BREWERS - 6/28/02
June 28, 2002
LATEST TEAM INFO: (28-50, .356 PCT, 6th Central Division, 15.5 GB)
After Geoff Jenkins horrible injury against the Astros on Monday June 17th, 2002, the Brewer's seemed to come together a little more as a team. While Jenkins was laying on the field for over 10 minutes Richie Sexson, and other teammates watched in horror as their teammate was in obvious pain. To refresh the status of the injury, after Jenkins hustled out an infield single Tyler Houston stepped up to bat. The first pitch he rips a single to right field. Jenkins rounds second and goes to third, he is safe. Houston makes his way into second and he is safe. While Houston takes second safely Jenkins cheats towards home, the throw is made as Jenkins steps back. Then it happens, as Jenkins is called safe at third his ankle snaps out of place. Like was said earlier, it takes paramedics 10 minutes to get him off of the field.
The next day, Jenkins reports to Miller Park after staying overnight at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. He is wearing a large cast over his right ankle to avoid any further injury to the ligaments. He speaks on his behalf, while fighting to hold back tears he makes it clear how sick he is of receiving freak injuries. The Brewers as a team go on to take three of four from the Houston Astros.
Three of four from the Houston Astros would be the high point of the homestand. The Angels came into town next and completed a three game sweep of the Brewers on the 23rd.
With all of the problems that the Brewers faced over the homestand, the league would witness a bigger disaster as whole over this last week. First, Jack Buck dies from the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Then when the Cardinals are in Chicago, Darryl Kile suddenly dies in his sleep in his hotel room. Everyone around the league was affected, even the Brewers. Darryl Kile called such Brewers as Curtis Leskanic, Jamey Wright, Mike Dejean, and Lenny Harris "friends." With heavy hearts, the Brewers and Cardinals would have to compete in a three game series against one another. To make a long story short, the Brewers would take two of three from them.
What is with the Brewers and Cardinals. Not to shed any humor on any topic but, why do bad things happen when these teams meet? Aside from them being NL Central enemies something in the real world affects the fun of the game when these teams meet. At least, it has been the case for the last two years. Going back to 9/11/01, The Cardinals were in Milwaukee when the terrorist attacks happened. Then, when baseball resumed it's schedule after the attacks, the Brewers opened up in St. Louis when Jack Buck gave his emotional speech. Now, this year when the Cardinals organization went through it's toughest week. It was the Brewers who were in town again. I know this is merely coincidence but, it was worth shedding some light onto.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
The All-Star game is coming to Milwaukee! The Brewers are on their longest road game of the year so that Miller Park preparations can be completed to hold the game. Tomorrow the Brewers kick off a three game series against their rivals, the Minnesota Twins. The battle between the contraction team of the league (The Twins) and Seligs ex-team (The Brewers) is 2-1 in favor of the Twins. The Brewers will have to come into their house in order to change that number.
Back in Milwaukee, it is a huge week and, I am sure the Brewers would love to be here. We have the All-Star game coming here, NASCAR at the Milwaukee Mile, and "The Big Gig" Summerfest going on. The Brewers will try to have a respectable week in order to make Milwaukee a little more exciting this week.
RUMOR MILL:
What can the Brewers do with players that make it to the all-star game. Well, Sexson will be there but, it is obvious that the Brewers are keeping him. Let's talk about a man in his last year of his contract. Jose Hernandez, the best SS in the NL in most offensive statistics.
Rumors have been going around that the Brewers are promoting him for the mid-summer classic so they can ship him away in the second half of the year. Being labeled as an "All-Star" would definitely get the Brewers a little more for him. It is nearly a definite possibility that Hernandez will NOT be a Brewer come the end of the year.
INJURIES:
Chad Fox (P)
INJURY: June 8th. Strained Right Rotator Cuff
STATUS: Activated
Chad Fox has experienced a light load since his return. When the Brewers need him, he is out there. Count on the Brewers to keep him on a light load so, he can be in their bullpen injury free.
Geoff Jenkins (OF)
INJURY: June 18th. Dislocated Right Ankle
STATUS: DL
The Brewers placed him on the 15 day DL. He will be put on the 15 day DL yet again after this but, they want to get him re-examined after his protective cast gets taken off later this week. At that point, they will see just how bad the ligament damage is. He COULD be back in August or September.
DOWN ON THE FARM:
The Brewers called Ryan Thompson up from AAA Indianapolis after Geoff Jenkins injury.
Also, since Paul Bako was activated from the DL (June 25th), they then sent Marcus Jensen down to AAA.
WEEK IN REVIEW:
It has been the Tyler Houston show in the month of June. This week continued his dominance over every pitcher he has seen. This month he is batting .487, with 3hrs, and 13 RBI's. This brings his season average up to .346, 7hrs, and 32RBI's. He had an 11 game hitting streak until it ended against the Cardinals the 27th when he struck out in his only at-bat as a pinch hitter.
Record for the week....17th thru the 27th....(5-5)
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
3B Tyler Houston (NEW) - He is in line for player of the month for June. Heis showing what he can do. No one has ever seen him play like this before. PICK HIM UP for now, he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Keep:
1B Richie Sexson (Keep) - DUH! His season stats are .281, 18 hrs, 57RBI's
SS Jose Hernandez (Keep) - Leads NL Shortstops in nearly every offensive category. His stats are .296, 13 hrs, and 39 RBI's.
Drop:
OF Geoff Jenkins (New) - Out till near the end of the year with a dislocated ankle. It is too bad, he was getting hot.
