Poll: First Half MVP

Our latest poll asked who was the Brewers' first half MVP? The winner of the poll was Ben Sheets with 47%. I was slightly surprised to see Salomon Torres come in second place at 29%, while Ryan Braun was third with 23%.

I can't argue with Sheets winning the poll. He was the teams ace in the first half, won 10 games, had a sub 3 ERA, and started for the NL in the all-star game. Sheets was fantastic, and definitely deserving of the honor.

I was surprised to see Torres get more votes than Braun, but he was great. The Brewers needed someone to take hold of the closers role, and Torres got the job done. After watching Gagne blow all those saves you understand how valuable Torres is to this team.

If there was an MVP in the lineup it was definitely Braun. He started in the all-star game, and was far and away the Brewers top hitter. He also provided the team with consistency, which most of the lineup had trouble with in the first half.

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Prospect Watch: Evan Frederickson

Evan Frederickson was drafted by the Brewers #35 overall in this past June's draft. Frederickson is a 6'6'' left handed pitcher out of the University of San Francisco.

After posting a 3.09 ERA in the Pioneer League for Helena, the 21 year-old Frederickson was quickly moved to Low-A West Virginia. So far he's off to a bit of a rough start. Through 13.2 innings pitched Frederickson is 0-1 with a 7.90 ERA. He's struck out 13 batters, but has allowed 18 walks.

Frederickson throws a mid 90's fastball and has a lot of potential, but he's not as polished as some college pitchers are. He has control issues that he needs to work on, but the stuff is definitely there. It will be very interesting to watch his progress. Right Field Bleachers recently had an interview with him, which you can read by clicking here.

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Unbelievable

The only word that can describe the Brewers right now is unbelievable. After sweeping the Cards tonight, the Brewers have now won eight straight games, and lead the NL Wild Card. They are one game behind the Cubs for first place in the division.

Ryan Braun is unreal. Is there anyone you'd rather have up in a big situation? Ryan Braun is the definition of pro. He was born for the big moment. A two run homer to take the lead in the 9th, and it secures a sweep on the road.

The way this team has come back late in these games has been amazing. These definitely aren't the Brewers of old, who we have seen fold so many times after squandering a lead, or would give up when down. This team expects to win, and they never give up. It sure is great to watch them play.

Next up for the Brewers will be the Houston Astros at Miller Park. The crew will look to win their ninth straight game. Then the Chicago Cubs come to town for what will be the biggest series of the year thus far.

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Prospect Watch: Brad Nelson

Brad Nelson was the Brewers fourth round pick in the 2001 draft. After being drafted Nelson quickly asserted himself as one of the Brewers top prospects. Then Nelson battled injuries, and saw his status as a top prospect take a nose dive. Last season things started to get back on track for him as he hit 20 home runs in Triple-A.

This season the 25 year-old first basemen is hitting .296 with a spectacular .402 on base percentage for the Sounds. He's also hit 12 home runs and has 52 RBI. Out in the field he's made four errors.

It's been a long time coming for Nelson, and now he's knocking on the door of the major leagues. Unfortunately for Nelson, he's blocked by Prince Fielder. If he continues to play well though he should receive a September call up when the roster expands.

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Brewers Acquire Durham

ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Brewers have acquired second basemen, Ray Durham from the Giants in exchange for minor leaguers, Steve Hammond and Darren Ford.

Durham is hitting .293 with a .385 on base percentage at second base. Rickie Weeks this is your wake up call. Durham's high OBP would look good at the top of the Brewers order, and he will press Weeks for playing time.

I really like this trade. Durham gives the Brewers the high on base guy they needed, and Doug Melvin did not have to give up too much for him. Steve Hammond was having a nice year pitching in Double-A, but struggled since being promoted to Triple-A. He's also 26 years old so he most likely won't make a huge impact in the major leagues.

Darren Ford has not been having a very strong season. The 22 year-old center fielder was only hitting .230 in High-A Brevard County. He did have 48 stolen bases however. Last year at Low-A West Virginia, Ford hit .335 with a .398 on base percentage, but he has not handled the promotion to High-A well.

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Podcast: Brewers Blog Roundtable EP 2

Along with Right Field Bleachers and Bernie's Crew we are proud to bring you the second edition of the Brewers Blog Roundtable. Jared, Jim, and myself discuss the All-Star game, the top prospect in the Brewers system other than Mat Gamel, the first half of the season, and the keys to success in the second half.

You can listen to the show by clicking here.

Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment, or by sending an e-mail to brewersfanatics@yahoo.com We really would like to hear your feedback!

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Mid-Season Grades - Hitters

Rickie Weeks - Rickie has been a real disappointment. He has all the potential in the world, but sadly it seems he may never live up to it. No lead off hitter should be hitting .217, and if Rickie hadn't been a #2 overall pick, and came to the team with so much hype he probably wouldn't be in the big leagues still. Grade = D-

J.J. Hardy - Hardy started slow, but boy has he been hot the last month or so. J.J. is near the top in every statistical category for shortstops, and has been solid in the field. Grade = B

Ryan Braun - Braun keeps on dominating. He hasn't let up much after his historical rookie season, and has been the best player in the Brewers lineup this season. Grade = A

Prince Fielder - Most players would dream of having a season like Fielder is having right now. Prince has 18 homers at the break, and after last years performance this is an off year for him. He's been a little more inconsistent than in the past as he is getting used to being pitched differently. Grade = B+

Corey Hart - Brewers fans have known about Corey Hart for a while, but he finally got the recognition he deserved by making the all-star team through the final vote. Hart does everything well and might be the most consistent player on the team. Grade = A-

Bill Hall - It's been a difficult year for Billy, but he's been heating up as of late. Since he began platooning with Branyan he's really upped his game. His average is down, but he is still hitting for pretty good power. Grade = C

Russell Branyan - The muscle returned to Milwaukee with a bang. He started off extremely hot, but has cooled off recently. He does have 11 home runs in 106 at bats, which you'll take any time. Grade = B

Mike Cameron - Cameron has provided the Brewers with another power bat and solid defense. His power is probably more than expected. However, he wasn't a very good hitter in the two hole as his average and on base percentage were not high enough. He is solid batting seventh though. Grade = C

Jason Kendall - Kendall has been fantastic, and is exactly what the Brewers were looking for after the disaster known as Johnny Estrada. All the pitchers seem to love him, especially Ben Sheets, as he calls a great game. Not only does Kendall call a great game, but his defense has been much better than advertised. A .339 on base percentage from a catcher isn't bad either. Grade = B+

Joe Dillon - Joe hasn't had a ton of playing time, but has been very serviceable when called upon. He posted a .359 on base percentage in the first half, which you love to see off the bench. Grade = B-

Mike Rivera - Speaking of minimal playing time Rivera has rarely seen the field as the back up catcher to Jason Kendall. Rivera only had 47 at bats in the first half, but when he's played you can't ask for anything more. Rivera hit .319 with a .360 OBP. Grade = A

Gabe Kapler - What an addition Gabe has been. It seems every time he is called upon he delivers. He's having one of the best years of his career; not bad for someone who didn't even play last year. Grade = A

Craig Counsell - I'm not going to lie, I've never been a big fan of Counsell. I didn't understand why the Brewers signed him back after he didn't do well in his first stint with the team, especially when they could have had Jeff Cirillo back instead. This year I haven't minded him as much. He's actually been pretty solid off the bench this season. He plays good defense and has been giving the Brewers good at bats when they need him to. Grade = C+

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Mid-Season Grades - Pitchers

We've reached the half way point of the season, and now is the time to hand out grades for the first half. Here's a breakdown of the pitchers.

Ben Sheets - Sheets is turning in a Cy Young type season, and started in the all-star game. The Brewers couldn't have asked for anything more. Grade = A

Jeff Suppan - It's been an inconsistent year for Soup. He had a really nice stretch where he turned in some great starts, but has also had some terrible outings. Now he's on the DL. Grade = C-

Dave Bush - Bush, like Suppan, has suffered from inconsistency. Bush got off to a horrible start, but has really turned things around since June by putting together some dynamite starts. Grade = C+

Manny Parra - Manny got off to a slow start but sure heated up. For a first year starter, Parra has been excellent, and gives the Brewers a chance to win every time out. Grade = B+

CC Sabathia - CC has done great in his two starts with the Brewers, but hasn't been around long enough to earn a grade. Grade = Incomplete

Seth McClung - McClung has definitely done more than most expected out of him. Many were shocked to see he made the team out of Spring Training, but he did a solid job in the pen, and has made some much needed quality starts. Grade = B-

Salomon Torres - Torres began the season as a 7th inning type guy, but quickly took the closers role after Gagne's poor performance. He's exceeded all expectations, and probably would have been an all-star had he been the closer from the beginning. Grade = A

