Reynolds Wraps Deal With Brew Crew

The Yankees tried to bring Mark Reynolds back for 2014, knowing his power could be an aid at third base as well as first base when Mark Teixeira needed a breather. The Yankees were only willing to offer a minor league deal though, but Reynolds wanted a Major League contract. As it turned out, the matter of playing time had to have been the bigger factor.

Reynolds agreed to a minor league deal last night with the Milwaukee Brewers and received an invitation to Spring Training. At the very least, Reynolds is expected to platoon at first base with Juan Francisco, who hit 13 home runs in 270 plate appearances last season. With Kelly Johnson, Scott Sizemore and others already under Major or minor league contracts, Reynolds went for the more sure thing.

Reynolds signed a one-year free agent deal with the Cleveland Indians prior to the 2013 season, but was released on August 12 after he put up a .680 OPS and struck out 123 times in 99 games. The Yankees, desperate for run production, picked him up three days later. Splitting time at the corners (and two games at second base), Reynolds compiled a .755 OPS with 6 HR and 19 RBI in 36 games.

All Braun and No Brain

"My name is Ryan Braun and I am a liar."

Still think Ryan Braun should only have a 65 game suspension? You might change your mind shortly. While everyone is coming down on Alex Rodriguez, there's more and more proof that Braun is a complete dirtbag.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports has reported that Braun told several MLB stars that the man (Dino Laurenzi Jr.) who collected his urine was an anti-Semite (Braun is Jewish if you don’t know) and a Chicago Cubs fan  in attempt to ruin the man's reputation. (The latter assertion is laughable.) ¹

Among those contacted by Braun, as first reported by ESPN.com, was LA Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, whom Braun had cheated out of the NL MVP Award, Cincy Reds first baseman Joey Votto, and Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. The players took Braun's word as gospel.

A source close to Laurenzi said that the anti-Semitic allegation is untrue, but could not clarify what team Laurenzi was a fan of, as if that even mattered.

Kemp has already spoken about the issue and told media members that he felt "betrayed" and was “disappointed."

Passan also reported that Braun was in the process of calling the players up to apologize. It is not known if Braun has spoken to Laurenzi, but what good would it do anyway? Laurenzi should sue Braun for everything he's worth, but even that won't help restore Mr. Laurenzi's reputation.

1 - Yahoo Sports

CC Abuses and Brewses Milwaukee

The first game of the three game series between the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees was a how-to, or more aptly, a how-to-not play baseball. It started in the first inning when Zack Greinke plunked the lead off batter Brett Gardner and centerfielder Nyjer Morgan then did his impression of Bambi on ice and turned a routine Curtis Granderson fly ball into a face plant RBI triple.

A.J. Burnett out pitched Shaun Marcum in game 2 in a do it by the book 5-2 win. David Robertson and Mariano Rivera did their 8th and 9th inning things and the Yankees won their fourth straight.

The finale of the series Thursday afternoon was all about domination in winning their fifth straight. CC Sabathia tied a career high with 13 strikeouts and the Yankees completed a sweep of the Brewers by a final score of 5-0. Sabathia went 7.2 innings on 118 pitches; he scattered six hits (half of them by Ryan Braun) and walked a pair. It was a game in which Sabathia had a lot of strikeouts early but also had his pitch count into the sixties in the 3rd inning. He was much more efficient and deadly from then on. YES' Jack Curry reported that seven of Sabathia's K's came on his slider, which was biting hard on Thursday.

As has been the case of late, the Yankees gave their starting pitcher immediate run support. Randy Wolf walked the first two batters of the game, Gardner (who stole second) and Nick Swisher, and then watched as the Yankees pulled off a double steal. Wolf struck out Mark Teixeira, but Robinson Cano (batting clean up with Alex Rodriguez getting a day off) doubled to left-center for a 2-0 lead.

Teixeira led off the 3rd inning with his Major League leading 25th home run and the 300th of his career. (Yankee Stadium security was able to recover the historic ball from a fan.) Wolf then hit Cano and one batter later Andruw Jones singled. Francisco Cervelli delivered the first of his two RBI singles for a 4-0 Yankees advantage.

Milwaukee threatened when they put two aboard with two out in the 3rd. Sabathia pitched around the right-handed hitting Braun to load the bases, then struck out the left-handed hitting (and good friend of Sabathia) Prince Fielder for the second time in the game.

