2010 Milwaukee Brewers

[HoustonGM]

Orioles Pick Up Middle Infielder

July 25, 2013

With Ryan Flaherty still out for a month, the Orioles went shopping for an upgrade at shortstop as they could no longer stomach the pitiful bat of Pedro Florimon (.201/.255/.306). They picked up pending free agent Asdrubal Cabrera from the Cleveland Indians. Cabrera, in the midst of a down .260/.325/.336 year, won the AL Silver Slugger award last season and is better than his current line. When Flaherty returns in a month, the plan is to use him at second base. Flaherty has been incredibly error prone at shortstop, with a fielding percentage of .944 for his career. The shorter throw from second to first should cut down on those errors. Brian Roberts, their current second basemen, has collapsed at age 35. The Indians will replace Cabrera with Jason Donald at shortstop.

The Indians picked up two pitchers in the deal. 22 year old Cameron Coffey is the real prize of the trade, as his upside is that of a mid-rotation southpaw. 28 year old reliever Wilfrido Perez is a throw-in but has solid skills and could be a valuable middle relief piece. He has had sporadic success in such a role in Baltimore.

[HoustonGM]

July 19, 2013
Game 94 – Chicago Cubs (49-43) @ Milwaukee Brewers (40-53)
Ricky Nolasco (8-4, 2.51 ERA) v. Amaury Rivas (4-7, 5.55 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
          Cubs (CHC) 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0    2 12  1
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 x    6  6  0

       HR (CHC):  Brett Jackson (14)
       HR (MIL):  Mat Gamel (13), Ralph Davis (15), Jason Heyward (11)

       WP: Amaury Rivas (5-7)
       LP: Ricky Nolasco (8-5)
       SV: Joakim Soria (16)

Mat Gamel’s post-All Star hot streak continued as he homered in the fourth with a runner on to put the Brewers ahead 2-0. Brett Jackson responded with a two-run shot in the fifth to even things up. In the sixth, Jason Heyward’s first home run as a Brewer put his club up by three. Ralph Davis went back-to-back to make it 6-2. After two runners reached for the Cubs in the 9th, Joakim Soria came on for the final two outs to earn the save.

July 20, 2013
Game 95 – Chicago Cubs (49-44) @ Milwaukee Brewers (41-53)
Andrew Cashner (7-3, 3.26 ERA) v. Chris Narveson (7-6, 4.05 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
          Cubs (CHC) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0    0  2  0
       Brewers (MIL) 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 x    4  8  0

       HR (MIL):  George Kottaras (7), Mat Gamel (14)

       WP: Chris Narveson (8-6)
       LP: Andrew Cashner (7-4)

In the second inning, Mat Gamel homered as his hot streak rolled on. George Kottaras also homered in the inning. The Brewers pushed across two more runs in the third. Chris Narveson was stellar as he tossed eight two-hit shutout innings. He struck out seven, walked three and hit a batter while earning the win as Carlos Villanueva finished off the shutout.

With Yovani Gallardo out for a couple days, the Brewers sent Marco Estrada down to AAA and called up 23 year old starter Jake Odorizzi to make a spot start tomorrow. Odorizzi has passed through A and AA so far this year and was about to get his first taste of AAA before being called up to make the emergency start. He’ll be sent down after the game with Wily Peralta due back from the DL shortly. Corey Brown was activated from the disabled list but optioned to AAA for now.

July 21, 2013
Game 96 – Chicago Cubs (49-45) @ Milwaukee Brewers (42-53)
Rich Harden (5-1, 4.37 ERA) v. Jake Odorizzi (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
          Cubs (CHC) 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0    5 12  0
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1    3  7  1

       HR (CHC):  Geovany Soto (7)

       WP: Rich Harden (6-1)
       LP: Jake Odorizzi (0-1)
       SV: Carlos Marmol (26)

Rich Harden gave himself an early lead with a single in the second that scored a run. Geovany Soto homered in the fourth to score the Cubs’ second run. Andy Gresham doubled home a run in the fifth to put the Brewers on the board but the Cubs got it back on a groundout by Soto and then scored again in the seventh. Jake Odorizzi went six innings and allowed four runs. He struck out four and walked two while serving up eight hits. It was an okay MLB debut for the youngster. Each team scored a couple more runs with the Cubs taking the game 5-3.

