|
|
August 2009 - Posts
-
On June 3, 1888, the San Francisco Examiner published an anonymous
baseball poem titled, "Casey at the Bat". It would go on to be
popularized in Vaudeville shows by DeWolf Hopper, who would recite the
poem over 10,000 times in his career. In the poem, the "Mudville
Nine" trailed their opponent in the bottom of the ninth by two runs
with two outs. Miraculously, two hitters got hits and were on base for
the team's hero, Casey, coming to the plate. Fans in the stands
were confident that their slugger would come through and save the day
for the Mudville ball club that day. Unfortunately for all involved,
the mighty Casey was unable to play the role of hero that day as he
struck out on a might swing. The 2009 Milwaukee Brewers have
their own version of Casey at the Bat, but their version has done
everything but be a disappointment for the team. McGehee has come
out of nowhere to shine for the Brewers this season. In only 73 games
this season, he is batting .308 with nine home runs and 35 runs batted
in. Those numbers also include a rough April, which saw him make only
one start and finish with eight at-bats for the month. McGehee is
anything but a typical major league rookie. He was drafted in round 10
of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft by the Chicago Cubs. He came to the
Cubs from Fresno State as a three-time all WAC player and even earned
All-American honors as a freshman in 2001. He had many moments of
success in the minors and bounced up and down the Cubs' system between
2003 and 2008. He was finally rewarded for his play by being a
September call-up for the team last year. Despite finally
getting a chance with the Cubs, McGehee was unable to produce when
called upon. He played in only nine games last year, hitting .167 with
only four hits and five runs batted in. The Cubs decided he was no
longer in their long-term plans in the winter and cut ties with him,
placing him on waivers. The Brewers quickly picked up McGehee and
placed him on their 40-man roster. It was thought he would be a good
back-up infielder, possibly getting a spot start at third base for Bill
Hall. Once the season started, Bill Hall quickly fizzled out.
Mat Gamel was called up but did not receive consistent enough playing
to be a major factor. McGehee began to play more and began playing the
way he did for so many years in the Cubs' minor league system. Although
he has been slowed lately by knee tendinitis, McGehee still is a
frequent pinch-hitter and will regularly start against left-handed
pitching. He is also the current front-runner to be the every
day third baseman in 2010, especially if Mat Gamel is moved to the
outfield in the off-season. All of that would be a great story
if there were nothing else added, but Casey McGehee is much more than
just a star rookie for the Milwaukee Brewers. Away from the field, he
is the father of a special-needs child. His son, Mackail, suffers from
cerebral palsy. McGehee's highlight of the year, both on and off
the field, came on July 30 in a game against the Washington Nationals.
Although he didn't start the game, he came on to pinch hit in the sixth
inning with the Brewers down a run. McGehee proceeded to launch a
changeup from Nationals pitcher Tyler Clippard into the Brewers'
bullpen. The two-run home run turned out to be the game winner for the
Brewers, who had dropped the first two games of the series to the Nats. Again, it would be a great story on its own merit. For McGehee though, his proudest moment came before the game even started. Prior
to the game, Mackail, aided by his walker and along with his favorite
player, Prince Fielder, made his way onto the field to throw out the
ceremonial first pitch of the game. Mackail threw the pitch to the
proudest father in the stadium that night, and there was hardly a dry
eye in the stadium. The elder McGehee then embraced his son and
carried him back to the dugout. The moment served as an emotional boost
for a team that seemed lifeless in the days prior to the event. Mackail's
pitch was much more than a father-son bonding moment. It put the
spotlight on United Cerebral Palsy, and the $50,000 raised by the
Brewers with a promotion they ran. It also served as the launch point
for another fund-raising effort for UCP and the Brewers. On
September 4, the Brewers have a special ticket offer open to all fans.
