text:
Results tagged ' Zack Greinke '
Why I'm Rooting For the American League
Let's get this out of the way at the top. Thank you, San Francisco Giants! Thank you, NLCS MVP Madison Bumgarner. Thank you, Hunter Pence. Thank you, Santiago Casilla. Thank you, Pablo Sandoval. Thank you, Yusmeiro Petit. Thank you (and congrats), Tim Hudson. Thank you even to Buster Posey.
Thank you, Michael Morse for tying that one game.
Thank you, Travis Ishikawa for walking the birds off the field.
I wouldn't be as happy as I am today without the efforts and success of the San Francisco Giants. You can drop the #EvenYear hashtag on social media. You can thank a blossomed ace in Bumgarner. You can shower praise on Bruce Bochy and his coaching staff. It's all deserved. It's all warranted. "THE GIANTS (WON) THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS (WON) THE PENNANT!"
And as happy as I am today that the senior circuit representative in this year's Fall Classic plays its home games outside the state of Missouri, my desire for Giant victories ended when that ball left Ishikawa's bat.
So why am I rooting against them starting tonight? I like the Giants just fine. I like most of their players. Only Angel Pagan really gets my dander up, and he'll miss this series with injury anyway. So this isn't about the Giants.
As far as leagues go, I absolutely prefer the National League game to that of its younger brother. The Designated Hitter should be done away with (though I realize it never will be). The strategy and timing of the NL game makes for a beautiful, and sometimes sickening, dance where decisions feel like they loom larger. You can't always just pitch a guy until he's done. Maybe you have to lift a pitcher early because of a key offensive spot. Maybe you try to stretch a guy farther because his spot is due up next half inning. Et cetera. There is so much more that goes into it. It's more interesting and more fun, in my ever so humble opinion.
I'm a stump for the NL way of life. My team plays in the National League, for what that's worth.
So, again, I ask: Why am I rooting against the Giants?
Well, to be fair it's about rooting for Kansas City more than it is about rooting against San Francisco.
Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Norichika Aoki. All former Brewers. All good guys who I enjoy watching succeed. But pulling for the Royals is deeper than just that connection. Doug Henry and Dale Sveum. Both former Brewers. Both members of KC's coaching staff. I like that, and personally like Sveum as a coach, but certainly wouldn't use that as a reason to cheer for one team over another. Ned? Not even a little bit.
So instead of continuing to tell you why I'm not rooting for them, even though they are fine reasons should you choose to use them, here's why I am.
I look at the 2014 Kansas City Royals and I see the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers.
It's not a perfect 1:1 on the field, of course, but the similarities even at that micro level are interesting. It's more about how they go about their business on the field, the lights out bullpen, trading away young and controllable talent for a shot at the brass ring, the payoff of a long-term plan. You can take it one step farther and compare to 2008 in Milwaukee where the Brewers faltered down the stretch while trying to hold off other teams for the Wild Card. In 2008 there was only the one Wild Card spot available, but the Brewers held off the Mets to win it by just one game. In 2014, Kansas City got the home game by just one game over Oakland (who held off Seattle by just one game).
Kansas City rode years of awfulness to amass a bunch of young talent in their system. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon (drafted the same year as, and ahead of, Ryan Braun, by the way), Wil Myers, the list goes on. In fact, you could almost mark the 2005 draft which got the Brewers the final "homegrown" piece to their playoff runs in Braun as the start of the Royals turnaround. In that way, they've been a few years behind the Brewers' blueprint. Get a bunch of young, talented guys in the system with a goal to hit the Majors at roughly the same time, supplement with free agents, and when the moment is right, make a big trade (or two) at the big league level by sending out minor leaguers to go for it.
Let's break that down, in case you aren't agreeing with me.
Milwaukee: Drafted Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart, J.J. Hardy, Yovani Gallardo, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun. Traded away Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley (and more)) for CC Sabathia in 2008. Traded away Cain, Escobar, Jake Odorizzi (and more) for Zack Greinke in 2011. Traded Brett Lawrie for Shaun Marcum in 2011. Supplemented with veterans: 2011 -Mark Kotsay, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston, Takashi Saito. 2008 – Gabe Kapler, Mike Cameron, Jason Kendall, Ray Durham, (ironically) Counsell.
Kansas City: Drafted Gordon, Hosmer, Moustakas, Billy Butler, Greg Holland. They scouted international amateurs like Salvador Perez, Kelvin Herrera, Yordano Ventura. Traded away Zack Greinke to acquire several young pieces. Flipped Odorizzi with Wil Myers to acquire James Shields and Wade Davis. Supplemented with veterans like Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie, Josh Willingham, and Jason Frasor.
I think I've made my point.
Their offensive games differ, to be sure, as the Brewers hit home runs at a great pace in 2011 and the Royals are more about speed and getting hits that raise the ol' BABIP. But the rotations were similarly solid from top to bottom, but the real crux of what sent me down this comparison exercise are the late inning relievers.
2011 Brewers:
- Closer: John Axford (1.95 ERA / 2.41 FIP / 46 saves / 1.140 WHIP / 10.5 K/9)
- Setup man: Francisco Rodriguez (1.86 ERA / 2.23 FIP / 1.138 WHIP / 10.2 K/9)
- "7th inning guy": LaTroy Hawkins / Takashi Saito (Combined: 2.28 ERA / 1.200 WHIP / 6.1 K/9)
- (the Brewers used two veterans so as to keep them fresh)
2014 Royals:
- Closer: Greg Holland (1.44 ERA / 1.83 FIP / 46 saves / 0.914 WHIP / 13.0 K/9)
- Setup man: Wade Davis (1.00 ERA / 1.19 FIP / 0.847 WHIP / 13.6 K/9)
- "7th inning guy": Kelvin Herrera (1.41 ERA / 2.69 FIP / 1.143 WHIP / 7.6 K/9)
Six inning games are easier to win than nine inning games. Both of these teams had/have that game-shortening bullpen that general managers are yearning to cobble together each and every off-season.
I won't lie to you though. The former Brewers being on the Royals certainly helps me root for them. In fact, it led to a series of tweets (@BrewerNation) with commentary how the team with the most former Brewers on it was winning every series (and even every game for a while) in the 2014 Postseason.
Market size, payroll relative to MLB's elite, a fan base desperate for a winner after more than 25 years of missing the playoffs, that their last pennant was won in the 1980's — these are all comparisons between the two franchises that help me see them in such a similar light.
But when it comes down to it, when all the dust has settled, at the end of the day, when all the clichés have been dropped…
I'm rooting for the 2014 Kansas City Royals because I see the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers and what might have been.
The comparisons can stop there, though, because this Kansas City team won the two games which that Milwaukee team didn't. The Royals won their pennant and now have a chance to win another World Series, while the Brewers still seek their first championship.
But if these Royals can get the job done, it offers renewed hope that my team can one day get back and accomplish the same.
And that's worth rooting for more than anything.
MLB Network's Top 100 Players Right Now Entering 2014
As I did last year, and the year before, I'll be keeping a running list of the Top 100 Players Right Now as they are revealed on MLB Network, eventually compiling the entire list.
They will have revealed all 100 by the end of Friday, February 21st. I'll update this same space as they reveal the remaining entries.
As always, I will understandably highlight the Brewers players on the list. There were six Brewers on the list entering 2012. Rickie Weeks was 83, John Axford was 77, Yovani Gallardo was 72, Aramis Ramirez was 66, Zack Greinke was 64, and Ryan Braun was too low at number 9. Last year, the Brewers only had three players featured on the list (at the time it was revealed). Yovani Gallardo repeated his position at 72, Aramis Ramirez jumped all the way up to 32, and Braun settled in at 6. Kyle Lohse made last year's list as well.
My early prediction? The Brewers could have six (6) this year (Braun, Ramirez, Kyle Lohse, Carlos Gomez, Jean Segura, Jonathan Lucroy) but I think Garza falls short for sure. (UPDATE: Looks like the Brewers will only have three again. Ramirez and Lohse both fall off the list and Lucroy gets no love either.)
