So it comes down to this. The bastards and unwanted children are back from Oklahoma, where many of them would still be languishing were it not for the dismal goings-on at Crawford and Texas. The family favorites have been sitting at the Big Kids Table for a while now, and from the looks of some of them, they ain’t going back to the orphanage anytime soon. The Big Bad Brewers come to town toting the NL Central title belt and a nasty hangover. Let’s give them a Texas welcome.
There’s nothin’ in the world
That you can do
You gotta come on up to the house
And you been whipped by the forces
That are inside you
Come on up to the house
Friday, September 2nd
7:05 CT, MMPUS
Zach Grienke (13-5, 4.05) v. Lucas Harrell (0-0, 0.00)
Grienke has been pretty good this year. The only reason I know this is because he’s on my fantasy team. So now I have that whole “who to root for” thing going. I’m pulling for a 9 inning, 1 hit, 0-1 loss for Grienke. Barmes hits him well, and the Little Guy and Borgey are 1 for 3 against him.
Harrell’s the waiver pick up from the ChiSox who’s put together a nice little run at AAA. He’s making his debut tonight, so let’s all give him a big hand.
Saturday, September 3rd
6:05 CT, MMPUS
Chris Narveson (9-6, 4.28) v. Bud Norris (6-8, 3.68)
Narveson is back from the DL for cutting his thumb. Because he cut himself with scissors. I guess he never listened to that Weird Al album. Altuve and Corporan are both over .400 against him, and Caballo is .375 with 2 taters. Quick question: if Carlos stays in the league until he’s 40, he could conceivably be within spitting distance of 500 homers. (Particularly if he starts DH’ing somewhere in 2013.) Would that make him a beloved Thome-esque figure in the twilight of his career?
Bud’s put together a solid second half coming into this series against the Brewies. Mark Fucking Kotsay is the only shlub from Wisconsin who hits him particularly well. Everyone else is in the .200’s.
Sunday, September 4th
1:05 CT, MMPUS
Shaun Marcum (11-5, 3.24) v. Wandy Rodriguez (10-9, 3.43)
Marcum, the erstwhile Blue Jay, is hit well by Brett Wallace, which tells you that he’s right handed. Other than that, whatever, he’ll be losing game 3 of the NLCS to the Phillies anyway.
Wandy is still here, and I’m glad for it. Not because I distrust Wade or some such bullshit, but because I really do love watching him pitch. When his curve is on, it’s one of the most devastating pitches I’ve ever seen. Braun has his number, with 3 homers and a matching .375 average. At least hold him to an inside the park triple, maybe.
Injuries
Astros
It’s all the same suspects. Lyons, Castro, Arias. Rinse and repeat.
Brewers
Brandon Kintzler – right forearm fracture. Owwie.
Manny Parra – Expected the have a screw in his elbow replaced. What do you expect from a guy whose name sounds like he came into the majors with Davey Lopes.
Mitch Stetter – hip labral irritation. That’s what she said?
Rickie Weeks – left ankle sprain. That’s what happens when you keep the nickname you got when you were four years old.
Prrrromotions!
Friday – fireworks. Duh.
Saturday – Carlos Lee Bobblehead. It bobbles for average, but not much power.
Sunday – Dog Day. Not because it’s hot, but because you can bring your canine.
What to Watch For:
– The return of the Rodeo Clown, The Walrus, Big Johnson, Lil Lyles, and The Shucker. (Sorry, ran out of steam there)
– Harrell’s first start
– The kids. It’s all about the kids.