You win one, you lose one

The split squad Brewers did battle with two foes today.  In one attack they were successful, in the other…..well they lost.  Not much to really disect.  Generally the first spring training only gives you a taste of things to come.  Here are some quick breakdowns of the action in Arizona today.

Brewers 5  vs  Cubs 3    

Let’s start with the good news.  The Crew went out and stuck it to the Cubbies, winning 5-3 in HoHoKam Park (for the record, this might be the funniest ballpark name ever).  Both Caleb Gindl and Zelous Wheeler gave Kerry Wood a nice “Welcome back to the NL Central” party.  Caleb hit an RBI triple and the scored later on Wheeler’s double.  Ryan Braun only played one inning, but it was one of the best 1 inning outings I have seen in a while.  He made a terrific running catch and then threw out Tyler Colvin at home, had a double, and scored a run.  Not to shabby Ryan.  Tim Dillard got the win, giving up one run in 2 complete innings.  Once Dillard left the game, we saw a different pitcher every single inning.  Aside from a little booboo from Roque Mercedes, the other pitchers who saw playing time were terrific.

If I were to give a game ball, it would probably go to Z. Wheeler.  He went 2 for 3 with an RBI.  He is a guy I am rooting for to have a strong showing this spring and so far he is giving me something to cheer about.

Brewers 9  vs  Ginats 10

This game was not short on offense.  The teams combined for 29 hits and 19 runs.  Shaun Marcum retired the first four batters he faced, but then gave up four straight hits.  Marcum was pulled after two innings, he finished with 3K’s and 2 ER’s.  Barry Zito was by far the best Brewer today, walking three batters and giving up two base hits.  Zito finished with 5 walks in 1 2/3 innings.  Brewers prospect Erik Komatsu had a great day going 2 for 2 with 2 RBI’s.  This game was sort of a poop-show.  The real story in this game was Giants prospect Brandon Belt, who finished the day with 3 hits and 4 RBI’s.  His day was capped off with a three run double off of Mike McClendon, who took the loss for the Crew.

Game ball in this game goes to backup 2B Eric Farris, who was 1 for 2 with a run scored and a stolen base.  In this game there were no Brewers who really stood out.  All in all an ugly game.  However, I was able to listen to it at work and I can not tell you how nice it was to hear the sweet tones of Ueck’s voice.  Awesome.

Tomorrow we will finally get to see our newest toy in action.  Zack Greinke will take the mound to start the game tomorrow against the off-White Sox.  Mark Buehrle will take the mound for the Vanilla Sox at their spring facility called Camelback Ranch.  No, I did not make that up.  That is seriously where the White Sox play during the spring.  Game tomorrow will start at about 2pm CST, for those of you who can make it to the radio and flip the dial to AM 620.

In former Brewers news, Jody Gerut announced his retirement today.  This is not surprising in and of itself, it is surprising because of his logic.

"The last three days have been hollow.  I’ve had a very clear voice in my head saying today, in this condition, you shouldn’t be out there. Not in the capacity of a player who quite possibly could be counted on one day by his teammates and by a city. Mentally you need to be there.  Physically, I’m fine.  But mentally my reasons for wanting to be in uniform have become so thin and narrow that I refuse to disrespect the game that has provided so generously for my family by playing it in a half-hearted way.  It was very clear that my capacity as a player was done, empty, finished."

Bummer.  Always like that guy, especially that time he hit for the cycle.  In his defense, if I knew I was going to be an everyday player for the Mariners, I would probably retire too.  Later in his speech he goes on to discuss how apathetic he felt about playing.  The Mariners, who are desperate for any kind of “talent”, told him that if he had a change of heart he could come back.  Sometimes the paycheck just isn’t enough.

     Everyone have a wonderful start to their month of March.  I will give you a little breakdown for the game tomorrow.  Also keep your eyes peeled for Colin and I’s All Brewers Roster.  Please help us by voting for Catcher and DH.  It is a lot harder than it looks.  Goodnight everybody!!