The criteria for the list remains the same:
- Emphasized stats from the last three (3) seasons, weighting 2012
- Projected 2014 performance
- Defensive position
- Accolades
- Intangibles
Here now are the Top 100-1* Players as listed by MLB Network:
100. Derek Jeter – SS – New York Yankees
99. Brandon Phillips – 2B – Cincinnati Reds
98. Torii Hunter – RF – Detroit Tigers
97. Andrelton Simmons – SS – Atlanta Braves
96. Shane Victorino – RF – Boston Red Sox
95. Ian Kinsler – 2B – Detroit Tigers
94. Gerrit Cole – SP – Pittsburgh Pirates
93. Shelby Miller – SP – St. Louis Cardinals
92. Michael Wacha – SP – St. Louis Cardinals
91. Trevor Rosenthal – CL – St. Louis Cardinals
90. Patrick Corbin – SP – Arizona Diamondbacks
89. Clay Buccholz – SP – Boston Red Sox
88. Matt Cain – SP – San Francisco Giants
87. Josh Donaldson – 3B – Oakland Athletics
86. Joe Nathan – CL – Detroit Tigers
85. Matt Wieters – C – Baltimore Orioles
84. Billy Butler – DH – Kansas City Royals
83. Jon Lester – SP – Boston Red Sox
82. Koji Uehara – CL – Boston Red Sox
81. Chase Utley – 2B – Philadelphia Phillies
80. Albert Pujols – 1B – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
79. Pedro Alvarez – 3B – Pittsburgh Pirates
78. Salvador Perez – C – Kansas City Royals
77. Carlos Santana – C/3B – Cleveland Indians
76. Josh Hamilton – RF – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
75. Eric Hosmer – 1B – Kansas City Royals
74. Hunter Pence – RF – San Francisco Giants
73. Michael Cuddyer – RF – Colorado Rockies
72. Justin Upton – LF – Atlanta Braves
71. Anibal Sanchez – SP – Detroit Tigers
70. Jason Kipnis – 2B – Cleveland Indians
69. Gio Gonzalez – SP – Washington Nationals
68. Madison Bumgarner – SP – San Francisco Giants
67. Greg Holland – CL – Kansas City Royals
66. James Shields – SP – Kansas City Royals
65. Matt Carpenter – 3B – St. Louis Cardinals
64. Brian McCann – C – New York Yankees
63. J.J. Hardy – SS – Baltimore Orioles
62. Ian Desmond – SS – Washington Nationals
61. Jose Reyes – SS – Toronto Blue Jays
59. Matt Kemp – CF – Los Angeles Dodgers
58. Alex Gordon – LF – Kansas City Royals
57. Cole Hamels – SP – Philadelphia Phillies
56. Jordan Zimmermann – SP – Washington Nationals
55. Hisashi Iwakuma – SP – Seattle Mariners
54. Cliff Lee – SP – Philadelphia Phillies
53. Allen Craig – RF – St. Louis Cardinals
52. Adrian Gonzalez – 1B – Los Angeles Dodgers
51. Jacoby Ellsbury – CF – New York Yankees
50. Jose Bautista – RF – Toronto Blue Jays
49. Jayson Werth – RF – Washington Nationals
48. Ryan Zimmerman – 3B – Washington Nationals
47. Carlos Beltran – RF – New York Yankees
46. Prince Fielder – 1B – Texas Rangers
45. Freddie Freeman – 1B – Atlanta Braves
43. Wil Myers – RF – Tampa Bay Rays
42. Shin-Soo Choo – LF – Texas Rangers
41. Matt Holliday – LF – St. Louis Cardinals
40. Victor Martinez – C/DH – Detroit Tigers
39. Edwin Encarnacion – 1B – Toronto Blue Jays
38. Zack Greinke – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
37. Stephen Strasburg – SP – Washington Nationals
36. Jay Bruce – RF – Cincinnati Reds
35. Aroldis Chapman – CL – Cincinnati Reds
34. Joe Mauer – 1B – Minnesota Twins
33. Justin Verlander – SP – Detroit Tigers
32. Adam Wainwright – SP – St. Louis Cardinals
31. Yu Darvish – SP – Texas Rangers
30. Chris Davis – 1B – Baltimore Orioles
29. Manny Machado – 3B – Baltimore Orioles
28. David Ortiz – DH – Boston Red Sox
27. Dustin Pedroia – 2B – Boston Red Sox
26. Craig Kimbrel – CL – Atlanta Braves
25. David Wright – 3B – New York Mets
23. Yasiel Puig – RF – Los Angeles Dodgers
22. Bryce Harper – LF – Washington Nationals
21. Adam Jones – CF – Baltimore Orioles
20. Giancarlo Stanton – RF – Miami Marlins
19. Chris Sale – SP – Chicago White Sox
18. Jose Fernandez – SP – Miami Marlins
17. Buster Posey – C – San Francisco Giants
16. Hanley Ramirez – SS – Los Angeles Dodgers
15. Evan Longoria – 3B – Tampa Bay Rays
14. Yadier Molina – C – St. Louis Cardinals
13. Troy Tulowitzki – SS – Colorado Rockies
12. Max Scherzer – SP – Detroit Tigers
11. Carlos Gonzalez – CF – Colorado Rockies
10. David Price – SP – Tampa Bay Rays
9. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B – Arizona Diamondbacks
8. Joey Votto – 1B – Cincinnati Reds
7. Felix Hernandez – SP – Seattle Mariners
6. Adrian Beltre – 3B – Texas Rangers
5. Robinson Cano – 2B – Seattle Mariners
4. Andrew McCutchen – CF – Pittsburgh Pirates
3. Miguel Cabrera – 1B – Detroit Tigers
2. Clayton Kershaw – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
1. Mike Trout – CF – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
So that's the list! Sound off in the comments and let me know what you think. Did your favorite player make the list? Was he too high? Too low?
MLB Network's "Top 10 Right Now" Rankings Entering 2014
Each year I compile MLB Network's "Top 100 Players Right Now" which airs annually before the regular season begins.
This year, I decided to supplement those rankings by giving you a place to find all of the Top 10 Right Now positional rankings as well.
I'll add to this post as the episodes air on MLB Network over the next few weeks.
On Friday, January 10, 2014 the rankings for both Centerfielders and Shortstops were revealed. (See them below.) On Friday, January 17th both Starting Pitchers and Right Fielders were unveiled. Friday, January 24th brought us Left Fielders and First Basemen. Relief Pitchers and Second Basemen were revealed on Friday, January 31st.
Catchers and Third Basemen will be revealed on Friday, February 7th, so look for a couple more Brewers to make it.
MLB Network's "Top 10 Centerfielders Right Now"
- Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Andrew McCutchen – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Carlos Gonzalez – Colorado Rockies
- Jacoby Ellsbury – New York Yankees
- Matt Kemp – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Carlos Gomez – Milwaukee Brewers
- Austin Jackson – Detroit Tigers
- Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles
- Dexter Fowler – Houston Astros
- Coco Crisp – Oakland Athletics
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Centerfielders was Darryl Hamilton. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Trout, McCutchen, Ellsbury, Gomez, Gonzalez, Jackson, Jones, Kemp, Desmond Jennings (TB), Leonys Martin (TEX)
James: Trout, McCutchen, Jones, Ellsbury, Gomez, Gonzalez, Jackson, Michael Bourn (CLE), Jennings, Denard Span (WAS)
Hamilton: Trout, McCutchen, Jones, Ellsbury, Gomez, Kemp, Jackson, Crisp, Gonzalez, Bourn
MLB Network's "Top 10 Shortstops Right Now"
- Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies
- Jose Reyes – Toronto Blue Jays
- Hanley Ramirez – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Jhonny Peralta – St. Louis Cardinals
- Jean Segura – Milwaukee Brewers
- Ian Desmond – Washington Nationals
- Elvis Andrus – Texas Rangers
- Andrelton Simmons – Atlanta Braves
- J.J. Hardy – Baltimore Orioles
- Alcides Escobar – Kansas City Royal
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Shortstops was Bill Ripken. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Tulowitzki, Ramirez, Reyes, Desmond, Andrus, Peralta, Derek Jeter (NYY), Simmons, Segura, Everth Cabrera (SD)
James: Tulowitzki, Hardy, Reyes, Jed Lowrie (OAK), Simmons, Andrus, Segura, Ramirez, Erick Aybar (LAA), Escobar
Ripken: Tulowitzki, Ramirez, Hardy, Simmons, Desmond, Segura, Stephen Drew (FA), Lowrie, Andrus, Reyes
MLB Network's "Top 10 Staring Pitchers Right Now"
- Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Cliff Lee – Philadelphia Phillies
- Felix Hernandez – Seattle Mariners
- Chris Sale – Chicago White Sox
- Jose Fernandez – Miami Marlins
- David Price – Tampa Bay Rays
- Hisashi Iwakuma – Seattle Mariners
- Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals
- Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers
- Max Scherzer – Detroit Tigers
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Starting Pitchers was John Smoltz. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Kershaw, Verlander, Lee, Hernandez, Wainwright, Yu Darvish (TEX), Scherzer, Fernandez, Madison Bumgarner (SF), Sale
James: Kershaw, Scherzer, Lee, Wainwright, Verlander, Zack Greinke (LAD), Sale, Jered Weaver (LAA), Hernandez, Darvish
Smoltz: Kershaw, Fernandez, Hernandez, Scherzer, Darvish, Verlander, Jon Lester (BOS), Stephen Strasburg (WAS), Wainwright, Price
MLB Network's "Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now"
- Yasiel Puig – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Ryan Braun – Milwaukee Brewers
- Jose Bautista – Toronto Blue Jays
- Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins
- Allen Craig – St. Louis Cardinals
- Carlos Beltran – New York Yankees
- Jayson Werth – Washington Nationals
- Shane Victorino – Boston Red Sox
- Hunter Pence – San Francisco Giants
- Jason Heyward – Atlanta Braves
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Right Fielders was Mark DeRosa. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Braun, Stanton, Puig, Heyward, Werth, Bautista, Craig, Jay Bruce (CIN), Wil Myers (TB), Pence
James: Braun, Bruce, Stanton, Heyward, Pence, Bautista, Victorino, Beltran, Puig, Torii Hunter (DET)
DeRosa: Beltran, Stanton, Bautista, Werth, Craig, Pence, Bruce, Hunter, Puig, Michael Cuddyer (COL)
You read that correctly. Mark DeRosa doesn't Ryan Braun in his Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now despite Brian Kenny and Bill James both ranking Braun #1 and the Shredder ranking him second. DeRosa says Braun "should be 1″ but since he has to earn back the respect of fans, his teammates, etc. DeRosa "hopes" he comes back and performs and is #1 next year, but he couldn't discount other guys.
As for the Shredder, Brian Kenny said he was shocked not only that Braun wasn't first but that Puig was. I'm guessing Braun was dinged by the Shredder for how many games he missed last year. That'll happen in an algorithm.
