Box Score
I have not been alive for every season the Milwaukee Brewers have played, but that's not going to stop me from declaring this to be their best season ever.
They set a franchise record for wins (96), home wins (57), attendance, have a likely MVP, a closer that blew only two saves all season, made the cover of Sports Illustrated during a 27-5 tear, and a have genuine camaraderie on the team that is hard to find. Whether they win the World Series or get swept in the NLDS is to be determined, but the 2011 regular season has been as enjoyable as I could ever imagine a baseball season being. Best of all, there will be at least two more game at Miller Park this season.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, my main concern is infield defense and the black holes that are Casey McGehee and Yuniesky Betancourt. If anything is going to doom them, that will be it. They cannot afford to give away runs in October (especially against a team like Philadelphia), yet I'm almost certain that it will happen more than it should. Furthermore, they need to capitalize on every scoring chance they get, but unfortunately they have a couple of rally-killers that will likely get important ABs.
That said, you don't have to be a great team to win the World Series. You just have to get to the playoffs and be great for one month. How hard can that be?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Game One Hundred and Sixty: Pirates 9, Brewers 8
Box Score
Well what do you know, the Pirates can win a game at Miller Park. The Bucs did everything in their power to give the game to away, but apparently the Brewers had no interest in winning tonight. The Brewers failed to score with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 1st, the bases loaded and one out in the 8th, and worst of all, with the tying run at third and nobody out in the 9th. Against the Pirates. At Miller Park. Where the Pirates had only won three games since 2007.
So yes, tonight's game did not make me feel good. With home field advantage in the NLDS on the line and a 1.0 game lead on the D-Backs, this was a very important game for the Brewers to win. The silver lining is that that D-Backs lost tonight, so the Brewers are still in the drivers seat. Of course, 2.0 games up feels much better than 1.0.
Well what do you know, the Pirates can win a game at Miller Park. The Bucs did everything in their power to give the game to away, but apparently the Brewers had no interest in winning tonight. The Brewers failed to score with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 1st, the bases loaded and one out in the 8th, and worst of all, with the tying run at third and nobody out in the 9th. Against the Pirates. At Miller Park. Where the Pirates had only won three games since 2007.
So yes, tonight's game did not make me feel good. With home field advantage in the NLDS on the line and a 1.0 game lead on the D-Backs, this was a very important game for the Brewers to win. The silver lining is that that D-Backs lost tonight, so the Brewers are still in the drivers seat. Of course, 2.0 games up feels much better than 1.0.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Brewers Clinch NL Central!
I'd like to point out that the Brewers have won the NL Central in every year I've had this blog.
For a long period of time I did not believe this was possible. When the Brewers were not terrible from the get-go they would tease you for half a season before disintegrating into oblivion. But the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers are a different animal. Consider:
-Instead of collapsing after the All-Star Break they went on a 27-5 tear that put the division away for good.
-John Axford has converted 41 consecutive saves (and counting) and is 44 for 46 in save opportunities overall. Previous Brewers teams were done in my ill-timed closer meltdowns (Coco Cordero in 2007 comes to mind), yet Axford has been as reliable as can be.
-The Brewers have used only six starting pitchers all season. The five primary starting pitchers all have at least 10 wins and four of them have ERAs south of six. It's amazing what a team can do when Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush, Manny Parra, Braden Looper, Claudio Vargas, or Tomo Ohka are not taking the mound.
This has been an incredible season and I think there are many good things yet to come. For now I'm going to bask in the glory of having a magic number of zero. Hopefully the Brewers will not have a hangover (literally and figuratively) from tonight's victory and will fend off the Diamondbacks for the #2 spot in the NL.
But whatever happens the rest of the way, I'll have this video to cheer me up whenever I need a boost.
For a long period of time I did not believe this was possible. When the Brewers were not terrible from the get-go they would tease you for half a season before disintegrating into oblivion. But the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers are a different animal. Consider:
-Instead of collapsing after the All-Star Break they went on a 27-5 tear that put the division away for good.