Fielder nearly got revenge in the 6th when Braun reached on a one out single and Fielder drilled a shot to left that looked like it might go out of the ball park and cut the Yankees lead to 4-2. But Jones caught the ball in front of the wall and the Brewers didn't have a serious threat the rest of the afternoon.

Notes

The Yankees have gone 15-4 in their last 19 games and have won six straight series as they head into Citi Field Friday night to start a three game series with the Mets. They're also now 23-4 in day games compared to 25-27 at night.

Bartolo Colon is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday's game. Hector Noesi or Brian Gordon are the most likely candidates to be sent to the minors upon Colon's return.

Derek Jeter will have two rehab games in Trenton This weekend and should be activated for the Yankees series with Cleveland beginning on Monday.

Earlier in the day the Yankees reacquired Sergio Mitre, who had been designated for assignment by the Brewers, for cash. He was put in the bullpen and Buddy Carlyle was sent down to make room.

CC Sabathia won for the 8th time in nine starts and won his Major League leading 11th game. (Detroit's Justin Verlander later joined him.)

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Bob Uecker | Baseball Digest

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Bob Uecker | Baseball Digest

Listen to the broadcast of any major, minor, or college league game and there’s a good chance you’re going to hear a reference to Bob Uecker. A pitcher’s delivery is well out of the strike zone and you’ll hear “Jussssst outside” said in a sarcastic tone. The announcer in question is paying homage to Uecker’s famous tag line from the “Major League” movie franchise in which he played announcer Harry Doyle.

Younger fans may think that Uecker has always been a baseball announcer or actor. Particularly after he starred as George Owens on the ABC comedy “Mr. Belvedere” and was part of a long running beer campaign (which led to another tag line “I must be in the front roooow”.). But first and foremost, Bob Uecker was a baseball player. Not a very good player, but a major league player nonetheless.

Robert George Uecker is Wisconsin through and through. Born in Milwaukee in 1935, he watched the then minor league Milwaukee Brewers in his formative years, played for the Milwaukee Braves (1962-1963), and began broadcasting in Milwaukee in 1971. He’s even promoted the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Uecker spent six seasons in the minors, toiling in far flung spots like Boise, ID, Eau Claire, WI, and Evansville, IL. He showed some power, epitomized by a 22 home run season in 1958. But Uecker’s minor league success never translated to the major leagues. He would spent six seasons as a back up catcher with the Braves, St. Louis Cardinals (with which he won a World Series ring in 1964), Philadelphia Phillies, and the Braves again when they moved to Atlanta. He would play in just 297 games in “The Show”.

Neal Russo of the St. Louis Dispatch spoke with Uecker for Baseball Digest in 1964 about his shaky baseball career. Click here to read all about it!

Uecker batted just .200 lifetime with 14 home runs, half of them coming in his best offensive season with the Phillies in 1966. He drove in 30 runs that year in 78 games. But baseball was more than just games played for “Uke”. He forged a number of relationships, was in on a number of comical situations, and was building his post-baseball career as he played. Many of his antics and stories can be found in his two books, “Catcher in the Wry” (An autobiography that I highly recommend.) and “Catch 222″.

“The cops picked me up at 3 a.m. once and fined me $200 for being slightly inebriated and $100 for being with the Phillies.”

Four years after his playing career ended, Uecker returned to Milwaukee as an announcer for the Brewers, who were in just their third season of existence after beginning as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. He also worked semi-regularly on national broadcasts, made numerous personal appearances, such as guesting on “The Tonight Show”, and was part of a series of television ad campaigns. It would all lead to his television and theatrical acting careers. Popular in any venue, he’s even in the World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) Hall of Fame for his time as an in-ring announcer in the late 1980′s.

But first and foremost, Bob Uecker has always been about baseball. In 2003, he was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition for his major contributions to baseball. He’s also in the Radio and Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fames, and in recognition of his 50 years in baseball, the Brewers placed a number 50 in their “Ring of Honor” in 2005.

Uecker gave all of his fans a scare last April when he had to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery. He returned to his broadcasting duties in July, but needed additional surgery in October to repair a tear from his original surgery. He’s expected to be in fine fettle when the 2011 season starts. Milwaukee Brewers baseball wouldn’t be the same with out him.

Happy 76th birthday and many more to come to Bob Uecker!

