He is not going to provide you with many singles or doubles, but Reynolds will add some pop from the first baseman position something Milwaukee lacked last year. The lowest home run total for Reynolds is 17 in his rookie year and only had 21 last season. Reynolds has not played in the National League since 2010 season. I know we can look into that too much sometimes, it is proven getting to face NL pitching tends to make a player better than their years in the American League. It is also worth noting Reynolds lowest strikeout total is 154 meaning he is going to piss my dad off a ton which entertains me more than it should, but this is something he can do...





Even though he really does not play a good third base, Reynolds at least provides relief for Ramirez if he needs it on a Sunday afternoon. They do not really have a backup third base option, and now Milwaukee have the corners cover. The fact Reynolds is not 'just a first baseman' makes him more valuable for the team more so than what Milwaukee has at first base. If you disagree with Reynolds' value, I would point you to Jack Moore's tweet about Reynolds fWAR compared to what Milwaukee had last season.

Mark Reynolds produced 0.4 fWAR in 2013, or exactly 5.0 WAR more than all 2013 Brewers 1B.
— Jack Moore (@jh_moore) January 17, 2014

My plea to fans is please know Reynolds does not immediately bring a championship here. Rather know he makes sure if Weeks is in the lineup, the Brewers have eight guys who can hit home runs regularly. This will be another 'Boom/Bust Brewers team.' I have no idea if this will work out for the team, but I am pretty excited to see how the 2014 Milwaukee Brewers come together.

Charlie.

Closing Time: Welcoming Clark The Cub Mascot

I did not get to be on Twitter when Chicago Cubs unveiled Clark The Cub, the new mascot for Chicago. It is their first actual mascot in the history of Chicago's baseball team. Let me say this... It is a GREAT idea for the Cubs. While it might piss the traditionalists off, Cubs will make so so so much money off of Clark The Cub. Kids love mascots more than their own parents. Therefore from a marketing angle, this is a genius move. They will find so many ways to milk money from Cub families involving Clark here.  But a couple questions here... Why does he not have pants? Like I am all for walking around naked in the house in whatever situation may be, but put some damn pants in public, Clark. Why does he look like I am ready to kill him? Be happy pal, people love you or will love you. Also Clark is an awful name, but I am damn glad they went with Clark, not Charlie. Cannot have my name sullied like that.  Final thought: SO HELP ME GOD IF BERNIE BREWER ALLOWS HIM INTO THE CHALET.  

Update: WE HAVE A PICTURE AND NOW THE BEAR LOOKS HIGH.  

Charlie.