The Milwaukee Brewers are 24-30. It's June 4, two months into the baseball season. Check out the beauty of a starting lineup the Crew threw out against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon:
LF - Norichika Aoki
CF - Nyjer Morgan
RF - Corey Hart
3B - Taylor Green
2B - Rickie Weeks
SS - Cody Ransom
1B - Brooks Conrad
C - Martin Maldonado
P - Michael Fiers
BOLD = Not on roster at beginning of the season
ITALIC = Not in opening day starting lineup
If my math is correct (and as a failed math major, it might not be), that lineup sports FIVE players that weren't on the opening day roster for the Milwaukee Brewers. On top of that, only TWO of the eight position players in yesterday's starting lineup were in the opening day starting lineup. Holy cow. I know injuries have been bad all over the league this season (something that would make a pretty good feature story, by the way), but has anybody been hit as hard as the Milwaukee Brewers? Two months into the season, and we already know Chris Narveson, Mat Gamel and Alex Gonzalez, all regulars for the Crew, are done for the year. Not to mention...and this is a long list...players such as Marco Estrada, Travis Ishikawa, Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, Jonathan Lucroy (ugh), George Kottaras, and Carlos Gomez are either currently missing time with injury or have missed games due to injury. Say what? Sunday's lineup is a pretty clear representation of how the Brewers' season has been going, but this season has been fun and makes me want to watch the Brewers even more than usual. Here's why:
Ryan Braun
Yesterday, the Brewers were down 5-4 in the bottom of the eight inning and Milwaukee managed to get two men on base with two men down. A camera shot then showed Ryan Braun getting ready to come out of the dugout and pinch-hit for Cody Ransom, and the crowd went nuts. Sitting at home, I couldn't help but get that assuring feeling that Braun was going to come through, just like he had time-and-time again. Unfortunately, this would not be one of those times, but you can count on your fingers how many players in pro baseball bring that kind of excitement to their fans. Braun is a little banged up right now, but he could very well be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday, and that's something this team and this city desperately needs because of the special moments he creates. Even if the Brewers season continues down this path and they don't return to the playoffs, at least we've got Ryan Braun.
Players trying to make their mark
With the flush of injuries the Brewers have suffered through this season, new players naturally have to be brought in as replacements. In Milwaukee's case, some of these guys have come from the minor leagues, like Fiers, Maldonado, Conroy and Green. These guys have been getting plenty of time to make their mark because of the injuries to everyday players. Fiers had an incredible debut start, Green's versatility has helped, and even Edwin Maysonet got in on the action with the team's only grand slam of the season. Few of them deserve to actually be on a major league roster, so the extra fire and scrapiness (made up word?) they present makes the Brewers fun to watch, even if they don't necessarily translate to victories.
There's still hope, and lot's of it
I'm not sure if there's anyone on the planet who checks the MLB standings has much as me before the month of July, but I like to use the standings to gauge my level of cautious optimism. While the Brewers are only 24-30, they are starting to put things together on offense, and the pitching hasn't been half-bad either. Last week, the Crew swept the best team in the National League ON THE ROAD. Oh, and they are only 6.5 games out of first place. Their next six games are against the worst two teams in the NL and the Brewers will be playing within the confines of Miller Park. Braun and Ramirez are expected back within the next couple games, which will bring some stability to the lineup. And to top it all off, I'll be attending the game on Friday, and good things tend to happen when I enter The Keg. Just check out what occurred the last time I was there (ahhh...goosebumps).
First of all, let me say that it doesn't feel right that I haven't been to Miller Park and it's already June 4. Clearly, I have some catching up to do. Second of all, I think I bring up three strong points as to why people shouldn't stop watching the Brewers and filling up the seats, myself included. This is a team that came two games away from playing in the World Series last season. The city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin has rallied around this team and their confident swagger that boarders on arrogance. Sure, losing Prince Fielder was one of the bigger blows this franchise has perhaps ever seen, and along with that the Brewers lost not only a great talent, but a great presence in the clubhouse. But there are still a number of characters on this team that I consider "igniters," such as Ryan Braun because of his cockiness and great ability, Carlos Gomez because of his 110 percent all-the-time effort, Nyjer Morgan because of...Nyjer Morgan. Even a relief pitcher like K-Rod who acts like he won the World Series every time he throws a scoreless eighth. This team is FUN to watch, even as it attempts to tread water as it battles injury and tries to find its identity at the plate.
The injuries have been flat out ridiculous, from Gonzalez destroying his knee sliding into second to Lucroy breaking his hand via suitcase. There's no denying that. Two every day starters are out for the season, and who's to tell there won't be any more (fingers crossed). But this team is scrappy. It has swagger. It has Ryan Braun. It has a strong starting rotation save for Randy Wolf, who apparently still deserves his own catcher. I'm excited to finally get back to Miller Park this week and root on my Milwaukee Brewers, because there are plenty of reasons to do so.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
What's it going to take?
Nearly one year ago to the day, the Brewers had their defining moment; the moment that turned around their season. On May 20, 2011, I saw my third game of the year in person in which the only thing I thought I would take away was getting to see Zack Greinke pitch. Greinke, as he had been throughout the early part of the season, was sub-par and gave up four runs in six innings, keeping the Crew in the game. Turns out we weren't even halfway through the game.
When ranking the top sporting events I've attended, there are three Brewer games that probably crack the top five. Just for fun, let's go through my top five while we're at it!
5. Colorado Rockies @ Milwaukee Brewers (May 20, 2011)
So let's pick up where I left off. The Brewers overcame a 4-2 deficit and would tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Casey McGehee home run (really?). Okay, so I've been to extra inning games before and heck, I've even seen my fair share of walk-off victories. But this was different. The Brewers needed a boost. They were 21-23 with lofty expectations after making big splashes during the off-season. And they were in danger of going three games under .500...twice...after going down by one in both the 13th and 14th innings. In the 13th, it was Yuniesky Betancourt (really?) who would tie the game on a home run down the left field line. Then, in the bottom of the 14th...roughly six hours after I had arrived with my good friends Dan, Chris and Kyle at the Miller Park parking lot, Prince Fielder hit a ball to right field that to my knowledge still hasn't landed. I'll revisit this game later.