MLB Network's "Top 10 Left Fielders Right Now"
- Matt Holliday – St. Louis Cardinals
- Bryce Harper – Washington Nationals
- Alex Gordon – Kansas City Royals
- Justin Upton – Atlanta Braves
- Shin-Soo Choo – Texas Rangers
- Starling Marte – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Daniel Nava – Boston Red Sox
- Carlos Quentin – San Diego Padres
- Josh Hamilton – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Brett Gardner – New York Yankees
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Left Fielders was Eric Byrnes. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Harper, Choo, Holliday, Marte, Upton, Gordon, Gardner, Yoenis Cespedes (OAK), Domonic Brown (PHI), Khris Davis (MIL)
James: Choo, Holliday, Gordon, Gardner, Nava, Harper, Upton, Brown, Cespedes, Hamilton
Byrnes: Holliday, Harper, Upton, Choo, Alfonso Soriano (NYY), Gordon, Marte, Hamilton, Nava, Brown
MLB Network's "Top 10 First Basemen Right Now"
- Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers
- Joey Votto – Cincinnati Reds
- Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Adrian Gonzalez – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Joe Mauer – Minnesota Twins
- Mike Napoli – Boston Red Sox
- Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles
- Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves
- Prince Fielder – Texas Rangers
- Edwin Encarnacion – Toronto Blue Jays
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the First Basemen was Sean Casey. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Cabrera, Votto, Goldschmidt, Freeman, Mauer, Fielder, Davis, Encarnacion, Brandon Belt (SF), Ad. Gonzalez
James: Cabrera, Goldschmidt, Votto, Davis, Mauer, Freeman, Encarnacion, Ad. Gonzalez, Napoli, Eric Hosmer (KC)
Casey: Cabrera, Votto, Goldschmidt, Freeman, Davis, Fielder, Ad. Gonzalez, Mauer, Albert Pujols (LAA), Encarnacion
MLB Network's "Top 10 Relief Pitchers Right Now"
- Koji Uehara – Boston Red Sox
- Craig Kimbrel – Atlanta Braves
- Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Greg Holland – Kansas City Royals
- Joe Nathan – Detroit Tigers
- Aroldis Chapman – Cincinnati Reds
- David Robertson – New York Yankees
- Glen Perkins – Minnesota Twins
- Luis Avilan – Atlanta Braves
- Joaquin Benoit – San Diego Padres
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode also provides three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Relief Pitchers was Dan Plesac. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Kimbrel, Holland, Jansen, Chapman, Uehara, Trevor Rosenthal (STL), Perkins, Nathan, Jonathan Papelbon (PHI), Benoit
James: Kimbrel, Jansen, Chapman, Uehara, Holland, Nathan, Papelbon, Perkins, Rosenthal, Mark Melancon (PIT)
Plesac: Kimbrel, Holland, Chapman, Uehara, Jansen, Nathan, Jim Johnson (OAK), Perkins, Jason Grilli (PIT), Rex Brothers (COL)
MLB Network's "Top 10 Second Basemen Right Now"
- Robinson Cano -Seattle Mariners
- Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
- Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays
- Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians
- Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
- Ian Kinsler – Detroit Tigers
- Howie Kendrick – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Neil Walker – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Aaron Hill – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Marco Scutaro – San Francisco Giants
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode will apparently also provide three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Second Basemen was Harold Reynolds. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Cano, Pedroia, Kipnis, Utley, Hill, Zobrist, Kendrick, Kinsler, Walker, Omar Infante (KC)
James: Cano, Pedroia, Zobrist, Kipnis, Utley, Brandon Phillips (CIN), Kinsler, Infante, Jose Altuve (HOU), Kendrick
Reynolds: Cano, Pedroia, Phillips, Kipnis, Kendrick, Utley, Kinsler, Scutaro, Infante, Walker
MLB Network's "Top 10 Third Basemen Right Now"
- Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers
- David Wright – New York Mets
- Matt Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals
- Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays
- Josh Donaldson – Oakland Athletics
- Pablo Sandoval – San Francisco Giants
- Aramis Ramirez – Milwaukee Brewers
- Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals
- Chase Headley – San Diego Padres
- Manny Machado – Baltimore Orioles
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode will apparently also provide three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Third Basemen was Mike Lowell. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Wright, Longoria, Beltre, Carpenter, Donaldson, Machado, Zimmerman, Headley, Kyle Seager (SEA), Martin Prado (ARI)
James: Longoria, Beltre, Wright, Carpenter, Zimmerman, Headley, Machado, Prado, Donaldson, Seager
Lowell: Beltre, Longoria, Wright, Machado, Donaldson, Ramirez, Headley, Carpenter, Zimmerman, Pedro Alvarez (PIT)
Neither Brian Kenny or Bill James included Aramis Ramirez in their personal Top 10.
Best line of the show? Kenny asked James why he put Longoria over Beltre and Wright. James' response: "Probably fear." He then admitted that he might be biased by working for the Red Sox.
MLB Network's "Top 10 Catchers Right Now"
- Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals
- Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants
- Salvador Perez – Kansas City Royals
- Carlos Santana – Cleveland Indians
- Jason Castro – Houston Astros
- Jonathan Lucroy – Milwaukee Brewers
- Carlos Ruiz – Philadelphia Phillies
- Miguel Montero – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Wilin Rosario – Colorado Rockies
- Wilson Ramos – Washington Nationals
The rankings above are from MLB Network's "Shredder" which takes into account a multitude of statistical factors with no human bias. Each episode will apparently also provide three additional lists: One from Brian Kenny, one from Bill James, and one from an MLB Network analyst, who for the Catchers was Dave Valle. Here are their individual Top 10's.
Kenny: Posey, Molina, Santana, Brian McCann (NYY), Perez, Lucroy, Castro, Ruiz, Russell Martin (PIT), Montero
James: Posey, Molina, Perez, A.J. Pierzynski (BOS), Matt Wieters (BAL), Santana, Rosario, McCann, Lucroy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia (MIA)
Valle: Molina, Perez, Posey, Wieters, Ramos, Martin, McCann, A.J. Ellis (LAD), Lucroy, Castro
So there you have it. All 10 positions worth ranking in MLB by the Shredder and the MLB Network personalities.
There are five Brewers among the 100 names listed by The Shredder. They are: Carlos Gomez (CF, 6th), Jean Segura (SS, 5th), Ryan Braun (RF, 2nd), Aramis Ramirez (3B, 7th), and Jonathan Lucroy (C, 6th)
MLB Network's Top 100 Players Right Now Heading Into 2013
As I did last year, I'll be keeping a running list of the Top 100 Players Right Now as they are revealed on MLB Network, eventually compiling the entire list.
They will have revealed all 100 by the end of Tuesday, February 26th. I'll update this same space as they reveal the remaining entries.
As before I will understandably highlight the Brewers players on the list. Last year there were six Brewers on the list. Rickie Weeks was 83, John Axford was 77, Yovani Gallardo was 72, Aramis Ramirez was 66, Zack Greinke was 64, and Ryan Braun was too low at number 9.
Based on what has been revealed, it would appear a safe bet that Rickie Weeks has fallen off of the list. And how about John Axford? Could he really be in the Top 40 or did he fall off too? I'm guessing he fell off despite his fantastic 2011 season.
Looks like the Brewers will only have three this year.
The criteria for the list remains the same:
- Emphasized stats from the last three (3) seasons, weighting 2012
- Projected 2013 performance
- Defensive position
- Accolades
- Intangibles
Here now are the Top 100 Players as listed by MLB Network.
100. Ryan Howard – 1B – Philadelphia Phillies
99. Sergio Romo – CL – San Francisco Giants
98. Yu Darvish – SP – Texas Rangers
97. Elvis Andrus – SS – Texas Rangers
96. Chase Utley – 2B – Philadelphia Phillies
95. Adrian Gonzalez – 1B – Los Angeles Dodgers
94. Jacoby Ellsbury – OF – Boston Red Sox
93. Victor Martinez – C/DH – Detroit Tigers
92. Jordan Zimmermann – SP – Washington Nationals
91. Michael Bourn – CF – Cleveland Indians
90. Aroldis Chapman – P – Cincinnati Reds
89. Adam Wainwright – SP – St. Louis Cardinals
88. Jon Lester – SP – Boston Red Sox
87. Mike Moustakas – 3B – Kansas City Royals
86. Brett Lawrie – 3B – Toronto Blue Jays
85. Michael Morse – 1B/LF – Seattle Mariners
84. Allen Craig – 1B – St. Louis Cardinals
83. Torii Hunter – RF – Detroit Tigers
82. Carlos Beltran – RF – St. Louis Cardinals
81. Carlos Ruiz – C – Philadelphia Phillies
80. Brian McCann – C – Atlanta Braves
79. Miguel Montero – C- Arizona Diamondbacks
78. Curtis Granderson – CF – New York Yankees
77. Jim Johnson – CL – Baltimore Orioles
76. Jason Motte – CL – St. Louis Cardinals
75. Ian Desmond – SS – Washington Nationals
74. Chase Headley – 3B – San Diego Padres
73. Adam LaRoche – 1B – Washington Nationals
72. Yovani Gallardo – SP – Milwaukee Brewers
71. Madison Bumgarner – SP – San Francisco Giants
70. Alex Gordon – LF – Kansas City Royals
69. B.J. Upton – CF – Atlanta Braves
68. James Shields – SP – Kansas City Royals
67. David Freese – 3B – St. Louis Cardinals
66. J.J. Hardy – SS – Baltimore Orioles
65. Kyle Lohse – SP – (FREE AGENT)
64. Wade Miley – SP – Arizona Diamondbacks
63. Johnny Cueto – SP – Cincinnati Reds
62. Jonathan Papelbon – CL – Philadelphia Phillies
61. Mariano Rivera – CL – New York Yankees
60. David Ortiz – DH – Boston Red Sox
59. Jason Heyward – RF – Atlanta Braves
58. Austin Jackson – CF – Detroit Tigers
57. Zack Greinke – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
56. Chris Sale – SP – Chicago White Sox
55. Billy Butler – DH – Kansas City Royals
54. Bryce Harper – LF – Washington Nationals
53. Derek Jeter – SS – New York Yankees
52. Starlin Castro – SS – Chicago Cubs
51. Troy Tulowitzki – SS – Colorado Rockies
50. R.A. Dickey – SP – Toronto Blue Jays
49. Gio Gonzalez – SP – Washington Nationals
48. Matt Wieters – C – Baltimore Orioles
47. A.J. Pierzynski – C- Texas Rangers
46. Roy Halladay – SP – Philadelphia Phillies
45. Matt Cain – SP – San Francisco Giants
44. Pablo Sandoval – 3B – San Francisco Giants
43. Josh Willingham – LF – Minnesota Twins
42. Yoenis Cespedes – LF – Oakland Athletics
41. Matt Holliday – LF – St. Louis Cardinals
40. Ian Kinsler – 2B – Texas Rangers
39. Edwin Encarnacion – 1B – Toronto Blue Jays
38. Joe Mauer – C – Minnesota Twins
37. Jered Weaver – SP – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
36. Jay Bruce – RF – Cincinnati Reds
35. Justin Upton – LF – Atlanta Braves
34. Dustin Pedroia – 2B – Boston Red Sox
33. Paul Konerko – 1B – Chicago White Sox
32. Aramis Ramirez – 3B – Milwaukee Brewers
31. Brandon Phillips – 2B – Cincinnati Reds
30. Carlos Gonzalez – LF – Colorado Rockies
29. Ryan Zimmerman – 3B – Washington Nationals
28. Jose Bautista – RF – Toronto Blue Jays
27. Craig Kimbrel – CL – Atlanta Braves
26. Stephen Strasburg – SP – Washington Nationals
25. Jose Reyes – SS – Toronto Blue Jays
24. Yadier Molina – C – St. Louis Cardinals
23. Adam Jones – CF – Baltimore Orioles
22. David Wright – 3B – New York Mets
21. Buster Posey – C – San Francisco Giants
20. Cole Hamels – SP – Philadelphia Phillies
19. Cliff Lee – SP – Philadelphia Phillies
18. CC Sabathia – SP – New York Yankees
17. Andrew McCutchen – CF – Pittsburgh Pirates
16. Evan Longoria – 3B – Tampa Bay Rays
15. Giancarlo Stanton – RF – Miami Marlins
14. Albert Pujols – 1B – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
13. Adrian Beltre – 3B – Texas Rangers
12. David Price – SP – Tampa Bay Rays
11. Prince Fielder – 1B – Detroit Tigers
10. Josh Hamilton – RF – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
9. Joey Votto – 1B – Cincinnati Reds
8. Robinson Cano – 2B – New York Yankees
7. Felix Hernandez – SP – Seattle Mariners
6. Ryan Braun – LF – Milwaukee Brewers
5. Clayton Kershaw – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Matt Kemp – CF – Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Miguel Cabrera – 3B – Detroit Tigers
2. Justin Verlander – SP – Detroit Tigers
1. Mike Trout – LF – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Totals by team:
- Philadelphia Phillies – 7
- St. Louis Cardinals – 7
- Washington Nationals – 7
- Detroit Tigers – 6
- Atlanta Braves – 5
- Cincinnati Reds – 5
- New York Yankees – 5
- San Francisco Giants – 5
- Texas Rangers – 5
- Toronto Blue Jays – 5
- Baltimore Orioles – 4
- Boston Red Sox – 4
- Kansas City Royals – 4
- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 4
- Los Angeles Dodgers – 4
- Milwaukee Brewers – 3
- Arizona Diamondbacks – 2
- Chicago White Sox – 2
- Colorado Rockies – 2
- Minnesota Twins – 2
- Seattle Mariners – 2
- Tampa Bay Rays – 2
- Cleveland Indians – 1
- New York Mets – 1
- Chicago Cubs – 1
- Oakland Athletics – 1
- Miami Marlins – 1
- Pittsburgh Pirates – 1
- San Diego Padres – 1
- Kyle Lohse – 1
Winter Meetings Recap Day 4: Much Ado About…Something
Whilst at the Winter Meetings, the Milwaukee Brewers didn't actually acquire a single player. They lost one in the Rule V Draft Thursday morning but that was the extent of player transactions which were completed completely within the four-day span in Nashville.
