Results tagged ‘ Hiram Burgos ’

With Rotation Decision Looming, A By-Scenario Look at Potential Impact

Following Saturday evening’s victory over the Chicago Cubs, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke was noncommittal at best to his immediate plans for the starting rotation.

That’s understandable to a degree because while Hiram Burgos pitched very well against the Cubs, the Brewers don’t need a fifth starting pitcher again until next Tuesday, April 30 back home against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park.

We know that both Roenicke and his pitching coach Rick Kranitz prefer to use scheduled off-days as a way to help their starting pitchers get extra rest with the goal of staying healthier and however fresher into the summer. We also know that Yovani Gallardo in particular prefers to pitch on regular rest whenever possible. Though I haven’t the others involved, chances are good that they appreciate routine in kind.

Roenicke gets the final call though, and his decision regarding how his rotation will line up over the next couple of weeks does have impact. Obviously, Roenicke realizes this which is why he said that they are considering match-ups and their days off when determining how to proceed.

There are two main scenarios to be considered with some variables involved.

Scenario 1: Burgos remains in 5-man rotation, off-day ignored
     -Variable 1: Burgos next start on 4/26
     -Variable 2: Burgos next start on 4/28

Scenario 2: Fifth starter not used until April 30th
     – Variable 1: Burgos will make that start, pitch in bullpen until then
     – Variable 2: Someone else will make that start with Burgos being optioned to minors to stay on schedule and someone filling a bullpen role between now and then.

The fallout from Scenario 1, Variable 1 is twofold. First, it means that Lohse and Gallardo will continue to pitch consecutively for now. That’s probably something that Roenicke would have done anyway had Lohse been in camp all spring. Second, Burgos will follow Estrada in turn which could result in similar pitchers back-to-back but basically asks Burgos to pitch over his head in some match-ups.

In this, Burgos’ next three opponents are the Dodgers, Pirates, and Rangers. He would be the one SP to miss the Cardinals series at the beginning of May. Gallardo faces the Cardinals in either scenario, for what it’s worth.

Variable 2 for Scenario 1 allows the rotation to reorder itself back to how it was coming out of spring. Gallardo, Estrada, Peralta, Lohse, and now Burgos as the fifth SP. Here, Burgos faces the Dodgers and Cardinals for sure.

Scenario 2 gives us the following match-ups. Burgos gets Pittsburgh on 4/30, St. Louis on 5/5, and then there are off-days on both sides of the Texas two-step series on May 7 & 8 to negotiate again and determine the value of a fifth starter taking his turn.

I’d have to think that Roenicke will skip the fifth starter around the Rangers series because if he simply goes with extra rest, everybody will have six days off between starts instead of the usual four.

—

So there are the scenarios and some of their resultant impact. So I ask you, Brewer Nation, if you were in charge which timeline do you think will produce the best outcome?

Burgos Effective, Controlled in MLB Debut

Hiram Burgos delivers his first career Major League pitch, a strike, in his debut on Saturday, April 20, 2013.

Hiram Burgos delivers his first career Major League pitch, a strike, in his debut on Saturday, April 20, 2013.

Miller Park was buzzing on Saturday night as the Brewers’ 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Hiram Burgos, made his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs.

Burgos’ first pitch was a strike, but despite allowing his first batter faced to reach on a bloop single, Burgos faced the minimum through three. A true test though would be the second time through the order. The hitters made a bit more contact, though none of it solid, in the fourth inning, leading to a Cubs’ run and a tie game.

He was sharp throughout, keeping the visitors off balance with his repertoire of pitches. Back in February, Burgos told me that he throws four pitches: a fastball that sits between 88-92 MPH, a change up between 83-84, a cut fastball of 86-87 MPH, and a curveball down around 73 MPH. He utilized everything he had on this night, working through five full innings and not walking any hitters. He’d have gone farther as he finished the fifth at just 83 pitches, but Ron Roenicke pinch-hit for the young Puerto Rican as the offense had put runners at 2nd and 3rd with just one out.

The Brewers ended up scoring two runs in the inning, putting Burgos in line for his victory MLB victory. Then Brandon Kintzler entered and locked the Cubs down in their half of the sixth before the Brewers tacked on two more runs in the sixth courtesy of the Cubs defense.