Also celebrating birthdays today:

Brian Doyle in Glasgow, KY, 1955: Doyle’s career was even shorter than Uecker’s, just 110 games over four seasons (1977-1981) with the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics. In 1978 Doyle caught lightning in a bottle, helping the Yankees to the second of back to back world championships. Starting 2nd baseman Willie Randolph went down with an injury, but Doyle stepped in and stepped up, hitting .438 with two RBI and four runs scored against the Dodgers as the Yankees rallied from a 2-0 deficit in games to capture the title. Today, Doyle, along with brothers Denny and Blake, runs one of the most highly respected baseball schools (Doyle Baseball Academy) in the country.

Ryland Rowland-Smith: The left-hander who really does come from down under- New South Wales, Australia- was born in 1983. Rowland-Smith recently signed with the Houston Astros, hoping to rebound from a less than stellar 2010 campaign with the Seattle Mariners. He emerged as a solid starter, in his third season in the bigs, in 2009 with a 5-4, 3.74 mark and a 2:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

BD Hot Stove: Brewing Up A Challenge | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Brewing Up A Challenge | Baseball Digest

When you think of the NL Central, you think of Tony LaRussa and the St. Louis Cardinals. LaRussa’s birds have finished first (6) or second (2) in eight of the last 11 years, with two pennants and a World Series championship to boot. They’re usually the early season favorite to win the division and this year may be no different with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter leading the way. But the thing is, there’s a new sheriff town.

“Yes, Pete, it is. In fact , it’s pronounced “mill-e-wah-que” which is Algonquin for “the good land.”: In “Wayne’s World” Alice Cooper helped give Milwaukee its most notoriety since “Laverne & Shirley”. But in 2011, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo may help bring Milwaukee back to the promised land. No one is saying the Brewers will win a World Series, something the town of Milwaukee hasn’t seen since the Braves took the title in 1958, but the team should be competitive this season with the aforementioned trio at the top of the order. GM Doug Melvin had to give up highly touted 2nd base prospect Brett Lawrie to Toronto to land Marcum, and then swung four other prospects to KC for Greinke and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. The Brewers also added reliever Sean Green to help set up for closer Joe Axford.

Pujols Country: It may take a country to pay Albert Pujols the kind of money he’ll want to stay parked in St. Louis forever. LaRussa just has to hope it doesn’t distract a team that has Wainwright, Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, and Jake Westbrook in the starting rotation. The Cards signed catcher Gerald Laird to back up starter Yadier Molina, inked Lance Berkman who’ll see most of his time in the outfield, and grabbed lefty reliever Brian Tallet to shore up the bullpen.

Chicago Hope: It’s going to be a time for pundits predict the Cubs will dominate the NL Central. None of the predictions over the last few years came to fruition, and the team is not ready for a charge to the top. Gone is long time Cub Derrek Lee with Carlos Pena signed to take his place. The team also reunited with Kerry Wood, who left for a free agent deal after the 2008 season. He’ll set up for closer Carlos Marmol. The Cubs have stated they won’t deal Carlos Zambrano, but that could change in order to either dump salary and/or no longer have to deal with his personality.

It’s spelled V-o-t-t-o: In case you were’t sure how to spell the name of NL MVP Joey, who led a baseball revival in Cincinnati this past summer. The Reds won their first division and made their first playoff appearances in 15 years, before being summarily dispatched in three games by the Phillies. The Reds haven’t been very active this off-season, preferring to “dance with the one who brung ya”. They gave their top starter, Bronson Arroyo, a three year contract extension, re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez and utility man Miguel Cairo, and exercised the option on Jonny Gomes’ contract.

Not quite ready for lift off: The Astros finished 10 games under .500 or worse each of the last two seasons and it’s going to be difficult to improve on that with not punch in the lineup. The Astros dispatched their ace Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia last season and former Phils’ exec/current Astros head honcho Ed Wade may be helping his former team again. Rumors of a Joe Blanton to Houston deal is rumored to be in the works. If so it would give the Astros a decent top three starters in Wandy Rodriguez, J. A. Happ (acquired in the Oswalt deal), and Blanton. The Astros also added lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith, who can work out of the rotation or pen. But outside of Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence there’s not much offense to work with.

They don’t shiver your timbers: The Pirates have a lot of good young talent, but they won’t be look down at other teams for quite some time. The Pirates made some small moves that could help new manager Clint Hurdle keep the team’s hopes up. 1st baseman Lyle Overbay, pitcher Scott Olsen, outfielder Matt Diaz and corner man Garrett Atkins will try to help out stars on the rist Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, and Neil Walker.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Just as they did with Johnny Damon, the Yankees reportedly had internal discussions about Bronx native Manny Ramirez. Nothing is likely to happen.