Eric Gagne - While Torres has exceeded expectations, Gagne has fallen far below his. The $10 million man has been a complete disappointment. He has an ERA over seven, blew five saves, and has two losses. Grade = F

David Riske - Riske was one of the Brewers' big acquisitions in the off-season, but like Gagne hasn't performed to the level the Brewers hoped. He's battled injuries, and has been pretty mediocre when healthy. The Brewers are hoping he puts it together in the second half. Grade = D+

Brian Shouse - The unsung hero of the bullpen. Shouse has been spectacular this year for the Brewers as their lefty specialist. He goes out there and gets the job done. Grade = A

Guillermo Mota - Well you can't expect much out of a guy when it only took Johnny Estrada to acquire him. Still, after showing promise early in the season it's disappointing to see Mota just melt down. Grade = D-

Carlos Villanueva - Expectations were high for Carlos, and things haven't gone as planned. He started off in the rotation, and now is in the bullpen as a long relief guy. He's been a little better in relief, but after his performance last year many thought he was going to be a quality starter. Grade = D

Mitch Stetter - Stetter definitely has some electric stuff. He's been solid for the most part, but has also had some control problems. You can't complain much about a 2.45 ERA though. Grade = B

Come back tomorrow for a breakdown of the lineup and bench players.

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Prospect Watch: Top 10 Prospects

We're halfway through the season, and it's time to put together the Brewers top 10 prospect list.

1. Mat Gamel - With Matt LaPorta gone, Mat Gamel is the number one prospect in the system. A .375 average and 15 home runs was good enough to earn Gamel a spot in the futures game.

2. Jeremy Jeffress - Jeffress perhaps has more potential than any other Brewers prospect. Jeffress has been inconsistent this year, but when he's on he's unstoppable. Jeffress has 80 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched at Brevard County.

3. Angel Salome - Salome has been mashing at Double-A Huntsville. The 22-year old catcher hit .345 with a .401 on base percentage in the first half. Brewer fans have been waiting a long time for a catcher that can hit and Salome might be just that.

4. Michael Brantley - Brantley was good last season too, but this year people are starting to take notice. He's only 21-years old and had a .407 on base percentage in the first half for Huntsville. The center fielder has also stolen 25 bases. He could very well be taking Mike Cameron's place in center field down the line, and fill the Brewers need for a lead off hitter.

5. Alcides Escobar - Escobar is one of the most exciting prospects in Huntsville. He hit .337 with a .367 on base percentage in the first half, and wreaks havoc on the base paths, having stolen 25 bases.

6. Jonathan Lucroy - Lucroy just keeps on hitting. He hit well at Low-A West Virginia to start the season, and has continued to rake at High-A Brevard County, currently boasting a .326 average. Lucroy along with Salome lead a suddenly strong corps of catchers in the farm system.

7. Taylor Green - The other third base prospect in Brewers system, who plays better defensively than Mat Gamel. Green also has a solid bat. He's not a big power hitter, but does have 10 home runs. He shows great plate discipline with his .368 on base percentage.

8. Cole Gillespie - The best word to describe Gillespie would be solid. He's not a can't miss prospect, but is a nice player. The 24 year-old outfielder, currently playing for Double-A Huntsville, has an impressive .379 on base percentage, and 12 home runs.

9. Jake Odorizzi - Drafted #32 overall in this past June's draft, Odorizzi was touted by many as the best high school pitcher in the draft. He can throw four different pitches, and has good command. He provides the Brewers' system with much needed pitching depth.

10. Chris Errecart - Errecart is one of the more underrated players the Brewers have in the minors right now. Perhaps it's because he plays in Huntsville, where talent is a plenty. The 23 year-old first basemen hit .291 with a .364 on base percentage, and 13 home runs in the first half.

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Poll: CC Sabathia Trade

After the big trade was made to acquire CC Sabathia we put up a poll asking if you liked the trade or not. 35 votes were turned in, and 27 people said they liked the trade, while 8 people were not in favor.

After today it'd be hard not to like what you see from Sabathia so far. After two games he's 2-0, and today he turned in an amazing performance with a complete game. He allowed only two runs, and struck out nine.

Oh yeah, and he hit a home run. Ben wrote when the trade went down that Sabathia would also help out the Brewers' offense. Good call on that one. Today was a great win for the Brewers heading into the all-star break. It sure is nice to have another stopper in the rotation.

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Bush Stepping Up

Two years ago many people were picking Dave Bush to be a breakout player. He was coming off his first season with the Brewers and finished the year with a 4.41 ERA.

