CUBS SIGN ESTEEMED HITTING COACH JARAMILLO

The Cubs have agreed to a multi-year contract with former Texas Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, who completes Lou Piniella's staff for 2010.

Jaramillo's hitters have won 17 Silver Slugger Awards, four Most Valuable Player Awards, three home run titles, and three RBI crowns under his tutelage. He had been the Rangers' hitting coach since 1995, and worked with current Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

BECKHAM NAMED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR BY THE SPORTING NEWS Third baseman Gordon Beckham of the Chicago White Sox joined left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ of the Philadelphia Phillies as The Sporting News Rookies of the Year.

Beckham, 22, batted .270 (102-378) with 28 doubles, 14 home runs and 63 RBI in 103 games with the White Sox in 2009. He is the ninth rookie in White Sox history to be honored by The Sporting News and the first since current manager Ozzie Guillen in 1985.

RICK PETERSON NAMED BREWERS PITCHING COACH

Stan Kyles Returns as Bullpen Coach; Chris Bosio Offered a Position

 

                

                MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers today named Rick Peterson pitching coach, signing him to a two-year contract. The Brewers also invited bullpen coach Stan Kyles back for the 2010 season. Interim pitching coach Chris Bosio has been offered a position within the organization. Bosio and the Club will continue to discuss his role. The announcements were made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

 

                “Rick brings a number of years of experience as a pitching coach and an extensive background in the study of motion analysis,” said Melvin. “He is a high energy individual and a forward thinker with a comprehensive program of motivation and instruction that is in tune with our current pitching philosophy.”

 

                Peterson has 11 seasons of experience as a Major League pitching coach with Oakland (1998-2003) and New York-NL (2004-08). He served under current Brewers manager Ken Macha while with the Athletics (2003) and under current Brewers bench coach Willie Randolph while with the Mets (2005-08). He has 15 seasons of Major League coaching experience overall, also serving as a bullpen coach with Pittsburgh (1984-85) and Chicago-AL (1994-95).

 

                As pitching coach with the Athletics, Peterson guided staffs which finished in the top three in the American League in ERA every season from 1999-2003. His staffs led the American League in ERA twice, posting a 3.58 ERA in 2002 and 3.63 ERA in 2003. While in Oakland, he helped develop the “Big Three” of Barry Zito, Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder. All three pitchers became 20-game winners under Peterson, and Zito captured the 2002 American League Cy Young Award.

 

                As pitching coach with the Mets, Peterson led staffs which ranked third in the National League in ERA twice (2005 and 2006). He was relieved of his duties on June 17, 2008, the same day manager Willie Randolph was let go.

 

                In addition to his Major League coaching experience, Peterson has had coaching roles in the minor leagues with Pittsburgh (1979-83), Cleveland (1986-88), Chicago-AL (1989-94) and Boston (1997). He also served as minor league pitching coordinator with Toronto (1996-97). He joined the Oakland organization as a minor league roving pitching instructor in 1998 before being named Athletics pitching coach in March of that year.

 

                Peterson, who turns 55 on October 30, resides in Wall, New Jersey with his wife Betsy. The couple has three sons, Sean, Derek and Dylan.

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Rick Peterson is expected to be announced as the new pitching coach of the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Peterson, the former pitching coach with the Oakland A's and New York Mets, worked with Brewers manager Ken Macha and third-base coach Brad Fischer in Oakland, and Brewers bench coach Willie Randolph in New York.

Peterson will be charged with helping turn around a Brewers staff that posted the second-highest ERA in the National League this season, including the worst mark among starters (5.37 ERA).