Brewers 7, Rockies 6 (F/14)
4. Penn State @ Wisconsin men's basketball (Jan. 24, 2010)
My one and only college basketball game at the Kohl Center was a doozy. The Nittany Lions, who hadn't won a Big Ten game all season, were on the verge of upsetting the 19th ranked Badgers towards the end of my sophomore year winter break (Don't worry. I took an interim class.) Travon Hughes was still on the team, Jordan Taylor was emerging as a star, and Jon Leuer was out with an injury. Taylor went on an unbelievable tear, scoring 18 of his 20 points after the 2:00 mark of the second half. He forced overtime with a layup and continued his dominance in the overtime period, sealing the win for Bucky. I can honestly say I have never heard a building louder than at the end of regulation. I'm not sure if I should ever return to the Kohl Center because nothing will ever top that experience, except maybe a court storming... (FORESHADOWING!)
Badgers 79, Nittany Lions 71 (F/OT)
3. Philadelphia Phillies @ Milwaukee Brewers (August 4, 2007)
In a late summer game against the Phillies, the Brewers were in the process of faltering. They had opened up an eight and a half game lead in the division, but that lead was slowly evaporating. It was a Saturday night. Miller was packed. I was sitting with my friend Heather who graciously brought me to several Brewer games where the seats were second deck right behind home plate. Aside from what will make number one on this list, I've never seen a better atmosphere at a baseball game. Down 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Prince Fielder hit an absolute bomb to right field (again) with a runner on to take a 6-5 lead, and Miller Park almost collapsed. But it was nothing compared to the roar that took place in the top of the ninth when Corey Hart reached up and brought one back from the right field seats. It saved the game and got Brewer Nation all kinds of excited, hoping this was the moment the team needed to get back on track. The Brewers would not make the postseason in '07 (they suffered a heartbreaking extra inning defeat the next day), but it's still surely a game with two moments I'll never forget.
Brewers 6, Phillies 5
2b. Ohio State @ Wisconsin football (October 16, 2010)
I've been to my fair share of Badger games, but none quite of this magnitude. The number one Ohio State Buckeyes were coming into town and before the season had began, Dan, who played in the marching band, sold me the rights to his ticket. Turns out it would be one of the biggest moments in Wisconsin football history. After David Gilreath returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, I knew I was in for a special night. The Buckeyes were never able to get over the hump and as the clock struck zero, chaos ensued. The student section flooded onto the field at Camp Randall, singing, chanting, hugging players, and celebrating a surreal moment. I almost lost my right shoe hopping over the railing, but it would have been worth it. The game may not have come down to the wire like every other game on this list, but the magnitude of the victory trumps that fact. As in three of the first four moments I've already mentioned, Kyle was also at the game. I'm thinking we should do this whole attend sporting events together thing more often...
Badgers 31, Buckeyes 18
2a. Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (Jan. 2, 2010)
Negative temperatures. January. Lambeau Field. A playoff birth on the line. Playing against our heated rival. Yep. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers won, made the playoffs, and the rest is history. No words can describe this one. And yes, this means I'm giving you my top six sporting events attended, but it's my blog so tough shit!
Packers 10, Bears 3
1. Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers (Oct. 7, 2011)
I'll be damned if I ever see a better moment in person when it comes to sports. Hopefully I do, but then I'd be damned. It was game 5 of the NLDS against the D-Backs and the game was close the whole way, making for a rather tense atmosphere. The Brewers led 2-1 going into the eighth, and with K-Rod and Axford due up to pitch, it seemed all but over...but it's never that easy. K-Rod pulled his modern-day Houdini act, loading the bases before getting out of the jam. Unfortunately, Ax did not have the same luck and had to get out of a first-and-second with nobody out pickle (after the tying run had already scored). Talk about a heart-stopper. The Brewers couldn't win it in the ninth, but after a solid bounce-back inning from Axford, Milwaukee had a chance to win it again in the 10th. Carlos Gomez ripped a lead-off single, got over to second base with Nyjer Morgan at the plate, and scored on the Tony Plush single heard 'round the state of Wisconsin. To put things in perspective, it was only the sixth time in National League history that a deciding game in the playoffs was decided on a walk-off, and the first time since 2001. And I was there! Goosebumps will surface on my skin every time I watch that replay of Gomez crossing home. Oh, and did I mention that Kyle was there?
Brewers 3, D-Backs 2 (F/10)
Sorry for the diversion there, but let me return to the Rockies/Brewers classic from a year ago. It was the undeniable turning point of the Brewers season. From that point on, there was no real low point for Milwaukee, and they cruised to the Central Division title and the NLCS, where they would eventually fall to the HATED St. Louis Cardinals. As a fan, you look for moments, for games, that will get a team out of a slump; that will be the jump-start to a magical run. Many times, teams fail to capitalize on special moments, like I noted with the Phillies game in '07. Take a few weeks ago, for example. The Brewers had a similar victory to the Rockies game last season when they defeated the Cubs in 13 innings with a 13-18 record. On Sunday, the Brewers had another statement victory, winning 16-4 behind the inspiring effort of the red-hot Jonathan Lucroy (7 RBIs).
Monday night, however, the Brewers had another chance to make a statement and build off some momentum with a walk-off victory and failed, losing in 14 innings to the San Francisco Giants. It's been a season of countless starting lineups and enough ups and downs to last me an entire season, but as I stated in my last blog post, there's reason to be optimistic. Yeah, being 17-25 sucks, and I'd bet I could count on my fingers and toes the amount of teams that have made the playoffs after starting a season like that, but the Brewers are only six games behind the Cards in the division. It's May. Sure, there have been injuries, but it happens to everyone. Let's hope that the Brewers are still searching for their "defining moment" to get back on track. Monday's loss is frustrating to say the least, but tomorrow is another day, and that's what's great about baseball: you have to have a short memory and get right back on the horse the next day.