The "Casey Goes To Bat" promotion is geared to raise money for UCP
while giving fans an opportunity that most wouldn't get. For $149, fans
get a ticket to the Gehl Club, an exclusive club in the third level of
Miller Park, full buffet, two drinks, and an autographed baseball bat
from Casey McGehee. Casey McGehee has had to overcome more than
just adversity in baseball to become a success. His story is one of not
only a baseball player, but a father with the incredible task of
dealing with a special-needs child. In a world filled with "heroes"
that continue to disappoint fans day after day, McGehee is an example
of an everyday hero that just happens to play a sport. The
Brewers are lucky to have McGehee on their roster for multiple reasons.
In a season that is becoming more and more frustrating every day,
McGehee has been a bright spot. For this Casey, even a strikeout in a
big situation can't take away from the pride and joy of his most
important job, a proud father.
-
With Alcides Escobar's arrival and Mat Gamel's earlier season stay
with the team, the highest rated position player in the Brewers' farm
system yet to play in the big leagues is Brett Lawrie. Lawrie was the
Brewers' top pick in the 2008 draft, and he is currently a member of
the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. When the Brewers took Lawrie with
the 16th overall pick, he became the highest Canadian position player
ever drafted by a major league team. While baseball is becoming
more popular in Canada, the popular thought is all Canadians play
hockey. That wasn't the case with Lawrie growing up. "Hockey was
never an option for me growing up," Lawrie said of the Canadian
national sport. "We were a baseball household, and I found other sports
to play during hockey season, like basketball." Lawrie had
competition in his own household growing up that helped shape him as a
player and competitor as well. His sister, Danielle, is a star pitcher
for the University of Washington. In three seasons with the Lady
Huskies, Danielle is 96-37 with a 1.25 ERA and four no hitters. "We
would always compete with each other growing up," Lawrie said of his
older sister. "Our dad would hit us ground balls at the park, and we'd
drill on fly balls and hitting. That's why her and I are good at what
we do. We kept fighting and it made us both better." He has used
that competition to have an already successful career despite only
playing as a pro at the low minor league levels. He was a member of the
2008 Canadian Junior National Team as well as the 2008 Canadian Olympic
Team. Having had that experience, it's easy to see why Lawrie is having
success this year with the Timber Rattlers. In 101 games this season, Lawrie is batting .265
with 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 18 steals. Not bad numbers at all for a
player still in his teens. He'll turn 20 next January, giving him
plenty of time to make the majors and be a star.
He made the
Midwest League All-Star game this summer and then named to the roster
of the World team at the Future's game during the MLB All-Star break.
He led the comeback for the World team in the game, leading off the
final inning with a double and scoring a run on a wild pitch. Although
he was primarily a catcher growing up, Lawrie has made a full-time
transition to second base this season. Surprisingly, he was the driving
force behind the position change and not Brewers' management. "It
was my idea. My advisor and I brought it up to the team, and they gave
it a try in spring training. I made some nice plays, and they think I
can handle it, so I've stuck there ever since." Lawrie has
handled the transition well and looks comfortable in the field. He
doesn't foresee a move back behind the plate, but he's not opposed to
moving around the infield or even to the outfield. "Wherever they
need me, I'll go," Lawrie said when asked about his future with the
Brewers. "They won't move me back to catcher, but I can go anywhere in
the infield. I'll even go to the outfield if they want me to. I haven't
played there in awhile, but it's a transition I could make." Lawrie
gave himself a two-year window to make it to the majors after being
drafted by the Brewers last year. The Brewers seem to be taking a more
patient approach with him. It appears the absolutely earliest Lawrie
could see the majors is 2011, still not bad considering he'll only be
21 by then. Lawrie will have none of that talk though. Some may
call him cocky, but he just sees it as having supreme confidence in
himself. His belief in himself is very reminiscent of current Brewers'
star, Ryan Braun.
"I know I can play this game, and I've proven I can play at this
level. I'm ready for the next challenge. I don't know what the Brewers'
plans are for first year players, but I'm hoping next year I'm able to
move at a faster pace." You don't have to watch Brett Lawrie play
very long to realize he is a future star. How long it takes to become
that star is up to Lawrie as much as it is to the Brewers' organization. Fans
should be excited to know that despite trades that have depleted the
minor league system and players that have been called up this season,
that there are still plenty of talented players on their way in the
Brewers' system. Brewers' fans would serve themselves well to make
their way to Appleton and see players like Brett Lawrie before they
make it big in the majors.
