Today's lessons include the first-base platoon, the players' appreciation, and the potential retirement of a Brewer.
The Brewers first-base platoon ended up being a bad idea.
While the second base platoon for the Brewers ended up working well, the first base platoon was a different story. Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay both struggled to produce, creating a situation that left a gaping hole in the offense. Derek looked back at the platoon yesterday, analyzing what went well and what went wrong with it. The Brewers have been scrambling to find another option at first base since Prince Fielder left after the 2011 season. They are still looking now, and there's no telling how much longer it will be until they find their answer.
Cram Session
- Yesterday, the Brewers took out a full-page ad in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel to thank the fans for their support in 2014. Noah took some time to look at each message and provide the text.
- At 37, Lyle Overbay's career may be done. Justin Millar of MLB Daily Dish reports that Overbay is near certain that he will retire.
- The decision on Ron Roenicke should come next week, but there will be a lot to consider when making it. Jonathan Judge of Disciples of Uecker has a few points that management should keep in mind while making their decision.
- Ron Roenicke didn't issue many intentional walks in 2014, but when he did, they tended to be in good situations. Chris Teeter of Beyond the Box Score wraps up the season's intentional walks, which includes Ron Roenicke issuing one of the season's two "rageless" intentional walks.
- Nick Michalski of The Brewers Bar has an idea to increase focus on the field: limit the number of alternate jerseys that the team uses.
- Former Brewer Paul Molitor is one of the candidates the Twins are interviewing for their open managerial job.
- The Arizona Fall League will experiment with some rules to speed up a baseball game. These include a pitch clock, limits on trips to the mound, and pitchless intentional walks.
NL Central Update
- The Cardinals have set their NLDS rotation, and Michael Wacha was left out of it. He will join the bullpen for the NLDS instead.
Division Update
Yesterday's Games
- NL Wild Card Game: Giants 8, Pirates 0
Giants advance to NLDS.
Today's Games
- AL Division Series - Game 1
Tigers @ Orioles - 4:30 pm, TBS
Series Tied 0-0 - AL Division Series - Game 1
Royals @ Angels - 8:00 pm, TBS
Series Tied 0-0
News & Notes
- Despite winning the AL Wild Card game, David Schoenfield of ESPN SweetSpot has a reminder of why Ned Yost is a terrible manager.
- In preparation of the start of the ALDS today, Mark Townsend of Big League Stew has previews of both the Tigers-Orioles and Royals-Angels series.