Why were people picking him to be a breakout player? It wasn't the way he started the season, but the way he finished it. Bush posted a 3.79 ERA in August, and an ERA of 3.03 in September. The right-hander was primed to have a big 2007.

The 2007 season came and Bush did not have the year everyone hoped he'd have. Bush struggled out of the gate, and finished April with a 6.23 ERA. Bush's struggles eventually landed him in the bullpen for a time, before he went back into the rotation. He finished 2007 with a 5.12 ERA.

2008 came and the Brewers began the spring loaded with starting pitching. Now Bush was battling for a spot in the rotation. He did land a spot in the rotation, but once again struggled early on in the season. Bush finished April 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. The fans grew frustrated, and many wanted him gone. What happened? Bush seemed to have loads of potential and many thought he was a potential all-star after his first season with the team. He was beginning to look like someone who didn't belong in the big leagues.

After continuous poor outings Bush was sent to Triple-A to figure things out. Bush only made one start in Triple-A, and it was a good one. He pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run. Then Yovani Gallardo went down with an injury and Bush was recalled to take his place in the rotation.

The results did not get any better at the big league level upon his return. Bush gave up at least five runs in three of his next four starts. It was to the point where Brewers fans dreaded every time he made a start. Then all of a sudden something started to click. Bush turned in an outstanding month of June by posting a 3.65 ERA.

Despite a solid month in June, Bush's status in the rotation was still in question. The Brewers made a blockbuster trade, acquiring 2007 AL Cy Young winner, CC Sabathia. The question when the Brewers made the trade was, who was going to be dropped out of the rotation? The most likely choice was Dave Bush or Seth McClung. However, shortly after the trade was made it was announced Jeff Suppan was headed to the 15 day DL.

Jeff Suppan was signed to the largest contract in Brewers history prior to last season, and is making over $8 million this season. When he returns from the disabled list it's assumed he will regain his spot in the rotation. That means one of Bush or McClung will move to the bullpen.

Bush has been making a real strong case by his recent performance that he won't be the one taken out of the rotation. In two starts so far this month Bush is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA. In his last start he allowed only one run and had a career-high, 13 punch outs. The heat has been on Bush to step up, and he is responding. Well done Dave Bush, well done.

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Podcast: Brewers Blog Roundtable

Along with Right Field Bleachers, and Brewers Nation, we are proud to bring you the first edition of the Brewers Blog Roundtable. Jared from Right Field Bleachers, Jim from Brewers Nation, and myself discuss the latest on the brew crew.

Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a message, or e-mail us at brewersfanatics@yahoo.com with any suggestions, questions, or comments.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here

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Prospect Watch: Cutter Dykstra

Cutter Dykstra, the son of former major leaguer, Lenny Dykstra, was one of the Brewers' second round picks in this past June's draft. (#54 overall) The 19 year-old is currently playing center field in rookie league for the Helena Brewers and is off to a solid start.

Though 10 games and 36 at bats Dykstra is hitting .278 with a .395 on base percentage. He has one home run and two RBI. Out in the field he's made one error. Dykstra will most likely begin next season in Low-A, whether that's West Virginia remains to be seen, since there are rumors the Brewers will not renew their contract with the Power.

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Corey Hart: All Star? Yes!

As of today through the first 24 hours of voting, Hart is currently leading in the final vote for the National League. He is narrowly leading David Wright of the Mets, who is followed by Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and Carlos Lee.

Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays leads the voting on the AL side thus far, followed by Jermaine Dye, Jason Giambi, Brian Roberts, and Jose Guillen.

Don't forget to vote for Hart, or whoever you think the most deserving player may be. Voting ends on Thursday at 4 p.m. CT.

I will update this thread with results until Thursday.

Update 7/8: Hart and Longoria continue to lead, the current voting positions remain the same in both leagues.

Update 7/9: With 24 hours remaining in the final vote, the standings in both leagues remain the same.

Update 7/10: Corey Hart wins the NL final vote! He narrowly edges out David Wright. Evan Longoria wins the AL final vote.

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What the Sabathia Trade Means to the Brewers

Obviously it's a huge deal whenever a team makes a deal for the reigning Cy Young award winner, but what does this deal mean to the Brewers' chances this year?

It gives them a legitimate front of the rotation starter to be paired with Ben Sheets for the rest of the year, and with the opportunity for CC to make approximately 14 or 15 more starts this season, he can make a big impact on the NL Central race. Sabathia essentially replaces either Dave Bush or Seth McClung in the rotation, and whoever gets replaced (presumably McClung because of his previous bullpen experience and Bush's strong past few starts) will provide the Brewers with sorely-needed bullpen help and depth.