July 23, 2013
Game 97 – Pittsburgh Pirates (54-42) @ Milwaukee Brewers (42-54)
Josh Johnson (4-6, 3.67 ERA) v. Shaun Marcum (1-4, 4.84 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Pirates (PIT) 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0    3  6  0
       Brewers (MIL) 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 x    5 10  1

       HR (PIT):  Andrew McCutchen (15)
       HR (MIL):  Jason Heyward (12)

       WP: Carlos Villanueva (2-5)
       LP: Ramon Aguero (1-2)
       SV: Joakim Soria (17)

The Brewers took advantage of shaky control by Josh Johnson early on with three runs in the second inning. Shaun Marcum had a shutout going until Andrew McCutchen took him deep in the sixth inning. The Pirates tied the game in the seventh. Jason Heyward struck back with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning. Joakim Soria earned the save with a perfect ninth.

July 24, 2013
Game 98 – Pittsburgh Pirates (54-43) @ Milwaukee Brewers (43-54)
Tim Alderson (7-7, 4.34 ERA) v. Clayton Richard (2-8, 4.74 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Pirates (PIT) 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0    3  9  1
       Brewers (MIL) 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 4 x    8 12  1

       HR (MIL):  Brett Lawrie (6), Jason Heyward (13)

       WP: Clayton Richard (3-8)
       LP: Tim Alderson (7-8)

The Pirates scored two runs in the first, aided by an error by Brett Lawrie. The Brewers scored a run in the bottom of the inning but the Pirates got it back in the third. In the bottom of the third, Jason Heyward tied things with a two-run homer. Will Middlebrooks came through with a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth. The Brewers struck for four runs in the bottom of the eighth, including a three-run homer by Brett Lawrie, taking the game 8-3.

July 25, 2013
Game 99– Pittsburgh Pirates (54-44) @ Milwaukee Brewers (44-54)
Quinton Miller (8-7, 5.40 ERA) v. Amaury Rivas (5-7, 5.28 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Pirates (PIT) 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0    3  8  3
       Brewers (MIL) 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 x    5 10  1
   
       HR (PIT):  Jose Tabata (4)

       WP: Amaury Rivas (6-7)
       LP: Quinton Miller (8-8)
       SV: Joakim Soria (18)

Jose Tabata homered with a runner on in the first inning to put Pittsburgh ahead 2-0. Milwaukee tied things in the second inning. The Pirates took a one-run lead in the fourth. Mat Gamel singled home the game-tying run in the fifth. In the sixth, Andy Gresham singled home the go-ahead run. An error by shortstop Chase D’Arnaud then led to a second run scoring for Milwaukee in the inning. Joakim Soria came on during the eighth inning and picked up a five-out save.

George Kottaras heads to the DL for two weeks for the fourth time this year. Gerald Laird was called up again. Also, Wily Peralta was activated from the DL with Jake Odorizzi being sent back to the minors as planned. Peralta will enter the rotation with Amaury Rivas being shifted to a bullpen role.

[HoustonGM]

Week 16 - Around the League

Releases
Royals released SP Aaron Wright
Rays released IF Elliot Johnson

FA Signings
Tigers signed SS Chin-Lung Hu, C Wilkin Castillo
Indians signed SP Paul Maholm

Contract Extensions
The Braves locked up first basemen Ryan Strieby through 2016, his final arbitration year, at an average annual salary of $6.1 million.

The Diamondbacks struck early to avoid arbitration with Zack Braddock this offseason, giving him a $3.9 million salary for next year.

Injuries
Orioles catcher Matt Wieters will miss two weeks. Caleb Joseph will fill in.

Mets catcher Josh Thole will miss two weeks and will be replaced by Shawn Riggans.

After a breakout season last year, Marlins first basemen Logan Morrison has fallen back considerably this year, putting up a miserable .223/.305/.398 line, and his season will unfortunately end there as he suffered a broken leg that will cause him to miss the remainder of the year. Florida will use Juan Miranda at first for the rest of the season.

The Dodgers suffered a significant blow as left fielder Andre Ethier is likely to miss the majority of the rest of the season with an elbow injury. He might return for the final few games of the season and should be ready for the playoffs if the Dodgers make it in. Scott Van Slyke will regain his starting right field job with Matt Kemp moving to left.