The Brewers signed one player to a MiLB contract but according to Gord Ash, that was actually accomplished "this past weekend" prior to the Winter Meetings. It came together both because the Brewers provide a lot of opportunity with its currently thin bullpen and because the player lives in Nashville and decided that if it was necessary for him to pitch in Triple-A in 2013, it may as well be at home with the Brewers affiliate Nashville Sounds.
As for the official four day conference, the Brewers made no moves. But no one should take that to mean that they got nothing accomplished.
Described as "busy" but just with nothing done yet, the Doug Melvin's contingent made and received calls, met with agents, reviewed players, discussed terms for potential contract offers, and generally conducted a fair about of business.
Going home empty-handed when several players the Brewers reportedly targeted and/or were a fit for what the Brewers need went off the board has left some fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Before resigning yourself to believing that, as one fan put it to me, the Brewers "won't get anyone worth a damn this winter", I implore you to think about what was done over the last week.
Yes, the Brewers want a left-handed reliever. Ron Roenicke has said he doesn't need a lefty just to have a lefty, but more than one person fashioned their desire as a "focus". Would you really have wanted Melvin to commit three years to any reliever (how'd David Riske work out for us again?) or pay a glorified LOOGy an average salary around $5 million? As I said yesterday, discretion has proven the better part of valor on more than one occasion throughout history.
Another example of the best laid plans not always working out: The Brewers were tied to Jason Grilli early on in the week with Doug Melvin telling reporters that he had talked to Grilli's agent about the free agent right-handed relief pitcher. I reported that the Brewers were discussing terms of an offer to present. Ron Roenicke stated that the team is definitely interested in him. Then Grilli narrows his options down to a handful of teams, excluding the Brewers, and Melvin turned on his heel and said that they hadn't talked to Grilli's agent all week. Some fans take that at face value and think that the Brewers didn't do anything regarding Grilli, but that simply isn't the case. What they did do just didn't work out. (I plan on analyzing this situation further depending on how busy the news wire is over the next few days, so keep an eye out for that.)
Bottom line about the Winter Meetings though is that while not much may have gotten done as the market awaits the outcomes of several situations (Zack Greinke, Josh Hamilton, the rumored multi-team deal involving Justin Upton, Asdrubal Cabrera, et al) plenty still went on.
Speaking of Hamilton, I'd be remiss if I didn't pass along a tweet from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. It was posted right around the time when people began talking about the rumored contract discussions surrounding Hamilton being about 3-4 years and averaging somewhere between $20-$25 million annually. Here's the tweet:
One exec thinks #brewers are still "laying in the weeds" on Josh Hamilton — if Doug Melvin can find a way to move some $$
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 6, 2012
So yes, the rumor that refuses to go away is still very much around. With this, coupled with the talk about the Brewers being willing to "listen" on Corey Hart to free up money if necessary, and grouped with Gord Ash's comments from early in the week about how the only problem with bringing Hamilton to Milwaukee is money…
Yeah, well, 'tis the season for speculation, reasoned or otherwise.
Final piece of news to pass along is that the Brewers' projected starting shortstop at Double-A Huntsville, Hector Gomez, was injured seriously enough in a winter league game that he could miss significant time in 2013.
#Brewers AA shortstop Hector Gomez suffered serious groin injury in winter ball and faces surgery that could knock him out for much of 2013.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) December 6, 2012
This could lead to the Brewers ramping up a search for a minor league shortstop. They're already looking for an upgrade at backup shortstop with the parent club.
So again, there's plenty for Melvin and the Brewers to accomplish between now and February 12th but there's also plenty of time right now for it all to happen.
Enjoy the holiday season and stay tuned as we'll bring you all the news that breaks surrounding the team.
Read all about the Winter Meetings here!
Winter Meetings Preview: Milwaukee Brewers
The Winter Meetings aren't officially underway just yet as I sit down to give my keyboard a workout this evening, but the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee is set and baseball executives from across North America have checked into their rooms and have no doubt begun to follow up on things begun prior to departing for Music City.
Doug Melvin is there (along with his entourage) and has had plenty to say about what he expects out of the 2012 Winter Meetings. With appreciation to the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel for the quotes themselves, I'll be laying out some things Melvin said and analyzing what I think they mean for the Brewers heading through the rest of the off-season.
Before I do that, let's recap the basics about what educated fans know already about the Brewers and their needs.
The bullpen was bad in 2012. In fact, it underperformed so incredibly that it alone could be labeled as a singular reason that the team failed to reach the postseason. Just a handful of losses flipped to wins and the Brewers would have had that opportunity to face the Braves in the first-ever National League Wild Card Game.
As a result of their collective struggles, the bullpen has been basically gutted. Gone are multi-year Brewers like Kameron Loe, Francisco Rodriguez, Tim Dillard, Mike McClendon, and Manny Parra. Along with them, first-year tryouts for Jose Veras and Livan Hernandez ended in free agency. Even short-term fixes like Vinnie Chulk came and went. The only guys left who pitched in the big league bullpen to end the regular season and are still a part of this organization are likely closer John Axford, likely setup man Jim Henderson, and the finally healthy Brandon Kintzler.
As we all know, the Brewers did announce a trade acquisition on Saturday when they dealt a minor-league outfielder for established relief pitcher Burke Badenhop. That addition still leaves three jobs to be filled. FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi already tweeted earlier this evening about one of those open roles:
#Brewers are prioritizing a lefty reliever. Among the available free agents: Burnett, Choate, M. Gonzalez, Howell, Gorzelanny.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 2, 2012
Just some names to know.
Starting Pitching
The Brewers got good performances for the most part from the men who took the ball every fifth day during the year but there is a lot of flux possible in what was left at the end.
A return of all five starting pitchers from the 2011 NLCS team was seen as a rarity, not to mention that the Brewers only used six starting pitchers all that season. Now? Randy Wolf was released, Shaun Marcum is a free agent, Zack Greinke was traded, and Chris Narveson is coming off of shoulder surgery.
That's the stuff of how question marks are made.
Yovani Gallardo is set to return atop the rotation but after that hasn't yet been decided. As it stands right now, the Brewers have probably six arms vying for the open four spots in the rotation. Mike Fiers, Marco Estrada, Chris Narveson, Wily Peralta, Mark Rogers and, to a lesser extent in my opinion, Tyler Thornburg.
Doug Melvin has mentioned a couple of free agent starters by name this off-season already (Edwin Jackson and Ryan Dempster, for the record) but had some commentary on that front as well.
While the starting offense can be returned completely intact, the bench will need addressing and a couple of decisions need to be made.
Will Jean Segura begin the season as the starting everyday shortstop in Milwaukee or in the aforementioned city of Nashville as he gets a bit more seasoning in Triple-A? Who will take over as the backup infielders after the Brewers burned through a number of MLB veterans during 2012? Travis Ishikawa is gone, Alex Gonzalez is a free agent after being hurt most of the season, Mat Gamel should be healthy but missed a ton of at-bats and doesn't really have a job at this point…and that's just the infield.
In the outfield, Nyjer Morgan was released and Logan Schafer seems incredibly obvious to become the fourth outfielder with Milwaukee. After that, though, will they carry a fifth outfielder? If so, who will it be?
About the only spot on the field where there isn't a question is behind the plate. Jonathan Lucroy and Martin Maldonado are healthy and coming off of strong seasons.
Excuse whilst I knock on some wood.
Okay. With that, let's get to those quotes from Melvin.