Of these three guys, who could have been or could be center fielders for the Milwaukee Brewers, Melky Cabrera is a switch-hitter (who could have been acquired for Mike Cameron in the last off-season), while suggested Scott Podsednik and abandoned Tony Gwynn Jr. hit from the left side.
Their 2009 regular season stats compare as follows:
 
                           Age League
AL - American League (1901-present)
NL - National League (1876-present)
AA - American Association (1882-1891)
UA - Union Association (1884)
PL - Players League (1890)
FL - Federal League (1914-1915)
NA - National Association (1871-1875)')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="3" G Plate Appearances
Estimated using AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH,
missing catcher interferences.
When this color click for a summary of each PA.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="5" PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO Hits/At Bats
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="17"BA (H + BB + HBP)/(At Bats + BB + HBP + SF)
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="18" OBP Total Bases/At Bats or
(1B + 2*2B + 3*3B + 4*HR)/AB
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="19"SLG On-Base + Slugging Percentages
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="20"OPS OPS+
100*[OBP/lg OBP + SLG/lg SLG - 1]
Adjusted to the player’s ballpark(s)')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="21"OPS+ Total Bases
Singles + 2 x Doubles + 3 x Triples + 4 x Home Runs.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="22"TB Double Plays Grounded IntoOnly includes standard 6-4-3, 4-3, etc. double plays.
First tracked in 1933.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="23"GDP HBP SH Sacrifice Flies
First tracked in 1954.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="26"SF Intentional Bases on Balls
First tracked in 1955.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="27"IBB Position
’*’ indicates position played in 2/3rds of team games,
’/’ less than 10 games played.')" align=left table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="28"Pos
GG - Gold Glove
SS - Silver Slugger
MVP - Most Valuable Player
CYA - Cy Young Award
ROY - Rookie of the Year')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="29"

 
Melky Cabrera 24 154 540 485 66 133 28 1 13 68 10 2 43 59 .274 .336 .416 .752 97 202 15 4 4 4 4 *897

 
                       Scott Podsednik 33 132 587 537 75 163 25 6 7 48 30 13 39 74 .304 .353 .412 .764 97 221 8 3 6 2 1 *78D/9
                         

Tony Gwynn 26 119 451 393 59 106 11 6 2 21 11 7 48 65 .270 .350 .344 .693 94 135 2 2 5 3 2 *89

 
While Podsednik does not have age on his side, he had more power than Gwynn, plus better BA and on-base than Cabrera or Gwynn AND was once a valuable contributor to a team that won a World Series on the South Side of Chicago in 2005, unlike recent Brewer vets Cameron and Jason Kendall.
 
Here's how that 2009 Milwaukee Brewers catcher compares offensively with a couple suggested replacements, right-handed hitting John Buck or better yet, contact switch-hitter Brayan Peņa; his fellow Royal backstop (righty-hitting Miguel Olivo became the primary KC catcher, by way of Buck's injury):
 
                         Age League
AL - American League (1901-present)
NL - National League (1876-present)
AA - American Association (1882-1891)
UA - Union Association (1884)
PL - Players League (1890)
FL - Federal League (1914-1915)
NA - National Association (1871-1875)')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="3" G Plate Appearances
Estimated using AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH,
missing catcher interferences.
When this color click for a summary of each PA.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="5" PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO Hits/At Bats
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="17" BA (H + BB + HBP)/(At Bats + BB + HBP + SF)
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="18"OBP Total Bases/At Bats or
(1B + 2*2B + 3*3B + 4*HR)/AB
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="19"SLG On-Base + Slugging Percentages
For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA
per team game played')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="20"OPS OPS+
100*[OBP/lg OBP + SLG/lg SLG - 1]
Adjusted to the player’s ballpark(s)')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="21"OPS+ Total Bases
Singles + 2 x Doubles + 3 x Triples + 4 x Home Runs.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="22"TB Double Plays Grounded IntoOnly includes standard 6-4-3, 4-3, etc. double plays.
First tracked in 1933.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="23"GDP HBP SH Sacrifice Flies
First tracked in 1954.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="26"SF Intentional Bases on Balls
First tracked in 1955.')" align=middle table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="27"IBB Position
’*’ indicates position played in 2/3rds of team games,
’/’ less than 10 games played.')" align=left table_number="1" sorttable_columnindex="28"Pos

Jason Kendall 35 134 526 452 48 109 19 2 2 43 7 2 46 58 .241 .331 .305 .636 70 138 11 17 6 5 6 *2

  John Buck 28 59 202 186 16 46 12 4 8 36 1 1 13 55 .247 .299 .484 .782 104 90 2 1 1 1 0 2/D