During his first appearance as a Blue Jay, reliever Rafael Betancourt felt a pop in his elbow and was pulled from the game. After being examined by team doctors, it was determined that he would require season-ending surgery. In effect, Toronto gave up a 25 year old utility guy for 1.1 innings of relief from Betancourt.

Rays starter Alex Torres will be out until late August. The young Kyle Lobstein will fill in at first, though Wade Davis will likely take over once he is healthy in a week or two.

White Sox rookie center fielder Jared Mitchell used his unique skill set to put up a .242/.389/.362 line this year with 20 SB and plus defense but he’ll miss the rest of the season. Shane Victorino will take over for him in center field and out of the leadoff spot.

Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton, playing for a contract as he’ll be a free agent at season’s end, put up what is by far the worst season of his career - .242/.298/.393, 11 HR, 51 RBI – and, after three relatively healthy years, his injury issues cropped up again and will cause him to miss the rest of 2013. Julio Borbon will regain a starting job for the Rangers for the rest of this year at least.

Athletics second basemen Jemile Weeks will miss the next three weeks. It marks the second time this season that the breakout of Weeks will be interrupted by injury, as he seems to be following in the path of his older brother Rickie. Skip Schumaker will fill in for him.

Red Sox left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury will have his season cut short with a shoulder injury. He hit just .267/.319/.329 in what will likely be his last season in Boston. Ryan Kalish will move from right to left with Josh Reddick manning right.

Tigers closer Jose Valverde will miss the rest of the year. Despite a 5.27 DICE, Valverde put up a 2.20 ERA and racked up 18 saves. Joel Zumaya will close for them for the rest of the year.

With Sean Doolittle hitting the DL for the rest of the year, the Royals have called up 24 year old Caleb Gindl. He’ll make his debut in man right field for the club.

[200tang]

During his first appearance as a Blue Jay, reliever Rafael Betancourt felt a pop in his elbow and was pulled from the game. After being examined by team doctors, it was determined that he would require season-ending surgery. In effect, Toronto gave up a 25 year old utility guy for 1.1 innings of relief from Betancourt.

lol.

[HoustonGM]

Rays Add Closer Jenks

July 27, 2013

One game behind the Yankees in the AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays fortified their end game by picking up closer Bobby Jenks from the Kansas City Royals. J.P. Howell has adequately closed out games for Tampa this year but is more suited to a set-up role and will shift back there.

The Royals picked up OF Ty Morrison, 22, and SP Alexander Colome, 24, in the deal. Morrison has good speed and plays all three outfield positions well, though he's a year or two away from being a contributor at the big league level. At 24, Colome doesn't have much more room for growth but he possesses a strong strikeout rate that would aid him in a transition to the pen if he can't remain a starter due to his control issues. Colome could be a player in the Royals pen down the stretch and, if everything breaks right, could be a solid #3 starter in time.

Eduardo Sanchez, picked up by the Royals in the offseason for catcher Jonathan Lucroy, has been a solid setup guy and will take over the reins as closer in Kansas City.

[HoustonGM]

Adam LaRoche Heads to San Diego

July 29, 2013

Down 4 games in the NL West, while holding a 1 game lead in the Wild Card race, the Padres sought a first base upgrade and found it in Adam LaRoche. They acquired LaRoche from Cleveland along with two prospects for shortstop Drew Cumberland and outfielder Jaff Decker.

Padres first basemen Kyle Blanks, though he has hit well when used as a bench bat, seems overexposed as a regular, and posted a dreadful .198/.296/.297 line for the Friars so far this year. LaRoche was in the midst of a down year at .239/.324/.462, but should still provide the Padres with a good offensive boost. They also picked up two mediocre starting pitcher prospects in 23 year old southpaw T.J. House and 21 year old righty Ford Williams. Neither possesses upside greater than a back-end starter.

The Indians acquired two major league pieces in Cumberland and Decker. Cumberland has been the Padres starting shortstop for the last two years, providing solid defense and excellent baserunning with a .700 OPS bat. He immediately becomes the starting shortstop in Cleveland given their recent trade of Asdrubal Cabrera while the young upcoming Carlos Triunfel will start there for San Diego. Jaff Decker, a stocky 23 year old left fielder, was blocked in San Diego by Kellen Kulbacki but has excellent on-base skills and strong plate coverage. He's limited defensively but should be a solid bat for the Tribe. With DH Jordan Brown moving to first base now, left fielder Nick Weglarz is likely to take over the designated hitter duties while Decker will get a chance at the left field job.

