Depression during a winning streak?
I shouldn't be depressed, but I am. As soon as Rickie Weeks was replaced after his first at-bat on Sunday, I had a bad feeling that this wasn't something minor. Reality struck Monday when the news from Arizona said the Weeks would be out for the year with a torn tendon sheath -- this time in his left wrist.
It's just such a cruel blow.
It would be for any player, but Weeks was just beginning to scratch the surface of his immense potential. His hard work and dedication to the game were the difference, and it's a shame that he doesn't get to enjoy the fruit of his labor.
Some will still complain about Weeks being injury prone, and it is hard to argue that point. Is it what makes Weeks special also what has amounted to his downfall? His hands are so fast and strong at the plate that it makes you wonder if that has led to his two wrist injuries. Hand specialist Dr. Don Sheridan has even stated that he has never seen torn tendon sheaths in both wrists.
Is this just a fluke?
Either way, it won't be until 2010 that we find out if Weeks can return in even better form. I am in complete agreement with general manager Doug Melvin: I am going to miss watching Weeks play. His combination of power and speed makes him one of the most exciting players in the game today.
Like the rest of his teammates, I feel terrible for him.
Happiness during a winning streak
I ‘d like to thank one Mat Gamel for helping me out of my depression with his first major league home run. Not only was the home run swing a glimpse of things to come, the at-bat as a whole proved that Gamel is ready for prime time (at least at the plate).
Much like Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder before him, Gamel is not the least bit over-matched at the plate from day one. In fact, he offers a much needed additional power threat from the left side. It was also a wonderful sight to see both Fielder and Braun greet their predecessor at the plate, creating not only a picture of the Brewers' present, but also their future.
After the warm greeting at the plate, Gamel quickly was humbled back into rookie status as the rest of the team pulled off a quality "cold shoulder" on Gamel, celebrating the rookie's first home run and welcoming him into the clubhouse.
As for Gamel in the field, it's going to be a work in progress - much like it was for Weeks. It's important that Gamel works through some growing pains at third base, because that is where he will carry the most value for the Brewers. He does provide an insurance policy at first base if Prince Fielder decides to bolt after next year, but picture the lineup if he stays and Gamel improves his defense.
One thing that is noticeable is that Gamel has a strong arm, but he has a long throwing motion much like an outfielder would. Such a motion makes it difficult to be accurate and control the ball from sailing. It's not a surprise that most of his errors are throwing errors, but it is also something that can be improved - again much like Weeks.
Intensity during a winning streak
It wasn't me this time. Instead, Braden Looper was visibly upset with Ken Macha's decision to pull him in the 7th inning ... and let him know it. He was also noticeably upset with the errors that the Brewers committed (including his own).
Facing his old team added to his fire, especially when they decided that his counterpart Kyle Lohse was worth a $40 million contract and he wasn't. Also fanning the flames was Tim Timmons' ridiculous strike zone. A mailbox doesn't do it justice.
Those kinds of outbursts walk a fine line. Its intensity when you are winning. It's bitching when you aren't.