All in all, an impressive night for Burgos who had this to say following the game:

“It’s been my dream to play in the big leagues. I’m happy to just help the team win. Six games in a row now.

Burgos said that he was anxious to go out and warm up prior to the game, but once he threw his first pitch, he was comfortable again. He said that the plan he and catcher Jonathan Lucroy were working off of helped him settle in.

The offense and bullpen gave Burgos the support he needed. Brandon Kintzler worked two perfect innings, striking out three. Michael Gonzalez struck out the side in his scoreless 8th inning, despite getting himself into a little trouble along the way. After allowing the lead off hitter to reach in the 9th, Gonzalez was lifted in favor of Burke Badenhop who retired the three Cubs hitters he faced in order to lock up a 5-1 victory. The W goes to Burgos who is now 1-0 in his career with a 1.80 ERA.

Burgos full linescore: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R (earned), 0 BB, 1 K

Getting his first victory in  his first career start when it takes some guys a long time (if ever) was something that didn’t escape Burgos.

“It’s a blessing. I thank God and my teammates. We were able to score some runs. It’s always good when you get some runs of support.”

Having met Hiram Burgos on more than one occasion, I’m impressed by him. He’s a humble, grateful person who really appreciates the opportunity that he’s earned through impressive play.

Those five runs came courtesy of some opportunistic offense who capitalized when Chicago defenders made errors. Officially there were three errors awarded in the game and they directly led to the Brewers scoring a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.

The other run on the day was a no doubt solo home run off the bat of the white hot Jonathan Lucroy in the bottom of the second inning. Early runs can be crucial in helping a young pitcher settle in, so leave it to Burgos’ batterymate in the game to get it done.

As for what’s next, Burgos wasn’t sure other than that he’s coming to Miller Park tomorrow. Roenicke also said that it needed to be looked at to determine whether Burgos could move into the bullpen between now and the next time the team requires a fifth starter, which is April 30th. Another possibility, though less likely from the sound of it, would be to not skip the turn when it could come up next. The third option would be to send Burgos back to Nashville where he’d make his next start and perhaps call up a relief pitcher for the next 10 days.

Roenicke said that they talk about it on Sunday to “see where we are and what we want to do.” Roenicke admitted that the chance exists to not keep Burgos up for the next week and a half.

But those are decisions for the management to make. For the players, a crisp victory in under three hours sends everybody home happy.

Well, maybe not the Cubs.

Fiers Put Out, Minor Leaguer Recalled, And Why the Timing Makes Sense

Following today’s matinee against the San Francisco Giants (a 7-2 victory capping off a series sweep of the defending World Series Champions, by the by) the Brewers executed a roster transaction.

fiers

It was announced that Mike Fiers was optioned to the Nashville Sounds and that a replacement would be on his way to join the parent club but who it was would be announced later.

Let’s tackle this aspect of the move first. Fiers, who looked rough around the edges in Cactus League play this year, hasn’t had his fastball command at all yet this regular season. In his three appearances — one start, two out of the bullpen — Fiers only pitched 7.1 innings, allowing seven earned runs on two walks and 11 hits, including two home runs. His ERA was 8.59, he had a 1.773 WHIP, and his FIP was 7.18.

In short, he was a mess.

The demotion comes at an appropriate time for Fiers, though not just because of his numbers. Going down to Nashville will allow Fiers the opportunity to work on finding his command in a game setting. He already told the media that the plan is for him to start on Saturday for the Sounds, and since he’ll have to be down for a minimum of 10 days, he’ll get at least two starts at the Triple-A level even if they’d want to recall him immediately when he’s eligible.

The timing of the move, though a touch surprising on the surface, is actually very well thought out. By sending Fiers down today instead of waiting until Saturday to make the move, Fiers would be eligible to return before the Brewers next need a fifth starter, which is April 30th. Had the team waited until the 20th to make the move, that wouldn’t have been the case.

The other thing its does is it allows for the recalled minor leaguer to join the team on Friday, get acclimated for the clubhouse and stadium a little bit, and then feel just that much more at ease with his surroundings before making his major league debut on Saturday.

