Reviewing the Brew » Livan Hernandez

Life after Zack Greinke

Benjamin Orr — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 17:06:44 +0000

Well, as of lately, it became more and more apparent that Zack Greinke’s Milwaukee Brewer days were coming to a close. The few teams that had a heavy interest in him were the Atlanta Braves, the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the end, the Angels won, sending shortstop Jean Segura and two Double-A pitchers in Ariel Pena and Johnny Hellweg to the Brew Crew. From what I’ve heard from the Angels’ side, they apparently gave up way too much for a rental player in Greinke, but hey, that benefits us right? Now our focus is how does our rotation rebound from this? Obviously Mike Fiers has been pulling more than his fair share of the weight. Yovani Gallardo’s season has had its ups and downs. Randy Wolf has been below average all season, getting tagged sometimes for five or more runs a game. Shaun Marcum had another setback in his bullpen session last Tuesday, so his return is up in the air. The last piece of the rotation, Marco Estrada, just does not look comfortable in that role. So going into next year, how do the Brewers piece this rotation together? (more…)

Brew Crew Online: Episode 13

Benjamin Orr — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:55:08 +0000

Welcome to Brew Crew Online, where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter. Okay not really, I’ve been on a huge Whose Line Is It Anyway kick lately. Anyway, Lou Olsen joined me tonight for episode 13. The Milwaukee Brewers have hit a turning point in the season and it’s something they really must continue on this warpath to have hopes to play in October. Here’s what Lou and I talked about: (more…)

RtB’s Mid-Season Awards: Milwaukee Brewers Edition

Colin Bennett — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:46:33 +0000

Since we are drawing ever closer to the Midsummer Classic, it is becoming more commonplace to take stock of the season thus far.

It’s been a trying year for Brewers fans, to say the least, but that doesn’t mean that the season is without bright spots.

With that in mind, and due to a complete lack of motivation for writing another Recap on Tap detailing the intricacies that led to a Brewers loss in the series opening against the Diamondbacks, I have pushed forward our mid-season awards ceremony to today. So put on your fancy clothes and clap along politely as we present the Milwaukee Brewers and the rest of the National League with our very own awards.

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Recap On Tap: Reds 3, Brewers 1

Colin Bennett — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 02:12:57 +0000

Both the Brewers and Reds needed a great performance in the Great American Ballpark tonight.

For most of the night, both teams got them, as well. Yovani Gallardo faced off against Mat Latos in the opening round of the three-game series, and it definitely promised to be a good match-up. Yovani played tough, going six innings and only giving up two runs. As usual – at least so far in 2012 – the Brewers behind Yo managed to muster only a single run.

A lot of that came thanks to another amazing pitching performance by the opposing pitcher. This time a complete game by Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mat Latos, and his twelve strike outs, that proved too much for the Brew Crew to handle. Latos helped to extend a rather dubious streak for Milwaukee – they have scored only one run in their last 22 innings of play. An anemic offense – including the end of Ryan Braun’s 18 game hitting streak – continued a slide to three straight losses and put them back to seven and a half games behind their opponents, who continue to lead the NL Central with the 3-1 victory on Monday night.

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What We Can Learn From the Livan Hernandez Deal

Colin Bennett — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:26:05 +0000

Well, it’s not the most awe-inspiring deal Milwaukee has inked in recent years, but Livan Hernandez is, by all accounts, a Milwaukee Brewer now.

There’s no question that help in the bullpen addresses a serious concern for Milwaukee heading into the second half of the season – I just wonder if Hernandez can answer that, or more to the point, if Milwaukee is even asking the right questions.

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Brewers Sign Livan Hernandez: News Broken By…Bill Hall?

Curt Hogg — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:46:32 +0000

Coming from the kid who pulled off the luckiest scoop in baseball history, former Brewers infielder/outfielder Bill Hall just broke the

Apr 9, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Livan Hernandez (61) in action against the Houston Astros in the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Braves 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Livan Hernandez news via Twitter.

Journal-Sentinel beat writer Tom Haudricourt has confirmed that Hernandez, 37, has joined the Brewers and will take up a role in the bullpen.

Hernandez was released by Atlanta on June 15, and the Brewers, needing pitching help, have picked up the career 175-177 record pitcher. In 18 games with the Braves–all relief appearances–Hernandez went 1-1 with a 4.94 era with 19 strikeouts in 31 innings.

It appears that rookie Mike Fiers will keep his spot in the starting rotation, despite the looming return of Marco Estrada from the DL and the signing of Hernandez.

The Brewers are now the ninth stop for Hernandez on his big league tour. He was an All Star with Montreal and Washington in 2004 and 2005, respectively, and held a career 9-6 mark and 3.59 era against Milwaukee.