HIT OR MISS

Fantasy stats from the Brewers-Phillies series through April 23

*** HIT
Milwaukee reliever Guillermo Mota pitched two scoreless innings during Tuesday's 9-8 win over St. Louis and has now allowed just one earned run in ten innings this season.  His 10:6 K:BB ratio is so-so. But if closer Eric Gagne continues to struggle, Mota is the front runner to replace him.

*** MISS
Although Brewers' set-up man Derrick Turnbow recorded his first save in a year in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Philadelphia, his inability to command his slider has allowed opposing hitters to sit on his fastball and rip it all over the park. Since the 2006 All-Star break, Turnbow was 4-11 with a 6.23 ERA and 69 walks in 91 innings entering Wednesday's game. With Mike Cameron returning from suspension within the next week and the Brewers having 14 pitchers on their roster, Turnbow's days could be numbered.
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*** HIT
Milwaukee has posted a 13-8 record despite center fielder Mike Cameron being on the suspended list for the first 25 games of the season. Cameron is scheduled to join Triple-A Nashville today at Omaha and begin a five-game stint with the Sounds before making his Brewers' debut next Tuesday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.

*** MISS
Closer Eric Gagne blew his fourth save of the season on Tuesday by allowing one run in the ninth inning. While Gagne would have gotten out of the inning if second baseman Rickie Weeks had been able to turn an easy double play, it doesn't hide the fact Gagne has posted a 24.00 ERA in his four blown saves (3 innings pitched, 8 earned runs) and not allowed a run in his other six outings, all saves (5 2/3 IP). Brewers' manager Ned Yost gave Gagne a night off Wednesday. But expect Yost to give Gagne plenty of opportunities to get his act in order.

*** HIT
Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell hit his eighth home run of the season in Wednesday's loss to Milwaukee. He also hit a bases-clearing double to give Philadelphia the go-ahead runs in a win over Colorado on Tuesday. The National League leader in RBI is also hitting a robust .351, which is nearly 100 points higher than his career average.

*** MISS
Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder could be seen mouthing the words "˜No meat' when caught on camera after hitting two home runs during Wednesday night's telecast of Milwaukee's 5-4 win over the Phillies. His first multiple home run game of the season should quiet the critics who want the hefty slugger to trade his vegetarian diet for some red meat.