 
Brayan Peņa 27 64 183 165 17 45 10 0 6 18 0 0 12 18 .273 .318 .442 .761 100 73 5 0 4 2 2 2/D

 
Miguel Olivo 30 114 416 390 51 97 15 5 23 65 5 2 19 126 .249 .292 .490 .781 103 191 10 5 1 1 0 2/D

 
Buck apparently had some defensive issues in his comeback, but both Olivo (with his 10 passed balls) and he make over $2 million a season, making possibly one or the other expendable. Peņa makes minimal money in his first extensive major league playing time. The errorless Peņa originally had no future in Atlanta, with young Brian McCann established there as an All-Star slugging catcher. One caveat with having the 5'-11" and 220 lb. Peņa bat the 7th spot in the Milwaukee order- ahead of Alcides Escobar- is whether Peņa (2009 projected out .273-15-46) would be an RBI guy for the middle of the order or an impediment on the base paths ahead of the fast Escobar. Other abilities by Peņa would have projected out to 10 sac bunts and 5 sac flies, as much as more than Kendall. The younger Peņa has an opportunity to enter his prime as a 30-point OPS+ improvement over Kendall.
 
If Ken Macha was only batting Escobar 8th in the order to end 2009 as a means of keeping pressure off the youngster, it was well thought out that his speed could potentially steal bases and not worry about taking the bat out of a pitcher's hands. Pitchers could then bunt him over. If Brayan Peņa fits the classic chunky/dumpy catcher mold of a Yadier Molina or Johnny Estrada, it may be worth having him as an RBI-type guy batting 8th behind the 7-spot speedier Escobar and let pitchers bunt the slower catcher over. Whther this could affect what a Peņa sees for pitches though, remains to be seen, something that didn't seem to faze Escobar much. [Thanks to baseball-reference.com for stat lines.]

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Gary Bedingfield
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October 13, 2009
  
October 4th was scheduled to be the last day we played in the Metrodome. But our home for the past 28 seasons wasn't ready to say goodbye. And two days later, we played a 12-inning instant classic that ranks up there with the greatest games ever played under that Teflon sky.

With both teams giving it their all, we had one clear advantage: you. You willed us to victory that night. All 55,000 of you. We felt your energy. Your passion. Your never-ending faith. You never, ever gave up. And we followed your lead. All the way to an improbable and historic division title.

 The 2009 season was a roller-coaster ride that left our hearts pounding and our bellies full of butterflies. When Joe Mauer belted a homer in his very first swing on his way to a 3rd batting title in an MVP-caliber season, you were there. When Michael Cuddyer made the Home Run Porch his favorite spot on his way to a breakout year, you were there. As Joe Nathan slammed the door shut on opposing batters a Twins record 47 times, you were there. When we needed every inning of 163 games to win the division, you were there. Standing and cheering, hooting and hollering, waving Homer Hankies. Just like you always have.

 These past 28 seasons have been special. Who can forget Kirby's Game 6 homer, Morris' Game 7 gem, or the rise of the M&M boys? So many great memories were made in the Dome, but it's time to pack them up and bring them to our brand-new home, Target Field. Out underneath the sun, the stars and the moonlit sky. Out where you can watch a Justin Morneau dinger float along the skyline before it finally lands somewhere on Hennepin Ave. Outside is where we belong. And before you know it, in 181 days to be exact, we'll be there, ready to start this new era of Twins baseball.

NEW YORK -The Chicago Cubs baseball team filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday, a step that will allow its corporate parent to sell the team in an $845 million deal.

The filing in Wilmington, Del., was anticipated and is expected to lead to a brief stay in Chapter 11 for the Cubs. A hearing on the case was scheduled for Tuesday in front of the judge who has been handling the bankruptcy case of the Cubs' owner, Tribune Co.

October 12, 2009

Dear Brewers Fans:

On behalf of all Brewers players, coaches, and front office staff, we thank you for your tremendous support this year. For the second consecutive season, more than three million fans attended games at Miller Park, which represents the ninth-highest attendance in Major League Baseball. This is a truly remarkable accomplishment, which once again confirms to me that you are the best fans in all of professional sports. This isn't solely my opinion. I have heard from baseball executives, members of the media, and fans from around the country, all of whom agree that your passion and knowledge have no equal. We do not take your support for granted, and I want you to know that it gives us the motivation and resources to compete at a high level.