[HoustonGM]

July 26, 2013
Game 100 - Milwaukee Brewers (45-54) @ Chicago Cubs (52-46)
Yovani Gallardo (10-4, 2.57 ERA) v. Rich Harden (6-1, 4.18 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0    2  3  1
          Cubs (CHC) 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 x    4 12  0

       HR (MIL):  Ryan Braun (15)
       HR (CHC):  Josh Vitters (17), Tyler Colvin (13)

       WP: Rich Harden (7-1)
       LP: Yovani Gallardo (10-5)
       SV: Carlos Marmol (28)

The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a single by Tyler Colvin. Alfonso Soriano singled home a run in the next inning. In the fifth, Josh Vitters homered to make it 3-0. In the sixth, Ryan Braun smacked a two-run homer to make it a one run game. A Tyler Colvin homer in the bottom of the inning made it 4-2. Carlos Marmol came on for the ninth and got the save.

July 27, 2013
Game 101 - Milwaukee Brewers (45-55) @ Chicago Cubs (53-46)
Chris Narveson (8-6, 3.75 ERA) v. Randy Wells (4-6, 3.23 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 2 0 1 0 4 4 1 1 0 1 14 18  3
          Cubs (CHC) 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 3 6 0 13 17  1

       HR (MIL):  Will Middlebrooks (2), Gerald Laird (4), Jason Heyward 2 (15)
       HR (CHC):  Josh Vitters (18), Tyler Colvin (14)

       WP: Anthony Slama (4-3)
       LP: Angel Guzman (2-2)
       SV: Wily Peralta (1)

Mat Gamel and Jason Heyward each drove in a run in the first to stake Chris Narveson a 2-0 lead. Heyward homered in the third to make it 3-0. The Cubs scored in the third but the Brewers made it back and then some with a four-run fifth inning. After a run scored in the sixth, Jason Heyward hit a three-run homer as he continued an outstanding game. The Cubs got homers from Josh Vitters and Tyler Colvin in the sixth, totaling three runs. In the seventh, Will Middlebrooks hit his first homer as a member of the Brewers. The Cubs roughed up Daisuke Matsuzaka in the eighth for a couple runs. In the ninth, the Brewers committed two errors and Joakim Soria forced in a couple runs with walks. Anthony Slama came on to bail him out and ended up blowing the lead as the Cubs miraculously came back to tie the game at 13 after the Brewers once held a 10 run lead. Gerald Laird homered in the 11th to regain the lead for Milwaukee. Due to minor injuries and tiredness, Wily Peralta’s first appearance back from the DL came in a save situation and he converted it
perfectly with two strikeouts.

July 28, 2013
Game 102 - Milwaukee Brewers (46-55) @ Chicago Cubs (53-47)
Shaun Marcum (1-4, 4.79 ERA) v. Rafael Dolis (7-4, 3.16 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0    3  9  0
          Cubs (CHC) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1    2  8  2

       WP: Shaun Marcum (2-4)
       LP: Rafael Dolis (7-5)
       SV: Chad Qualls (1)

The game was scoreless into the sixth when a bases loaded error by Cubs shortstop D.J. LeMahieu led to two runs crossing the plate. The Cubs scored a run in the eighth following a seventh inning run by the Brewers. Shaun Marcum attempted to go for the complete game but ran into ninth inning trouble, allowing a run to score before leaving with one out and two runners on. With a prime double play situation and a tired bullpen, the Brewers called on groundballer Chad Qualls who successfully saved the game.

July 30, 2013
Game 103 - Milwaukee Brewers (47-55) @ Colorado Rockies (43-60)
Clayton Richard (3-8, 4.56 ERA) v. Martin Barney (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0    1  7  0
       Rockies (COL) 3 0 2 0 0 2 0 2 x    9 10  0

       HR (COL):  Ian Stewart (2), Tim Wheeler 2 (19)

       WP: Martin Barney (2-0)
       LP: Clayton Richard (3-9)

The Rockies jumped on Clayton Richard for three first inning runs. In the third, Tim Wheeler hit a two-run homer to make it 5-0. The Rockies scored two more runs in Richard’s last inning, including a homer by Ian Stewart. After the Brewers finally put a run on the board in the top of the eighth, Tim Wheeler hit his second two-run homer of the night to make it 9-1, which would be the final score.