The big quote is one about payroll. After setting a franchise record in 2012 with a payroll north of $100 million, the Brewers finished in the red, meaning that they actually lost money this year. (Part of that is because the fans didn't show up quite as well as they had budgeted for, but wins bring attendance.)
Melvin said, "(The payroll is) coming down. We'll probably look at (an opening payroll) of $80 million or thereabouts. We want to keep flexibility in case players become available."
In other words, despite a large chunk of money coming off the books there should be no expectation of a dollar-for-dollar reassignment. That could limit how much the Brewers can do in free agency but it will almost certainly limit the magnitude of what the Brewers can do.
That assumes that Melvin sticks to his initial words, but more on that in a bit.
Melvin was clear in that the Brewers don't plan to get involved on high-end (in terms of years or dollars) relief pitchers.
"We're not looking at those kinds of guys. We'd probably be reluctant to go three years with anybody. We might have to do two. David Riske was our last three-year deal for a reliever. That didn't work out," said Melvin.
Would left-handed reliever Sean Burnett be a pipe-dream then? Burnett had to debunk a rumor that he was seeking a four-year deal but that doesn't mean he isn't looking for three.
The starting rotation was mentioned earlier and was brought up to Melvin as well. He stated that with how the contracts worked out with Jeff Suppan and Randy Wolf that the Brewers "wouldn't go three years with a starter. You look at those contracts and they don't usually work out. Look at all the free-agent players who have been traded the last few years. Free agency gets people excited, but it's not as effective as people would like to think."
Does that mean that following a report which I linked to on Twitter the other day that the Brewers are taking themselves out of the market for the aforementioned Jackson and Dempster, both of whom are believed to be seeking deals of a minimum three years? Perhaps.
Melvin stated that the Brewers will probably go with some of their younger players in the rotation but that he understands the dangers of trusting a small sample size.
As for the offense, Melvin admitted (as reported in this space) that contact was made between him and Josh Hamilton's agent Michael Moye, but Melvin also said that, "I don't see (a big-ticket signing) happening. If it does, we'd have to be creative with something."
Melvin added, "You never know how those things work out. I never thought we'd be able to get Aramis Ramirez last year (for what they signed him for). Things change. If major things happen, you have to be prepared to act quickly."
In other words, Melvin is reminding everyone that you simply can't use definitives when discussing transactions in Major Leage Baseball. Or, to go the cliched route…Never say never.
Finally, for the bench, Melvin said that they're in the market "mostly for depth." He stated that they "may have to go with some of our younger guys" but that "it's always nice to have an experienced bat on the bench."
And since a lot of you have reached out via social media as to why I haven't pass along many rumors in the last few days, Melvin confirmed that he has made no offers to any free agents yet and, as of the time he said so out loud, he didn't have any serious trade talks going either.
Then again, he's in Nashville now at the Winter Meetings. It's made for just those kinds of things.
Stay tuned all week for reaction and analysis to anything and everything that I hear or read related to the Brewers. I'll pass it along just as soon as I can.
My suggestion? If you aren't on Twitter or you are and don't follow me @BrewerNation…now's one of the best times of the year to take the plunge. I can't always blog right away but tweeting is much easier to do on the fly.
Doug Melvin Interview Transcript – Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Doug Melvin, General Manager of our beloved Milwaukee Brewers, was on the radio this afternoon on AM 1250 WSSP in SE Wisconsin for a few minutes talking about his off-season plans.
Here is a transcript of the interview (which you can listen to by clicking here):
On speculation connecting the Brewers to certain players (i.e. Josh Hamilton, Zack Greinke):
"Well, I don't think those are the names that were gonna be involved with. I think this is gonna be a year we'll take a look at the free agent market, but more than likely I don't anticipate us being actively involved in free agency. We may try to find different ways to improve our ball club. We do like the current club we have. We were 36-23 with the third best record in the National League after August 1st with some of the young pitchers we brought up. We do have most positional guys back so I wouldn't get too excited about those kinds of names. I think a lot of it is speculation. It often makes sense. This is the time of year when those kind of things happen."
On having young pitching after years of waiting for some and if he may have to trade some of it away to acquire a proven starter:
"We feel right now there's probably a better chance we're going to hold onto our young pitching. We saw Mike Fiers come up last year. He struggled a little bit later (in the year). We saw Mark Rogers and Wily Peralta both come up with the power arms they showed us in the past. We had Tyler Thornburg. We've got Hiram Burgos who's going to be added to the roster, had a very good year. We've had Taylor Jungmann who's probably going to be at Double-A. We've got John Hellweg who's pitched very well in the Fall League and was just picked by the scouting bureau as the best player on that Phoenix ball club. So, we do have some depth with our pitching. Jimmy Nelson we like; we're very high on him. Nick Bucci (too) so. We've got a chance to have, out of 10 starters in Double-A and Triple-A, we have a chance to have 8 to 9 of them they're gonna be legitimate prospects we think will pitch in the big leagues. The big league pitchers? It's time to give Wily Peralta, time to give Mark Rogers that opportunity."
In discussing fan support following a rough first half and the resultant decisions surrounding trading away Zack Greinke:
"Who's not to say that if we kept Zack Greinke that we might've got back in this thing. You have to make some tough decisions sometimes. When a shortstop was included in a deal for Zack, we just had to make the decision at that particular time. … It's a credit to Ron, the coaches, the players that they didn't give up and it's something that we can learn that in baseball you can be six, seven, eight games out and that can be made up in two weeks time. So, it's a lesson we all can learn that sometimes you gotta be a little bit patient. It is a long season."
Asked if there is any way Zack Greinke can be back in a Brewers uniform:
"I don't know. I'm sorry but I don't think that's gonna happen. As much as Zack liked it here and enjoyed it here, there's a couple clubs that are gonna get heavily involved with him. He is no doubt the number one pitcher out there…from the starting pitching standpoint. I think he's gonna do very well but I would expect that we may get a phone call from his agent but I think in the end it's going to be difficult for Zack to come back here to Milwaukee under the amount of money he's probably gonna be offered."
Asked if he would like to add a veteran starting pitcher and if any free agents intrigue him:
"Yeah, there's a few names out there. Obviously we're gonna lose Marcum and we're gonna lose Greinke so we've talked about adding a starting pitcher. We do have to add to our bullpen too. Edwin Jackson's another name that's been out there. I don't know where he's headed or what his thought process is. We do have an opportunity; we can go with the current guys we have. The tough part with that is that any kind of injury, then you really tap into not having the depth that's needed over the course of 162 games. Going with the younger guys and Yovani, Marco Estrada, Mike Fiers, Rogers, Wily Peralta, Chris Narveson will be back and be healthy. The part of that is you really cross your fingers that everybody's going to stay healthy and everybody's gonna produce. So you would like to have a veteran that you could put out there in the rotation that could eat up a couple hundred innings, but you also want quality innings. In the past, we've had the Jeff Suppan, Randy Wolf. They both came in here when we didn't have the younger pitching and they gave us innings and that but obviously you'd like to get the quality. Pitching takes a long time to develop."
On Manny Parra and fans growing impatient:
"He's on the roster now and we'll wait and see. I can't indicate at this time, but…there comes a time when changes of scenery do help players and that happens sometimes. That's what we've talked about before and if you look at Manny's numbers and break them down, the numbers are there. You'd like to see more consistent performance, so you know, there's a possibility. Manny right now's on our roster at this time and we'll wait and see."
On arbitration, bullpen changes:
"I think you'll probably see three to four new faces out there. I think John Axford, Jim Henderson, I think Brandon Kintzler pitched well enough that he can step in and perform in one of those roles. We would like to maybe try to get a left-hander but we also want a left-hander of quality if we can otherwise we'll just stay right-handed. But I can see where you could turn three or four names over in that bullpen. Also with the starting pitchers there's going to be one of those guys that will lose out (on a rotation spot) and will probably go to the bullpen and be a long guy."
On Axford sticking as closer in 2013:
"I'd like to think that John can. As I said in the press conference at the end of the year, he had two months where he had more than one blown Save. He does strike out people. His strike out rate is still one of the best in the game. His walk rate was too high this year and he needs to get that back down. I do like having a closer and a guy in the bullpen that's gonna strike people out. I think that's important. That's why I like a closer that's gonna get strikeouts so I lean a little bit towards (Axford) but they also have to reduce the walks. We're confident, in John, the stuff is still there but gonna have to improve on his command and control."
On how he feels about the hitters:
"We look at it and we feel pretty good about the ball club we put out positional-wise. Offensively, it's a pretty good ball club. It fits both what Doug Melvin looks for and what Ron Roenicke looks for. I'm a home run and doubles guy and Ron likes the aggressive style. We fulfilled both those (philosophies) leading the leagues in home runs and also stolen bases we were first or second. We were very aggressive on the bases scoring runs, second in the league in sacrifice bunts. We scored runs in a lot of different ways. I do believe with our ballpark we're always gonna be a team that's gonna rely on the home runs just because of the facility we play in and that. But I'm pleased with the positional aspect of our game. I think I'm more than pleased in the fact that Maldonado coming on the scene we're very set at catching. Having a young shortstop in Jean Segura, being young up the middle with catching, shortstop, Rickie bounced back, and then Carlos Gomez in center field. Carlos is a five-plus guy so we've gotta determine is Carlos is here over the long haul or is he here for (only) one more year."
On Alex Gonzalez possibly returning:
"We've gotta make that decision yet. Alex is a free agent so he could test the market too. When it comes down to asking players, when you're a free agent, he's gonna want to know his playing time. How much time is he gonna play or do we view him as an extra guy and are we going with Segura. We have to answer that question. Jean is playing winter ball right now and is hitting almost .400 and he hit very well the month of September for us. We're pretty high on (Segura) at this point. We can go with Jean Segura. We just want to make sure that is the right thing to do. Alex would love to return to us but it's probably going to be about playing time. 'Are we the right fit for him?' And if you do bring Alex back, what impact does that have on Jean Segura? We haven't made that final call yet. Right now we're probably leaning toward Segura and just letting Jean do the job because we do think the resources are going to be needed for pitching."
