Milwaukee Brewers Blog - Bernie's Crew : Corey Hart

A Trip to the Infirmary

Jim Breen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:54:21 GMT

Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have officially completed their 2009 season, news of more and more players with minor injuries continue to come to light.

Casey McGehee will undergo surgery this afternoon to clean out some "loose bodies" from his right knee. The potential NL Rookie of the Year has been playing through the pain since the All-Star Break, but the knee problems significantly lessened his range at third and his speed on the basepaths. With a .301 average and 16 home runs, it did not seem to affect him much at the plate.

The surgery is a minor procedure with no ill effects lingering into the 2010 season. McGehee should return with no pain in his knee whatsoever.

Braden Looper is scheduled to have surgery next week to fix some torn meniscus in his right knee.

"I tried the best I can to get the ball down because that's my whole game," Looper said Saturday. "I don't know [if the knee played a part in pitches staying up]. I know I haven't been as consistent this year. That's the thing that upsets me, I hope that [the knee] didn't cause that."

With 39 home runs and 113 earned runs surrendered throughout the season, it is unlikely that the knee caused that type of production. The numbers are not consistent with his career norms. If the knee would have been an issue during the season, you can be sure Ken Macha would have sat Looper for a start or two.

To blame a terrible season on a knee problem (or to hint that a bum knee caused it) is a huge cop-out. If it were actually a problem, he should have sat out a couple weeks in May and addressed the issue.

Craig Counsell has been battling a similar injury to that of Braden Looper, but Brewers fans heard about Counsell's knee troubles during Spring Training.

The utility fielder opted for rehabilitation rather than surgery and played through the pain throughout the season. It lead to a .285/.357/.408 season, which marked his best production since 2000 at the plate. Counsell changed his mind about the surgery, however, and is scheduled in the next week to undergo a minor operation to clean out his knee.

Counsell is an impending free agent, but it is almost a foregone conclusion that Milwaukee will make every attempt to resign the 39-year old Counsell during the offseason.

Manny Parra is a new name to add to the injury report, as he is scheduled for surgery today to "clean up his AC joint" in his left shoulder.

Before panicking too much and reminiscing over past shoulder issues, Gord Ash says the issue is minor and not related to his previous injuries in the minor leagues. The shoulder discomfort is also not thought to have contributed to his 6.36 ERA in 2009. His velocity was there. It was simply the lack of command that led to a 5.0 BB/9 walk rate and a general frustration throughout the Brewers fanbase.

Corey Hart was thought to have broken his ring and pinkie fingers after sliding into Todd Helton's foot during the final week of the regular season, but it has recently been determined that Hart only severely sprained his two digits.

He will not require surgery, and a rehabilitation program should return him to full health in short order.

Mark DiFelice continues to struggle with inflammation in his right shoulder, an injury that has kept him from game action since September 13th.

The cutter specialist recently sought out a second opinion to determine if surgery was required, but a specialist in Colorado confirmed Dr. Raasch's original diagnosis that rest and rehabilitation should eventually cure the issue.

The real issue is whether or not DiFelice's shoulder can every truly heal due to his severe slinging motion in his pitching delivery. During the second half of the season (when elbow and shoulder issues began to crop up), the right-hander posted a 7.27 ERA and a .333 opponent batting average. I am hesitant to even assure the fact that DiFelice will return in 2010. That is not a guarantee, due to his shoulder injury.

Rickie Weeks had been participating in defensive drills throughout the last couple weeks of the regular season, but his torn tendon sheath in his left wrist was still not strong enough to take swings against live pitching.

The 27-year old seemingly had turned a corner in 2009, sprinting out to a .272/.340/.517 slash line through the first two months of the season. Those numbers included nine home runs, a .245 ISO, and a +4.7 UZR at second base.

Rickie will look to continue that success in 2010, despite rumors that Milwaukee could try the young man in center field to replace Mike Cameron. He has already made his dislike of the idea well-known to the Brewers brass.

Mike Burns has the worst injury of the bunch.

An MRI revealed that Burns has damage to his labrum in his right shoulder. That probably signifies rather significant surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.

The 30-year old journeyman was going to have a difficult time making the Brewers 25-man roster out of Spring Training, especially due to his 5.75 ERA in 51.2 innings with the big league club. This injury and the uncertainty surrounding it makes it even more unlikely that Milwaukee keeps the right-hander on their 40-man roster heading into 2010.