Believe it or not, he will also help the team on offense on the days that he starts. Sabathia is a career .300 hitter with 2 homers in 40 at bats. Most importantly if the Brewers make the playoffs; Sabathia, Sheets, and Manny Parra will give Milwaukee an imposing playoff rotation that will be able to compete with anyone else's in the NL.

This is an exciting day to be a Milwaukee Brewers fan, and hopefully the addition of CC Sabathia will allow the Brewers to break their 26 year playoff drought.


Update: Jeff Suppan will be placed on the 15 day DL, and Sabathia will be taking his place in the rotation.

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Sabathia Coming to Milwaukee

It's a done deal. CC Sabathia is a Milwaukee Brewer. Sabathia comes to the Brewers in exchange for Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, Rob Bryson, and a player to be named later.

The deal was reported first by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt, and has since been reported on ESPN as well.

This is absolutely huge. It's tough to see Matt LaPorta go, but the thought of Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia in the same rotation has Brewer fans salivating. The Brewers now have two legitimate ace starters, and no team will want to face them in the playoffs.

The time is now for Brewers. They haven't been to the playoffs since 1982, and are looking to change that this year. Sheets and Sabathia will both be free agents after this season is over so it's playoffs or bust. Right now the Brewers are tied with the Cardinals for the Wild Card, and with Sabathia in the fold hopefully they continue their strong push towards the playoffs. Sabathia is expected to make his first start on Tuesday.

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All-Stars Announced

The All-Star team was announced today and two Brewers were selected to the game. Ryan Braun was voted in as a starter, and Ben Sheets was also selected.

Corey Hart is in the final vote so make sure to vote for him. Hart is one of the most underrated players in the game, and really deserves to go to New York to show everyone what he's all about.

It's disappointing not to see J.J. Hardy selected. No one has been hotter than Hardy in the past few weeks. Right now Hardy is hitting .295 with 12 home runs. I definitely think he's more deserving than Christian Guzman, and Miguel Tejada, who were both selected as reserves.

Then there is Salomon Torres. I wasn't surprised he didn't make it, but he's done a great job. He hasn't been in the closers role as long as the guys who made the All-Star team, but his ERA is right up there with those guys, and better than some of them.

One other guy who I think needs to be mentioned is Brian Shouse. I know mostly closers are selected as relievers in the All-Star game, but Brian Shouse has done one heck of a job this season. The guy has a 2.08 ERA and all he does is get the job done time and time again. Shouse really deserves some recognition but not many people give him the credit he deserves.

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Sabathia Rumor

There's been a rumor going around that the Brewers might be interested in acquiring CC Sabathia. Sabathia is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Indians might be looking to trade him if they can get the right group of prospects.

The Brewers could definitely use Sabathia, as he would give a much needed boost to their starting rotation. The question is, should the Brewers be willing to pay the price it would take to get him? I don't think he's worth it.

If the Brewers were to trade for Sabathia they would most likely have to include Matt LaPorta, or Mat Gamel in the trade. Is it worth trading potential all-stars for two months of Sabathia? I don't think so.

Last year the Brewers traded Will Inman, along with Steve Garrison, and Joe Thatcher for two months of Scott Linebrink. The Linebrink trade didn't help the Brewers win games, and Will Inman currently has a 3.18 ERA in Double-A. Inman was the Brewers' top pitching prospect at the time, and the Brewers system is defintely lacking in that department right now.

While it would be nice to have Sabathia, the cost of getting him is too high. What would be the difference in the win column if the Brewers acquired Sabathia? With a small sample size of two months it wouldn't make much of an impact. Then once the season ends the Brewers most likely wouldn't be able to keep him. Ben Sheets is going to be a free agent as well at seasons end, and he needs to be the Brewers' number one priority.

Brewers Nation recently wrote about some starting pitching possibilities.

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Prospect Watch: Mat Gamel

Mat Gamel just continues to produce for Double-A Huntsville. The third basemen is hitting a whopping .383 and boasts a .445 on base percentage. He's also hit 15 home runs and has 72 RBI. However, he does have 22 errors in the field.

Expect Gamel to keep raking in Huntsville for the time being. The Brewers seem to be in no rush to move him up to Triple-A, as they want him to continue to work on his defense. Gamel was recently rewarded for his stellar play this season as he was selected to the MLB Future's Game, along with teammate, Matt LaPorta.

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