When my group purchased the Brewers in 2005, one of my primary goals was to raise all expectations for the team. Coming off last season's playoff appearance, I expected us to play very meaningful games again through September and compete for another postseason berth. I share your disappointment that we fell short of our goal. Only a few years ago, achieving a .500 record would have been acceptable, but posting 80 wins this year satisfied neither you nor the organization. This higher standard demonstrates how far we have come in raising our expectations and how much our performance has improved. Never one to shy away from competition, I welcome the challenge of being held accountable for our efforts to meet this standard.

As I think back on the 2009 season, I find many positives that deserve mention in addition to reaching three million in attendance:

Our offense scored the third most runs in the National League, trailing only two playoff teams (Philadelphia and Colorado).
Prince Fielder put together what I believe was the best offensive season in team history, capped by an all-time Brewers franchise record 141 RBIs (tied for the NL lead) and 46 home runs, one behind Albert Pujols for the league's top mark. In the middle of this historic season, Prince won the Home Run Derby at the All Star Game, cheered on by fellow All Stars Trevor Hoffman and Ryan Braun.
Ryan Braun reached 100 career home runs in his 400th game, the second-fastest to accomplish this among all active players in baseball, and became just the third Brewer to lead the league in hits (203), joining Paul Molitor and Robin Yount.
Yovani Gallardo recorded 204 strikeouts, the fifth-highest total in Brewers franchise history.
Casey McGehee, who was claimed off waivers from the Cubs, emerged as a legitimate Rookie of the Year contender, leading all first-year players in RBIs and placing second in home runs and batting average.
Trevor Hoffman once again showed why he is the best closer in Major League Baseball history, recording the NL's fifth most saves (37) and giving Miller Park fans an adrenalin rush with each dramatic entrance to "Hell's Bells."
When I addressed the players and coaches last weekend in St. Louis, I thanked them for playing and working hard right to the finish, capped by a weekend sweep of a Cardinals team that was competing for home field advantage in the playoffs. Even through challenging stretches, our guys always played to win. As a fan and owner, I believe this is a testament to the character and makeup of our team, and it will serve us well as we continue to build for 2010.

Looking ahead to next season, no one at the Brewers will settle for the status quo. We have begun a thorough top-to-bottom review of all aspects of our business and baseball operations, and we will work diligently to improve our roster. We know how important it is for a team in our market size to develop homegrown talent, and we believe our farm system is well positioned to do that.

At the Major League level, Doug Melvin and his staff have already taken several steps toward ensuring a strong foundation for next season. Bringing back closer Trevor Hoffman, who is approaching his 600th career save, is the most visible move, and much more is happening behind the scenes.

In terms of enhancing the fan experience, we are focusing on two areas. First, we will be making several upgrades to Miller Park this off-season, and we look forward to celebrating the Brewers' upcoming 40th Anniversary. Second, we are also sensitive to the cost of attending games in light of the economy, and we believe this is reflected in our ticket prices for 2010. One of my top priorities is to keep the Brewers accessible to the entire community so that families continue to enjoy an affordable experience at Miller Park.

We are also excited about our continued efforts to expand our impact in the community. This year, our players donated over $350,000 to Brewers Charities and other local causes. Together with donations and funds raised by our Brewers Wives organization and the team's corporate partners, more than $1.5 million in grants and in-kind donations went to support Wisconsin organizations in 2009. Brewers Charities will remain a priority for the team as we are already working on a number of new fundraising programs for 2010.

I am passionate about my role as Principal Owner and committed to taking the steps needed to ensure our long-term success, both on the field and off. I am proud that expectations for our organization have been raised on all fronts, and I pledge that we will continue to work on raising that bar even higher. It is a privilege to serve you, the best fans in baseball, and you should count on my continued hard work to reach our collective goal.

Go Brewers!

  
Mark Attanasio
Chairman and Principal Owner

Edited by author 10-12-2009 08:45 AM
The Metrodome Magic is over. The last game there turned out to be a sad goodbye for Twins' fans.

