"Sheets Happens"; Brewers Ace Injured in Win

Admittedly, we here at The Bucky Channel are going to be playing catch-up for most of the weekend, as some of the college buddies are visiting the home offices. However, with the Brewers in a weekend series vs. the Reds, and the Bucks actively pursuing a new coach (Scott Skiles?), it'd be impossible for me not to update this thing. So let's highlight some of the key points of Friday night's 5-2 Brewers victory.

* Of course, the main story, judging by the week attempt at a clever title for this post, is that Ben Sheets left the game after 5 innings because of injury concerns. He had a two-hit shutout going for him when he left. He was feeling some tightness in his right triceps muscle, and the Brewers may hold him out of his next start. A trip to the DL is possible if the Brewers wanted to be really cautious. Honestly though, I'd predict that Sheets will be able to go when he's scheduled to throw on Thursday. A DL stint could make the necessary room for Gallardo, and prolong the Bush / Villanueva / Parra decision. But if they are going to make a serious run at the playoffs this season, I don't think you can allow Sheets to be on the DL for any length of time. While it was smart to be cautious with him last night, I don't think it'd be wise to hold him out an additional two or three starts with a DL trip.

* Brandon Phillips is a Brewer Killer, and he went 2 for 4 last night. Every time he's up to bat against us, I shiver. But I can't imagine how Reds fans feel when they see Bill Hall with the bat. Hall, for some reason, loves doing well against Cincinnati. He continued that trend last night with a 2 run moonshot in the 3rd inning. It's his sixth home run of the year, although he's still hitting just .210.

* The bullpen did well again last night to relieve Sheets, especially Torres, and Stetter, and Gagne. Riske got roughed up a bit, but Gagne was able to earn his fifth save of the season. Right now, the label on Gagne is "inconsistent", but I think he's settling in to his new team and will really turn out to be a great acquistion for us this year.

* Some line-up moves, Counsell started in place of Weeks and went 2-5. Hardy is now batting second, with Gross down to seventh. Hall and Hart have swapped spots, with Hart now batting after Prince.

The Brewers are currently taking on the Reds right now, so put down your laptop and watch the game!

Box Score.

TBC's Player of the Game: Let's give it to Bill Hall. We like him enough.