FanNation

Trifecta fail the Crew

The sweep courtosy of the Red Sox this weekend highlighted how nothing seems to be clicking for the Crew other than Braun.  This was proved as the Crew's defense, pitching, and offense all struggled at times this weekend.  The Crew have actually been struggling with this trifecta all season, never firing on all cynlinders.

The pitching other than Sheets has been the main reason for the Crew's struggles.  Their starting rotation currently features Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush, Carlos Villanueva, and Manny Parra.  Sheets has proven himself as the ace, even though the bats do not show up when he throws.  Suppan is what he is, and the Brewers knew this when they signed him, a 15 win guy with an ERA hovering around 4.50.  Bush needs to figure things out in the minors.  Villanueva should be moved back to the pen where he thrived as a long relief guy last year.  Parra needs to work through what I will call a learning experience.  The bullpen has been just as bad.  Gagne does not deserve a comment (here's your $10 million, please leave).  Stetter could not throw strikes, DeFelice cannot throw, and McClung is a glorified DeFelice.  How many pitchers can one squad have who throw a low 90s fastball, a baby slider, and  slow pitch with no movement they call a change up?  Shouse and Mota are the only reliable options for the Brewers and Shouse is more of a situational lefty special guy.  Unfortunately, the minors are tapped out.  If the Brewers can't work their way out of the cellar of the NL Central, look for Melvin to trade Sheets at the deadline.  If he cannot sign him to a new contract Melvin will get something rather than lose him to free agency.