So that was a hint, and here it is:

burgosThe minor leaguer who was recalled is none other than the Brewers’ 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and World Baseball Classic marvel, Hiram Burgos.

(For background on Burgos’ career up to the start of the 2013 regular season, click here for my “Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers” profile from way back on Valentine’s Day.)

So far this season, Burgos has mostly kept it going. In three starts for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, the right-hander sports a 2.70 ERA, in 16.2 innings. He’s recorded 15 strikeouts and allowed just 11 hits though also seven walks. Still, Burgos’ WHIP is a sparkling 1.08. Burgos has allowed three home runs already, for what it’s worth.

Still, Saturday’s game should be a bit of an event at Miller Park. There will be a lot of “firsts” for Burgos, and I’ll enjoy seeing them all in person.

Good luck, Hiram! In honor of your first MLB start, the Brewers arranged to have you face a handful of Triple-A hitters on Saturday.

World Baseball Classic Moves Forward, Six More Brewers Return to Camp

2013wbc

The Brewers had 12 total participants on six teams in this year’s World Baseball Classic, down from the projected 15 on eight teams just before the tournament started.

As the second half of the tournament moves into its double-elimination second round, three teams containing players from the Brewers organization have now been eliminated. As a result, the seven players on those three teams will be returning to Brewers camp, if they haven’t already.

Mike Walker, who rejoined the Brewers earlier this week, led Team Australia in hitting, going 5-for-11 (.455), but didn’t score nor did he drive a run in. Australia had a thin lineup overall and was simply outmatched by the strong teams in their Pool. Australia’s early departure actually allowed Walker to report to Brewers minor league camp right on time and with a worthwhile experience in tow.

Next up to be eliminated with Brewers implications was Team Mexico. They were officially eliminated Saturday night once Team USA defeated Team Italy in Pool play. That set up the winner of Sunday’s Team USA vs Team Canada game joining Team Italy in Florida for the start of Pool 2. Returning to the Brewers already today were starting pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Marco Estrada. They each made one start in the World Baseball Classic.

Gallardo defeated the powerful Americans in his start, despite being limited to just 49 pitches per request of the Milwaukee Brewers. Yo was sharp and stymied the USA bats throughout his 3.1 official innings pitched. Gallardo called the experience of defeating Team USA something he’ll always remember. After there being some doubt about whether he would even pitch in the Classic — after developing some tightness in his groin before joining Team Mexico — that he was able to perform well must feel good.

In quotes to Jose Romero of MLB.com, when Gallardo was asked about the atmosphere and intensity of the WBC he had this to say: “That’s the way baseball should be. The fans locked into the game just as much as the players, rooting for their country. There were a lot of fans of Mexico from all over the place who might have come in for it, and we wanted to have a good game. Show them what they came for.”

Also to Romero, Marco Estrada commented on his WBC experience which was less fortuitous than that of his rotation-mate. Said Estrada, “It was awesome. I got to meet a lot of guys, a lot of people I never knew before. There’s a lot of good players on our team, and just getting a chance to meet some of those guys … I only played with them for a week, but you become friends with a lot of them. That’s the one thing I’m going to take from this, that I got to meet a lot of nice people.”

As for the relatively early hook? “The thing about the Classic is that you get one opportunity to show what you’ve got, and like in my case, it didn’t go so well. So that was it for me,” Estrada said. “The first thing, honestly I felt pretty good. I thought I was locating well. Wasn’t getting a couple of calls and then I started elevating. I think I started trying way too hard and that’s when I got knocked around. Once I got out of that first inning, I settled in and it was fine after that. But it was too late by that time.”

For his part, Roenicke is understandably happy to get his pitchers back to Maryvale. He was talking about getting Gallardo and Estrada back in line for their eventual turns in the Brewers rotation once the regular season begins.

Finally then, we come to the losing team in Sunday afternoon’s Pool D tilt, Team Canada.

The Canadians had the highest number of Brewers players involved (shocking, I know) as four players were participating on their behalf. Pitchers Jim Henderson and John Axford both saw action today, with Henderson bearing the brunt of the late USA rally to assume the lead.

All told, the numbers may end up being forgettable for Henderson and even Axford, but the chance to represent your country simply cannot be quantified in numbers alone.