Ryan Braun has dealt with intercostal issues throughout the past two seasons, but that issue seems to have died down during the second half of the 2009 season.

Instead, Braun missed some time down the stretch due to an injured shoulder. The injury appears to be extremely minor and could actually be completely healed at this point, but Braun's injuries tend to linger for a long, long time.

The offseason should help alleviate any aches and pains the Brewers superstar is currently dealing with. He should be set to come into Spring Training next February and mash from the get-go.

Dave Bush had a 4.38 ERA heading into a June 4th game against the Florida Marlins.

It was in that contest that Bush took a line drive off his right triceps muscle off the bat of Hanley Ramirez. From that point on, Dave Bush was not the same pitcher he was prior to the injury. He dealt with microtears in his triceps muscle, which contributed to the severe arm fatigue he suffered through in August and September.

As noted previously, prior to the injury, Bush had a 4.38 ERA and almost threw a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Following the injury, Bush ended the season with a 6.38 ERA.

David Riske has one season left on his $13MM contract, but is likely to miss the beginning to 2010 due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

The right-hander only made one appearance for the Crew in 2009. He surrendered four hits and two runs in one inning of work.

That followed a 5.31 ERA in 2008, so needless to say, Doug Melvin and his crew may have made a bit of an error in judgment handing out a three-year, $13MM deal to Riske. Overpaying on long-term contracts severely hurt small-market teams. They hurt even more when those contracts are for middle relievers who can be had for much, much cheaper.

Hart Hits DL with Appendicitis

Jim Breen — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:30:11 GMT

Despite the win for the Brewers this afternoon against the Padres, the bad news keeps coming for the Crew.

Corey Hart checked into the hospital with a stomach ailment prior to Sunday's game. Doctors said he suffered from appendicitis and needed surgery right away. According to Adam McCalvy (via Twitter):

Hart will have appendix out tonight in SD and will go on DL. Hall retuning from AAA after playing RF there tonight.

The hits keep on coming.

Salvaging the Season

Jim Breen — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Brewers and Jeff Suppan were embarrassed in a 14-6 drubbing at the hands of the lowly Washington Nationals.

Josh Willingham hit two grand slams for the Nats. Good for him, I guess. At the lowest mark of the season as a Brewers fan, I might as well see Willingham become only the third National League player to hit two grannies in a game. History is history, even if my beloved Brewers are on the short end of the stick.

Since the Cubs and Cardinals both won their respective games Monday night, Milwaukee falls to four games back and is now under .500 (49-50) for the first time since April 27th. This point in the season can be succinctly summed up by quoting Tom Haudricourt from after the game. He wrote:

Exactly. Which is why trading any valuable player or prospect for one starting pitcher at this point is sheer folly. This team is not one pitcher away. Not by a long shot. Not unless a whole bunch of the current pitchers get it together.

A Jarrod Washburn is not about to transform this squad into a September playoff contender. The starting pitching is too thin, and the bullpen -- previously a team strength -- has been overworked and is now showing fatigue as a whole. One player is simply not about to quell the rotation's maladies.

Doug Melvin would be wise to put some feelers out on the trade market.

J.J. Hardy is as good as gone, in my opinion. Corey Hart and Trevor Hoffman should also be available given the right package. I would throw Hart under the bus and automatically trade him, but Mike Cameron's likely departure at the end of the year leaves a glaring hole in center. Adding a hole in right field would not be prudent as a General Manager. Still, teams such as the Braves and Red Sox are reportedly seeking a right-handed outfield bat. It never hurts to listen.

Hoffman, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to assess. He is slated to be a Type-A free agent at the end of the season, but it is likely that the All-Time Saves leader would accept arbitration given the chance. Moreover, will an organization sign Hoffman this winter and sacrifice a first or second round pick in the 2010 Draft? That would be a tough sell, even considering his All-Star season.

It would be foolish to assert that Hoffman could not augment a relief corps like that of the Dodgers or Angels. Milwaukee's price would likely be a top prospect, given his Type-A status, but it is unclear whether a contending team would part with such a prospect. Once again, however, it does not hurt to listen on offers. The worst that can happen is Doug Melvin keeps the All-Time Saves leader.

I do not wish to sound whimsical when suddenly declaring "SELL SELL!" This is not a time in which the Brewers should gut the major league roster and engage in a rebuilding process. That would be foolhardy.