-
The Milwaukee Brewers tried to acquire a big name, front of the rotation
pitcher at the trade deadline this year with no success. Teams wanted either
Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel in return; something Brewers' GM Doug Melvin
wasn't willing to do.
The Brewers lacked top pitching prospects to include in any deal that would
entice a potential partner to send a top pitcher Milwaukee's way. While the Brewers may not
have many top pitching prospects and Double or Triple A, their low minor league
levels are filled with pitchers that could have an impact with the team in a
couple seasons. Cody Scarpetta is one of those pitchers, and he's on the fast
track to a bright career.
Scarpetta currently plays for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Brewers
Class-A affiliate located in Appleton,
Wisconsin. He was drafted in the
11th round by the Brewers in the 2007 draft.
Despite an injured finger that required surgery, Scarpetta signed with the
Brewers and bypassed a scholarship with Creighton University.
It was known before the draft that he would not be able to pitch at all that
season, but when a second surgery was needed, the Brewers voided his original
deal and signed him for less.
Scarpetta started 2008 in extended spring training before making his debut
with the Helena Brewers in June. He showed he was worth the draft gamble
finishing with a 1-0 record and a 3.48 ERA in 20 2/3 innings. He struck out 31
while walking only eight. Opponents hit only .237 off of him.
The Brewers sent Scarpetta to play in the Hawaiian League last winter. He
didn't have nearly as much success, finishing with an 8.03 ERA in 12 innings.
Although the numbers weren't as good as he may have liked, he used it as a
learning experience.
"I was facing other team's top prospects. Guys like Yonder Alonso and
Buster Posey; they are going to hit good pitches. I knew I could pitch there, I
just had to adjust to their abilities," Scarpetta said when asked about
his time in Hawaii.
Entering 2009, Scarpetta was ranked by Baseball America as the Brewers' fifth best
pitching prospect and 15th overall prospect. He was also voted as having the
best curveball in the organization, a weapon that serves multiple uses in
games.
"That's the good thing about a 12-6 curveball; you can start it at the
knees and land it in the dirt. It's very deceptive. For me, early in the count
I try and throw it for a strike. Once you get ahead, you don't want to hang it
or anything, so you throw it for an out pitch. Land it at the ankles so they
can't hit it or hit it on the ground."
The 6'3", 240 pound Scarpetta is a typical power pitcher. Along with
the great curveball, he can throw both a 4-seem and 2-seem fastball, a slider
and a change-up. Having such a wide array of pitches will serve him well as he
progresses against better competition, but it will be his dominant curve ball
that will put him in the majors at some point.
He has used that pitch for great success this season, despite not having the
win-loss record to show for it. He is 3-9 this year but has a very good 3.63
ERA in 89 1/3 innings. He has struck out 102 batters while only walking 49, a
great sign for a young pitcher.
The Scarpetta family is no strangers to the Brewers' organization. Cody's
father, Dan, was drafted in the third round by the Brewers in 1982 and was with
the organization until 1989.
"He taught me out to 'pitch' pitch," the younger Scarpetta said of
his father, "how to set up batters. In high school it's easy to blow the
ball by batters. Now you have to work on your change-ups and off-speed
pitches."
The Brewers are fortunate that they can take their time promoting Scarpetta
through their system. He doesn't turn 21 for two weeks, so time is on his side
as long as he can continue to stay healthy.
Win-loss records are not a good indication of a starting pitcher, especially
at the lower levels on minor league baseball. Scarpetta has shown all the tools
of a good young pitcher that is ready for the next level. Expect him to be
promoted to Double A, Huntsville
for the 2010 season.