When ranking the top sporting events I've attended, there are three Brewer games that probably crack the top five. Just for fun, let's go through my top five while we're at it!
5. Colorado Rockies @ Milwaukee Brewers (May 20, 2011)
So let's pick up where I left off. The Brewers overcame a 4-2 deficit and would tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Casey McGehee home run (really?). Okay, so I've been to extra inning games before and heck, I've even seen my fair share of walk-off victories. But this was different. The Brewers needed a boost. They were 21-23 with lofty expectations after making big splashes during the off-season. And they were in danger of going three games under .500...twice...after going down by one in both the 13th and 14th innings. In the 13th, it was Yuniesky Betancourt (really?) who would tie the game on a home run down the left field line. Then, in the bottom of the 14th...roughly six hours after I had arrived with my good friends Dan, Chris and Kyle at the Miller Park parking lot, Prince Fielder hit a ball to right field that to my knowledge still hasn't landed. I'll revisit this game later.
Brewers 7, Rockies 6 (F/14)
4. Penn State @ Wisconsin men's basketball (Jan. 24, 2010)
My one and only college basketball game at the Kohl Center was a doozy. The Nittany Lions, who hadn't won a Big Ten game all season, were on the verge of upsetting the 19th ranked Badgers towards the end of my sophomore year winter break (Don't worry. I took an interim class.) Travon Hughes was still on the team, Jordan Taylor was emerging as a star, and Jon Leuer was out with an injury. Taylor went on an unbelievable tear, scoring 18 of his 20 points after the 2:00 mark of the second half. He forced overtime with a layup and continued his dominance in the overtime period, sealing the win for Bucky. I can honestly say I have never heard a building louder than at the end of regulation. I'm not sure if I should ever return to the Kohl Center because nothing will ever top that experience, except maybe a court storming... (FORESHADOWING!)
Badgers 79, Nittany Lions 71 (F/OT)
3. Philadelphia Phillies @ Milwaukee Brewers (August 4, 2007)
In a late summer game against the Phillies, the Brewers were in the process of faltering. They had opened up an eight and a half game lead in the division, but that lead was slowly evaporating. It was a Saturday night. Miller was packed. I was sitting with my friend Heather who graciously brought me to several Brewer games where the seats were second deck right behind home plate. Aside from what will make number one on this list, I've never seen a better atmosphere at a baseball game. Down 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Prince Fielder hit an absolute bomb to right field (again) with a runner on to take a 6-5 lead, and Miller Park almost collapsed. But it was nothing compared to the roar that took place in the top of the ninth when Corey Hart reached up and brought one back from the right field seats. It saved the game and got Brewer Nation all kinds of excited, hoping this was the moment the team needed to get back on track. The Brewers would not make the postseason in '07 (they suffered a heartbreaking extra inning defeat the next day), but it's still surely a game with two moments I'll never forget.
Brewers 6, Phillies 5
2b. Ohio State @ Wisconsin football (October 16, 2010)
I've been to my fair share of Badger games, but none quite of this magnitude. The number one Ohio State Buckeyes were coming into town and before the season had began, Dan, who played in the marching band, sold me the rights to his ticket. Turns out it would be one of the biggest moments in Wisconsin football history. After David Gilreath returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, I knew I was in for a special night. The Buckeyes were never able to get over the hump and as the clock struck zero, chaos ensued. The student section flooded onto the field at Camp Randall, singing, chanting, hugging players, and celebrating a surreal moment. I almost lost my right shoe hopping over the railing, but it would have been worth it. The game may not have come down to the wire like every other game on this list, but the magnitude of the victory trumps that fact. As in three of the first four moments I've already mentioned, Kyle was also at the game. I'm thinking we should do this whole attend sporting events together thing more often...
Badgers 31, Buckeyes 18
2a. Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (Jan. 2, 2010)
Negative temperatures. January. Lambeau Field. A playoff birth on the line. Playing against our heated rival. Yep. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers won, made the playoffs, and the rest is history. No words can describe this one. And yes, this means I'm giving you my top six sporting events attended, but it's my blog so tough shit!
Packers 10, Bears 3
1. Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers (Oct. 7, 2011)
I'll be damned if I ever see a better moment in person when it comes to sports. Hopefully I do, but then I'd be damned. It was game 5 of the NLDS against the D-Backs and the game was close the whole way, making for a rather tense atmosphere. The Brewers led 2-1 going into the eighth, and with K-Rod and Axford due up to pitch, it seemed all but over...but it's never that easy. K-Rod pulled his modern-day Houdini act, loading the bases before getting out of the jam. Unfortunately, Ax did not have the same luck and had to get out of a first-and-second with nobody out pickle (after the tying run had already scored). Talk about a heart-stopper. The Brewers couldn't win it in the ninth, but after a solid bounce-back inning from Axford, Milwaukee had a chance to win it again in the 10th. Carlos Gomez ripped a lead-off single, got over to second base with Nyjer Morgan at the plate, and scored on the Tony Plush single heard 'round the state of Wisconsin. To put things in perspective, it was only the sixth time in National League history that a deciding game in the playoffs was decided on a walk-off, and the first time since 2001. And I was there! Goosebumps will surface on my skin every time I watch that replay of Gomez crossing home. Oh, and did I mention that Kyle was there?
