Brewers-Cardinals Game 1

Here we go again... The Crew takes on the Cardinals in Milwaukee tonight, with Shawn Marcum hurling for the Crew opposite Edwin Jackson. The Crew us hoping to add to their 10 and one half division lead over the Cardinals, as well as adding to their 3 game winning streak, and hopefull stroll into September red hot. The Crew has tied a franchise record in August, by winning 21 games, and they hope to take the record tonight. Should be another great game.

And the NL MVP goes to...

My name is Tyler Thalman and I'm a new writer for Running of the Sausages. There's a couple MVP candidates in the NL, and I would like to talk about them.

Kemp has been a monster for the Dodgers this year.

Matt Kemp who's batting .320 with 31 HR and 34 SB the first 30/30 guy since Ian Kinsler did it a couple years ago. The only downfall for Kemp is that he plays for the Dodgers who are terrible. It's not Kemp's fault that the Dodgers have an awful lineup that is centered around him and only him. Yeah ethier had the 30 game hit streak but after that happened have you ever heard of him again? If kemp goes on a tear for the last 3 weeks or so and ends being a 40/40 guy then maybe he will win it. With him being on the dodgers his chances are small.

As seen in this picture, Fielder has been on the ball all season. A true force at the plate.

Prince Fielder who's batting .295 with 29 HR and well no SB. Kemp is beating him in every catagory except for RBI, but only by 2. He's having an amazing year and if wasn't for Braun batting in front of him maybe Fielder would have over 110 RBI. It's his contract year and he's making a point for him to receive a very nice contract maybe even one that is more than Pujol's. Will he take a pay cut to stay with the Brewers? Maybe but this year he's thinking World Series and maybe even his first ever MVP award.

Braun and his Brewer fans have had a lot to celebrate about this year. He's been a big part of getting
the Brewers to where they are now. Hopefully this continues into the postseason to help the Brewers make a run.

Ryan Braun who's batting .334 with 25 HR and 30 SB. He should be able to get to 30/30 and might have a chance at 35/35. His team is demolishing the cardinals right now and have pretty much clinched a playoff spot. Now even though Kemp has better numbers than Braun does, why do more people think Braun will win over Kemp. It's because the people who vote for the MVP care about if your team is in the playoff hunt or not. Braun's team is and Kemp's isn't

Those are the only 3 guys in contention. Guys like Pujols, Howard and Votto; better luck next year.

If I was a voter for the MVP award my vote goes 1) Braun 2) Kemp 3) Fielder

Edited by: Sam Bornstein at 5:08 PM August 29, 2011
Pictures/Captions inserted by: Michael Natelli at 3:41 PM August 30, 2011

Brewers Win Again!!!!

The Crew secured the series victory today with a 6-4 win over the arch-rival Chicago Cubs. The Brewers jumped out to a 5-1 lead, before Alfonso Soriano doubled to left, scoring three off of Latroy Hawkins. That would be it for the scoring though, as the bullpen did it's job, and John Axford had a one-two-three inning to get the save in the ninth. Yovani pitched well once again, as he gets the win to move to 15-8 and Ryan Dempster took the loss, moving him to 10-10. The Crew goes at it once again tomorrow, as Zachary Greinke takes on Casey Coleman for the Cubs.

Interview with Chris McFarland

Chris McFarland was the 18th round pick for the Brewers. SB stands for Sam Bornstein, and CM stands for Chris McFarland.

SB- Has it always been your dream to play in the MLB?

CM- I remember watching a professional MLB game on TV when I was about 5 years old and I knew that was what I wanted to do, no one in my family ever played baseball but I asked my mom to sign my brother and I up. So I started playing when i was 6, was pretty good, and its been my goal since then.

SB- At what point did you realize you were going to pursue a career in baseball?

CM- When I turned 13 I started playing in Dallas and later in Houston to play against better competition, Lufkin has a number of great players but I wanted to play against kids from other areas and also to get more exposure.

SB- What is it like growing up as a young baseball player in the south?

CM- It's great playing in the south, you have to deal with the heat but you can pretty much play year round and that helps you get so much better and the competition is always high.

SB- Was there something that made you lean towards signing with the Brewers instead of attendings Rice?

CM- Just the chance to pursue my dream, I've heard about every opinion from many people on what I should or shouldn't do. But there's no telling what could have happened in three years if I went to school for the opportunity again.

SB- What was it like being drafted by the Brewers this year?

CM- Definitely a moment I'll never forget getting my name called, and I'm excited to get picked by a great organization.