July 31, 2013
Game 104 - Milwaukee Brewers (47-56) @ Colorado Rockies (44-60)
Yovani Gallardo (10-5, 2.62 ERA) v. Jeff Francis (6-8, 5.51 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0    6 10  0
       Rockies (COL) 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2    7  7  2

       HR (MIL):  Mat Gamel (15)
       HR (COL):  Seth Smith (22)

       WP: Kerry Wood (1-0)
       LP: Joakim Soria (3-4)

Ryan Braun grounded out with a runner on third in the first inning to put Milwaukee on the board first. Michael Brantley doubled in a run in the next inning. After dominating the Rockies through the first five innings, things fell apart for Yovani Gallardo in the sixth. A single, three walks, and a grand slam by Seth Smith put five runs on the board for Colorado. Jason Heyward singled a run in with two outs in the seventh, leaving runners on the corners for Mat Gamel. Gamel continued his impressive performance against lefties as he homered to put Milwaukee ahead by one. Joakim Soria struggled mightily in the ninth, letting the tying run score and leaving the bases loaded for Anthony Slama who couldn’t keep the game tied as Carlos Gonzalez delivered a walk-off hit.

[HoustonGM]

Week 17 - Around the League

Trades
July 27: The Twins picked up third basemen Chris Dominguez from the San Francisco Giants. Dominguez, 26, has nothing left to prove in the minors and has spent some time as a role player on the Giants’ bench. He’ll take over the hot corner from Chone Figgins in Minnesota. In return, the Giants picked up 24 year old Greg Souders, a second basemen with upside of a utility guy around the infield, and 25 year old pitcher David Bromberg. The southpaw has had mild limited MLB success and should be a quality swingman.

Retirements
Padres C Chris Stewart retired
Phillies RP Dan Giese retired
Orioles OF Joe Mather retired
Rockies RP Dennis Sarfate retired
Tigers RP Casey Fien retired

FA Signings
Indians signed OF Rick Ankiel, 3B Jake Fox, 2B Chris Getz, OF Melky Cabrera, C Chad Vittinghoff (undrafted FA)

Contract Extensions
The Orioles inked their young star third basemen Jesus Deprisco to a long-term deal. With about the equivalent of two seasons under his belt, he has hit .285/.362/.471 while playing strong defense. The deal breaks down like this:

2014: $2,000,000
2015: $4,500,000
2016: $6,000,000
2017: $7,800,000
2018: $9,000,000
2019: $12,000,000 (club option)

Milestones
Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano hit his 400th career home run.

Injuries
Blue Jays starter Jesus Sanchez will miss three weeks with a tired arm. 22 year old Henderson Alvarez, a control specialist, will make his debut filling in for Sanchez in the big league rotation.

Diamondbacks starter Mike Belfiore, 24 years of age with 40 starts at the big league level with an ERA of 4.18, underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his season and keeping him out until at least mid-season next year. In 20 starts this year, he went 4-9 and posted a 4.01 ERA. Richard Castillo will be his replacement in the rotation.

Newly acquired Oakland Athletic Wilmer Flores will miss two weeks with a strained hamstring. Utility infielder Marco Scutaro will start at third for the A’s in the meantime.

[HoustonGM]

Standings - August 1, 2013

[HoustonGM]

Through July 31, 2013

Brewers Leaders
Batting Average: 3B Mat Gamel (.286)
Home Runs: 1B Prince Fielder (23)
Runs Batted In: LF Ryan Braun (62)
Hits: LF Ryan Braun (107)
Doubles: LF Ryan Braun (19)
Triples: 2B Brett Lawrie, LF Ryan Braun (4)
Stolen Bases: SS Ralph Davis (24)
Runs Scored: SS Ralph Davis (58)
Walks: CF Andy Gresham (44)
On Base Pct.: 1B Prince Fielder (.350)
Slugging Pct.: 1B Prince Fielder (.510)
OPS: 1B Prince Fielder (.860)