Brewers 3, D-Backs 2 (F/10)
Sorry for the diversion there, but let me return to the Rockies/Brewers classic from a year ago. It was the undeniable turning point of the Brewers season. From that point on, there was no real low point for Milwaukee, and they cruised to the Central Division title and the NLCS, where they would eventually fall to the HATED St. Louis Cardinals. As a fan, you look for moments, for games, that will get a team out of a slump; that will be the jump-start to a magical run. Many times, teams fail to capitalize on special moments, like I noted with the Phillies game in '07. Take a few weeks ago, for example. The Brewers had a similar victory to the Rockies game last season when they defeated the Cubs in 13 innings with a 13-18 record. On Sunday, the Brewers had another statement victory, winning 16-4 behind the inspiring effort of the red-hot Jonathan Lucroy (7 RBIs).
Monday night, however, the Brewers had another chance to make a statement and build off some momentum with a walk-off victory and failed, losing in 14 innings to the San Francisco Giants. It's been a season of countless starting lineups and enough ups and downs to last me an entire season, but as I stated in my last blog post, there's reason to be optimistic. Yeah, being 17-25 sucks, and I'd bet I could count on my fingers and toes the amount of teams that have made the playoffs after starting a season like that, but the Brewers are only six games behind the Cards in the division. It's May. Sure, there have been injuries, but it happens to everyone. Let's hope that the Brewers are still searching for their "defining moment" to get back on track. Monday's loss is frustrating to say the least, but tomorrow is another day, and that's what's great about baseball: you have to have a short memory and get right back on the horse the next day.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Once again, don't hit the panic button
Last week, after John Axford blew his first save of the season, thus ending his save streak of 49 straight games, the fourth best streak in the history of Major League Baseball. A few days earlier, Axford threw out two tweets that should have eased the minds of Brewer Nation:
Me (John Axford) - *May 9, 2011. 0-1, 5.40ERA, 6 saves, 2 BS. 6BB, 14K.
*May 9, 2012. 0-2, 5.59ERA, 6 saves, 0 BS, 7BB, 17K.
Milwaukee Brewers - *May 9, 2011 -- 15-20. 5th in the NL Central. *May 9, 2012 -- 13-18. 5th in NL Central.
It may not seem like it, but the Milwaukee Brewers are in the exact same position they were in a season ago. I don't know about you, but I was pretty pleased with the way last season went save for the NLCS exit to the hated St. Louis Cardinals. In prior years, it was the Brewers getting off to a hot start and then faltering at the end of the season, making missing out on the playoffs even more of a heartbreak. By starting slow, the Brewers take all the pressure and attention (except for the whole Ryan Braun thing) off themselves and can play better baseball. As it stands right now, the Crew is 16-20 and only five games back of the division leading Cardinals. That certainly doesn't seem so bad being just over a month into the season with over four months to play. But what do the Brewers need to do to string together some wins and get out of this funk?
As of late, Milwaukee's starting pitching has been superb. Even with the loss of Chris Narveson to a torn rotator cuff (which in my mind isn't much of a loss at all), the Brewers starting 5 has been pretty solid. Zack Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf, and Marco Estrada have combined to go nearly six innings a start while having a combined ERA of 4.12. The ERA doesn't seem like the greatest, but these guys are basically averaging a quality start, which is all you can ask out of your starting pitchers. Maybe we should expect more out of Greinke, the undoubted ace of the staff, but throw out a couple of stinker starts by Gallardo against the Cardinals and the starting five has done its job. Marcum has been nearly as good as Greinke, but hasn't been getting the same help from the bullpen or the offense (Greinke: 4-1, 2.88 ERA; Marcum: 2-1, 3.07 ERA). Speaking of the bullpen and offense...
This is where numbers have been down...way down. I would prefer to not even begin to calculate what the ERA of this bunch is and to say that Kameron Loe and Manny Parra have been the two most reliable pitchers out of the 'pen this year should say it all. Yes, Axford only has one blown save, but his ERA is 5.56 and he has failed to hold some tie ball games for the Brewers. Let's just hope this is just another slow start and Ax will get things back on track. The re-signing of K-Rod was supposed to make games that Milwaukee was leading seven innings long, but his ERA is sniffing five and he has been hit hard on numerous occasions. Still, both are guys I know who will turn it around and the Crew should be fortunate to still be in striking distance of first place despite their struggles. Loe and Parra have been pleasant surprises, but Jose Veras (acquired from Pittsburgh, ERA = 6.75) was handed the seventh inning job and has allowed a baserunner in something like 12 straight appearances. Ouch. And with Estrada out of the long relief role, there is no one who can fill that void who is currently on the roster. Wily Peralta seems ideal, but I can understand wanting to get him his starts at Triple A Nashville, because that team matters a lot more than Milwaukee. Vinny Chulk? No, thanks. Thankfully, the Brewers' starters going deep in games has made this issue small, but it's important to have a guy like Estrada in your 'pen to keep you in games.
Hopefully what I just said about the bullpen makes everyone feel a little better about things because I'm lost when it comes to the offense. I can say this much: I feel good about Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy. That's about it. I like that my man Taylor Green is with the club and would like to see him get more time at first and second. I like that Travis Ishikawa has been a solid contributor. I like that Aramis Ramirez has a 12-game hitting streak and that he trails only Braun in RBIs. Here's the problem: it's not enough. There were a few more things I LIKED before the injury bug bit the Brewers...hard. Mat Gamel, Alex Gonzalez and Carlos Gomez were all doing positive things before Gamel and A-Gon's ACLs betrayed them and Gomez (.280 AVG) pulled his hammy. The return of Gomez will be a welcome sight and give the Brewers a solid left to right of Brauner, Go-Go and Corey Hart, who if not anything else has brought a big stick. Combine the positives I just listed with the security blankets of Nori Aoki and George Kottaras (.290 AVG), and there are reasons to be hopeful that this unit can collectively turn it around. After all, the Brewers are fifth in runs scored in the National League (14th in average), but also 15th in ERA (4.50).