While Jeremy Jeffress has issues with substances away from the field and
Mark Rogers has arm problems, Scarpetta has only dealt with a finger issue that
seems to be completely resolved.
The Brewers may have a weakness in their minor leagues for top quality
pitching, but that will change drastically over the next few years. Cody
Scarpetta will be at the top of that list. A successful and prolonged major
league career is only a few, short years away.
-
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are the Class-A minor league
affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
For those not familiar with the area, Appleton
is about two hours north of Milwaukee and about
an hour south of Green Bay.
This is the first season that the T-Rats, as they are
affectionately known as, have been an affiliate of the Brewers. Prior to this
season, they were apart of the Seattle Mariners organization for the previous
16 seasons.
In a country that has been experiencing the worst financial
times in 70 years, the T-Rats teaming up with the Brewers was the perfect
marriage. Despite the rough economic times, the team is on pace to shatter
their single-season attendance record of 233,797 set in 1996.
I was lucky enough to have recently spent some time in Appleton. I was able to
get an up-close view of the ballclub and able to see minor league baseball at
its very best.
Although this is the first season they are associated with
the Brewers, the city of Appleton
is no stranger to baseball. In fact, baseball in Appleton
dates back all the way to 1891, when four local businessmen posted a $200 bond
to enter Appleton
into the six-team Wisconsin State League. Although the league folded at the end
of the season, the groundwork was laid in what would become a rich baseball
history.
The city would have four more incarnations of baseball
before returning permanently in 1958.
The Fox Cities Foxes became an affiliate for the Washington
Senators and a member of the Three I League. Two years later, the Foxes became
an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and two years after that joined the
Midwest League after the Three I League folded.
In 1966, the Foxes became part of the Chicago White Sox
organization, a partnership they kept until 1986. The team became the Appleton
Foxes in 1967, a year in which they won their second consecutive Midwest League
Championship.
In total, the Foxes won seven league championships in their
time associated with the White Sox. The partnership came to an end after the
1986 season. They would join the Kansas City Royals organization in 1987, where
they would remain until 1992.
1993 saw yet another shift in affiliation, this time to the
Seattle Mariners, where they stayed until 2008. The era with the Mariners saw
many future stars come through the system, while big changes took places off
the diamond as well.
Future stars Alex Rodriguez and Raul Ibanez played for the
Foxes in 1994. This was also the final season the Foxes played their home games
at Goodland Field, as well as played under the name of the Appleton Foxes.
The following year, the newly named Wisconsin Timber
Rattlers opened up Fox Cities Stadium, a privately financed endeavor that
raised seating capacity from approximately 3,500 to over 5,500. The first year
in the new ballpark saw attendance skyrocket. 209,159 came out to T-Rat games
that season, more than tripling the attendance of any year in the previous
five.
The Timber Rattlers found more success as well as becoming a
launching pad for several future big leaguers over the next decade. David
Arias, now known as David Ortiz, became the driving force for record attendance
in 1996.
Gil Meche, Joel Pineiro, J.J. Putz, Shin-Soo Choo, Adam
Jones, and Felix Hernandez all spent time in Appleton before becoming stars in
the majors. They were only the latest in a long line of big names that called Appleton home at one time
or another in their baseball lifetime.
The next chapter for the T-Rats is becoming a part of the
Milwaukee Brewers' family. So far the pairing has exceeded even the most
optimistic expectations. Former Brewer players and coaches are frequently at
the ballpark for autograph sessions to connect with the fans.
Despite being a low-level affiliate of the Brewers, the
T-Rats are stocked with young talent that projects to have futures in the
majors. According to Brewerfan.net, the team currently has 12 players that have
appeared in their top 50 list of best prospects in the Brewers minor league
system.
Over the coming months, I hope I can share with you the
personalities of the team as well as an inside look at the operations of a
minor league baseball team. Baseball has never been stronger than it is today,
even in small towns across America,
like Appleton, Wisconsin.
