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Miller Park Mastery: A Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Dynasty


NYY_rich

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Rich Kuka and the Milwaukee Brewers organization have these following players to work with for the 2007 season:

ROSTER:

C Jason Kendall

C Mike Piazza

1B Albert Pujols

2B Rickie Weeks

2B Brandon Phillips

SS Jose Reyes

3B Eric Chavez

LF Alfonso Soriano

LF Melky Cabrera

CF Gary Matthews Jr.

CF Tony Gwynn Jr.

RF Jeremy Hermida

RF Jonny Gomes

SP Pedro Martinez

SP Andy Pettitte

SP Jason Marquis

SP Chuck James

SP Gustavo Chacin

LRP Gil Meche

MRP Chad Bradford

MRP Braden Looper

MRP Mike Myers

SU Pat Neshek

SU Joel Zumaya

CL Kerry Wood

AAA NOTABLES:

1B Doug Mientkiewicz

2B Aaron Miles

LF Kevin Reese

RF Jacque Jones

SP Darrell Rasner

SP Kip Wells

CP Brian Bruney

AA Notables:

3B Scott Spiezio

LF Bubba Trammell

RF Prentice Redman

SU Jose Veras

CP J. Brent Cox

Single-A Notables:

2B Donnie Sadler

RF Rick Ankiel

The first game of the 2007 season for the Brewers pits them against Roy Oswalt and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Game 1

Dodgers (0-0) @ Brewers (0-0)

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That was the image the Brewers did not want to see in the paper after Opening Day at Miller Park. Jose Reyes suffered a strained right forearm and has been placed on the 15-day DL. Reyes collided with former Mets teammate Kazuo Matsui sliding into second base, and as Reyes reached back for the bag preventing the automatic double play, that's where the injury took place. Afterward, Brandon Phillips assumed duty at shortshop and will be the primary replacement for Reyes in the upcoming couple of weeks.

Now to the better news:

The Brewers made quick work of the Dodgers by posting a 5-spot in the first inning and as the Dodgers continually tried to creep back, the Brewers would widen the margin again. In the end, the Brewers came out on top 9-5 in the season opener. The 2-3-4 part of the order was the contributing factor. Alfonso Soriano hit two laser shots over the left field fence - one over the Front Row Sports Grill sign and the other hitting it. Albert Pujols went 3-for-3 with a couple walks and now has a 3-game hitting streak that started last year against the Brewers. Eric Chavez also hit a monster shot in the first and after a sac fly in the fourth, he had a total of three RBI.

On the mound, veteran Pedro Martinez was nearly unstoppable surrending a double to Gerald Laird. After that, Pedro was a little inconsistent, but he and the Brewers' defense got the job done. To top the day off for Pedro and the Brewers, Omar Vizquel became the 3,000th strikeout victim of Pedro Martinez in the top of the seventh. As a matter of fact, Bernie Mac, the star of the movie "Mr. 3000" was in attendance and applauded Martinez's feat.

Tomorrow's night game looks to be a good one as Andy Pettitte goes for Milwaukee and former Reds pitcher Aaron Harang goes for LA.

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Game 2

Dodgers (0-1) @ Brewers (1-0)

The Brewers' bats were indeed alive in this game. Albert Pujols gets his first long ball of the year, Jeremy Hermida gets the first multi-HR game of his career, and someone hit the second home run of his career...

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Yes! Andy Pettitte, in the bottom of the fourth, hit a towering shot just over the second wall in right off of Aaron Harang.

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This was indeed the "Play of the Weeks".

To top off the 5-2 victory, Kerry Wood made his second Brewers appearance and pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first career save.

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Yeah! Albert knew it!

Milwaukee puts Jason Marquis on the mound as they go for the sweep at home against the veteran Tom Glavine and the LA Dodgers.

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Game 3

Dodgers (0-2) @ Brewers (2-0)

The sweep is officially complete as the Brewers took care of Tom Glavine and the Dodgers. They fall to the Brew Crew, 4-1. There were a few dramatic moments in the game...

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Endy Chavez robs a homer from former Cardinal Albert Pujols. Does that look too familiar?

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Tell Melky Cabrera and Brandon Phillips that communication does work.

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Tony Gwynn Jr. drives home two in the fourth.

Brandon Phillips and Mike Piazza each hit their first homer of the year. Jason Marquis had a strong outing giving up one run on five hits over five innings. Gil Meche then came on a did a marvelous job pitching a perfect pair of innings. Joel Zumaya finished LA off in the eighth and ninth and got the save.

The Brew Crew continues their first homestand as their rivals, the Chicago Cubs, come to town for a weekend series at Miller Park. Game 1 has Milwaukee's Chuck James up against Chicago's Luke Hudson.

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Game 4

Cubs (1-2) @ Brewers (3-0)

To the fans at Miller Park on a Friday night, this game flew right by. But it did have its fair share of excitement. Chuck James made his Brewers debut a successful one only giving up four hits in six innings. The Brewers' first run on the board came on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Jonny Gomes, pitch-hitting for James, hit a laser beam that smacked off the Front Row Sports Grill sign in left. Milwaukee then added the deciding three runs next inning as former Yankee hero Melky Cabrera showed a rare display of power. The Cubs did make their former ace Kerry Wood work for the save in the ninth. In the end, it was the Brewers' fourth win in a row as they took it, 4-1.