So what do we make of all this? The Brewers have pretty much nowhere to go but up. K-Rod and Axford are going to become more reliable at the end of games, Loe has proven he can take on the seventh inning role, at least until Veras figures things out, and the starting five is collectively getting the job done and working fairly deep into games. As far as the offense, can Rickie Weeks really suck this bad for six months? Will Nyjer Morgan revisit his Tony Plush days? Can Luuuuuuc stay hot? Can guys get on base in front of Braun and A-Ram (see: Weeks and Nyjer questions)? I'd be lying if I said I have the answers to those questions, but my guess is that Rickie can get it together. Until then, why not play guys who are proving to get the job done (see: Green, Aoki, Gomez when he gets back)? Or at least move Weeks down in the order and have Lucroy continue hitting in the two-hole. I'm sorry for all the questions, but there have been a lot of them in this early baseball season. And that's what people need to remember: the season is early. Stay loyal to your Brewers, root them on, and be there for when they (hopefully) flip the switch.
By the way, I graduated, which is cool, and now I can blog more. I'll be interning at the Division III Baseball World Series, but after that it's anyone's guess. Hopefully the real world is kind to me and I find full-time employment soon after this internship, and if that should occur, you'll all be the first to know! (that is, if you follow me on Twitter...or if you're my mom)
Me (John Axford) - *May 9, 2011. 0-1, 5.40ERA, 6 saves, 2 BS. 6BB, 14K.
*May 9, 2012. 0-2, 5.59ERA, 6 saves, 0 BS, 7BB, 17K.
Milwaukee Brewers - *May 9, 2011 -- 15-20. 5th in the NL Central. *May 9, 2012 -- 13-18. 5th in NL Central.
It may not seem like it, but the Milwaukee Brewers are in the exact same position they were in a season ago. I don't know about you, but I was pretty pleased with the way last season went save for the NLCS exit to the hated St. Louis Cardinals. In prior years, it was the Brewers getting off to a hot start and then faltering at the end of the season, making missing out on the playoffs even more of a heartbreak. By starting slow, the Brewers take all the pressure and attention (except for the whole Ryan Braun thing) off themselves and can play better baseball. As it stands right now, the Crew is 16-20 and only five games back of the division leading Cardinals. That certainly doesn't seem so bad being just over a month into the season with over four months to play. But what do the Brewers need to do to string together some wins and get out of this funk?
As of late, Milwaukee's starting pitching has been superb. Even with the loss of Chris Narveson to a torn rotator cuff (which in my mind isn't much of a loss at all), the Brewers starting 5 has been pretty solid. Zack Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf, and Marco Estrada have combined to go nearly six innings a start while having a combined ERA of 4.12. The ERA doesn't seem like the greatest, but these guys are basically averaging a quality start, which is all you can ask out of your starting pitchers. Maybe we should expect more out of Greinke, the undoubted ace of the staff, but throw out a couple of stinker starts by Gallardo against the Cardinals and the starting five has done its job. Marcum has been nearly as good as Greinke, but hasn't been getting the same help from the bullpen or the offense (Greinke: 4-1, 2.88 ERA; Marcum: 2-1, 3.07 ERA). Speaking of the bullpen and offense...
This is where numbers have been down...way down. I would prefer to not even begin to calculate what the ERA of this bunch is and to say that Kameron Loe and Manny Parra have been the two most reliable pitchers out of the 'pen this year should say it all. Yes, Axford only has one blown save, but his ERA is 5.56 and he has failed to hold some tie ball games for the Brewers. Let's just hope this is just another slow start and Ax will get things back on track. The re-signing of K-Rod was supposed to make games that Milwaukee was leading seven innings long, but his ERA is sniffing five and he has been hit hard on numerous occasions. Still, both are guys I know who will turn it around and the Crew should be fortunate to still be in striking distance of first place despite their struggles. Loe and Parra have been pleasant surprises, but Jose Veras (acquired from Pittsburgh, ERA = 6.75) was handed the seventh inning job and has allowed a baserunner in something like 12 straight appearances. Ouch. And with Estrada out of the long relief role, there is no one who can fill that void who is currently on the roster. Wily Peralta seems ideal, but I can understand wanting to get him his starts at Triple A Nashville, because that team matters a lot more than Milwaukee. Vinny Chulk? No, thanks. Thankfully, the Brewers' starters going deep in games has made this issue small, but it's important to have a guy like Estrada in your 'pen to keep you in games.
Hopefully what I just said about the bullpen makes everyone feel a little better about things because I'm lost when it comes to the offense. I can say this much: I feel good about Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy. That's about it. I like that my man Taylor Green is with the club and would like to see him get more time at first and second. I like that Travis Ishikawa has been a solid contributor. I like that Aramis Ramirez has a 12-game hitting streak and that he trails only Braun in RBIs. Here's the problem: it's not enough. There were a few more things I LIKED before the injury bug bit the Brewers...hard. Mat Gamel, Alex Gonzalez and Carlos Gomez were all doing positive things before Gamel and A-Gon's ACLs betrayed them and Gomez (.280 AVG) pulled his hammy. The return of Gomez will be a welcome sight and give the Brewers a solid left to right of Brauner, Go-Go and Corey Hart, who if not anything else has brought a big stick. Combine the positives I just listed with the security blankets of Nori Aoki and George Kottaras (.290 AVG), and there are reasons to be hopeful that this unit can collectively turn it around. After all, the Brewers are fifth in runs scored in the National League (14th in average), but also 15th in ERA (4.50).
So what do we make of all this? The Brewers have pretty much nowhere to go but up. K-Rod and Axford are going to become more reliable at the end of games, Loe has proven he can take on the seventh inning role, at least until Veras figures things out, and the starting five is collectively getting the job done and working fairly deep into games. As far as the offense, can Rickie Weeks really suck this bad for six months? Will Nyjer Morgan revisit his Tony Plush days? Can Luuuuuuc stay hot? Can guys get on base in front of Braun and A-Ram (see: Weeks and Nyjer questions)? I'd be lying if I said I have the answers to those questions, but my guess is that Rickie can get it together. Until then, why not play guys who are proving to get the job done (see: Green, Aoki, Gomez when he gets back)? Or at least move Weeks down in the order and have Lucroy continue hitting in the two-hole. I'm sorry for all the questions, but there have been a lot of them in this early baseball season. And that's what people need to remember: the season is early. Stay loyal to your Brewers, root them on, and be there for when they (hopefully) flip the switch.