-John Axford has converted 41 consecutive saves (and counting) and is 44 for 46 in save opportunities overall. Previous Brewers teams were done in my ill-timed closer meltdowns (Coco Cordero in 2007 comes to mind), yet Axford has been as reliable as can be.
-The Brewers have used only six starting pitchers all season. The five primary starting pitchers all have at least 10 wins and four of them have ERAs south of six. It's amazing what a team can do when Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush, Manny Parra, Braden Looper, Claudio Vargas, or Tomo Ohka are not taking the mound.
This has been an incredible season and I think there are many good things yet to come. For now I'm going to bask in the glory of having a magic number of zero. Hopefully the Brewers will not have a hangover (literally and figuratively) from tonight's victory and will fend off the Diamondbacks for the #2 spot in the NL.
But whatever happens the rest of the way, I'll have this video to cheer me up whenever I need a boost.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Game One Hundred and Fifty Four: Cubs 5, Brewers 2
Box Score
Surely after pounding out 25 runs against the Reds over the weekend, the Brewers would have now trouble against a pitcher with an ERA pushing seven. Right? If you answered wrong, you would be correct.
Tonight's game was nothing less than excruciatingly painful. The cherry on the top was the rally in the 9th inning that ended with Hart striking out with two on. Nothing like a tease of a rally to crush your soul.
The Cardinals also won today, so the magic number is still parked at 4. The Cardinals look like a team that could finish the season 8-1 (if not 9-0), so the Crew is going to have to keep the pedal to the metal here. Though I am not going to worry, waiting for the magic number to reach 0 is like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
Anyway, the silver lining of tonight is that the Brewers are now most likely going to clinch the Central at Miller Park. But really, I don't care where or how the division is clinched.
Surely after pounding out 25 runs against the Reds over the weekend, the Brewers would have now trouble against a pitcher with an ERA pushing seven. Right? If you answered wrong, you would be correct.
Tonight's game was nothing less than excruciatingly painful. The cherry on the top was the rally in the 9th inning that ended with Hart striking out with two on. Nothing like a tease of a rally to crush your soul.
The Cardinals also won today, so the magic number is still parked at 4. The Cardinals look like a team that could finish the season 8-1 (if not 9-0), so the Crew is going to have to keep the pedal to the metal here. Though I am not going to worry, waiting for the magic number to reach 0 is like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
Anyway, the silver lining of tonight is that the Brewers are now most likely going to clinch the Central at Miller Park. But really, I don't care where or how the division is clinched.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Games 152 & 153
This series was one giant breath of fresh air. The offense came back with authority after taking a two week hiatus, the pitching was top-notch, and the Crew dispatched of the Reds without much difficulty. A stress-free sweep was just what the doctor ordered.
I especially appreciated the effort in today's game. The Brewers scored seven runs in the first two innings and allowed me to focus my attention on the Packer game (Of course, this is a nice contrast to the last time the Brewers and Packers played at the same time, and it was the Brewers getting blown out that allowed me to focus on one game.
With the magic number down to four the only question remaining is where the Brewers are going to clinch the division. In a perfect world this would happen at Miller Park. In a slightly less perfect world, the Brewers would clinch the Central at Wrigley Field. My prediction is that the Cardinals will lose tomorrow against Roy Halladay and the Brewers will have a chance to clinch in Wednesday afternoon after taking the first two against the Cubs. My, how sweet that would be.
I especially appreciated the effort in today's game. The Brewers scored seven runs in the first two innings and allowed me to focus my attention on the Packer game (Of course, this is a nice contrast to the last time the Brewers and Packers played at the same time, and it was the Brewers getting blown out that allowed me to focus on one game.
With the magic number down to four the only question remaining is where the Brewers are going to clinch the division. In a perfect world this would happen at Miller Park. In a slightly less perfect world, the Brewers would clinch the Central at Wrigley Field. My prediction is that the Cardinals will lose tomorrow against Roy Halladay and the Brewers will have a chance to clinch in Wednesday afternoon after taking the first two against the Cubs. My, how sweet that would be.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Game One Hundred and Fifty One: Brewers 6, Reds 3
Box Score
Tonight's game was a breath of fresh air. The Brewers broke out of a long stretch of futility at the plate by smashing four home runs en route to a (mostly) easy victory at the House of Horrors that is the Great American Ballpark.