The Nationals signed reliever Sean Burnett to a two year contract.

In a minor league deal, the A’s sent Corey Wimbley, who stole 56 bases at Triple-A last year, to the Pirates for pitcher Ryan Kelly. The 23-yr old right-hander spent the 2010 season in Single-A.

Some last minute items on Santa’s gift list

Yankees fans: One more season of watching Andy Pettitte.

Randy Winn: A chance to finally appear in the playoffs after 1,721 career regular season games.

Bert Blyleven: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Marvin Miller: Enough sense in the coming year for the veteran’s committee to elect you into Hall next December.

Fans: Reduced ticket prices and better national TV announcers.

Jamie Moyer: Recovery from Tommy John surgery and the chance to pitch into your 50′s.

Nick Johnson: No doctor’s appointments.

Oliver Perez: Regain control.

The Dodgers: No more McCourts.

Bryce Harper: Humility

Stephen Strasburg: Complete arm strength.

Ryan Westmoreland: Complete health and a return to baseball.

Opposing Announcers: A guide to pronouncing the name of the Royals’ Kila Ka’aihue.

Jermaine Dye: The chance to play again.

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Greinke Going From Royal Blue to Milwaukee Brew | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Greinke Going From Royal Blue to Milwaukee Brew | Baseball Digest

It appears another dream is over for Yankees fans. Not even 24 hours old, my thoughts/demands/ideas of the Yankees acquiring Zack Greinke have been torn asunder.

Last night Jim Breen a fan blogger (Bernie’s Crew) on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal reported that Greinke had been dealt to the Brewers for a handful of prospects. Breen called it a rumor despite the headline that Greinke was acquired. Needless to say everyone in Twitterland was skeptical to say the least.

But it appears this morning that Breen was on the money. ESPN’s Buster Olney was the first to back up the deal and more mainstream credability has beenreported since including the J-S’ Brewers beat guy Tom Haudricourt.

The deal was orginally reported as Milwaukee sending Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, and Jeremy Jeffress to KC for Greinke and a PTBNL later, thought to be Yuniesky Betancourt. A horrible job done by KC GM Dayton Moore if true. This morning, however, we’re hearing that Jake Odorizzi has been added as well, which makes it a better deal for KC.

Escobar, Cain and Jeffries were in Baseball America’s top 10 Brewers prospects entering the 2010 season. Odorizzi likely would have been on the list for 2011. Shortstop Escobar had a miserable rookie season, posting a .614 OPS and made 20 errors.

Cain (Peter Gammons quoted Jim Fregosi as saying “…when you trade Greinke the one player you’d better get is Cain”. From Baseball Intellect on Cain:

“He still strikes out too much and it would be nice to see a few more walks, but the progress was excellent to see. Also encouraging was the improvement each month of the season and how he actually performed better after he was promoted to Double-A Huntsville.

Cain has very quick wrists, which help him generate excellent bat speed, though his loading process is a bit long. There is a chance he can continue to add power as his frame fills out. Notice how he lets the ball travel deep into his hitting zone before unloading on the ball. This is a great indication of Cain’s bat speed.

Cain was an excellent defensive right fielder and while he has to cover more ground in center field, he still has above average range.

Best Case Outcome – Above average everyday center fielder

More Likely Outcome – Average everyday center fielder”

My take – That’s not exactly a rave on Cain. He mainly brings 25 steal potential and a decent average to the table, but not much else.

MLB.com on Jeffress in 2009

“Statistically speaking: His 5.27 ERA over four Double-A starts is misleading as he gave up six runs in two-thirds of an inning in his last outing. Before that, he had allowed only three runs over 14 innings for a 1.93 ERA. His 11.01 K/9 ratio would’ve put him atop the full-season leaderboard had he pitched enough innings to qualify.

Scouting report: Has a fastball that can reach triple digits, breaking ball, a curve that can be a plus pitch, and he’s working on developing a changeup. Makeup in the past has been a question mark, with a suspension for marijuana use.

Upside potential: Think Dwight Gooden, stuff-wise. Worst-case scenario, he’s a dangerous back-end reliever.

They said it: “He is a rare talent that is starting to get his act together. Once he locks in, look out.” — Reid Nichols, Brewers Special Assistant to the GM/Director of Player Development”

My Take -So far the words on paper haven’t matched the numbers on the field. Yes, Jeffress is striking out batters at an alarming rate, but he’s walking them at even a more startling rate. He may pan out to nothing more than a set up man.

