General manager Dean Taylor minimized a report in Baseball Weekly that the Brewers have already decided to fire hitting coach Rod Carew and pitching coach Bob Apodaca after the season.
Taylor said any decisions on coaches would be considered at the end of the season, so he didn't confirm the status of the coaches one way or another.
In this writer's opinion, Carew should go, but Apodaca has earned an extension. Whether it is Carew's fault, the players or a combination of both, the Brewers have not had a consistently effective approach at the plate for two seasons.
Some say privately that Carew makes hitting so much of a science that the average hitter just can't grasp what he is teaching. The Hall of Famer has a dedication level that exceeds that of most players. He just can't get his players to execute.
This writer would like to see the Brewers give Larry Hisle a chance. Hisle, who still lives in Mequon, was an effective hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Apodaca has managed to keep the starting rotation together despite substantial turnover due to injuries. Milwaukee has used 24 pitchers in all. The Brewers' bullpen remains one of the strongest in baseball despite the fact David Weathers, the most effective reliever of them all, was traded away.
If the Brewers are going to go with youngsters Ruben Quevedo, Ben Sheets and Nick Neugebauer in their rotation next season, they need a pitching coach who can guide and teach. Apodaca has done both.
The problem with the Brewers has not been pitching. It's been inconsistent hitting. Coaches have limited control over how their players perform, but often are judged on those performances. Based on the Brewers' performances, Carew should go and Apodaca should stay.
Cirillo Available?
The Rockies reportedly are ready to dangle third baseman Jeff Cirillo before some teams this winter. Would it be worthwhile for the Brewers to make a bid?
Cirillo can still hit. The wrap on him was that he didn't hit with power. But, he did produce runs without hitting a lot of homers, and the problem with the Brewers this season is that they either hit a homer or strike out. They need contact hitters who can produce runs.
Offer Tyler Houston or Jose Hernandez and a pitcher to the Rockies for Cirillo. He could fill the hole at third base, and the Brewers would have managed to get Jamey Wright, Jimmy Haynes and Henry Blanco in the original deal for Cirillo and have him back at third.
Practice What You Preach
Sports Illustrated reported this week that Davey Lopes as a player stole a base seven times when his team was ahead by at least seven runs. SI brought it up because Lopes criticized the Padres' Rickey Henderson for stealing a base with his team leading the Brewers 12-5 earlier this season. Lopes drew a two-game suspension for his comments.
Players of the Week
Neugebauer and Quevedo, the two rookie pitchers, share the honor this week. Neugebauer had a great major league debut in a win over the Reds. Quevedo struck out 10 in a win over the Cubs on Tuesday.
Play of the Week
After warming up to start the second inning Thursday, Jimmy Haynes called out the trainer and ended up leaving the mound with a muscle strain in his left side. Mac Suzuki, who started Wednesday's game and got shelled, relieved him and gave up only one run in 3.2 innings.
Goat of the Week
Give this dishonor to pitcher Rocky Coppinger, who gave up six runs in relief in the Cubs' 16-3 drubbing of the Brewers on Wednesday. Coppinger, whose ERA jumped to over 20.00, would have shared the "goat" handle with Suzuki, who gave up seven runs, if the latter had not bounced back on Thursday.
Review and Preview
The Brewers took three of five games against the Cubs in Wrigley. After the 16-3 drubbing on Wednesday, they came right back with a five-run first inning off Chicago starter Julian Tavarez and paid back the Cubs. The two teams had split a doubleheader Monday and beat the Cubs Tuesday on the strength of Quevedo's pitching.
Haynes' injury could cause him to miss a start. More was expected to be known after he was examined Friday in Milwaukee.
Yet another player, lefthanded pitcher Lance Painter, was headed for the disabled list with a sore elbow. The former Nicolet and Wisconsin star might retire if the injury is serious. Allen Levrault will likely come back up from Indianapolis to take Painter's place.
Leftfielder Geoff Jenkins could come back from the disabled list on the homestand. Jenkins said Thursday his injured hand and shoulder were feeling much better. Tyler Houston also worked out with the club and seemed to be progressing a bit slower than Jenkins.
Cirillo and the Rockies come to town for a weekend series. Neugebauer will make his second start Friday night. Quevedo will go after his fourth straight win Sunday against the Rockies' Mike Hampton.
On Sunday, a Robin Yount bobblehead doll, the final in a series that included Geoff Jenkins and Bob Uecker, will be given away.
Gregg Hoffmann writes The Brew Crew Review column on Mondays and Fridays and maintains a special Brewers' news and message board on OMC.