Jorge Posada had a homer and rbi single to lead the Yankees to a 4-1 win and a sweep of the Twins Sunday night in the AL Division Series.

Alex Rodriguez also homered for the Yankees. Andy Pettitte got the win after allowing the Twins only one run in 6.1 inning.

As was the case in all three games of the series, the Twins got the early lead on Joe Mauer's rbi single in the 6th inning. But, Rodriquez and Posada homered in the top of the 7th off Carl Pavano, who had blanked the Yankees to that point.

A baserunning blunder by Nick Punto cost the Twins a possible run, but the Yankees made it academic with two insurance runs in the top of the 9th. Posada singled home one of the runs.

For more on the game, do to the Twins' web site via MDR links.

Minnesota Twins Postgame Alert
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
October 11, 2009

N.Y. Yankees 4, Minnesota 1 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
N.Y. Yankees Record: (3-0)
Minnesota Record: (0-3)

Winning pitcher - Andy Pettitte (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Carl Pavano (0-1)
SV - Mariano Rivera (1)

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
NYY 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 7 0
MIN 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 7 0

Twins Blow Another One In Yankee Stadium

The Twins have led in every game they played in Yankee Stadium in 2009, but have no wins to show for it.

Their latest debacle came Friday night, when Mark Teixeira homered in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Yankees a 4-3 win in the second game of the AL Division Series.

The series now goes back to the Metrodome on Sunday with the Yankees leading 2-0.

Teixeira hit his walkoff against reliever Jose Mijares, but it should never had gone to the 11th. The Twins took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th, but closer Joe Nathan gave up a two-run homer to Alex Rodriguez to tie the score, 3-3.

The Twins had a chance to win it in the top of the 11th when they loaded the based with no outs, but did not score. They stranded 17 runners in the game overall.

Nick Punto and Denard Span had clutch rbi singles in the two-run 8th that gave the Twins a 3-1 lead. Brendan Harris also had a fine game with a rbi triple, a single and a great play at third base.

Nick Blackburn pitched shutout ball for five innings, but all the efforts went for naught as the Twins remained snakebitten in Yankee Stadium.

You can read more about the game by going to the Twins' web site via MDR links.

Carl Pavano will start for the Twins on Sunday against the Yankees' Andy Pettitte.

Minnesota Twins Postgame Alert
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
October 9, 2009

Minnesota 3, N.Y. Yankees 4 at Yankee Stadium
Minnesota Record: (0-2)
N.Y. Yankees Record: (2-0)

Winning pitcher - David Robertson (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Jose Mijares (0-1)

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
MIN 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 12 1
NYY 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 7 0
  10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 R H E
MIN 0 0 X X X X X X X 3 12 1
NYY 0 1 X X X X X X X 4 7 0

Season Wrap: White Sox

Final record: 79-83

What Went Wrong: The transition from a power-packed team to a more aggressive, quick club went much slower than expected. Shortstop and second base turned out to be problem areas, with Alexei Ramirez being inconsistent and Chris Getz and others failing to take the next steps. Alex Rios, acquired during the season, didn’t produce like he did in Toronto. Other than A.J Pierzynski and Scott Podsednik, the Sox had a very inconsistent offensive season. The starting pitching after Mark Buehrle and John Danks struggled at times. Jose Contreras showed he was done and was sent packing. Jake Peavy didn’t get healthy until it was too late.


What Went Right: Pierzynski and Podsednik had nice seasons. Gordon Beckham made progress and looked like he will play a role in the infield. Carlos Quentin got healthy and showed some of his old power late in the season. Peavy, once he got healthy, showed a glimpse of what he can do next season. Buehrle slumped late, but was outstanding early. Danks looked fairly solid.


What Has To Be Done: The Sox have to settle on an identity and then put the personnel in place to shape it. If they still want to be a power team, they should retain Quentin, Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and some other veterans. If not, they need to make sure they have the players in place who can get on base, move runners and play aggressive baseball. The starting pitching should have a good threesome at the top in Danks, Buehrle and Peavy, but the rest of the rotation has to be shored up and holes in the bullpen have to be filled. Once the identity is established, manager Ozzie Guillen has to be more consistent in who he plays and in his game decisions.

