Brewers Sign Brooks Conrad Of Braves Late-Inning Fame

by gondeee on Jan 7, 2012 2:29 PM EST

Ken Rosenthal tweets us more news about Atlanta Braves players signing elsewhere:

Brooks Conrad is a name that every Braves fan should know. He wasn't a starter for the team, but it seemed he came through in the clutch more than anyone else. He became famous and then infamous in 2010, first with his late inning heroics, hitting .300/.364/.688 with seven home runs in the seventh inning or later. His infamy came in the 2010 postseason, when his errors in the field cost the Braves dearly.

Even with that black mark against him, his reputation as a team player and a great guy helped rally players and fans to his side as they empathized with the unfortunate fielding at the wrong time. The Braves brought him back in 2011, and while he did have three late inning home runs, he just wasn't the same Clutch Conrad.

The Braves non-tendered Conrad back on the 13th of December, and I wrote just before then that it seemed Raw Dog was going to get a Raw Deal with the direction the Braves were going with their infielders this off-season -- towards defense and away from offense. At least the Braves allowed Conrad to seek out another team who wanted his services, and the Brewers have been collecting former Braves infielders this off-season -- having earlier signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

I wish Raw Dog the best of luck. His power might play really well at Miller Park. Rosenthal also tweeted this about the interest in Conrad:

Tweet Comment 37 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good for Brooks.

Here’s hoping he makes the team (I think he will as things stand now) and does well. I’ll always have a soft spot for the Raw Dog.

"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
I also blog about weird statistics at JunkStats.
Follow @junkstats

by Jacob Peterson on Jan 7, 2012 2:32 PM EST reply actions

I hope

I hope his plane to Milwaukee isn’t grounded…

or he will miss it.

Chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken pot pie!!

by HalleyGator on Jan 7, 2012 6:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Happy for him.

But since I’m in Nashville and make it to quite a few Sounds games(Brewers AAA), I hope he spends a little time here.

by CHill33 on Jan 7, 2012 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Over/under 1.5 game winning HR hit against us the rest of his career?

But seriously, a great guy who showed his character in his perseverance after his trying postseason. We’ll miss him.

"We did a lot of good things last year, and now we've got Julio ... That does nothing but improve the offense, and we expect to do better. That's our goal, to lead the NFL in everything. Every offensive category." -Roddy White

by Beachy Keen on Jan 7, 2012 2:48 PM EST reply actions

don't you mean the 2010 World Series MVP Brooks Conrad? without his errors, the Giants don't make it to the series.

I hope the Giants got him a ring and playoff share for his efforts

"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU

ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe

Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11

Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247

by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 7, 2012 3:41 PM EST via Android app reply actions

I assume....

since he didn’t SAY that he didn’t MEAN that. One person does not win or lose a series.

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti

by sddbaker on Jan 7, 2012 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

I hate to see Conrad go, but he clearly didn’t fit into the Braves’ future. I wish him the best in Milwaukee.

"Some people give their bodies to science. I gave mine to baseball." -- Ron Hunt

by Cornutt on Jan 7, 2012 5:12 PM EST reply actions

same

by dank7 on Jan 7, 2012 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

Best of Luck

We’ll miss you Rawdog, hope you make their team.

by Bedhead514 on Jan 7, 2012 6:50 PM EST reply actions

The GS against Cincy will forever be ingrained as one of my favorite Brave’s memory. I wish Brook’s all the best in his MLB endeavours. That is unless he’s playing against the Braves.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby

by adc62 on Jan 7, 2012 6:59 PM EST reply actions

At first I was like

Aww man, I’m gonna miss him

Then I was like, oh yeah, that’s right…

Freeman isn’t on Heyward’s level in terms of tools, skills, or baseball IQ–but it’s fair to say Freeman has failed to meet the modest expectations in place for him - Capitol Avenue Club (May 28th, 2011)

by ATLandUNC on Jan 7, 2012 7:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Too soon. And dammit if that doesn’t still hurt.l

Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.

by GumpBrave on Jan 8, 2012 4:53 AM EST up reply actions

I'm gonna miss you, Brooksey

by sddbaker on Jan 7, 2012 8:03 PM EST reply actions

Good Luck Brooksey!

True, without him, the Giants probably wouldn’t have won the World Series……BUT, without him we don’t make the playoffs in 2010. His late game heroics will always be remembered by true Braves fans. As Bobby Cox said he played the game the way it was meant to be played. That is giving 110% effort on every play.

by rxadam on Jan 7, 2012 8:55 PM EST reply actions

Meh

It’s like Charles Thomas leaving…I’m really disinterested.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 7, 2012 9:14 PM EST reply actions

Going to miss the raw dawg. Also going to second the nashville statement, as I hope to see him play a few games there before being clutch for the brew crew.

by chrisdaugherty on Jan 7, 2012 9:54 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Best of luck to him. Hope he makes the team and does well (except against the Braves, of course).

by John Holton on Jan 7, 2012 10:07 PM EST reply actions

other than the CIN/ATL GS..

