Yovani Gallardo Opener-Season Wins Prediction

The Brewers manager Ron Roenicke named Yovani Gallardo, the opening day starter for the Brewers season opener April 6 at Miller Park against the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. The 26-year-old right-hander will start his third consecutive opening Day game for the Brewers. Filling out the rest of the Brewers starting rotation, a mirror from last year are Zach Greinke and Randy Wolf, Shaun Marcum, and Chris Narveson.

Zach Greinke pitched seven complete innings for the Brewers, giving up five hits, one earned run. I walk, and eight strikeouts, in a 7-1 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Greinke finished the game with an impressive ERA of 0.93 so far this spring, and was 16-6 for the Brewers last year, after missing the first month of the season with a cracked rib. Manager Ron Roenicke said, “Greinke would love to start opening day, but he’s a real good team player and understands the reasons for doing things. Here's the question, does it matter to you who the opening-day starter is?

Jonathan Lucroy was 3-4 today, and a triple shy of hitting for the cycle raising his average to .513 this spring, and has had a hit in 13 of 15 games. Lucroy signed a five year extension earlier this week.The Brewers complete spring training stats.

The Brewers announced outfielders Caleb Gindl and Logan Schafer optioned to AAA Nashville after the game today.

Prediction time, I think the Brewers will win their division with a record of 95-67. Let’s hear your predictions for the Brewers season; will we have a 20 game winner or maybe two? 

Until next time.  


Follow me on Twitter @brewersnpackers

Packers Sign Ex Colt Center Jeff Saturday-Tebow Time?

The Green Bay Packers and free agent center Jeff Saturday, agreed to a contract on Friday according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. According to sources, Saturday was not in the team’s plans going forward and the Colts told him they were willing to give him a front-office job. Saturday will fill the void at center after losing Scott Wells, who signed last week with the St. Louis Rams.

Saturday will turn 37 in June; and the Packers were concerned about age when negotiating with Wells. No word yet on the agreement terms. I would be very surprised if there was much money guaranteed, as the Packers were not willing to sign Scott Wells at age 31 to a long-term contract, which I wrote about last week. My guess is the Packers will still look to the draft to sign a center, and hope for a couple of good years from Saturday.

Aaron Rodgers should benefit from the proven veteran Jeff Saturday, a five-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons, who has given up no more than two sacks in a season since 2008. Sources say Rogers was happy to hear of the agreement on Friday with Jeff Saturday.

A few days ago there was talk that the Packers were interested in Tim Tebow of the Broncos as a possible backup to Aaron Rodgers, after backup and free agent Matt Flynn signed with the Seattle Seahawks. As we all know now, Tebow has signed with the New York Jets, what you may not know is that Tim Tebow’s NFL jersey was number two in sales behind the Packers Aaron Rodgers. Tebow mania is in the news; sources say Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is not happy with the Tebow signing, and reports are that Tebow intends to be the starting quarterback in New York, watch this video.

Update! reports now are that agreement with center Jeff Saturday is for a two-year contract.

Until next time, enjoy!

Matt Flynn Decision Near-Packers Holes to fill

Hello everybody, it has been a while since my last post. I have been busy doing my helping hand thing. The unbelievable warm weather in Wisconsin has everyone outside working in his or her yards more than a month earlier than normal. Of course, you know I have to do my spring cleanup, put the snow blower away, and get the Harley out. I know what you are thinking. It is too early to put the snow blower away. Well if it does snow. I am hoping it will melt in a day or two. I live in southern Wisconsin and one of my neighbors mowed their lawn last Sunday, March 11. How many of you living in Wisconsin have mowed your lawn this spring?

Okay, let us talk Packers now. Scott Wells, the Pro bowl former center for the Packers signed a four-year deal with the St. Louis Rams for a reported 24 million that could exceed 25 million with incentives. The deal includes a reported 13 million guaranteed. Wells was reportedly asking for a deal somewhere around 7.5 million per year from the Packers. The guaranteed money, in my opinion was something Packers Ted Thompson was not willing to gamble. The Packers had shown interest in center Chris Myers of the Texans. Myers, a Pro Bowler and a year younger than Wells, was also in line for a big contract. AP has reported Myers signed a four-year extension with the Texans. It looks like at this point, the Packers are willing to take a gamble at the center position. I guess at 31years of age, and being the best offensive lineman for the Pack in 2010 and 11, according to head Coach Mike McCarthy, and the anchor of the line protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not worth 6 million a year.  
Chad Clifton is due 5.25 million for 2012 and at age 35 could be released, I should say probably. Why would the pack pay 5.25 Million for a 35 year old who played seven games in 2011, and not sign your best Offensive lineman and so-called anchor at 31 years of age for 6 million average. Guess what! The Packers are not telling us the whole story, which will come out later in the laundry. 