The 2009 Brewers, however, do not have enough pitching to compete into September. The projected 2010 Brewers also has some glaring holes in its present construction. Doug Melvin should feature some of the organization's more expendable parts to augment the roster for the coming couple seasons. Moving J.J. Hardy for a young starting pitcher would be a nice start. If Corey Hart or Trevor Hoffman can also obtain a piece that could significantly help the 2010 Brewers, Melvin should seriously consider those deals as well.

Aside from a grooved fastball to Ryan Zimmerman, R.J. Swindle threw the ball effectively in his two innings of relief work. Always looking on the bright side.

Brewers inquire on Vazquez

Jim Breen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:06:00 GMT

[UPDATE]

Tom Haudricourt updated his blog post. He spoke with Doug Melvin, who said that he is not discussing any trade for Javier Vazquez with Atlanta.

This could mean a several things.

Doug Melvin never made a call to Atlanta, and Jerry Crasnick's report was inaccurate.
Doug Melvin placed a call to Atlanta about Vazquez and was informed that he is not available. Note that Doug Melvin did not say that he did not make a call. He simply stated that he is not discussing a trade for Javier Vazquez with Atlanta.
Doug Melvin called about someone else on the Atlanta Braves' roster.

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As seen on Tom Haudricourt's blog, the Milwaukee Brewers have inquired on Javier Vazquez of the Atlanta Braves.

The Milwaukee Brewers, desperate for starting pitching help, recently placed a call to Atlanta about Javier Vazquez, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
But it doesn't appear the two sides have a match unless Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin is willing to trade one of his two "untouchables'' -- prospects Mat Gamel or Alcides Escobar -- as part of a package for Vazquez.

We have already heard that the Braves coveted Corey Hart at one time. It is unclear whether or not they still desire the young outfielder, but Corey could give them a nice bat in their order. It would take more than Corey Hart to bring Javier Vazquez to Milwaukee, however.

Round 'em Up: Monday 7.6.09

Jim Breen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:06:40 GMT

I tried to find a silver lining in the Brewers' struggles as of late. It was not easy, but at least Mike Cameron is beginning to turn it around at the plate. Milwaukee's center fielder is hitting .316/.381/.737 over the past week.

Major League News

Ryan Braun went on a little rant after yesterday's loss to the Cubs. He said:

"We need to find a way to throw the ball a little better to have success. When you're constantly behind in games, it's not easy. It's not fun. Their starting pitching was clearly a lot better than ours this series."

Braun normally gets praised for "speaking his mind" because he is one of the best players in all of baseball. I am usually all for Braun calling out the team for a lack of effort and the like, but calling out your pitching staff in the media? Not only is this not a classy move by Ryan, but it also does not tell the whole story. I obviously agree that the starting pitching has been horrendous in general. When guys like Yovani Gallardo and Jeff Suppan put together quality starts, however, the offense has not been their to support them (see the 1-0 loss to the Mets and the 2-1 loss to the Cubs). Not everything is black and white. The Brewers have just been playing bad baseball all around lately.

For those of you hoping Dave Bush will return before the All-Star Break, do not hold your breath. Although Bush has been pushing his rehab to get back on the mound, Ken Macha said that the team will look elsewhere for a starting pitcher this Saturday. Bush has been struggling with "dead arm" and "microtears" in his triceps that stemmed from a line drive he took off his arm from Hanley Ramirez. A healthy Dave Bush will be a nice addition to this rotation.

News has surfaced over the weekend that the Atlanta Braves could be willing to part with Javier Vazquez this month. Buster Olney suggests the Brewers could be a nice fit, as the Braves had previously coveted Corey Hart. Olney does, however, admit that Hart would obviously not be sufficient on his own to land a pitcher of Vazquez's caliber, so another solid piece would have to be added. One would think that Doug Melvin would entertain moving Mat Gamel in such a deal, as Javier Vazquez is signed through the 2010 season. It would not be a rent-a-player type of deal. Then again, Manny Parra would be an interesting addition to the package as well.

Here are the 2009 All-Star rosters. Adam McCalvy reflects on the selections and notes that Yovani Gallardo and Trevor Hoffman both could have easily been selected. I personally believe that Gallardo had better qualifications than Chad Billingsley, but the Dodgers' right-hander is still deserving of the trip to St. Louis. Hoffman has outperformed most people's expectations in Milwaukee. With only the eighth most saves in the National League, however, his chances were severely handicapped.