-
When the Milwaukee Brewers signed Jason Kendall prior to the 2008
season, it was thought he would provide the Brewers with a solid bat,
as well as be a stabilizing force behind the plate for the pitching
staff. Two years into his stay in Milwaukee, Kendall has yet to
live up to the hype in either instance. He isn't likely to be brought
back in 2010, so the Brewers must to figure out what to do with their
backstop situation. In Kendall's 12 years in baseball prior to
coming to Milwaukee, he hit better than .290 eight times. He also
finished with an on-base percentage above .350 nine times. Last
season Kendall hit .246, with an on-base percentage of .327 in 151
games played. A smaller workload in 2009 was given to Kendall in hopes
of improving those numbers. Kendall has caught less in 2009 but
not by much. His .232 average and on-base percentage of .316 in 96
games played this year has turned into a black hole in the Brewers
line-up. He had great success throwing out base runners last
season, throwing out 43% of would be base stealers. That number has
dropped to 21% this season. Kendall also has had issues with his
game-calling this year. He is working with two young pitchers, Yovani
Gallardo and Manny Parra, who have great fastballs. Instead of
establishing the fastballs early in the game, he chooses to call for
many off-speed pitches that have run up the pitch totals for both
players. Running up pitch totals for young hurlers is a
dangerous proposition for the future health of both. Gallardo and Parra
are the anchors of this rotation for the next several years, and if the
Brewers are to experience any sustainable success, it will be because
they are in the rotation and not on the disabled list. The
Brewers have some options they can consider both in and out of the
organization. Fans shouldn't expect a huge turn-around in production at
the plate no matter who is catching. Great offense from a catcher is a
huge luxury that only a few teams in baseball have. Kendall could
be re-signed at a cheaper amount than the $4.6 million he's making this
year. He would need to accept a back-up role, however, as he has proven
he no longer has value as an every day catcher. The Brewers could
make Mike Rivera the regular catcher in this scenario. He is still
cheap and controllable for a couple more seasons, although his
production would likely be no better than Kendall's. Angel
Salome and Jonathan Lucroy are both highly-rated prospects in the
Brewers' system. Both are only 23, but neither is ready to be a
full-time catcher at the Major League level. Salome is hitting
.279 in 78 games for the Nashville Sounds this season. He has a very
strong arm, perhaps the strongest in the entire organization. He could
be a good back-up next year, but he would be best served playing every
day in the minors for one more season. Lucroy has caught 100
games for the Huntsville Stars this year. He's hit .263 with seven home
runs and 55 runs batted in. He is still a couple years away from being
ready for the majors. A trade could be made for a full-time
catcher, but any deal being made would likely cost the Brewers a high
prospect. That sort of sacrifice for a catcher isn't worth the risk to
the organization, especially with Salome and Lucroy waiting in the
minors for their chance. Several veteran catchers will be free
agents after the season that the Brewers will take a look at. Josh
Bard, Jose and Bengie Molina, and Rod Barajas will all be available
this winter. Of those four, only Bengie Molina is hitting over .250
this season. He is also the only one that would likely command a salary
of over a couple million. The cheapest option for the Brewers
next season would be to make Mike Rivera the full-time starter, and
make Angel Salome the back-up. This would allow Salome to be brought
along slowly. He could gain more playing time should Rivera struggle,
or if he were to play well. It would also give the Brewers
payroll flexibility in order to pay arbitration raises and find help
for the rotation and bullpen. The best option as far as
production and future value would see a Bengie Molina and Salome duo.
Molina is a good bat that plays very good defense. He would also serve
as an excellent mentor for Salome. A deal for Molina that was
similar to Kendall's may be enough to lure him away from the Giants; a
one-year guarantee with an option for the second year based on
incentivesworth around $5 million a year.
Catching is a very difficult position to fill for any major league team. The
Brewers are in a position to be selective about their catching for
2010. With Salome and Lucroy the future of the position, a stop-gap is
all that is needed for the Brewers. The Brewers simply need an average
bat that can play solid defense, neither of which Jason Kendall
provides as a starter anymore.
More Posts Next page »
|
|