On Josh Hamilton again:
"No. There's nothing going on. If he wants to sign that "Andre Dawson" contract…that $500 thousand contract that Andre Dawson did for the Cubs. I think it's about time a player did that so I'm waiting for that one."
On any off-season proclamation like he did in 2010 before acquiring Greinke and Marcum by stating he was going to go get some pitching:
"I don't have any right now. I gotta go check the piggy bank."
Alright, Brewer Nation. What do you think of what the GM had to say today?
Who Would You Rather See Brewers Sign?
ESPN's Buster Olney blogged about how Josh Hamilton would be a fit in Milwaukee should he choose to not re-sign with the Texas Rangers, but only if concerns about his baseball future depress his contract offers.
This resurrection of a topic that many affluent Brewers bloggers have been trying to kill off led to some discussion on Twitter today regarding how the Brewers might best spend the majority of their available payroll*.
Cast your vote in the poll below and let's help figure this whole thing out.
Milwaukee Brewers 2012 Team Awards
Every year the writers who cover the Milwaukee Brewers all season long get together, so to speak, and cast ballots for five team awards.
The awards are under the following five categories:
- Team MVP (not limited to just hitters)
- Best Pitcher (in any role)
- Best Newcomer (someone not on the team last year)
- Unsung Hero (given to someone who didn't necessarily get a lot of credit for the job that they did)
- Good Guy (a true "media" award because this is for someone who is good in the community, clubhouse, etc but also was very helpful and gracious with the media)
Last year I took part in a Brewers blogger balloting in which several of us who actively and consistently write about the Brewers voted for the same awards. I'm not sure what it says about me, but my top choices in each category were the same as the collective credentialed media.
This year, we're doing the same exercise as a Brewers blogosphere (some time soon) but I figured I'd get my ballot posted on my blog in the interest of transparency and disclosure. (Many BBWAA members would do well to follow suit on their personal MVP and Hall of Fame ballots.) I'll also, naturally, explain my reasons behind my choices because what fun would it be without something to argue?
The balloting is such that we choose three men for each award and the votes, when tallied, are worth more points for higher positioning.
Team MVP: Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart
This is easily an award that belongs to Ryan Braun as I believe that he is deserving of no less than second place in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. His statistical output speaks for itself and he carried the team through many stretches of the season.
Aramis Ramirez takes second place for me because of what he was able to do both at the plate and in the field. Yes he started slowly at the dish like he tends to do but his finish was fantastic. He more than made up for the lost production from Prince Fielder and contributed much more on defense than we were led to believe he would. (For instance, he led the league in barehanded assists this season.)
Corey Hart gets my third place vote because while several players could have fit here Hart did something he was very much against in switching positions when a desperate need arose. He posted very good numbers despite being absent more than once. Him gutting out a painful lisfranc tear in September certainly didn't hurt his case.
Best Pitcher: Yovani Gallardo, Marco Estrada, Zack Greinke
Make no mistake about it: Yovani Gallardo keeps taking steps toward ace-hood. His fourth career (and consecutive) 200+ strikeout season, another season of over 200 innings pitched, 16 wins including a fantastic run of effectiveness and success following the trade of Zack Greinke. Milwaukee needed Gallardo to step up and he answered the bell.
Marco Estrada found a strikeout tendency not before seen, slashed his walk rate, started a career-high number of games, pitched a career-high number of innings, struck out a career-high number of hitters, posted career-bests in ERA+, WHIP, K/BB ratio, and was a welcome addition to the rotation once Chris Narveson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Zack Greinke didn't pitch an entire season for the Brewers. This is true. He made 21 starts for the Brewers in 2012. But you know what? Shaun Marcum made 21 starts, Randy Wolf made 24, Fiers 22. Given the results that he posted while here, and given that the bullpen didn't exactly inspire me to vote for anybody in it for this award, the nod goes to the 2/3 of a season Greinke posted.
Best Newcomer: Aramis Ramirez, Norichika Aoki, Mike Fiers
This award had much more competition than I initially thought it would. Ramirez being second in my MVP list as a newcomer really makes him a shoe-in here.
Aoki overcame early struggles with both playing time and drastic changes to his personal preparation routine to step in as a starting outfielder and eventual every day lead-off hitter. He was productive and posted multiple double-digit hitting streaks over the course of the season.
As for my third place vote, I chose Mike Fiers (though I'm not sure if he technically qualifies because he pitched for the team briefly in 2011) for both what he was able to accomplish throughout the early portion of his schedule but also for the longevity on the roster this year over other worthy newcomers like Jim Henderson, Martin Maldonado, Travis Ishikawa and even Jean Segura.
Unsung Hero: Martin Maldonado, Jim Henderson, Mike Fiers
Maldonado came up from Triple-A Nashville when Jonathan Lucroy went down with a freak hand injury and was lost for a month and a half. With George Kottaras both physically unable (due to a hamstring injury) and truthfully lacking the skills to be the everyday catcher, Maldy overcame a poor start at the plate in the minors and outperformed even the most optimistic projections at the plate. His receiving, throwing, and handling of the pitching staff didn't get enough credit though which is why he wins this award for me. Maldonado not only was instrumental in handling Fiers when he first came up but he really seemed to get the most out of everybody he caught.
Jim Henderson is here because despite his average results his arrival helped to stabilize the bullpen. He wasn't always on top of his game, and he blew a game or two, but adding another live arm to the back end of the 'pen was a key to righting the ship for the 24-6 run where the bullpen finally performed as it was capable of doing.
Finally, I gave a vote to Fiers in this category as well for the fact that Fiers arrived amid a time of uncertainty and really performed exceptionally well until he simply ran out of gas. And judging by the reaction too many fans gave at Miller Park on the day of Fiers' last start, it appears that his early efforts were forgotten and therefore he is plenty unsung.
Good Guy: John Axford, Rickie Weeks, Martin Maldonado
Struggling at a couple of points during the year, Axford never ducked the media…well, other than the time he had to excuse himself due to his wife going into premature labor but he still left an epic note. Axford answered his naysayers, dealt with the criticism, fielded the questions, and was always willing to own up to his failures and struggles.
Rickie Weeks, the team's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, was active in the community and a locker room leader. He too struggled mightily, though for a much more sustained time, and never blew off the reporters and writers who sought his comment on the situation. Weeks never once made excuses or even used the viable ones that were readily available.
Third place here goes to Martin Maldonado. This is a completely personal choice because he was nice to me and took time out after a game to briefly chat with me after a game just as he promised to do. He was very kind and I appreciated he and his wife stopping to talk.
How I'd Have the Brewers Finish Up the Season – Guest Blog
It's been quite a while since someone wrote on the blog here other than me, the primary author. This was submitted by my podcast co-host for your enjoyment back near the beginning of August. My crazy schedule led to my forgetting to get it posted until now.
With that said, certain information is "as of writing" and should be taken as such (i.e. Izturis wasn't yet traded).
By: Cary Kostka
The Brewers were selling in the days leading up the non-waiver trade deadline sending us all on a "what now" path for the rest of this season, as well as what to look for next season. Although this is largely seen as a step backwards for the organization, I see this as an opportunity for the team to be better down the road.
The Brewers have the next couple of months to evaluate their current roster and newly acquired players, and like most Brewer fans I have my own theory as to how the next couple of months should play out.
I broke it down into the following categories: starting pitching, bullpen, catching, infield, and outfield.
Starting Pitching:
The injuries we have seen over the course of the season have given us long looks at Marco Estrada and Mike Fiers, as well as a touch of Tyler Thornburg mixed in.
The Brewers acquired a couple of arms in the Zack Greinke deal, and a bullpen arm in the George Kottaras deal. But what will the rotation look like for now?
Below I have two rotations: one for August, and one for September. You will notice that the September rotation has six pitchers listed. This is not a mistake on my part…I see a 6 man September rotation as a great way to take a look at some additional young arms. With Shaun Marcum's impending free agency and Randy Wolf's option possibly not being picked up, the make-up of the 2013 rotation is in the air.
So, here are my projected rotations (not in any particular order) for the rest of 2012.
August rotation: Yovani Gallardo, Wolf, Estrada, Fiers, Marcum/Mark Rogers.
Marcum is still a question mark at this point, and him being moved to the 60-day DL means that he will not be available until the last third of August. He has been feeling good in simulated outings, so I would imagine he would be back in time for a late August start.
September rotation: Gallardo, Wolf, Marcum, Estrada, Fiers, Rogers/Wily Peralta.
Go to a 6-man rotation in September, and in the 6th spot, alternate starts between Peralta and Rogers. Peralta has been pitching much better lately for Nashville (5-2, 3.06 ERA in his last 10 starts).
With his arm fatigue, Thornburg would be best served spending September on the bench or in limited bullpen duty.
What a thorn in the side of the 2012 season this bunch turned out to be. Let's face it; the bullpen was a heaping load of mediocrity this year.
Try to deal K-Rod if you can…if not, park him at the ass end of the bullpen. I think John Axford will be fine, and a new bullpen coach will help here. The loss of veterans LaTroy Hawkins and Takashi Saito hurt him this year, as he leaned on both of them for advice and instruction (Hawkins in particular).
Below is how the roles should shake out for both August and September.
Closer: Axford and Jim Henderson. Keep throwing Ax out there, but let Henderson continue to get work in as a closer.
Setup/General Relief: Whatever the situation dictates.
Lefty Specialist: Manny Parra Longman/mop-up: Livan Hernandez
Same as August, except you add Rogers and Peralta to the bullpen mix when they are between starts. Park K-Rod and Hernandez on the bench, and let's see what our newly acquired arms (Pena, Hellweg, and De Los Santos) can do. Thornburg could help here as well, but that depends on how his arm is responding to rest. I'd like to see how Rogers would do in the setup role.
Ok, so this one is easy.
Lucroy is back, but I say split his playing time with Maldonado 60/40. Catchers are the baseball equivalent to NFL running backs; they have short shelf lives due to constant wear and tear. There is no sense in "using up" Lucroy in a non-playoff season. Also, this gives Maldonado a great chance to continue his growth. This pair will be one of the best catching tandems in baseball next season.
Corey Hart is here to stay as our first baseman at least for this season. With Aramis Ramirez entrenched at third, the big questions arise in the middle of the infield.