Wins: SP Yovani Gallardo (10)
Earned Run Average.: SP Yovani Gallardo (2.82)
Strikeouts: SP Yovani Gallardo (146)
Innings: SP Yovani Gallardo (143.2)
Strikeouts/9 IP: SP Yovani Gallardo (9.15)
Walks/9 IP: SP Chris Narveson (3.71)
WHIP: SP Yovani Gallardo (1.26)
Saves: RP Joakim Soria (18)
DICE: SP Chris Narveson, SP Yovani Gallardo (3.91)

American League Leaders
Batting Average: Twins C Joe Mauer (.373)
Home Runs: White Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez (34)
Runs Batted In: White Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez (100)
Hits: Twins DH Ben Revere (141)
Doubles: Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira (33)
Triples: Rangers SS Elvis Andrus (12)
Stolen Bases: Twins DH Ben Revere (53)
Runs Scored: Twins DH Ben Revere (87)
Walks: Twins 1B Justin Morneau (81)
On Base Pct.: Twins 1B Justin Morneau (.440)
Slugging Pct.: White Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.649)
OPS: White Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez (1.065)

Wins: Twins SP Matt Garza, Yankees SP CC Sabathia, Mariners SP Felix Hernandez (11)
Earned Run Average.: Tigers SP Justin Verlander (2.91)
Strikeouts: Blue Jays SP Jesus Sanchez (149)
Innings: Rangers SP Ed McCurdy (142.1)
Strikeouts/9 IP: Blue Jays SP Jesus Sanchez (9.91)
Walks/9 IP: Rays SP Jeremy Hellickson (1.13)
WHIP: Rays SP Jeremy Hellickson (1.06)
Saves: Twins RP Joe Nathan (31)
DICE: White Sox SP Zack Greinke (2.81)

National League Leaders
Batting Average: Diamondbacks LF Ryan Wheeler (.340)
Home Runs: Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez (34)
Runs Batted In: Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez (100)
Hits: Cubs 2B Starlin Castro (132)
Doubles: Pirates SS Chase D'Arnaud (35)
Triples: Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval, Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins, Rockies SS Hector Gomez, Rockies OF Tim Wheeler, Braves 2B Martin Prado (6)
Stolen Bases: Padres SS Drew Cumberland (35)
Runs Scored: Mets 3B David Wright (86)
Walks: Braves 1B/LF Ryan Strieby (81)
On Base Pct.: Diamondbacks LF Ryan Wheeler (.433)
Slugging Pct.: Diamondbacks LF Ryan Wheeler (.647)
OPS: Diamondbacks LF Ryan Wheeler (1.080)

Wins: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (15)
Earned Run Average.: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (2.32)
Strikeouts: Giants SP Tim Lincecum (172)
Innings: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (159)
Strikeouts/9 IP: Nationals SP Stephen Strasburg (10.63)
Walks/9 IP: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (0.91)
WHIP: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (0.92)
Saves: Cubs RP Carlos Marmol, Dodgers RP Jonathan Broxton (29)
DICE: Phillies SP Roy Halladay (2.48)

[CCamels73]

could you post your .mog file again? lol, this is a great dynasty, but I am frustrated with how the Nats are doing and would like to "check in" on them.

[HoustonGM]

could you post your .mog file again? lol, this is a great dynasty, but I am frustrated with how the Nats are doing and would like to "check in" on them.

You're frustrated with being 3 games out of first?

The Mets and Phillies are incredibly stacked, though, so it's tough.

But yeah, I will once I get on my laptop.

[HoustonGM]

Here you go

[HoustonGM]

August 1, 2013
Game 105 - Milwaukee Brewers (47-57) @ Colorado Rockies (45-60)
Chris Narveson (8-6, 3.87 ERA) v. Jhoulys Chacin (0-9, 4.73 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0    7 12  0
       Rockies (COL) 1 0 2 0 2 2 1 2 x   10 14  0

       HR (COL):  Todd Helton (7), Hector Gomez (7), Seth Smith (23)

       WP: Kerry Wood (2-0)
       LP: Chris Narveson (8-7)
       SV: Frank Francisco (4)

Hector Gomez led off the first inning with a homer off Chris Narveson. Andy Gresham singled home the tying run in the third. Jason Heyward followed with a two-run triple and scored on a single by Ryan Braun. The Rockies scored twice in the bottom of the third. Ralph Davis tripled a run home in the fifth. Todd Helton tied the game with a two-run homer and Seth Smith gave them a lead with one of his own. A few more runs scored for
both teams as the game ended with Colorado winning 10-7.

