Saturday, October 3, 2009

Heeeeee's Back!

I just stumbled across Anthony Witrado's recent interview during his weekly appearance on 1250 WSSP's: The Big Show.

I have harped on Witrado before in this blog, but this was just classic.

The Brewers have struggled somewhat in September/October. Going into Sunday's finale, the Brewers are 15-16 over their last 31 games. Sure that may not look great, but they have played some very good competition in that span.

Witrado started the interview off by commenting on how much the Brewers have already "mentally checked-out" early this season. The example that he lists is Ryan Braun and a fly ball Witrado felt should have been caught. I know exactly what play he was describing. Normally, it is a play that should be made, but Braun does struggle getting jumps on balls.

He goes onto talk about how much of a lack of effort Braun is showing, among others. How in the world are you going to make an argument against Braun for the last 31 games he has played in? If anything, Braun has been phenomenal in that period. During his "early vacation," Braun is hitting .355 with an OBP over .400. Sure his power is down, but he is still slugging in the high .400's.

I just don't understand what the motivation is behind making an enemy out of the Brewers franchise player. He publicly criticized Prince Fielder earlier this season when Fielder confronted Guillermo Mota after being hit. I just don't understand why he feels he needs to belittle the top players of the organization. It would seem to me that would be a quick ticket out of town.

The interview continued with Witrado discussing a Sunday's possible starter for the Brewers. He reported that Jeff Suppan was a strong candidate to get the ball. I do agree with him that there is no real point in pitching Suppan, but he, like always, took it a step further. When asked what the motivation was behind starting Suppan, Witrado again displayed his lack of knowledge.

"You know, it could be a contract thing," Witrado said.

Anthony comes on the show every week and calls himself the "baseball insider." It's great to know that our "insider" has no idea what he is talking about. There is no place in Suppan's awful contract that states he is due more money if he makes 30 starts. Great "inside" information.

The last, and most ridiculous part of the interview came next. With the host ending the interview, Anthony had to get his last two cents in.

It has been well know that Witrado, for some reason, doesn't like Ryan Braun. It all started earlier this season when Witrado said the Brewers should trade Ryan Braun. I just can't fathom why a reporter who follows this team would ever say that. For one, Ryan Braun is one of the cornerstones in Milwaukee. He is locked up until 2015. There is no reason the Brewers should consider trading Braun away as he is hitting his prime. With his increase walk rate this season, I am even more excited of what the future holds with him.

Here is the quote from Witrado:

"I've talked to some people who are involved with making decisions with this organization. And, as your baseball insider, I will tell you that the idea that I floated out there about trading Ryan Braun, I'm not alone."

Thank god out baseball insider is here to inform us. How official is that statement. Some people who are involved with making decisions? What does that even mean. The host points out that Ryan Braun has a no trade clause in his contract. To that, Witrado replies, "the way Ryan Braun is playing right now and carrying himself, do you think that he'd deny a trade to a good team?"

Yes, Anthony I think he would. Ryan Braun wouldn't sign an eight year contract in a place he doesn't want to be. Don't worry, we received further explanation on who these decision makers are.

"I was told by people who wear Brewers polo shirts that hey, we heard you on the radio and, we was waiting for somebody to bring that up."

I highly doubt that these "decision makers in Brewers polo's" are looking for Anthony Witrado to lead them in the right direction. If he had it his way, Prince Fielder would've been traded earlier this season for childlike behavior. Now, Ryan Braun would be out the door due his poor (.355/.404/.473) play recently. Hey Anthony, before you start analyzing our roster makeup, why don't you focus on your job. You seem to struggle enough with that.

2 comments:

colin said...

decision makers in Brewers polos = the guys who decided to print Mark DiFelice shirts for the clubhouse store?

Jonathan Ede said...

Colin-

Very good observation. Seriously though, trade Ryan Braun. What is this guy thinking? Thank god the Brewers have such an insider.