Rickie Weeks has had just shy of two months of production this year, and shortstop had been ok defensively but a black hole in the lineup, sans Cody Ransom's innate ability to seemingly make every one of his few and far between hits a game changer.
My thoughts on this are to send Izturis packing…he is not a long term option, and the team would be better off if newly acquired Jean Segura was promoted and started. Jeff Bianchi would be called up on September 1st, and would see some time at short as well.
At second, we're basically stuck. Would the team be able to find a place on the 25-man roster for Eric Farris? I'd like to see what he's got, though he projects as more of a backup type player. I would like to see Taylor Green get more playing time to get a better feel for what he is capable of, or not capable of doing. I feel this is something the team needs to know going into next season.
Mat Gamel will be a question mark next season, and if Green shows he can hit, 1B could be a little less of a question mark in spring training, and would allow the team to confidently move Hart back to right. Hart has done pretty well at first, but next season will be the final year of his contract. It would be good to know our other options at that first.
I have heard speculation about giving Green more time at second, but that would be a mistake given his concrete boot like range at second.
Travis Ishikawa maintains his current role on the team.
Trade or waive Nyjer Morgan. He does not have a place on this team at all. I would much rather see Caleb Gindl or Logan Schafer get some MLB trigger time.
Ryan Braun is a lock in left (duh).
The mechanical adjustments Carlos Gomez made recently have upped his game to a new level. Make him the sole starter in center and see where this takes him.
Norichika Aoki has played great and is a lock in right. Call up Gindl as a reserve outfielder, as he has logged double digit games in all three OF spots. Schafer gets the call up on September 1st.
So, Brewer Nation, what say you?


text:
Grainger Announces Leadership Change At Acklands-Grainger
CHICAGO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), today announced that Sean O'Brien, President, Acklands-Grainger Inc., Grainger's Canadian subsidiary, will resign from the company effective March 23, 2012. O'Brien joined Acklands-Grainger as Vice President, Sales, in November 2007, taking on additional responsibilities for E-Business and Marketing in early 2009. He was named President in September, 2009.
Mike Pulick, President, Grainger International, will serve as interim president of Acklands-Grainger. Mike has held leadership positions with Grainger for more than 12 years, including leading Grainger's U.S. business from 2008-2011. He assumed leadership of Grainger's international businesses on January 1, 2012.
"We respect Sean's decision to pursue opportunities outside the company and wish him well in his future endeavors," said Mike Pulick. "Acklands-Grainger is performing very well and has a strong leadership team and strong talent throughout the organization. I'm confident the business will continue its successful growth strategy, providing the products and services businesses need to enhance productivity and help keep employees safe on the job."
Acklands-Grainger Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Grainger, is Canada's largest distributor of industrial, safety, and fastener products with 2011 sales of $993 million ( C$982 million), 172 branches, 6 distribution centers, and 2,600 team members.W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2011 sales of $8.1 billion, is North America's leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products, with expanding global operations. For more information about the company, visit www.grainger.com/investor. SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Select the service that is right for you!COMPARE ALL SERVICES
Action Alerts PLUSTry it NOW
Jim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
TheStreet Quant RatingsTry it NOW
Only $49.95/yr
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
- Upgrade/downgrade alerts
Stocks Under $10Try it NOW
David Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock AdvisorTry it NOW
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Real Money ProTry it NOW
All of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass Plus 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options ProfitsTry it NOW
Our options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Phone: (314)962-8150
Hours Mon-Sat 9am-7pm CST
Store Locations
Your Cart
Your Account
Contact Us
Find product:
Advanced search
Big Bottles
90 Points Under $20
95 To 100 Points
100/100 Point Wines
Aussie & NZ
Champagne & Bubbly
Dessert Wines
Germany / Austria / Switzerland
South America
Spain & Portugal
Washington & Oregon
Classes and Events
Gift Certificates
Gift Catalog
Kosher Store
Big Sky Moose Drool 6pk/12oz
Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac (750ml) 8 cases in stock now - almost gone for the year
Hanson Brothers Mmmhops Pale Ale (6pk 12oz) Back in stock
Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2012 (750ml) 93/100 Wine Spectator
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet 2012 (750ml) 40th Anniversary Edition - Robert Parker 96 Points
Recover password
Contact us
Privacy statement
Terms & Conditions
Store Locations
Shipping Info
Jesse James America's Outlaw Bourbon (750ml)
Jesse James Dupree, frontman of Jackyl -- now has his own Bourbon
"Our old-time charcoal mellowed Bourbon Whiskey is made in the traditional manner that dates back to the late 18th century in the American South. Aged in traditional oak casks for a minimum of 36 months, Jesse James Bourbon Whiskey delivers exceptionally smooth, full-bourbon character. Every bottle has been meticulously handcraftedin spirit of America's true outlaw for the outlaw in all of us.
The Original Jesse James Americas Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey is distilled in the heart of Kentucky. Or simply put, Made in the USA. We have carefully selected the finest, home-grown ingredients to create this smooth Bourbon Whiskey. We start with a mash that is a minimum of 51% corn to distill The Original Jesse James Bourbon Whiskey. We use new, charred oak barrels for aging the Jesse James Bourbon Whiskey. Legally, we need to age Bourbon Whiskey a minimum of two years, but we arent in a hurry. We age The Original Jesse James Americas Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey for a minimum of 36 months. We take great care in producing a Bourbon Whiskey to stand up to the Outlaw in you!
Deriving it's style from the heritage of more than two hundred years of American distilling Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey pays tribute to those who came before while aiming to fill the need for a modern take on an age-old classic."
"It should come as no surprise that one of the hardest working frontmen in rock and roll (multi-platinum selling Jackyl) is as active behind the scenes as he is onstage. Jesse James Dupree and his multi faceted entertainment company, Mighty Loud Entertainment, has created and Executive Produced the smash TruTV series Full Throttle Saloon, acts as general manager for Kiefer Sutherland's entertainment company, Ironworks, as well as runs an imprint label of his own as a part of the Universal Music system. Now Dupree is moving into the world of spirits after a successful launch of Jesse James America's Outlaw Beer in major midwest markets, whose major challenge thus far has been to keep up with the demand resulting from an unconditionally enthusiastic welcome from the beer-drinking public. "I have personally been responsible for millions of gallons of beer and whiskey that have been consumed over the years. It should have all been Jesse James Beer and Whiskey and from here on out, it will be! I may be the driving force that makes Jesse James Whiskey available, but it belongs to and is a salute to all of us outlaws who bust our knuckles 40 or 50 hours a week, and like to do things loud, proud hard, and honest."
3.50 lbs
$ 13.99
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Send to a friend
Your name:
Your e-mail:
Friend's e-mail:
Send to friend
People who buy this product also buy
James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon 100 proof (750ml)
Straight Bourbon
» 100 Proof - Not Chill-Filtered - Over 38% Rye in the Mash Bill
» Rich Bourbon Sweetness & Rye Spice; vanilla, honey, chocolate & cloves
» Neat, over ice, or in a proper Old-Fashioned, this whiskey rock
$ 27.99
Add to Cart
Jesse James America's Outlaw Spiced Whiskey (750ml)
Jesse James Dupree, frontman of Jackyl -- now has his own Bourbon
$ 13.99
Add to Cart
Jesse James America's Outlaw Honey Whiskey (750ml)
Jesse James Dupree, frontman of Jackyl -- now has his own Bourbon
$ 13.99
Add to Cart
Journeyman Single Malt Scotch New Zealand (750ml)
Back Label: Journeyman Around The World Series (TM) will offer one premium hand selected whisky on an annual basis as a tribute to adventure and great whiskys around the world. We lead off the series with this hand picked exceptional, limited edition New Zealand Single Malt Whisky. It was...
$ 51.99
Add to Cart
High West American Prairie Reserve Whiskey (750ml)
High West Distillery is passionate about the American Wests culture, heritage, and natural beauty and wants to raise awareness of one of the most fantastic projects of our time: the American Prairie Reserve in northeastern Montana. We tip our hats to this amazing effort to assemble the largest...
$ 33.99
Add to Cart
High West Whiskey Double Rye (750ml)
New, from Utah
Marriage of two straight rye whiskies that combines the feisty properties of a high rye 2-year-old and the saddle smooth richness of a 16-year-old. The 2-year-old has a 95% rye 5% barley malt mashbill. The older rye has a "barely legal" rye mashbill of 53% rye and 37% corn....
$ 29.99
Add to Cart
Michael Ballard's Full Throttle S'loonshine Platinum Batch (750ml)
Tennessee Moonshine featured in the show Full Throttle.
$ 25.99
Add to Cart
Shopping cart
Cart is empty
Email address
Log in
Recover password
New Arrivals
Hundred Acre Vineyard Ark 2010 (750ml) 98+/100 Wine Advocate
Walter Hansel Estate Pinot Noir 2012 (750ml) 90-92/100 Wine Advocate
Walter Hansel Pinot Noir North Slope 2012 (750ml) 92-94/100 Wine Advocate
Walter Hansel Chardonnay Meadows 2012 (750ml) 92/100 Wine Advocate
Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce 2012 (750ml) 95/100 Wine Advocate
All new arrivals...
Help |
Contact us
Privacy statement
Terms & Conditions
Store Locations
Shipping Info
Copyright © 1982 The Wine and Cheese Place


text:
- NMNH Home ›
- Research & Collections ›
- Dept. of Botany ›
- Events ›
- Symposium
13th Smithsonian Botanical Symposium
12th Symposium of the International Organization of Plant Biosystematists
1-5 June 2015 in Washington D.C.
National Museum of Natural History &
United States Botanic Garden
With support from:
- United States Botanic Garden
- Journal of Systematics and Evolution
- International Organization of Plant Biosystematists
- International Assocation of Plant Taxonomy
- Cuatrecasas Family Foundation
- National Museum of Natural History
- Smithsonian Institution, Department of Botany
Workshop proposals should include: (1) the workshop title; (2) the names and institutional affiliations of the organizers; (3) a short abstract outlining the rationale and goals of the workshop; (4) the preferred duration of the workshop; and (5) the anticipated number of participants. Proposals (PDF) should be emailed to Eric Schuettpelz (firstname.lastname@example.com), who will confirm receipt. The deadline for full consideration of workshops proposals by the selection committee is 15 October 2014.