Free-agent Packers quarterback Matt Flynn has reportedly landed in Miami after interviewing in Seattle. According to the Palm Beach post, Flynn’s father Alvin said his son enjoyed his Seattle visit, but would not make a decision until he met with the Miami Dolphins. Joe Philbin, Miami’s new head coach was Flynn’s offense of coordinator in Green Bay. The Dolphins were still in the running for quarterback Peyton Manning until Thursday, when Peyton’s group said he was no longer interested, leading many to believe that Matt Flynn would be the new dolphin quarterback after this weekend.

The Packers will have to fill key positions through the draft system, namely the quarterback and center position. Wisconsin badgers center Peter Konz, could be an option at center. Ted Thompson is reportedly a fan of Konz, and could be available in the first round. The Packers have also been looking for help at defensive end, to complement Clay Matthews and the pass rush. Tell me your thoughts on the Packers 2012 needs. 

Until next time.

Brewers Bats On Fire Win 12-2

The Brewers brought their bats today, hosting the Cleveland Indians in Maryvale Park. Brewer pitchers held the Indians to no hits through 6 2/3 innings, before giving up a hit to Christian Guzman. Pitching for the Brewers against the Indians were, Randy Wolf, Juan Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Manny Parra, Rivas, and Zach Braddock.

Brewer’s principal owner Mark Attanasio, and his wife Debbie, attended to watch the Brewers cruise to a 12-2 win over the Indians. Brewers had home runs from, Brooks Conrad, Niger Morgan, Mat Gamel, and Jonathan Lucroy.

Manager Ron Roenicke had to like what he seen today as the Brewers pumped out 16 hits, and Brewer pitchers only gave up three hits. Jonathan Lucroy had three hits today, including the home run and a double, giving him seven hits in 11 at-bats.

Mat Gamel’s home run was his second in as many games. Gamel had a good game fielding, and the blast he hit today should quiet some of the doubters. I wrote apiece earlier about Mat and his doubters.

Carlos Gomez had one hit and one walk from the leadoff spot; his second stolen base of this spring, and was caught stealing once. Ryan Braun was hitless in two at-bats and walked once. Logan Schafer took over in left field and kept up his hot hitting streak, and was two for two with two doubles.

The Brewers pitchers were spot on, going almost 7 innings without giving up a hit. Randy Wolf pitched 2 2/3 innings, struck out two, with two walks. K Rod pitched one inning, with two strikeouts and one walk. Many Parra looked good pitching two innings, giving up a hit and had three strikeouts. Box Score

Overall a great game for the Milwaukee Brewers, who would like nothing better than to keep things going tomorrow against the Chicago Cubs.

Dale Sveum the new Chicago Cubs Manager; once a Brewer player and hitting coach for the Brewers last season, will be facing his former team as the Manager of the rival Cubs. Sveum, a fan favorite in Milwaukee, should be greeted with warm hearts from fans and players alike. until next time.

 

Brewers vs. Cubs Sat. March 10, 2:05 CST.

Brewers Gamel Braun Homer Relieve Pressure

With the Brewers season opener one month away, Mat Gamel hit his first home run of the early spring training season. The home run, a Bomb to deep right field, put the Brewers on the board and helped make up for an error made the inning before. Gamel committed the error when he failed to scoop a low throw from Rickie Weeks. The Blast, his second hit this spring, could help jump start Gamel, to the big Spring the Brewers want from Gamel.  

The Gamel doubters are coming out of the woodwork, writing him off and asking the question, will Gamel finish the season at first base for the Brewers? I have read countless articles, and seen polls asking the same one. Here we are in the second week of training, and were looking for a new first baseman? Come on, Man!

Gamel’s numbers have been good in Nashville over the last two seasons, including a .310 batting average, 28 home runs, and 96 RBIs in 128 games in 2011. Over the last three seasons, in short stints in the majors, Gamel has not put up numbers the Brewers had hoped for. Given the biggest challenge in his baseball career, and at 26 years of age, this will be a make or break year for Matt Gamel.

Go Brewers! Go Mat Gamel, until next time.

Update! Read about Ryan Braun, hit his first home run today, and Caleb Gindl added a home run. Greinke Strikes out 4. The Brewers lost 8 to 6 to the Reds.

3/8/2012 Brewers Reds Box Score here! 
The Brewers vs Indians Friday 9th 2:05 CST.

Brewers Mat Gamel Can Fill Big Shoes

The Milwaukee Brewers play tonight at 8:35 PM central standard time against the San Francisco Giants on MLB network. Tuesday you can catch the Brewers at 9 PM central standard time on FSN playing the Oakland Athletics.

The Brewers Mat Gamel has been handed the chance to be the first baseman for the Crew this season; this is not new to most you,

what has changed for Gamel and the Brewers is the knee injury to Corey Hart. A surgery is scheduled for Tuesday; Hart is expected to be out 3 to 4 weeks and hopes to be back for the start of the regular season, and likely will see limited playing time for a few weeks after his return.