Someone who will be pleased with the opportunity to represent country along with pretty good results on the field is Brewers infielder Taylor Green who ended up starting at third base in all three games for Canada after Brett Lawrie was injured. Green ended up at .286 after an 0-for-5 final game, but he hit very well in the two other games, going 4-for-9 between the two. It was a rough finish, sure, with the goose egg at the dish and a couple of defensive miscues (neither of which were really his fault), but overall the experience should be viewed positively. Now Green returns to camp in a battle to win the starting first baseman’s job entering the 2013 regular season.

As for Rene Tosoni, he never got an official at-bat, though his one plate appearance was certainly memorable as it was his being plunked by Mexico that incited the brawl which will be replayed for years to come.

So for the Brewers now back at Maryvale Baseball Park, the experience was a good one despite a lack of overall team success. Kudos to them for participating, for wanting to participate. Kudos to the Brewers organization for understanding what it means to represent country and countrymen and allowing them all the opportunity to make their own decisions regarding the tournament.

There will be five Brewers players whose teams play in the second round. Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy are with Team USA of course. Martin Maldonado and Hiram Burgos will move on with Team Puerto Rico. And with Team Netherlands, infielder Hainley Statia has only gotten two ABs coming into today, but his team has enjoyed some success advancing into the second round and having an opportunity to advance again to the Semifinal Round in San Francisco if they can beat Team Cuba, something they’ve already done once in this year’s tournament.

Milwaukee Brewers

Brewers Friday Night World Baseball Classic Recap

Milwaukee Brewers

Teams containing 10 of the 12 players which the Milwaukee Brewers have loaned out to team across the Pools for the World Baseball Classic were in action Friday. (The Netherlands, with Hainley Statia, didn’t play today. Mike Walker’s Team Australia has already been eliminated from the tournament.)

Here is a recap of the performances by those who saw action:

canadaTaylor Green – Canada

Thrust into the starting third baseman role following an injury to Toronto’s Brett Lawrie, Green hit second in the lineup today against Team Italy. Green was 1-for-4 on the day with a double in the 5th inning off of Chris Cooper. Unfortunately, rare was the occasion where Green had someone on base in front of him.

Green is the starting 3B for Team Canada for as long as they remain in the tournament though so he’ll have a few more chances to make good.

Jim Henderson – Canada – @JimHenderson29

“Jimmy” Henderson, as he is known on the Canadian circuit, ended up throwing in this game which was wound up as a Mercy Rule blowout for Team Italy. Henderson came on with two outs in the 7th inning, inheriting a base runner in Drew Butera who had just doubled home two runs. Henderson retired his first hitter and came back out for the 8th inning as well. He gave up consecutive hits to open the 8th though and was lifted for another reliever, R.J. Swindle, who would go on to allow Henderson’s second baserunner to score. Swindle wouldn’t record an out at all, in fact, as he allowed enough runs for the Mercy Rule to be invoked.

Henderson’s final line for the day was an ugly one: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 0 K, 54.00 ERA.

puertoricoHiram Burgos – Puerto Rico – @Burgos196

Burgos came on in relief to begin the fifth inning at his team’s home field, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico. Over 4.2 scoreless innings pitches, Burgos allowed only four hits but zero runs. He struck out three, and walked the final hitter of his evening. It was at that point he had reached 64 pitches and while he could have legally started the next batter, he was lifted in favor of a left-handed reliever who recorded the final out of the game via strikeout looking. Puerto Rico moved to 1-0 in Pool C play.

Having thrown 64 pitches tonight, Burgos is not allowed to pitch again until he’s had four days off.

Officially: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 K, 1 BB, 0.00 ERA, 64 pitches

Martin Maldonado – Puerto Rico – @Machete1224

The backup catcher for Puerto Rico, Maldonado was used in this game as a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning. Following a Yadier Molina steal of third base (yes, you read that correctly), Maldonado had a man on third with only one out but struck out swinging on a high fastball. Officially, Maldonado remained in the game as the Designated Hitter, but his turn in the batting order did not come back around.

usaRyan Braun – USA

Started in left field and hit third in the batting order for Joe Torre and Team USA. In his first inning match up against Brewers teammate Yovani Gallardo, Braun drove one deep to the right-center gap but it was hauled in on the run for an out. Braun then worked a walk in the fourth inning, still against Gallardo. He reached third on an RBI single by David Wright but was stranded there. In the sixth inning Braun was struck out looking. And in his final plate appearance of the game in the bottom of the 8th inning, Braun finally broke through in the hit column, reaching base for the second time. He dropped a hit in the Bermuda Triangle between the second baseman and center- and right-fielders. He would come around to score Team USA’s second run of the game on a single by Eric Hosmer.