- Biogeographic patterns and processes of speciation and hybridization in spore-bearing plants (organized by Tom A. Ranker and Paul G. Wolf)
- Evolution and development in ferns and lycophytes: case studies and perspectives (organized by Alejandra Vasco and Barbara Ambrose)
- Future challenges of fern and lycophyte ecology: a call for conservation and collaboration in the next generation (organized by Klaus Mehltreter and James E. Watkins Jr.)
- Genomics and transcriptomics of ferns and lycophytes (organized by Joshua P. Der and Emily B. Sessa)
- The integration of ecological and phylogenetic approaches in pteridology (organized by Michael Sundue, James E. Watkins Jr., and Michael Kessler)
Coming soon.
Tentative Schedule
For planning purposes, a tentative schedule is provided below. Although we do not anticipate substantial deviations from this outline, changes are possible. Additional details will be provided as they become available.
Opening symposium
Evening reception and poster session
Evening conference dinner
ABSTRACTSComing soon.
ABOUTThe past decade has seen remarkable advances in our understanding of fern and lycophyte biology. New sources of data have emerged and novel methods for analyzing these data are being developed. At the same time, many traditional approaches have been revitalized as their unique and specific contributions are more fully realized. With a recent influx of students and early career researchers, the international pteridological community continues to grow. Through more widespread and far-reaching collaborations, the pace of scientific discovery is accelerating, new parts of the globe are being included, and the conservation of these important species in a rapidly changing world is being investigated. This conference aims to bring together the world's pteridologists to celebrate the progress to date and to forecast developments still on the horizon.
For more information, please email: email@example.com.
The National Museum of Natural History is located on the National Mall at the intersection of 10th St and Constitution Ave NW in Washington, DC 20560.
The United States Botanic Garden is also located on the National Mall, at 100 Maryland Ave SW in Washington, DC 20001.
For maps, directions, and additional information, visit the NMNH, USBG, or NPS websites.
Metrorail, Washington's subway system, and Metrobus link the city with nearby communities in Maryland and Virginia. The closest subway stations to the National Museum of Natural History are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian (both on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). The closest subway station to the United States Botanic Garden is Federal Center SW (also on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). For a Metrorail map and more information, visit the Metro website.
Washington is served by three major airports: Reagan National (DCA), which is most convenient for domestic travelers; Dulles International (IAD); and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). DCA is served directly by Metrorail. IAD and BWI can both be accessed via public transportation, but are not directly served by Metrorail.
Parking is not available at the museum. There are several private parking garages in the vicinity.
There are many hotels in the Washington area. In general, prices decrease with distance from the National Mall (city center); however, it is important to factor in the cost and time required to travel between a particular option and the conference venues. It is recommended that you choose a hotel within walking distance to the National Mall or a Metrorail stop.
The popular online booking sites for travelers should provide you with a range of options. As always, reading reviews can be helpful. Please keep in mind that Washington is a popular tourist destination; for the greatest number of options and best prices, book early.
For those interested in a more affordable, but less private option, dormitory housing will be offered at the Catholic University of America (CUA). Conveniently located on Metrorail's Red line, CUA is an easy 15-minute ride from the city center. Air-conditioned double rooms (single-sex and sharing a common hall bathroom) will be available for $40.50 per person per night (plus tax). Roommate requests will be honored provided both roommates make the request. A limited number of single rooms will also be available for $46.25 per person per night (plus tax; again sharing a common hall bathroom). Linens will be provided for an additional fee of $25 (conference attendees are welcome to bring their own linens and avoid this fee). Pillows are not provided by CUA, but we are exploring another option to make them available. A link to a CUA registration page will be posted here in early December 2015.


text:
Alfred Wallis: Outsider?
An exploration of outsider art spotlighting the 20th century British artist Alfred Wallis.
Miranda Baxter, Senior Education Manager, Dulwich Picture Gallery, in conversation with Robert Jones (artist and author) and Dr Jenny Powell (Senior Curator, Kettle's Yard).
What is Outsider Art?
'Outsider Art' follows from the term 'Art Brut' coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet in the 1940s. Translating as 'raw art', 'Art Brut' was used to describe a type of art outside the academic tradition of fine art. 'Outsider Art' has since become a term used to define work made by untrained artists who produce work for the sake of creation alone, without an audience in mind, and who are perceived to inhabit the margins of mainstream society.
Followed by a free viewing of 'Art and Life', 6-7pm.
Part of A Healthy Debate Symposia Series: three panel discussions around art and mental health to coincide with 'Art and Life'. The series is part of Anxiety Arts Festival London 2014.


text:
Requiem For The Americas -
Songs From The Lost World
Magic, chance, providence, whatever word you choose, it's a powerful force in everyone's life. I didn't realize just how much until I was down a trail that has occupied my and a great many others for the past couple of years. I composed the songs on Requiem as a tribute to the spirit and vision of the Native American.
Introduced by a friend to the stirring images of Edward Curtis' "The life and Times of a Shadow Catcher", I felt compelled to read, listen and learn everything I could get my hands on about our native American culture.
My wish with Requiem is to reflect the inspiration from all I've absorbed, remaining attentive and true to the spirit of these native tales. In looking back, I've come to see how relevant that world is to our own and the cycles of our lives. I would like to thank all the artists on the project for giving us their valuable time and for their very generous contributions of music and spirit.
--Jonathan Elias, New York City, 1 August 1989
THE AMERICANRIVERDecember 03, 2010
COLUMBIA LOGOMOVIE THEATREDecember 03, 2010
MTV LOGO MOVIETHEATREDecember 03, 2010
Enter your email
address to quickly
subscribe to the
yahoo users group!


text:
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) The Blount County Drug Task Force found two meth labs at a Maryville Motel.
Two "one pot" method labs were found in a dumpster at the Princess Motel on Highway 411. A "one pot" method is where cooks can make the drug in small containers, like plastic bottles.
They also discovered other components that are used to make meth.
Cassandra Forshee, who works next door at Papr Murphys, says she isn't suprised.
"It doesn't surprise me, they need to shut the place down but thats just my opinion."
Forshee says there's been other incidents at the motel. In February, there was another meth lab discovered there that caught a room on fire.
Grayson Shockley, who also works next door at Campbell's Pool and Spa, says its a shame for something like this to happen in Maryville.
"I think its scary that it can be you know right next door and you never know about it," says Shockley.
The Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force disposed of the hazardous materials.
They decided to close off one of the rooms until it is clean and safe.
To comment, the following rules must be followed:
Comments may be monitored for inappropriate content, but the station is under no legal obligation to do so.
If you believe a comment violates the above rules, please use the Flagging Tool to alert a Moderator.
Flagging does not guarantee removal.
Multiple violations may result in account suspension.
Decisions to suspend or unsuspend accounts are made by Station Moderators.
Links require admin approval before posting.
Questions may be sent to email@example.com. Please provide detailed information.


text:
Fallen on Faith was formed in 2011 with the goal of pushing modern British metal to new levels. A fusion of intricate metal riffs with catchy melodic rock vocals. Fallen on Faith aim to create a unique sound within the genre of Alt-Rock.
The bands debut EP 'New Beginning' showcases Fallen on Faith's talent for blending heavy music with classic rock style vocals. With melodic hooks from both the vocals and guitar lines prominent throughout.
Several line-up changes early on in the band's career have lead to the band finding the best musicians to work with.
With support from many local fans and musicians Fallen on Faith are set to rock the UK with various shows over 2011.
Fallen on Faith are seeking a vocalist. Please email for details.
Latest Single Released - Learn to walk Away Official Video:
MuzzaTron Distortion Released - Signature Pedal built by Joe at HelloSailor Boutique Effects for Muzza of Fallen on Faith.


text:
Watch The Batman Vs. Superman Comic-Con Trailer
Posted by:
Posted by: Staff
created 07/26/2014 - 11:24pm, updated 12/21/2014 - 8:10pm
created 07/26/2014 - 11:24pm, updated 12/21/2014 - 8:10pm
The Batman Vs. Superman Comic-Con trailer has leaked online.
Watch it below.
"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" has a
May 6, 2016 March 25, 2016 release starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Ray Fisher as Cyborg with Callan Mulvey, Holly Hunter and Tao Okamoto in new character roles for the film. Justice League is to follow directed by Zack Snyder as well.
For more news on the "Man of Steel" and related movies head on over to the Cosmic Book News Superman movie hub.


text:
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
As the prostate enlarges, the urethra becomes narrower. The bladder will get stronger to compensate, but eventually normal outflow of urine is obstructed. Symptoms usually appear gradually over time.
The Prostate and Surrounding Structures
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
These symptoms are indications that your bladder is not emptying completely:
- Incomplete emptying—a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finish urinating
- Frequency—having to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating
- Urgency—having a strong urge to urinate that is difficult to postpone
- Nocturia—having to get up out of bed to urinate during the night
Note: Nighttime urination can be a sign of incomplete emptying. In addition to heart failure, nighttime urination can also be a sign of other medical conditions, so see your doctor if it persists.
Other common symptoms include:
- Intermittency—frequent stopping and starting of your urine flow during a single urination period
- Hesitancy—having the urge to urinate, but needing to wait until the flow actually starts
- Weak stream—urine that trickles out rather than flows strongly
- Straining—having to push or strain in order to urinate
- Incontinence—inability to control urination (leaking)
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Dribbling at end of urination
- Deep discomfort in the lower abdomen
An obstructed urine flow often means that there is some urine stuck in the bladder (called residual urine). Having residual urine makes you vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can be either frequent or chronic. If you have a UTI, you may have additional symptoms, such as burning when you pass urine. UTIs by themselves also cause urgency and frequent urinating.
There is at least one common exception to the usual gradual development of symptoms. Sudden complete urine obstruction may occur in an elderly person due to dementia, inability to get out of bed, or drug side effects. The bladder may stretch to the size of a six-month pregnancy and fill the lower half of the abdomen. In such a case, emergency catheterization is required.
Last reviewedSeptember 2014by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.