On opening day the Crew led the Reds 6-3 heading into the bottom of the 9th. I had visions of that game running through my head tonight and almost had a heart attack after Yuni B booted an easy grounder to start the frame. Fortunately the next batter hit into a double play and Axford was able to close the door from there, lowering the magic number to 7.
The star of tonight's game was Ryan Braun who had two more home runs, raising his season total to 30. He now how 30 homers, 31 stolen bases, a .330 batting average, and leads the NL in slugging percentage. I will be shocked if he does not win the MVP.
Meanwhile Randy Wolf was played the part of crafty lefty and kept the potent Reds offense at bay for most of the game.
The Cardinals prevented tonight from being perfect by overcoming a blown save and beating the Phillies in 11. While this is bummer, the Brewers can't rely on the Cardinals to lose. It's great when it happens, but you want to see your team win a division title due to being generally awesome and not because of crappy competition (though that does makes life less stressful).
Tomorrow it's Yovani Gallardo (16-10, 3.66 ERA) versus Edison Volquez (5-5, 5.80 ERA). I like the Crew's chances in this game. Hopefully they'll take care of business, the Phillies will knock off the Cardinals and celebrate their NL East title, and we'll go into Sunday with a magic number of 5.
Tonight's game was a breath of fresh air. The Brewers broke out of a long stretch of futility at the plate by smashing four home runs en route to a (mostly) easy victory at the House of Horrors that is the Great American Ballpark.
On opening day the Crew led the Reds 6-3 heading into the bottom of the 9th. I had visions of that game running through my head tonight and almost had a heart attack after Yuni B booted an easy grounder to start the frame. Fortunately the next batter hit into a double play and Axford was able to close the door from there, lowering the magic number to 7.
The star of tonight's game was Ryan Braun who had two more home runs, raising his season total to 30. He now how 30 homers, 31 stolen bases, a .330 batting average, and leads the NL in slugging percentage. I will be shocked if he does not win the MVP.
Meanwhile Randy Wolf was played the part of crafty lefty and kept the potent Reds offense at bay for most of the game.
The Cardinals prevented tonight from being perfect by overcoming a blown save and beating the Phillies in 11. While this is bummer, the Brewers can't rely on the Cardinals to lose. It's great when it happens, but you want to see your team win a division title due to being generally awesome and not because of crappy competition (though that does makes life less stressful).
Tomorrow it's Yovani Gallardo (16-10, 3.66 ERA) versus Edison Volquez (5-5, 5.80 ERA). I like the Crew's chances in this game. Hopefully they'll take care of business, the Phillies will knock off the Cardinals and celebrate their NL East title, and we'll go into Sunday with a magic number of 5.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Game One Hundred and Fifty: Rockies 6, Brewers 2
Box Score
The Brewers are up 5.5 games in the NL Central and only have 12 left to play. They have an off-day tomorrow before heading to Cincinnati to face the Reds and three starting pitchers with ERAs north of five. Meanwhile the Cardinals will head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the powerful Phillies. Given this information you would be inclined to believe that the Brewers' magic number will be four or lower by Monday, but...
...Their offense has done a total disappearing act. They have not scored more than three runs in a game since Labor day and they have not scored more than four runs in September against a team not named the Houston Astros. This is a troubling development and basically the only way the Brewers are going to miss the playoffs.
Shawn Marcum was not sharp tonight against the Rockies, but at some point the offense if going to have to wake up and bail a pitcher out. It helps to have Weeks back and Taylor Green is a good option to replace McGehee. Unfortunately the huge gaping hole that is Yuniesky Betancourt remains in the lineup. He's nothing more than a rally-killer with horrible range at shortstop. I look forward to never having to watch him play ever again.
Anyway, my hand is away from the panic button for the moment. I Brewers win and Cardinals loss on Friday would just about permanently squelch my fears for the season. Of course, the opposite is also true. That said, the Phillies have a chance to clinch the NL East and homefield advantage against St Louis, so you know they'll come out with guns blazing. I hope this happens, because my faith in the Brewers is not terribly high.