Defensively, Braun had a diving play coming in on a ball that short-hopped him but he was able to keep it in front of him in the 3rd inning. Other than that? A couple of routine put outs including fly balls in the 4th and 5th, and a running basket catch in the 8th to keep the deficit at three, at the time.

Jonathan Lucroy – USA – @JLucroy20

As one of three catchers on the Team USA roster, Lucroy didn’t start this game in part because the Toronto Blue Jays wanted their catcher, J.P. Arencibia, to catch their new starting pitcher, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey.

Lucroy would get into the game defensively in the 8th inning after starting catcher J.P. Arencibia was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the 7th inning. Lucroy’s first turn at the dish came in the bottom of the 9th with the USA down to their final two outs, trailing by three. Lucroy fell behind 0-2 to Mexico (and San Francisco Giants) closer Sergio Romo before harmlessly grounding out to short.

mexicoYovani Gallardo – Mexico

The Brewers resident staff ace started Team Mexico’s second Pool D game following their loss to Italy yesterday. Gallardo squared off against Brewers teammate Ryan Braun and the United States’ potent lineup. Gallardo started off the game with a 1-2-3 first inning including a strikeout of Jimmy Rollins. He was greeted in the second inning by a Joe Mauer single back up the middle but got out of the inning on just seven pitches after a GIDP and a fly ball out. Gallardo’s third inning included a strikeout of Giancarlo Stanton, a ground out by Adam Jones, and a strikeout of J.P. Arencibia. 16 pitches, three outs, and back to the dugout.

Through three, Gallardo had thrown 37 pitches. Gallardo was limited to 50 pitches tonight by request of the Milwaukee Brewers. He had missed some work prior to joining Team Mexico and coupled with recently overcome groin tightness, he wasn’t stretched out enough to go a full WBC-allowed 65.

Gallardo’s fourth inning began by allowing a single to Rollins. He struck out Phillips but then walked Braun, bringing him up to 49 pitches thrown and to the end of his evening. The relief pitcher, Luis Mendoza, allowed one of the inherited runners to score, which makes Gallardo’s line look worse than he actually pitched.

Gallardo’s final line: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 K, 1 BB, 2.70 ERA, 49 pitches. He was credited with the Win in the Friday night victory over USA as well.

2013wbc

Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers – #46 Hiram Burgos

BBtJN Logo

Happy Valentine’s Day!

If it’s true when they say that “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, then you should be extra ready for today’s installment of the “Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers” series. We’re making our way through, day by day, toward Brewers Opening Day at Miller Park on Monday, April 1st.

On this Valentine’s Day, we’re 46 days away from April Fools Day. The man wearing #46 in camp right now for the Milwaukee Brewers is the subject of today’s profile. He is right-handed pitcher…

Hiram Burgos.

burgos

Burgos is listed at 6’0″ and 210 pounds. He hails from Puerto Rico and as such will be pitching for Team Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic. He joins Martín Maldonado in the honor of wearing the colors of his homeland.

His participation in the WBC will cap off a whirlwind year for the 25-year-old. Burgos had a decidedly mediocre 2011 season with Class-A Advanced Brevard County. He pitched in 24 games (22 starts) and wound up with a 4.89 ERA courtesy in part to a .302 average against, and 13 home runs allowed in just 119.2 innings pitched. As a result, he was pitching on the minor league side and was sent back to Florida to try his hand (arm?) at A-ball one more time. He wouldn’t last very long as a Manatee.

That’s because Burgos made one relief appearance and then six starts at High-A allowing just four earned runs on 21 hits, six walks, and just one home run. That was good for a 0.87 ERA. In those 41.1 IP, Burgos struck out 41 hitters. Quite the improvement from 2011 where he K’d only 80 in his 119.2 IP. All told, the Brewers wanted to see if he was ready for the next step and Burgos was promoted to Class-AA Huntsville after his May 9th start.