August 2, 2013
Game 106 – St. Louis Cardinals (50-56) @ Milwaukee Brewers (47-58)
Jaime Garcia (6-8, 4.82 ERA) v. Shaun Marcum (2-4, 4.54 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
     Cardinals (STL) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0    1  4  1
       Brewers (MIL) 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 3 x    9 12  2

       HR (MIL):  Andy Gresham (9), Ralph Davis (16)

       WP: Shaun Marcum (3-4)
       LP: Jaime Garcia (6-9)

Mat Gamel singled in a second inning run for Milwaukee and the Cardinals tied it with a sacrifice fly from Albert Pujols. In the fourth, Ryan Braun grounded out with a runner on third to score the go-ahead run. In the seventh, Andy Gresham hit a two-run homer to give Milwaukee a three-run lead. Ryan Braun then doubled in two more runs. Ralph Davis added insult to injury as he hit a three-run homer in the eighth, making the final score of the game 9-1.

August 3, 2013
Game 107 – St. Louis Cardinals (50-57) @ Milwaukee Brewers (48-58)
Anibal Sanchez (8-1, 2.39 ERA) v. Wily Peralta (2-2, 8.14 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
     Cardinals (STL) 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0    5 13  0
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0    2 10  0

       HR (STL):  Ryan Theriot (1)
       HR (MIL):  Brett Lawrie (7)

       WP: Anibal Sanchez (9-1)
       LP: Wily Peralta (2-3)
       SV: Ryan Franklin (27)

The Cardinals struck Wily Peralta for two runs in the first inning. Ryan Theriot led off the second with an inside-the-park homer down the right field line. Each team scored once in the third inning. Peralta was pulled in the third inning with two runners on and one out. One of the runners came in to score. Brett Lawrie homered in the seventh to cut the Cardinals’ lead to three. They’d hold the score at 5-2 and take the game.

August 4, 2013
Game 108 – St. Louis Cardinals (51-57) @ Milwaukee Brewers (48-59)
Adam Wainwright (7-8, 3.50 ERA) v. Clayton Richard (3-9, 4.88 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
     Cardinals (STL) 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0    3  7  1
       Brewers (MIL) 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 x    4  7  0

       HR (MIL):  Jack Gillette (2), Ryan Braun (16)
 
       WP: Clayton Richard (4-9)
       LP: Adam Wainwright (7-9)
       SV: Joakim Soria (19)

The Brewers took an early one run lead on a double by Ralph Davis in the second inning. In the fifth, Adam Wainwright blooped an RBI single to tie the game for himself, but he let up the lead to Milwaukee by serving up a solo homer to Jack Gillette in the bottom of the inning. Allen Craig restored the tie with an RBI double in the sixth. Ryan Theriot then drove him in to give the Cardinals the lead. Following an error on the would-be third out of the inning that allowed Jason Heyward to reach base, Ryan Braun homered to regain a one-run lead for Milwaukee. Joakim Soria was tasked with getting a two inning save and, despite some control struggles that led to three walks, he held on to the one run lead.

August 6, 2013
Game 109 – Houston Astros (49-60) @ Milwaukee Brewers (49-59)
Josh Banks (4-3, 4.32 ERA) v. Yovani Gallardo (10-5, 2.82 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
        Astros (HOU) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0    0  7  1
       Brewers (MIL) 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 x    5 10  0

       WP: Yovani Gallardo (11-5)
       LP: Josh Banks (4-4)

Ryan Braun’s first inning sacrifice fly drove in the first run of the game. In both the second and fourth innings, Brett Lawrie provided RBI singles and in the seventh, Ralph Davis came up with a two-run single. On the pitching side of things, Yovani Gallardo was in control through seven shutout innings and Carlos Villanueva and Amaury Rivas closed out the 5-0 shutout.

Will Middlebrooks was off to a great start with Milwaukee, hitting .328/.408/.478 with plus defense through 17 games. However, his season will come to an end early as he underwent shoulder surgery that will keep him out into next season, though he should return sometime in early May. Taylor Green was called up from the minors and will get the bulk of the playing time at third base the rest of the way.