By the way, I graduated, which is cool, and now I can blog more. I'll be interning at the Division III Baseball World Series, but after that it's anyone's guess. Hopefully the real world is kind to me and I find full-time employment soon after this internship, and if that should occur, you'll all be the first to know! (that is, if you follow me on Twitter...or if you're my mom)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The OFFICIAL Brewers 2012 Season Preview
Oh, baby! Can you smell it? The freshly cut green grass. The beer. The brats. Burgers on the grill. Vomit in the parking lot. It's finally baseball season, the greatest sport in the world, and the Milwaukee Brewers are poised to defend their National League Central Division title beginning Friday against the very team that knocked them out of the postseason last year: the St. Louis Cardinals. Unlike last year at this time, the weather is cooperating with the start of the season. Whether it's warm enough for an open roof this weekend at Miller Park is a whole different issue (God forbid we open the roof when the temperature reaches the high 50s). Several off-season story lines have put the Brewers in the national spotlight, and not for the right reasons. From the Prince Fielder exit to the Ryan Braun dilemma, it's good to finally put the past in the past and play some ball. With several experts discounting the Brewers because of these off-season story lines, being put on the backburner is exactly what the Crew would prefer as they look to build on their 2011 record-breaking season of 96 victories. So let's take a look at what's changed since the Brewers' NLCS exit last October.
Who's New?
3B - Aramis Ramirez
I'm still trying to let this move grow on me. A long-time player of the hated rival Chicago Cubs, Ramirez has always been a player I've despised. His on-field demeanor bothers me not to mention the numerous times A-Ram has knocked a game-winner home run out to defeat Milwaukee over the years. But there was a hole to fill at third base after trading away one-hit wonder Casey McGehee and Ramirez (33), coming off a solid contract year (.306/26/93) was one of the top third basemen on the free agent market. I would have liked to see Taylor Green get a full-time shot at the 5, but he's still developing and to put a rookie at each of the corner infield positions would be a risk. Ramirez is proven, and although it's unrealistic to think he can fill the void Prince left, he will be counted on to protect Ryan Braun in the lineup.
1B - Mat Gamel
So Gamel might not exactly be "new," but this will be the first time Mat the Bat gets a chance to start the season with the big league club, and in a full-time roll to boot. Thank goodness...it's been a long time coming for the 26-year old. In my opinion, and I know I've clamored for this before, Gamel needs to have the comfort of being an everyday player to succeed in the Bigs. Only getting opportunities here and there has forced Gamel to press at the plate and struggle tremendously. Gamel will "replace" Prince at first base and there is some insurance behind him with another newcomer you'll soon meet as well as Corey Hart. Look for a stellar year for Gamel.
SS - Alex Gonzalez
To the surprise of everyone, the Brewers allowed shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to walk this off-season, and in his place walks in Alex Gonzalez (35). Dude has been on an absolute tear in Spring Training, hitting well over .400, so let's just hope he isn't using blowing his you-know-what too early. Gonzalez is a free-swinger just like Yuni B, so that will be sure to frustrate Brewer fans all season, but he is much slicker with the leather at short and combining with Rickie Weeks up the middle has me excited. The Brewers should be considerably better on the left side of the infield, although the age factor means the combination of A-Ram and A-Gon is just a short-term solution.
OF - Norichika Aoki
The Japanese import didn't bring nearly as much attention as Rangers-signee Yu Darvish, but Aoki gives the Brewers an incredibly experienced and deep outfield. Aoki (30) hit a solid .308 in Spring Training and will essentially be a utility outfielder along with Carlos Gomez for the Brewers, although he appears to be someone who can step in and hold his own should he be forced into extended action. He's also in a pretty funny commercial with Mat Gamel, so I already like the guy. Hopefully he proves to be a solid contributor for the Brew Crew.
1B/OF - Travis Ishikawa
Here's another veteran who can step in and play solid defense and make the occasional start for the Brewers (General Manager Doug Melvin must have finally realized defense wins championships last season). Ishikawa (28) isn't quite as old as the other signees, but his versatility and solid spring was enough for him to be the final man to make the 25-man roster. He can come in late in games to relieve Gamel at first for defensive purposes and also play a kind of Mark Kotsay-kind of roll. Ishikawa is a good guy to have around and just like Aoki, he hits from the left side of the plate.
Other new guys that could play a role: RP Jose Veras (acquired in trade for McGehee), SS Cesar Izturis, RP Manny Parra (coming off injury)
Who's Gone?
1B - Prince Fielder
Maybe you've heard of him? The Brewers were unwilling to fork up $214 million to re-sign Prince, and that's just fine with me. A few years ago, I knew it would be inevitable that Fielder would walk, making the break-up easier. Now Prince is with the Detroit Tigers, and rather than be upset with Fielder, we should be happy for the time he gave us and most importantly, we should be glad he decided to go to the American League. If and when you return to play against Milwaukee, you'll be welcomed with open arms, big fella.
OF - Ryan Braun for 50 games
3B - Casey McGehee
As mentioned before, McGehee is a goner and now a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps it was too soon to give up on McGehee, who is a stand-up guy and someone impossible not to root for, but the disparity between 2010 and 2011 was alarming. It got to the point where McGehee had to be completely replaced at third base by Jerry Hairston Jr. last season and while I thought he would return to the Brewers this season in some capacity, the front office had other ideas and the Casey McGehee-era in Milwaukee is over.