The Brewers are up 5.5 games in the NL Central and only have 12 left to play. They have an off-day tomorrow before heading to Cincinnati to face the Reds and three starting pitchers with ERAs north of five. Meanwhile the Cardinals will head to Philadelphia for a four game set against the powerful Phillies. Given this information you would be inclined to believe that the Brewers' magic number will be four or lower by Monday, but...
...Their offense has done a total disappearing act. They have not scored more than three runs in a game since Labor day and they have not scored more than four runs in September against a team not named the Houston Astros. This is a troubling development and basically the only way the Brewers are going to miss the playoffs.
Shawn Marcum was not sharp tonight against the Rockies, but at some point the offense if going to have to wake up and bail a pitcher out. It helps to have Weeks back and Taylor Green is a good option to replace McGehee. Unfortunately the huge gaping hole that is Yuniesky Betancourt remains in the lineup. He's nothing more than a rally-killer with horrible range at shortstop. I look forward to never having to watch him play ever again.
Anyway, my hand is away from the panic button for the moment. I Brewers win and Cardinals loss on Friday would just about permanently squelch my fears for the season. Of course, the opposite is also true. That said, the Phillies have a chance to clinch the NL East and homefield advantage against St Louis, so you know they'll come out with guns blazing. I hope this happens, because my faith in the Brewers is not terribly high.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Game One Hundred and Forty Nine: Brewers 2, Rockies 1
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Game One Hundred and Forty Five: Phillies 7, Brewers 2
Box Score
For a while there I thought the Brewers were going to win a pitchers dual. Chris Narveson kept the Phillies bats quiet for the first 5.2 inning. In fact, there were two outs and nobody on in the 6th inning, but then the wheels came off with a vengeance. When all was said and done the Brewers were down 6-1 and the game was effectively over. The one silver lining of that disaster of an inning was that it allowed me to focus my full attention on the Packer game, which was quite entertaining.
Back to the Brewers, I do not have a good feeling about their post-season chances. While they have been extremely hot since the all-star break, the bulk of their wins have come against teams with losing records. To put it another way, they are a mere 1-6 in their last 7 games against teams with winning records and four of those games have been at Miller Park. They still have a safe lead and will make the playoffs, but once there things could get dicey.
For a while there I thought the Brewers were going to win a pitchers dual. Chris Narveson kept the Phillies bats quiet for the first 5.2 inning. In fact, there were two outs and nobody on in the 6th inning, but then the wheels came off with a vengeance. When all was said and done the Brewers were down 6-1 and the game was effectively over. The one silver lining of that disaster of an inning was that it allowed me to focus my full attention on the Packer game, which was quite entertaining.
Back to the Brewers, I do not have a good feeling about their post-season chances. While they have been extremely hot since the all-star break, the bulk of their wins have come against teams with losing records. To put it another way, they are a mere 1-6 in their last 7 games against teams with winning records and four of those games have been at Miller Park. They still have a safe lead and will make the playoffs, but once there things could get dicey.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Game One Hundred and Forty Three: Cardinals 2, Brewers 0
Box Score
I'm perfectly happy forgetting that game ever happened.
Grienke was very good, but Carpenter was essentially unhittable, thus the Cardinals won the game. In doing so the Red Birds have taken five of their past six from the Brewers to even the season series at 9-9. Even so, the Brewers still have an 8.5 game lead in the division and essentially put the division out of reach by winning on Labor Day.
Next up for the Brewers is a four game home series against the Phillies. I am quite nervous about this series because every Phillies starter going has an ERA under three. I'm hoping to see a split, and while I'd be ecstatic to see the Crew take 3 of 4, I think 3 of 4 the other way is more likely. The game tomorrow features Cole Hamels versus Chris Narveson in a pitching matchup that does not exactly inspire me with confidence.
I'm perfectly happy forgetting that game ever happened.
Grienke was very good, but Carpenter was essentially unhittable, thus the Cardinals won the game. In doing so the Red Birds have taken five of their past six from the Brewers to even the season series at 9-9. Even so, the Brewers still have an 8.5 game lead in the division and essentially put the division out of reach by winning on Labor Day.