SB- Have you had a chance to make it up to Milwaukee since you were drafted?

CM- No, I haven't. I've never been to Wisconsin at all.

SB- Most right-handed batters prefer left-handed pitchers. Do you?

CM- I actually prefer right-handed pitchers, the ball is a little more easier to pick up, lefties have a little more movement.

SB- Scouting reports have you playing shortstop and outfield. Which is your primary, and which do you prefer?

CM- I've played short pretty much my whole life and that's where I'm most comfortable. I haven't had much experience in the outfield, but I like playing center field. I don't mind where I play on the field as long as I'm playing.

SB- What is the best advice you've been given along the way?

CM- Making adjustments is what is going to get you to the next level, you always have something to get better at and also relax and have fun and remember baseball is a game.

Taylor Green called up

At long last, 3B Taylor Green has been called up to the Milwaukee Brewers and RHP side-arm pitcher Tim Dillard has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Taylor Green will wear number 5. This has been confirmed by Todd Tosiak on twitter.

Brewers Win!!

The Brewers took the opener tonight against the Cubs, 5-2. Randy Wolf pitched very well, and the Brewers got their offense going when Ryan Braun hit a double to score Corey Hart and Nyger Morgan. Braun then scored on the same play after a throwing error by Darwin Barney. That was all the Crew needed tonight as good pitching saved them once again. John Axford came in the ninth to close the door on the Cubs. The Brewers go at it once again tomorrow against the Cubs as Yo takes on Ryan Dempster.

Eric Farris Interview

Just another interview with a Brewers player. Eric Farris is a 2B for the Nashville Sounds, the Brewers AAA system. SB stands for Sam Bornstein (me), and EF stands for Eric Farris.

Eric Farris (above) follows through on a swing with the Nashville Sounds

SB: Was being a baseball player always your dream or did it come later in your childhood?

EF: Being a baseball player has always been my dream since I could remember..

SB: What was it like being drafted by the Brewers in 2007?

EF: The 2007 draft was a very exciting experience...I felt as if my hard work had paid off and I was one step closer to my dream!

SB: Was the transition like from college ball to rookie ball?

EF: The most noticeable difference was the schedule. Playing with very few off days was a difficult transition on the body.

SB: What was the experience like playing with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this year?

EF: Playing with the Brewers earlier this season was the most exciting baseball experience I've had to date...A wild 48 hours I'd say!

SB: What was it like to be a part of the triple play turned a few days ago?

EF: The triple play is something that happens so little that no matter how its turned is exciting. Im happy I was a part of such an exciting play.

SB: What big adjustments have you made with each step up in the organization?

EF: Every skill must be maintained and improved upon. My all around game and the way I prepare has to be adjusted from season to season.

SB: Are there any players you've moved up the organizational ladder with?

EF: Players such as Zelous Wheeler and Caleb Gindl have been on the majority of the teams I've played on in the organization.

SB: Guys are always getting called up, sent down, traded, released, etc. Does that make it tough to be close with your teammates, or not so much?

EF: Transaction are part of the game and we see them so often that it's rarely super surprising. But it doesn't make it difficult. I try to be close with teammates whether I've played with them for 4 years or 4 weeks.

SB: What baseball activities do you do in the offseason?

EF: I like to golf, travel, and cook...Family time and staying in shape also occupy a lot of my offseason time as well.

SB: What is the best advice you've been given along the way?

EF: There's 30 big league teams and they're all watching!

Game 1 Versus Chicago

Today the Brewers will play Game one of a three game set against the Chicago Cubs. Randy Wolf hits the mound today opposite Rodrigo Lopez for the Cubs. The Brewers hope to continue there winning ways, and roll into September on a nice win streak. The Brewers have a 9 and one half game lead over the Cardinals for the National League Central. But the Cubs will be no easy task, as no one ever know what will happen when these two teams face off. Division rivalry is in the air in Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Cubs tonight. The Brewers lead the season series 6 games to 4. Look for Casey McGehee to have a big night tonight, as he is  4 for 4 lifetime against Lopez with a homer. Also look for Prince Fielder to break out of his 1-12 slump, as he absolutely has destroyed Chicago pitching, hitting .340 with 15 RBIs in his last 16 games against Chicago.