Used exclusively as a starter by the Stars, Burgos compiled a 6-1 record, a 1.94 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, .230 BAA, allowing 68 hits, 28 walks, three home runs, and 18 earned runs, and striking out 77 in 83.1 innings pitched. All of that came in just 13 starts between May 15 and July 24. Two of his first three starts were rough for Burgos as he made the adjustment. In those two starts he had Game Scores under 50 in part by allowing four earned runs in each game. After that he would only allow three earned runs once and one or zero runs eight times. Suffice it to say that Burgos answered the bell at Double-A.

So what would be next for this pitcher who appeared to be on the verge of putting it all together for the first time as a professional? A promotion to Class-AAA affiliate Nashville, of course!

Burgos was promoted to Nashville in advance of his next start which came on regular rest on July 29th. He hit the ground running with a “quality start” of 6.0 innings and two earned runs allowed against the Albuquerque Isotopes. His next outing was on August 3rd and it was far and away Burgos’ worst of the year. He allowed nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits and three walks, striking out only one in just 4.1 IP. None of the hits were home runs but he did surrender a pair of triples. The outing jumped his late-season ERA by 42 points and resulted in just his third loss of the campaign.

Overcoming adversity is an important part of the developmental process as well and Burgos responded right away. His next outing was six innings of scoreless baseball in which he only allowed two hits and one walk while striking out five. He would allow runs in each of the next three outings, including an August 19th game in which he allowed three solo home runs, but all three appearances counted as “quality starts”. Burgos would then finish the regular season with a pair of six inning, scoreless baseball.

His last start came on September 3rd but he wasn’t yet done throwing. Word came down in September from the Brewers that Burgos was being kept “ready” at their facility in Arizona in the event that then current Brewers rotation ran out of innings. That situation never materialized, but that Burgos was specifically mentioned as being the “next man up” certainly was a big vote of confidence in him.

Burgos final, combined line for 2012 reads like this:

10-4, 1.95 ERA, 28 G, 27 GS, 171.0 IP, 128 H, 44 R, 37 ER, 8 HR, 49 BB, 153 K

With additional computed stats of:

.210 average against, 1.04 WHIP, 2.57 BB/9, 8.05 K/9

The next deserved accomplishment in his 2012 came as no surprise when he was officially added to the Brewers 40-man roster for the first time. After a season like the one he put together, he absolutely would have been snapped up in the Rule V Draft had he not been protected. His name has been mentioned all off-season as a starting pitcher whom the Brewers believe in and who they feel could contribute should the need arise.

burgos poy

And the cherry on top of a year to remember? How about being named as the Brewers organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year?

And now, coming full circle over the last 12 months, Hiram A. Burgos finds himself in big league camp for the first time. He isn’t going to make the Opening Day roster this year, barring a rash of injuries, so let’s just say that right away. That the Brewers even had him pitch at three different levels in the same season was a bit of a departure from standard operating procedure. He’ll start the season in Nashville’s rotation, likely slotting right behind Tyler Thornburg.

Coming with him to that spot will be a four-pitch arsenal. Burgos tells me that he throws a fastball that sits between 88-92 MPH, a change up between 83-84, a cut fastball of 86-87 MPH, and a curveball down around 73 MPH. He commands them all well enough and attacks the strike zone well. His command has been strong throughout his four-year minor league career evidenced in part by his quality walk ratios.

To summarize all of that, let me simply say that you need to pay attention to Hiram Burgos this year. Not just in Spring Training, but also once camp breaks. Take the time to visit nashvillesounds.com on occasion and check in on how he’s doing. His is a name you’ll certainly want to remember going forward.

–

You can follow Hiram Burgos on Twitter: @Burgos196

—

Miss anyone along the way? Catch up on the Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers profiles to this point:

Brewers Now Sending Fifteen to World Baseball Classic

teamcanada

In news he broke himself on Twitter yesterday, Brewers starting pitching prospect Nick Bucci told the world that he had been asked to join Team Canada after one of their originally selected pitchers had to bow out due to injury.

