Blogger Beat: Brew Crew Ball
…fresh off taking two out of three from the Phillies, the Mets take on the 
Brewers this weekend…with that in mind, i did a quick Q & A with Jeff Sackmann, who writes about the Brewers for Brew Crew Ball…
D.J. Short:
First, a question about Yovani Gallardo, who may return from the DL this weekend. I know he was recently rehabbing for a knee injury. Any long-term concerns there, or was he just not quite ready to start the season with the big club?
Jeff Sackmann:
Just not quite ready. He struck out more than a batter per inning in two rehab starts, so I think he’ll be fine.
D.J. Short:
How long do you expect Eric Gagne to hang on to the closer role? Will his contract give him a longer leash or does the team seem willing to give David Riske a shot?
Jeff Sackmann:
I think Gagne will have a very long leash. Riske seems to be the rally killer guy, which might well be the best use for him. It’s certainly possible that Riske is the best reliever in the bullpen right now, and if the bullpen shapes up like the Indians ‘pen last year–mediocre “closer” in the 9th, better relievers for higher leverage innings earlier in the game–I’d be thrilled.
D.J. Short:
How’s Ryan Braun looking in left field thus far?
Jeff Sackmann:
He’s not going to win any gold gloves. He’s passable, and he’s certainly got the arm, and the biggest benefit is simply getting him off of third base, where Bill Hall has brought big-league defense back to Milwaukee.
D.J. Short:
What are your thoughts about Prince Fielder’s comments this spring in regards to his contact? Are the Brewers prepared to lose him? What would that do to the franchise?
Jeff Sackmann:
As for his comments, I don’t take that sort of thing as a big deal. He let off steam one day when a reporter was listening. Not the smartest move, but it’s easy to forget we’re analyzing the every utterance of a 24-year-old. I think Brewers fans realize that Scott Boras represents Fielder, so while the effort will be made to sign him long-term, it’s far from a lock. Fielder has certainly emerged as a leader, so it would be great to keep him around, but he’s hardly the only young stud on this team.
D.J. Short:
Lastly, a question on Sabermetrics relating to the Mets. Last year when we chatted, you mentioned that you thought John Maine was pitching over his head. Has your opinion changed on that, or did his second half meet your expectations?
Jeff Sackmann:
The big difference in his first and second half is the BABIP — it jumped from .253 before the break to .318 after the break. The resulting 5.53 in the second half seems a little harsh, but it does suggest he might be more of a 4.50 guy than a 3.50 guy. That, I think, was a reasonable expectation back when the Mets traded for him, and it still gives him plenty of value, particularly if he gives you another 32 starts this year.
…thanks again, Jeff…be sure to check out his contributions to the Sabermetrics blog Beyond the Boxscore, as well…
…by the way, i did ask him about Claudio Vargas…he didn’t have much to say, however, he did point me to an answer he gave Joe Janish from MetsToday, which you can check out here…