FanGraphs names the Defensive All-Star rosters. Mike Cameron and J.J. Hardy both make the list, proving that a player can still provide significant value to an organization defensively when not seeing the ball well. It is likely no coincidence that Milwaukee's new focus on defense has helped the organization field more competitive teams over the last two years.

The Junkball Blues proves that the Milwaukee Brewers have been league-average with runners in scoring position. Even though the numbers clearly state that Milwaukee does not especially struggle with RISP, the average fan will still complain about it. It is certainly frustrating to watch your team fail to score with a runner at second and no outs, but we tend to remember the failures -- not the times when Milwaukee scores all of its runs with two outs in a contest (which has happened this season).

Al's Ramblings wonders if the Brewers will acquire Russ Adams, who was recently DFA'd by the Toronto Blue Jays. If the team wishes to option Mat Gamel to Triple-A to get regular at-bats (which they should), Adams makes a lot of sense. He is extremely versatile on the defensive end and is a former first-round pick. He is a guy with little pop, but will give you a good approach at the plate and can handle second base especially well.

In case you are wondering how Eric Gagne is doing this season in Canada, the right-hander has posted a 9.60 ERA in 20 innings. Gagne should have simply undergone surgery and attempted a comeback again in 2010. Instead, he has embarrassed himself in the Canadian independent leagues.

Minor League News

Baseball America names their minor-league All-Star team. The Brewers, unfortunately, do not have a prospect who makes the roster. On the minor-league All-Surprise team, however, the Brewers have Evan Anundsen and Rob Wooten. Both right-handers have had extremely nice seasons for the Brevard County Manatees. Wooten has since been called up and is now pitching for Double-A Huntsville. He currently owns a 0.00 ERA. Anundsen, of course, had that no-hitter on April 28th.

First-round pick Eric Arnett is adjusting to the professional baseball scene. The right-hander had been a workhorse for the Indiana Hoosiers throughout the season, but is now being restricted to just an inning or two in Helena to lessen his workload. Although he has struggled with his command thus far, Arnett is confident that he will find success in the minors. It will all depend on his offspeed pitches, which need some work.

Brandon Ritchie is beginning to open some eyes in Appleton. A left-hander who can bring it at about 92-93 MPH on a consistent basis will certainly grab an organization's attention, but Ritchie also has the sub-2.00 ERA to back up his stuff. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the organization is with Ritchie over the second half.

LoHud.com has a nice article on Chris Cody and his quest to make the Brewers' major league squad. Despite only sporting an 85-86 MPH fastball, a combined 2.80 ERA between Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville has him well on his way. His strikeout rate has decreased over his last couple starts in Nashville, but he has still been largely effective.

Baseball America has some updates from the July 2nd International Signing Day. As you all well know, the Brewers signed outfielder Jose Pena out of the Dominican Republic. Check out the article to see some of the other signings by various teams throughout the majors.

Other Baseball News

The Oakland A's acquired Scott Hairston from the San Diego Padres for three minor-league pitchers -- one of which is yet to be named. Some Padres fans have lamented that the organization is "giving up" on the season. I suppose I did not realize that there was any hope to begin the year. San Diego is loading up with prospects (and Tony Gwynn Jr.), as should any sub .500 team with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Baseball Musings opines that Nick Blackburn has been pitching like Roy Halladay as of late. Since May 5th, Blackburn has averaged at least 7.1 innings per start. Working deep into games is much easier in the American League, but that is still extremely impressive. The Twins have a legitimate ace, and it is not Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. It is Nick Blackburn.

Randy Johnson left yesterday's game early with a left-shoulder strain and is scheduled to have an MRI sometime today. Johnson has not been as effective as many projected this season, but it would still be a difficult loss for the Giants -- who sport perhaps the worse offense in the National League.

The Texas Rangers have activated Josh Hamilton from the DL and have optioned Chris Davis to Triple-A to make room. I was one of the many people who thought Davis would have a monster 2009 season in Arlington, but the young man struggled to make consistent contact with the ball. Hopefully, a stint in Triple-A will restore his confidence.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona attempted to pull a prank on Tim Wakefield. Needless to say, it did not go very well.

Roger Clemens was apparently not one of the 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in the 2003 season. While that may be true, that does not mean Clemens did not juice up another time -- as all the evidence suggests that he did.

Official BC-sanctioned Music Video of the Day

Kashmir -- Made of Chalk