This presented a bit of a quandary last night because I thought I recalled there being a maximum of 14 players from any one franchise who could be used by teams in the World Baseball Classic. As I reported back in January, the Brewers were at 14.

I was then reminded that the limit is a soft one in that every player beyond 14 who is asked to participate in the WBC may do so with the blessing of their ballclub.

Here then is the updated list of Brewers’ employees who will be representing for their countries during the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Team USA (2)

  • Ryan Braun*
  • Jonathan Lucroy* (Twitter: @JLucroy20)

Team Mexico (2)

  • Yovani Gallardo*
  • Marco Estrada*

Team Canada (5)

Team Puerto Rico (2)

Team Dominican Republic (1)

Team Italy (1)

  • Jeff Bianchi*

Team Netherlands (1)

Team Australia (1)

*-active MLB player as of 8/31/2012

2013wbc

Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers – #54 Josh Stinson

BBtJN Logo

What a whirlwind the past 18 hours have been.

We’ve shot right past there being just a week to go until Pitchers and Catchers. Before that we missed acknowledging the eight-weeks-to-go mark to Opening Day.

With everything else that’s going on as I type this article out in Brewer Nation, the “Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers” countdown should, nay must, go on!

And so it shall.

Today, we sit 54 days away from Opening Day on April 1st. The wearer of 54 in Spring Training will be the man who wore it as a part of the 25-man roster to end the 2012 regular season…

Josh Stinson.

stinson

Joshua Randall Stinson joined the Milwaukee Brewers organization only last year. He was claimed off of waivers from the New York Mets and awarded to the Brewers on April 4, 2012. He was optioned to Double-A Huntsville where he pitched primarily in the rotation, making 24 starts in 29 appearances.

Stinson, who turns 25 before Opening Day, was drafted in the 37th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft (by the Mets) out of Northwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. He’s listed at 6’4″ and 210 pounds and is primarily a fastball/slider pitcher though he was listed by Pitch F/X as having thrown both a change up and curveball a handful of times in his work in the big leagues in 2012.

He has been used more as a relief pitcher than a starting pitcher in his career but has done a lot of starting lately. Only 94 of his 221 career minor league appearances have been starts. His first 15 games in 2011 were starts but he pitched exclusively out the bullpen after that (25 games). As previously stated, all but five of his 29 appearances in 2012 were starts. Those five relief appearances were his first five of the year. It was all starting after that. When he reached the Mets in 2011 and the Brewers in 2012, however, he made only one start in 20 combined appearances.  That came with the Brewers on the final day of the 2012 regular season.

Stinson’s numbers show a little bit of concern, but guys with concerns aren’t waived off of 40-man rosters all that often. About the only consistent positive metric is that Stinson is not very prone to giving up home runs. Other than that, his relatively consistent negatives include his walk rate which is far too high. He doesn’t miss a ton of bats which is another reason his home run rate needs to remain in check.

It stands to reason that Stinson’s stuff would play up out the bullpen in the big leagues, but I would guess that the Brewers will continue pitching him as a starting pitcher to begin 2013. It might make sense that it would be with Nashville but I also haven’t sat down to count spots in the Sounds’ rotation beyond that I’m assuming Hiram Burgos and Tyler Thornburg will take two of them.

Stinson will get plenty of work this spring in big league camp while four Brewers pitchers are away on World Baseball Classic business. I fully expect Stinson to be piggybacking as he builds stamina and occasionally work in short stints.

In my opinion, Stinson is a lock for an optioning back to the minors to begin the 2013 season. The role remains to be seen but his having a job feels like a near certainty. Could something else happen that causes the Brewers to need a 40-man roster spot? Sure. Could Stinson’s spot be under consideration? I would assume so. That being said, Stinson performed well in 2012 throughout the Brewers organization. Feels safe enough to me.

Stinson is exactly the type of quality depth that the Brewers have lacked at times over their recent history. His presence will offer a modicum of comfort should problems develop in the bullpen or should multiple starting pitchers go down for an extended period of time like happened in 2012.

He’s likely not the first option in either case, but that he’s a viable one is where “depth” really comes in.

In summary: 2013 = start in minors in role TBD (guessing SP), and be ready to be called on for either role in Milwaukee.