Word has just (10:25 am) come down from SI’s Jon Heyman that Greinke has indeed approved the deal after turning down a deal to go to the Nationals.

The Brewers now put Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, and Shaun Marcum up against any rotation, Cards included, in the mediocre NL Central division. And Yankees fans still look at Sergio Mitre at the back end of the rotation

Drew Sarver is the Yankees content editor and a contributor for BaseballDigest.com. You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

Rick Peterson Will Try to Resurrect the Brewers Staff

Rick Peterson has been hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as their new pitching coach. In doing so, he'll be reunited with Brewers bench coach Willie Randolph, who was the manager during Peterson's time with the Mets.

Peterson will bring his unique philosophy, annoying hair cut, and strange mannerisms to the midwest.

Breaking News: Hoffman Agrees to Terms with Brewers

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has come to terms with the Brewers on a 1 year, $6 million contract. It's possible a second year, either guaranteed or an option, could be added to the deal.

Hoffman has spent his entire 16 year career with the Padres, compiling 554 saves.

Breaking News: Hoffman Agrees to Terms with Brewers

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has come to terms with the Brewers on a 1 year, $6 million contract. It's possible a second year, either guaranteed or an option, could be added to the deal.

Hoffman has spent his entire 16 year career with the Padres, compiling 554 saves.

Brewers Can Yost

The Milwaukee Brewers have gone 3-11 in September and manager Ned Yost has paid the price. The Brewers have fired their manager after seeing their wildcard lead disappear. Milwaukee had won 8 of 9 to finish off August, but were swept in three straight by the Mets to start the final month of the season. The Phillies caught the Brewers in the standings with a four game sweep this past weekend.

Milwaukee had an 8.5 game lead in the NL Central last season, but didn't make the playoffs. The front office is trying to ensure that a similar situation doesn't occur this season. Third base coach, and former utility man, Dale Sveum will take over as interim manager.

Brewers Can Yost

The Milwaukee Brewers have gone 3-11 in September and manager Ned Yost has paid the price. The Brewers have fired their manager after seeing their wildcard lead disappear. Milwaukee had won 8 of 9 to finish off August, but were swept in three straight by the Mets to start the final month of the season. The Phillies caught the Brewers in the standings with a four game sweep this past weekend.

Milwaukee had an 8.5 game lead in the NL Central last season, but didn't make the playoffs. The front office is trying to ensure that a similar situation doesn't occur this season. Third base coach, and former utility man, Dale Sveum will take over as interim manager.

Now Pitching, Uno

Uno the Beagle became the first Beagle to win "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel Club annual soiree back in February. Yesterday, he may very well have become the first Beagle to throw out the first pitch at a Major League baseball game.

Crazy, you say? A dog throwing out the first pitch?. Uno indeed threw out the first pitch in Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Reds and Miwaukee Brewers.

He also played a playful game of "catch" with Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan, and was interviewed after the game.

Reporter: “So Uno -- what do you think of Milwaukee?”

Uno: “Yeowp!”

Reporter: “How did you train for the first pitch?”

Uno goes after unattended fondue pot.

Reporter: "Is it true you have your own harness and seat when you travel Midwest Airlines?"

Uno goes after unattended nachos.

Reporter: “Will you give your new friend Jeff Suppan back the glove you stole from him in the dug-out?”

Uno: No.

Uno may now be the most popular "person" in Milwaukee since Hank Aaron.


Aroooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Now Pitching, Uno

Uno the Beagle became the first Beagle to win "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel Club annual soiree back in February. Yesterday, he may very well have become the first Beagle to throw out the first pitch at a Major League baseball game.

Crazy, you say? A dog throwing out the first pitch?. Uno indeed threw out the first pitch in Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Reds and Miwaukee Brewers.

He also played a playful game of "catch" with Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan, and was interviewed after the game.

Reporter: “So Uno -- what do you think of Milwaukee?”

Uno: “Yeowp!”

Reporter: “How did you train for the first pitch?”

Uno goes after unattended fondue pot.

Reporter: "Is it true you have your own harness and seat when you travel Midwest Airlines?"

Uno goes after unattended nachos.

Reporter: “Will you give your new friend Jeff Suppan back the glove you stole from him in the dug-out?”

Uno: No.

Uno may now be the most popular "person" in Milwaukee since Hank Aaron.


Aroooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!