Brewers 1982

Covering the Milwaukee Brewers throughout the 1982 season, in real-time, as it would have happpened.

Jerry Augustine

Brewers Pound Yankees, Guidry

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Brewers 11, Yankees 4
Brewers now 41-31 (2nd)
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Cecil Cooper
Cecil Cooper smacked two more homers to pace the Crew.

NEW YORK — After the Yankees jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the third inning with ace Ron Guidry on the mound, things wouldn’t have looked good for most teams.

You know Ron Guidry. Since the start of the 1977 season, he came into today’s game with a 95-35 record and a downright silly 2.71 ERA. So it would be understandable if most teams would pack it in at that point.

But the Brewers aren’t most teams. They are Harvey’s Wallbangers. No lead is safe.

The Crew chipped away with a run on an RBI double by Don Money in the fourth, but that was just the opening act. In the fifth, the Brewers opened the flood gates on the Yankees ace and brought wrath he is not accustomed to experiencing.

The Brewers opened with consecutive singles by Paul Molitor, Robin Yount and Cecil Cooper to score the first run. After Ted Simmons grounded out, Gorman Thomas drew a walk to load the bases and Ben Oglivie singled home Yount and Simmons.

Four singles, three runs. That was all for Ron Guidry. But the Brewers weren’t done.

Don Money then singled home Gorman, and with runners at first and third Ed Romero dropped down a squeeze bunt that resulted in the sixth single of the inning that scored one more run. Charlie Moore then grounded out to drive in the sixth run of the inning to give the Brewers a 9-4 lead.

Wait, what happened to Harvey’s Wallbangers? Six singles including a squeeze bunt? Who are these guys?

Well, Cecil Cooper also hit two homers on the day, including a 420-foot shot to center in the sixth. Is that good enough?

There is no proper superlative to describe this offense right now. The Brewers have scored 45 runs on the five-game road trip against the Red Sox and Yankees, batting a ridiculous .337.

Mike Caldwell also deserves recognition for recovering from a slow start. He allowed four runs on five hits and three walks through the first three innings. From the fourth through seventh innings, he allowed no runs on five hits. Jerry Augustine then came on to pitch two innings of no-hit ball.

Ron Guidry stepped on the mound with an 8-2 record and 3.04 ERA today. The Brewers didn’t blink. After giving up eight runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings, Guidry left with a 3.57 ERA.

“Did George call and send Guidry down yet?” Rollie Fingers joked, referring to the impatient Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner. It was funny, only because such a reaction wouldn’t have been out of character. Last year’s AL Rookie of the Year Award winner, Dave Righetti, was recently sent to the minors after starting the season 5-5 with a typically acceptable 4.23 ERA.

By the time this series is over, George may send his entire pitching staff to the minors.

Game Notes: Pete Vuckovich was ejected from the dugout after arguing balls and strikes … The Brewers are now 18-7 under Harvey Kuenn and remain three games back of the Boston Red Sox … Jim Gantner, recovering from an injured shoulder, has been hitting well in batting practice and may be used as a pinch hitter if he isn’t put on the DL … Charlie Moore has started every game in right field on the current road trip … A Brewers fan who said he was assaulted by a security worker at County Stadium two years ago filed a suit of $125,000 against the team.

Three Oglivie Homers Power Brewers to Sweep

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Brewers 7, Tigers 5
Brewers now 35-29 (3rd)
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Ben Oglivie
Ben Oglivie crushed three home runs for the second time in his career, both times against the Tigers.

DETROIT — When the Tigers took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, it appeared more than likely that they’d salvage the finale of a four-game series. But when you’re facing Harvey’s Wallbangers, no lead is safe.

Boom… Boom… Boom!… BOOOM!!

It was a two-man show for the Brewers on offense. Ted Simmons and Ben Oglivie collected six of the team’s nine hits. They drove in six of the seven runs. Ben Oglivie mashed three home runs, and twice he drove in Simmons in the process. Simmons had a double and a home run, his ninth of the season.