—

Miss anyone along the way? Catch up on the Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers profiles to this point:

Fourteen Brewers Listed on Provisional World Baseball Classic Rosters

2013wbcThe World Baseball Classic provisional rosters were announced this afternoon live on MLB Network. They’re provisional because rosters don’t lock until February 20th but these are the names that you can expect to see playing in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Pool play begins on March 2nd.

Among those members of the Brewers organization who are participating are nine players who were active on a 25-man roster as of 8/31/2012. The limit from each organization is 10. The overall limit is 14 players from each franchise.

Brewers players will represent seven countries (and Puerto Rico) in the international tournament which began in 2006, was played again in 2009 and now falls into its every-four-years format.

Without further ado, here are the participants along with the team they’ll be representing in 2013.

Team USA (2)

  • Ryan Braun*
  • Jonathan Lucroy* (Twitter: @JLucroy20)

Team Mexico (2)

  • Yovani Gallardo*
  • Marco Estrada*

Team Canada (4)

Team Puerto Rico (2)

Team Dominican Republic (1)

Team Italy (1)

  • Jeff Bianchi*

Team Netherlands (1)

Team Australia (1)

*-active MLB player as of 8/31/2012

Official Release: Brewers On Deck To Feature Over 50 Players, Coaches

brewersondeck2013

Thirty-two current Milwaukee Brewers players from the 40-man roster plus a host of alumni, Minor League prospects, coaches, front office executives and broadcasters are scheduled to participate in Brewers On Deck, which is set to take place Sunday, January 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Delta Center.  The event is presented by Time Warner Cable.

Brewers On Deck is the annual Fan Fest that bridges the gap between winter and Spring Training.  Players, coaches and alumni scheduled to attend include the following (all subject to change):

PLAYERS

COACHES

  • Ron Roenicke
  • Joe Crawford
  • Marcus Hanel (@Markoos55)
  • Garth Iorg
  • Rick Kranitz
  • Jerry Narron
  • Johnny Narron
  • Ed Sedar
  • John Shelby
  • Lee Tunnell

MINORS

ALUMNI

  • Jerry Augustine (@jaugie46)
  • Jim Gantner
  • Larry Hisle
  • Gorman Thomas
  • Bob Uecker

Tickets for Brewers On Deck are currently on sale.  Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children ages 14 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the Miller Park ticket office, by calling the Brewers Ticket office at 414-902-4000, or online at Brewers.com/ondeck. On the day of the event, only cash will be accepted for purchases made at the door.  Tickets the day of the event are $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under.

Brewers On Deck will feature a number of activities for the entire family.  Autographs and photos from Brewers players and coaches, interactive games in the Kids Area, Q&A sessions and game shows with coaches, players and staff, vendor booths with baseball memorabilia, the Brewers Community Foundation Treasure Hunt and many other activities will all be a part of Brewers On Deck.

The same system for autographs will be used for Brewers On Deck that was used last year.  Recipients of any “PREMIER” autographs (players to be announced at a later date) will be chosen through a random selection process. Numbered coupons to be entered into the random selection process will be available the day of the event only and will be distributed beginning at 8 a.m. at the Delta Center. Coupon distribution will be available up to an hour before each designated autograph session. A schedule of players, their session times, and distribution info will be posted later this month.

Fans can receive one coupon per event admission ticket and can use that coupon to enter the random selection process for any one of the select Brewers players. There is no cost for coupons to enter the random selection process; however, those holding coupons that are chosen must pay $25 at the respective autograph stage to collect their player signature. There will be 250 winners for each of the PREMIER autograph sessions.

Players and staff not included in the PREMIER autograph list will not use the random selection process. Each of these players will sign 250 autographs at prices ranging from free to $10. The autograph opportunities are for signatures on photo cards provided by the team; the Brewers cannot guarantee that any player will sign other memorabilia.  For additional information regarding the lottery process, visit Brewers.com/ondeck.

All autograph proceeds benefit Brewers Community Foundation. Please note that cash is the only acceptable form of payment for autographs.  The Brewers cannot guarantee that any player will sign other memorabilia, and personalization of items is solely up to the discretion of each player.

« older posts | back to blog home |
Theme: MLB “fan” | Get a free blog at WordPress.com
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 12,751 other followers