Running 2011 Baseball Thread, Vol. I: Dedicated to spnited

A writer out here had a good way of describing him: Talking to Brian Wilson is a bit like seeing Stephen Colbert play Stephen Colbert. I do wonder how much the fans are going to adore it if this season continues downward as it's currently trending.

 

Yeah, because baseball players shouldn't be colorful at all.

 

Just announced on SportsCenter ... K-Rod to Milwaukee for two players to be named later and cash.

EDIT: Add link:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/wires/07/12/2010.ap.bbn.mets.brewers.trade.0072/

 

There's colorful and then there's "look at me! I'm not just some dumb jock!"

 

I've gotten the impression he isn't that dumb.

He seems to be one of the few athletes who can explain and support his theological views.

 

Right, but no one would ever know that if he didn't dye his beard jet black and cut his hair into a mohawk. Who ever interviews the closer unless he blows a save?

 

At least he's enjoyed success.

A bad reliever mustache/beard ought to be earned.

 

Believe me, Steak, I'll take a lot more of Wilson's "shtick" over most of these other clowns. At least he entertains (at least I think he does).

 

Two words ... Fuck yeah!

 

The beard might have made Wilson famous nationally, but his act has long been established (and has been quite popular) in the Bay Area and the beard is just an extension of that. He's funny -- always delivers in their local commercials that range from amusing to hilarious. The whole thing with "The Machine" last year was a cult classic. He really does seem to engage the fans, and at least from a distance it looks genuine. And of note on this board, the writers all seem to like working with him.

Of course, none of this would mean all that much if he hadn't been so awesome last postseason. For what he did to lock up Ryan Howard and end the NLCS, he can grow the beard to his chin.

 

John Axford: 2-2, 23 saves (2 blown saves), 2.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 53 strikeouts in 41 1/3 IP after a very rough start

Francisco Rodriguez: 2-2, 23 saves (3 blown saves), 3.16 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 46 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings pitched after a dominating start

Obviously, Axford doesn't have the track record Rodriguez does, but he has been the better pitcher since the day he took over as Milwaukee's closer in 2010. Not sure about the price tag until we see the prospects, but I'm thinking they would have been better off going a cheaper route for a strong set-up man.

 

Rodriguez's $17.5 million option for next season vests only if he finishes 55 games this year (he's currently finished 32), so I doubt he closes for the Brewers. I'm sure he'll be fine as a set-up guy.

As for the prospects, the Brewers' farm system is the worst in the majors according to Baseball America. Can't imagine the Mets will be able to get much.

With Fielder out the door after the season, Milwaukee's clearly going all-in for 2011. Seems like a straight salary dump for the Mets.