Fact or Fiction

Ben Sheets will start the All-Star Game?

This is a fact. Sheets is 9-1 with a 2.59 ERA. The only guy more deserving of the start is the Reds' Edinson Volquez, who is 10-2 with a 1.71 ERA. Sheets has been around longer, and has more name recognition so I think he'll get the start.

Russell Branyan will continue to produce at a high level?

Fact. Branyan is platooning with Bill Hall so he is only seeing right handers. If he were playing every day it would be fiction, but since he's only facing right handers this is a fact. This season Branyan is 0 for 11 against lefties, but is hitting .349 against right handed pitching.

Gabe Kapler should be the Brewers' every day center fielder?

Fiction. While Kapler has had a great season thus far his defense is no where near Mike Cameron's. Cameron's average is a little low right now, but it's a small sample size, and he has hit 12 home runs.

The Brewers should trade Bill Hall?

This is definitely fiction. Hall asked to be traded a few weeks ago but there is no reason for the Brewers to accommodate his request. Although Russell Branyan is an absolute monster against right handed pitching, he really scuffles against lefties. Hall hits left handed pitching well, and has a lot of versatility. The Hall/Branyan platoon have combined for 20 home runs, the same amount Ryan Braun has this year. Having them platoon has been like having another Fielder or Braun in the lineup.

Putting Eric Gagne in the setup role upon his return is a good move?

Fiction. It was announced when Gagne returns he would take over the role as the setup man. This is a bad move. He shouldn't close, and he shouldn't pitch the 8th inning either. When Gagne returns he should not be pitching in high pressure situations right away. He didn't prove he could handle the closers spot earlier this season, and until he starts performing he shouldn't have a crucial role in the bullpen.