Yankees Win Game One

The Twins left their magic behind in the Metrodome and entered a place they have not yet won in during 2009.

Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui homered to lead the Yankees to a 7-2 win over the Twins in the first game of the AL Division Series at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night. The Twins went 0-7 in the stadium during the regular season and now are 0-1 in post-season.

Minnesota took a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but Jeter tied the game with his home run in the bottom of the third. The Yankees went on from there to built an insurmountable lead. Matsui hit his two-run homer in a three-run fifth inning.

C.C. Sabathia held the Twins to two runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings and got the win. Brian Duensing took the loss after giving up five runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings.

The next game in the ALDS will be Friday in New York. Nick Blackburn will face the Yankees' A.J. Burnett.

Bring On Damn Yankees

Metrodome Magic

The Twins just don't want to stop playing baseball in the Metrodome.

Alexi Casilla singled home Carlos Gomez in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Twins a 6-5 win over the Tigers Tuesday in a tiebreaker game for the AL Central crown.

The Twins now go to New York to start the AL Division Series against the Yankees on Wednesday.

Tuesday's game will have to go down as one of the greatest in the history of the Dome. Detroit jumped up 3-1, but the Twins battled back on homers by Jason Kubel and Orlando Cabrera to take a 4-3 lead.

Detroit's Magglio Ordonez tied the score 4-4 with a homer in the 8th inning. Joe Nathan escaped a huge jam in the 9th, and the game went into extra innings. Both teams scored in the 10th for a 5-5 tie.

The Twins then finally pulled it out against the Tigers' closer Fernando Rodney, who was pitching his fourth inning.

Sandwiched among these scoring highlights were great plays at the plate, diving catches. clutch pitches and enough drama to exhaust the Metrodome record crowd of 54,088.

For more on the thriller, go to the Twins' web site via MDR links.

Season Wrap: Brewers

Final Record: 80-82


What Went Wrong: The loss of Rickie Weeks to a season-ending injury hurt. So did down years from J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart. But, the biggest problem over the season was starting pitching. The Brewers banked that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra would take steps up in their development and help make up for the loss of C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. Gallardo took a baby step up, and Parra took a big step back. The bullpen was good early, then faltered and reinforcements had to be brought in.


What Went Right: Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun took major steps on their paths to super stardom. Casey McGehee turned out to be a great find. Trevor Hoffman, who re-signed with the team for 2010 this week, was everything the Brewers hoped he would be. Alcides Escobar showed he’s ready for the big time. Veterans Felipe Lopez and Craig Counsell filled in well after Weeks went down.

What Has To Be Done: GM Doug Melvin has to find pitching. Hardy and perhaps Hart could be traded, but both are coming off down years and won’t bring as much in return. Some say Fielder should be traded now, but that would signify a major rebuilding which the Brewers don’t believe is necessary yet. The Brewers also have to find a catcher to replace aging Jason Kendall and perhaps a center fielder to replace Mike Cameron. Manager Ken Macha has to provide more aggressive leadership next season. At least to some of the fans, he seems too passive.


Season Wrap: Cubs

Final Record: 83-78

What Went Wrong: Milton Bradley turned out to be more trouble than he was worth, and signing him was a clear mistake. Injuries to Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto and others kept run production down. The Cubs’ bullpen remained unsettled most of the season. Second base was manned by committee until Jeff Baker showed up.

What Went Right: Derrek Lee had a fine season and showed he has his power back. The Cubs’ starting pitching, bolstered by rookie Randy Wells, was the best in the NL Central for most of the season, even though Carlos Zambrano had a down year. Baker showed he could end up the regular second baseman.

What Has To Be Done: Bradley, who was suspended at the end of the season, has to be sent permanently packing. The Cubs then need to find a regular right fielder. The bullpen also has to be strengthened. If Carlos Marmol is to remain the closer, the Cubs need relievers who can get the game to him and he has to mature and gain composure and command. Manager Lou Piniella has to demonstrate he’s still into it. At times, Lou looked like he would rather be fishing in Florida.