|
Well, I will say this for Tanner Yurek- and it might help explain why is such a fan favorite- he certainly does have a knack for the walk-off HR.
If I remember correctly, this is at least his third of the season. And much needed as the Brewers are going through a really rough patch that has management worried that a winning record is a pipe dream.
(Rumors are that several veteran players, including recently acquired firstbaseman Aaron Fuller, who has been a major disappointment since joining the club, are being actively shopped around. Also, indications are that veteran starting pitcher Jeff Burdick, whose 1968 contract hinges on him throwing 180 innings, is being skipped over in the rotation with regularity to insure that he does not reach that mark. Another veteran starter, Jason Lawson, has a player option for next season and the thought is that the club won't be at all unhappy if he exercises it, even though it is unclear who will round out the rotation in '68 if both he and Burdick are gone.
On the other hand, the club seems to have decided to let the kids play, especially centerfielder Pat Rondeau. Although Rondeau (.265/.295/.356) has seen his offensive numbers plunge since mid-season, he continues to be a superb defender and base-stealer (21 steals, only 3 CS) and has shown signs of getting hot with the bat again of late, even while playing against lefthanders, against whom he is theoretically weaker. Bobby Erbakan was recently returned to AAA for a bit more seasoning and Tom O'Donnell brought back up to the active roster. But once September rolls around Erbakan will likely get plenty of chances to play firstbase and in the outfield a bit. At this point there are no expectations of the Brewers getting into contention this year so the thought is that they might as well let the youngsters get some experience as they will be counted in to help turn the ship around in the next few seasons.)
|