In the News (7/31)
Thursday, July 31st, 2008Record: 60-49, Third Place (St. Louis has yet to go final)
Games Behind Cubs: 5
As much as I hate to say it, you have to hand it to the Cubs. They met a Brewers team who was playing all-around good baseball (even when factoring in the Houston series) and just outplayed them in all facets of the game. Today was no different as Chicago completed the Miller Park sweep and further distanced themselves from a Milwaukee team that shared the division lead less than a week prior. As much as I’d like to blame umpires, fluke plays and all other non-game factors, the Cubs showed why they’re currently in first place and the Brewers… didn’t.
Though this series is one to forget, I don’t think much has changed as far as the season scope is concerned. The Brewers can rebound from this. Their just a game from the wild card and one week’s worth of a swing from topping the Central. Adam McCalvy says it best in his lead of Thursday’s recap - “It’s only July.”
- Both Eric Gagne and Prince Fielder were ejected for Thursday’s game: Gagne (seemingly intentionally) threw a ball behind Jim Edmonds, who hit two homers in the game and Fielder was tossed for arguing after flying out - both in the ninth inning. I hope Gagne doesn’t get suspended for the incident during such a frivolous point in the game.
- Furthermore to the Cubs’ credit: They managed to leave Milwaukee without making any gloating statements to accompany the four-game reaming they handed the Brewers.
- Oh yeah, the trade deadline came and went finding the Brewers making no additional roster moves: Not a big surprise. As Jared mentioned, both Arthur Rhodes and Eddie Guardado were reportedly looked into by the Brewers for possible veteran relief help, but (thankfully) neither was brought in. I’m more than happy with the moves Milwaukee made weeks before the deadline.
- The Cardinals and resurrected ace of the past, Chris Carpenter also saw the deadline elapse without making any moves.
- Two big NL Central names were sent packing in deadline deals: Ken Griffey Jr. consented to a trade to join the White Sox and Jason Bay was sent to Boston in the same three-way deal that brought Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers and Andy LaRoche (along with others) to the Pirates clubhouse to join his brother Andy. I suppose in the wider scope of things, subtractions by other NL teams’ talent indirectly benefits the Brewers.
- The Brewers blogroll was pretty quiet today: I know it’s been a rough four days, but I think a weekend in Atlanta (where virtually anyone who remotely matters is hurt) will be just what the Brewers need. Step off those ledges and get back to the keyboard, bloggers. We need your posts for the continued postseason run.