Next up for the Brewers is a four game home series against the Phillies. I am quite nervous about this series because every Phillies starter going has an ERA under three. I'm hoping to see a split, and while I'd be ecstatic to see the Crew take 3 of 4, I think 3 of 4 the other way is more likely. The game tomorrow features Cole Hamels versus Chris Narveson in a pitching matchup that does not exactly inspire me with confidence.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Games 142 & 143
The Brewers came into St. Louis with the opportunity to essentially wrap up the division by avoiding the sweep. The accomplished that goal in the first game when Wolf rebounded from an awful start the week before to shut down the Cardinals. This pushed the lead back to 10.5 games and wiped out the ground the Cards gained in the process.
Tonight the Brewers got a solid start from Gallardo and accumulated plenty of baserunners, but were unable to drive them home and lost 4-2. I was not nervous watching this game and I will not be nervous during tomorrow night's game. With that said, I'd love to see the Brewers clinch the division as soon as possible and the quickest way to do that is by beating to Cardinals.
There is not much more that needs to be said about the Brewers right now. Even with their hiccup against the Cardinals last week (and the loss tonight), they're 36-14 since the all-star break. The one non-concern I had about the team is that Ron Roenicke would turn into Ned Yost, causing the Crew to become tense and collapse. Any lingering fears about that were dispelled by this photo.
So yes, I am feeling very comfortable right now. But as always, I will not be totally anxiety-free until the division is clinched.
Tonight the Brewers got a solid start from Gallardo and accumulated plenty of baserunners, but were unable to drive them home and lost 4-2. I was not nervous watching this game and I will not be nervous during tomorrow night's game. With that said, I'd love to see the Brewers clinch the division as soon as possible and the quickest way to do that is by beating to Cardinals.
There is not much more that needs to be said about the Brewers right now. Even with their hiccup against the Cardinals last week (and the loss tonight), they're 36-14 since the all-star break. The one non-concern I had about the team is that Ron Roenicke would turn into Ned Yost, causing the Crew to become tense and collapse. Any lingering fears about that were dispelled by this photo.
So yes, I am feeling very comfortable right now. But as always, I will not be totally anxiety-free until the division is clinched.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Game One Hundred and Forty One: Brewers 4, Astros 0
Box Score
Nothing like a series to with the Astros to cure what ails you. It's even better when a sweep is paired with the Cardinals losing 2 of 3.
With the lead back up to 9.5 games I'm hoping the Brewers will take advantage of their second opportunity to stick a fork in the Cardinals. If not, the avoidance of a sweep would be just dandy, though this leads me to my next point.
I am going to view the next seven games versus the Cardinals and Phillies as a test run for the playoffs. Like a playoff series, I'd like to see the Crew take at least four of the next seven to "advance" though the imaginary playoffs. If the Brewers are in fact a team to be reckoned with in October they will do just that. Or maybe they won't and they'll have a short stay in the post-season (or if they channel the 1964 Phillies, no post-season at all). Either way, this will be a good litmus test to see where the Brewers are at.
Game one starts tomorrow.
Nothing like a series to with the Astros to cure what ails you. It's even better when a sweep is paired with the Cardinals losing 2 of 3.
With the lead back up to 9.5 games I'm hoping the Brewers will take advantage of their second opportunity to stick a fork in the Cardinals. If not, the avoidance of a sweep would be just dandy, though this leads me to my next point.
I am going to view the next seven games versus the Cardinals and Phillies as a test run for the playoffs. Like a playoff series, I'd like to see the Crew take at least four of the next seven to "advance" though the imaginary playoffs. If the Brewers are in fact a team to be reckoned with in October they will do just that. Or maybe they won't and they'll have a short stay in the post-season (or if they channel the 1964 Phillies, no post-season at all). Either way, this will be a good litmus test to see where the Brewers are at.
Game one starts tomorrow.
Game One Hundred and Forty: Brewers 8, Astros 2
Box Score
The Brewers could not have picked a better time to play the Astros. If you need any more evidence as to how bad Houston is, Craig Counsell homered against them. That alone should be enough to relegate them to AAA, but hopefully that will not happen until after tomorrow.