SS - Yuniesky Betancourt
The nicknames are endless with this guy, and not many of them are good, but the Yuni-bomber was not retained by the Brewers after the 2011 season even though he did show signs of brilliance during the postseason. Betancourt was a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder, and that simply doesn't cut it here in Milwaukee. The shortstop position has turned into a rent-a-player situation now with the 35-year old Gonzalez coming in and Betancourt was simply there last season to bridge the gap.
IF - Craig Counsell
Craig knew it was time to hang up the cleats after last season, and about all that will be missed from Counsell is his clubhouse presence. The Wisconsin native has now assumed a role in the Brewers organization (don't worry...not as a player). Counsell was always a fan favorite and his two World Series rings and goofy batting stance are the two things fans will take away from a pretty stellar career as a professional baseball player.
Other losses: OF Mark Kotsay, IF/OF Jerry Hairston, RP LaTroy Hawkins, RP Takashi Saito, Hitting coach Dale Sveum
As you can see by the "Other losses" category, the Brewers lost some key role players as well as some key bullpen arms. However, they were able to bring in some new role players in Ishikawa, Izturis, and Aoki along with some veterans in A-Ram and A-Gon, not to mention the return of Fransisco Rodriguez and closer John Axford. Is this team as good as the 2011 team, one of the best Brewer teams we've ever seen? That answer is no. But they can come close if they play to their potential. There are several story lines to keep an eye on this season with the Crew. How will Braun respond to the adversity? Can Gamel live up to his potential and put up the numbers he has continually put up in AAA? Can Yovani Gallardo be a true ace and have a career season? Will the starting five help to carry the Brewers' not-so-juggernaut offense? How long will K-Rod last before he complains about being a setup man? Will Zack Greinke get a deal done before the end of the season? I'm sure there are more out there, such as how A-Ram and A-Gon will fit in and such, but there are many questions that need to be answered over the course of 162 games in order for the Brewers to make a return trip to the postseason. As I did last season, I'll make 12 more bold predictions for the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers. For the record, I went four of 12 last season. Ouch.
1. Shaun Marcum is going to suck a fat one due to injuries and poor location.
2. Zack Greinke will struggle until his contract issues are resolved.
3. Mat Gamel, finally settling into a role, will have a .280/23/80 season.
4. Yovani Gallardo will lead the team in wins with 17.
5. Ryan Braun will have his typical .300/30/100 season and shut everyone up.
6. When the Brewers enter the eighth inning with a lead, the game will be over.
7. Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez will shine in their respective roles.
8. Marco Estrada will start more games than he did last season.
9. Aramis Ramirez will disappoint as the new clean-up hitter - Gamel may replace him.
10. The Brewers will be in the top half of Major League Baseball in defense.
11. An injury will force Doug Melvin to look elsewhere (minors/free agency) for help.
12. Milwaukee Brewers 2012 record: 91-71, 1st place in NL Central
Oops. I did it again. Same exact prediction as a year before. And why mess with the formula for success? I underestimated the Brewers last season and was five games under with my guess, so technically I'm just compensating for the loss of Prince Fielder. Five games sounds about right...right? Alright, so there is my annual Milwaukee Brewers season preview, a preview I did instead of the pile of homework I have waiting for me at the library right now. I guess that's what all-nighters are for...college! As far as the Brewers' postseason chances, I'm not sure. As always, the Phillies will be tough, the Reds, Marlins and Nationals are resurgent, the Cardinals are in an eerily similar position as the Brewers, and the Diamondbacks could very well be the best team in the NL. A division championship is by no means going to be easy, but I believe people are putting too much into what the Reds did this off-season, overrating the Cubs (per usual), and the Cardinals are always going to be tough. It should be a fantastic year of baseball, and I'm as excited as anyone to make my way out to Miller Park, get my tailgate on, and watch me some Brewers baseball.
Summer is right around the corner.
Who's New?
3B - Aramis Ramirez
I'm still trying to let this move grow on me. A long-time player of the hated rival Chicago Cubs, Ramirez has always been a player I've despised. His on-field demeanor bothers me not to mention the numerous times A-Ram has knocked a game-winner home run out to defeat Milwaukee over the years. But there was a hole to fill at third base after trading away one-hit wonder Casey McGehee and Ramirez (33), coming off a solid contract year (.306/26/93) was one of the top third basemen on the free agent market. I would have liked to see Taylor Green get a full-time shot at the 5, but he's still developing and to put a rookie at each of the corner infield positions would be a risk. Ramirez is proven, and although it's unrealistic to think he can fill the void Prince left, he will be counted on to protect Ryan Braun in the lineup.
1B - Mat Gamel
So Gamel might not exactly be "new," but this will be the first time Mat the Bat gets a chance to start the season with the big league club, and in a full-time roll to boot. Thank goodness...it's been a long time coming for the 26-year old. In my opinion, and I know I've clamored for this before, Gamel needs to have the comfort of being an everyday player to succeed in the Bigs. Only getting opportunities here and there has forced Gamel to press at the plate and struggle tremendously. Gamel will "replace" Prince at first base and there is some insurance behind him with another newcomer you'll soon meet as well as Corey Hart. Look for a stellar year for Gamel.
SS - Alex Gonzalez
To the surprise of everyone, the Brewers allowed shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to walk this off-season, and in his place walks in Alex Gonzalez (35). Dude has been on an absolute tear in Spring Training, hitting well over .400, so let's just hope he isn't using blowing his you-know-what too early. Gonzalez is a free-swinger just like Yuni B, so that will be sure to frustrate Brewer fans all season, but he is much slicker with the leather at short and combining with Rickie Weeks up the middle has me excited. The Brewers should be considerably better on the left side of the infield, although the age factor means the combination of A-Ram and A-Gon is just a short-term solution.