But this was Oglivie’s day. He hit home runs in three consecutive at bats, clearing the wall in the second, fourth and sixth innings. His third home run (his 15th of the season) was a bomb that bounced off the Tiger Stadium roof in right center. It was the second time he had hit three home runs in a game, and also the second time he hit three against the Tigers, his former team. The last time was on July 8, 1979 in Milwaukee.

Given the opportunity to hit his fourth straight home run in the eighth, Detroit smartly put him on first intentionally. Two batters later, Roy Howell would drive in another run. That’s how it’s going right now for the Brewers. Take the bat out of the hot player’s hands, you’ll have to deal with another.

The typically reliable Jim Slaton started and was knocked around for five runs on seven hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings. Jerry Augustine took over and was nearly perfect, allowing only a hit in 4 1/3 innings. Rollie Fingers finished it off with two perfect innings of his own for his 15th save, striking out the side on 10 pitches in the ninth. That’s 6 1/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit baseball. It was the bullpen’s work that allowed Oglivie, Simmons and the Brewers to hit back into the game.

Let’s not underestimate the impressiveness of a four-game sweep of the Tigers in Detroit. This is a team that was tied with the Red Sox for the AL East lead and led the Brewers by six games entering this series. They are now two games back and lead the Brewers by two.

Now down by four games, the Brewers are suddenly major players in the divisional race. While the Brewers now take on the 30-31 Yankees, the first place Red Sox will battle it out with the Tigers.

Game Notes: It was the Brewers’ fifth straight road win and their 12th win in 18 games under manager Harvey Kuenn … The Brewers hit nine home runs in the series … Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Jim Gantner and Cecil Cooper all deserve to play if not start in the All-Star Game, but none are likely to be voted in.

Will Brewers Make a Deal?

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With talk of upgrading the Brewers roster continue to float about, is a deal imminent?

While few specific rumors have surfaced, we can speculate on which players may be available and what needs the team may want to fill. So let’s have at it, shall we?

Needs

Ted Simmons
Is Ted Simmons on the trade block?

If the Brewers make a deal, it will likely address one of the following areas:

Bullpen: Rollie Fingers has been banged up and less dependable than he was last year, making the contributions of the other relievers all the more important. Other than Jim Slaton, can the Brewers count on Jamie Easterly, Jerry Augustine or Dwight Bernard? No. The Brewers could use at least one dependable addition to the bullpen.

Starting Rotation: It’s been a sticking point all season. Pete Vuckovich is the undisputed ace, but then what? Mike Caldwell, when not throwing a fit about whatever it is that ticks him off this week, can be good on occasion. But at 3-6 with a 5.04 ERA, he’s far from dependable. Moose Haas has been up and down, but overall he’s been the second best starter on the staff with a 4.05 ERA. Bob McClure is the “other” lefty in the rotation (along with Caldwell) with a bloated 4.56 ERA. Randy Lerch is the true definition of a number five starter with a 5.25 ERA. In other words, the Brewers have one ace, a number three or number four starter in Haas, and three number five starters. One trade probably won’t be enough to make the changes that are necessary here.

You Can Have Him

There’s one player the Brewers would just assume give away, but they’ve been trying unsuccessfully since the spring. No one wants him.

Roy Howell: Howell’s tirades have become tired. Granted, while playing under Kuenn he’s been quieter since he’s actually getting playing time. But he’s third on the depth chart at third base, and could easily be dealt if the Brewers can get a need in return.

Oh, you want him?

These are players who likely aren’t the centerpiece of any trade discussion, but could come up as a throw-in or minor deal:

Marshall Edwards: He’s a valuable defensive replacement in the outfield, but offers little else.

Ed Romero: He’s nice to have in case Gantner needs a breather, but that’s about it.

Mark Brouhard: Still young and with promise, but the Brewers have depth in right field.

Ned Yost: If the Brewers keep Simmons, there’s really no need to have three catcher-capable players on the roster.