The Crew's First base Situation in 2012

We all know that Prince Fielder is going to be a free agent at the end of the year, and is likely tO not sign with the Crew. This leaves the Crew with Mat Gamel at first base. But I'm not particularly sold on Gamel as a starting first baseman, i think he's more of a utility infielder. So I have done some research, and he are the 2012 free agent first baseman's:

Lance Berkman STL
Russell Branyan LAA
Jorge Cantu SD
Prince Fielder MIL
Brad Hawpe SD
Eric Hinske ATL *
Ross Gload PHI
Nick Johnson CLE
Derrek Lee BAL
Xavier Nady ARI
David Ortiz BOS
Lyle Overbay PIT
Carlos Pena CHC
Albert Pujols STL
Jim Thome MIN

You can pretty much rule out Fielder, Pujols, and Ortiz. That leaves us with a lot of not so good first baseman. Since the Brewers will be still going for it next season, i would like to see them sign either Carlos Pena or Lance Berkman to one year deals (possibly more than 1 year for Pena). I think these two options give the Crew a much better chance of. Contending next year than Gamel.

Game 4

Today the Brewers look to win the series against the Pittsburg Pirates on the road. The Brewers currently have a 10 game lead in the National League Central, and they hope to add to that today. The Crew is currently down 2-0 in the top of the fifth, so they will need to pull another amazing comeback out of their back pocket today. The Brewers have a well deserved day off tomorrow, before another inter-divisional matchup against the Cubs, as Randy Wolf takes on Rodrigo Lopez.

An Interview with Stars RP Rob Wooten

Here is my interview with Rob Wooten. He is a RP for the Huntsville Stars, the Brewers AA affiliate. SB is Sam Bornstein, and RW is Rob Wooten.

Rob Wooten pitching for the Huntsville Stars

SB: Has it always your dream to play in MLB?

RW: Ever since I started playing the game I knew I wanted to play in the big leagues. Been a life long dream.

SB: What was it like being drafted by the Brewers in 2008?

RW: It was a very special day for me and my family.

SB: What was the transition like from college ball to rookie ball?

RW: It was a bit of a shock. Got treated very well and played in nice ball parks at UNC. A little bit different when I arrived in Helena Montana but it was a good experience.

SB: What adjustments have you made with each step up in the organization?

RW: Just work as hard as I can to get better every singe day. I prepare now as if I was a big league pitcher.

SB: Guys are always getting called up, sent down, traded, released, etc. Does that make it tough to be close with your teammates, or not so much?

RW: It is a business and we all understand that but we still build relationships. At the end of the day Professional baseball is one big family.

SB: When you underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010, what were your thoughts about your career?

RW: I knew it was going to be tough but I had great support from my family to continue my dream. I knew I had to work harder then ever and I did.

SB: How did you recover from the surgery?

RW: I have had a healthy 2011 season and have been pitching with success. So I am pleased with this year and I know I will be even stronger and better next season.

SB: What pitches do you throw, and which is your favorite?

RW: 2 seam fastball, cutter, slider and split finger. I work off my cutter.

SB: Do you find it harder to pitch against right –handed batters, or left-handed batters?

RW: Naturally it's easier for me to get a right handed batter out but i take pride in getting lefties out as well.

SB: What is the best advice you've been given along the way?

RW: Work hard and have fun.

Narveson successful in return from DL

Chris Narveson's return from the DL was successful today, as the Brewers beat the Pirates 8-1 in Game 1.

The left-hander went 5 1/3 inning, walked one and struck out 3, while allowing 5 hits and walking out with the win. He also helped his own cause too when he lifted a 2-run single to right field in the 4th inning. The rolling Brewers added to the lead in the 8th and 9th inning, scoring six runs to seal the win.

Game 2 will begin at 7:35 CT and the matchup will be RHP Zack Greinke vs. RHP Brad Lincoln. Here is the lineup:

RF Corey Hart

CF Nyjer Morgan

LF Ryan Braun

1B Prince Fielder

3B Casey McGehee

SS Yuniesky Betancourt

C Jonathan Lucroy

2B Josh Wilson

RHP Zack Greinke

Double Header for the Crew today

Today the Brewers have a double header against the Pirates, with Narveson getting his first start since coming off the DL, and Greinke who now has an ERA lower than 4. The Brewers look to continue there winning ways tonight against the Pirates, as they have dominated the Pirates home and away the past decade. The Brewers lead in the NL central currently stands at 8 and a half games in front of the Cardinals, and 13 and a half ahead of the Reds. Greinke looks to continue his winning ways as of late, and the Brewers will have to monitor Narveson tonight because of his cut on his hand.

Welcome

This Brewers blog is a part of the MLB features blog. My name is Sam Bornstein. I will blog about Brewers news, transactions, and post Brewers line-ups daily.