OF - Norichika Aoki
The Japanese import didn't bring nearly as much attention as Rangers-signee Yu Darvish, but Aoki gives the Brewers an incredibly experienced and deep outfield. Aoki (30) hit a solid .308 in Spring Training and will essentially be a utility outfielder along with Carlos Gomez for the Brewers, although he appears to be someone who can step in and hold his own should he be forced into extended action. He's also in a pretty funny commercial with Mat Gamel, so I already like the guy. Hopefully he proves to be a solid contributor for the Brew Crew.
1B/OF - Travis Ishikawa
Here's another veteran who can step in and play solid defense and make the occasional start for the Brewers (General Manager Doug Melvin must have finally realized defense wins championships last season). Ishikawa (28) isn't quite as old as the other signees, but his versatility and solid spring was enough for him to be the final man to make the 25-man roster. He can come in late in games to relieve Gamel at first for defensive purposes and also play a kind of Mark Kotsay-kind of roll. Ishikawa is a good guy to have around and just like Aoki, he hits from the left side of the plate.
Other new guys that could play a role: RP Jose Veras (acquired in trade for McGehee), SS Cesar Izturis, RP Manny Parra (coming off injury)
Who's Gone?
1B - Prince Fielder
Maybe you've heard of him? The Brewers were unwilling to fork up $214 million to re-sign Prince, and that's just fine with me. A few years ago, I knew it would be inevitable that Fielder would walk, making the break-up easier. Now Prince is with the Detroit Tigers, and rather than be upset with Fielder, we should be happy for the time he gave us and most importantly, we should be glad he decided to go to the American League. If and when you return to play against Milwaukee, you'll be welcomed with open arms, big fella.
3B - Casey McGehee
As mentioned before, McGehee is a goner and now a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps it was too soon to give up on McGehee, who is a stand-up guy and someone impossible not to root for, but the disparity between 2010 and 2011 was alarming. It got to the point where McGehee had to be completely replaced at third base by Jerry Hairston Jr. last season and while I thought he would return to the Brewers this season in some capacity, the front office had other ideas and the Casey McGehee-era in Milwaukee is over.
SS - Yuniesky Betancourt
The nicknames are endless with this guy, and not many of them are good, but the Yuni-bomber was not retained by the Brewers after the 2011 season even though he did show signs of brilliance during the postseason. Betancourt was a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder, and that simply doesn't cut it here in Milwaukee. The shortstop position has turned into a rent-a-player situation now with the 35-year old Gonzalez coming in and Betancourt was simply there last season to bridge the gap.
IF - Craig Counsell
Craig knew it was time to hang up the cleats after last season, and about all that will be missed from Counsell is his clubhouse presence. The Wisconsin native has now assumed a role in the Brewers organization (don't worry...not as a player). Counsell was always a fan favorite and his two World Series rings and goofy batting stance are the two things fans will take away from a pretty stellar career as a professional baseball player.
Other losses: OF Mark Kotsay, IF/OF Jerry Hairston, RP LaTroy Hawkins, RP Takashi Saito, Hitting coach Dale Sveum
As you can see by the "Other losses" category, the Brewers lost some key role players as well as some key bullpen arms. However, they were able to bring in some new role players in Ishikawa, Izturis, and Aoki along with some veterans in A-Ram and A-Gon, not to mention the return of Fransisco Rodriguez and closer John Axford. Is this team as good as the 2011 team, one of the best Brewer teams we've ever seen? That answer is no. But they can come close if they play to their potential. There are several story lines to keep an eye on this season with the Crew. How will Braun respond to the adversity? Can Gamel live up to his potential and put up the numbers he has continually put up in AAA? Can Yovani Gallardo be a true ace and have a career season? Will the starting five help to carry the Brewers' not-so-juggernaut offense? How long will K-Rod last before he complains about being a setup man? Will Zack Greinke get a deal done before the end of the season? I'm sure there are more out there, such as how A-Ram and A-Gon will fit in and such, but there are many questions that need to be answered over the course of 162 games in order for the Brewers to make a return trip to the postseason. As I did last season, I'll make 12 more bold predictions for the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers. For the record, I went four of 12 last season. Ouch.
1. Shaun Marcum is going to suck a fat one due to injuries and poor location.
2. Zack Greinke will struggle until his contract issues are resolved.
3. Mat Gamel, finally settling into a role, will have a .280/23/80 season.
4. Yovani Gallardo will lead the team in wins with 17.
5. Ryan Braun will have his typical .300/30/100 season and shut everyone up.
6. When the Brewers enter the eighth inning with a lead, the game will be over.
7. Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez will shine in their respective roles.
8. Marco Estrada will start more games than he did last season.
9. Aramis Ramirez will disappoint as the new clean-up hitter - Gamel may replace him.
10. The Brewers will be in the top half of Major League Baseball in defense.
11. An injury will force Doug Melvin to look elsewhere (minors/free agency) for help.
12. Milwaukee Brewers 2012 record: 91-71, 1st place in NL Central
Oops. I did it again. Same exact prediction as a year before. And why mess with the formula for success? I underestimated the Brewers last season and was five games under with my guess, so technically I'm just compensating for the loss of Prince Fielder. Five games sounds about right...right? Alright, so there is my annual Milwaukee Brewers season preview, a preview I did instead of the pile of homework I have waiting for me at the library right now. I guess that's what all-nighters are for...college! As far as the Brewers' postseason chances, I'm not sure. As always, the Phillies will be tough, the Reds, Marlins and Nationals are resurgent, the Cardinals are in an eerily similar position as the Brewers, and the Diamondbacks could very well be the best team in the NL. A division championship is by no means going to be easy, but I believe people are putting too much into what the Reds did this off-season, overrating the Cubs (per usual), and the Cardinals are always going to be tough. It should be a fantastic year of baseball, and I'm as excited as anyone to make my way out to Miller Park, get my tailgate on, and watch me some Brewers baseball.
Summer is right around the corner.
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