Rob Picciolo: Recently acquired from Oakland to fill a perceived need, but he rarely plays.

Jerry Augustine: His 6+ ERA is a bit misleading due to the 12 runs he allowed in Kansas City on May 11, but he’s rarely used.

Randy Lerch: Sometimes passable, sometimes awful. Easily replaceable.

Jamie Easterly: With a 3.32 ERA, he actually has been pretty good this year. But the Brewers may not trust those results if an offer comes their way.

Dwight Bernard: Like Easterly, his results (3.66 ERA) haven’t been particularly bad, but he’s also a body that shouldn’t be very difficult to replace or upgrade.

Likely discussion starters

If the Brewers do make a deal, don’t be surprised if it involves one of these players. They not only are available, but may be attractive to other teams:

Ted Simmons: He’s yet to live up to his reputation as a catcher with a big bat since putting on a Brewers uniform in 1981. The Brewers have three players capable of catching, and Simmons may be seen as the veteran presence that another team needs as a final piece of the puzzle. His name’s been floated around for a while now, and he’d likely already be gone if Buck Rodgers were still around.

Charlie Moore: It comes down to depth. While it would be helpful to have Moore around to split right field duties with Mark Brouhard, he’s one of three players who can catch. And he’s capable of hitting .300, so other teams may covet him. He also demanded a trade during the spring before being assured he’d get a shot in the outfield.

Mike Caldwell: He’s not performing for the Brewers, but other teams will think a change of scenery could light a fire under him. And they may be right.

Moose Haas: Would only be dealt in a package deal that would give the Brewers an upgrade to the rotation.

Don Money: Very valuable as a designated hitter, but the Brewers could take a hit on offense to improve their pitching staff. One of three third basemen.

Bob McClure: Like Haas, he could be dealt in a package deal to improve the rotation.

Could be available, but at a price

It would seem highly unlikely that any of these players would be traded unless the Brewers received an offer they couldn’t refuse:

Jim Gantner: Seemingly too valuable as a defender, but not irreplaceable. Ed Romero could be slotted in at second if the Brewers could add a nice piece to the pitching staff.

Paul Molitor: His age (25) and production would make him very hard to deal, but given the depth at third base a trade would have to be considered if the Brewers could get a young, top of the rotation starter in return.

Unavailable

There would seem to be no way the Brewers would trade these players due to age, depth or value to the team:

Cecil Cooper: He may not get the credit he deserves around the league, but fans in Milwaukee know he’s been the best first baseman in baseball the past few years. The team has no back-up plan for him.

Robin Yount: Like Cooper, Yount may be the best in the league at his position. He’s 26 and the drop-off from Yount to Rob Picciolo is downright silly.

Gorman Thomas: He’s a leader and a big power bat in the middle of the lineup. Most importantly, there just isn’t a viable back-up plan.

Ben Oglivie: See Gorman above. Benji isn’t going anywhere.

Pete Vuckovich: The team’s only dependable starter. No way he’s going anywhere.

Rollie Fingers: The heart and soul of the bullpen, if not the team. Fingers may be having a down year, but his experience in the postseason makes him irreplaceable.

Jim Slaton: He can start, pitch long relief or get saves when Rollie is unavailable. And he’s productive. He can’t be replaced.

What do you think? Which players should the Brewers be looking at trading and what areas should they upgrade?

It is Time for Change at the Top

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Buck Rodgers
Buck Rodgers is a bad fit for this veteran team.

In 1981, the Brewers were a loose, professional and happy bunch. They also won, and whether the former bred the latter or vice versa, the personality of the team and the results were starkly different last season than through May 23 of this season.