 The unfortunate injury to Hart, makes it less likely that Gamel will have to platoon, and the Brewers can get a better look at what he can do facing left-handed pitching.

Another option for the Brewers at first base is Taylor Green, who also bats left, and had some success at the major league level Last year with the Brewers. Green could fill in at first base when needed, and can play second and third base, possibly filling the void of the retired Craig Counsell, a valuable utility player.   

I am Predicting Mat Gamel will prove himself with consistent playing time, and I have high expectations for him, and a big year for the Crew. 
Tell me what you Think?

Till next time. Go Brew Crew!

Packers Franchise Tag Deadline-Use?

The Green Bay Packers have only a few hours left before the 3:00 PM CST deadline to use the franchise tag. Quarterback Matt Flynn or Pro Bowl Ctr., Scott Wells are not likely to be tagged, as time is running short for a deal. The Packers are not showing their hand, and will probably come down to the wire. As the saying goes, no news is good news; sometimes it just does not satisfy the craving for us fans.

The Detroit Lions placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end Cliff Avril. The non-exclusive franchise tag allows other teams to negotiate with Avril; the Lions would have the option of matching any offer, or losing him for a pair of first-round picks to the team that signs him.

Not all teams use the franchise tag every year, with less than a few hours to the 3:00 PM central time deadline, only 13 teams have used the tag.

The tag prices have dropped this year from last year’s record. The Quarterbacks franchise tag was worth 16.1 million last year and has dropped to 14.4 million this year. Sources have predicted we could see more use of the franchise tag, due to the lower pricing of the tags.

 We shall see soon, until next time. 
Update! As of 4:10 P.M. CST. there was 21 teams using a form of Franchise Tag!

Brewers Renew Axford-Gamel Primed

The Brewers are playing an intrasquad game at Maryvale Park today, which started at 12:30 PM

The game is a tune-up before their first cactus league game against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. The intrasquad game will only be three innings. Taylor Jungmann, a first round draft pick by the Brewers last year is scheduled to pitch, along with Tyler Thornburg, Mark Rogers, Dan Meadows, and Manny Parra.

The lineup card can be seen here. This lineup looks like a possible lineup for opening day; no doubt, we will see many lineups before the regular-season opener.

 MLB network will show the Brewers game Monday night at 8:35 PM central time against the Giants.

Brewer’s manager Ron Roenicke has told the team he would like to run more this year, Roenicke wants to work on manufacturing more runs. Under previous manager Ken Macha, players were instructed not to run, because he did not believe in making an out on the base paths.

Corey Hart is all for the aggressiveness on the base paths, Hart said, when you get away from running for a couple years it’s hard to get it back. Carlos Gomez is without a doubt the fastest on the team, but has limited playing time because of platooning with Nyjer Morgan in centerfield.

Mat Gamel taking over first base for the departed Prince Fielder will get his chance to prove himself in the majors. Corey Hart thinks he’s ready and says he has a good feeling about the 26-year-old Gamel. A third baseman originally, he moved to first base at AAA late last year, to be a possible replacement for the possible loss of Prince Fielder to free agency. 

I think that the numbers Mat Gamel has put up in the minors, and consistent at-bats, knowing that the job is his to lose, will show he is ready.

 Till next time. Go Brewers!

 Update!

The Brewers renewed the contract with reliever John Axford for $525,000 for 2012 Today. Talks for a multi-year contract are to continue according to sources.

Brewers John Axford Due Big Raise Plus Twitter Follow

Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford and Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash are reportedly trying to work out a deal on a multi-year contract. The deadline for renewing 2012 team contracts is tomorrow. Axford is the only brewer on the 40-man roster not under contract, and his agent says things will pick up in March.

The Ax-man is do a raise to the major league minimum $480,000 for this year, which is a healthy raise over last year. The talk is leaning towards a one-year deal, and working with his agent Dan Horwitz on a long-term deal later, which could turn out to be costly for the Brewers.

A Multi-million dollar deal for John Axford would help secure him and his family, and allow him to concentrate on his duties as closer without any distractions.

Axford has pitched his way to over 70 saves in two years, and his 46 saves last year tied for the National League saves title. Not bad for a pitcher who almost quit baseball a few years ago, and was selling cell phones and bartending for a living.

The Twitter bug has landed close to John Axford, and he has quite a following, that I am sure will continue to swell, along with his success. Follow him on Twitter here.

The Brewers will play there first spring training game Sunday March 4th against the San Francisco Giants at 2:05 PM central time.  Brewers game on Monday against the Giants is scheduled for 8:35 PM central time and will be televised on the MLB network. 

 Go Brewers! till next time.