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Jonny Gomes maneuvered one down the line and it hit off the small pole in left.

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Melky has a home run trot? Who would have thought?

Milwaukee gives Gustavo Chacin the nod in Game 2 as he faces Ryan Franklin and the Cubs.

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Game 5

Cubs (1-3) @ Brewers (4-0)

You want to talk about making a statement? Former Blue Jay Gustavo Chacin did just that in his Brew Crew debut. Chacin retired 18 out of the first 19 batters, including 15 in a row between the 2nd and 6th inning. There wasn't much offense in this one, but this was definitely a game worth seeing. Brandon Phillips hit the deciding HR in this one and may see some more playing time with Reyes on the shelf and Weeks in a 1-for-12 slide.

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What is it with outfielders robbing Pujols home runs? This time Hideki Matsui is the culprit.

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Hermida, Phillips, and Pujols showing a little of that Brewer swagger.

The Brewers are going for the sweep of the homestand, but it will not be easy with Jose Contreras on the mound for the Cubs.

CHC: Jose Contreras (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

MIL: Pedro Martinez (1-0, 5.63 ERA)

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Game 6

Cubs (1-4) @ Brewers (5-0)

It was indeed a Sunday Special at Miller Park, if you're the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs took out the Brew Crew with two towering shots, one by Hideki Matsui and the other by Chris Gomez in the 12-4 victory. Both Chad Bradford and Gil Meche gave up a grand slam in the loss and Pedro Martinez gave up three runs over six innings.

On the offense side for the Brewers, Mike Piazza hit #421 and Soriano tied up the game in the bottom of the sixth before the Chicago onslaught began.Now Milwaukee goes on an eight-game road trip - first stop: Miami and the Florida Marlins for 3.

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BROADCAST OF THE GAME

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Game 7

Brewers (5-1) @ Marlins (2-4)

Much wasn't thought about this one when the pitching matchups are announced... Andy Pettitte vs. Jason Jennings. Even after the crushing loss yesterday afternoon to the Cubs, everyone was under the impression that the Brew Crew would bounce back with a vengeance. They bounced back with a sterling performance from Andy Pettitte, but offensively they were stymied by the Florida bullpen who surrendered three hits in their seven innings of work. In the bottom of the 13th, Joel Zumaya in this third inning of work was slightly out of his element, and the Marlins did not hesitate to jump all over the opportunity. Denorfia and Utley hit back-to-back singles before Vance Wilson, a replacement for Gary Sheffield, smacked one right in front of Tony Gwynn Jr. in right field.

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David Bell gives us a veteran demonstration at the "hot corner".

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Chris Denorfia just beats the throw to score the GW run for the Marlins.

Brewers manager Ned Yost was second guessed to death during the post-game press conference. "Joel was the best bet at that moment. Keep in mind that all those singles are well executed. I could not be prouder of my team, even though we didn't get the W."

Then the big news came about Gary Sheffield and his injury in the bottom of the 11th, sliding into second and colliding with Alfonso Soriano. Sheffield suffered a torn left shoulder muscle and will be out 6-8 weeks.

Next game:

MIL: Jason Marquis (1-0, 1.80 ERA)

FLA: John Thomson (0-0, 4.91 ERA)

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Game 8

Brewers (5-2) @ Marlins (3-4)

Jason Marquis and Jeremy Hermida made the difference in this one as the Brewers take Game 2 of the series, 3-1. John Thomson was unsteady in the first couple innings and it showed when he walked Marquis with the bases loaded in the second inning. Jeremy Hermida, the former Marlin, had the deciding blow with a swing and a drive to lead off the fourth. Alfonso Soriano extended his hitting streak to 6 games. Meche, Looper, and Wood closed the door on the Marlins and we head to tomorrow's rubber game at Dolphins Stadium.

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That looks more like surfing than scooping by Albert Pujols.

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It seems all too familiar to Jeremy Hermida.

Next game:

MIL: Chuck James (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

FLA: Vicente Padilla (0-1, 7.94 ERA)

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Game 9

Brewers (6-2) @ Marlins (3-5)

Even on a day that Alfonso Soriano got the day off, the offense of the Milwaukee Brewers was still somewhat stable and steady. Three of the six Brewer hits were longballs - two by Hermida and one by Piazza. How ironic... former Marlins were the cause of the current Marlins falling 4-3. Chuck James had a good performance despite the two run jack by Chase Utley in the fourth. The Brewers' defense was also a little shaky and it almost surrendered the game in the ninth with a pick-off throw that went straight past Weeks, Soriano, and Matthews Jr. in center.

The biggest news came after the game when 2B Rickie Weeks was sent down to AAA Nashville due to his obvious struggles at the plate (.080). Aaron Miles, the former Cardinals 2B has been called up. He will back up Soriano who has moved to second and Melky Cabrera will be starting in left field until Jose Reyes returns from the DL. Now, the Brewers travel to St. Louis for a weekend series against the Cardinals..

