Brewers' desperation is getting absurd

**ISU_phoria** · 09-25-2008, 10:51 AM

It's amazing how one's perspective changes depending on which team you're cheering for. I'm guessing the conversations would be completely flip-flopped if the Cubs were tied for the Wild Card and they were using Zambrano in a similar fashion.

Being a fan of neither team, I am actually a little surprised the Cubs fans really care. If Milwaukee does make the playoffs, the two teams wouldn't face each other (unless they both make it to the NLCS) anyway. Based on Cubs' past performances, I'm guessing they're not gonna make it out of the NLDS, so it's a moot point (Sorry, I had to stir the pot a little)

**Wx4Cy** · 09-25-2008, 10:52 AM

Why is 3 days rest twice a big deal? It wasn't that long ago that most teams had 4-man rotations. That's 3 days rest all year. Also, in the playoffs, most teams go with 3 or 4 man rotations so even with travel days, you're usually going on short rest.

**CyGuy33** · 09-25-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

If there is anyone who can handle this it is CC. His size, suprisingly, helps his durability. As long as he has his legs he can go all season. Last year he had some lower body injuries, putting more stess on his arm, causing him to break down. He is not what baseball people call a 'Max Effort' pitcher. He throws hard, but it is because he has near picture perfect mechanics and the size and strength to get him through.

I watched ever game C.C. pitched last year and you could see the injury was effecting the way he pitched and hurt him in the playoffs.

You are correct his mechanics are great and his size does help him. I have to spread some rep around first I guess but then you get some.

**Steve** · 09-25-2008, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

If there is anyone who can handle this it is CC. His size, suprisingly, helps his durability. As long as he has his legs he can go all season. Last year he had some lower body injuries, putting more stess on his arm, causing him to break down. He is not what baseball people call a 'Max Effort' pitcher. He throws hard, but it is because he has near picture perfect mechanics and the size and strength to get him through.

I agree with everything that you posted here. Another thing that I would add is that more and more teams are going with 2 bullpens (days 2 & 3) between starts for the guys with 4 days rest. The amazing Braves staffs in the 90's credited this approach with helping them stay sharp especially with command of the breaking ball. When you go back to 3 days rest, it tends to balance out when you also go back to one bullpen (day 2).

**pyrocyz** · 09-25-2008, 11:10 AM

If the mets were smart they would pitch Johan for the next four games and not let their bullpen touch the ball.

**Bubbahotep** · 09-25-2008, 11:14 AM

Being a Brewers fan and having to put up with them getting rid of their star every tiime their contract was up, it was good to see them go after Sabathia, and yes, they might be using and abusing him, but that is what they got him for. It's not my fault baseball's running joke is the small to mid-market teams who have to scratch and claw to win every year, while the big time clubs just throw money at any player who is even marginal. I hope the Brewers can win it all this year, because the way baseball is headed, they might not be around in 25 years.

**CYdTracked** · 09-25-2008, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by ajsp

He may not have pitched complete games, but I am pretty sure that he pitched just as much last year, and will continue to pitch that much next year.

It is what he does. I would only be worried if he had a drop in performance because of it.

2006: 28 games 192.2 innings 6 GC 2936 pitches
2007: 34 games 241 innings 4 GC 3582 pitches
2008: 34 games 244 inings 9 GC (6 with Brewers) 3694 pitches

You have a point there I guess but the innings and pitch counts will eventually wear if he keeps up that pace. He's also pitched the most innings than any pitcher in MLB this year and after him and Halladay who is 2nd with 237 innings 3-10 are 227.1-213.1 in innings pitched. Pitching 3 starts in a row with just 3 days rest is never a good thing either, especially when he's thrown 105 and 108 pitches in those 2 starts. Will be interesting to see how much he has in the tank for this last start.

**pyrocyz** · 09-25-2008, 11:30 AM

Hopefully he won't have to. If the brewers have the playoffs wrapped up by then, they should save him for the playoffs.

**cycloneworld** · 09-25-2008, 12:01 PM

My guess is if he couldn't handle it he would say something to management.

Also, while he was a commodity before the Brewers traded for him...his performance with the Brewers has earned him tons more cash than he would have received if he stayed in Cleveland.

**Cybyassociation** · 09-25-2008, 12:13 PM

you call it desperation, i call it taking aggressive actions. sounds like a cub fan scared of crossing the brew crews path in the post season to me.

**CYdTracked** · 09-25-2008, 12:26 PM

I'm not scared of the Brewers and they basically will have to go through the Cubs in the last 3 games of the season to even make the postseason so if they belong in the playoffs they'll have to keep winning. And even if they do the Cubs will likely get the winner of the NL West division and home field advantage 1st round so they may not even see the Brewers in the playoffs. Brewers are 7-15 this month and blew a huge lead in the wild card so not too worried about them plus outside of CC their rotation and bullpen is not going to scare anyone in the playoffs.

**cyclonemaniac7** · 09-25-2008, 12:28 PM

Does C.C. have any say in the matter? Can he come back saying he doesn't want to because of the affects it could have on his career? Or maybe with a doctor's recommendation saying not to do it?

**cybsball20** · 09-25-2008, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonemaniac7

Does C.C. have any say in the matter? Can he come back saying he doesn't want to because of the affects it could have on his career? Or maybe with a doctor's recommendation saying not to do it?

From all accounts he has been begging to pitch whenever possible...

**delt4cy** · 09-25-2008, 12:38 PM

Cubs fans remind me of Hawk fans.

Go Brewers! They're tied in the race for the wild card. When a team like the Brew Crew hasn't been to the playoffs in years of course they'll put out all the stops, who wouldn't?

CC will pick up a load of cash after this year no matter what. The only possible negative is for the team that picks him up. That's their fault.

I don't know what you yahoos are talking about but I'm proud to be a Brewer's fan right now.

**superdorf** · 09-25-2008, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by delt4cy

Cubs fans remind me of Hawk fans.

Go Brewers! They're tied in the race for the wild card. When a team like the Brew Crew hasn't been to the playoffs in years of course they'll put out all the stops, who wouldn't?

CC will pick up a load of cash after this year no matter what. The only possible negative is for the team that picks him up. That's their fault.

I don't know what you yahoos are talking about but I'm proud to be a Brewer's fan right now.

If he blows his arm out this week or in the playoffs he will not pick up a ton of cash.