Tonight's game unfolded how you would expect a contest between a first place team and a team 44 games under .500 would. The one big wrinkle, of course, is George Kottaras hitting for the cycle. Not bad for a backup catcher.
Also of note is that Taylor Green went 2-5 at 3B and is batting .571 so far (small sample, I know, but he may be the lightning in a bottle the Brewers need to wrap up the division soon). Though McGehee has been better recently, the more Green we see, the better.
One last note: Yesterday the Brewers won their 82 game of the season. This is significant because it marks only the 3rd winning season the Brewers have had since 1992. It's amazing the impact a good owner can have on a franchise.
The Brewers could not have picked a better time to play the Astros. If you need any more evidence as to how bad Houston is, Craig Counsell homered against them. That alone should be enough to relegate them to AAA, but hopefully that will not happen until after tomorrow.
Tonight's game unfolded how you would expect a contest between a first place team and a team 44 games under .500 would. The one big wrinkle, of course, is George Kottaras hitting for the cycle. Not bad for a backup catcher.
Also of note is that Taylor Green went 2-5 at 3B and is batting .571 so far (small sample, I know, but he may be the lightning in a bottle the Brewers need to wrap up the division soon). Though McGehee has been better recently, the more Green we see, the better.
One last note: Yesterday the Brewers won their 82 game of the season. This is significant because it marks only the 3rd winning season the Brewers have had since 1992. It's amazing the impact a good owner can have on a franchise.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Game One Hundred and Thirty Nine: Brewers 8, Astros 2
Box Score
For 6.2 innings of this game I was ready the push the panic button. The Cardinals had rallied to tie the Reds and it looked like the Brewers were going to lose to a team that does not belong in the majors. Fortunate the Astros were more than happy to demonstrate why they're over 40 game under .500 and the Crew cruised in the late innings to an easy victory.
Assorted thoughts:
-Greinke was not terribly sharp tonight. He surrendered 9 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings, but still secured the win, in large part because the Astros are so terrible.
-The Brewers really need Rickie Weeks back in the lineup. While they had their best month of all-time without him, he needs to get back as soon as possible. As demonstrated tonight, the Brewers are all too capable of having stretches of futility at the plate. These stretches are not going to happen as frequently with Weeks in the lineup.
-The Cardinals also lost tonight, which pushed the Brewers' lead in the division back to 8.5 games. As I posted yesterday, this was just what the doctor ordered. At this point in the season, any day that pairs a Brewers win with a Cardinals loss is a huge step towards the playoffs. If the Crew can head to St Louis with an 8.5 or 9.5 game lead on the Cardinals they will once again have the chance to essentially win the division.Hopefully this situation will present itself again, and hopefully the Brewers will take advantage of it.
For 6.2 innings of this game I was ready the push the panic button. The Cardinals had rallied to tie the Reds and it looked like the Brewers were going to lose to a team that does not belong in the majors. Fortunate the Astros were more than happy to demonstrate why they're over 40 game under .500 and the Crew cruised in the late innings to an easy victory.
Assorted thoughts:
-Greinke was not terribly sharp tonight. He surrendered 9 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings, but still secured the win, in large part because the Astros are so terrible.
-The Brewers really need Rickie Weeks back in the lineup. While they had their best month of all-time without him, he needs to get back as soon as possible. As demonstrated tonight, the Brewers are all too capable of having stretches of futility at the plate. These stretches are not going to happen as frequently with Weeks in the lineup.
-The Cardinals also lost tonight, which pushed the Brewers' lead in the division back to 8.5 games. As I posted yesterday, this was just what the doctor ordered. At this point in the season, any day that pairs a Brewers win with a Cardinals loss is a huge step towards the playoffs. If the Crew can head to St Louis with an 8.5 or 9.5 game lead on the Cardinals they will once again have the chance to essentially win the division.Hopefully this situation will present itself again, and hopefully the Brewers will take advantage of it.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Game One Hundred and Thirty Eight: Cardinals 8, Brewers 4
Box Score
That series was a flaming disaster, and I'm less happy as a human being because the Brewers got swept. As was the case after the loss yesterday, the Brewers still have the luxury of a commanding lead and it's still hard to imagine them not winning the division. But that's not going to stop me from trying.