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Man, the Marlins wish they'd had kept Jeremy Hermida.

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You gotta have a feeling that when Wood comes in, it's pretty much automatic.

Next game:

MIL: Gustavo Chacin (1-0, 1.29 ERA)

STL: Adam Loewen (1-0, 4.91 ERA)

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Game 10

Brewers (7-2) @ Cardinals (4-5)

It's now a seven-game hitting streak for Soriano and a three game homer streak for Hermida as the Brewers finished Game 1 of a three game series with the Cardinals on a high note. Chacin was masterful dealing out seven strikeouts over seven innings and helping out his own cause in the top half of the 6th. The only blemishes on Chacin's line were solo shots from Corey Koskie and Jose Guillen.

Kerry Wood has been unstoppable this far as he has six saves and his ERA is in the shape of a brass ring. The aces for both squads will go tomorrow in a twilight game in St. Louis.

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Gary Matthews Jr. nails Jay Payton at the plate.

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What is it with the Brewers pitchers and their power hitting?

Next game:

MIL: Pedro Martinez (1-0, 5.14 ERA)

STL: Mark Buehrle (0-1, 3.38 ERA)

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Game 11

Brewers (8-2) @ Cardinals (4-6)

It's now a eight-game hitting streak for Soriano and a four game homer streak for Hermida as the Brewers finished Game 2 of a three game series with the Cardinals on a high note. Sound familiar? Yeah I know. Pedro was the story in this game hurling eight K's over eight innings and baffling St. Louis hitters with his mixing and movement of pitches. Hermida's homer was the only offense the Brew Crew needed today. Buehrle was nearly unhittable in the early going, but when Chavez walked Matthews Jr. singled to center in the seventh, Hermida and the Brewers went for the hill. Ironically, Jose Guillen also robbed the home run, but it was about a foot too deep to be caught.

Wood wrapped it up with save #7 which leads the Majors in that category. Hermida's 7 home runs is 1st in the NL but second in the Bigs to New York Yankees 1B Lance Berkman who has 8 already.

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Albert Pujols flashes the leather and robs Corey Koskie of a base hit down the line.

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"Up Close and Pedro"

Next game:

MIL: Andy Pettitte (1-0, 1.39 ERA)

STL: Justin Verlander (1-1, 5.73 ERA)

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Game 12

Brewers (9-2) @ Cardinals (4-7)

The "Milwaukee Machine" was ready to go for another sweep. This time at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals, and that's exactly what happened. However, it did come with its fair share of ups and downs. Andy Pettitte did give up eight runs in 6 1/3 innings. Melky Cabrera is still struggling at the plate as he went 0-for-4. It got to the point where unproven Chad Bradford had to come in and try to stop the bleeding.

But I'm not gonna reveal any more than that. You're gonna have to watch the game below...

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BROADCAST OF THE GAME

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Game 13

Brewers (10-2) @ Reds (4-8)

The Brewers' attention now turned to the Reds and the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. It was a back and forth contest all the way for both teams. There was a lot of fundamental hitting in this one - 24 hits combined between both teams. The big story was Jason Kendall, a man that many Brewer fans had doubts about. He silenced the critics and put on a 4-for-4 performance and hit his first big fly of the season. Jason Marquis was a little shaky on the mound against the Reds, but the bullpen came in and finished the job for the most part. Kerry Wood got into a little bit of a situation in the ninth. With the bases loaded and one out, Kerry Wood did not falter. He struck out Cano on a gorgeous changeup down in the zone and got Johnny Estrada to fly out to right to end the threat and the ballgame.

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Now they'll be calling him "Big K" in Milwaukee.

This short series and this roadtrip conclude tomorrow afternoon as Chuck James and Fausto Carmona square off in Cincinnati.

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Do not adjust your monitors, folks.

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Jonny Gomes went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI against the Reds.

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Game 14

Brewers (11-2) @ Reds (4-9)

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The last Brewers loss was indeed a battle. This Brewers loss was no different as they split the short series with the Reds, 6-5. In short, Chuck James just did not have the stuff this afternoon. He surrendered six runs over the 4th and 5th innings. Soriano hit his fourth in the hopes that that could spark the offense. The Brewers had a little of their magic going, but it just wasn't enough as the tandem of Neal Cotts and Brandon League closed the door.

The Brewers are now relieved to go home after that tough loss and the Brew Crew will face the Buccos tomorrow night at Miller Park.

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It's a bird; it's a plane; it's... Robinson Cano?

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Brandon League nails down the win for Cincinnati.

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Game 15

Pirates (7-7) @ Brewers (11-3)

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A couple of losses for the Brewers is not the cause for alarm in Milwaukee. This one was a tough one to swallow... 1-0 at the hands of Shawn Marcum and the Pirates. Marcum had all 77 of his pitches going and the Brew Crew was only able to amass six hits total. The only mistake on the part of Milwaukee was the solo shot from Jason Bartlett in the fourth. The finale of this short series is tomorrow with dueling aces Pedro Martinez and Javier Vazquez.

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