Brewers

[GM24]

Brewers under new ownership
April 1, 2005

A week after Bud Selig was banned from baseball by Congress, the hapless Brewers were able to find someone who was willing to temporarily run the team. Chris Espy, who claims to be 21, is a student of UCONN who likes to drink. Which is why, he feels, he was the right choice for the job.

"I figured, like, they were the Brewers man, and they played in Miller Park, and thats just sweet," Espy commented late last night.

Espy has sparse qualifications for the ownership. He does, however, promise to lower the price of beer.

He also promises to lock up Ace pitcher Ben Sheets, assemble young talent and become competitive in three years.



Transactions

APRIL 1, 2005
Blue Jays receive Gary Bennett (C), Corey Hart (DH) and Jeff Bennett (SP)
Brewers receive John McDonald (SS) and Frank Menechino (2B)

APRIL 1, 2005
Mets receive Damian Miller (C), David Krynzel (CF), Tommy Phelps (SP) and Rigo Beltran (RP)
Brewers receive Heath Bell (SP)

[GM24]

Ace Sheets inked to largest contract in Brewers history
April 24, 2005

Millwaukee fans had something to drink to last night, as Ben Sheets and Brewers management came to terms on a 6 year contract worth $61 million, with a team and player option for 2011. Sheets, 26, is off to a brilliant start, in 4 starts he has compilied an ERA of 1.00, and has already thrown 2 shutouts. In 2004, Sheets was 12-14 with a 2.70 ERA, striking out 264 in 237 innings. Despite having to back off his demands of a 7 year $84 million dollar deal, Sheets is ecstatic to stay in Millwaukee, where he has lots of friends.

The Brewers are tied for 1st in the NL Central at 10-7. Carlos Lee leads the team with 7 homeruns.

[GM24]

Sorry for the lack of detail thus far, I'm a bit ahead in the Franchise and I'm trying to recreate what happened in the first few months.

Brewers lead in NL Central by 2 1/2 games, Espy "cautiously optimistic"
May 27th, 2005

Outstanding team pitching has helped the Brewers climb to 2 1/2 games ahead of divison rival Houston as they defeated the Astros 4-2. Carlos Lee hit a clutch 2 run double to give the Brewers the lead in the 6th. A passed ball in the 8th by Mitch Melusky gave the Brewers an insurance run, and closer Ricky Bottalico, who has been a pleasent suprise this season after starting the year in mid relief, collected his 6th save.

With the win the Brewers move to a suprising 7 games over 500 and continue to stave off a weak divison. An upbeat but weary Chris Espy hinted at the possibilty of upgrading their weaker positions. "Not to take away from everything these young guys have accomplished, but its a long season. However, a veteran shortstop or catcher could help this ballclub out a bit. I would be willing make a deal so long as it does not jeporadise the club's future."