My concern is two fold:
1) Large, seemingly unfathomable collapses are not unprecedented. The 1969 Cubs, the 1995 California Angels, the 2007 Mets, and even the Padres from last season were all teams that looked to be in cruise control yet still missed the playoffs. It's not over until it's over. And let's not forget the the 2008 Brewers blew a huge Wild Card lead but miraculously recovered in the last week of the season (Thank, Pittsburgh!).
2) The blueprint to collapse is upon us. After a three game series in Houston, the Brewers have three at St Louis and then host the Phillies for a four game series. It's easy to imagine 7.5 games dwindling to 2.5 (or less) in an uncomfortably short period of time.
As for now, the Brewers had a big enough lead (and still have a big enough lead) that there is no reason to panic. However, I can imagine myself pushing the panic button rather soon. If the Brewers do not take care of business in Houston I will not start freaking out.
With all of this said, the worst month the Brewers have had was in April when they went 13-12. The division is theirs if they go 12-12 the rest of the way, and there is no reason to believe that will not happen...though that will not stop me from fearing the worst. Let's just say a Brewers win and a Cardinals loss tomorrow would be just what the doctor ordered.
That series was a flaming disaster, and I'm less happy as a human being because the Brewers got swept. As was the case after the loss yesterday, the Brewers still have the luxury of a commanding lead and it's still hard to imagine them not winning the division. But that's not going to stop me from trying.
My concern is two fold:
1) Large, seemingly unfathomable collapses are not unprecedented. The 1969 Cubs, the 1995 California Angels, the 2007 Mets, and even the Padres from last season were all teams that looked to be in cruise control yet still missed the playoffs. It's not over until it's over. And let's not forget the the 2008 Brewers blew a huge Wild Card lead but miraculously recovered in the last week of the season (Thank, Pittsburgh!).
2) The blueprint to collapse is upon us. After a three game series in Houston, the Brewers have three at St Louis and then host the Phillies for a four game series. It's easy to imagine 7.5 games dwindling to 2.5 (or less) in an uncomfortably short period of time.
As for now, the Brewers had a big enough lead (and still have a big enough lead) that there is no reason to panic. However, I can imagine myself pushing the panic button rather soon. If the Brewers do not take care of business in Houston I will not start freaking out.
With all of this said, the worst month the Brewers have had was in April when they went 13-12. The division is theirs if they go 12-12 the rest of the way, and there is no reason to believe that will not happen...though that will not stop me from fearing the worst. Let's just say a Brewers win and a Cardinals loss tomorrow would be just what the doctor ordered.
Game One Hundred and Thirty Seven: Cardinals 8, Brewers 3
Box Score
Sometimes you win, sometimes you surrender a grand slam to the opposing pitcher. Tonight was just one of those nights.
Despite losing the first two games of the series, the Brewers are still 8.5 game up in the division and have the largest lead in the majors. But despite that, I'm still very nervous. While I would not be feeling especially encouraged if I were a Cardinals fan, the fact remains that no lead is safe until the champagne bottles are drained.
With all of this said, the Brewers are in amazing shape. Last night's game was annoying and tonight was a stinker. For all I know tomorrow's game will be worse. But even if the Crew goes through a rough spot (which we all know is inevitable), I just expect them to get things clicking again rather quickly. Of course, I could be singing a different tune come tomorrow night.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you surrender a grand slam to the opposing pitcher. Tonight was just one of those nights.
Despite losing the first two games of the series, the Brewers are still 8.5 game up in the division and have the largest lead in the majors. But despite that, I'm still very nervous. While I would not be feeling especially encouraged if I were a Cardinals fan, the fact remains that no lead is safe until the champagne bottles are drained.
With all of this said, the Brewers are in amazing shape. Last night's game was annoying and tonight was a stinker. For all I know tomorrow's game will be worse. But even if the Crew goes through a rough spot (which we all know is inevitable), I just expect them to get things clicking again rather quickly. Of course, I could be singing a different tune come tomorrow night.
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