August 7, 2013
Game 110 – Houston Astros (49-61) @ Milwaukee Brewers (50-59)
Henry Villar (7-7, 4.37 ERA) v. Chris Narveson (8-7, 4.23 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
        Astros (HOU) 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0    2  6  1
       Brewers (MIL) 7 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 x   13 16  0

       HR (HOU):  Willy Aybar (7)
       HR (MIL):  Mat Gamel (16), Ryan Braun (17), Andy Gresham (10)

       WP: Chris Narveson (9-7)
       LP: Henry Villar (7-8)

The first five batters of the game for Milwaukee picked up hits – three singles and two doubles – resulting in four runs. After a ground out, the hits kept on coming and Henry Villar was lifted from the game after recording just one out. Seven runs in all scored in the first frame, with eight hits being recorded. In the second inning, Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer to add to the damage. The runs didn’t stop coming in the third inning either as Andy Gresham smacked a three-run homer. After two scoreless innings, Mat Gamel hit a solo homer in the sixth. Chris Narveson had a shutout through six innings but Willy Aybar broke it up with a two-run homer in the seventh. He racked up 10 strikeouts in his eight innings of work and Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched the final inning of the 13-2 dismantling.

August 8, 2013
Game 111 – Houston Astros (49-62) @ Milwaukee Brewers (51-59)
Zach McAllister (7-6, 3.52 ERA) v. Shaun Marcum (3-4, 4.15 ERA)

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
        Astros (HOU) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1    2  7  0
       Brewers (MIL) 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0    1  5  0

       HR (MIL):  Ryan Braun (18)
 
       WP: Wilton Lopez (5-5)
       LP: Sean Burnett (0-4)
       SV: Matt Lindstrom (22)

An infield single in the second inning by Freddy Sanchez pushed across Houston’s first run. Ryan Braun tied the game with a solo home run in the fourth inning. For the third straight start, Shaun Marcum went eight innings deep but he’d be saddled with a no-decision this time around. In the ninth inning, Sean Burnett allowed the Astros to score the go-ahead run. The Brewers couldn’t score in the bottom of the ninth as Matt Lindstrom got the save.

[HoustonGM]

Week 18 - Around the League

Retirements
Free agent SP Carlos Silva retired

FA Signings
Indians signed OF Clete Thomas, IF Callix Crabbe

Notable Games
Rockies shortstop Hector Gomez hit for the cycle.

Contract Extensions
The Braves signed reliever Craig Kimbrel through next year at $3.45 million.

The Rays gave outfielder Desmond Jennings a $3.7 million deal for next season.

Injuries
Padres center fielder Aaron Cunningham is done for the year. He hit .233/.304/.398 in regular playing time with 14 homers and 12 stolen bases. 25 year old Freddie Marchado will get a chance to prove himself as a starter.

Powerful Marlins right fielder Mike Stanton will have his season cut short. In 373 at bats, Stanton hit .249/.314/.499 with 21 HR and 60 RBI. 22 year old rookie Marcell Ozuna will replace him. The club will also be without starter Andrew Miller for three weeks. Trevor Bell will replace him.

Blue Jays designated hitter Adam Lind will miss the rest of the season. After a decent comeback year last year, he fell back again this year to .239/.286/.419. They will also be without starter Kyle Drabek for three weeks. Brad Mills will fill in for Drabek and they’ll go with a rotation of players through the DH spot.

Catcher Brian McCann, who has struggled since joining Philadelphia, will miss three weeks. Marshall Barber will regain the starting job for now.

Padres starter Simon Castro was shut down for the season with severe elbow pain. He was having another strong season, going 4-8 with a 3.98 ERA and a sparkling 2.99 DICE in 20 starts. He should be healthy and ready to resume dominating hitters by spring training, though it’s a big blow to the Padres rotation as they fight for the playoffs. 27 year old Jeremy Hefner will get his first shot at big league success in place of Castro.

Dodger third basemen Pedro Baez will be out for a month. They’ll go with utilityman Brendan Harris at the hot corner.

Starter Giovanni Vaez, one of the Rangers’ trio of impressive rookies along with 3B Louis Bonnell and SP Ed McCurdy, will be out until early September with a groin injury. Carlos Zambrano, who lost his rotation spot to Vaez earlier in the season, will replace him.