I remember clearly when he hit a go-ahead grand slam against the Marlins & how Hinske and Brooksie punched their chests at home plate. I wish the best for him in Milwaukee.

Braves, (NHL and NFL) Jets, Bruins, Celtics, and Whitecaps FC fan! Just one of God's mystical creatures, a big sports fan.

Twitter: @jrodisjust2cool

by jrodisjust2cool on Jan 7, 2012 11:22 PM EST reply actions

He is a man, baby. As has been mentioned earlier, the guy plays the game the right way. Really hope that things work out for him at every opportunity besides when he plays the Braves. And in those instances I hope he sucks.

by GumpBrave on Jan 8, 2012 4:52 AM EST reply actions

Good Luck Brooks

Enjoyed watching him play. Enjoyed the raw enthusiasm, enjoyed reading about the human side of dealing with the bad times.

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Jan 8, 2012 8:31 AM EST reply actions

See you at the home opener, Popeye! Hopefully…

by michaeldlee1480 on Jan 8, 2012 11:18 AM EST reply actions

aahhh Brooksie

Loved his late inning heroics from time-to-time, but his series against the Gaints still burns…..Glad he gets more ABs with the Brewers, but can’t say I am angry the Braves let him go….Bottom line is other teams are making moves and the Braves aren’t. We can’t even make a move to replace Conrad. If Atlanta thinks this team can compete in the playoffs/World Series “as-is”, then we all got a long season awaiting us.

by EricT. on Jan 8, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions

Why can’t we make a move to replace Conrad? Just because they haven’t doesn’t mean they can’t/won’t.

Someone like Conrad – the 25th man off the bench – is easily replaceable.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 9, 2012 12:53 AM EST up reply actions

Speaking generally.....

you took the words right out of my mouth…Ugh, the thing is, they HAVEN’T made ANY opening day roster moves worth mentioning….What, Derek Lowe? Ha…..I love the Braves team and prospects, but that doesn’t mean I like this team this year……..

In any case…Go Braves.

by EricT. on Jan 11, 2012 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

Addition by subtraction. We got rid of the worst players on the team. That alone makes us so much better.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 11, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

Not neccessarily

it depends on who backfills that spot. We could always bring back Scott Proctor, or Bob Wickman.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jan 11, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Good Riddance

This should have been done a year earlier.

- ChillyMutt

by ChillyMutt on Jan 9, 2012 8:51 AM EST reply actions

Unlike the Greg Norton debacle of 2009 which I place 100% of the blame on Wren for not being man enough to pull the plug and just release him no matter what Cox thought, I don’t blame the Braves for giving Conrad one more chance but clearly he was done in Atlanta and there was no need to keep him around for 2012. I wish Conrad the best and have no ill will towards him, but this was a bit overdue, yeah.

by Zontar on Jan 9, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

Wait, so it’s irresponsible to give one of the best PHs in the game the previous season a roster spot, but it’s understandable if they want to give the goat of 2009 another chance?

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 10, 2012 1:10 AM EST up reply actions

Greg Norton 2009 wRC+ .. 54
Brooks Conrad 2011 wRC+.. 99

So, yes. If we had more positional flexibility Brooks would still be a good fit on this team. It’s difficult to find someone who can sustain even league average numbers as a pinch hitter. Conrad provided that along with plus base running at league minimum. Not much to complain about.

by YakuzaFro on Jan 10, 2012 3:27 AM EST up reply actions

I misunderstood your statement

I thought you meant that it was a mistake for the Braves to bring back Norton in 2009 after his awesome 2008.

I guess you are saying that they should have cut dead weight well into the season in 2009…I can’t disagree with you there, although, even with a terrible AVG, Norton still got on base at a respectable clip via the BB in 2009.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 10, 2012 4:54 AM EST up reply actions

And as I said at the time

we should have sent Norton down for a month or two of consistent, every day at bats that year. The way we used him, less than a dozen plate appearances over a month, I don’t think any hitter could be successful when getting that sporadic of action.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jan 10, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

I agree 100%

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jan 10, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Go and be good Broosky!

I’ll always smile when I remember his throwback bare handed batting as he grabbed the dirt at the plate for grip.

He could make you scream with excitement when he came through in the clutch… (or)… yell things at your TV that you would never say otherwise when, well – ya know.

I do wish him well (on and off the field) because no matter his baseball skills, he seemed to be a really good guy.

~ "Life is hard, God is good and heaven is real."

by NCChopper on Jan 9, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions