Ryan Braun did his best "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart impersonsation over the weekend by informing the entire world (through the media) that he wanted to see a move made to bring more starting pitching to
Milwaukee Brewers. Scrutiny of Braun's words have raised criticism by some and praise by others. But was the "line" actually crossed?
It's no secret that starting pitching is a need for the Milwaukee Brewers. The Crew ranks 24th in Baseball in team ERA at 4.47 (entering Tuesday night) with
every player to make a start not named Yovanni Gallardo (2.75) above that mark: Jeff Suppan (4.60), Seth McClung (4.59), Braden Looper (4.78), Mike Burns (5.57), Dave Bush (5.67), & Manny Parra (7.52)...So the fact that they need a starter is no secret. Braun's comments did not bring attention to the fact that Milwaukee should be looking for help as the break nears.
Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin was not happy with the comments his All-Star Outfielder made. He sat down with Braun for a little talk about an appropriate time and place to make such comments. Some believe that Braun's remarks could hamper Melvin's ability to make a move...meaning that other teams will see the team's desperation and ask for more thinking they can get more. I highly doubt a MLB GM doesn't know how desperate the Brewers would be for pitching. Melvin's big issue probably is the fact he felt undermined by what Braun said and the fact it was through the media.
Is that throwing his teammates underneath the bus? This is another concern that has risen from the comments. Some in the locker room could take exception to the fact Braun wants someone outside to come in and sure up the rotation. Isn't that baseball though? Isn't baseball a
performance based profession? Everyday players lose their jobs due to lack of performance.
So was he over the line? Probably. Was it the right thing to say? Time will tell on that one. Braun has made comments escentially calling out his teammates in the past...and the comments had worked. Last year Braun's comments after a sweep in Boston helped spring a 20-24 team to a club that was at one point 24 games over .500 and made its first playoff appearence in 26-years. After a 4-9 start Braun helped spark a fire that carried the Brewers to a 21-5 stretch at one point. If these comments help the rotation with some motivation...then it was the right thing for a leader to say...On the same token, when you are batting .326 with 16 HRs and 58 RBI, there isn't much you can't say.
Would love to hear your thoughts! Any questions or comments for Justin Hull can be emailed to jhull@wcinet.com or posted here on the blog.
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We wrapped up the week of Milwaukee Brewer talk with Brewer's Live Analyst Davey Nelson. The Brewers open a three game series with the Dodgers Friday night at Miller Park. Davey talked about the first half, problems, the All-Stars, and Nellie's Nuggets to 2nd half success.
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