Far too much is going wrong:

  • Two players have demanded a trade already at some point in 1982. Charlie Moore started the trend in spring training and only agreed to stay once he was assured playing time in right field. Roy Howell requested his trade during the spring as well and continues to be unhappy about his role as the third third baseman. Yet there are no takers of his paltry batting average.
  • Rollie Fingers, who won both the AL MVP and Cy Young awards in 1981, has been less than perfect in 1982. He has lost five times when entering tied games. He’s also shown his displeasure with the way that he has been used.
  • Pete Vuckovich injured his ankle either when sliding down a slick hill behind Royals Stadium in a rain storm prior to the game or when a video game fell on it. Either way, his absence caused immediate problems on the staff (Jerry Augustine started that game in Kansas City and allowed 12 earned runs in five innings) and Vuke threatened to take legal action when rumors surfaced that he was less than forthcoming about the source of his injury.
  • Bob McClure was hit on the elbow by a line drive and missed time as well. The Brewers’ brass made a serious miscalculation when neither pitcher was replaced on the roster and the Brewers instead went with an eight-man staff while they awaited their return.
  • While there are some offensive players performing well (Paul Molitor is hitting .301, Robin Yount .291 and Cecil Cooper .340), others are downright offensive. Gorman Thomas went the entire month of April without a home run and is hitting .228. Ben Oglivie is hitting .224 and catcher Ted Simmons is hitting .203 and continues to look like his best days are behind him.
  • The Brewers aren’t getting consistent pitching. The staff is led by Moose Haas with a 3.22 ERA, but Mike Caldwell‘s is 4.45, Bob McClure’s is 5.14 and Randy Lerch‘s is 5.36, all pitchers who have made several starts. Pete Vuckovich may have a 3.79 ERA, but he hasn’t pitched since May 6.

The biggest problem, though, is a lack of leadership. Whether Buck Rodgers is a poor leader or simply a bad fit for this team, his players do not have his back. They routinely call him out in the press and refuse to sugarcoat their feelings about the man in charge.

And that, along with the swirling rumors that former team captain Sal Bando is ready to take over, are the main reasons that it is time to make a change. Even when they win, the team isn’t happy. They aren’t loose. And they aren’t professional.

It is time that the Brewers find a leader, as Bud Lea of the Milwaukee Sentinel said, who is more of a den mother than a major league manager. They need a leader who will stroke egos and let his players play instead of micromanaging with strategies that many of his players aren’t comfortable carrying out.

The Brewers need a player’s manager, and they need him now.

Offense, Defense Falter Again

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Mariners 7, Brewers 1
Brewers now 20-18 (3rd)
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Randy Lerch
Randy Lerch took the loss, but his teammates didn't provide him any help.

MILWAUKEE — For two consecutive, glorious games, everything went right for the Brewers. Magnificent pitching, timely hitting and solid defense. Today, debt was paid to the baseball gods.

Very little went right. Starter Randy Lerch was knocked around for seven runs on six hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings. But that didn’t fall entirely on Lerch.

With two down in the third, the Mariners had scored three runs. A grounder was hit to short and Robin Yount mishandled it for an error, loading the bases. Jim Maler then hit a grand slam to make it 7-0.

Four unearned runs.

All of the Mariners runs were scored in that one inning. The Brewers’ defense did what they could to help them score more with two more errors, but the bullpen kept Seattle at bay.

On a day in which the inconsistent Brewers offense managed only a run on four hits, the bullpen was the one collective shining star. Jim Slaton, Jerry Augustine and Jamie Easterly combined to allow only a single baserunner through 4 1/3 innings in relief of Lerch.

Of course, that’s yet another case of too little, too late when you give up seven runs in an inning and your lineup can’t muster more than a single hit in an inning. The only Brewers run scored as a gift when starter Gene Nelson walked the bases loaded in the first and Gorman Thomas scored on a groundout. A run without a hit, apparently one of the few ways this team can score right now.

That’s six straight games in which the Brewers have scored four or fewer runs and eight of the last nine. Not going to cut it with this average pitching staff.

Game Notes: Paul Molitor, who has been nursing a sore shoulder, sat out today’s game. Don Money started at third base and hit cleanup while second baseman Jim Gantner hit in Molitor’s customary leadoff spot.